New routes to help fund SAA aircraft

New routes to help fund SAA aircraft
http://www.fin24.com/Companies/TravelAndLeisure/New-routes-to-help-fund-SAA-aircraft-20101221

Toulouse - South African Airways (SAA) will undertake six new routes in Africa In 2011, one of which is a brand new destination: Cotonou in Benin, West Africa. The other five are former SAA destinations that had been shut down and would now be reopened. SAA spokesperson Fani Zulu said one of the routes would be to Cameroon and one to Ghana. He declined to provide more details. SAA was busy with final negotiations on flight and parking rights, he said. The company’s strategy was to expand into Africa, which offered the most profitable routes. Zulu said SAA could possibly also introduce a new route to China. He said the expansion was being made possible by SAA’s acquisition of six new aircraft. From next year the airline would receive new A330 long-distance Airbuses to replace its A340-200s. The new aircraft would be used en route to, inter alia, London and Frankfurt. The quality of the product en route would also improve.

This comes just a short while after SAA's announcement that it cancelled one of its domestic routes and was planning to expand into the more profitable African destinations. 

Tourist Attractions in Lagos, Portugal

Lagos is a city in the Algarve, in the south of Portugal. The city has a population of approximately 19,000. It is one of the most visited cities due to its big variety of beaches, bars, restaurants, and hotels.

What to see / do

• Bravura Dam – A fantastic view of the dam and surrounding countryside.
• Forte Ponta da Bandeira – A small military fortress
• Praia do Camilo – A beautiful beach cove
• Ponta da Piedade – A lighthouse from where you can see for miles
• Lagos Fish Market – A wonderful selection of freshly caught seafood.

Events

There is a lot of entertainment for visitors in Lagos, especially during the summer. Lagos offer almost anything from theatre, music, concerts, coral groups, fairs, films, painting exhibitions, dances and contests. Some of their main annual events include:

• April 25th – 'Liberation Day' – starting with cannons and ending with firework displays.
• Banho 29 (29th August) – celebrating summer with picnics on the beach and fireworks at midnight.
• Medieval Festival (Feira Quinhentista) – The anniversary of Infante Dom Henrique (Henry the Navigator) who died in November 1460.
• New Years Eve – Known for its excellent firework displays

Visit http://bestflights.co.za/internationalflights/portugal/lagos for more information on Lagos, Portugal

Travel research points to an appy future

Travel research points to an appy future
http://www.hotelmarketing.com/index.php/article/travel_research_points_to_an_appy_future

Half of travel firms believe the value of mobile websites have yet to be realised but 70% expect to make more revenue from mobile in the next 12 months, Travolution research has revealed.

Travolution conducted a trade and consumer survey last month through research partner eDigitalResearch for the next edition of Travolution dedicated to apps.

Of the 470 travel organisations that responded only 17% had a smartphone app and a similar proportion said they had a mobile enabled website.

And of those with mobile sites 43% said they had the same functionality as their conventional sites. Among those with apps 44% said they include destination guides.
Firms that had apps and mobile websites said they were most often developed in-house.

Travel Guide to Lagos, Nigeria

Lagos, the largest city in Nigeria, has an estimated population of 8.8 million in the city and 10.7 million in the metropolitan area. It is estimated by the UN according to the current growth rate, that Lagos will be the third largest mega city by 2015 after Tokyo and Bombay.

What to see / do

• Bar Beach, Victoria Island - Seaside attraction and resorts
• Badagry - In the early 1500's, slaves were transported from West Africa to America through Badagry
• Didi Museum - Collection of antiques and contemporary art
• Lekki Conservation Centre
  
• National Museum - Houses important relics such as the traditional Benin Bronzes and the replica of the Festac '77 symbol. 
• National Theater, Iganmu - primary centre for the performing arts in Nigeria

Events

• Eyo Festival - Participants all pay homage to the Oba (King) of Lagos
• Lagos Carnival - Costumed dancers and decorated floats parade down the main streets on Lagos Island
• MTV Africa Music Awards - A celebration of the most popular music in Africa with awards given in a number of categories
• Muson Festival - Eclectic programme including the Choral Concert and a very popular Jazz Night

Visit http://bestflights.co.za/internationalflights/nigeria/lagos for more information on Lagos, Nigeria

Places To See in Bali, Indonesia

What to see / do

• Batubulan - The village of Batubulan is marked by stone figures on the roadside. Artists at work can be seen carving divinities and demons from sandstone for ornaments of houses and temples.
• Gianyar - Gianyar is the centre of Bali’s textile industry. Ikat weaving is a speciality of Gianyar and is what the Balinese use for their traditional wear.
• Gunung Batur - Gunung Batur is a still-active volcano at an altitude of 1717 m. The Balinese rever to the mountain as the second-holiest mountain on the island and it symbolizes the female element of Agung’s male.
• Kuta - Kuta is a thriving tourist resort with beautiful sunsets and is popular for surfing. Tourist facilities include restaurants, shops, discos and regular performances of Balinese music and dance.
• Nusa Dua - The Nusa Dua tourist resort offers some of the most beautiful and luxurious hotels. Nusa Dua is known for its clean white beaches and clear waters for surfing.
• Pura Besakih - Pura Besakih, over a thousand years old, is the mother Temple of Bali and the biggest and holiest of all Balinese temples.
• Pura Kehen - Pura Kehen is the religious heart of Bangli's many temples.
• Neka Art Museum Ubud Bali - The Neka Art Museum Ubud Bali has a permanent collection of modern work of Balinese fine art inspired by the natural beauty, people, and the culture of Bali.

Events

Bali, the most colorful and lively parts of Indonesia, is known for its rich tradition and heritage with vivid culture. Bali has a number of events and festivals where it displays this vivacity.

• Bali Art Festival - Classical dances, and traditional drama and music with food stalls that offer delicacies. The Bali Art Festival is a platform where the local handicrafts and the great art of the province is displayed.
• Galungan Holy Day in Bali - At this event the Balinese honor their ancestors and pray for their departed souls. The Galungan Holy Day is held once in every 210 days.
• Negara Bull Races in Bali - For this bull races the bulls are chosen carefully and then made up and painted. The competition involves two pairs of bulls ridden by jockeys around a one-track course.
• Nusa Dua Festival in Bali - This popular festival is based on a theme, which changes every year and attracts a large crowd

Visit http://bestflights.co.za/internationalflights/indonesia/bali for more information on Bali, Indonesia

Fatal shark attack in Egypt

A 70-year-old German tourist has died in a shark attack off the coast of Sharm el-Sheikh – the latest in a series of shark attacks in the Red Sea over the past five days.

British holiday companies, including Thomson and First Choice, have cancelled all water sports and boat trips in the popular Egyptian resort following the attacks, which have sparked a panic akin to the movie “Jaws”.

The UK Foreign Office has also warned holidaymakers to be on their guard at the resort.

via breakingtravelnews.com

If you are traveling to Egypt, please be aware of the current dangerous situation. Although the 48 hour ban on entering the water has been lifted, tourists are still encouraged to be on their guard.

Cairo, Egypt - Tourist Attractions - What To See & Events

Cairo, the capital of Egypt, is one of the largest cities in Africa and the Middle East. With a population in excess of 16 million people it is among the world's most densely populated cities.

What to see / do

• Al-Azhar Park - A glimpse into the captivating past
• Cairo Opera House - Opera, dance and music
• Cairo Tower - An 187-metre tower with views of the views of the city, desert and Pyramids, Zamalek, Shubra and the Nile Delta
• Hanging Church - The most famous Coptic church in Cairo
• Pyramids at Giza - The oldest and largest of the three pyramids in the Giza
• The Egyptian Museum - More than 120,000 antiquities, covering centuries of ancient history.
• The Sphinx - One of Egypt's oldest surviving structures

Events

Annual events in Cairo

• Ashura - Shia Muslims performing zikrs (religious dances) and traditional music.
• Cairo International Film Festival - Competitions, tributes and controversial films
• Coptic Christmas - Religious services and concerts and typical Christmas bazaars. Religious services and concerts and typical Christmas bazaars
• International Nile Song Festival - Kids from around 18 countries compete in writing, singing and composing.
• Sphinx Festival - A gathering of artists, scholars and Egyptologists.

For more information on Cairo, Egypt, visit http://bestflights.co.za/internationalflights/egypt/cairo

Urgent Notice: Gatwick Airport, London, UK

The runway of the Gatwick Airport in the UK will be closed until at least 6am on Thursday 2 December because of extreme weather conditions. There are currently no departing or arriving flights and passengers flying to London are asked to check directly with their airline for more information.

Comair fills SAA flight gap

BRITISH Airways has stepped into the gap left by South African Airways (SAA) when SAA pulled its flights between Cape Town and Durban last month.

Comair said yesterday it would add five extra British Airways flights a week between the two cities.

Last month SAA said its low-cost sibling Mango would take over its flights from November 1. Mango does not offer a business class and some passengers were likely to change to rival airlines .

While Mango has provided the same number of seats on the route, there is still a market for a full-service carrier, with Comair electing to use the British Airways brand rather than kulula.com.

via businessday.co.za

As reported earlier, SAA flights between Cape Town and Durban are now being booked on a code-share with Mango Airlines. Smart move from BA, since I would also rather fly on BA than on Mango.

Virgin Galactic Spaceport

Perhaps some of you have read of Virgin Galactic, the space division of Virgin Atlantic. (That’s right – space division) Virgin Galactic’s market niche is selling air travel to space!  And the future is closer than most of us imagine.

Spaceport America - photo courtesy of VirginGalactic.com

Back in 2005, Virgin Galactic and the State of New Mexico solidified a deal to build a $200 million (usd) spaceport in a desert area of New Mexico (U.S.). Today, construction is well under way, and according to their Twitter feed, it’s roughly two thirds complete. (You can also visit their website, spaceportamerica.com, for the latest progress reports on the construction.)

via travelstart.com

Mango Awarded Superbrand Status

Low cost airline Mango was awarded Superbrand status this week as the airline celebrates its fourth birthday. Brands are recognised every two years by the global Superbrands organisation against criteria that include market dominance, brand longevity, goodwill, customer loyalty and overall market acceptance. Brands are selected by a council that comprises luminaries from both the domestic media and marketing sectors as well as international media organisations and blue-chip companies.

“Nothing is quite as rewarding as receiving recognition,” says Mango CEO Nico Bezuidenhout. “It serves as inspiration to achieve for all of us. The delivery of a brand promise is only as strong as the sum of the collective and to this end; recognition is due to my colleagues who convey Mango’s values to thousands of Guests daily.” In its four year history, the airline has received 4 PRISM Awards for its Communication, a Budgie award for its marketing, Best African Low Cost Airline at the World Travel Awards in 2007 as well as ACSA Feather Awards in all of the 4 airports it operates from. Mango was also ranked as “coolest” low cost airline in the Sunday Times Cool Brands Survey and top low cost consumer airline brand in the Sunday Times Top Brands Awards for the second year running.

Superbrands have a presence in over 80 countries, identifying brands that perform over and beyond others in the market. “The growth of the Mango brand has been spectacular,” says Bezuidenhout, “and for a youthful brand to make an impact on the market is never easy, in particular during a period where negative market influences could have significantly impacted Mango.” The airline’s second year of operation saw oil prices rocket to historic levels, followed last year by one of the worst global recessions since the 1930’s. “The core value of our brand is affordability coupled with high levels of service – it is a universal message that we aspire to deliver daily.

Bezuidenhout says that while the business does not always get it right, it has instituted several channels for Guests to communicate with Mango and, in turn, for the airline to remedy any faux-pas. “Mango has a strong social media presence, including Facebook, a blog and a Twitter feed where travellers are able to directly engage with the brand. Beyond that, our Guest Care and Guest Service channels provide an immediate forum to make right with our Guests.” He believes that beyond brand, service is the greatest differentiator within a market where competition on pricing often dominates. “Money funds getting from point A to point B – the brand experience is priceless.”

via flymangonews.co.za

Well done to Mango Airlines on their excellent achievement.

Shareholders approve BA merger deal

News: Shareholders approve BA merger deal
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/breakingtravelnews/~3/SmA7uR4fbsQ/shareholders-approve-ba-merger-deal

Shareholders in British Airways have voted to approve a proposed merger with Spanish flag-carrier Iberia.

The deal – initially agreed in November 2009 – will see the two carriers merge to form a new company entitled International Airlines Group (IAG).

The move will create Europe’s second-largest carrier – behind Air France-KLM - with a market value of around £4.5bn.

American Airlines to try 'in-flight happy hour'

American Airlines to try 'in-flight happy hour'
http://travel.usatoday.com/flights/post/2010/11/american-airlines-happy-hour/131741/1

American Airlines says it will give happy hour pricing next month to customers buying alcohol on its flights departing during the 5-o’clock hour. Starting Dec. 1, the carrier’s “5@5” happy hour promotion will feature $5 alcoholic drinks on flights in the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean that depart between 5 p.m. and 5:59 p.m. (local times).

Travel to Orlando, FL, USA

Orlando, the most visited destination in Florida, features exciting attractions like Disney Park, Universal Studios, and many more. The city is visited by thousands of people in search of great vacations or getaways. The city-proper population is 235,860 making Orlando the fifth largest city by population in Florida.

What to see / do

• Disney’s Animal Kingdom - Disney’s first and largest theme park. More than 1700 animals.
• Disney’s Blizzard Beach - Disney’s water based theme park.
• Disney’s Epcot - celebration of technical innovation and the international culture
• Disney’s Magic Kingdom - A complete family package of entertainment.
• Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon - Another one for the water lovers -  one of the wildest and wettest attractions around.
• Fantasy Of Flight - World's Greatest Aviation Attraction.
• Islands Of Adventure Orlando - world's most cutting edge rides, shows and interactive attractions
• Kennedy Space Center - An amazing world of space and a unique place where the space shuttle is launched in the world
• Sea World Orlando - A marine animals-based amusement park
• Universal Studios Orlando - a thrilling experience with your favorite characters.
• Busch Gardens Tampa - a thrilling African safari and a sun-soaked Florida vacation all rolled into one

For more information on Orlando, Florida, USA visit http://bestflights.co.za/internationalflights/usa/orlando

1time to start flying from Lanseria

1time to start flying from Lanseria

http://www.mypressoffice.co.za/FlightCentre/pressRelease-1585.html

Low-cost airline 1time will begin flying from Lanseria International Airport, north-west of Johannesburg, in 2011 – a move that will benefit the airport as well as the carrier.

“There are also several African airlines which have also expressed interest in flying from the airport,” said Gavin Sayce, Lanseria airport manager.

“The ending of a five-year exclusivity agreement between Lanseria and Kulula Airlines operator, Comair, has opened the market for new operators and has also prompted these upgrades,” said Sayce.

Kulula Airlines is one of South Africa’s most popular budget airlines, the others being 1time and Mango. Kulula has been operating from Lanseria since 2006.

SA planes may fly in 'flocks'

SA planes may fly in 'flocks': Fin24: Economy: South Africa
http://www.fin24.com/Economy/South-Africa/SA-planes-may-fly-in-flocks-20101123

Cape Town - Long-distance passenger aircraft between South Africa and Europe might soon fly in V-formation, like birds, to save fuel.

If this idea becomes a reality it will be based on research by two engineering students at the University of Cape Town (UCT), with funding from aircraft manufacturer Airbus and the Department of Trade & Industry’s national aviation centre.

Studies have shown that flying in formation could save aircraft up to 20% of their fuel consumption. Research on formation flying in turbulent conditions, however, is required – especially the effect of turbulence on passenger comfort in the aircraft behind the first one.

Travel to Milan, Italy

Milan, the second largest city in Italy, is a thriving cosmopolitan business capital and the center of cultural and tourist activities. The main industries of Milan are textiles, the manufacture of cars, machinery, chemicals and paper-making.

What to see / do:
There are a great variety of things to do and see in Milan, main attractions include:

• Duomo (Cathedral) – The world’s largest Gothic cathedral
• Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II – Glass-domed arcade with coffee-shops
• Theatre Museum at La Scala – World famous opera house
• Santa Maria delle Grazie – House of Leonardo da Vinci’s famous painting, The Last Supper.
• Museo Poldi-Pezzoli – spectacular private collection of Poldi-Pezzoli
• Museum of Historic Art of the Sforzesco Castle – Built in the 15th century and restored in 1943.
• Leonardo da Vinci National Science & Technology Museum – museum with a collection of Leonardo's ingenious designs from war machines to architectural visions.
• Milan Aquarium – 36 gigantic pools filled with more than 100 different species of fish.
• Orto Botanico di Brera – A botanical garden established in 1774
• Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio – One of the oldest churches in Milan, built by Bishop Ambrose in 379-386 AD.

Events
Milan is center of cultural and tourist activities like paradise for opera, shopping and nightlife and is known for its many cultural events:

• Antiques Market: Selection of furniture, clocks, porcelain, silver, jewelry, dolls, books and numerous collector’s items.
• Tredesin de mars: Celebration of the start of a beautiful season of spring.
• Festival of Sant’Ambrogio: Antique furniture and handicrafts as well as different stalls of delicacies.
* Milan Fashion Weeks: Best designers showcase their Autumn/Winter and Spring/Summer collections.
• Italian F1 Grand Prix: The FIA Formula One World Championship.

Visit http://bestflights.co.za/internationalflights/italy/milan for more information on Milan, Italy

SA in need of budget hotels

IOL Travel: SA in need of budget hotels

http://www.iol.co.za/business/business-news/sa-in-need-of-budget-hotels-1.847578

Although South Africa now has plenty of five-, four- and three-star hotels Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban are “crying out for one- and two-star hotels of the kind that used to be found everywhere”, according to Joop Demes, the head of the hospitality division of Pam Golding Properties.

...

Until recently, many people in the hospitality industry expected a disappointing summer, with the hope for a rise in tourism from overseas starting only late next year.

But flights from overseas are already arriving with heavy passenger loads although the tourism season normally starts only at the end of this month, with British Airways in particular reporting that its 15 flights a week to Johannesburg and 13 flights a week to Cape Town are more than 90 percent full.

Restaurants also expect an average or above-average summer season, but due to the high number of walk-in customers with no reservations the figures of the restaurants cannot yet be analysed. - Audrey D’Angelo

SAA drops Cape Town - Durban Route

South African Airways (SAA) has announced that from 1 November it will no longer fly between Durban and Cape Town, allowing its low-cost subsidiary Mango to service the route on a code-share basis.

However, the airline was quick to point out that passengers will still be able to earn Voyager miles and receive complimentary in-flight meals when booking the route on an SAA flight code.

“SAA passengers will receive a meal voucher when travelling on the code share flight that adequately provides for a meal and drink onboard the aircraft,” the airline said in a statement released on Wednesday.

According to Sake24.com, SAA spokesperson Fani Zulu said that the route is dominated by price-sensitive tourist traffic, and Mango will be better placed to compete with other low-cost carriers on the route.

The move comes as SAA looks to redeploy aircraft on its more profitable routes into Africa: “The opportunity to code share with SAA’s low cost subsidiary Mango will ensure a continued presence of SAA and Mango on the coastal route. SAA’s value proposition on this route remains intact with the only variation being the use of Mango’s aircraft,” said SAA’s CEO Ms Siza Mzimela.

Source: Iafrica.com

SAA drops DBN-CPT route
Article By: Richard Holmes

Tourist Attractions in Abu Dhabi, UAE

What to see / do

Abu Dhabi has several large green spaces, many of which include play areas and equipment for children. The city is filled with lovely fountains, swathes of neon light, and the occasional sculpture. Places to see include:

• Al Hosn Palace
• Corniche Abi Dhabi
• Cultural Foundation
• Women's Craft Center
• Sheikh Zayed Mosque
• Khalifa Park

Events

• International Fine Art & Antiques Fair
• The Big Boys Toys Super Show
• Red Bull Air Race World Series
• Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Festival

Visit for more information on Abu Dhabi, UAE

All About Tourism In Brisbane Australia

The majority of cheap flights to Australia arrive in Sydney. As a large number of international and top airlines offer direct or nonstop flights to Sydney, added the presence of Sydney Harbor and Opera, the higher tourism concentration in the region is limited to Sydney.

Yet, Melbourne, by dint of its amazing reputation, colonial structures and the one of this kind tram service, stands second. In recent times, the green and lush Brisbane city of Australia has managed to attract more tourists than ever. The natural stunning landscapes of the city and botanical garden in Brisbane are its specialty. 

Today, tourism plays a major role in Brisbane's economy. Actually, there has also been an increase in the number of cheap flights to Brisbane and new routes to the city offered by world reckoned airlines. The city has evolved and emerged as the third most popular destinations, after Sydney and Melbourne in Australia. 

There is a lot a tourist can do and see in Brisbane. The most popular areas that provide recreation to tourists of all age groups and interests include various parklands, reserves, animal sanctuaries, forest parks and cycling tracks. The most popular Parklands in Brisbane are the South Bank Parklands and Roma Street Parkland. The spots are often visited by groups and families. The second on the list is, Botanic Garden Brisbane. The garden, Brisbane Forest Park and Portside Wharf are great areas of interest for wildlife researchers and botanists. The Botanic garden hosts Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium and the "Tsuki-yama-chisen" Japanese Garden (formerly of the Japanese Government Pavilion of Brisbane's World Expo '88). Also a trip to the botanical garden is very relaxing and refreshing, especially if you are on a business visit to Brisbane. 

Australia's special celebrity, the Koalas can be met and seen in the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, that was opened in 1927. It is the first koala sanctuary in the world.

Last but not the least, cycling on the 27 km (16.8 mi) of bicycle pathways, surrounding the Brisbane river and city centre, gives you great memories to take home.

Travelhouseuk offers cheap flights, hotels, holidays world wide.

Travel Guide to Vancouver, Canada

Vancouver is a coastal city located in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, Canada. The city had an estimated population of 2 328 000 in July 2009.

What to see:

• Cananda Place -- Vancouver waterfront -- amazing landmark and focus of downtown
• Stanley Park -- Scenic gardens and largest city park in Canada.
• Capilano Suspension Bridge -- Most spectacular suspension bridges (for the adventurous)
• Grouse Mountain -- Skiing, nature trails and Birds in motion demonstrations
• Historic Gastown -- Birthplace of Vancouver with many art galleries & studios etc
• The Vancouver Aquarium -- 60 000 exotic and fascinating creatures from around the world
• Granville Island -- Markets, Theaters, Restaurants, Bars and Farmers market
• Robson Street - Shopping for leading brands (fashion and retail industry)
• Chinatown -- Markets with fresh seafood, vegetables, Chinese medicines etc
• Dr. Sun Yat Set Gardens -- Lush gardens, a living treasure with a gift shop

Things to do:

• Abbotsford Air Show -- Largest Air Show in Canada
• Comedy Festival -- 7 days of the best comedy in the world
• Crankworx Mountain Bike Fest -- Free-ride mountain bike playground
• Festival Vancouver -- 14 Days of outstanding classical, jazz and world music concerts in venues across the city
• Harmony Arts -- Free exhibitions, demonstrations, studio tours, theatre, concerts, markets and hands-on activities
• Jazz Blues Weekend -- Jazz and blues music, indoors and outdoors.
• Okanagan Wine Festival -- One of the Top 100 Events in North America
• Pride Week -- Celebrating the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender (GLBT) community
• Symphony of Fire -- Several nights of world class Fireworks displays and competitions.
• Theatre under the Stars -- Summer musical theatre productions in the pastoral outdoor setting of historic Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park.

Visit http://bestflights.co.za/internationalflights/canada/vancouver for more information on Vancouver, Canada

Nice on 4th: best breakfast in Joburg

Nice on 4th: best breakfast in Joburg - As published by Getaway
http://www.getaway.co.za/article/nice-cafe-best-breakfast-in-joburg

Whenever I'm in Joburg, which happens to be quite often, I always make an effort to have a lazy weekend breakfast at Nice on the perennially lively 4th Avenue in Parkhurst.

I have a thing for Nice's breakfast cups: two toasted bread 'cups' filled with poached eggs, a gently spicy tomato and onion relish, mushrooms and piles of avo sprinkled with Parmesan (R50). It's my idea of the perfect breakfast (it's really that good). That's the vegetarian version; you can have the same with crispy bacon.  I have yet to try the salmon basket: a toast basket of scrambled eggs with smoked salmon, tomato relish and cream cheese (R50). My sister always has the scrummy crumpets, a stack of fluffy crumpets with crispy bacon, strawberries, and marscapone drizzled in honey (R50). We always wash down the breakfast with jugs of delicious freshly squeezed orange juice and frothy cappuccinos.

Looks like a nice place to visit next time we book our flights to Johannesburg. Can't wait to take the whole family there for a break away from work. 

Suspicious bag delays Germany flight

Suspicious bag delays Germany flight
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40250388/ns/world_news-europe/

BERLIN  — An Air Berlin flight from Namibia to Munich was delayed after police found a suspicious bag in the luggage hall of the airport in the southern African nation’s capital, authorities said Thursday.

Germany sent federal police experts stationed in South Africa to help in the investigation amid heightened concerns of terrorist threats against Germany, though it appeared later that the bag may have been part of an airport security test.

Security officials told NBC News the piece of baggage did not contain a bomb or any explosives. They said it was a look-alike device, one commercially made explicitly for governments and airports to test their own security procedures.

Travel to Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne, the second largest city in Australia, is the capital of the south-eastern state of Victoria. The city is regarded as Australia's cultural capital with a multicultural population of 4 million with large Greek, Italian, Jewish and Vietnamese immigrant communities.

What To See:
# 12 Apostles -- The Shipwreck Coast -- one of the many natural wonders of the world
# Atrium -- One of Melbourne's nighttime attractions
# City Museum -- Trace the history of Melbourne, from the early explorations of John Batman
# Federation Square -- Landmark cultural and entertainment destination
# Flinders Street Station -- the busiest suburban railway Station in the southern hemisphere
# St Patrick's Cathedral -- Mother Church of the Catholic Archdiocese and an architectural glory
# Royal Exhibition Building -- One of the world's oldest remaining exhibition pavilions.
# Public Library -- The building was built in 1997.
# Shrine of Remembrance -- Victoria's largest war memorial and Melbourne's most recognised landmark
# Port Melbourne -- One of the most sought-after parts of Melbourne

What To Do:
# Melbourne Food and Wine Festival
# Moomba Waterfest
# Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show
# Melbourne International Comedy Festival
# Melbourne International Film Festival
# St Jerome's Laneway Festival
# Chinese New Year Festival
# Melbourne International Arts Festival

For more information on Melbourne, Australia visit http://bestflights.co.za/internationalflights/australia/melbourne

Things to see in London, UK

London is the capital of the United Kingdom and this historic city has plenty to offer everybody who visits. Apart from all the historic attractions like the Tower of London and St. Paul's Cathedral, London also have more than 30 000 shops and boutiques and 6 000 restaurants, definitely enough to entertain people form different walks of life.

For more information visit http://bestflights.co.za/internationalflights/united-kingdom/london