A Hidden Gem in The UK
The East Anglia area of the UK is fairly inconspicuous. You’d probably never even realise that you’re there whenever you pass through it as it is somewhat quiet and unassuming. Right next to one of the country’s smallest counties, Rutland, in the most southern tip of Lincolnshire you will find an old town that needs to be visited: Stamford.
If you haven’t heard of it, you’d be in the majority. However, it is a town that has so much more to it than you could even begin to imagine. For example, did you know that the oldest newspaper in the whole of the UK comes from Stamford? The Stamford Mercury claims on its masthead that it has been in circulation since 1695, indeed making it Britain’s oldest newspaper, although this is disputed by a couple of other publications.
Another claim to fame is the fact that Daniel Lambert, one of the UK’s heaviest men in history, passed away in the town one morning. He was staying in the town on business and appeared to be in good health despite his large size. Although the cause of death is unknown, Lambert’s trousers are proudly on display in Stamford Museum.
You’ll find many more things to do in London than you will Stamford, but there are a few famous events related to the town. For example, one of the country’s largest traveling fairs sets up for a week every year. Head over around Mother’s Day, and you will find the carnival will have taken over the centre. You’d be forgiven for thinking that you’re in Blackpool rather than East Anglia.
Speaking of annual events, the world class Burghley Horse Trials is also something to look forward to. Right before the new school year starts in September, competitors from all across the world will converge on this little historic town to compete for the top honours. It is an even that has even been won by Zara Phillips, a member of the Royal Family.
Despite the fact that the founding of Stamford dates as far back as Roman times, it is still not a very well known place. It might not be particularly big, but it is absolutely bursting full of character, and deserves a fair amount more praise than it receives. If you ever have time to pay a visit, make sure you do as it is an extremely beautiful place to spend a few days.
Read MoreWhy flight prices differ so much
Why do cheap Mango Airlines flights from Durban to Johannesburg differ from, say, cheap Kulula Airlines flights from Johannesburg to Cape Town? If the distance is the same, and both airlines of are of the same ethos, why the differentiation?
The reasons for fare fluctuations are buried in the incredibly complex algorithms airlines use to set seat pricing. This algorithm is based on sales, route, competition, volume etc. Airlines take a variety of factors into account when deciding on ticket prices. These factors are constantly monitored, and as they change, so the prices do, either for the better of the flyer’s pocket or for the worse.
Some reasons we know for sure
A big reason that ticket sales vary so much is that the airlines are trying to guess if you are a business traveller or holiday maker. They do this by looking at your search phrase, the length of your stay and the day you choose to fly. Business travellers are typically less budget-conscious than leisure travellers, and most airlines like to take advantage of this. Unfair, hey, it’s just business.
Ticket prices typically change twice daily. It’s based on supply and demand. Most airlines have a quota of seats at a certain price. After these are sold out the fare gets bumped up to a higher fare until the plane gets sold out.
So perhaps check the price in the morning, and then on that same evening. Chances are the price would have decreased slightly.
A general rule of thumb for getting the cheapest deal is 8 weeks prior to departure. Apparently this is the most strategic time to book your flight. It’s a good one-step rule.
5 romantic places for Valentine’s Day
Chocolates and flowers are so conventional; why not think differently this Valentine’s Day. How about giving him a never-to-forget travel adventure? Or, how about spending the day with her in a spa, in one of the most romantic cities in the world?
Before we decide on where to go, let’s look at how to get there. Qatar Airways and Emirates Airlines fly to over 100 destinations worldwide. So choice is unlimited. Both are award-winning airlines and have rightfully earned their place among the world’s top 5 airline carriers. In keeping with the romance of the occasion, we suggest travelling in sheer style.
Okay, where to go and what to see.
5 romantic places for Valentine’s Day
- Paris, it’s so romantic, just staying in bed and ordering room service will suffice as a Shakespearean experience of romance.
- Venice. The country is beautiful and some areas are so quiet and peaceful. Spend a romantic week with your loved one, away from the hustle and bustle of routine.
- Steep cliffs, valleys and rolling hills, where in the world are you? Huangshan, China. Sometimes referred to as home of “Lovers Locks.” A trip here is both adventurous and hopelessly romantic.
- Panama is home to over a dozen islands. It’s hot, tropical and colourful. Walks on untouched beaches, surfing, snorkelling and swimming are all on the cards.
- Dine over the lights of the palazzo, ride down the Grand Canal in a gondola for two, and spend this valentine in Italy with your Dolce.
Qatar Airways and Emirates Airlines are constantly releasing flight specials, and no doubt will have an irresistible Valentine’s Day offer. The airlines offer endless destination options, everything from the bustle and energy of New York to the remote tranquillity of the Maldives is on offer.
Onboard a Qatar Airways flight, expect to be treated like royalty. Experience refinement and world class personal service in your private space. A space that feels like a 5 star hotel room disguised as an aircraft seat.
Private suites, personal shower spas, flat-beds and award-winning in flight entertainment, all characterise an Emirates Airlines. The service is unbeatable and the attention to detail impeccable. Your holiday truly begins onboard.
Valentine’s Day is an opportune time to rekindle the flame, to reconnect with your loved one and to spend quality time. Perhaps worrying less about budget and more about well-deserved spoiling is the order of the day.
Read MoreTop 3 unusual Quad Biking experiences
Did you know that Royal Enfield built and sold the first powered quad bike in 1893?
A quad biking safari is by far an adrenaline rush like no other. Whether you’re quad biking on the sand dunes or through the forest, it is an experience guaranteed to knock your socks off. Imagine zipping around the grounds of a private game reserve, riding through fields and woodlands that are just dying to be explored on a quad bike.
The Aquila quad bike safari day tour involves roughing it up within the 4500 hectares of Aquila Game Reserve. Quad bike trails vary in length depending on the driver’s skills and combination of trails chosen. The quads are suitable for riders of all shapes and sizes. We suggest riders be at least 12 years of age.
Unusual stories
1. Quad bike accident
On 9 April 1998, Mayall, the infamous comedian, was injured after crashing a quad bike near his home in Devon. Mayall’s wife Barbara looked out the window and saw him lying on the ground with the bike. She assumed he was joking and didn’t race to go see if he was okay. The accident left him in a coma for several days. Luckily, he lived to tell, and joke about, the tale.
2. Angelina Jolie’s Twins
In a recent interview with Marie Claire, Angelina described her three-year-old biological twin daughter Vivienne as being a ‘girly girl’, and Shiloh, her five-year-old biological daughter, being a tomboy who loves riding her quad bike with dad Brad. Maybe Shiloh will be spotted in South Africa next on one of our quad biking safaris.
3. Quad frozen
Last year a group of quad bikers thought it was a good idea to race across a frozen lake in England. The ice cracked and all the quad bikes fell through the ice. Lucky nobody was hurt. Perhaps sticking to dry land is the safer option.
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Exchanging currency in Africa
The Mananga border post is between South Africa and Swaziland. The post is open 7 days a week from 7 in the morning to 6 at night. During the busier times border posts are usually open a lot later than usual to accommodate the increase in traffic. Any person, who wishes to enter into or depart from the country, needs to be in possession of a valid passport and/or visa.
South Africa and most African countries are very inexpensive destination. There is a favourable exchange rate for many international currencies. Generally financial institutions are world-class, with no shortage of banks, bureaux de change and automatic tellers.
The currency code for Rand is ZAR, and the currency symbol is R. The rand is divided into 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of R10, R20, R50, R100 and R200.
Before arriving at your destination, do research and find out more about exchanging money and banking hours. This invaluable information will assist you in ensuring that your trip is truly an enjoyable one.
One way to save money and currency exchange costs is to put your travel money on a prepaid, re-loadable American Express GlobalTravel Card. This guarantees a safe and convenient way to manage your travel money. It is easily replaced if lost or stolen. It allows travellers to easily track spending and check the card balance 24 hours a day online.
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