Paul Helps People - Travel

22/11/2024

Eurowings is to launch flights to Berlin from Newcastle Airport next summer.

Flights will operate twice a week, every Thursday and Sunday from 1 May 2025 and the new service will be the only regular, direct flight to Berlin from the northeast and Yorkshire regions.

Newcastle Airport Director of Aviation Leon McQuaid said: “We are delighted to see further investment from Eurowings with new flights to Berlin next summer, complimenting the airline’s existing route to Düsseldorf.

“Berlin has always been a popular destination for the northeast travelling public and we have received lots of customer feedback asking for a direct service – so it is fantastic Eurowings is launching this new service next summer.

“I am positive the route will be hugely popular with our customers.”

Flights, with or without accommodation, can be booked through WOT Travel, so please get in touch.

☎️ 020 8891 3169
📱 07919 992288
📧 [email protected]

20/11/2024

The longest motorable route in the world! 🚘
The Pan-American Highway passes through 14 countries and is a length of 48,000 kilometres or 29,825.817 miles.

The Pan-American Highway stretches from Prudhoe Bay in Alaska to Ushuaia in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, spanning over 30,000 kilometers and making it the world’s longest drivable road network, according to Guinness World Records. This route traverses diverse landscapes, including deserts, mountains, and jungles, and crosses through 14 countries: the United States, Canada, Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Chile, and Argentina.

However, the highway has a 87-kilometer (or approximately 60-mile) impassable section known as the Darién Gap, located between Panama and Colombia.

Environmental concerns, rugged jungle terrain, and local resistance have kept this stretch undeveloped, presenting one of the last significant barriers to seamless travel across the Americas.

20/11/2024

This is what 11am looks like in “the land where the sun never rises” 🤢

In the heart of the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard lies Longyearbyen, the northernmost Arctic city in the world, located at 78 degrees latitude.

With a population of just over 2000, Longyearbyen works in as many ways as any other city. It has a supermarket, bars, church, cinema, school and even a municipal swimming pool.

What makes Longyearbyen unique is its extreme location and the phenomenon known as the polar night, during which the sun does not rise above the horizon for weeks or even months, creating a mysterious and mesmerizing atmosphere.

20/11/2024

Here’s a driving guide for the outlined route in Tasmania:

Route Overview

• Total Distance: Approx. 1,383 km
• Driving Time: Approx. 21 hours (excluding stops)
• Recommended Trip Duration: 7–10 days to fully enjoy key attractions and stops.

Key Stops and Drive Details

1. Hobart to Port Arthur (95 km, 1.5 hours)

• Route: Take the A9 Highway south-east to Port Arthur.
• Highlights:
• Port Arthur Historic Site
• Tasman Arch and Blowhole
• Remarkable Cave

2. Port Arthur to Bruny Island (via ferry, 1.5 hours to Kettering + ferry time)

• Route: Drive north back to Hobart on A9, then take the ferry from Kettering to Bruny Island.
• Highlights:
• Adventure Bay
• Cape Bruny Lighthouse
• Local produce (cheese, oysters, berries)

3. Bruny Island to Freycinet National Park (via Hobart, 220 km, 3.5 hours)

• Route: Return via ferry to Kettering, then drive north on the A3 Highway (Tasman Highway) to Freycinet.
• Highlights:
• Wineglass Bay Lookout
• Coles Bay
• Hazards Beach

4. Freycinet National Park to Launceston (176 km, 2.5 hours)

• Route: Follow the A3 north through Bicheno, then head west on the A4 to Launceston.
• Highlights:
• Cataract Gorge
• Tamar Valley wineries
• Queen Victoria Museum

5. Launceston to The Gardens (Bay of Fires) (165 km, 2.5 hours)

• Route: Head east on the A3 to St Helens, then north to The Gardens along the Bay of Fires coastline.
• Highlights:
• Binalong Bay
• Bay of Fires beaches
• Scenic coastal drives

6. The Gardens to Cradle Mountain (263 km, 4 hours)

• Route: Drive south-west via Scottsdale (B81), then take the Bass Highway (A1) and C132 to Cradle Mountain.
• Highlights:
• Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park
• Dove Lake Circuit
• Wildlife (wombats, wallabies)

7. Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair (140 km, 2.5 hours)

• Route: Drive south via the B24 and C132 through remote wilderness areas.
• Highlights:
• Lake St Clair (Australia’s deepest lake)
• Scenic walks and fishing opportunities
• Visitor center and nearby short hikes

8. Lake St Clair to Hobart (180 km, 2.5 hours)

• Route: Drive south-east on the A10 (Lyell Highway) back to Hobart.
• Highlights:
• Derwent Bridge (The Wall in the Wilderness art exhibit)
• Scenic drive along the Derwent River

Driving Tips

1. Road Conditions: Many roads in Tasmania are narrow and winding, especially in mountainous areas. Drive cautiously and be mindful of wildlife.
2. Speed Limits: Generally 100 km/h on highways; lower in towns and winding areas.
3. Fuel Stops: Fill up in major towns like Hobart, Launceston, and St Helens, as rural areas have fewer fuel stations.
4. Weather: Be prepared for sudden changes, especially in mountainous regions like Cradle Mountain.
5. Navigation: Download offline maps as phone reception can be spotty in remote areas.
6. Ferry: Plan ferry crossings for Bruny Island ahead of time; ferries can be busy during peak seasons.

20/11/2024

Hotel group Iberostar will open its first hotel in Aruba next month.

The five-star, 240-suite JOIA Aruba by Iberostar (pictured) will open in December 2024 on Eagle Beach.

JOIA Aruba follows the recent re-opening of two refurbished properties and a new addition to the portfolio.

The 361-room Iberostar Selection Creta Marine, on Crete, and the 237-room all-inclusive Iberostar Waves Gaviotas Park in Fuerteventura both reopened in summer 2024, while the Iberostar Selection Eolia Djerba has just joined the portfolio.

Continuing the growth, two new properties will open in April 2025, with the launch of the five-star Iberostar Selection Es Trenc in Majorca and the five-star Iberostar Selection Mirage Hammamet, Tunisia.

To book with, or without, flights, car rental/transfers, please get in touch with me here at WOT Travel.

☎️ 020 8891 3169
📱 07919 992288
📧 [email protected]

20/11/2024

EasyJet will launch flights to Cape Verde in summer 2025.

The three times a week service to Sal will operate from London Gatwick, starting on March 31.

The new service, easyJet's first to sub-Sahara Africa, is one of 26 new routes being launched for next summer.

EasyJet will also offer flights from Gatwick to Rimini in Italy for the first time.

It is also growing its network at London Luton with routes to the Andalusian capital Almeria in Spain and Funchal in Madeira.

From next summer, the airline will face competition at its homebase from Jet2, which is launching flights and holidays from Luton for the first time.

EasyJet also has five new routes on sale from Manchester to Izmir, Kalamata, Larnaca, Madrid and Rome.

From Birmingham, it has added four new services to Bordeaux, Gibraltar, Gran Canaria and Malta.

The airline will also serve Leeds Bradford airport with two new Spanish routes, to Malaga and Palma.

From Edinburgh, it will offer new flights to Enfidha in Tunisia and Marrakech, alongside flights to Olbia in Sardinia, and from Glasgow it has two new routes to Antalya in Turkey and Reus in Spain.

A route to Reus will also be served by a twice weekly service from Belfast International Airport.

All easyJet flights across the entire network can be booked through WOT Travel, with or without accommodation, car rental and/or transfers.

☎️ 020 8891 3169
📱 07919 992288
📧 [email protected]

19/11/2024

The longest train journey in the world, lasts about 21 days, I would like to do it one day, weather permitting.

It's a trip that starts from Portugal to Singapore, with several places to visit.

This journey starts from Lisbon to Singapore City.

The train crosses practically 13 countries with stops for visits, starting from Portugal, Spain, France, Germany, Poland, Belarus, Russia Mongolia, China, Laos, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore.

19/11/2024

Driving from Perth to Cairns via an inland route is an epic adventure covering over 5,000 kilometers (3,100 miles) through the Australian Outback. This route is rich in natural wonders, historic towns, and unique landscapes. Here’s a suggested itinerary with key stops and sightseeing opportunities:

Day 1-3: Perth to Kalgoorlie (595 km / 370 miles)

• Highlights:
- Wave Rock (Hyden): A natural rock formation shaped like a wave.
- Kalgoorlie: Explore the Super Pit Gold Mine and learn about Australia’s gold rush history at the Museum of the Goldfields.

Day 4-5: Kalgoorlie to Laverton (370 km / 230 miles)

• Highlights:
- Lake Ballard: Famous for its salt flats and Antony Gormley’s art installations.
- Gwalia Ghost Town: A preserved gold-mining town.

Day 6-8: Laverton to Alice Springs via the Great Central Road (1,650 km / 1,025 miles)

*Permits required for this section (Aboriginal land).
• Highlights:
- Tjukayirla Roadhouse: A great stop to refuel and rest.
- Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park: Take a detour to see Australia’s iconic rock formations.
- Alice Springs: Visit the MacDonnell Ranges, Desert Park, and learn about Aboriginal culture.

Day 9-11: Alice Springs to Mount Isa (1,180 km / 730 miles)

• Highlights:
- Devils Marbles (Karlu Karlu): Stunning granite boulders near Tennant Creek.
- Tennant Creek: Learn about gold mining history.
- Mount Isa: A major mining town with the Outback at Isa tourist center and underground mine tours.

Day 12-14: Mount Isa to Cairns (1,215 km / 755 miles)

• Highlights:
- Cloncurry: Visit the John Flynn Place Museum, dedicated to the founder of the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
- Undara Lava Tubes: A geological wonder worth detouring for.
- Atherton Tablelands: Enjoy waterfalls, crater lakes, and lush rainforests before descending to Cairns.

Travel Tips:

1. Vehicle: A 4WD is recommended, especially for the Great Central Road.
2. Permits: Obtain necessary permits for crossing Aboriginal land (e.g., through the Great Central Road).
3. Fuel: Plan fuel stops carefully; distances between stations can be vast.
4. Supplies: Carry plenty of water, food, and spare tires.
5. Season: The best time for this trip is during the cooler months (May–September).

17/11/2024

Tomorrow Island (Big Diomede) and Yesterday Island (Little Diomede).

The Diomede islands are just three miles apart but the bigger island is almost one day ahead of its smaller neighbour (21 hours) because they sit on either side of the International Date Line which passes through the Pacific Ocean and marks the boundary between one calendar day and the next. They sit in the Bering Strait between mainland Alaska and Siberia.

Big Diomede is located on the Russian side while Little Diomede is on the US side. The ice bridge that forms between the two islands in winter makes it possible, although illegal, to walk the short distance between them and 'travel through time'.

15/11/2024

EasyJet will launch flights from London Gatwick to Rimini on Italy’s Adriatic coast from summer 2025.

The service will start on 16 April, operating every Wednesday and Sunday, all year round.

Rimini is famed for its 10-mile-long beach, lively nightlife and Renaissance city centre.

15/11/2024

Maldives Traveller Declaration

A traveller declaration must be filled in and submitted by all passengers travelling to and from Maldives.

I really recommend that you complete this within 96 hours of travel commencing.

If customers don’t complete this form prior to travel, they will be refused entry into the country and will be asked to use the free wifi on landing to complete the form before being able to go to an immigration booth.

I therefore encourage customers to complete this prior to departure so they can smoothly continue with their journey.

The only link you should be using is:

https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv/traveller

15/11/2024

Maldives Traveller Declaration

A traveller declaration must be filled in and submitted by all passengers travelling to and from Maldives.

I really recommend that you complete this within 96 hours of travel commencing.

If customers don’t complete this form prior to travel, they will be refused entry into the country and will be asked to use the free wifi on landing to complete the form before being able to go to an immigration booth.

I therefore encourage customers to complete this prior to departure so they can smoothly continue with their journey.

The only link you should be using is:

Maldives Immigration - Navigating Towards Future

15/11/2024

Barcelona, Spain 🇪🇸

Barcelona is always a popular choice for a city break, and if you’re looking for luxury, it won’t disappoint. Hotels here boast opulent interiors, rooftop pools, top-of-the-range spas, and exclusive restaurants with picturesque terraces – but you’ll definitely want to eat out too.

Losing yourself in the labyrinth-like streets of the gothic quarter and stopping for tapas and sangria is one of the best ways to get a feel for the city. And, in the evening, the bohemian bars of El Raval are always buzzing.

The city is also known for its art and architecture, from Gaudí’s mesmerising Sagrada Familia to creative street art. Though, if you prefer galleries to graffiti, the Museu Nacional D’Art de Catalunya is a must-visit, as is the Picasso museum.

To kick back on the sand and catch some rays, head to the city beach, La Barceloneta, where you can enjoy some of the best seafood restaurants too. If you like shopping, Passeig de Gracia is also home to some of the most exclusive brands in the world, while La Boqueria market is a must-visit for foodies.

To book, please get in touch with me here at WOT Travel.

☎️ 020 8891 3169
📱 07919 992288
📧 [email protected]

14/11/2024

Virgin Atlantic to offer weekly flights to Cancún from 2025

It’s official: Virgin Atlantic is heading to Cancún from 19 October 2025.

With three flights taking off each week from London Heathrow, this is a chance to unmask Mexico.

Customers can enjoy a fiesta for their senses with its Mayan culture, idyllic swimming spots and, of course, perfectly blue beaches.

14/11/2024

Algarve, Portugal 🇵🇹

If you’re dreaming of a relaxing beach break, Portugal’s Algarve is an excellent choice. Famous for its A-grade golf courses, high-class hotels, and unspoilt fishing villages, the coastline here is one of the best in Europe.

Dotted with over 100 beaches, from sweeping stretches of sand to crescent-shaped bays and rocky inlets, it’s the perfect place to unwind. Whether you want to stay in a five-star hotel or a stylish villa, you’ll never be far from sea and sand.

The port town of Albufeira is one of the Algarve’s most popular spots, and it makes a fabulous base. The old town boasts cobbled streets, bustling squares, colourful markets, and al fresco restaurants, while the modern part has swish hotels and buzzing open-air bars.

For somewhere quieter, the sleepy fishing village of Olhos d’Agua is lovely, as is Sao Rafael, which is famous for its rugged rock formations. Inland, the hilltop villages of Monchique, Alte, and Silves are especially scenic too.

To book, please get in touch with me here at WOT Travel.

☎️ 020 8891 3169
📱 07919 992288
📧 [email protected]

13/11/2024

Churchill Autumn

From early October to mid-November, polar bears gather along the shore of The Hudson Bay during their annual autumn migration.

13/11/2024

Experience Lapita Dubai Parks and Resorts, Autograph Collection - a 5-Star family destination , where Polynesian architecture meets stunning surroundings.

When staying at Lapita, Dubai Parks and Resorts, guests will have direct access to the theme parks such as MotionGate Dubai, LegoLand Dubai, Lego Land Water park and Riverland Dubai.

Theme parks are just a short walk away, allowing guests to easily move between them during their stay.

Lapita Guests can enjoy an exclusive 50 % off at Neon Galaxy at Riverland Dubai.

To book these, and any other offers you have seen, as well as your own requirements, please get in touch with me here at WOT Travel.

☎️ 020 8891 3169
📱 07919 992288
📧 [email protected]

13/11/2024

Sydney, the capital of the state of New South Wales and one of Australia’s largest cities, is especially known for the Sydney Opera House, which sits on the waterfront and has a design inspired by boat sails.

The enormous Darling Harbour and the smaller Circular Quay harbour are hubs of seaside living. Nearby is the Sydney Bay Bridge, and the Royal Botanical Garden. The Skywalk, Sydney Tower’s outer platform, offers a 360-degree view of the city and suburbs.

Population: 5,297 million (6/30/2022)
Total area: 12,145 km2
Coordinates: 33° 51′ 54′′ S, 151° 12′ 34′′ L
State: New South Wales