Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Air Canada Flight Attendants Reject Deal, Issue Strike Notice

Travellers with bookings on Air Canada flights need to brace themselves! With airline’s flight attendants rebuffing the tentative agreement and issuing a strike notice, things are not looking too rosy either for the travellers or for the Canada’s flag carrier.

On Sunday, the Canadian Union of Public Employees (the union that represents 6,800 Air Canada flight attendants) issued the strike notice to the airline. The union took the decision after 65% of the union members voted against the new labour agreement of last month. If no new agreement is reached very soon, the flight attendants of the popular airline would go on a strike at 12:01 a.m., Thursday.

Air Canada is one of the biggest airlines in the world. Any sort of disturbance in the working of the airline is sure to affect thousands of travellers. Travellers make their reservations with Air Canada much in advance to net cheap flight ticket but in an event of a strike those cheap flight tickets won’t assist passengers in reducing flight delays.

Flight attendants reached a tentative agreement with the airline last month. The agreement included wage raise of 2% in the first three years, and 3% in the third. It also included steps to move new hires into a hybrid pension scheme. However, it apparently was not enough to keep flight attendants happy.

Air Canada seems to be really struggling when it comes to its labour relations. Few months ago the airline faced a three-day strike by the carrier’s sales and service agents.

Last week, the security screeners at Toronto's Pearson International Airport conducted work-to-rule protest that affected the holiday travel for many.

Top 5 Heritage Sights to Explore in India

India is the land of mystique. The country’s incredible heritage fascinates millions of historical buffs to grab flights to India. Here is the guide to top five historical sights that offers a profound peek into the marvellous Indian history.

Every corner of India has a surprise in store!! The land of vibrant diversity, rich culture, amiable denizens and countless marvels of nature such as cloud-piercing mountains, and immaculate beaches can easily take one’s breath away. The fascinating fusion of modernity and traditional makes India the land of mystery and a top holiday destination.

India is an oasis of countless historical sights. The lure of these tempting sites beguile heaps of historical fanatics every year and prompt them to dig for airlines offering cheap air tickets on flights to India. However, the problem of plenty confuses many! It becomes hard to decide what to see and what to miss. Read on and get acquainted with the “must-see” heritage sites which comprise the essence of ancient India.

Taj Mahal, Agra

Taj Mahal is a must-see monument and must-add attraction in the itinerary of Indian holidays. Taj Mahal is located in Agra, a northern Indian city. The marvellous monument epitomizes the brilliance of Mughal’s architecture. Ethereal dome at the entrance of the Taj Mahal warmly welcomes the visitors. After a stroll in the green gardens, feast the eyes with spectacle of remarkable white marble tomb which stands against the river and sky. No wonder, Taj Mahal remains at the top of the priority list of those catching cheap flights to India.

Red Fort, Delhi

Red Fort is a terrific testament of Mughal dynasty’s power. It stands boastfully in the Indian capital, Delhi. The monument’s striking sandstone walls and battlements continue to charm visitors and add grandeur to Delhi holidays. Holidaymakers can check out different parts of the forts such as Diwan-i-Am, Hamam, Moti Masjid, and Mumtaz Mahal.

Gateway of India, Maharashtra

Gateway of India is a must-see sight for holidaymakers who travel to Mumbai. It is one of the famous monuments in the country and was constructed to commemorate the royal visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Mumbai. The monument faces the vast Arabian Sea and stands beside Marina Drive, another popular attraction of the city. Visit the magnificent monument at night and get mesmerized with the ambiance of Mumbai.

Humayun's Tomb, Delhi

Humayun Tomb is an outstanding archetype of praiseworthy Mughal architecture. It was built with white marble and red sandstone and was the first Persian double dome in India. It sits pretty in the sprawling gardens that are designed with crisscrossed waterways, paths and shaded and geometric Persian lines.

Qutub Minar, Delhi

The 5 storey Qutub Minar is one of the wonderful historical sights in Delhi. The surging conical tower ideally exemplifies the stupendous Indo-Islamic Afghan architecture. Minar’s sandstone walls are carved with verses from the holy Qur'an and the surrounding of the monument are adorned with lush gardens. The monument is one of the World Heritage Sites and is one of the most frequented heritage sites in India.

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Mumbai Film Festival set to begin

Travellers on cheap flights to Mumbai who love to watch the latest movies could get a head start by visiting the city's forthcoming film festival.

Organised each year by the Mumbai Academy of Moving Image, the event takes place between October 13th and 20th 2011, with a wealth of home-grown and international movies to be showcased.

The event will once again have a distinctly French flavour to it, as for the fourth year running it is to play host to the Rendezvous with French Cinema.

News Reference

Monday, October 10, 2011

Travel Advice for Britons Booking Flights to Pakistan

Planning a trip to Pakistan? When it comes to holiday destination, Pakistan is surely not your usual run of the mill stuff! It contains remnants of world’s oldest civilisation, boasts some of world’s most beautiful landscapes and features a colourful population. Cities like Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi and Peshawar charm all.

In spite of such towering attractions, Pakistan holiday is not exactly a buzzword in the world of travel and tourism. The region’s political turmoil is perhaps to be blamed for that!

However, there are still thousands of Britons who might want to contemplate booking cheap flights to Pakistan to enjoy its beauty. For such keen vacationers it is essential to take care of certain points before boarding their cheap flights to Pakistan.

Social Conventions in Pakistan

Britons who are keen on booking tickets on flights to Pakistan must be aware that Pakistan has a very different social set-up and one must respect that.

Islam is followed by most of the Pakistanis. Islam is more than a religion for people; it is the way of life for people here. Tourists in the country must respect Islamic tenets and beliefs and do nothing to disregard the same.

Females are advised to dress conservatively in the country. Avoid wearing short or very tight clothes while on a Pakistani tour.

Health and Safety Tips

Before boarding flights to Pakistan, Britons must make certain that they are medically fit and all their vaccinations are up to date.

Water borne diseases are quite prevalent in the country. Travellers must take care of that and take appropriate steps to prevent any such unpleasant development.

Friday, October 7, 2011

Things to Keep in Mind Before Booking Flights to Pakistan

Britons seeking a distinct experience end up booking tickets on flights to Pakistan. However, tourists must keep in mind that Pakistan is not your regular holiday destination and therefore plan accordingly.

Pakistan is the perennial ‘next big thing in world of tourism’! What else can be the fate of a country whose incredible charms and delights are overshadowed by political and social chaos?

In spite of all the dangers and risks involved, a number of Britons look to plan Pakistan holidays to explore a region that is so unique and to unravel a culture that is so radiant!

Britons who are itching to book flights to Pakistan must pay heed to the following travel advice to ensure that their holidays in Pakistan are not marred by any sort of unpleasant incident or event.

Entry Requirements

British passport holders planning a trip to Pakistan must apply for a visa. Visa is obligatory for British travellers visiting Pakistan. Any visa violation will result in fine or detention. Britons must ensure that their passports are valid for a minimum of 6 months at the time of visa application.

Main Pakistan Gateways

Pakistan features three major gateways - Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi. Flights to Pakistan from the UK are most likely to land at any of these three cities.

Jinnah International Airport is Pakistan’s largest international airport. The airport is located 15 km northeast of Karachi’s city centre and is served by a number of major global airlines like British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Emirates and Singapore Airlines. Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport is second busiest airport in the country. It is located 18km southeast of the city and features most modern services and amenities. Benazir Bhutto International Airport is another major airport in the country and is located 8km southeast of the city.

As far as boarding cheap flights to Pakistan from UK is concerned, London Heathrow is the most popular option. There are better chances of travellers finding cheap tickets on flights to Pakistan from Heathrow than perhaps any other airport in the UK as different flight options are available from London Heathrow.

Health and Safety Tips

It is no good denying the fact that terrorism is a major concern in Pakistan. It is perhaps the most potent hindrance in the blossoming of the country as a top holiday destination. In the words of FCO – “There is a high threat from terrorism and sectarian violence throughout Pakistan.” Places popular among tourists have not been spared. Tourists must be aware of their surroundings.

Before boarding flights to Pakistan, travellers must ensure that they are medically fit and their vaccinations are all up to date.

Pakistan faces frequent floods and this augments the risks of different water-borne diseases. Travellers must take care of that.

British travellers who are planning Pakistan tour must check out the latest travel advice offered by Foreign and Commonwealth Office at www.fco.gov.uk

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Travel insurance 'needs to cover natural events'

People taking flights to India and other countries have been advised that when taking out a travel insurance policy it is important to look for cover which protects them against natural occurrences.

Sean Tipton, senior press officer at Abta - The Travel Association, said that people who are travelling independently need to know what their policy does or does not cover.

He explained that one area which is now often covered as standard is delays or cancellations which have been caused by volcanic ash clouds.

News Reference

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Top reasons to book flights to Abu Dhabi

The biggest of seven emirates forming the UAE, Abu Dhabi is a brilliant creation of god. Millions of Britons book flights to Abu Dhabi to explore the charming attractions of the city and to resolve the mysteries linked with this city's grandness.

Commonly known as "Arabian Jewel", Abu Dhabi is the largest man-made harbour in the world. The city is a beautiful blend of various diversities ranging from the grand shopping centres to the traditional marts, from fine dining in the lavish hotels to the unparalleled deserted safaris – the choices are endless.

Desert safaris

The adventuresome desert safaris in Abu Dhabi are so thrilling that they can make anyone forget the Disneyland’s fun rides! The tourists who book flights to Abu Dhabi surely explore these fabulous safaris that give experience of a lifetime. The peace loving tourists can travel through the Gulf desert on camels while the daring ones can opt for dune driving or Wadi Bashing which give actual sense to holidays to Abu Dhabi.

Moreover, the appetizing barbeque cuisine and vibrant belly dance performances help the travellers relax from the all day long weariness of Desert Safaris in Abu Dhabi.

Historical draws

While the city horizon keeps growing with tall skyscrapers and new evolutions, Abu Dhabi boasts an array of astonishing monuments that have rich historical significance. Visitors booking airlines offering cheap flights to Abu Dhabi may indeed love the ultra modern stretche of the Corniche, there is a huge fan fare for the dozens of Abu Dhabi’s ancient buildings and landmarks such as the Qasr al-Hosn and Al Maqtaa Fort to name only two. The 200-year-old Hatta Watchtower is another extraordinary place to visit which rests on top of high rocks and proffers wonderful sights of the surrounding arena.

Vibrant nightlife

Flights to Abu Dhabi remain high in demand among the night owls looking for an exciting place to hang-out. The nightclubs and bars in Abu Dhabi are less chaotic, more chilled out and make for wonderful havens for tourists to spend an evening in a delightful way. Cabaret and belly dancing are the integral parts of every night hub in Abu Dhabi. Travellers with craving for adrenaline pumping activities can be a part of stage performances, theme parties at the nightclubs and bars or the food carnivals in Abu Dhabi.

Festivals and Events

Plenty of tourists grab cheap air tickets to Abu Dhabi to visit the popular Abu Dhabi Salsa and Jazz Festival that attracts many a solo travellers and backpackers in hordes. Most of these travellers get on to the booking spree months in advance to net cheap flights to Abu Dhabi to avoid last minute expensive flights.

Another renowned event celebrated every year in the city is Camel Racing which lures loads of travellers as well as locals and even rich guests from Royal families. For sports enthusiasts, the city has a lot in store including Red Bull Air Race World Series or International Fine Art & Antiques Fair which are well praised and glorious events.