JetBlue gears up to launch low-cost New York to London flights next week August 2, 2021 JetBlue is adamant its soon-to-launch London-New York route will be a success for the low-cost airline, despite launching amid a fragile recovery from Covid where restrictions change weekly. The American carrier debuts at London Heathrow on 11 August, shuttling passengers between the two global financial centres on daily flights. One daily return flight from Heathrow [...]
Quarantine lifted for double-jabbed US and EU travellers as ministers discuss amber watchlist August 2, 2021 Fully-vaccinated travellers from the EU and the USA are now able to enter the UK without quarantining. The government announced the new scheme – which came into effect at 4 am this morning – last week, saying it could help reunite friends and family who live abroad. People coming from France are still required to [...]
Why whisky and walking makes for a wonderful weekend July 29, 2021 Whisky conjures images of smouldering log fires or grand old houses in the Scottish highlands. But two London-based whisky enthusiasts hope to make new associations, including leafy green parks and trendy shopping neighbourhoods. Karen Taylor and Matt Chambers, the founders of the Whisky For Everyone blog, have launched North London Whisky Club walking tours, with three events [...]
Open waters: International cruises to welcome passengers again July 29, 2021 International cruises will be allowed to restart next Monday after an extended break due to the coronavirus crisis. Months after domestic cruises restarted, international cruise lines operating in EU, UK, and US waters are finally allowed to welcome passengers onboard at 4am on 2 August but many companies say this won’t be possible until later [...]
Travel industry welcomes end of quarantine for double-jabbed EU & US citizens but concerns remain July 28, 2021 Airlines and travel firms today hailed the news that the UK will drop quarantine requirements for fully vaccinated travellers from the EU and US next week but warned more changes were needed. Industry body Airlines UK said: “Exemptions for all fully vaccinated travellers is undoubtedly a positive move, offering a lifeline for thousands of businesses [...]
Franciacorta: The hidden gem of Italian sparkling wine July 28, 2021 When you think of Italian sparkling wine what springs to mind? Prosecco? Maybe an Asti? Probably not your new Italian favourite, Franciacorta. Franciacorta is named for the region it comes from, nestled in the heart of Lombardy, in a beautiful natural amphitheatre of green rolling hills bordering Lago d’Iseo and just an hour from fashionable [...]
Quarantine-free holidays for double-vaxxed holidaymakers fail to boost intent to travel July 25, 2021 Promises of quarantine-free travel for those who have received both their Covid-19 vaccinations has failed to boost holidaymaker confidence for a trip abroad this summer, according to new research shared with Morning Wire this weekend. According to research by hotel booking platform hoo, back in January, 88 per cent of UK holidaymakers had no plans [...]
Weekend Escape: Broadstairs’ Belvidere Place a perfect home from home on the Kentish Riviera July 23, 2021 It is fair to say that Kent has experienced something of a rebrand over the past decade or so. Londoners discovered Whitstable – no, you probably can’t get a table at The Sportsman for lunch – and just about colonised poor Margate. Round the coast, Deal and Folkestone are increasingly being eyed by Zone 2ers [...]
Discover the wonders of the Wiltshire Wine Trail July 20, 2021 Stonehenge has a rival tourist attraction. The newly-opened Wiltshire Wine Trail takes you to three vineyards in the ancient county – Bluestone, a’Beckett’s and Whitehall. All offer tastings, tours and some wonderful names for wines. Paul Langham headed the national English and Welsh wine trade body for many years and now his a’Beckett’s vineyard in [...]
Croatia Green List destination: The Hotel Bellevue in Dubrovnik July 19, 2021 With Croatia among the destinations moved to the Green List today, it is suddenly at the forefront of travel plans for discerning holiday-makers. Here’s how to combine a beach holiday with a city break at the Hotel Bellevue in historical, luxurious Dubrovnik. THE WEEKEND: With its perfectly preserved ancient stone walls, winding medieval streets and [...]