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Archive for October, 2010

Unusual New Year's Eve parties in London | New Years' Eve London 2010 | Fabulous travel guide

Firework displays in London – best of 2010

[ 0 ] October 29, 2010

London is famous for its extravagant firework displays, with the whole city lighting up to celebrate bonfire night on 5 November. But with so many events happening around the capital – it’s difficult to decide where to go.

Fortunately, we’re spoiled for choice – scroll down to see which places made the top 5…

Firework displays in London 2010 | Clapham Common fireworks | Fabulous travel guide

Firework displays in London 2010 | Clapham Common fireworks | Fabulous travel guide

South London

Clapham Common is a great place to spend Bonfire Night. The entire park comes alive with music and a dazzling array of fireworks. It’s also a great night out – so if you don’t fancy standing around in the cold, watch all the action from The Windmill, a great little pub on the outskirts of the common. They sell a mean hot dog, too.

When? Friday 5 November, free
Where? Clapham
Tube: Clapham Common/Clapham South

Central London

Looking for somewhere extra special to watch fireworks? Book a flight on The London Eye and watch the city come explode into life on the 5 November. But hurry, these tickets are sure to sell out fast so get yours now!

When? 5 November
Where? London’s Southbank
Tube: Waterloo

Firwork displays in London | The London Eye | Image from Hot UK Deals

Firwork displays in London | The London Eye | Image from Hot UK Deals

North London

Don’t fancy standing around in the freezing cold? Butterfly Social in  Caledonian Road is hosting an alternative evening with indoor fireworks, sparklers, themed cocktails and games on a warm roof terrace. What could be better?

When? Friday 5 November 2010, booking essential
Where? The Brill, Caledonian Road, London N1 9DT
Tube: Caledonian Road

East London

Capital FM called it the best firework display of 2009, and this year Victoria Park is planning another huge celebration complete with a pyrotechnic show and ear-shattering fireworks for the whole family.

When? Sunday 7 November
Where: Victoria Park
Tube: Bethnal Green

West London

If you like your fireworks to be dramatic then head down to Ealing Cricket Club on Saturday 6 November. This event will mark the 70th anniversary of The Battle Of Britain. There will also be funfair rides and novelty stores for the kids – as well as candyfloss, mulled wine and barbecue.

When? Saturday 6 November
Where? Corfton Road, Ealing, London
Tube: Ealing Broadway

Looking for more things to do in London? Why not sample of one the city’s most bizarre restaurants or go on a murder mystery weekend for New Year?. For more weird and wonderful travel tips, follow me on Twitter!

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Travelling solo? 5 things to do before you leave | Fabulous travel guide

Travelling solo? 5 things to do before you leave

[ 0 ] October 27, 2010

Travelling on your own can be daunting – so make it easy on yourself by getting super organised before you leave.

1) Print off important documents

These should include flight details, confirmation emails, hostel reservations, insurance documents and important contacts. It’s also worth keeping back-up copies online – so family and friends can access them in an emergency.

2) Buy a passport wallet

These are great for storing extra documents – such as flight tickets and ID forms. It’s important not to lose anything when crossing borders – or you could be refused entry.

Travelling solo? 5 things to do before you leave | Fabulous travel guide

Travelling solo? 5 things to do before you leave | Fabulous travel guide

3) Make a note of important numbers

Keep a notebook of important phone numbers – who to call if you lose your bank card, emergency services, insurance details etc. Keep reference numbers and passwords handy too, as you may need these over the phone.

4) Check the visa requirements

Don’t be caught out – always do your research before travelling to a foreign country. Some countries require that you buy a return ticket; others will only allow 90 days entry.

5) Book your first night’s accommodation

No matter how old you are, it’s always daunting arriving in a new city at night. So make sure you book your first night’s accommodation well in advance.

Thinking about working while you’re away? Register with LOCATE so the British Embassy has all your details. For more travel advice and tips, follow me on Twitter.

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Travelling abroad? Register with LOCATE before you go

Travelling abroad? Register with LOCATE before you go

[ 0 ] October 25, 2010

Planning a round-the-world trip? Keep the British Embassy up-to-date with your whereabouts by registering with LOCATE.

The service is designed to assist British nationals, who are travelling or working abroad, in an emergency. Not only will it provide instant access to all your records and details, staff will be able to contact you directly to offer advice and help in a crisis, such as a natural disaster. It can also help family and friends find you, therefore reducing delay and worry.

Travelling abroad? Register with LOCATE before you leave | British Embassy | Fabulous travel guide

Travelling abroad? Register with LOCATE before you leave | British Embassy

How to register

You only need to register for the service once and then update your account when you make a new trip abroad or change your country of residence. You can even add planned trips abroad up to a year ahead – making it perfect for young travellers planning their gap year.

Want more travel advice? Find out How to get the best exchange rates and bag those cheap flights before anyone else.

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Delphic to headline The Warehouse Project in London

The Warehouse Project comes to London

[ 0 ] October 21, 2010

Looking for somewhere unusual to party this Halloween? Forget posh London clubs, this year is all about outdoor raves and hush-hush locations.

And to get you in the mood, Manchester’s world-famous Warehouse Project is coming to London for a special one-off party featuring Delphic this October.

Delphic to headline The Warehouse Project in London

Delphic to headline The Warehouse Project in London

Taking place deep underground at Ewer Street Warehouse in Southwark on 29/10/10, this event boasts a fantastic line up not to be missed.

Delphic, one of this year’s hottest live bands, is set to headline the main room, while Rustie, Mumdance and Union are among those raving it up in the second room, hosted by Adventures in the Beetroot Field.

So if you’ve still got the Ibiza blues, snap up a ticket and kick-off the Halloween weekend in style. There are still a few discounted tickets available (£12.50) – simply enter promo code “Delphic” in drop-down menu on TicketWeb. Standard tickets are priced £17.50.

ROOM 1
Delphic live
Sound Pellegrino Thermal Team
Filthy Dukes
Retro/Grade
Krysko

ROOM 2 – Adventures in the Beetroot Field
Rustie
Mumdance
Untold
Union DJs
Girl Unit
Becoming Real live
No Pain in Pop DJs

Looking for more unusual things to do in London? Follow me on Twitter for all the latest news!

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Dawn breaks over partygoers at the full moon party | Fabulous travel guide

Thailand – how to survive the full moon party

[ 0 ] October 18, 2010

Thailand has become famous for its full moon parties, with thousands of travellers trekking to the south coast every month to get a slice of the action.

Held on Koh Phangan, an island off the gulf of Thailand, these events are notoriously wild, last all night and will probably be the highlight of your trip.  But with ‘buckets’ of alcohol costing from as little a pound, it’s easy to see why these parties can get out of hand – so make sure you stay safe with our top tips!

How to stay safe at the full moon party>>

Full moon party | Koh Phangan, Thailand | Fabulous travel guide

Full moon party | Koh Phangan, Thailand | Fabulous travel guide

Looking for more things to do in Thailand? Swim with sharks in Ko Phi Phi  and don’t forget to follow me on Twitter!

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Fire dancers at full moon party | Koh Phangan | Fabulous travel guide

How to stay safe at the full moon party

[ 1 ] October 18, 2010

Heading to Thailand this year? Don’t miss the incredible full moon parties, held on Koh Phangan every month. Read our top tips for staying safe:

1) Arrive on Koh Phangan in plenty of time. Accommodation gets booked up quickly– so do your best to book ahead where possible.

2) Stay on the outskirts of town rather than in the main streets. Countless backpackers have had their rooms broken into during the night – and if you want any sleep, forget it. Staying further afield is also much cheaper, quieter and altogether more relaxing the next day.

Dawn breaks over partygoers at the full moon party | Fabulous travel guide

Dawn breaks over partygoers at the full moon party | Fabulous travel guide

3) Don’t take any valuables to the party. Leave cameras, passports and phones at home. Like I said, these parties get wild and when you’ve had a little too much to drink it’s easy for pickpockets to work their magic.

4) Make sure your stuff is locked away in a safe deposit box at your hostel. It’s also worth asking for a receipt to show what was in there, too.

5) Stay in a group. It’s easy to get lost so pick a meeting point that you can all find easily if one of you wanders off.

6) Go steady on the Redbull. The powder form – often found in ‘buckets’ of alcohol  – is said to contain the same amount of caffeine as 6 coffees. Mixed with whiskey or vodka, this can have a lethal effect!

7)However drunk you get – don’t attempt to throw yourself through a ring of fire. Burn marks aren’t attractive the next day.

Fire dancers at full moon party | Koh Phangan | Fabulous travel guide

Fire dancers at full moon party | Koh Phangan | Fabulous travel guide

8) Lone travellers need to be extra careful when out and about – especially girls. Don’t get into a taxi alone, wait until there’s a group of you.

9) Write down the name of your hostel – or better still take their business card – so you can show your taxi driver. This avoids confusion and if you’re feeling a little worse for wear as you can just flash it at the driver!

10) Have fun!

Looking for things to do in Thailand? Swim with sharks in Ko Phi Phi  – it’s an experience you’ll never forget!

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Black-tip reef shark - Thailand - Fabulous travel guide

Swimming with sharks in Thailand

[ 1 ] October 14, 2010

Always dreamed of swimming with sharks? Ko Phi Phi, an island situated just off the south coast of Thailand, is a great place to see your first fin.

Home to the black-tip reef shark, these waters are full of surprises: large schools of blue-lined snappers emerge from the abyss; white banded sea snakes wriggle beneath the coral and leopard sharks lurk in the shadows.

Black-tip reef shark - Thailand - Fabulous travel guide

Black-tip reef shark - Thailand - Fabulous travel guide

Booking a trip couldn’t be easier – you’ll find loads of tour operators in the centre of Ko Phi Phi. Don’t be afraid to barter if there’s a big group of you and shop around for the best deal. Look for companies that offer a refund in the unlikely event you don’t see any sharks!

Tours start early so expect to be on the beach at 6am. Guide will usually provide snorkelling gear but be sure to take plenty of drinking water as you’ll be out on the boat for at least 3 hours.

Swimming with sharks in Thailand | Ko Phi Phi | Fabulous travel guide

Swimming with sharks in Thailand | Ko Phi Phi | Fabulous travel guide

Feeling nervous? Once you’ve seen your first shark you’ll quickly relax. The anticipation is the worst bit! Sharks range in size from 3ft to 6ft – but they rarely come close and will quickly dart off when they spot you.

TOP TIP Don’t splash around – you’ll scare them off. Swim gently keeping your arms tucked in and legs paddling gently in swift movements.

Booking a flight to Thailand? Find out how to bag cheap flights and make sure you get the best exchange rates.

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Northern Lights - Sweden - Fabulous travel guide

Best place to see the Northern Lights? Sweden’s Ice Hotel

[ 0 ] October 6, 2010

Planning a trip to Sweden? Book a stay at the ICEHOTEL and experience the infamous Northern Lights from one of the best spots in the world.
Located just 200km north of the Arctic Circle in a small village called Jukkasjarvi, this hotel is said to offer its guests the best possible chance to witness this incredible phenomenon – a spectacle of dancing colours in the mid-winter darkness.
Northern Lights - Sweden - Fabulous travel guide
Northern Lights – Sweden – Fabulous travel guide

Guided tours leave the hotel at 11pm every night and return by 2am. Locations vary, depending on the weather. Reservations can be booked on the day (before 10pm).

Accommodation

When you’re not catching a guided Northern Lights tour at midnight, there’s plenty to explore at the hotel. Brave the freezing temperatures in your very own ice room (pictured), take an ice sculpting class or mingle with guests at the ABSOLUT ICEBAR JUKKASJÄRVI while sipping colourful ice drinks.

Sweden's Ice Hotel - Northern Lights - Fabulous travel Guide

Best time to go

The best time to see the Northern Lights is between mid August and mid April. January has the highest number of clear days and in percent the lowest average cloudiness - the essential precondition to be able to view the Northern Lights.

For more info, and to book a room, visit www.icehotel.com. Can’t afford to go away? London’s Ice Bar is truly unique experience not to be missed!

And don’t forget to follow me on Twitter for all the latest news and travel advice!

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