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Christmas afternoon tea – best in London

[ 0 ] November 16, 2010

Looking for Christmas gift ideas? Treat your loved ones to afternoon tea at one of London’s finest hotels.

Whether it’s champagne with the girls or Christmas carols with the kids, there are loads of festive events in the run up to Christmas. Scroll down for our pick of the best Christmas afternoon teas in London.

Christmas events in London | Christmas afternoon tea | Fabulous travel guide

* Christmas afternoon tea at The Dorchester

Celebrate Christmas in style at The Dorchester with a special afternoon tea menu. Sip champagne in the Promenade while nibbling on mince pies, festive pastries and delicious finger sandwiches. Got the kids with you? A special Nutcracker Afternoon Tea is also available for children up to the age of 12.

Where? Mayfair
Tube: Green Park
Price: From £46.50 for Festive Tea; £24 per child for Nutcracker Afternoon Tea
When? Weekdays from 22 November 2010

* Christmas film club at The Charlotte Street Hotel

Love snuggling down to watch Christmas films? Now you can enjoy a special afternoon tea package at the Charlotte Street Hotel throughout December.

Every Sunday at 5pm, the hotel will screen a festive film downstairs in its own private cinema. Love Actually kicks off the season on 5 December, followed by White Christmas on the 12th, and It’s a Wonderful Life on 19th.

Where? Central London
Tube: Tottenham Court Road
Price: £35 for afternoon tea and film club
When? From 5 December 2010

* Christmas carols at Claridges

Enjoy the award-winning afternoon tea at Claridges – not only can you choose from 30 different types of tea, you can now choose from a special Christmas menu.

Festive Tea offers guests a special selection of finger sandwiches, a glass of champagne, freshly baked apple and raisin scones, assorted French pastries, tea or coffee and traditional Christmas pastries. There will also be carol singers on weekends, making it all the more special.

Where? Central London
Tube: Bond Street
Price: From £45
When? From 27 November 2010 – 2 January 2011

Looking for more unusual things to do in London? Why not dine on the top deck of a bus or go on a murder mystery weekend? For more exciting things to do in London follow me on Twitter!

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Unusual New Year’s Eve parties in London

[ 3 ] November 9, 2010

New Year’s Eve is fast approaching – so make this year extra special by partying at one of London’s most unusual venues. From medieval banquets to partying in the snow, read on for the best New Year’s Eve events for 2010.

And if you’re planning on dining at one of London’s best restaurants for New Year, book now!

Murder mystery weekend | New Year's Eve party | Hendon Hotel, north London

New Year’s Eve murder mystery weekend

Love solving mysteries? Then a murder mystery weekend is for you. Hendon Hall Hotel in north London is hosting an extra special event for New Year’s Eve.

Enjoy a 3-course meal as mysterious things happen around you. Towards the end of the evening someone will die or be found dead… At that point the action stops, all the surviving suspects are lined up and you get a chance to grill them. Afterwards, you’ll fill in an answer form – awards will be given for the most clued-up detective.

Price: from £135, including one night’s stay and late-night disco.

Medieval banquet | New Year's Eve party 2010 | Ivory House, London

Medieval banquet New Year’s Eve party

Fancy doing something a little more spooky for New Year’s Eve? Book a table at London’s Medieval banquet. Taking place in the flickering torchlight in the vaulted cellars of Ivory House near The Tower of London, this event is one not to be missed.

Accompanying your 5-course meal are jousting knights, strolling players and dancing wenches. There’s even unlimited alcohol! After the show, see in the New Year on the dance floor – or hot foot it to London Bridge and watch the fireworks go off around the capital.

Price: from £94 per person

‘Off piste’ New Year’s Eve party

Wish you were skiing for New Year? This is the next best thing. Enjoy a delicious 4-course menu ‘Off piste’ at Battersea Park.

Glistening like an ice palace, this alpine winter wonderland is packed full of festive treats to make your night extra special. Aerial acts swing from the rafters, acrobats and dancers fill the floor and skaters whirl across the ice.

Also included in the price is an after-dinner disco, an array of alpine-themed bars and even a selection of casino tables for those feeling lucky.

Price: £120

Looking for more unusual things to do in London? Check out these weird and wonderful restaurants and don’t forget to follow me on Twitter for all the latest travel news!

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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

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

[ 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

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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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

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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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

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

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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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

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

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

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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London – dining with a difference

[ 7 ] September 19, 2010

Looking for somewhere unusual to have dinner? These London restaurants are sure to spark your imagination. Want some clues? Think iconic, dark and cold…(sound appealing, don’t they?)

1) Rootmaster is a restaurant with a twist – it’s an iconic double-decker bus parked in Brick Lane, east London. It may sound a little strange, but once you’ve sampled the delicious vegan food and whiled away the hours on the top deck, you’ll be smitten.

Rootmaster | London bus restaurant | Fabulous travel guide

Food varies from traditional wonton wraps filled with carrot and coriander to red lentil koftas on a bed of organic rice. There’s even a mezze platter of delicious bus-made hummus, sun-dried tomatoes and hunks of fresh bread to feast on while you wait.

Prices: Mains cost from £9 and starters from £4. You can even hire the top deck of the bus for a private birthday party. Prices from £100 (max 30 people).

2) Ice Bar, London

Fancy freezing to death in a bar made of ice? No, me neither, but somehow this London bar makes the idea of being cold appealing.

Absolut Ice Bar is the UK’s only permanent bar made of ice and is kept at minus 5 degrees all year round. Fortunately, you don’t have to eat dinner there. Upstairs you can take your pick from several different bars and restaurants. Below Zero is particularly good for sharing platters, seafood and nibbles, while The Moose Dining Room is perfect for more formal dinner parties and birthday celebrations.

Absolut Ice Bar | London bars | Fabulous travel guide

Once you’re ready to take the plunge, a member of staff will give you a cape-style coat (complete with gloves and hood) and you’ll get 40 minutes to browse the ice sculptures, take photos and sample colourful vodka cocktails, served in a glass of ice .

Prices: Tickets cost from £13.50 for a 40 minute session, including one cocktail. Remember, Absolut Ice Bar closes for its annual ice redesign on the 26/09/10 until 1/10/10 – so get in there quick!

3) Dans le Noir

So we’ve had an iconic London bus, and we’ve had a bar made of ice. That leaves us with… the dark.

If you’re after somewhere really unusual to impress your date, take them to Dans le Noir. This restaurant is sure to impress (and potentially scare) – so book early to avoid disappointment.

Dans Le Noir | London restaurants | Fabulous travel guide

The idea? To experience what it is like to have a meal in total darkness. Blind guides help you to your seat and you are left to choose from 4 menus: the white menu is a chef’s surprise; the blue menu is for seafood lovers; the green for vegetarians; and the red for meat eaters.

Prepare to be amazed as you taste, touch and smell delicious French food – without actually knowing what it is. The best part is guessing what you’re eating – it’s surprising how many people get it wrong! On the way out, waiters show you pictures of each meal. Diners on the red menu prepare to be shocked…

Prices: Surprise menus start from £39 (for 2 courses). It may seem a little expensive, but remember you’re paying for an experience that you’ll never forget.

Looking for more unusual things to do? Head to Brighton and stay in one of these luxury boutique hotels. New York-style penthouse anyone?

Get the latest travel advice and city guides by following me on Twitter at twitter.com/fabtravel.

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Bosa – relax in a hilltop bungalow

[ 2 ] September 13, 2010

Planning a holiday to Sardinia? Forget the Emerald Coast, Bosa is a beautiful little town that boasts miles of rolling countryside, beautiful riverside cafés and delicious seafood.

And if you’re looking for somewhere truly special to stay, try the Locanda il Melograno. Privately owned, these little bungalows are almost too good to be true – and are surprisingly good value.

Where to stay in Bosa - Locanda il Melograno - Fabulous travel guide

Perched high up in the valley, and surrounded by olive trees and terracotta mountains, this place is like nowhere on earth. Apart from the gentle hum of crickets, and the distance sound of a tractor, there is nothing but silence stretching for miles.

Where to stay in Bosa | Locanda il Melograno | Fabulous travel guide

Just three bungalows make up the accommodation, and they are strategically placed to provide stunning views of the River Temo. Bedrooms are bright and breezy, with several windows overlooking the valley.

Each comes with a double or twin bed, a sofa, a private bathroom with shower facilities and a gorgeous little patio with table and chairs.

Where to stay in Bosa - Locanda il Melograno - Fabulous travel guide

How to get there

Be warned, it’s a fairy steep climb, so if you have bags and suitcases be sure to jump in a taxi. It will only take 5 minutes, but you’ll be glad you did!

Walking to the centre of Bosa takes 10-15 minutes from the bungalows, and they are currently in the process of building a more direct route, which would cut this time in half.

Hiring a bicycle is also a good idea and will enable you to visit Bosa Marina and explore the colourful medieval town.

Cost

Rooms cost as little as €30 per night in low season (€40 in high season), including breakfast, which is served on a peaceful terrace overlooking the valley. Don’t forget to try out the restaurant at night. It attracts visitors from all over Bosa and it certainly lives up to its reputation. The seafood is to die for!

Planning on booking a cheap flight to Bosa? Click here for more travel advice about Bosa.

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Page 1 of 212 »

Category: Blog

Christmas afternoon tea – best in London

Unusual New Year’s Eve parties in London

Travelling solo? 5 things to do before you leave

Travelling abroad? Register with LOCATE before you go

Thailand – how to survive the full moon party

How to stay safe at the full moon party

Swimming with sharks in Thailand

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

London – dining with a difference

Bosa – relax in a hilltop bungalow

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