Posted by Jackie Hewett on Sun 28th October 2007 at 03:03 AM, Filed in Travel Tips
This subject has been the topic of increasing debate, not least because of the DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) issue, but also because many of us (accurately) believe that leg-room has been shrinking while people size (height and width) is acknowledged to be on the increase.
If you are interested in the leg-room subject you are probably an economy class traveler, so this article focuses on that area.
Firstly, what are we talking about when we bandy around the term ‘leg-room’? There are several key measurements to be aware of, but the most important, and accurate; gauge is seat-pitch - which is the measurement between a point on one seat’s headrest and the same point on the headrest in front, commonly expressed in inches. Seat-pitch doesn’t just vary between aircraft, it also varies between long-haul / short haul flights, and different airlines, who may even have different seat configurations for a single aircraft type for reasons good to themselves. If you want to know the exact seat pitch your best bet is to check out the excellent site SeatGuru (which is quite American focussed) who do their best to keep up to date information on each aircraft / airline combination, but don’t cover every airline.
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Posted by Jackie Hewett on Thu 25th October 2007 at 07:33 PM, Filed in Travel News
Nicknamed the ‘Superjumbo’, the Airbus A380 took its first commercial flight today (25th October 2007) from Singapore to Sidney for Singapore Airlines. The flight today was configured for 455 passengers, some paid thousands to be on the first flight. However, this double-decker, four engine (Rolls Royce Trent 900) plane can be configured to take 853 passengers (and 20 crew) on a wholly economy basis. The A380 now steals the title of largest passenger plane in the world from the Boeing 747 with 50% more space.
The plane has been in design since the early 1990’s, but it was in December 2000 that build really took off with the Airbus board voting on the final design to fulfil 55 orders. According to its manufacturers the A380 is the most fuel efficient and quietist passenger jet ever built, with cabin noise allegedly 50% lower than most passenger aircraft.
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Mexico is starting to dip into the Naturist market. With a wonderful climate and beautiful beaches it’s the perfect area to ‘practice’ getting an all over suntan. However, they seem to be starting with the (more lucrative) ‘hedonistic’ adults only variety!
I prefer my naturism to be more of the family variety / for all ages – young, old and in between all enjoying each others company without being too ‘organised’. But there is room on the planet for everyone, and if couples don’t want to be pestered by kids, or feel restricted in the company of ‘golden oldies’ who am I to criticise!
Hidden Beach Resort – Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico on the famous Riviera Maya
This is a new, 5* 100% naturist resort with nudity acceptable day and night in all areas. It’s an all-inclusive hideaway with gourmet food – and room service.
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Posted by Jill Bowen on Fri 19th October 2007 at 03:28 AM, Filed in Europe
I have just returned from an all-inclusive Turkey – at the Xanadu Resort Hotel. Having stayed on other all-inclusive holidays, in the Caribbean and Turkey, and experienced the wonderful hospitality and luxury of Thailand I had high expectations; this holiday exceeded them! Incredible value for money, the ultimate in luxury, and the most relaxing and pampered 14 days I have ever had.
What made it so special?
Was it the beautifully appointed bathrooms and fluffy white dressing gowns?
Was it the 5-star service throughout the hotel?
Was it the fantastic quality of the food for each meal?….as opposed to a lot of all inclusive holidays, the maxim of the Xanadu is quality – rather than the usual vast quantities of everything tasting the same for 14 days. The breakfasts and lunches were superb.
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Posted by Jackie Hewett on Mon 15th October 2007 at 03:15 AM, Filed in October
Since 1999, on the week-end closest to Halloween, New Orleans hosts a music festival which now boasts over 100 rock bands and musicians performing. So if you want to do something different from the usual ‘trick or treating’ events you may want to grab yourself some tickets.
In 2007 the event is due to be held from 26th to 28th October in City Park. As this festival really is all about the music the best thing is to give you an idea of the sort of music hosted - here are some of the big names booked for 2007:
- The Smashing Pumpkins
- Sinead O’Conner
- The Black Crowes
- Dr John
- Tiesto
- Rage Against the Machine
- Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals
- Fall Out Boy
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