Who’s 1st? All Aboard the Ship of Fools!

The first day of April is like no other. It is dedicated to the Fool. April Fool’s Day is a day traditionally celebrated in English and French speaking countries as well as Scandinavia, Italy, Poland and Iran (Sizdah Bedar in case you were wondering).

Given your undoubted wisdom, it is unlikely I could convince you with tales such as Ryanair giving out free meals, French Air Traffic Controllers signing a non-strike agreement or a man from Leeds posing for a photo with an Egypt Air hijacker. 

Indeed it does seem that travel has become a little more serious of late. So for the sake of pure frivolity, let’s pay homage to All Fools Day quite literally and visit some of the Foolish places on earth on our metaphorical Ship of Fools...

Get a rise out of Niagara 

Where better to start than across the Atlantic in the USA. A visit to Niagara Falls is high on many people’s lists and it doesn’t disappoint. Drive up from Boston to Toronto and you can visit Fools Creek in Pennsylvania close to Lake Erie on the way to Niagara which sits on the US/Canada border. 

New and Improved Orleans

Alternatively, head further south to lively New Orleans on the mighty Mississippi river. Just a four hour drive from the Big Easy will bring you to the Fools River in the deepest Louisiana. 


If you are a fan of single digit temperatures then the most northerly state of Alaska comes through with Fool Island. Some distance from capital Anchorage, one can only assume it’s named after visitors trying to liberate wild salmon from the local bear population. Good luck with that then.

Baked Alaska? Unlikely

TRAVEL: For New England and Niagara Falls, fly to Boston or Toronto and drive. Go in the autumn and the changing colours of the foliage are extraordinary. 

There are no direct flights from the UK to New Orleans or Anchorage but plenty of one stop options. Mardi Gras is at the end of February and Alaska is best seen during the summer, i.e. when it slightly defrosts. 

Barrier Reef - keeping the sharks out

Moving right around the world to the tropical climate of Queensland, Australia and the town of Cairns is the stop off point to see the amazing Great Barrier Reef before it gets too bleached. A side trip to nearby Normanton (8 hours drive) will bring you to Fools Creek Lagoon, named after foolhardy swimmers who tend to end up inside one of the resident crocodiles.

Tasmanian Devils: they look friendly

Off the southern Australian coast is the less visited island of Tasmania. It is a wildlife oasis, even with it’s own Devils! Just a one hour drive from capital Hobart will bring you to remote Wellington Park, home to Fools Tarn.

TRAVEL: Fly to Melbourne or Sydney then it’s a 3 hour flight to Cairns or if you prefer being in discomfort, it’s only 48 hours by coach from Sydney. October-November is the peak diving time with fewest jelly fish (because the sharks eat them..). 

Heading south over the Tasman Sea, it is a 2 hour flight to Hobart which is best visited October to May when it is warmest.

The Ganges: Waves and Wakes

The next stop is the Indian State of Uttar Pradesh, home to the spiritual and cultural city of Varanasi on the banks of the Ganges. Known for its regular colourful festivals as well as burial ceremonies in the sacred river so it’s probably best to leave the swimming for the hotel pool. 

A visit to India will involve visiting many a pur (meaning city) such as Jaipur or Nagpur but Varanasi is fortunate to be close to the regional town of Foolpur - less than flattering for its citizens. 

Isfahan: Sun down without the Sundowner

We round off our journey with unexpected 1st April fans, Iran. Now very much on limits, Iran is attracting a lot of interest as a new destination for the adventurous. Culturally rewarding, definitely under touristed and great for a detox programme, a visit to Tehran will get people’s attention at dinner parties. 

To the south is third city Isfahan home to many architectural treasures and designated UNESCO heritage sites overshadowing nearby Fooladshahr. 

TRAVEL: Varanasi is best seen between October to April before the hot and wet seasons. It is under 2 hours flight from Delhi which is less than the time it will take to queue up for a train ticket. 

Tehran is now accessible with direct BA flights from Heathrow in 6 hours. All visits should be part of an organised group.

Keen to fool-fill your ambitions to see more of the World? For further inspiration, please visit my Website and Facebook page and follow me on Twitter.

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My foolish & favourite things!

David Sutherland
EyeLine Travel (ABTA L3832)

1 April 2016   

Woof! The Country has gone to the Dogs!

Bernard: anyone for shots?

As the excitement of this week’s budget wears off and the EU referendum debate enters its final 100 days, it’s hard not feel envy towards the country’s dogs who live in blissful ignorance of such matters. Indeed the dog world has been focused on last weekend’s Crufts, the largest dog show in the world. Or in the case of the contestants, the after show plate of sausages. Whether you are a dog owner or not, it is clear the dog has an important place in society which is celebrated in different ways around the world. If you want to see how other cultures celebrate the dog, then these are your must see destinations.

Chateaux Chillon: not made out of chocolate 

Famed mountain dogs the St Bernard originate from the region of the same name in Switzerland. Renown mountain rescue dogs, they even have a museum dedicated to them in Martigny which is in the spectacular Valais region of Switzerland. Fortunately the St Bernard Pass is a road over the Alps to Italy rather than the contents of one of its namesakes.

GET THERE: The Valais region is best accessed from Geneva which is served by flights from across the UK. If not driving then use Switzerland’s clinically efficient train system to travel the length of Lake Geneva to stunning Montreux which is well worth a stop and is home to Chateaux Chillon. Martigny is the next main town on the road which turns off to ski resort Verbier or continues towards Zermatt, home to the mighty Matterhorn.

Mush-y please: The dogs are after Rudolph’s job

If you prefer dogs as a form of transport in cold weather then you cannot go wrong with a dog sledding experience. Traditionally found in snowy environments, you can experience this in Alaska, Canada and Scandinavia amongst many others but for a trip with a difference, try Iceland. The country not the shop. In summer you can visit the Langjokull glacier during the day or day (it’s the land of the midnight sun during the summer) by husky power. 

GET THERE: Fly to Reykjavik from a number of UK Airports. The 3 hour flight makes this an ideal short break destination with the city itself worth visiting along with the famous Blue Lagoon geothermal spa. The Langjokull Glacier is accessible as a day trip from Reykjavik but leave the summer clothes behind - summer or not, it is still a large chunk of ice covered in snow!

De la Seoul: Me, Myself and lots of dogs.

The concept of the Cat Cafe is of course now well established but the Bau House cafe in Seoul, South Korea has put dogs on the menu. Not literally, of course but it has created an environment where you can spend some time with various varieties of pooch. Reviews suggest you really need to be a dog fan for this one as it can get, how can I put this, rather aromatic inside. There is plenty more to see in this small country from high tech in Samsung-centric Seoul to spectacular scenery and mountains in the countryside which will host the 2018 Winter Olympics.

GET THERE: Seoul is accessible daily from London (make sure you book to South Korea) and makes an alternative stopover on the way to Australasia. It can be twinned with a trip to neighbouring Japan (to compare the cat cafes?) to which it is linked by air and sea (from southern Busan port).

Point Bark: Who let the dogs out at Surf City? 

If you prefer your dogs outside and active in warm weather then the only place to go is the town of Huntington Beach in California. The unsurprisingly named Dog Beach hosts an annual dog surfing competition in the last week of September. Hilariously described as 'surfing unleashed' and 'doggone fun’ it certainly draws in the crowds. Fortunately there are a number of other beaches nearby for you to go swimming afterwards and these ones even have surfing classes for humans.

GET THERE: Huntington Beach is south of Los Angeles in Orange County. Handy for Disneyland too. Or should that be the other other way round? Take one of the daily flights to Los Angeles, visit the theme parks then hire a car and explore California. Keep heading south for San Diego or north to San Francisco.

Keen to unleash yourself into the World and need more ideas? Please visit my Website and Facebook page and follow me on Twitter.

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Barking up the right tree!

David Sutherland
EyeLine Travel (ABTA L3832)

18 March 2016   

City Brakes: Cost Saving in the World’s most Expensive Cities

Heading for a night out in Singapore

A list of the most expensive cities in the world has just been published by the Economist Intelligence Unit (a sort of MI5 for accountants). Out of 133 countries, the top ten comprises (in reverse order) are Los Angeles (10), Seoul (9), Copenhagen (8), New York (7), London (6), Paris (5), Geneva (4), Hong Kong (3), Zürich (2) and Singapore (1).

Now we all like a city break to experience the energy of a different city but are some cities just too expensive to visit as a tourist or is there a way to cut down on costs? 

You could opt to visit the cheapest cities in the survey but, to be fair,  Bangalore and Lusaka don’t feature too highly on most city break wish lists. Where to then? Let’s look at some of the top ten cities that you might want to visit and how you can get more for less.

Copenhagen: Paint the town red. Or orange or...

Copenhagen ranks at 8th on the list.The Danish capital is a great short break destination. It can also get you through your Danish Kroners quicker than you can say Hans Christian Andersen. So on arrival, buy a Copenhagen Card which offers discounted entry to a number of attractions as well as use of public transport and free entry to Tivoli Gardens. 

Follow the locals and hire a bicycle to tour the area and steer well clear of the 20 Michelin starred restaurants including world beater, Noma which should in any case be fully booked for it’s final year. 

HOW: Copenhagen benefits from a very competitive flight market with direct flights from all five London airports (i.e. not Southend), Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Newcastle. Fans of seasickness will be disappointed to learn that the UK/Denmark ferry service has been discontinued. 

Zürich: surrounded by giant Toblerones

Switzerland’s reputation precedes it so unsurprisingly, Geneva makes 4th on the list whilst Zürich is 2nd. It’s as if the streets and lakes are paved with gold. 

German speaking Zürich is well worth a visit. Buy a Zürich Card which offers discounted entrance to museums and night clubs (order a drink at your financial peril) and access to boats, cable cars and public transport in the city. There’s also a sinister sounding 'culinary surprise’. 

If you like orange, stay at the EasyHotel and for a filling meal order the local delicacy, Rösti, which resembles a full english covered in potatoes and cheese. That should keep you going all day.

HOW: Multiple daily flights operate to Zürich from the London five, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh and Inverness. Geneva is similarly well served.

New York: the electricity bill must be huge

New York is one of our favourite short break cities. And bank breaking ones. At 7th in the list it is just below London and Paris. A poor exchange rate means NYC is not the shopping bargain it once was. There is however so much more to the Big Apple and the locals like a bargain. 

This is the place to load up on discount coupons. There is always a deal happening somewhere so be informed and avoid dining out or going to the theatre at peak times. Portions err on the large side, breakfast is always a bargain and the gourmet Food Trucks are legendary.  

Get around on the Subway -it is much faster than the iconic yellow cabs and has the advantage of knowing where it’s going. A New York City Pass can be bought to give discounted admission to a number of attractions such as the Empire State Building.

HOW: Fly to JFK or Newark from Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow or Edinburgh. Heathrow alone has an astonishing 30+ flights per day which keeps things competitive.

No need to be Singa-poor in this exciting city

So to the number one. Granted, Singapore is not generally a weekend destination but if you find yourself in that part of the world then it’s a stopover you will want to make. How then to do so without spending more on the stopover than the main event? 

The tourist office go out of their way to help people discover their city.There are good deals to be had so keep informed via the many wifi spots in the city about happy hours and restaurant deals. Get an EZ Link pass for the metro system and travel quickly and cheaply (although taxis are one of the bargains here). 

Eat hot fresh food in the street markets of China Town and Little India or in the vast food courts in the endless air conditioned shopping malls. Book a hotel deal before arriving - discounts are available for transiting Singapore Airlines passengers. Lay off the Slings at the Raffles hotel - just visit and take photos and enjoy the many outdoor spaces on foot given that the year round temperature is 30c. These include the botanical gardens, outdoor gardens at Bay South and the arts scene at the Esplanade for no cost at all. 


Thirsty for more knowledge and ideas, frugal or otherwise? Please visit my Website and Facebook page and follow me on Twitter.

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Break the mould not the Bank!

David Sutherland
EyeLine Travel (ABTA L3832)
11 March 2016

Don’t be a Fool - April Festival Destinations

Spring: it occurs every year

Apparently it’s Spring now. That means the cold winter weather is long gone as we head towards longer days and the prospect of a barbecue summer. Probably. But then again the weather in the UK just isn’t that predictable. 

Let’s turn our attention to April elsewhere when Spring should have well and truly sprung. With Easter out of the way, there are a number of amazing April Festivals where variety is indeed the spice of life.

Spring Skiing: Snow, Sun and The Prodigy  

Before we get too excited by the impending warm weather, April sees the end of the European skiing season with many end of season parties. Ischgl in Austria has an annual closing concert which this year is headlined by Muse on 30 April. Entry is free to lift pass holders as it takes place mid mountain. 

Staying in Austria and Mayrhofen hosts the legendary Snowbombing festival between 4-9 April. Nothing to do with the ski patrol, it is a huge week long electronic music festival on the slopes to fit around your daytime skiing. This year’s main headliners are The Prodigy.

HOW: Packages are available for either Ischgl or Mayrhofen (party included) flying via Innsbruck.

King’s Day in Amsterdam - not an EasyJet party

If dressing in Orange floats your boat then you can combine the two in a giant Dutch street party on 27 April to celebrate Koningsdag (King’s Day) in honour of King Willem Alexander’s birthday (formerly Queens Day prior to Queen Beatrix's abdication in 2013). Head to Amsterdam for the biggest celebrations involving the colour orange, barges and a huge inpouring of Grolsch. 

HOW: Fly to Amsterdam, stay central and buy some orange clothes. 

Seville: non stop partying in April heat

No month would be complete without a Spanish Fiesta and it’s the Feria de Abril (April Festival) in Seville. Falling two weeks after Easter it runs from 12-17 April this year to take place before it gets too hot (by then it will likely be 30c). A huge site filled with horse drawn carriages taking locals in Andalusian dress to hundreds of invite only casetas (tents) providing non-stop food, flamenco and dancing. There are public casetas available to join in the fun if your name’s not down. 

HOW: Fly to Seville and stay centrally (the Feria site is walking distance from the old town) 
or fly to Malaga and take the train (2h15m). 

Japan: the best place to find your cherries

Heading away from Europe and April sees the spectacular Sakura (Cherry Blossom) Festival throughout Japan. In a country where the trains really do run on time, the arrival of the blossoms is reliant on Mother Nature to some degree but events are laid on throughout the country in April. 

Hanami is the concept of enjoying the Cherry Blossoms with friends (and a cold Asahi). It is an amazing time to visit the country.Tokyo, Osaka and especially Kyoto are the places to aim for. With a favourable exchange rate it is also a much better value country to visit these days.

HOW: Fly to Tokyo or Osaka. Frequent Shinkansen trains from Tokyo (2h20m) or Osaka (15m) to Kyoto. 

April: it's Thailand not Dryland

Finally, if you really want to literally let off some steam and thought water fights were the preserve of students, head to Thailand for the Thai New Year Festival, Songkran. Held each year from 13-15 April the idea is to cleanse the soul (not always easy with river water).

With a calendar 543 years ahead of our one, the most enthusiastic celebrations are in 40c+ Chiang Mai in the north. Just remember to leave your phone in the hotel safe - you will get very, very wet!

HOW: Fly to Chiang Mai via Bangkok (1h) or an overnight train journey. Keep the taxi windows wound up on the journey from the airport if you want any dry possessions!  

For further inspiration, please visit my Website and Facebook page and follow me on Twitter.

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Time to put a Spring in you step!

David Sutherland
EyeLine Travel (ABTA L3832)
4 March 2016

Summer Holiday Panic? Ideas for an Alternative August

The Press: Saying it how it isn't

So that's it then, no holiday this year - they've all gone. Mass hysteria has swept the nation and the only hotel with vacancies in August is the Kabul Travelodge. Really? The Tabloids do like a good scare story but what are the facts and what should you do if you have not yet booked your August summer holiday? What you should not do is panic. 

Benidorm: already popular in August 

The facts are that with Egypt and Tunisia all but off limits and with bookings to Turkey sharply down, the number of early bookings to the Western Med (Spain and Portugal) are higher than usual and Greece is catching up. 

Capacity is being switched to the in demand destinations where possible but there are obvious constraints and it is inevitable that prices here will rise. Add to this the fall in value of the Pound v the Euro. What then are the alternatives for an August sunshine trip that will not break the budget? 

Cantabria: plenty of fish in the sea 

If the August crowds and heat of southern Spain are too much then why not head north to Cantabria. This fertile region has long sandy beaches and some of the best seafood on the planet. Excursions inland to the Pyrenean foothills and Rioja wine lands offer plenty of distractions.

HOW? Fly or Ferry to Santander or Bilbao. Rent an apartment or Villa and self drive . 

Corsica: One of the great beaches of course

If France is more your thing but the thought of spending your entire budget on a round of ice creams in Antibes fills you with dread then look offshore to the island of Corsica. With family friendly beaches on the south east coast and the town of Porto Vecchio to explore, this is a piece of France that feels very removed from the mainland and better value.

HOW? Fly to Figuri in the south. Rent a Villa or apartment.

Not packed in like Sardinians

Next door to Corsica and across the water from the Amalfi crowds and traffic jams is Sardinia. The north has the glitz and the glamour but head south for quieter beaches. Boat trips to remote caves and beaches and historic towns add a touch of adventure. Then there's the food...

HOW? Fly to Calgiari in the south. Rent an apartment or bungalow close to the beach.

About 101 Dalmatians on this beach

Moving over to the Adriatic, if Greece is looking too busy then nearby Croatia has been winning lots of new admirers. With long, wild (and pebbly) coastlines and fascinating old towns, the Dalmation coast has plenty to offer. Lopud island a short boat ride from Dubrovnik has sandy beaches, less people and no cars.

HOW? Fly to Dubrovnik or Split. Rent an apartment or book a beachfront hotel. 

Thailand: It's a long way...

If you are still looking for somewhere less obvious for your August sun then here's one last suggestion. Thailand. Yes, Thailand. Granted it is a significantly longer flight and it is technically the wet season, i.e. off peak. However, head to Koh Samui on the Gulf Coast (South China Sea side) and this area is not affected by the heavy rains on the west coast. You can expect some rain but probably less than an August Bank Holiday on Blackpool beach. And it is considerably warmer! 

Thailand: but it's very nice!

The logic of Thailand? If you are looking at a 10-14 day holiday, you will probably be surprised to find that the costs will not be vastly different from a mid-August break in southern Europe. Prices are much lower and the standard of hotels, food and service is very high relative to the cost. Also a trip to the Spa won't immediately re-stress you when you get the bill.

HOW: Fly to Koh Samui via Bangkok. Stay in a boutique hotel or beach bungalow on quieter Mae Nam beach.

The sun hasn't set on August yet

Wherever you choose to go, there are always alternatives. Try something new and don't be persuaded by panic headlines just to be somewhere overcrowded and pay overpriced charges. The world is a big place so be adventurous - you might find somewhere new that you want to go back to time and time again!

For further inspiration, please visit my Website and Facebook page and follow me on Twitter.

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A change is as good as a rest!

David Sutherland
EyeLine Travel (ABTA L3832)
26 February 2016

Turn your Ski Holiday into The Jump - If you Dare?

It doesn't look so easy from up here.

If you have watched The Jump on Channel 4 then you will be familiar with the 'celebrities' who try their hand at a number of snow sports culminating in ski jumping. This year's show has been keeping the Austrian medical system busy and whilst nobody wants to see an Olympic hero get hurt, let's be honest, it's good value watching the reality stars come a cropper. But if you are thinking, 'I quite fancy a go at that', then this is how.

Kühtai: Ideal for people who like snow 

If you want to visit the scene of the action, then you can just visit Kühtai in Austria where The Jump is filmed. Good, high slopes close to Innsbruck make this a good late season choice. Once the cameras have gone, that is. Resort access is via a 45 minute transfer from Innsbruck which is served by British Airways, Monarch and EasyJet.

Ski Cross: Whose line is it anyway?

If you are ready to take your skiing or boarding to the next level then there are race training clinics in most resorts run by the ski schools. The top rated Warren Smith Academy runs race clinics in Switzerland's Verbier whilst the French ESF run Ski and Boarder cross courses in France's Val Thorens if you are up for the challenge!

Skeleton: Who's idea was this?

Not challenging enough? How about the Skeleton Bob which sounds like it's an extreme diet and looks like it was invented as a way of getting home from the pub. If descending an ice track at 70kph on a tray appeals, head to Lillehammer in Norway, home of the 1994 Winter Olympics. For 990 Krone (that's about £100) you get to ride the Skeleton track twice - because once would never be enough would it? There are five nearby ski resorts once you have had your adrenaline fix. Lillehammer is a 2h transfer from Oslo (Gardermoen) which is served by British Airways, Norwegian and SAS from the UK.

Jamaica: Cool Running in the Bob

All good and well you say, but is there a faster way to go down the ice? There is indeed in the form of the Bobsleigh. Head to La Plagne in France for a ride down in a racing Bob. For 122 Euros, you can hurtle down the ice at up to 120kph. It will be filmed as well so you can relive the terror long after your bank account has recovered. For the lightweights, there is also a slower 80kph Bob raft experience for 44 Euros.

La Plagne is offered by all major Tour Operators and has one of the largest ski areas in the world combined with 
Les Arcs. Fly to Geneva with EasyJet, Monarch or 
British Airways and its a 2h30m transfer. 
Alternatively take the direct Eurostar from London.

Saalfelden: Jumping is restricted to those over 6 years old

Finally, to the actual ski jumping. The Austrian town of Saalfelden specialises in jumping. It has four jumps at 15m, 30m, 60m and 85m height. There is an age limit for lessons - you must be at least 6! So not only can you wallow in your own terror, you can be out jumped by small Austrian children who will no doubt find your attempts hilarious.

Ski Jumping: You say Jump, I say How High?

The specialist Skisprungschule offers two day courses for 240 Euros. Courses run throughout the winter and somehow in the summer as well - that could be more painful I suspect. How high do you Jump in your lesson? I guess that's up to you. 

Saalfelden is linked to the newly expanded Saalbach-Hinterglemm region, one of Austria's largest with a fast lift network  Transfer time is 1h40m from Salzburg. Fly there with EasyJet, Ryanair or Norwegian.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you are interested in trying any of the activities covered here, please check your travel insurance carefully before taking part as it is unlikely extreme sports will be covered and you may need an additional activity specific policy. Medical care in the mountains is very expensive. 

With fantastic snow conditions across Europe there is plenty of time left this season with availability up to Easter. Contact me for a tailor made package to visit any of these locations. Or anywhere else for that matter. 

For further inspiration, please visit my Website and Facebook page and follow me on Twitter.

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Remember, you've got to get up to get down!

David Sutherland
EyeLine Travel (ABTA L3832)
19 February 2016