Europe & Beyond

Flying Sky High in New York City

Flying halfway across the world is as easy as getting on a bus these days. We can live in one country and work or do business in another. Recently more competitions on the transatlantic routes have enebaled many to buy a cheap flight online.  Those flying with Air France from London to New York for business  meetings in the Big Apple may decide to stay on for few days holiday – see take a bite out of the Big Apple

See New York From a Helicopter Flight Tour

New York City really is as big as they say and unfortunately you would need far more than 2 days to see all that this city has to offer. For this reason visitors can see a lot in a short space of time and take a New York Helicopter Tour.

There are lots of companies which offer helicopter tours of New York and it is the perfect way to visit the whole city and capture great photos – all in just 30 minutes. Tours can be pricey, but if you have money to spare and little time on your hands, it is an experience not to be missed. The bird’s eye views of the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building and Central Park are incredible.

Once you set your feet back on solid ground, go for a walk around Central Park. This green oasis is the perfect place to unwind, relax and come to terms with the fact that you are sitting in one of the most famous parks in the world.

So remember, if you don’t have much time in New York, do a helicopter tour and visit Central Park.

How to spend your time at Dubai International Airport

Previous airport guides include and Zurich and Abu Dhabi and

With around 5,600 flights to Dubai each week, operated by almost 100 different airlines to more than 200 different destinations across all six continents, Dubai airport is busy and thriving. With a reputation for sleek and modern design, and a fantastic shopping experience, this is one airport where you may want to arrive early, and perhaps won’t be too disappointed if your flight from Dubai is a little delayed.

Shopping

Dubai is famous for its shopping, and no less so than at the airport’s award-winning Dubai Duty Free shop. Established in 1983 by Dubai’s Government, the duty free shop was the first of its kind in the Middle East. Since then it has won more than 70 international awards, and remains the leader in airport shopping.

It is the largest single airport retail operation in the world, ahead of London Heathrow and Seoul Incheon airports. The merchandise is spread over some 5,400 square metres of floor space, including areas for cosmetics, jewellery, electronics, alcohol, luxury goods, sports equipment, designer clothing, tobacco products, toys and books.

Womens clothing, in particular short dresses, skirts and boutique lingeire, has had some controversy with western retailers introducing fashions that are being slowly accepted by the Emirates.  Each year sees new ranges of designer dresses and lingerie carefully displayed to appeal to shoppers but have low impact on local travellers.

Customer reviews suggest that while not too inflated, prices aren’t quite as low as you might hope — but that the sheer range of goods on offer more than make up for this.

For most destinations, anything that you buy after security control can be taken on board the aircraft, including bottled drinks, wines and spirits, perfumes and cosmetics. If you’re transferring to another flight before you reach your final destination, particularly within the EU, your purchases will be placed within a sealed plastic bag. If you are transferring within the USA or Canada you need to put any purchases containing more than 100 ml in your hand luggage before you check in for your connecting flight. You can’t take any liquids of more than 100 ml in hand luggage on flights to Australia.

And if you’re still left with any doubt about Dubai’s fascination for airport shoppers, it won the ‘Best Duty Free Shopping’ title in 2009’s World Airport Awards, based on the opinions of 8.6 million airline passengers across 190 airports worldwide in 2008/9.

Recreation

If you’re all shopped out, there are other, more relaxing facilities at the airport where you can while away some time before your flight.

Firstly, there are two open-air garden areas where you can stroll around and get some fresh air. And within the international transit area of the interconnected Terminals 1 and 2, there are internet facilities, a gym, a swimming pool, video games, prayer rooms, and spa facilities.

The airport also has various lounge areas, some of which contain children’s play facilities, while others have screens showing film, sport and news channels.

Eating

Dubai International Airport is home to more than 25 different food and drink establishments, ranging from the likes of Starbucks selling coffee and quick snacks, to elegant bistros selling more elaborate cuisine. There is even a place serving up traditional Irish pub fare, which seems rather incongruous, as well as more obvious choices such as Lebanese, Indian and Chinese cuisine. Safar, the main restaurant in the concourse, is split up into three sections: Pint 19, which is the bar area; a buffet section; and an a la carte restaurant with an open kitchen, offering international cuisine. You can also find fast food places such as McDonald’s and pizzerias. In short: you won’t go hungry, even if you’re the fussiest of eaters.

For more information about Dubai International Airport, visit www.dubaiairport.com

The beaches, history and luxury of St. Tropez

If you are holiday on the Côte d’Azur, France, St. Tropez is a must-see stop. Whether you stay for a day, or rent a villa for a week, St. Tropez is an excellent escape from the busy pace of modern life. Spend time sunbathing on the glittering white sandy beaches, or discover the fascinating history of what people generally think of as the playground of the rich and famous.

With shopping and nightlife to rival Hollywood, dramatic landscapes, and charming villas, the wealthy and famous have flocked here since the late 1950s. During the winter and spring off-seasons, St. Tropez is not crowded, but the traffic becomes heavier in the summertime when the beach weather is perfect.

St. Tropez has been known as a haven throughout its history. In the 1920s, international fashion stars escaped to this stunning destination, which also became a beach landing site during World War II. In the 1950s Brigitte Bardot made it known as a luxury holiday destination.

Now this modern version of a medieval town has many events all year to draw visitors to its shores. Set on the sparkling Bay of Saint-Tropez, St. Tropez hosts an internationally renowned regatta, Les Voiles, at the end of September each year. The International Polo Cup takes place in July and the Gold Cup is held in the autumn. A vintage car rally, Rallye des Belles, is held each May. Also in May is the St. Tropez Bravade, a military parade in honor of the town’s patron saint.

The best beaches are a car ride away, however there are a few near the center of town. The largest collection of beaches is the Pampelonne-Ramatuelle Beaches just 3km south of St. Tropez. The Plage de Tahiti, just southeast of town is another popular destination. Many nude beaches dot the area as well.

If you need a break from the sun, visit Musee de l’Annonciade. Housed in an abandoned chapel, this museum has a rich modern art collection, including works by Signac, the first Parisian artist to settle in St Tropez. The Citadel, built between 1590 and 1607, is a well-preserved hexagonal fortress. Inside the Citadel is a Museum of Shipping and Local History. Three defensive towers – Guillaume Tower, Portalet Tower and Jarlier Tower, offer spectacular views of the bay.

Spend time meandering down the small winding streets and stop in one of St. Tropez’s many terrace cafes. The old town is just west of the Citadel and is filled with boutiques and restaurants. If you walk on Rue du Portail-Neuf, you can visit the Italian Baroque 18th century church in which stands a bust of St-Tropez. Northwest of the church you can see the Hotel de Ville (Town Hall) and the palace of Pierre-André de Suffren, an important French admiral who participated in the War of the Austrian Succession.

From here, wander over to the Mole Jean-Réveille, a man-made pier enclosing the harbor from the north, and enjoy a spectacular view of the town’s seafront, yachts and luxury St Tropez Villas.

Place aux Herbes is the most bustling of the town’s squares. You can buy all the vegetables, flowers, and fresh meats that you could wish for here. The St. Tropez tourist information office is located here. If you would like to see some of St. Tropez’s traditional street entertainment and a game of boules, head to Place des Lices, where you can also enjoy the most casual dining in town.

St. Tropez even has some hiking. A 12km coastal footpath begins at the Portalet Tower of the Citadel and takes you across gorgeous coastline all the way to Pampelonne Beach.