You for Coffee? Celebrating the World’s favourite beans

Wakey Wakey!

In case you missed it, 29th September was National Coffee Day. According to whoever made that up. We’re talking proper coffee here which comes from all around the world. 

So, depending on your issues, go and get a cup of Espresso/Latte/Chocamochabubbletino and see what the producing countries have done to the institution of coffee without which the world would almost certainly cease to function. And if you thought your local coffee shop had weird things on the menu, think again...

Causing a Rift: swapping the sugar with salt

Ethiopia is the fifth biggest coffee producer in the world and much less popular as a tourist destination. Which is exactly why you should go. From the deserts of the Rift Valley to the mountain source of the Blue Nile and legends of the Queen of Sheba and the Ark of the Covenant in-between. 

Just beware that when you order a coffee, it is standard practise to add a pinch of salt to reduce the bitterness. Either that or it’s a student prank that’s well out of hand!

GET THERE: Fly direct to Addis Ababa from Heathrow with Ethiopian Airlines or via the Middle East. Dress like Indiana Jones and avoid March-June which is the rainy season.  

Señor Whippy: Double Salmon with a 99 por favor

Venezuela is a land of extremes stretching from the Caribbean coast and the Orinoco valley to a lost world wilderness with the world’s highest waterfall, Angel Falls to the high Andes. In mountainous Merida ice cream shop Coromoto serves a world record 863 flavours (tip - avoid the trout.) 

As a coffee producer, the local brew is not bad although they also like to mix flavours here with speciality guarapo con queso which is a rather odd mix of black coffee and cheese -Gouda or Edam in case you were wondering.

GET THERE: Fly via Lisbon to Caracas with TAP. Avoid the unstable, nothing to see here capital and head straight out. Bring toilet roll to sell on the black market. Wet season is May-October.

Java: The revered Oracle of software

Indonesia is the fourth largest coffee producer and some of the best is grown on the island of Java, next door to Bali. Despite being home to an astonishing 140m people, Java has many sights away from capital Jakarta including hindu temples, beaches and volcano trekking magnate Mt Bromo. 

Cultural city Yogyakarta serves up Kopi Joss which is strong Javanese ground coffee with sugar - and a lump of hot charcoal to eliminate the acidity. Which will be the least of your problems if you down the lot in one.

GET THERE: Jakarta is served daily by Garuda from Heathrow or via Middle East or Asian hubs. Combine with the beaches of Bali or Lombok and get a volcano app alert on your phone.

Purr-colator: Cheap in, Expensive out! 

Vietnam is the world’s second biggest coffee producer after Brazil. Travel from modern Ho Chi Minh City in the south to capital Hanoi in the north via Nha Trang’s beaches, Hué's Buddhist temples and Hoi An’s tailors.

It also has the most expensive coffee in the world. At $3,000/kg,  Weasel Coffee involves a civet cat eating the beans then returning them to sender to then be made into coffee. If you own a cat, why not try this at home?

GET THERE: Vietnam airlines flies direct daily from Heathrow otherwise change on the way. Spring and Autumn are the best times to visit. Read up on its history before going.

 ***

Standard low cost packages are bookable through my multi destination EyeLine Travel website. 

For tailor made packages, to book a trip to any of the places featured above or just for some information, please Contact me and I will do the hard work for you. 

For holidays to Thailand, please visit:  http://boutiquethailand.co.uk and check out Facebook for current offers.

Coming soon, Ski and Snowboard Short Breaks with AlpineWeekender. We’re on Facebook and Twitter.

All holidays that I arrange are ABTA/ATOL protected.


david@eyelinetravel.co.uk

020 8123 2569

EyeLine Travel Facebook 
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AlpineWeekender Facebook

Twitter (@eyelinetravel @bouthaique @alpineweekender)

I think I’ll skip the gold blend...

David Sutherland

EyeLine Travel 
Crawley

30 September 2016

Northern Lights..Camera..Action - It’s Bright Up North!

Northern Lights: Lapland not Bolton town centre

If you find the British winter too mild and sunny then head north and in 3 hours you can instead be in a land of snow, ice and perpetual darkness. 

Of course you could save time and money by putting on a coat and climbing into your freezer for a few days but you would miss the opportunity to see one of the nature's most spectacular shows - the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights. If cool is the new warm, where should you go?

Blue Lagoon: Iceland practising for global warming

The easiest and cheapest option is to go to Iceland. The country not the shop. A short break to capital Reykjavik will allow you take a brief and bus orientated excursion outside the city to see the Northern Lights. 

Sighting is far from guaranteed but aim for the darkest time of the year and keep your fingers crossed. Afterwards, enjoy the bars and clubs whilst drinking heavily before recovering in the Blue Lagoon thermal pool on the way back to the airport.

GET THERE: There are flights from several UK airports to Keflavik - unless that volcano goes off again. Flight time from London is around 3h. It’s 50km from Keflavik to Reykjavik 

Sweden: Gimme Gimme Gimme lights after Midnight  

If you prefer combining light spotting with winter sports then Swedish Lapland has the answer. Around 200km north of the arctic circle you will find the ski resort of Riksgränsen with 29 marked runs & plenty more off piste.

Snow reliability is not much of a problem and the season runs from February to June. Aim early as by May this is the land of the Midnight Sun. The Lights are best observed from a hot tub with a glass or three of glögg. 

GET THERE:  Fly to Kiruna and it’s 130km on to Riksgränsen. There are a handful of direct (3h+) flights from Heathrow with SAS (Scandinavia’s airline not the special forces) otherwise you will have to change aircraft in Stockholm adding a couple of hours.  

Multi-tasking Reindeers: Transport and possibly dinner

If all this snow brings out your inner Santa, head next door to Finland's Lapland for a 3-4 night Arctic Experience package. This involves having a go on a reindeer sleigh, a husky dog sled and a skidoo (snowmobile). 

You can also stay in an ice hotel (don’t turn the heating up) and will have a presentation on the northern lights before hopefully seeing them. Snow clothes and boots are provided.

GET THERE: Monarch Airlines flies from Gatwick and Manchester to Kittila between 30 December16 and 14 February17. Packages include all travel, activities, clothes and hotel. 

All at Sea: Northern Lights. Or The X Files

Fjord Fiesta: The daytime’s not bad either 

Finally, if you just want to sit and wait for the Northern Lights to come to you - with a money back guarantee - head to the Fjords of Norway. Shipping line Hurtigruten operates 12 Ships which ply a 2,500 mile round trip between Bergen to Kirkenes and the far north. 

With daily departures, choose the full journey (12 days), one way (6 days) or any part in-between. Bring plenty of jumpers and look out for the Northern Lights on deck with minimal light pollution outside of summer. 

With cruise ship standards, food is highly rated with plenty of fresh fish whilst the cabins are kitted out with fully assembled furniture so you can enjoy this most relaxing way to watch nature’s light show. 




GET THERE: WIth daily departures from Bergen and Kirkenes, you can fly here from UK airports. Mid-route you can fly to join a Ship at Tromso or Trondheim. Some flights operate via capital Oslo which makes an additional stopover option. Duty Free purchases are advisable!

***

Standard low cost packages are bookable through my multi destination EyeLine Travel website. 

For tailor made packages, to book a trip to any of the places featured above or just for some information, please Contact me and I will do the hard work for you. 

For holidays to Thailand, please visit:  http://boutiquethailand.co.uk and check out Facebook for current offers.

All holidays that I arrange are ABTA/ATOL protected.


david@eyelinetravel.co.uk

020 8123 2569

EyeLine Travel Facebook 
boutique thailand Facebook

Twitter (@eyelinetravel, @bouthaique)

Northern Exposure? Bad idea.

David Sutherland

EyeLine Travel 
Crawley

23 September 2016

Desperately Seeking Sunshine - Winter Sun down to a T

Beaches: More enjoyable without snow

The concept of winter sun is simple: When the weather gets cold, grey and miserable, go somewhere that isn’t. Whilst friends and work colleagues wallow in a world of frost and broken down trains, you are relaxing on a hot and sunny beach, cocktail in hand.

Of course, the objective is not to brag about this. Not too much anyway but it does make sense as it tends to be an off peak time to travel and good value. So turn up the temperature with these T infused winter sun ideas. 

Tenerife: The sun’s in Cruz control

The Canary Islands are always a safe bet for good weather year round. Pick of the bunch is Tenerife. Aim for a spa hotel in relaxed Puerto de la Cruz in the north or more developed Costa Adeje in the south. With duty free prices throughout Tenerife is also great value.

If you get bored of sitting in the sun, try astronomy on Mount Teide, wildlife at Loro Park, water slides at Siam Park, dolphins & whales in the sea, vineyards to sample, a spa day or sports such as diving, kite surfing and cycling.

GET THERE: Most flights from the UK operate to Tenerife South airport. Tenerife North is served from Heathrow or via Madrid. Average October-March temperatures are 18-24C.

Tobago: Busy is not an option  

For a guarantee of hot weather, an 8 hour flight gets you to the Caribbean. For some serious relaxation, try Tobago where the time difference is measured in years not hours. 

The best accommodation is along the coast from Crown Point. Away from the sun lounger, learn to dive, tour the island by car or boat, join the street party at weekly Sunday School or trek through the northern rainforest.

GET THERE: One stop flights operate from Gatwick to Tobago. Thomas Cook are starting non-stop from Manchester this winter. Average October-March temperatures are 30-31C. 

Zanzibar: Will you do the Fandango?

Some names just sound exotic and a winter trip to coastal Tanzania brings you to Zanzibar. This offshore group of Indian Ocean islands is famous for white powdery beaches, a relaxed vibe and the birthplace of Freddie Mercury. 

You will not get bored of these beaches but for a change you could learn to dive. Turn the trip into a multi-centre by adding a Safari on the mainland for ultimate winter kudos.

GET THERE: One stop flights operate from Heathrow or Manchester to Zanzibar via Doha, Muscat, Nairobi or Dar es Salaam. Average October-March temperatures are 31-32C.

Thailand: Once more unto The Beach

Finally, for great weather and exceptional value for money, you really can’t go far wrong with Thailand. The Land of Smiles has stunning beaches and winter is the best time to go. Aim for Phuket, Krabi or Hua Hin before Christmas time. Add Koh Samui or Koh Phangan afterwards.

Combine the beaches with vibrant Bangkok, trekking in the north or nature in Khao Sok park. Learn diving, Thai cookery or Massage techniques. Then again, you could just relax on the beach and think of the frost at home..


*****

Standard low cost packages are bookable through my multi destination EyeLine Travel website. 

For tailor made packages, to book a trip to any of the places featured above or just for some information, please Contact me and I will do the hard work for you. 

For holidays to Thailand, please visit:  http://boutiquethailand.co.uk and check out Facebook for current offers.

All holidays that I arrange are ABTA/ATOL protected.

david@eyelinetravel.co.uk

020 8123 2569




EyeLine Travel Facebook 
boutique thailand Facebook

Twitter (@eyelinetravel, @bouthaique)

Any given sun day!

David Sutherland

EyeLine Travel 
Crawley

16 September 2016

Head South this Winter with a Caped Crusade in South Africa

South Africa: The time to visit is now now

Are you looking for a holiday destination where your Pound will go a long way? Not as easy as it used to be is it? However there is one stand out destination that boks the trend: South Africa (£1=18+ Rand)

Winter sun, fine wines, red meat, Safari's Big 5, beaches with shark nets - what’s not to like? With new flights from the UK this winter, now is the time to go. Let’s see why..

Durban: Show me the Bunny

Johannesburg, South Africa’s biggest city,  rarely troubles the bucket listers. For a better big city experience, head to the tropical climate of coastal second city, Durban. The long sandy beach is on the Indian Ocean and even comes with its own shark nets. Which is either very reassuring. Or it isn’t.

A cosmopolitan city and a great example of modern South Africa, Durban had a big makeover for the 2010 World Cup. Be sure to try local Indian delicacy Bunny Chow -hollowed out bread loaves filled with curry. 

GET THERE: International flights operate to Johannesburg (1 hour from Durban) and Cape Town (2 hours). Through ticketing is available with British Airways and South African Airways services.

Kruger Park: Beware jumbo traffic jams

Very much on most bucket lists for Africa is a safari. There are many game reserves throughout the country but the biggest and best is Kruger National Park on the border with Mozambique. The 'Big 5’ are all in residence and all budgets are catered for from camping to luxury private game lodges. 

Drive yourself or if you want to actually see anything, join an organised game drive where the rangers know where to look! And don’t forget the malaria tablets which are needed in this area.

GET THERE: Fly from Johannesburg to Nelspruit or Skukuza (1 hour). Also connections to Durban and Cape Town. Collect a hire car from the airport for a self drive safari. 

That Man & Robben: Prisoner 46664 

Allow plenty of time for spectacular Cape Town with the iconic backdrop of Table Mountain - when it’s not covered by the table cloth (aka clouds). If it’s clear, ascend the 1,086m summit for stunning views. It’s 2 hours on foot. Or you can cheat with 5 minutes in a revolving cable car - subject to a visit from the Cape Doctor (aka the wind). 

Steak and wine enthusiasts will enjoy the many restaurants and bars around the Victoria & Albert Waterfront area. Take time out however to visit offshore Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated for 18 years. 

Cape Point: Lands End with sharks 

Away from the city, hire a car to visit Cape Point (70km) at the tip of Africa where the Indian and Atlantic oceans meet and where the fabled ghost ship the Flying Dutchman has been upgraded into a land based funicular.

Inland, some of the world’s best wines are produced around Stellenbosch (50km). Probably best to leave the car behind for this one. There are also opportunities for whale watching and winding up great white sharks from inside a small metal cage.

GET THERE: Cape Town has new direct flights this winter by British Airways and Thomas Cook from Gatwick. Johannesburg and Durban are 2 hours away. With an Open jaw flight (nothing to do with sharks) you can fly into one city and out of another. It is also possible to combine South Africa with Mauritius for a twin centre trip. If you want to watch a lot of films, there are cheap fares via the Middle East but this journey will be nearly twice as long as a direct flight!

*****

Standard low cost packages are bookable through my multi destination EyeLine Travel website. 

For tailor made packages, to book a trip to any of the places featured above or just for some information, please Contact me and I will do the hard work for you. 

For holidays to Thailand, please visit:  http://boutiquethailand.co.uk and check out Facebook for current offers.

All holidays that I arrange are ABTA/ATOL protected.

david@eyelinetravel.co.uk

020 8123 2569

EyeLine Travel Facebook 
boutique thailand Facebook

Twitter (@eyelinetravel, @bouthaique)

To the Hope of Good Cape!

David Sutherland

EyeLine Travel 
Crawley

9 September 2016

October Festivals: Weird and Wonderful. Mostly Weird...

Pumpkins: The Hunt for Orange October 

Autumn is a strange time of year. As the weather takes a turn for the grim, the days get shorter, the leaves fall off the trees and people’s behaviour takes a turn for the odd.

This is reflected in our October festival review. The storm after the September calm if you like. Or perhaps the Munich beer festival hangover. So if you like events that are both fascinating and a little disturbing, then read on...

How to change a lightbulb in Catalonia

People standing on top of each other should be no cause for concern. In fact in the Spanish city of Tarragona it is a competitive sport with the annual Concurs de Castells starting on 12 October16. The objective is to build colour coordinated human towers. 

Ok so far. Then picture the towers rising up to nine stories high. With a child placed on top. Add to that the local Cava festival. What could possible go wrong? Just don’t stand too close or try to join in after a few glasses of fizz...

GET THERE: The festival takes place in coastal Tarragona which is about an hour by train south of Barcelona with multiple daily flights from the UK and a good base for the region. Alternatively, the nearest airport is Reus (aka Barcelona South) served by Ryanair. 

The Roof, the Floor, the Sky is on fire

If celebrating with fire brings out your inner arsonist, then the Hindu festival of light, Diwali, is the one for you. Celebrated by Hindus all around the world, ignition starts on 30 October16.

For the best immersive experience, go to Mumbai, home of Bollywood and India’s business centre. There will be parades with lit butter and oil lamps, very loud fire crackers and a lot of fireworks. Expect a riot of colour, noise and the very real prospect of being set on fire by mistake.

GET THERE: Mumbai has daily flights from the UK. Combine with some Autumn sun in Goa which is a 1 hour flight to the south or Delhi, gateway for the Taj Mahal region, 2 hours north by air. Book well in advance unless you like rooftop rail travel. Visa on arrival is now available in India.

Thai dental floss for those nasty vegetables 

So now it starts to get a bit weird. From 1-10 October16 in Phuket, Thailand is the Phuket Vegetarian Festival. No, that’s not the strange bit. This festival is to thank the Gods for not getting malaria (I prefer taking tablets) by the Chinese communities.

It is celebrated with parades, food stalls and events at temples around the island. More darkly, it also features people in a trance like state running over hot coals and committing acts of self mutilation such a poking metal spikes through their skin. 

GET THERE: Phuket is a great holiday destination with miles of long sandy beaches and the warm, clear Andaman sea. With daily one stop flights from the UK it is easy to get to and there are plenty of top class hotels away from the gore with as much meat to eat as you like.

The Village Parade, New York: It’s a Thriller

To most people October is all about the 31st: Halloween. This involves people pretending to be dead frightening people who are not. The, er, spiritual home of this is the USA. The biggest parade in the world is The Village Parade in New York.

You will stand out amongst the estimated 2 million spectators if you don’t dress up. The parade passes through Manhattan and is followed by theme nights in bars & clubs throughout the city. 

GET THERE: New York has over 30 daily flights from the UK. The 31st is a Monday so a long weekend will give you the opportunity to explore the city’s sights, shops and nightlife although the biggest shock of all might be the £/$ exchange rate on your credit card bill!

******

Standard low cost packages are bookable through my multi destination EyeLine Travel website. 

For tailor made packages, to book a trip to any of the places featured above or just for some information, please Contact me and I will do the hard work for you. 

For holidays to Thailand, please visit:  http://boutiquethailand.co.uk and check out the Facebook page of the same name for current offers.

All holidays that I arrange are ABTA/ATOL protected.

david@eyelinetravel.co.uk

020 8123 2569

EyeLine Travel Facebook 
boutique thailand Facebook

Twitter (@eyelinetravel, @bouthaique)

It's close to midnight and something evil's lurking in the dark..

David Sutherland

EyeLine Travel 
Creepy Crawley

2 September 2016