In it for the Long Haul - Time for a Gat-away!

Another fun filled bank holiday weekend

It’s cold, snowy and the UK’s motorways are car parks. It must be the Spring Bank Holiday then. A self fulfilling Groundhog Day. It needn’t be that way. This time of year sees the launch of the summer flight schedules and there are a plethora of new long haul routes launching from Gatwick - and some exciting ones too. Let’s look at where you could be going instead.

New York: never sleeps - because the lights are on

If you like North America, then you are in luck with no fewer than NINE new routes launching in May16. It’s going to be a competitive market. First up is New York with a new daily service from Gatwick to JFK with British Airways. Going head to head with Norwegian on this route will offer more choice for those long weekends in New York. Avoid the heat of mid summer and the cold of mid winter and the original long haul weekend is still the best.

Vancouver: Could you be more Pacific?

Canada is going to be better served than many European countries from Gatwick soon. In addition to existing Air Transat services, Air Canada Rouge starts new Toronto flights and budget carrier WestJet is launching six routes including Toronto, Edmonton (the Alberta one, not the Tottenham one), St Johns, Calgary and Vancouver. In summer take a road trip and enjoy the great outdoors. In winter, ski Whistler and Banff.  And don’t forget to bring back loads of maple syrup. 

San Francisco: As seen on TV

Back to the US and Norwegian are adding to Florida, New York, Boston and LA with a new route to Oakland. Aka San Francisco South and a golden gateway to this great city. Ride the Cable Cars, walk around Fisherman’s Wharf, visit Alcatraz (make sure you don’t miss the boat back) and see the iconic Golden Gate bridge. It’s just like the movies. Head out to sample some great wines in the nearby Napa valley or drive the Pacific Coast Highway down to LA. That certainly beats the M6 on a Bank Holiday Friday!

Costa Rica: Do you know the way?

Staying in the Americas, British Airways has just launched new flights from Gatwick to San Jose, Costa Rica. Not to be confused with their Heathrow flight to San Jose, California. Thomson already fly to Liberia, Costa Rica. Not to be confused with George Weah’s home country. Costa Rica is an explorer’s paradise with smoking volcanoes, steaming rainforests, wildlife, waterfalls, the wild Pacific coastline and more sedate Caribbean beaches. And frogs. Lots of frogs. 

Machu Picchu: Lost Inca City? There it is!

Another new British Airways route is from Gatwick to Lima, Peru. Leave coastal Lima for high altitude Cusco on the Inca Trail to the lost city of Machu Picchu. Continue in the high Andes across the spectacular Altiplano to watch Condors soaring above the 1km deep Colca Canyon and sail on 3,800m high Lake Titicaca. Head back to sea level and swap hairpin bends for the Nazca Lines before rounding off the trip with a dish of Cuy - roasted guinea pig. It’s fair to say that Peru is seldom visited by the Michelin Star awarders.

Choke-quing: working on those emission rules

We finish off in the Far East with new links to China. If you are a fan of poor air quality then you’ll be interested in the new flights from Tianjin Airlines from Gatwick to Chongqing and Tianjin - China’s 5th and 4th largest cities respectively. These routes are expected to carry tourists into the UK rather than out.

Hong Kong View-y: Spectacular from all angles

Of more interest is a new Gatwick to Hong Kong service from Cathay Pacific starting in September16. Ideal for a stopover if you are continuing on Cathay’s Australasian network, this is one of the great cities of the world. Enjoy the view from the star ferry between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, visit Victoria Peak and eat from a mind boggling selection of street food. The shopping is not bad either.

You can visit any of the above places as part of a tailor made package which are all ABTA/ATOL protected. Please contact me and I can put one together for you. If you need further inspiration, please visit my Website and Facebook page and follow me on Twitter. For an exotic twist, please visit my new boutique Thailand website.

EyeLine Travel: http://eyelinetravel.co.uk 
Thailand: http://boutiquethailand.co.uk

david@eyelinetravel.co.uk
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Don’t get in a jam, get on a plane!



David Sutherland
EyeLine Travel 

29 April 2016   

Happy 90th Birthday Ma’am - Have a Real Holiday!

A Summer’s day near Balmoral

HRH The Queen's 90th Birthday is being celebrated around the nation and the 53 Commonwealth countries. Party time! But once the balloons have gone flat and the vol-au-vents have run out, HRH will be ready for a holiday. How about visiting a few of One’s overseas territories then? 

Her Maj has always been a fan of Staycations with holiday homes in Norfolk and Scotland. So imagine that you have been delegated to venture overseas for two weeks with a choice of three alternate options. Just remember, unlike HRH, you will need a passport and to ask for time off work!

Saint Lucia: with the mounty Pitons

Option 1 is to the Caribbean and North America for a beach and city combo. Start by slowing the clock down for five days in spectacular St Lucia. Rodney Bay is home to some of the best hotels and nightlife on the island. For the adventurous there are rainforests, mountains and plenty of sea to explore. As well as the pool bars.

Tobago: So laid back, it falls over

Follow that by throwing the clock in the bin for five days in ultra laid back Tobago. This is the authentic Caribbean experience where time is a generally unfamiliar concept. 

Lively Crown Point has plenty to see and do including the perfect beaches of Pigeon Point, snorkelling the vibrant Buccoo Reef and enjoying a Soca party with live music and street food at Sunday School.   

Toronto: Cheerio from Ontario

To finish off, head north (preferably not in mid-winter unless you are a fan of huge temperature drops) to the Canadian city of Toronto for four days. Enjoy some retail therapy, visit the CN Tower with its rather alarming glass floor, watch the Maple Leafs play (Ice) Hockey. Then take a trip out to nearby Niagara Falls a natural phenomenon that puts the bucket in list. 







HOW: 6 flights, 3 countries 
Leg1: Gatwick to Vieux Fort, St Lucia with British Airways (8h45m). 
Leg2: Vieux Fort to Tobago via Port of Spain with BA (1h05m) and Caribbean Airlines (25m). 
Leg3: Tobago to Toronto via Port of Spain (25m+6h05m) with Caribbean Airlines.  
Leg4: Toronto to Heathrow with Air Canada (7h15m)

Taj Mahal: Named after a restaurant in Crawley

Option 2 is a spicy journey of culture and heritage around the Indian Subcontinent followed by a calming dose of beach. Start in India with three days in and around energetic Delhi. For a taste of Rajistan, head out see the pink city of Jaipur and on to Agra to see the Taj Mahal. Good luck getting that photo with nobody in the background! 

Colombo: Just one more thing

After restocking your wardrobe in Delhi, head offshore to Colombo for four days touring Sri Lanka. Head to Unesco favourite Kandy then on to cultural Dambulla and Sigiriya (pictured). Then say hello to the elephants in the Pinnawala reserve before returning to Colombo to relax over a nice cup of tea.

Maldives: The whole country is a dive 

Ready for a rest? That’s lucky because the last stop is seven days in the Maldives. Feet up, swim, snorkel, eat and drink. More energetic pursuits include sitting on a boat and having a spa treatment. With several hundred iconic Indian Ocean islands to choose from, this is a place to enjoy. Paradise is an overused term generally but it fits in quite well here. 

HOW: 4 flights, 3 countries.

Leg1: Heathrow to Delhi with British Airways (8h15m)

Leg2: Delhi to Colombo with Sri Lankan Airlines (3h35m)

Leg3: Colombo to Male, Maldives with Sri Lankan Airlines (1h25m)

Leg5: Male to Gatwick with British Airways (10h35m)

Kruger Park: It’s tiring work eating Tourists

Option 3 is all about Africa and its largest Indian Ocean island. Start off in excellent value for money South Africa by passing (quickly) through Johannesburg to the Kruger National Park. Enjoy a three day safari spotting the Big Five who all live here. If you prefer a walking holiday - go somewhere else as the residents have a healthy appetite.

Cape Town: Jaws dropping

From Kruger, head across the country for an action packed four days in stunning Cape Town. Climb (or cable car) up Table Mountain, visit Robben Island and enjoy the nightlife on the V & A Waterfront. You could also visit the Cape of Good Hope, sample the fine wines in nearby Stellenbosch and wind up great white sharks from inside a flimsy cage. 

Mauritius: Last known habitat of the Dodo

If you are then ready to relax on a beach and swim in a sea where you won’t get eaten by its contents, it’s time for a full week in idyllic Mauritius. Stay in northern Grand Baie, home to the best hotels and beaches. 

A large island, Mauritius has so much more to it than the beaches. But that will involve putting the cocktail down and getting off the sun lounger. And that may prove rather difficult here. No wonder legendary avian ex-resident the Dodo didn’t get around to evolving. 

HOW: 5 flights, 2 countries

Leg1: Heathrow to Skukuza via Johannesburg with BA (11h) and South African (50m)

Leg2: Skukuza to Cape Town with South African (2h35m)

Leg3: Cape Town to Port Louis, Mauritius with Air Mauritius (5h15m)

Leg4: Port Louis to Gatwick with BA (12h10m)

If you have holiday plans in Common with me, I have a Wealth of ideas so please visit my Website and Facebook page and follow me on Twitter. If you would like your own tailor made itinerary, please get in touch!

w: http://eyelinetravel.co.uk 
e: david@eyelinetravel.co.uk
t: 020 8123 2569
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Many Happy Returns!

David Sutherland
EyeLine Travel 

22 April 2016   

All at Sea: Cruising for a Schmoozing

Who needs indoor Sky Diving?

Ever thought about going on a Cruise? That’s a holiday for old people and the owners of bad Hawaiian shirts isn’t it? Well, yes and yes. But increasingly, no. 

In a way that few other holiday genres can, Cruising is nautical marmite: some people can’t get enough of it whilst others would rather book  a week at the Guantanamo Bay Premier Inn. If you are intrigued by an adventure on the high seas (preferably not too high), read on.

A shore excursion to the 1980s

As a stereotype, Cruisers are clearly defined in people’s minds. Not all is as it seems however. There is quite literally a sea change happening in the industry which is growing like never before. This is bringing new destinations, lower prices and a changing demographic to the market. And lots of big shiny new Ships that are reinventing holidays at sea. 

Alluring: Turn left and it's 3 miles to the bar

Royal Caribbean have some of the most innovative Ships afloat including the mega sized Allure of the Seas which can carry an astonishing 6,296 passengers and 2,384 crew, weighing in at 225,000 tonnes (that’s over 31,000 double decker buses - and probably the size of Wales). 

But can it pour a Jägerbomb?

If that sounds like the dinner party from hell then perhaps the novelty items on the various new Ships will make up for that. These include a robotic bar, indoor sky diving, surfing simulators, observation capsules, water slides and climbing walls.

All this activity will probably make you hungry. Which is lucky as the food at sea is of exceptional quality. All meals are included in the fare although speciality restaurants curated by top chefs are available at a surcharge.

A lighter lunch would have been better

Fine Dining: Ahoy there me foodies 

And if you think dining with the same people each night at the same time might be boring, (and you may well be right), you can choose Freedom Dining on many Ships which allow you to choose where and when you eat. Whilst not the ideal weight loss holiday (unless the sea's rough) you will get plenty of exercise trying to find your cabin at the end of the night!

Queen at sea: We Will Rock You

Most Ships will have formal dress codes on certain evenings which is a chance to dress up and have fun! After dinner developments now include craft beer pubs (microbrewery and rum bar on Carnival’s Vista), West End quality shows, acrobatic performances, an Imax Cinema, Comedy Clubs and top DJs. Once you’ve sampled all of that without getting lost, you can do it all again the next day. If you have enough time, you could even get off at the Port stops! 

Britannia: All hands on Dec. And Ant.

So how do you choose a Cruise that is right for you? The Med and the Caribbean are popular with UK customers and there are many no fly trips departing from Southampton. School holiday times see busy family friendly Ships with a wide variety of facilities and dedicated kids clubs whilst the parents can enjoy a wine tasting course. Official or otherwise. 

The quick way if there’s a queue for the lifts

Forget the Bingo - it’s time to Party!

Some ships like P&Os Britannia (featured on ITV’s Saturday Night Takeaway) have other special event links with the BBC’s 
Strictly Come Dancing and cookery classes with Marco Pierre White who designs the Gala Menus on board. 

Port Break: Caught my first Ship today!

The cost of a cruise depends on where you go, what time of year and which company. Accommodation and all meals are always included; drinks, excursions and gratuities are extra. Some include more than others so it is important to establish this before booking.  





Expect to pay around £100pp per day although there are always special deals around (e.g. transatlantic repositioning between seasons can be as little as £50pp per day although November in the Atlantic may reduce your appetite at meal times). 



The sheer variety of cruises is overwhelming so whether you want to sail around the Mediterranean with the family, dance your way around the Caribbean with your partner or enjoy the majestic luxury of Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 classic journey from Southampton to New York, there really is something for everyone. 





Ask your (ahem) Travel Agent to find the right trip for you. And if you are still not convinced, there are a number of two night mini cruises from Southampton throughout the year to check out the experience. And these can be quite lively. 

If these ideas float your boat or you are looking for further inspiration, please visit my Website and Facebook page and follow me on Twitter.

w: http://eyelinetravel.co.uk 
e: david@eyelinetravel.co.uk
t: 020 8123 2569
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Nautical, but nice!

David Sutherland
EyeLine Travel 

15 April 2016   

Mayday! Time to Get away from the Morris Dancers.

Where did I put my passport?

Festivals in the month of May bring out the sublime and the ridiculous in a way that many other months cannot. May is an inbetweener. Winter has long gone, summer is on its way, Cricket is replacing Football and the first cases of sunburn are in evidence. How then to celebrate the Merry Month of May?

The Red Leicester is in front!

The UK’s cultural contributions are Morris dancing and rolling cheese down the rather steep Coopers Hill in double Gloucestershire (on 30th May this year.) 

Alternatively you could dress up to impress your online friends for Star Wars Day on the May the Fourth. Celebrated for the first time just 35 years after the original film, you can now join a fully immersive Disney cruise. This refers to your fellow passengers not jumping overboard, however tempting that might be.

May be not.

But don’t despair, as there are weird and wonderful events happening elsewhere so let’s look at some of the other festivals you can escape to this May.

Cocullo: Snakes on a Saint

I say escape to but you may prefer to escape from the Festa dei Separi which takes place in the town of Cocullo in the Abruzzo region of central Italy. This annual festival involves a procession carrying a statue of the town’s Patron Saint covered with snakes. Whether the snakes look forward to this event as much as the locals is uncertain but they are all released into the countryside afterwards so it’s probably a good idea to keep the hotel doors and windows shut.

TRAVEL: The Abruzzo region is in central Italy. Fly to Rome or Pescara. Enjoy the sights and food in the former and the beach and food at the latter.

Jerez: A Sherry isn’t just for Christmas

Of course no month could pass without a Spanish fiesta and May is the turn of Jerez de la Frontera in Andalucia. Famous for sherry production, the first week of May brings the Feria de Caballo - the horse festival. Better than it sounds, this event combines horses, flamenco and sherry (what could go wrong there then?) all under the hot sunshine of southern Spain. Horse riding is not compulsory but eating, drinking and dancing most certainly are.

TRAVEL: Fly direct to Jerez. Explore nearby Cadiz on the Costa de la Luz. Or fly to Malaga and include Seville, Cordoba and Ronda on a tour of the best of Andalucia.

Cannes: A great place to spill red wine

If you are looking for somewhere that’s much more expensive with a chance to visually mingle with the stars then head to France's Cote d’Azur between 11-22 May for the 69th Cannes film festival. Oozing class and sophistication, you will be able to enjoy paying premium prices whilst not seeing much or getting in anywhere. But at least you can say you were there!

Monaco GP: the full Monte Car-lo

If you are reluctant to leave the glitz and glamour of Cannes (or stuck due to a French air traffic controllers strike) then just make the short trip along the coast to Monaco which will be hosting the 2016 F1 Grand Prix on 29 May. Standing tickets for the Grand Prix are in the £100-£150 range. Multiply that by four for a seat. Add a visit to James Bond’s favourite Casino if your finances are suitably robust - and if you are lucky, there are Panamanian style institutions in which to deposit your winnings.

TRAVEL: Cannes and Monte Carlo are reached from the nearest airport Nice or can be explored from Marseilles or Genoa (Italy) along the coast. Alternatively join one of the cruise ships that visit town during the Grand Prix weekend. Relax on deck in the sun to the background of Lewis Hamilton & co tearing up the streets of this unique and spectacular venue.

Vanuatu: 1..2..3..Tree Vine!

Finally, if you happen to be passing through the South Pacific then stop by Vanuatu for a chance to see Naghol, the land diving festival. The what? Each Saturday in May, young men from the local villages tie tree vines around their ankles and jump off health and safety-free wooden towers. They calculate the correct length for their hair to touch the ground thus blessing the forthcoming yam harvest. The tradition started after a village trip to New Zealand where they witnessed bungee jumping. Or was it the other way around?

Vanuatu: Water diving is more enjoyable

TRAVEL: To get somewhere that involves flying via New Zealand is always going to take a while so make sure you have plenty of annual leave available. Flights to Port Vila operate from Auckland or Fiji which is accessed from Los Angeles or Sydney. Naghol takes place on Pentecost island, a short flight from Port Vila. More enjoyable pursuits around the islands of Vanuatu include the Pacific beaches, reefs and rainforests.

For more a-may-zing ideas and further inspiration, may I invite you to visit my Website and Facebook page and follow me on Twitter.

w: http://eyelinetravel.co.uk 
e: david@eyelinetravel.co.uk
t: 020 8123 2569
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Maybe, just Maybe?

David Sutherland
EyeLine Travel 

8 April 2016