TravelTime World

National Italian Airline Returns to Heathrow, with new Rome service The new Italian national airline – ITA has confirmed it’s to operate from London Heathrow next year, with a new twice-daily service to Rome Fiumicino. Now part of the Lufthansa Group of airlines, ITA will operate twice a day from Terminal 2 – alongside its other Lufthansa partners (Lufthansa, Eurowings, Austrian, Swiss, Brussels Airlines) – […]

The new Italian national airline – ITA has confirmed it’s to operate from London Heathrow next year, with a new twice-daily service to Rome Fiumicino. Now part of the Lufthansa Group of airlines, ITA will operate twice a day from Terminal 2 – alongside its other Lufthansa partners (Lufthansa,…

Introducing Crystal Symphony & Crystal Cruises So here we are on another cruise! It might not appear to be work, but it is important for us as a company to experience the different cruise lines and what they have to offer our clients. This year, we have made a specific commitment to broadening our knowledge on the more upmarket smaller ships […]

So here we are on another cruise! It might not appear to be work, but it is important for us as a company to experience the different cruise lines and what they have to offer our clients. This year, we have made a specific commitment to broadening our knowledge on the more upmarket smaller ships […]

What were the years travel trends? Each year, ABTA conducts wide-reaching research to find out why, when, where, how and if we travel, which is compiled into the annual ‘Holiday Habits’ report. Although the first report was conducted pre-pandemic, it was influential in understanding how travel patterns had changed, and what travellers’ priorities are and were as travel restarted. Now we […]

Each year, ABTA conducts wide-reaching research to find out why, when, where, how and if we travel, which is compiled into the annual ‘Holiday Habits’ report. Although the first report was conducted pre-pandemic, it was influential in understanding how travel patterns had changed, and what…

What’s opening on Broadway this winter? Although it can be extremely cold in the middle of winter, New York is amazingly good value usually from New Year through to about Easter. The flights are cheaper, and the hotel rates are also considerably lower – sometimes a third of the price you would be paying through some of the big events and […]

Although it can be extremely cold in the middle of winter, New York is amazingly good value usually from New Year through to about Easter. The flights are cheaper, and the hotel rates are also considerably lower – sometimes a third of the price you would be paying through some of the big events and…

Jackie and David’s Visit to Vila Nova da Milfontes Although we spend most of our time at our family home on the Algarve, we do like to get out and explore the different regions of Portugal.  This autumn, due to family illness we were limited as to have far we could travel and therefore needed to find a location within a couple of hours’ […]

Although we spend most of our time at our family home on the Algarve, we do like to get out and explore the different regions of Portugal.  This autumn, due to family illness we were limited as to have far we could travel and therefore needed to find a location within a couple of hours’ […]

Africa & Beyond Brochure Launch Last week I was delighted to join Africa & Beyond, our preferred African tour operator partner for their first-ever brochure launch. We have worked with Jamie and his team for over twenty years and trust them completely with their expertise in southern and eastern Africa. The new brochure, entitle ‘Distinguished Journeys’ highlights the finest places […]

Last week I was delighted to join Africa & Beyond, our preferred African tour operator partner for their first-ever brochure launch. We have worked with Jamie and his team for over twenty years and trust them completely with their expertise in southern and eastern Africa. The new brochure, entitle…

EES (European Entry/Exit System) This weekend, after a much delayed start, the process for entering the Schengen area is to change as part of a process of digitalising the European borders. The introduction of the Entry/Exit System is the first element of this modernisation, which takes effect from Sunday 12 October. This is going to be a phased roll […]

This weekend, after a much delayed start, the process for entering the Schengen area is to change as part of a process of digitalising the European borders. The introduction of the Entry/Exit System is the first element of this modernisation, which takes effect from Sunday 12 October. This is going…

Would you like to see an F1 race in 2026? As we reach the climax of the 2025 championship, and see which of the McLaren drivers will become world champion, the focus is already on next year especially if you’re looking to travel to see a race, maybe for the first time? You’ll see lots of adverts from travel agents all over the internet about […]

As we reach the climax of the 2025 championship, and see which of the McLaren drivers will become world champion, the focus is already on next year especially if you’re looking to travel to see a race, maybe for the first time? You’ll see lots of adverts from travel agents all over the internet…

Magari’s 2026/27 Brochure is Out Now! Nearly two years ago, we were introduced to Tony Flanagan, the brain behind Magari Tours. When we met, he didn’t initially reveal what the name was going to be, but I instantly loved the concept of travelling to more undiscovered places in Italy and really immersing yourself into their way of life; using family-run hotels, […]

Nearly two years ago, we were introduced to Tony Flanagan, the brain behind Magari Tours. When we met, he didn’t initially reveal what the name was going to be, but I instantly loved the concept of travelling to more undiscovered places in Italy and really immersing yourself into their way of life;…

An Update on David A personal thank you to all who have enquired about the health of David over the past few months.  Just a brief summary of his amazing progress to date and to share our experiences of taking ‘critically’ ill in a foreign country! David’s main reason for moving to our home in the Algarve was its […]

A personal thank you to all who have enquired about the health of David over the past few months.  Just a brief summary of his amazing progress to date and to share our experiences of taking ‘critically’ ill in a foreign country! David’s main reason for moving to our home in the Algarve was its […]

Behind the Scenes of Audley’s Kindred Launch A few weeks back, I received an invitation for a night away at Audley Travel’s charming headquarters in Witney. Last year Audley held a training day at their vibrant London office near Shepherds Bush which was an enlightening experience with inspiration on the unique way Audley approach travel for pleasure. For those unfamiliar, we’ve proudly […]

A few weeks back, I received an invitation for a night away at Audley Travel’s charming headquarters in Witney. Last year Audley held a training day at their vibrant London office near Shepherds Bush which was an enlightening experience with inspiration on the unique way Audley approach travel for…

Onboard Oceania Vista in Belfast This summer, we’ve managed to get on board quite a variety of ships. In May, we were on AE Expeditions’ Greg Mortimer, in June SeaDream I, July saw us sailing on Explora I, and most recently, Oceania Vista. Each of these ships is very different in character, each offering its own take on what life […]

This summer, we’ve managed to get on board quite a variety of ships. In May, we were on AE Expeditions’ Greg Mortimer, in June SeaDream I, July saw us sailing on Explora I, and most recently, Oceania Vista. Each of these ships is very different in character, each offering its own take on what life…

Exploring Norway, with Great Rail Journeys   Day 1 – Discovering Oslo on Foot We kicked off our first full day in Oslo with a three-hour walking tour, organised by GRJ, which proved to be a great introduction to the city. With our knowledgeable local guide and a small group, we were able to orient ourselves while learning about the fascinating […]

  Day 1 – Discovering Oslo on Foot We kicked off our first full day in Oslo with a three-hour walking tour, organised by GRJ, which proved to be a great introduction to the city. With our knowledgeable local guide and a small group, we were able to orient ourselves while learning about the…

Explora Journeys 2027/28 Exclusive Pre-Sale Explora Journeys has announced its new Winter 2027/28 Journeys Collection, running from September 2027 to May 2028. The programme introduces brand-new destinations, extended itineraries, and the debut of the brand-new EXPLORA V, which joins a growing fleet designed to redefine luxury travel at sea. The season marks a milestone with EXPLORA III sailing into Asia […]

Explora Journeys has announced its new Winter 2027/28 Journeys Collection, running from September 2027 to May 2028. The programme introduces brand-new destinations, extended itineraries, and the debut of the brand-new EXPLORA V, which joins a growing fleet designed to redefine luxury travel at sea.…

The Modern Travel Agent The travel industry is ever evolving and reflects who we are as people, as a community and as a nation. We saw the growth of mass tourism to the Costa’s in the 70’s, low-cost long-haul travel in the 80’s, cruising in the 90’s and 2000’s and more recently the growth of short breaks fuelled by […]

The travel industry is ever evolving and reflects who we are as people, as a community and as a nation. We saw the growth of mass tourism to the Costa’s in the 70’s, low-cost long-haul travel in the 80’s, cruising in the 90’s and 2000’s and more recently the growth of short breaks fuelled by […]

The Croatian Destination You Should Visit The final port on my short Explora Journeys mini-cruise up the Adriatic was somewhere I have wanted to go for a while. The Croatian port of Rovinj in Istria, the most northern region of Croatia, close to the Italian and Slovenian border. (It’s pronounced Rovine, it’s a silent J when at the end of a […]

The final port on my short Explora Journeys mini-cruise up the Adriatic was somewhere I have wanted to go for a while. The Croatian port of Rovinj in Istria, the most northern region of Croatia, close to the Italian and Slovenian border. (It’s pronounced Rovine, it’s a silent J when at the end of a…

An Afternoon in Zadar With high-profile neighbours, you might not of heard of Zadar. It might even surprise you that there is a direct flight from Luton to the city, with easyJet during the summer, and there are a number of good resorts in the area. However, it’s a lovely stop for an afternoon on a cruise – or […]

With high-profile neighbours, you might not of heard of Zadar. It might even surprise you that there is a direct flight from Luton to the city, with easyJet during the summer, and there are a number of good resorts in the area. However, it’s a lovely stop for an afternoon on a cruise – or […]

Exploring Beautiful Bari The starting point for my Explora Journeys cruise was the southern Italian port city of Bari. As one of two major entry points to the Puglia region (along with Brindisi), Bari is somewhat overlooked, but from my short time there, it’s certainly worth a visit, if only for an afternoon. I flew in from Gatwick […]

The starting point for my Explora Journeys cruise was the southern Italian port city of Bari. As one of two major entry points to the Puglia region (along with Brindisi), Bari is somewhat overlooked, but from my short time there, it’s certainly worth a visit, if only for an afternoon. I flew in…

What Happens on a Typical Day Onboard Explora I Even for a small ship, there is still a huge amount going on aboard an Explora Journeys ship. This is taken from mid-cruise in July, when we had half a sea day, and the afternoon in Zadar to give an idea of the activities there are for everyone to use. Generally, there is a great […]

Even for a small ship, there is still a huge amount going on aboard an Explora Journeys ship. This is taken from mid-cruise in July, when we had half a sea day, and the afternoon in Zadar to give an idea of the activities there are for everyone to use. Generally, there is a great […]

Onboard Explora I Explora I is the first ship from Explora Journeys, a new take on modern luxury cruising that sits alongside names like Silversea, Regent Seven Seas and Crystal. But from the moment you step onboard, it feels more like a stylish, high-end boutique hotel than a traditional cruise ship. Nowhere is that more apparent than the […]

Explora I is the first ship from Explora Journeys, a new take on modern luxury cruising that sits alongside names like Silversea, Regent Seven Seas and Crystal. But from the moment you step onboard, it feels more like a stylish, high-end boutique hotel than a traditional cruise ship. Nowhere is…

European EES and ETIAS Updates Over the next couple of years, the way we enter and travel to Europe is going to change, and the first part of that change will start this Autumn. As background, when the country decided to leave the European Union, the government on our behalf negotiated that our relationship with Europe would change and we […]

Over the next couple of years, the way we enter and travel to Europe is going to change, and the first part of that change will start this Autumn. As background, when the country decided to leave the European Union, the government on our behalf negotiated that our relationship with Europe would…

Introducing Explora Journeys Last week, I spent a few days onboard a new ‘cruise line’ for us, Explora Journeys, on a ‘journey’ from Bari in Puglia to Venice. Born from the heritage of the MSC Group, and that shouldn’t be held against it, as it’s every bit the competitor to its older rivals – Regent Seven Seas Cruises […]

Last week, I spent a few days onboard a new ‘cruise line’ for us, Explora Journeys, on a ‘journey’ from Bari in Puglia to Venice. Born from the heritage of the MSC Group, and that shouldn’t be held against it, as it’s every bit the competitor to its older rivals – Regent Seven Seas Cruises […]

British Airways add new service to Rabat This winter, we have a new destination to look forward to, with British Airways serving the Moroccan capital of Rabat, in addition to Agadir and Marrakech. As the capital of Morocco, Rabat often flies under the radar of many travellers. The Kasbah of the Udayas, perched above the Atlantic, is a maze of white-and-blue alleyways […]

This winter, we have a new destination to look forward to, with British Airways serving the Moroccan capital of Rabat, in addition to Agadir and Marrakech. As the capital of Morocco, Rabat often flies under the radar of many travellers. The Kasbah of the Udayas, perched above the Atlantic, is a…

Switzerland with Kirker: My stay at the Lenkerhof After a long day on the railways, we arrived in beautiful Lenk. This isn’t really an area where many British travellers venture, many of whom head to nearby Gstaad or Wengen – having been to neither, first impressions are really good as you feel like you’re in a traditional Swiss village, rather than being in […]

After a long day on the railways, we arrived in beautiful Lenk. This isn’t really an area where many British travellers venture, many of whom head to nearby Gstaad or Wengen – having been to neither, first impressions are really good as you feel like you’re in a traditional Swiss village, rather…

Ikos Kissamos, Crete – On Sale Wednesday 2 July 2025 Ikos’s newest resort, Kissamos in Western Crete, will be on sale this Wednesday, July 2, for reservations in 2026. The brand-new hotel is located to the west of the beautiful city of Chania in Western Crete, which will open its doors in April 2026. We’ll be one of the first to experience it, as we’ll […]

Ikos’s newest resort, Kissamos in Western Crete, will be on sale this Wednesday, July 2, for reservations in 2026. The brand-new hotel is located to the west of the beautiful city of Chania in Western Crete, which will open its doors in April 2026. We’ll be one of the first to experience it, as…

TV Shows for Friday 27 June – Thursday 3 July NOEL EDMOND’S KIWI ADVENTURE Friday 27 June, iTV, 9pm A bout of bad weather is putting increasing pressure on the viability of Noel and Liz’s River Haven business as numbers are down due to the rain, and their boutique vineyard is in danger of severe frost damage. As the weather improves, Noel is determined to […]

NOEL EDMOND’S KIWI ADVENTURE Friday 27 June, iTV, 9pm A bout of bad weather is putting increasing pressure on the viability of Noel and Liz’s River Haven business as numbers are down due to the rain, and their boutique vineyard is in danger of severe frost damage. As the weather improves, Noel is…

Switzerland with Kirker: My Journey on the Iconic Glacier Express After our couple of nights at the lovely Waldhaus Sils, it was an early morning start to catch my highlight of the trip – the iconic Glacier Express. This, one of the most famous scenic railway journeys in the world, traversing across the Swiss countryside from nearby St Moritz. The first of four trains for […]

After our couple of nights at the lovely Waldhaus Sils, it was an early morning start to catch my highlight of the trip – the iconic Glacier Express. This, one of the most famous scenic railway journeys in the world, traversing across the Swiss countryside from nearby St Moritz. The first of four…

TV Show: Amol Rajan Goes to the Ganges Amol Rajan Goes to the Ganges Wednesday 25 June 2025 BBC1  In a powerful new one-hour BBC documentary, Amol Rajan Goes to the Ganges, the journalist and presenter travels to Northern India to experience the Maha Kumbh Mela – the largest religious gathering on Earth. Held every 12 years, the scale of this pilgrimage is […]

Amol Rajan Goes to the Ganges Wednesday 25 June 2025 BBC1  In a powerful new one-hour BBC documentary, Amol Rajan Goes to the Ganges, the journalist and presenter travels to Northern India to experience the Maha Kumbh Mela – the largest religious gathering on Earth. Held every 12 years, the scale…

Switzerland with Kirker: Zurich to Sils, Waldhaus Sils I’ve just returned from five truly memorable days in Switzerland with Kirker Holidays, exploring some of the most iconic rail journeys in the world and staying in two contrasting yet equally captivating regions of the country. There’s so much to share that I’ll be spreading the journey over three weeks, starting with our route to […]

I’ve just returned from five truly memorable days in Switzerland with Kirker Holidays, exploring some of the most iconic rail journeys in the world and staying in two contrasting yet equally captivating regions of the country. There’s so much to share that I’ll be spreading the journey over three…

easyJet’s new routes for Winter 2025/25 easyJet has announced a raft of new routes from the UK for this winter, including a number of returning services (especially from Gatwick), with a key focus on Christmas Markets and skiing/winter sports.   London Gatwick to Vienna, 3 weekly starting 5 December 2025 London Gatwick 0735 Vienna 1055 Mondays London Gatwick 1430 Vienna 1750 […]

easyJet has announced a raft of new routes from the UK for this winter, including a number of returning services (especially from Gatwick), with a key focus on Christmas Markets and skiing/winter sports.   London Gatwick to Vienna, 3 weekly starting 5 December 2025 London Gatwick 0735 Vienna 1055…