We’re all going on a summer holiday.

“We’re going where the sun shines brightly
We’re going where the sea is blue”

So sung Cliff Richard in the film “Summer Holiday” as he drove his No.9 London bus from London to the South of France via Dover and Paris. With the lifting of restrictions on non-essential travel to certain overseas destinations we can all look forward to a summer holiday at home or abroad this year.

https://youtu.be/am5VNGSDpdI

The full list of countries and territories exempt from advice against “all but essential” international travel can be found here. The list includes the majority of the most popular travel destinations for British tourists but not all. Beware just because a country is on the list doesn’t mean you can currently visit without quarantine on arrival or some other condition of entry.

1. SPAIN – British tourists have been free to visit Spain from 21st June. Some hotels, even in the main tourist areas have still not opened there are still plenty of options to be had. At least 48 hours before you travel you will need to provide health information relating to Covid 19, find out more here.

Arc de Triomphe  Copyright British Airways
Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France

2. FRANCE – From 4th July UK citizens has been allowed to enter France without restriction.

3. ITALY – You are free to enter as long as you have not been outside the UK in the 14 days before you travel. Italian government advice is that you must avoid using public transport and must arrange to be collected, take a taxi or hire a car.

4. USA – The USA is NOT on the list and is very unlikely to accept European visitors for a considerable time never mind be added to the UK exempt list.

5. REPUBLIC OF IRELAND – Unless you are travelling from Northern Ireland then most visitors will still need to self isolate for 14 days. Get up to date information here.

Amsterdam Copyright Britisih Airways
Amsterdam, The Netherlands

6. NETHERLANDS – You are free to visit the Netherlands, but you are currently required to complete a health screening form. In fact many facilities have been allowed to reopen much earlier than originally envisaged.

7. GREECE – Greece is a bit messy at the moment. UK citizens have been free to enter from 1st July there are no direct flights operating until 15th July at the earliest. You can fly via a 3rd country like Bulgaria (which is not on the exempt list). You should complete the Passenger Locator Form 48 hours before you are due to arrive and strongly recommended to download the visit Greece app.

8. PORTUGAL – Mainland Portugal is NOT on the exempt list, but the Azores and Madeira are. Yet on arrival you will have to provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 test 72 hours before arrival or take a test on arrival. However you are still required to isolate for 14 days on your return to the UK. Keep yourself updated here.

9. POLAND – There are no restrictions or conditions on travel to Poland.

Dalaman, Turkey  Copyright British Airways

Dalaman, Turkey

10. TURKEY – You are free to travel to Turkey. You will be screened at the airport and asked for you accommodation details.

British Airway currently have a sale. There are some very attractive flight and holiday deals. For example they are offering flights from £27 return to Malaga, from September to May 2021. Their holiday division is running a promotion of up to £200 off holidays taken up to 30th September 2020 (terms and conditions apply).

Contact Maggie today to book your “Summer Holiday”, she will also help you with any administration associated with your travel.

Fly with British Airways this summer. Pay with your British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card and get 3 Avios for every £1 spent with British Airways or BA Holidays. Don’t have a card, there is a 25,000 bonus Avios welcome offer, if you spend £3,000 in your first six months of Cardmembership. Spend £10,000 in a year and receive a free companion voucher.

Perth is a culture shock

Maybe not so much today, but back in the 1970s it might have felt that way. Along with Honolulu, Perth is one of the remotest cities in the world. “Perth is a culture shock” by the Perth based “The Victims” who were a punk band active from 1977 to 1979. The actual track was not actually released until 2005.

Australia is one of the top long haul destinations that travellers want to visit once travel restrictions are lifted. Qantas fly direct and then on to 10 other destinations or you can add on a leg from other popular destinations such as Doha, Dubai, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

Qantas non-stop to Perth

Perth is Australia’s sunniest city and temperatures even average above 18°C even in winter. In summer, average temperatures are over 30°C with 11 hours of sunshine. In the Perth metropolitan area there are 19 unique beaches to choose from including the world famous Cottesloe (Cott) Beach with its picturesque pavilion, and experience a wonderful Indian Ocean sunset.

The Crawley Edge Boatshed
Copyright tourism.wa.gov.au
The Crawley Edge Boatshed

Perth’s city sights are easily accessible with one of the free Central Area Transit (CAT) bus that connect all the cities main tourist attractions. Just because it’s remote does not mean that Perth lacks high culture, you can visit the ballet, opera or art gallery. Choose between the Art Gallery of Western Australia, the Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts or the Aboriginal Art and Craft Gallery or take in all three. Established in 1899, visit the Perth Mint and watch a live gold pour and see the world’s largest collection of gold bars.

Watching the sunrise at Kings Park and Botanic Garden with the Perth Skyline in the background.  Copyright tourism.wa.gov.au
Watching the sunrise at Kings Park and Botanic Garden
with the Perth Skyline in the background.

If you get as far down the coast as Freemantle then make a visit to the historic prison where convicts from the UK were incarcerated .

Corridor in Fremantle Prison, Fremantle Copyright tourism.wa.gov.au/
Corridor in Fremantle Prison, Fremantle

Other highlights would be to take a cruise up the the Swan River or make a tour of the wineries along the Swan Valley. Many people head off to the Caversham Wildlife Park, east of Perth where you can meet koalas, wombats, kangaroos and many other native wildlife. The absolute must see if you travel all that way is a trip out to Rottnest Island, a protected nature reserve, home to the Quokka, a small wallaby-like marsupial.

Taking selfie with Quokka (Setonix brachyurus) on Rottnest Island.  Copyright tourism.wa.gov.au
Taking a selfie with Quokka (Setonix brachyurus) on Rottnest Island.

Pay with your British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card or collect Avios and fly with BA for less.

To book your trip “down under” contact Maggie today and explore what Perth has to offer you.

Where are we now?

East Side Gallery Copyright: visitberlin, Foto: Philip Koschel
Art on the Berlin Wall

This week we are in Berlin. In 2013 having not released any new material for 10 years David Bowie released his 24th album “The Next Day” on his 66th birthday. The first single to be released from that album was “Where are we now?” and reached no 6 in the UK charts and no 2 in the German charts. The song and the video below make references to places in Berlin that have a connection with Bowie.

Where are we now? Berlin!

After 19 secs we see some of the graffiti art on the few remaining sections of the Berlin Wall. These are worth the time and effort to see on your trip to Berlin. Potsdamer Platz (0.28) was the place to be in the 1920s. Today you’ll find the Lego Discovery Centre nearby. A great option if its raining and you have children. The Fernsehturm (TV Tower) is Berlin’s tallest landmark and the view on a clear day is superb.

Copyright: visitBerlin, Foto: Sarah Lindemann
Fersehturm – Berlin

The back entrance to the German Parliament (Bundestag) is next on the route, followed by Nürnberger Strasse where Bowie played several times in The Dschungel nightclub. Although reference is made to the KaDeWe department store (1:10) is made we actually get to see the magnificent Cathredral (Dom). Berlin’s answer to Marble Arch is up next. The Brandenburg Gate (1:49) is one of the most recognised sites in the city.

Brandenburger Tor Copyright: visitberlin, Foto: Wolfgang Scholvien
Brandenburger Tor / Brandenburg Gate

Berlin makes a great destination for a short break. There is so much to see that you will want to go back again. Not be missed are the Wall Museum and Check Point Charlie, the Jewish museum, the largest in Europe, the very moving Holocaust Memorial and not too far from the city centre is the former concentration camp at Sachsenhausen.

Holocaust Memorial Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe Copyright visitBerlin, Foto: Pierre Adenis
Holocaust Memorial

Contact Maggie today and explore Berlin, a city full of history and culture.

British Airways fly direct to Berlin. Pay with your British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card or collect Avios and fly with BA for less.

What’s new, Buenos Aires?!

So goes the first line of the “Buenos Aires” from the musical “Evita” by Andrew Lloyd-Webber and and Tim Rice. Buenos Aires can be literally translated as “fair winds” or “good airs”, but it is the former that gave this alternative long haul winter destination it’s name. Being in the southern hemisphere their summer is our winter and temperatures on average are above 20°C from October through to April.

Buenos Aires – Evita – Madonna

Buenos Aires has a curious blend of the European and the Latin. It is well known for its preserved colonial and neo-classical architecture as well as its rich cultural life including a tango show or a visit to a ranch. In more recent years ” meat loving” visitors will seek out traditional “asado” or a themed tour devoted to famous Argentines such as “Evita” (Eva Peron).

Buenos Aires is the most visited city in South America and the second most visited city in Latin America after Mexico City. Known as the “Paris of South America”. In a survey for Travel and Leisure Magazine, visitors voted it the second most desirable city to visit after Florence. According to the Tourism Board of Argentina nearly 6m tourists visited the country in 2018 a figure that more than doubled over a ten year period.

Cabildo of Buenos Aires - Copyright Welcome Argentina
Cabildo of Buenos Aires

The most popular tourist sites are found in the historic core of the city. Buenos Aires was conceived around the Plaza de Mayo. To the north of here is the Caefral Metroplitana and the Banco de Nacion Argentina. To the west is the Cabildo that was the seat of the town council in colonial times.

If you have the time then seek out the Café Tortoni. The café was opened in 1858 by a French immigrant who named it after a Parisian café bearing the same name. Café Tortoni was selected by UCityGuides as one of the ten most beautiful cafes in the world.

Café Tortoni - Copyright WelcomeArgentina.com
Café Tortoni

To benefit from the “fair winds” contact Maggie today and explore what Argentina has for you.

British Airways fly direct to Buenos Aires. Pay with your British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card or collect Avios and fly with BA for less.

Oh Vienna

Voted the most popular song to peak at Number 2 in the charts. Vienna by Ultravox takes us of to the historic city of the same name. Written by Midge Ure about a brief love affair in this is often forgotten romantic city.

Initially drawn to Vienna by the “Best Ever British Film” The Third Man and its memorising soundtrack by Anton Karas. Vienna is sometimes lost between the classic weekend break destinations of Paris, Rome and Barcelona and the newer ones of Prague, Budapest and Dubrovnik.

However it has so much to offer whether you are on a short weekend break or longer. Vienna was the capital of the Habsburgs for over 600 years from here the vast Austro-Hungarian Empire was ruled. The grand architecture from the 19th century in particular reflects the power and wealth of the country at that time.

View from City Hall.  Copyright: © WienTourismus/Gregor Hofbauer
View from City Hall. Copyright: © WienTourismus/Gregor Hofbauer

Encircling the historic city centre is the Ringstrasse and a trip on the special Ring Tram is the perfect way to become aquainted with all the main glorious buildings and the features of Viennese life from your onboard guide. The Opera House, Parliament, the Art History Museum, the Natural History Museum and the Imperial Palace are just some of the sites you will see along the route.

Giant Ferris Wheel, Prater, Vienna. Copyright: © WienTourismus/Christian Stemper
Giant Ferris Wheel, Prater, Vienna. Copyright: © WienTourismus/Christian Stemper

Not to be missed in Vienna is the Giant Ferris Wheel (Riesenrad) at the entrance to the Prater Amusement Park. Not only will you experience great views on your ride but when you watch “The Third Man” or the James Bond film “The Living Daylights” you’ll be able to say I was there.

Before you go, remember to contact Maggie to book your trip to Vienna and enjoy this clip of Anton Karas playing the theme tune from “The Third Man”. Look out for the Giant Ferris Wheel.

The original verson in the movie was Anton Karas playing solo but this version with additional instruments was released as a single and was the biggest hit on the 1950 Cash Box 100 staying number 1 for 11 weeks.

Shop online with your British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card. Collect Avios and fly to Vienna for less with BA.

I’m going to Barbados

“Welcoming you aboard Coconut Airways Flight three-seven-two to Bridgetown, Barbados”. The song “Barbados” topped the charts in August 1975. Written by two Welsh engineers who had not been bus drivers and not lived in Brixton. If fact the inspiration came from a recent trip to Jamaica by one of the band’s members.

https://youtu.be/K-1QdtGxgYk
Barbados by Totally Tropical

This small Caribbean island is an eight and half hour flight from the UK and when you step off the plane at Grantley Adams International Airport you will have been transported to a different world but some elements of familiarity. Afternoon tea and cricket are just two of the examples.

The temperature rarely drops below 25°C, with daytime temperatures in August reaching around 30°C. The sea in Barbados is warm enough to swim all year round. The driest period is from December through to April. If soaking up the sun is for you then there are few prettier places in the world to do it. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder but it’s generally considered that Barbados has some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean.

Visit Barbados

There is more to Barbados than just beaches and due to its size its relatively easy to travel around the island. Buses travel all over the island and are super cheap! They are a great way to experience Barbadian (aka Bajan) life. Meet some locals and see life outside your hotel or villa.

Since 2011 Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Of course there is modern Bridgetown where you can get your fix of shopping. On that note get shopping with Maggie today and buy your tailor-made Bajan escape.

British Airways fly direct to Bridgetown. Pay with your British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card or collect Avios and fly with BA for less.

Love in Hong Kong

No lyrics to this musical track by Bei Bei and Shawn Lee but the haunting sound of the beautiful 21 stringed guzheng draws you to the east. The video was filmed in London where American Guitarist Shawn Lee now lives, in Los Angeles where we can see Bei Bei playing the guzheng and finally in Hong Kong where Bei Bei studied at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts.

Bei Bei and Shawn Lee “Love in Hong Kong”

Hong Kong has to be on your list of places that you must visit at least once in your lifetime. Here on “Travellogs” we visited Singpore and a trip to Asia would not be complete without a trip to Hong Kong. Why not combine the two?

Across its 263 islands not only does East meet West in terms of culture, but those islands provide mountains with their natural beauty in contrast with the man made beauty of its skyscraper skyline.

Market - Jardine's Crescent
Market – Jardine’s Crescent

Part of the fancination with Hong Kong is the opportunity to shop till you drop. As a free trade city there are bargains to be had in the numerous markets and shopping centres that the city has to offer. If shopping is not your thing, then there is the historical side of Hong Kong to discover. An excellent starting place is the Hong Kong Museum of History which is located next to the Hong Kong Science Museum. Whatever your reason for visiting Hong Kong you will not be disappointed.

Temple Street Night Market - Copyright Hong Kong Tourist Board.

Temple Street Night Market

At the end of the day however tired you might feel, a visit to a night market is a must. You just cannot travel halfway round and world and not experience the unique sight, sounds and smells of a Hong Kong night market. What are you waiting for?

Maggie is waiting to help you make your Hong Kong dream come true.

Shop with your British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card. Collect Avios and fly with BA for less.

“I’m going to Graceland, Graceland

Memphis, Tennessee. I’m going to Graceland“. The lyrics of the song by Paul Simon are based on his own road trip to the Graceland mansion, the home of Elvis. Simon himself drove from Louisiana to Memphis, Tennessee along Route 61 to help him deal with the heartbreak after the collapse of his marriage to the actress Carrie Fisher.

We of course want to travel for Graceland for happier reasons. To celebrate the life and music of the King of Rock and Roll – Elvis Presley.

In some ways there can’t be a better time to visit Graceland. The Gate of Graceland will reopen on 21st May and with social distancing in place that means visitor numbers are reduced to a quarter of the pre-Covid number. This means no jostling with other tourists to see everything.

Graceland isn’t just a house there is so much to experience. First and top of any visitors list is this is where Elvis lived. You feel like he could be just around the corner. See his wide range of costumes he wore on stage including the famous 68 comeback concert stagewear. Don’t miss out on seeing the famous pink Cadillac and wonder at his wall of gold records.

A trip to Graceland can be combined with a visit Memphis. I feel another post coming on. In the meantime contact Maggie today about your options for travelling to Graceland.

Earn double points at the moment on your American Express Platinum Card that you can spend on flights to and hotels in Memphis.

Sometimes

Sometimes” is the last track from the excellent BBC series “Normal People” based on the book by Sally Rooney is a reminder that we don’t always have to travel halfway round the world to have a wonderful short break or a super holiday. Sometimes we don’t have far to go. Just a short flight or ferry ride across the Irish Sea is the Emerald Isle. There are great experiences to be had both north and south of the border.

The story of two teenage lovers from Sligo has developed a huge following not just because of the terrific soundtrack, the brilliant acting of the two main stars, the gripping storyline but the captivating locations.

Benbulben Mountain, https://www.irelandscontentpool.com/media/, Gareth McCormack
Benbulben Mountain

Sligo is one of Ireland’s hidden gems. Much of the landscape has links with the poet W.B. Yeats. His poetry constantly references the landscape and so much of the area today is know as “Yeates Country”. He is burried at Drumcliffe in the shadow of Benbulben Mountain. His final poem read

“Under bare Ben Bulben’s head
In Drumcliff churchyard Yeats is laid.”

Adventure Sligo, https://www.irelandscontentpool.com/media/
Josh McMichael
Adventure Sligo

For those of you more interested in the ocean than the land you can surf almost the entire western seaboard. But the section in County Sligo is renowned for drawing surfers from across the globe. International surfing events regularly take place here.

To find out more about what Sligo or Ireland in general has to offer contact Maggie today.

Shop with your British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card. Collect Avios and fly with BA for less.

Viva Las Vegas

And how I wish that there were more
Than twenty-four hours in the day.
But even if there were forty more,
I wouldn’t sleep a minute away.
Oh, there’s blackjack and poker and a roulette wheel.
A fortune won and lost on every deal.
All you need’s a strong heart and a nerve of steel.

Viva Las Vegas” was the title song of the film of the same name, sung by Elvis Presley. Although Elvis first performed in Vegas in 1956, it was his twice a day, seven days a week, 636 sold out shows, from August 1969 on, at the International where his association with the city was firmly cemented.

Tourists takes photos with the "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" sign on the Strip Saturday, Feb. 6, 2016. CREDIT: Sam Morris/Las Vegas News Bureau
The “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign on the Strip Saturday, Feb. 6, 2016.
CREDIT: Sam Morris/Las Vegas News Bureau

Next stop on our list of destinations to visit as soon as we start travelling again will be Las Vegas. It is so difficult in a short amount of space to describe the countless reasons to visit. This is just a start.

The image of countless casinos is one that many people still hold of Las Vegas, but as a holiday destination it is so much more than that. It can better be described as an entertainment destination. If you are looking to be entertained then you will find it here and you don’t have to place a bet to enjoy what it has to offer.

There is nothing to beat a walk down the Las Vegas Strip in the evening. It is the must do part of your visit. You will be transported to Venice, Paris and New York. Don’t miss out on the beautiful Bellagio Fountains as they dance to the music every 15 minutes in the evenings.

This is a view of the Strip as seen from the Eiffel Tower replica at Paris Las Vegas Saturday, August 19, 2017. Visible in the photo are Bellagio, Fountains of Bellagio, Caesars, Mirage, Bally's, Flamingo and Cromwell. CREDIT: Sam Morris/Las Vegas News Bureau
The Strip as seen from the replica of the Eiffel Tower, Las Vegas. Visible in the photo are Bellagio, Fountains of Bellagio, Caesars, Mirage, Bally’s, Flamingo and Cromwell. CREDIT: Sam Morris/Las Vegas News Bureau

Once you have found your bearings you won’t have anywhere enough time to experience everything that the city has to offer, that’s where speaking to Maggie will pay off. She will book you into the best shows, advise you on the best restaurants, the best tours and book your wedding for you.

Elvis Presley and Priscilla Presley wedding at the Aladdin
Elvis Presley and Priscilla Presley wedding at the Aladdin

We’ll be back to Vegas again. In the meantime speak to Maggie about your “What happens in Vegas, only happens in Vegas” trip.

Earn double points at the moment on your American Express Platinum Card that you can spend on flights to and hotels in Vegas.