THEGAYUK

Category: Travel

 

  • Wondering how to get over the dreaded effects of jet lag?

    Our body clock is a very intelligent feature, which can been thrown off as we travel hundreds of miles per hour, through multiple time zones. Michela Vaginini nutritionist at Nature’s Plus, has given us her top 5 tips for beating jet lag. She says, “Once your body’s natural 24-hour clock has been disrupted there is nothing that can completely beat jet lag. However, there are things you can do, to ease its symptoms and enjoy your holiday.”

    1)Look at the Sun

    To rebalance your day and night rhythm try to force yourself to get up just after sunrise. To boost your cortisol production, which is responsible for waking up in the morning, look towards the sun when waking, an open window will do the trick if you can’t get outside. In the evening, look at the sunset until it gets dark. This will stimulate melatonin production in your brain, which is also known as the ‘sleeping hormone’. To help your body relax take Dyno Mins Magnesium by Nature’s Plus (revital.co.uk, £17.75).

    2)Stay away from COFFEE

    Several studies have identified dietary components, such as glucose, sodium, ethanol or caffeine as capable of phase-shifting day and night rhythms. Be careful with sugary and junk foods that might have some stimulating additives or flavourings. Stay away from coffee, colas, teas and other energetic drinks or herbs. Be careful with crisps and salted peanuts – they are very high in salt. Try to reduce your salt intake to 2g a day max (1/2 teaspoon). Make sure you read labels as some snacks may contain MSG, which is a popular flavour enhancer, also known as a brain stimulant.
    Having an alcoholic drink might seem like a good idea to help you fall asleep but in fact, it will compromise sleep quality and dehydrate you, making it more difficult to adapt to new time zones.

    3)Turn off your phone

    Long-time exposure to blue light from our phones, tablets and TVs can interfere with a production of melatonin and confuse our tired body, which will take it as a daylight and sign to stay awake.

    4)Go for a walk

    Sunlight stimulates the secretion of serotonin, known as a ‘happy’ hormone that will give you a quick boost of energy. In addition, when our body gets physically tired it induces a deeper better sleep.

    5)Support your adrenal glands

    These peanut-size masses of tissue located on top of your kidneys are essential for your stress response and sleeping patterns. When you are jet lagged they are doubling up their workload to keep you awake so they need an extra support. The most important nutrients for adrenal health are vitamins B, which you can find in eggs, organic meat, green leafy vegetables and whole grains (Don’t get tempted with sugary muffins!). Spirulina and algae extract are great super foods for our adrenal glands providing essential minerals and amino acids. To get a complete green foods blend, add a tablespoon of Nature’s Plus Green Lightning (revital.co.uk, £26.40) to your coconut water and feel the energy!

  • Comps To Compensation: Legal Advice On Flights and Travel

    QualitySolicitors litigation lawyer Peter Adkins gives his advice on how to make a claim for compensation for problems whilst on holiday. (more…)

  • Four Cheeky Tips To Get More Leg Room On A Flight

    Being crammed into a space not much bigger than a shoe box for hours on end isn’t fun and is not the ideal way to start your holiday. We’ve found 4 cheeky hacks that could get you some much need extra inches.

    Momondo’s have come up with 4 hot tips to get a little bit more leg room:

    Be seat savvy

    If you want the most legroom it often pays to choose the front seats or seats at the emergency exits in the middle of the plane. These have the most legroom, and this is the same pretty much no matter which airline you travel with.

    To sit by the emergency exit though, you’ll be required to be healthy and mobile, so you are able to help open the doors in case of an emergency. With some airlines you can choose your seats for free when booking the flight, whereas with others you can select a seat for a small fee.

    Prices for choosing seats vary depending on which company you go with, and how far you fly.

    Again, arrive early

    If you have not selected a seat in advance, we recommend showing up at the airport early to check in. The seats are often allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, and you can be lucky enough to get a seat with more legroom.

    Try DIY check-in

    Some automatic airport check-in machines allow you to pick your seat for free at check-in time.

    Aisle be back

    If you want to stretch your legs during the flight, it’s always wise to choose a seat near the aisle too, where it is easier to get out – and take a walk around the cabin.

     

    ALSO READ: How to get an upgrade on your flight…

  • TRAVEL: Top Tips On How To Get An Upgrade On Your Flight

    If you’re looking for a cheeky upgrade then travel search site Momondo.co.uk have a few recommendations.

    how to get an upgrade on your flight

    Choose a regional hub

    Firstly, fly from a smaller airport, as you are less likely to get an upgrade from a larger airport, especially if that airport is your carrier’s main hub.

    Don’t fly in the week

    Next, choose weekends to travel, which naturally attract less business travellers, leaving the premium cabins with more free seats.

    Join the club

    If you aren’t a member of a frequent flyer scheme then join one. Points can easily be turned into upgrades.

    Dress smart, look sharp

    Many people also recommend dressing smartly on the day, to get upgrades.

    You got mail

    Getting closer to departure, flyers should check their emails too, as many airlines may offer heavily reduced upgrade offers prior to boarding.

    Be an early bird

    Check in early, as if the plane is oversubscribed, your chances of being upgraded rise, if the flight is overbooked.

    Talk nuptials

    Lastly, mention the wedding! Airline staff are renowned for offering new brides and grooms upgrades and even complimentary champagne on board, to help celebrate their big day.

    What if that didn’t work?

    Hansen continues: “If travellers are cheeky, they can also cheat their way to a good seat on board the plane, without paying for an upgrade.”

    Perhaps just ask at the check in desk if there’s any chance of an upgrade – but don’t hold your breath!

  • Flying LongHaul: Tips From The Top

    January, long nights and short grey days we’re finding ourselves spending more and more time on Expedia dreaming up the perfect winter sun holiday. Let’s be honest we’re done with the cold and shorter days. We’re longing for some well-needed vitamin D and cocktails by the pool, with a good book.

    The world’s longest flight is Cathay Pacific’s 16 hour and 50-minute time sucker, from Hong Kong to New York. The longest direct flight from the UK is London to Buenos Aires that takes 13 hours and 45 minutes.

    There are some great long haul destinations but you have to be careful where you’re planning to stay as an open LGBT person. The middle east is a no go area if you’re gay and much of the far east also offers little protection for LGBTs. Towards the Americas, many of the Caribbean islands frown upon homosexuality and is illegal on some.

    Take a look at our long-haul anti-gay holiday destinations which might surprise you.

    FLYING LONG HAUL

    Flying long haul can be an incredible experience, especially if you can afford to turn left on entry and be seated amongst the rich and well healed, but even if you’re slumming it in coach, entertainment systems on the world’s renowned airlines are becoming second to none. Long gone are the days of the one bulkhead screen for an entire cabin and an entertainment system that had 1 hour of music on repeat.

    THE EYES HAVE IT

    The long hours in the recirculated air at 41,000 feet will definitely take their toll on your eyes, whether you wear contacts or not. You’ll find that your eyes will dry out quickly, so using drops might be a quick fix for you. Optrex optician Nick Atkins advises, “It is always advisable for contact lens wearers to remove their lenses when travelling on a long haul flight to avoid unnecessary discomfort from lens dehydration due to the very dry air conditioned environment of the cabin. There is also the possibility of falling asleep with the lenses in which might be an issue with some lens types. If lenses must be worn then the regular use of a good moisture retaining eye drop will help. In fact such a drop will also provide comfort and relief to non-contact lens wearers alike. One tip for CL wearers is to put a drop into the ‘bowl’ of the back surface of the lens for prolonged relief.”

    HYDRATION

    Don’t forget to keep yourself hydrated whilst your up in the clouds, also if you suffer a bit of traveller’s belly once you get to your destination, don’t forget to drink plenty of bottled water from a reputable source to keep your system hydrated. O.R.S Hydration tablets could also help you keep your fluids up.

    EAR, EAR

    Are you one of those people whose ears are affected by cabin pressure? When on a long haul flight, there are two factors to be taken into account. Firstly, there will be changes in cabin pressure that can affect our ears and hearing. Secondly, there will be noise from the aircraft’s engines that may encourage higher volume settings when listening to music or on-board entertainment using headphones or ear buds. Although cabin pressure is well controlled in modern aircraft, the changes in atmospheric pressure outside an aeroplane during the ascent after take-off and the descent for landing will cause cabin pressure to change. There can also be quite rapid variations in cabin pressure if air turbulence causes significant fluctuations in an aircraft’s altitude.  Normally, there are no adverse effects during the ascent after take-off as our middle ears adjust more easily when cabin pressure reduces a little. However, when descending for landing, cabin pressure increases and middle ear pressure does not self-adjust so easily. Passengers will usually feel pressure in their ears and experience reduced hearing but, in healthy ears, this can be quickly cleared by swallowing a few times or even yawning to open the Eustachian tubes thus allowing air into the middle ears to normalise the pressure and for hearing to return to normal. The same applies if air turbulence causes quite rapid changes in an aircraft’s altitude.middle ears adjust more easily when cabin pressure reduces a little. However, when descending for landing, cabin pressure increases and middle ear pressure does not self-adjust so easily. Passengers will usually feel pressure in their ears and experience reduced hearing but, in healthy ears, this can be quickly cleared by swallowing a few times or even yawning to open the Eustachian tubes thus allowing air into the middle ears to normalise the pressure and for hearing to return to normal. The same applies if air turbulence causes quite rapid changes in an aircraft’s altitude. How to protect your ears and your hearing from cabin pressure changes

    HIDDEN COSTS

    Obviously cost is a big factor in the long haul market, a search for prices of tickets to say San Francisco in the second week of November showed prices for £604 direct return, however prices from the 22nd of December, during Christmas week and the school holidays showed prices starting from £922 each way.

    Apparently, Tuesday is the cheapest day to book a flight, Friday is the most expensive. Afternoon flights are also pricier whilst red-eyes – those flights that travel at night are the cheapest. So plumping for a Tuesday night flight could save the pounds rather than a Friday afternoon flight.

    LEGROOM

    Legroom is like the gold of long-haul, cramped up for hours on end can make even the sanest of us looking at that emergency exit and thinking “go on… pull it…”

    Momondo’s have come up with 4 hot tips to get a little bit more leg room.

    Also tired and heavy legs might become a problem stuck back in the economy. Padma Circosan is a licensed herbal medicinal product, produced in Switzerland according to a proven recipe of Tibetan medicine, used for circulatory disorders including Raynaud’s, tired heavy legs, pain, swelling caused by minor venous circulatory ‘disturbances’ and calf cramp, it has circulation-stimulating and anti-inflammatory effects with many showing it to be effective in improving peripheral circulation after just a few weeks.

    It is available from UK pharmacies and health stores nationwide priced at £28.95 for 120 capsules or online at www.healthy2u.co.uk.

    GETTING OVER JET LAG

    Jet lag happens on journeys where the time difference is over 3 hours, so it is possible to get jet lag on intercontinental journeys from east to west, west or east across vast countries like, Canada, USA and Australia. However, you won’t get jet lag from north to south flights – say London to Cape Town in South Africa. Of course, you may still get general aircraft fatigue. Read our five tips on beating jet lag.

    AIR SICK?

    Still feeling nauseous from the motion of travelling? Try The Ginger People’s new Gin Gins CARAMEL – Tasty ginger and caramel sweets. They contain a massive 30% ginger per sweet. Working mainly in the digestive tract, ginger helps to boost digestive fluids and neutralise acids, making it an effective alternative to anti-nausea medication, without the possible unpleasant side effects. Call it a little traveller’s insurance! Gin Gins CARAMEL costs £1.55 for a 31g box and is available from Holland & Barrett stores nationwide.

    ALTERNATIVE ENTERTAINMENT

    Even though most airlines offer a substantial entertainment system the likelihood of finding LGBT programming on board is highly unlikely. In the airline’s quest to cater for every passenger in their entertainment choices, you might still be left unsatisfied with the offering, but you can always bring your smartphone or tablet on board packed with your favourite programming. If you’re into podcasts, acast is like Spotify but for Podcasts where there are many amazing series to listen to. From comedy, real life stories, factual entertainment to true crime, all of which will keep you entertained on long haul flights.

    COMPS TO COMPENSATION

    If your flight doesn’t go to plan you’re gonna need some help… Professional help. Here are our top tips.

    UPGRADE BABY

    Want to upgrade that cattle class to First? You’re going to need to take in these tips!

  • Top 10 Most Beautiful Christmas Markets In Europe

    Christmas is coming and with it comes the cold, snow, stressful last-minute-present-buying, and Christmas markets.

    You’ve probably seen some around your town or city, and if you’re in for travelling a little further afield this year, here are 10 of the best Christmas markets from around Europe.

    MADRID

    SPAIN

    The largest square in Madrid is home to a stunningly beautiful market in November and December.

    This usually summer vacation spot comes alive to celebrate Christmas during the winter months.

    VIENNA

    AUSTRIA

    Between mid-November and the end of December, Vienna’s centuries-old Christmas markets have something for everyone. One of the oldest in Europe, running since 1298 as a simple ‘December Market’, there are now over 20 Christmas market areas across the city.

    PRAGUE

    CZECH REPUBLIC

    A smaller market in Prague is coupled with the Annual International Festival of Advent and Christmas Music. The city space is home to traditional Advent markets, and open-air performances by various ensembles.

    BRUSSELS

    BELGIUM

    Running from late-November to early January, the Brussels market covers the city centre and is one of the few that includes a public ice-skating rink.

    LILLE

    FRANCE

    This cute French city springs into vibrant Christmas celebrations at the market place ‘On Place Rihour’ where visitors can find local and international treats, arts & crafts, and food. Ooh la la!

    DRESDEN

    GERMANY

    One of Germany’s largest markets, Dresden’s city area, is covered in hundreds of market stalls, and seemingly no space in the city’s vastness is left without a market. With rides, food, crafts, and gifts, as well as traditional Gluhwein, Dresden’s market is one to see to believe.

    MUNICH

    GERMANY

    A massive market in Southern Germany, the Munich market (or Kriskindlemarkt) is one of the oldest, and combines traditional southern-German food, crafts, and gifts, with modern touches. These vast markets will certainly have something to entertain everyone, no matter what your interests.

    BUDAPEST

    HUNGARY

    This market centres on the Vörösmarty Square, which houses the majority of the festivities, including an ice-rink between late-November and January.

    STOCKHOLM

    SWEDEN

     

    The Old Town in Sweden is home to this wonderful market where visitors can sample local delicacies such as elk meat and reindeer between late-November and the end of December
    STRASBOURG

    FRANCE

    One of the best markets by size, reputation and popularity, this market is the oldest official Christmas Market, beginning in 1570. Running from mid-November to late December, this market is packed with tradition and modern excitement.

  • HOTEL REVIEW | Hilton London Syon Park

    I’m starting a new trend, rather than having one big summer holiday in the year I’m going to have lots of little holidays!

    Preferably in places that I can get to within an hour or two. Maybe even in my own city? Because let’s be honest the getting there bit is rubbish. Lots of little breaks make you more evenly relaxed throughout the year.

    The key to this new concept is to pick somewhere that feels like you’re really far away from your life but you’re actually just a short drive away. I will be putting this theory to the test in 2016 but my first taster stop on the tour was Hilton London Syon Park for a spa weekend with my bestie.

    Hilton London Syon Park is in Brentford around 2 miles from Twickenham and easily reachable by car or public transport. Set in lovely grounds with Syon Park estate as a backdrop and modelled on the old stable block which originally sat there 200 years ago.
    When we arrived the staff on reception were extremely friendly and efficient. Sometimes they are not and you have to wait around but our request for early check-in caused no added stress or issue and we were whisked right through.

    When we got to our room the first thing we did was get in our fluffy white robes, lie on our beds and order room service because why not! We stayed in a twin with view and it really was gorgeous. Stylish, modern décor in grey and lavender hues with a stunning view of the grounds from our balcony. The best touch in the room was a TV in the bathroom above the bath; the lazy women’s dream come true.

    We were booked in for treatments at the Kallima Spa in the basement of the hotel so padded down there in our slippers. This hotel has some random quirks which add to it’s charm, for example the glass walkways talk to you or spit out film quotes and there is a fairly out of place statue of the blues brothers on the outside of the building.

    The Kallima spa is a tranquil space in the basement of the hotel. You can book individual treatments or just use the pool, steam room, sauna and Jacuzzi. We did all of it! The spa is open to the public as a day spa so my top tip if you are staying the weekend is to have treatments on the Saturday and use the spa on the Sunday. The Saturday was really busy but on Sunday most people had left and children must vacate the pool by lunch time. I loved the pool and really did feel far away. I pretended to be back in Morocco for quite a while whilst floating around.

    We plumped for the Tranquillity face and body treatment. I’ve never had a body wrap so thought it might be a new fun experience. I loved this treatment. It combines a lot of elements so you get so much from it. The facial and massage made me feel fab and she got rid of some really gruesome knots in my back. I found the body wrap a little strange, it is quite something staring down at your naked body wrapped in cling film! However I have to say that my skin was the softest it’s ever been and smelt wonderful and fresh after. I highly recommend it.

    The Marco Pierre White restaurant at this Hilton is definitely its trump card. Make sure you pre book when you check in because it’s super popular in the evenings. Now I don’t make this statement lightly as I have eaten in some fine restaurants but the meal we had here was one of the best I’ve ever eaten. If you are a vegetarian or vegan you won’t find much for you as it’s a steak house and doesn’t really accommodate for the non-meat eaters. We chose the 10oz Sirloin steak and it melted in the mouth. It comes served with triple cooked chips, and was cooked to absolute perfection. The roast rump of lamb was equally great so much so I think about it roughly twice a week! Please please make sure you order the creamed spinach whatever you do because the only explanation for how amazing it tastes is that they have fairies casting spells in that kitchen, it’s heaven in your mouth!

    After that meal I slept like a baby (I’m sure the wine had nothing to do with it)
    I absolutely love hotel breakfasts so I was really looking forward to what was going to be on offer. It was a bit disappointing that there is a only a buffet as we had hoped to order something a bit more bespoke – Eggs benedict or an omelette freshly made. Having said that the buffet was very well put together and all tastes are catered for with plenty of continental breakfast choices and a hot plate for the full English.

    This hotel really meets a high standard for a very reasonable price point. It does feel luxurious and the pleasant and friendly staff add to its relaxed nature. We both left feeling rejuvenated, relaxed, well fed and like we had been away for way more than one night. I’m already planning a second trip there in the New Year. Maybe see you there for your first mini holiday of the year!

    Stays at Hilton London Syon Park start from £149 per room per night, based on two people sharing a Queen Guest Room on a bed and breakfast basis including taxes, complimentary WiFi and full use of the spa facilities. Reservations – www.londonsyonpark.com /020 7870 7777.

    Reviwed by Chloe Misson | @CselinaM

  • Travel Bag Review: Track Jack Board Backpack

    The Track Jack Board Backpack from Crumpler is the first and last bag you will ever need to take when you travel.

    (more…)

  • TRAVEL GUIDE | Feel The (gay) Love In Slovenia

    The verdant rolling hills, the typical southern European countryside, mountainous vistas that even Maria would be satisfied with, a jewel-like coast and buzzing city centre with street side coffee bars and nic-nacky marketplaces. Slovenia is a country teeming with history and it is dying to share it with you.

    It has to be said my knowledge of Slovenia is as fully fledged as my understanding of the offside rule – next to zero. In fact, when asked, I racked my brain to my 12-year-old self to the history lessons we were made to endure and all my frazzled brain could make out was three words: Yugoslavia, the colour grey and political unrest. When I shared my thoughts to the head of tourism over dinner, her face fell, ‘We certainly have our work cut out for us then’ she sighed, but spend just a few days in Slovenia and the country sells itself.

    Slovenia, for those of you not in the know, is a small central/southern European country, nestled in between the Alps, the Pannonia Plain and the Mediterranean. It borders with Austria, Italy, Hungary and Croatia.

    One of Slovenia’s biggest assets is its people. Friendly, accepting and warm. Almost every sentence begins with ‘Of course…‘ and with such a positive affirmation, you realise that the people here are longing for you to have an excellent time.It might not be the most obvious of European getaways, but Slovenia is a gem, a relatively unknown paradise for those who love city breaks, spas, skiing, Nordic walking and Riviera living.

    THEGAYUK were invited to celebrate the inaugural PinkWeek, the brainchild of Mattej and Matej, real life and business partners who founded luxuryslovenia.eu, and who now hope to bring LGBT tourists to Slovenia to enjoy its rich heritage, hospitality and gay life.

    Our hosts ensured that every moment of our stay was filled with sensory delights from the moment we arrived at Slovenia’s laid back main, international airport in Ljubljana. We were met and driven through the picturesque countryside to Otočec Castle Hotel, a sublime, five-star hotel, situated on an islet in the middle of the Krika River. Stunningly peaceful and mesmerisingly beautiful. The service was incredible, whilst the culinary experience was outstanding, catering for even the most discerning tastes. As you stand in the history rich courtyard of the hotel you take a moment to enjoy the serenity of the surroundings; the gentle rushing of the river in the distance and melodic song of birds that inhabit the small island.

    A special mention here of the many spa options open to you whilst staying in Slovenia, which is famous for its live-well establishments. Close to the hotel is the Terme Krka Spa, which you have the full use of. Here you will find world-class health treatments and fitness experts, which promise to have you feeling leaner, healthier and more youthful than you’ve felt in a long time with its extensive slimming and detox programmes. Again, you will revel in the sheer luxury of the culinary delights that await you, should you wish to take full advantage of the programmes.

     

    Although small, Slovenia packs an interesting excursion, with something for everyone. Whether you love rock climbing (the Alps), caving (Postojna Caves), skiing, boating (Lake Bled, above) or just lazing in the Mediterranean sunshine it’s all here.
    The climate is wonderful. During the summer months, the weather is sunny and warm. The average temperature being in the high 20s throughout the summery months. Winters can be harsh and freezing, but the locals inform me that December is known as ‘Happy Month’, with thousands of people taking to the city centre streets for all manner of fairs and celebrations.

    If you manage to get to the coast (Slovenia has around 60kms of coastline) you should stay at the incredible Kempinski Palace in Portorož. While one-half the hotel retains its old fashioned, colonial feel, with wonderfully appointed rooms and public spaces, it also offers a newer, fresher building, which blends seamlessly, to create a world-class hotel, with, it has to be said a stunning breakfast – and stunning sea views.

    Take a coastline stroll to the next town Piran (below), to experience a quaint and patchwork seaside town, with all the charm and rustic beauty that you’ll expect from any southern European country, perhaps picking up a little sea-salt souvenir, one of Slovenia’s many exports. It has to be said that dining so close to the sea, that food is best served straight from the ocean. You should visit the Fritolin fish restaurant, which is famously popular with the locals, after take in a chilled by-the-sea drink at Paprika.

    As the week progresses, the gayness of Pinkweek starts and our first introduction was cocktails at the Park Hotel in Ljubljana, where we were treated to a special drag show with Mataina and Casper, whose dulcet tones managed to attract children playing in the local park who soon joined the drag act on stage, dancing along. I’ve never seen a sight like it as one excessively excited girl was thrown into the air by a drag queen, miming to Kylie. So laid back are the locals, that not one parent batted an eye, as the two queens cavorted and put on a mid-afternoon show in the afternoon Slovenian sun.
    The next day we had the honour of visiting Lake Bled, one of the most breathtakingly beautiful places on earth. Located in a natural basin, surrounded by mountain reaches, Lake Bled’s azure waters lap gently onto the shore. We were greeted on one of the jetties with a glass of bubbles and canapés, whilst we looked out, our tired eyes were revitalised by the sun and glittering jewel-like ripples in the water. Later we took a boat trip across to the monastery on the small island in the middle of the lake. There is a bell tower and it is said that if you ring the bell three times, your wishes will come true.
    In terms of a gay scene, Slovenia’s is intimate but incredibly friendly. The two main haunts are Tiffany, which is to be found in the middle of a teeming and crowded complex of bars and clubs, catering for every type of person. There is also the bigger more dance oriented Klub K4, which is popular with the LGBT community on a Saturday night.

    The scene is laid back, with an ‘anything’ goes attitude.

    Later that evening we were treated to Champagne and cocktail at the AS Apertivo Restaurant, whilst the Eurovision semi-finals played in the background.

    Whilst in Ljubljana, we stayed at the boutique and centrally positioned Cubo Hotel, which as the name suggests provided compelling design concepts, with tight lines and cube features. It also had wifi included and interestingly complimentary mini-bar, yes you read that right.

    Ljubljana is a beautiful bustling city, with a population of around 200,000 and with that you get a feel of small town living. Friendly faces, excellent café culture and if you get a moment, do go to a local karaoke bar to get the real feel of the Slovenes letting their hair down. We went with two drag queens and nobody blinked an eye – and that’s Slovenia all over. It seems everybody is happy to let everybody else just get on with it. If you are looking for more culture and history, you won’t be left bored. There is a world class Opera house, open air concert and theatre spaces and museums to while away the hours, filling your mind with Slovenia’s rich and varied history. It’s easy to forget that this country was once in the grip of a communist government and that Slovenia now, is still creating its own exciting identity. However step into any government building and the reminiscence of that bygone time can still be felt – and it’s fascinating.

    If you’re feeling a little jaded after a night on the town, (take note that wine and beer is cheap), a cable car ride and brisk mountain walk (accompanied by the sexiest accordion player, you’re ever likely to find) up the Velika Planina will invigorate the senses and clear the head. Take a moment to enjoy the awe-inspiring vista and breath in the cooler, fresher air.

    Learn about the incredible herdsmen and their historic significance and listen to the story of the Trnič cheese. Famous for its likeness to breasts, which were given by the herdsmen to the girl they wanted to marry. You’ll never look at cheese in the same way again.

    The week’s trip climaxed with an extravagant event inLjubljana Castle (above), which was decorated and lit atmospherically for the evening’s festivities, which coincided with the Eurovision finals, which played on a giant screen. Three internationally renowned chefs provided mouth watering food for the assembled elite, whilst the Slovenia Army Big Band serenaded the crowd. Guests of honour included the Ljubljana mayor who during his speech, informed the crowd that he could not wait for the first same-sex couples to be legally wedded in the historic building.

    For more information please visit pinkweek.eu. Find more LGBT-friendly places to visit here.

  • A27 To Remain Closed After Shoreham Air Disaster

    The Highways Agency have confirmed that the A27 at Shoreham will be closed for a number of days after the weekend’s tragedy.

    Although the Hawker Hunter aircraft has been removed, the road surface is in need of repair due to the extreme heat of the fire that started on impact.

     

    Drivers are advised to avoid the area however diversions are in place. With traffic between Worthing and Brighton forced onto alternative routes, I would advise leaving plenty of time for your journey. Our thoughts are with the families and friends of those involved.

    For more information please see the below link;

    https://www.gov.uk/government/news/a27-closed-near-shoreham

    by Alan Taylor-Jones

  • HOTEL REVIEW | Hilton Cardiff

    Stepping into the Hilton Cardiff is akin to stepping into bliss. Nothing is too much hassle for the attentive staff from Car parking to Concierge.

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