9 Rules for Air Travel (This Means You!)

I travel. A lot! What’s a lot? Well, in the last 8 weeks I’ve been on 20 different airplanes. (And I’m writing this while waiting for a flight now…) And you know what I’m sick of even more than the overpriced airlines and late arrivals? The other passengers.
I’ve developed the following list of rules that people need to follow for the general betterment of mankind when traveling by air. If you violate them, just know that I – and probably everyone else – am cursing you and wishing horrible things upon your bloodline.

1. Your breath stinks! For the love of God, have a mint or chew some gum or something. I had to sit by a guy who went to sleep with his face pointing my way – punishing me with his foul breath for hours. I spent the entire flight hoping the smell was due to a horrible disease.
2. Yes, your farts stink! Dammit! I understand that you’ve got a problem, but if you have to do that go to the bathroom! This problem is becoming epidemic lately, and some people smell like something crawled up in them and died. So get some Gas-X or Tums or something and stop poisoning the air.
3. Stop touching my leg! You’ve been allocated the same space that I have. Given that my legs are longer than yours and I can keep them to myself, you can too. The only exception to this rule is if you are a smoking hot babe.
4. If you are spilling into my space, start the flight with an apology. I understand that you are overweight or a giant. But that doesn’t mean that you won’t be infringing on my space. The least you can do is be cordial and apologetic about it. Oh, and if you have to request the seatbelt extension, seriously, you owe it to your fellow passengers to book a first class ticket. Everyone understands you’ve got a weight problem, but we still shouldn’t have to suffer.
5. You don’t own the armrest. Sure, I don’t mind sharing, but don’t hog it all flight – even if you are huge and sitting by someone small… especially then. And if you are going to sleep, cross your arms. You won’t be needing the armrest!
6. Be gentle with the damn trays! Are you really too dense to realize that the tray is connected to my seatback? Well, it is. So when you are raising and lowering it do it slowly and with as little force as required. Oh, and if you have kids, control them. I’m going to choke the next one that is kicking the back of my seat or playing with the tray.
7. Look before you lean! I know they are packing us into these giant aluminum tubes like sardines, so you may need to recline a little, but there is no excuse for rocketing back into my face like it’s a LazyBoy recliner! If you need to recline take a quick glance back to make sure you aren’t going to crush my laptop in the process and maybe give me a heads up it’s coming. Also, don’t go all the way back unless you really need it. Usually half the recline is still sufficient and more friendly to your seat-mate.
8. Don’t bump me on the way to your seat! I know you’re carrying all your crap, but you know what? So did I. And I didn’t hit anyone. If you can’t carry it properly then check it and wait at the baggage claim with the other considerate people.
9. No perfume is allowed! Listen lady, you are in an enclosed space with 200 other people, some of which have allergies or asthma. You can wait until we land to torture your poor traveling companion, but spare the rest of us.

The bottom line is, don’t do anything on an airplane that you wouldn’t do in an enclosed car with your mother, priest, or daughters present.

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Five Unspoken Rules Of Seatmate Etiquette

Just because your seat pocket doesn't contain a list of rules for Seatmate Etiquette along with the safety pamphlet and the SkyMall catalog doesn't mean the cabin is a place where anything goes. But sometimes we wish the unwritten compact of in-flight behavior was set down -- if only so we could throw the book at our favorite offenders. Are you one of them? We've come up with five regulations for our fellow passengers, and we'll try to abide by them as well.

The Five Unspoken Rules of Seatmate Etiquette

You control your own limbs but no one else's. We're all in this sardine can together, so keep your knees together, gentlemen, and the armrest stays down except under mutual agreement. And no pushing on your way out of the plane, particularly you window-seat partisans.

Keep your convos short, sweet and discreet. Remember, you're sitting in a metal tube which amplifies all the details about those "unfortunate" stitches you had to get, ahem. The sad thing is, the people most in need of this rule will never realize not everyone wants to know who pulled whose hair first.

Observe the imaginary wall. It's okay to exchange pleasantries with the person next to you, and we've all inadvertently elbowed 32B while trying to locate our seatbelts. The wall can be broached to offer gum or Xanax (please?) before takeoff without a problem. But don't strain to keep the conversation going like you're on a date, and just as you are keeping your elbows to yourself, eyes on your own tray. Keep fans and lights away, and for the love of all things Britney, use headphones.

Let sleeping dogs lie. Not just carried-on pets, but the people around you as well -- if you can't sleep on planes, that sucks, but don't share the misery. Shut-eye or soda? Definitely shut-eye. If your seatmate has nodded off and you have to get out, you are allowed to crawl over them if you know you can do it without waking them up. (A skill we've personally never mastered, but we hear some have!) This goes double on overnight flights, but it's the rare plane that doesn't feature at least one happy snoozer en route.

The squeaky wheel gets delayed. You don't need more than one pillow unless you are paying for them. You don't deserve a free cocktail because you've had a really long day. You don't get to take your shoes and your socks off. Is this your private plane? No. No, it is not. And you are the person breaking the invisible compact

5 Things NOT TO DO In Vegas

Over a few beers with my worldly friends the topic of what travelers should and shouldn’t do came up.

Two of my closest friends having just recently returned from a trip to Las Vegas expoused the virtues of Las Vegas (or Vegas to the very cool and hip) as being one the last places on the entire planet where provocative, drunken, lewd and loud behaviour is the norm rather than the exception.

As the saying goes……”what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas!”

My friends did agree however, that this sort of behaviour can lead to costly mistakes, both financially and to your dignity.

So here are the Top 10 things you shouldn’t do when you visit Las Vegas.

1. Dress like a Hooker

Yes ladies, there is a big difference between sexy and slutty.

2. Use hotel internet

Save your money for the gaming and the games. There are plenty of free Wi-Fi spots throughout the city.

3. Arrive at the Airport with 30 minutes to spare

Security lines at the airport in Vegas are very long not to mention having to catch the monorail to get to your boarding gate.

4. Choose the cheapest buffet in town

60 items for less than $12 (USD) sounds fantastic but how does that other saying go……..”you get what you pay for!” And at this price you are likely to also get a case of food poisoning at no extra charge. Just ask one of my friends.

5. Get Married at the Chapel of Love by an Elvis Impersonator (or any other derivation of this)

Guaranteed, quicky weddings in a Vegas Chapel usually last as long as the line at the cheapest buffet in town. Just ask Britney Spears.

Book Los Vegas Accommodation with MetroStar.com

Old but not out: courting the 50+ market

There’s a lot of talk about the aging of America as record numbers reach the traditional retirement age of 65. But a previously neglected segment is the over-50 traveler who no longer is content with cruise ship croquet and upscale guided tours.
 There are no more limits on travel for the over 50’s, writes Deborah Thiele, Director of Africa Expedition Support, a safari company based in East Africa.
 

“Traditionally the over 50's have been marketed ‘soft’ tour options such as 5-star beach resorts, cruise ships offering bridge and croquet; and gentle coach tours through Southern France,” she writes in Travel by AcraMax.
 The over 50's are an affluent market, particularly in the tour sector. They have disposable income, time to travel, and a desire to experience the real culture in travel. But more importantly, perhaps, the over 50’s want more adventure.
 “They have a thirst for adventure,” said Archers Direct head of product David Binns. “They want to learn how to cook in Morocco, go walking in the Grand Canyon and explore South America.Touring in Jordan and Morocco is proving particularly popular for 2011.”
 

But the boom in cruise travel is also a reflection of this new market. This could also be a boon to around-the-world cruise operators. A large majority of the 1,800 passengers or 1500 cruisers signed up for all segments of a recent P&O world cruise.
“People usually book segments of the world cruise, but redundancies and early retirement among the 55-64 age group is prompting them to take a gap year,” said managing director Carol Marlow.
 

The 50+ market is a potentially large one. “It’s a big market — 75 per cent of the over 50’s take more than one holiday a year,” said Talia Laurence of Tui Travel.  “There is a continuing rapid increase in the number of outbound travelers aged 50 years old and over,” said Dr. Auliana Poon, head of Tourist Intelligence International.
 

But increasingly sophisticated marketing will be needed to capture the new tourists. “The days are passing when brochures handed out to an over 50's at their local travel agent are limited to cruise ships, all-inclusive beach resorts or gentle tours,” Thiele said. “They are more aware, active, Internet savvy and environmentally conscious and are also adventurous (soft, medium and hard) and willing to learn and experience new things unlike the senior citizens of the past,” said Tourist Intelligence’s Poon.
 

As more over 50's are computer literate, they are seeking out options on their own over the internet and are confident booking their own travel.  Wandering around in motor homes will escalate in popularity as the older tourists become even more prominent. “Twenty years ago people retiring early would have bought a villa in Spain; now they are buying motorhomes instead,” said Dan Yates, managing director of Pitchup, an online guide to campsites and parks. Campsites with spas and other luxury amenities are increasingly luring the older travelers.
 

Where has this shift come from and why has it taken so long?  In the tour market, the 20 to 30-year-old segment has traditionally been seen as the market with expendable income and time to travel. But that group is working harder than ever and has become less lucrative for the adventure and tour travel market, in particular. “We are seeing fitter and more active over 50's who have paid off the mortgage, kids have moved out of home; coupled with the age of internet and cable television making the global village more attractive and accessible,” Thiele said.
 

Also, more over 50’s are deciding there is more to retirement than gardening and playing bridge. “It certainly has taken a very long time for the adventure travel market to recognize and value the over 50's as prospective consumers of the global adventure travel. But as more and more recognize this market, options are set to increase in the future” Thiele said.
 

 Source: Travelmole By David Wilkening

Aussie Travelers Expect to be Robbed

More than half accepted they are likely to have cash or credit cards stolen while. travelling outside of Australia. Despite their concerns, the Australian 'she'll be right'  attitude means that a significant number of travellers are lax with protecting their money while overseas, saying that they 'never' or 'only sometimes' take precautions.

American Express recommends that some ways to avoid being caught short financially are to wear a money belt; take copies of travel documents or leave them with family; stay in accommodation with a safety deposit box in'room (and use it!); and use a 'mixed travel wallet' system, with cash for when you arrive, a credit card for larger purchases, travellers cheques for emergencies and a pre-paid card for everyday spending.

MAIN FINANCIAL CONCERNS OF AUSTRALIANS TRAVELLING OVERSEAS

68%     Losing or having cash or credit cards stolen

56%     Not being able to access money

54%     Credit Card fraud

48%     Cards not working when they are used overseas

46%     Being ripped off

37%     Running out of money

34%     Being cheated when converting money

30%     Getting a low foreign currency exchange rate

24%     Spending more than intended

PRECAUTIONS TAKEN BY AUSSIE TRAVELLERS

65%     Wear a money belt

33%     Take copies of travel documents or leave them with family

62%     Stay in accommodation with a safety deposit box in room

77%     Take a variety of travel money. E.g. Cash, cards, travelers cheques, prepaid travel cards.

Lufthansa Official Airline of Eurovision Song Contest 2011

Lufthansa has been named the official airline of the Eurovision Song Contest 2011. As Europe's largest airline it is quite logical that Lufthansa should fly fans and spectators to Düsseldorf for the largest European television event of the year. The airline connects the state capital of North Rhine Westphalia with over 700 weekly flights to 50 destinations in 20 countries. Lufthansa will be offering fans, who would like to follow the event live, especially affordable tickets to Düsseldorf from all over Europe on the official website of the Eurovision Song Contest.

The event, which will be staged by German television broadcaster NDR, will consist of two semi‑finals and a final that will all take place between 10-14 May and be broadcast live. As a partner and the official airline of the Eurovision Song Contest 2011, Lufthansa will be presenting a cooperation logo of its own and will also appear on the credits for the television broadcasts. Besides being represented on the official website of the Eurovision Song Contest 2011, there will also be countless Lufthansa attractions at the event itself and in the fan zone at the "Eurovision Village".

Last year the final of the Eurovision Song Contest was witnessed by a total of 65 million television viewers, of which 14.7 million in Germany alone. The international singing contest has been hosted by the winning country since 1956. In 2010 it was won by Lena Meyer‑Landrut from Germany meaning that the 2011 edition shall be staged in the German city of Düsseldorf. Lufthansa was already involved last year, flying the winner back to her hometown of Hanover on a special flight.

You don’t have to be a Eurovision contestant to experience the wonders of Dusseldorf. Check out the great accommodation deals on offer here http://www.metrostar.com/dusseldorf/

Top 8 Ways to Score Free Hotel Upgrades

Sometimes, just being personable and friendly can go a long way in scoring a free hotel upgrade. But for times when a nice smile and pleasant demeanor is not enough, here are some other tricks to try.

1. Timing -- Check in later, between 4-6PM as the front desk can see the cancellations and no-shows of that day. Also, if your dates are flexible, don't book on busy holiday times, as upgrades cannot be given if a hotel is at full occupancy.

2. Book a room in the middle price range -- It's not impossible to get upgraded when booking the cheapest room category available, but it doesn't help your odds. Book a room that is in the mid range for better chances.

3. Be nice -- It's that simple. Front desk staff and hotel managers deal with a lot of people and handle a lot of problems and stress during their day. Sometimes, just being personable, and friendly can go a long way.

4. Ask -- It doesn't hurt to ask, and the worst thing that can happen is that you get declined. Ask if an upgrade is available. If it's a special occasion, it doesn't hurt to volunteer that information either.

5. Hotel mistake? Sometimes a hotel's mistake can work to your advantage. Perhaps your room wasn't ready upon check-in, construction causing loss of sleep - you can always address a hotel issue with the management in a nice manner and see if they will do something (like provide an upgrade) for the inconvenience.

6. It's all about relationships, baby -- It's true, who you knows matter, and even more so if it happens to be the general manager at the hotel you're staying at. Don't have a connection? Don't fret. Book on luxury hotel site Kiwi Collection and they'll do the contacting for you. Half the hotels offer free perks and free upgrades, and if you book with a Visa Signature card at one of the 800 Visa properties, you get an automatic free room upgrade. Frequent Kiwi bookers can earn VIP status, and that's when they actually contact the hotel on your behalf to request for upgrades. There are some other sites that offer this as well, but you have to buy a membership.

7. Where you book matters -- If you're booking a standard room, a hotel actually can give you a different room just based on the booking source you made the reservation on. Ever experience a really crappy room right by the hotel's laundry area when booking on Expedia, only to find that your friend who booked elsewhere paid the same price but got a better room?

8. Loyalty -- You'll have better chances of a free upgrade if you are loyal to the hotel and provide repeat business. It doesn't hurt at the time of reservation to let them know that you've stayed there before. Hotels know that it costs a lot less to keep a repeat customer happy then it is to acquire a new one, so often they'll give special treatment to return customers.

9. Title drop -- There aren't any guarantees, but you may find that title dropping can increase your chances of special treatment and upgrades. Hotels may want to impress you more because they know you're an important businessperson, someone who can refer new business or have blogging or press power.

10. Volunteering information -- If you're at the hotel celebrating a special occasion, like a birthday or anniversary, it can only help your case if you share the information with the front desk. Also, if you did book as a VIP on a site like Kiwi Collection, it doesn't hurt to mention your status and loyalty as a booker, and politely inquire about upgrade possibility.

Written by Amy Chan, Director of Marketing

http://www.metrostar.com/

Magical Macau to host Glittering Festivals

MACAU'S glittering reputation to entertain its guests will continue throughout 2011 with the Asian centre set to host a series of colourful festivals and events to complement the extravagant Vegas-style year-round stage shows.

Headlining the glittering list of annual celebrations are such events as Chinese New Year Holidays (Feb 3-5), the A-Ma Festival (April 25), the 22nd Macau Arts Festival (April 29 - May 28) and the thrill-a-minute Macau International Dragon Boat Races (June 4-6).

For a number of days between September 10 and early October, Macau will host the 23rd Macau International Fireworks Display, while September 12 is time for locals and guests to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival.
"When it comes to festivals Macau knows how to turn on a colourful and exciting event," said Helen Wong, managing director of the Macau Government Tourist Office in Australia and New Zealand.

"2011 will be no exception, judging by the number and quality of events on the calendar," she said. "From such events as the 11th Macau Lotus Flower Festival (June) and the 25th Macau International Music Festival (Oct 7 - Nov 6) to the 58th Macau Grand Prix (Oct) and the 11th annual Food Festival (Nov), there's much to excite visitors as well as the locals.

"One of my favourites is the Macau City Fringe Festival which will be into its 11th year when staged in November. The performances put on during this festival are worth taking the flight from Australia to see."
Other major events include Procession of the Passion of Our Lord (Mar 12-13), Feast of the Drunken Dragon (May 10), National Day of the People's Republic of China (Oct 1), Festival of Ancestors (Oct 5), the 16th Macau International Trade and Investment Fair, Lusofonia Festival 2011 (Oct 21-23), the Macau International Kart Grand Prix (Oct), Macau International Food Festival (Nov) and the Macau International Marathon (Dec 4).

Each festival and event complements the major full-time shows such as the City of Dreams' The House of the Dancing Water spectacular, and The Venetian's Cirque Du Soleil Zaia.

On average, Australians spend almost four nights a visit in the city with its east-meets-west and old-meets-new characteristics.

"By day, they'll look at the many beautiful colonial and Chinese features which have paved the way for Macau's UNESCO World Heritage listing, and follow that with a some dining pleasures and a glittering show," said Ms Wong. "The unique Macanese cuisine, shopping, activities . . . they all add up to an eventful - and memorable - stay."

Book your accommodation now on http://www.metrostar.com/macau/

Source: (Source: Macau Government Tourist Office)

Netherlands wins Miss Tourism International 2010

21-year-old student Nathalie den Dekker beat out 54 other contestants at the NYE pageant held at Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

What a way for 21-year-old Nathalie den Dekker to bid adieu to 2010 and say hello to 2011. The Dutch student beat out 54 other contestants to be crowned Miss Tourism International 2010 at the pageant held on New Year’s Eve in Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa.

The homegrown pageant is the only annual New Year’s Eve World Final pageant held in the world, with subsidiary titles awarded like Miss Poh Kong Glamour, Miss Charm Fantasia and Miss Focus Point Dazzling among others.

The 4 runners-up were:

1st runner-up: Australia – Ms. Holly Anne Visser

2nd runner-up: Venezuela – Ms. Stephany Gonzalez

3rd runner-up: Philippines – Ms. Barbara Salvador

4th runner-up: Mongolia – Ms. Borgoljin Bayarsaikhan

Other Top 10 finalists were from Estonia, India, Lithuania, Luxembourg, and the host country Malaysia.

The pageant promotes goodwill, friendship and world peace. Hosting the beauty pageant in Malaysia will further promote the countries tourism industry and showcase to the world the Malaysia’s many tourist attractions.

Don’t take our word for it – come and see Malaysia for yourself. Check out these great hotel deals.

Peru – A Country of Festivals

Peruvians like to celebrate life. The country has around 3,000 festivals every year, all reflecting Peru's unique culture and personality. Celebrations are colourful, musical, spiritual, and show a peculiar blend of ancient cultures with Christian traditions.

Peru's Tourism Board coordinator for Asia Pacific, Rosana Guinea, says that these festivals are often a highlight for visitors. "There is a festival or celebration almost every day somewhere in Peru, so it is worth taking the time to research to find out what is going on in advance. Observing and being part of these festivals is a great way to absorb authentic Peruvian culture," she said.

The first half of 2011 is packed with cultural festivals. Christmas celebrations continue right through to January with the Epiphany in Huancavelica, one of the most popular celebrations in Peru. During this time parades representing the journey of the three wise men occur in every town and children are once again showered with gifts and lollies.
Later in January, dance lovers from all over the world congregate in Trujillo for the Marinera Festival, creating a colourful spectacle regarded as a national competition of grace and elegance.

Carnivals and partying continue into February, with parades in traditional dresses, folklore dances, singing, food tasting and Carnival Queen Contests cheering up the atmosphere in every little town including Apurimac, Ayacucho, Cajamarca, Huanchaco, Madre Dios, and Ucayali.

The Negro Summer Festival, an Afro-Peruvian dance contest at the end of February is also a highlight. Streets erupt with music, parades and wine/food fairs for this festival in the district of El Carmen Ica.

The Grape Harvest Festivals in Lima and Ica and the Easter Christian Celebrations brighten up March. Also in this month, the world famous surfing Championships in Chicama is popular for those looking for some contemporary entertainment. In April, the Peruvian Paso Horse Festival in Mamacona, held at the foot of the pre-Inca Pachacamac oracle, is also not to be missed.

In many of Peru's festivals observers will be amazed by how Christian celebrations are oddly blended with Inca and Pagan rituals and the El Señor de Qoyllur Ritti, held every May-June in the District of Ocongate Cusco, is a good example of these mix traditions. The festival is a pilgrimage to Mount Sinaqara, a holy mountain from pre-Inca times, in homage to Corpus Christi and the ancient Cult of the Sun. The celebrations include a procession, dancing performances, fireworks, and an adorable handmade miniature market, known as "alasitas".

The winter solstice at the end of June is also celebrated with both Christian and Inca cultural traditions, with the Festivity of St. John in the Amazon region, and the Festival of the Sun - Inti Raymi- in Cusco.
The Festival of the Sun has become one of the most popular festivals in South America, and is held at the impressive Sacsayhuaman fortress (1 mile from Cusco). In the beautiful settings this ceremony is a prayer for prosperity that emulates the communicating of the original ancient rites and the sacrifice of two Llamas.

Looking for great value accommodation in Peru? Then start your search here http://www.metrostar.com/

The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2011™ is coming to Germany

Frankfurt will be the ‘centre of attraction for the football world’ with players and fans from all across the globe coming to town to follow the progress of their teams in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2011.
Frankfurt also has something in store for those without tickets to a game. For the duration of the World Cup, locals and visitors of Frankfurt will have the chance to come together at the Frankfurt Football Gardens, a special fan festival setting up camp down at the southern banks of the River Main between Untermainbrücke (Lower Main Bridge) and Holbeinsteg (Holbein Footbridge).

A colourful activity programme for the entire family will be put on show here during the three weeks of the tournament. Football fans will be able to follow the matches of their teams on two large screens floating on pontoons in the middle of the river. These pontoons are flexible in their use and may be adapted to meet the requirements of the visiting fans.

The Frankfurt Football Gardens will be worth a visit even when no matches are being played. Aside from the vast summer gardens offering regional as well as international cuisine, there will also be various activity programmes, live music and stage performances on offer, all held in front of the beautiful backdrop of the Frankfurt skyline. Admission to the Frankfurt Football Gardens is of course free of charge.

As an overture to the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2011™ in Germany, Frankfurt am Main will be welcoming football fans with a spectacular event held on the evening before the opening match. On Saturday, 25th June 2011, the River Main will be transformed into a gigantic multimedia show. The magic, elegance, poetry, drama and passion of football will be put on display by way of an exciting mixture of live performances, videos, light, sound and pyrotechnics.

The pioneer of women’s football in Germany was a Frankfurt native. Back in 1930, Lotte Specht, the daughter of a local butcher and an ardent supporter of FSV Frankfurt, placed an ad in the papers in an effort to find other women interested in playing football. That same year, the 1st German Ladies Football Club (1st DDFC) was founded at a local Frankfurt tavern, the “Steinerne Haus”. The tavern still exists, offering guests finest traditional fare and of course the popular Frankfurt apple wine.

At first, the general public was opposed to the idea of women’s football; on many occasions, the 1st DDFC simply could not find other teams to play. In 1955, the DFB (German Football Federation, headquartered in Frankfurt) went as far as to prohibit women’s football entirely. Only some 15 years later, on 31st October 1970, did the DFB finally rescind its decision and introduce specific rules for the organisation of women’s football. Initially, the women’s game differed from the men’s version. Matches lasted only 60 minutes, the ball was smaller and the winter break longer. With time, these rules were repealed.

The women’s game was extended to last the full 90 minutes some 11 years ago. Now, this year, Frankfurt am Main will show the world that women’s football is able to excite fans all across the globe. So whatever you do, make sure you’re here in time for kick-off!

 Come and see all the action - Book your accommodation now http://www.metrostar.com/frankfurt/

Britain – a lot has changed in 30 years

On the day Prince William walks down the aisle in April 2011 the world will be a very different place to when his parents married 30 years ago in 1981.

Back then there were no emails; mobile/cell phones were in their infancy, and The Tweets was the name of a band whose "Birdy Song" peaked at Number Two in the UK pop charts that year, and became a big hit across the dance-floors of Europe (as well as topping a chart of the most annoying songs of all time).

But it isn't just the virtual world that has changed, Westminster Abbey may be little altered from 30 years ago, but the rest of the capital, and indeed many other UK cities, have changed beyond belief.

When Charles and Diana wed at St Paul's Cathedral on 29 July 1981, the recently opened NatWest Tower (now called Tower 42) was the tallest building in the UK, but only stood at 183metres/600 feet high - now Renzo Piano's Shard by London Bridge has just become the tallest building in Britain, having topped Canary Wharf's One Canada Square, and when completed in 2013 The Shard will stand at 1017 feet.

In the month of the wedding, the London Docklands Development Corporation was established, with the aim of regenerating the old docklands in East London, which had fallen into disuse. Canary Wharf was not due to be completed for another ten years, while the Docklands Light Railway and London City Airport were not in operation for another six years. (The Museum of London Docklands is an excellent place to find out more about this area).
And the East End of Brick Lane, Shoreditch and Hoxton, with its vibrant markets, lively bars and art galleries, now one of the top spots for visitors to London, certainly wasn't on the average itinerary of 30 years ago.


Thinking of heading to London???

Check out the great hotel deals available on Metrtostar.com http://www.metrostar.com/london/

A Scotch Tour

The Glenfiddich Distillery in Speyside, Scotland has introduced a new tour programme for 2011.

The free Glenfiddich classic tour takes one hour and features an introductory film, a guided tour of the distillery and a tasting of three Glenfiddich single malt whiskies: Glenfiddich 12 Year Old, Glenfiddich 15 Year Old and Glenfiddich 18 Year Old.

Visitors wanting a more in-depth visit can pay £10 for a 90-minute tour that includes access to Glenfiddich's Solera warehouse and a tasting of four award-winning Glenfiddich whiskies. Visitors choosing the new half-day £50 Pioneers' Tour have a chance to meet Glenfiddich craftsmen, bottle their own whisky direct from a cask in a warehouse and experience a full tutored masterclass 'nosing' and tasting of Glenfiddich whiskies aged up to 30 years.

Glenfiddich brand heritage manager Gordon Paul says: 'We believe our Glenfiddich classic tour is the only complimentary distillery tour in the country to offer visitors the chance to sample a selection of different malts of different ages.'

The distillery was built in 1886 by William Grant and his family and is still wholly owned by his descendants. Glenfiddich means 'Valley of the Deer' in Gaelic.

The Glenfiddich Distillery offers guided tours in a variety of languages and provides foreign language leaflets. There is an on-site restaurant, The Malt Barn, a gift shop and free parking for cars and coaches. The distillery is open Mon-Sat 9.30am-4.30pm and Sun 11am-4.30pm.

Check out the great hotel deals in Scotland available on Metrtostar.com http://www.metrostar.com/

Geneva named 26th destination for Emirates

Emirates Airlines has named Geneva as its 26^th destination in Europe, with non-stop daily services between Dubai and the Swiss lakeside city to start from 1^st June 2011.

Geneva is one of the most important banking and financial cities in the world but it is also a very popular holiday destination with many things to see and do.

Check out these great hotel deals in Geneva and start planning your Swiss holiday today - http://www.metrostar.com/geneva/

Aussies Break Fiji Record

Despite it’s ongoing political instability Fiji is on track for a record year, with visitors spurred on by low-cost airfares.

More than 21,000 Australians visited the Pacific Island destination during August 2010 alone according to recently released tourism statistics. This influx of Aussies has pushed Fiji’s international arrivals from all markets for the January to August 2010 period to a record breaking 398,395 visitors. This is an astonishing 18 percent increase on arrivals for the same period in 2009.

Do you want to be a record breaker????

Check out these great hotel deals in Fiji and start planning your Fijian holiday today - http://www.metrostar.com/fiji/

Daily Flights to Hawaii from Sydney

Hawaiian Airlines will increase its non-stop service between Sydney and Honolulu to a daily frequency from April 2011, in order to keep pace with soaring customer demand for the destination.

This will be the first time the airline has operated daily flights from Sydney since it first started its service in May 2004.

Feel like “hanging ten” or just lying on the beach catching some rays !!

Check out these great hotel deals in Honolulu and start planning your Hawaiin holiday today - http://www.metrostar.com/honolulu/

There’s more to Singapore than meets the eye

Singapore is one of the most popular tourist destinations in south-east Asia.

Its cleanliness, modern design, ease of getting around, fantastic food, friendly people (most of whom can speak very good English), excellent shopping and iconic attractions make it a must see on any travel itinerary.

However, there is much more to Singapore than first meets the eye. The city has undergone a major transformation during the past two to three years and there is even more to see, do and enjoy than there has ever been before.

Here is a list of Singapore’s New Top Dozen things to see and do……..

1. Universal Studios, Sentosa

This world famous theme park offer fun and thrill rides for all the family.

2. Best View in town

Call in to Sky Park atop the new Marina Bay Sands complex for a cocktail 200 metres above the city.

3. Helix Bridge

Take a stroll across the 280 metre long bridge over Marina Bay.

4. Bumboat ride

Discover Singapore’s heritage with a ride up the river in a traditional bumboat.

5. Swarovski Cable Car

Take a ride in the seven-star Swarovski crystal-studded cable car from Mount Faber.

6. Try your luck

Visit the new intergrated resorts on Sentosa and Marina Bay and flirt with lady luck.

7. Fish pedicure

Believe it or not but people are lining up to let tiny fish nibble their way through a relaxing pedicure at Underwater World.

8. Hawkers market

Why dine 5 star when you can dine under a million stars at one of the dozens of popular local outdoor hawker stalls located throughout the city. Pick one and feast on some of Singapores best cuisine at super cheap prices.

9. Tarot Parrot

The 2010 Football World Cup had it’s psychic octopus and Singapore has its tarot card reading parrot. Drop by for the ‘reading of a lifetime’ just near the Tekka Market steps in Little India.

10. Red lantern tour

Discover Singapore’s sultry and steamy past on this walking tour you will never forget.

11. Pulau Ubin

Just a short ferry ride off the coast, Pulau Ubin is a treasure trove of history and heritage. This tiny island is one of the last bastions of traditional fishing kampongs (villages).

12. A need for speed

Plan your next visit to coincide with the world’s only Formula One night race through the streets of Singapore.

Check out these great hotel deals in Singapore and start planning your ‘far east’ holiday today - http://www.metrostar.com/singapore/