Holiday Travel Diary

Bangkok Holiday Destination Guide

2008-09-24T02:59:00.000-07:00

Thailand's bustling, exotic capital is one of the most popular city destinations for long-haul travellers - and it is no surprise why. Bangkok is crammed with historical and cultural attractions, great restaurants, intriguing bars and an energetic atmosphere that pervades the air round the clock.

Bangkok Nights

Here are a few Bangkok Facts:

Location: Near the Gulf of Thailand

Climate: Bangkok has a tropical climate that experiences monsoon rains between June and October. Temperatures can reach average highs of 35 degrees C in April and May, making things rather humid. Average lows hover around the 20 degrees C mark in December and January.

Currency: Thai baht

Time Difference: GMT +7

Transfer Time: Suvarnabhumi Airport is situated 30 kilometres east of Bangkok.

Passengers can get to the city from the hub via public buses and taxis, or they can use the airport express bus to get straight from the airport to a specific hotel. Car rental and limousine services are also available. Cheap flights to bangkok can be found via the web and offer good deals all year round

Hotels: Bangkok is home to a plethora of accommodation of every type for every budget.

The most expensive hotels can be found along the Chao Phraya River, while those holidaying on a shoestring might want to know that the cheapest lodgings are in the Khao San Road area. Some decent mid-priced rooms can be found in the Business District.

Attractions: The river is one of the main attractions in Bangkok - you can take a ferry ride down it, relax at a riverside cafe, explore the beautiful temples along the banks and traverse the canals via boat. Elsewhere, the Garden Palace is a must-see for architecture lovers, while the National Museum and Vivanmek Palace are also worth a look. There are plenty of unmissable Thai and international restaurants to sample, while street vendors also provide cheap snacks for those on the go.

Shopping: Suriwong in Silom and the Sukhumvit Road area are home to a number of shops, department stores and shopping centres selling everything from jewellery and clothes to antiques, silks and electronic goods. If you want a more traditional Asian shopping experience, why not head to the Banglamphu area near the river for cheap shops where haggling is recommended, or to Bangkok's various markets - including a floating market on the river?

Excursions: If you fancy taking a day trip, you could visit the royal palace at Bang Pa-In, the beach island of Ko Samet or the Pattaya beach resort, which is about an hour away by rail. History lovers, meanwhile, might want to take the train or bus to Ayutthaya and explore its ruins.

Family: Bangkok isn't just for young backpackers. The city boasts a zoo, numerous theme parks, a planetarium and even a crocodile farm that is sure to fascinate the kids. You could also visit one of the city's many parks and enjoy a picnic, rent a boat or take in a festival or other events.

Photo Credit

Getting Around: The main method of public transport in Bangkok is the tuk-tuk, a modified version of the rickshaws seen elsewhere in Asia. If this does not appeal, you can also get around on the Skytrain monorail, the underground, buses, taxis and long-tail boats. Try to agree costs before the journey when taking boats and taxis, however.

Holiday Fact Find: Dubai

2008-09-08T03:08:00.000-07:00

Location: United Arab Emirates
Climate: A sun-seekers' paradise. June to September are the hottest months, with temperatures rising to 48 degrees C and humidity reaching its peak. The weather is warm all year round, with visitors hoping for a slightly cooler climate best catered for between November and March.
Currency: UAE Dirham
Time Difference: GMT +4
Transfer Time: Taxis are available for transportation into the city, or a cheaper alternative is the Special Dubai International Airport Buses. However, it is worth noting that soon visitors will be able to arrive into the massive new Al Maktoum International Airport, set to open in the Dubai World Central complex. This new development will see the launch of a new site capable of handling new style aircraft, as well as 120 million passengers a year by 2017. SeeJustTheFlight.co.uk for a list of current cheap flights to Dubai

Aside from the six-star quality synonymous with the area, Dubai can offer a sample of the eclectic mix of cultures present in the United Arab Emirates. An international hub, and home of the Emirates airline, the region is constantly developing into an increasingly luxurious holiday destination. Exciting, fresh and the ultimate place to be pampered in the sun, Dubai is the holiday destination of a lifetime that you'll want to go back to. See Daily photos from Dubai here

Dubai Guide

Hotels: Luxury is the key word in Dubai, which is home to some of the grandest accommodation on the planet. Perhaps most famous is the landmark design of the Burj Al Arab. Named as the Best Hotel in the World at the World Travel Awards 2007, its sail-like exterior and top class interior offer five-star deluxe treatment. However, more modest facilities are available within Dubai City, such as Grosvenor House and the Grand Hyatt.

Attractions: If you can drag yourself away from the hotel spa, take time to see some of the sites which are located around Dubai City. Although the area is primarily associated with the modern, local history is very accessible in the shape of the Dubai Museum, the Heritage and Diving Village and the old district of Bastakiya.

Shopping: If you've a hankering for designers galore, then Dubai is for you. All the major labels are represented, with many contained in department stores such as Harvey Nichols and within a selection magnificent malls. Local goods are also available, such as traditional textiles in local markets or the Deira City Centre. You may also be tempted by the gold products which are a hallmark of the area - try the Gold Souk for the best designs in various carats.

Excursions: Nature beckons beyond the confines of the city. Tours can take you by 4x4 into the depths of the desert, some of which is a unique conservation reserve. To make the most of the trip, stay overnight in hotels such as the Al Maha Desert Resort, located in the heart of the region. Desert safaris can offer a package deal with dinner and entertainment.

Family: The Wonderland Family Fun Park is next to the Al Boom Tourist Village, and includes water attractions, camel rides, rollercoasters and indoor games in an air-conditioned centre if the hot weather gets too much.

Getting Around: Cars are available for rental, either from the airport or from a variety of outlets in the city centre. Most hotels will be able to book tours which run to excursions, while the city area can be walked or taxis taken for longer distances. A local bus service also runs, with details of routes available locally.

Visit Poland for an historical trip

2008-08-28T08:36:00.000-07:00

The media only ever talks about Poland if it has something to do with immigration. As a result of this many young people assume offhand that Poland is not worth visiting - this is far from the truth. Krakow epitomises old European charm through its beautiful buildings, town squares and exquisite cafes. Poland property has recently been given a boost with investors keen to buy in what is increasingly seen as a desirable area to live or holiday.

Poland is in the centre of Europe and can often be overlooked for destinations like Switzerland as a ski resort. However, you can take beautiful walks through the countryside and round the lakes and should definitely take the time to go to the famous Stary or Slowacki theatres in Krakow. You can always find productions that are not entirely performed in Polish if you do not speak the language as many performance groups favouring sound, colour and silent improvisation over talking.

Of course there are more sombre and historical sights to visit in Poland. As one of the first countries to fall in the Second World War Poland was host to many atrocities perpetrated by the Nazis with the Holocaust being the most horrific. Many scenes from Schindler’s list were filmed here and you can visit some of the streets that were extensively used in the film.

Auschwitz is also a popular tourist destination although visiting it can be a very emotionally draining experience and not for everybody. The historical value of such a visit however should not be underestimated as it gives a greater and tangible understanding of what terrible things human beings can be capable of.

Unfortunately Warsaw never recovered from the destructions that the Germans inflicted on the buildings even though through careful construction, sites such as the old castle have been recreated. Emigration after the war and the slaughtering of 6 million poles including the whole Jewish population in Warsaw (a third of the whole population) had contributed to the feeling of subtle emptiness prevalent in modern Warsaw.

Unlike Warsaw, Krakow remained mostly unblemished from the war after the Russians arrived just in time to stop the German destruction. As a result it is one of the most unspoiled cities in Poland and in fact Europe.

Things to do in Leeds

2008-08-22T07:42:00.000-07:00

Leeds has been a thriving and passionate city for many years and is steeped in culture and heritage, it's a vibrant city with lots to discover and something for everyone to enjoy.

The city centre offers a diverse and wide range of working opportunities. However the fast-paced and dynamic city centre is also complemented by stunning local countryside, including the beautiful Yorkshire Dales, which are a short car journey away. The Leeds outskirts are surrounded by an assortment of flourishing local communities - from hidden gems in the inner suburbs to tranquil country towns on the outskirts.

Eating out in Leeds

As you would expect from such a dynamic city, Leeds, offers high quality dining across the city and standards are generally very high. The centre is home to many restaurants, bars, pubs and cafes set up by hard-working innovators whose efforts ensure that hungry diners have plenty of choice at all times of day.

If your after something special then try the Independent restaurant 'Room', a purple draped space which offers classic dishes with a unique twist. As Leeds is in Yorkshire it also has plenty of traditional british fayre, whether its roast beef and Yorkshire pudding in a country pub or good old fish and chips from one of the city’s fantastic fish and chip shops. One of Leeds’ best fish and chip shops is Bryan’s in Headingley, where you can get everything from flaky battered haddock and chips to fresh lobster.

It doesn’t end there and thanks to Leeds’ diversity you’ll find world-class Indian food at legendary places like Aagrah and the large Mediterranean community has ensured plenty of continental delis and great Italian restaurants like Casa Mia, Salvo’s and Bibis. You'll also find Sushi and noodles at eateries such as Fuji Hiro, Sisushi and Tampopo, and Leeds even features one of the UK's few Ethiopian cafes.

Places to visit in Leeds

The city offer plenty of places to visit for families of all ages, from the famous Royal Armouries, to the gardens of Tropical World, and Leeds’ finest stately home, Harewood House. The Leeds City Art Gallery, features an impressive collection of twentieth century British art including works by Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth and Antony Gormley.

Nightlife in Leeds

By night, Leeds has an equally vibrant life with a wide array of restaurants, bars, clubs and other entertainment. You'll also find many cultural attractions, renowned theatre, opera and ballet.

Leeds has some outstanding music venues, posh wine bars, and trendy clubs which has cemented its reputation as a city with an amazing clubbing culture. This nightlife has become part of Leeds identity and currently Leeds boasts nationally acclaimed nights such as Federation, Dirty Disco, SubDub, Fresh Jive and New Bohemia.

For those who enjoy different types of music, artists like Kaiser Chiefs, Corinne Bailey Rae, The Cribs, The Pigeon Detectives and The Sunshine Underground, have all developed in and around Leeds and the city has pioneered some fantastic local labels, and a great live music scene to match.

As a testament to this, the cream of Leeds' musical talent is now brought together in the annual Live@Leeds festival, organised by the council and local promoters Futuresound.

A Guide to Nightlife in Manchester

2008-08-22T07:41:00.000-07:00

Manchester’s dedication to memorable nights out is the ultimate self-fulfilling prophecy. Its world famous nightlife attracts visitors from all over the UK and overseas. The club scene, originally made famous by the Haçienda, continues to draw crowds week in week out. For the more discerning muso, there’s a stack of smaller, edgier live music venues offering you a chance to catch the next Smiths or Stone Roses. Catering for every demographic, Manchester really does boast the best night-life out of London.

To help you squeeze the best out of the city’s rich offerings, organise your busy evening’s plan of action around the city’s distinctive neighbourhoods. Between them, they offer a heady mix of progressive fun, stylish innovation and a good old fashioned knees up. They’re all different – and there really is something for everyone – try something different, you might surprise yourself!

The Northern Quarter is an ever-evolving maze of streets to the north and east of the city centre. The streets are a hive of activity for arty free thinkers, bohemian creative types and fans of the up and coming. The high concentration of independent clothes shops and live music venues and clubs – Matt and Phreds Jazz Club is just a plectrum flick away – have made it a longstanding lively hub for musicians, record labels, artists and fashion designers alike.

Fashionistas and the Glamourazzi need to hot foot it down to Deansgate where exclusive drinking establishments like Restaurant, Bar and Grill and Panacea are waiting to help them party with other A-Listers. It’s a great area for spotting famous footballers and soap stars too. Deansgate Locks has reinvented its industrial past with its once-redundant railway arches and now houses contemporary bars like Loaf, which boasts cool DJs on Fridays and Saturdays.

Castlefield, on the city’s west side, is Britain’s first urban heritage park. The bars and restaurants that have built up around the Bridgewater Canal offer a stylish tribute to James Brindley’s 19th-century engineering feat. The world-renowned Gay Village is loud and proud of its flamboyant reputation. Centred around Canal Street, you’ll find exuberance at Queer or Taurus, and refinement at Velvet or AXM, and well into the wee hours. There’s no exclusivity here, the area’s open to anyone who likes to party til dawn!

Top Tips!

Visit Knott Fringe Bar just before you hit the cobbles of Castlefield, and choose from a wide range of continental beers.
Keep your eyes peeled for Socio Rehab, an intimate venue serving delicious cocktails - so exclusive, there’s no sign!
Just off Oxford Road lies Pure Space, a multi-floor venue with a rooftop balcony to catch the summer sun – and a nightclub in the basement for dancing till dawn.

On The Rocks, good, clean but deliciously grimy entertainment.

2008-08-22T07:39:00.000-07:00

I’m sick of overpriced London clubs that charge you £400 just to sit at a table with po-faced individuals whose sole aim in life it appears, is to out spend other po-faced individuals whilst simultaneously competing to look the most bored.

Certainly there seems to be something about inner city London clubs that require their customers to be somewhat self-absorbed. Where is the fun in tottering around in this season’s hot designer dress, spending the entire night pouting and checking out the competition?

Seriously though, who can say they’ve had a great night when you step out of the club looking as perfect as when you first walked in? Of course I am not suggesting that you all rock home looking like an extra for those, Alcohol Know Your Limits adverts but come on. A bit of sweat and smudged mascara never hurt anyone. Jimmy Choo’s and bag full of makeup however, cause back pain.

On The Rocks, described fantastically as a ‘scuffed up diamond found via a doorway on Kingsland road.’ Is a perfect opposite of the Movida’s and Chinawhite’s of London city.

The old Shoreditch crowd are reported to be steadily moving further into Dalston and Bethnal Green in search of grimier and cooler venues to throw shapes in and it seems On The Rocks has captured many migrating revellers.

Disappearing down uneven stairs into what is best described as a sparsely decorated room with a stage-and that’s it. The unpretentiousness of the venue is its strength. What On The Rocks lack’s in sparkle though, the customers certainly make up for.

American Apparel catsuits and sequined hotpants galore, the crowd is a pretty mix of twenty something eccentrics enjoying the shiny disco ball. Air conditioning seems to be a rare commodity that can only be found if stood under a small grate in the centre of the dance floor but that doesn’t stop everyone dancing.
The beats are provided by various resident DJs including Hannah Holland, Kitsune, Zombie Disco Squad and the favourite floor packers Were Not Cool.

Friday nights are heralded as a ‘sleazy rave box that pounds out electric booty shake’ and on Saturday you will find anything from reggae to funk ska and soul.

Most people would rather gyrate on the dance floor than get caught up at the bar but when they do, tins of Red Stripe and spirit mixers seem to be the most popular drinks of choice.

Anyone looking for an alternative London night out where they can really let go of their hair and shake loose inhibitions should visit On The Rocks. In the words of one reveller, ‘pop along under the pink neon sign but go with old shoes and an open mind.’