Business Travel Made Easy With E – Tickets

As of June 1^st 2008 business travel could not be easier for passengers as they no longer have to worry about losing their tickets before their flight. From now on all airlines who are members of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) will only use electronic tickets for passengers checking in. This group makes up 94 percent of all airlines so therefore traditional paper tickets being used is going to become a rarity.

 

The use of e – tickets is no doubt going to make life a lot easier for many people, especially those who do a lot of business travel. Normally when your tickets come through you put them in a safe place but sometimes this is done so far in advance that by the time is comes to your travel date you have forgotten where you put your tickets. Whether you eventually find them or not it is a very stressful experience because there is absolutely no chance of getting on any flight without a ticket.

 

The majority of people who go on business travel don’t even book their own tickets as there is normally somebody else within the company who organises this. This can make it very difficult for the person who is actually flying to get the tickets if they are not in the office before they leave for their journey. However, with e – tickets this does not matter because all the information that is needed will be stored on the computer when you go to check in.

 

There are various other reasons why many airlines have decided to use e – tickets now rather than traditional paper tickets. As there is now more pressure than ever before for companies to be more environmentally friendly, not needing paper tickets anymore is going to be very beneficial to the environment. It is estimated that 50,000 trees can be saved every year simply by not needing to print tickets. As flying is constantly criticised for its contributions towards global warming environmentalists should be happy that so many airlines are doing whatever they can to help protect the environment now.

 

Regardless of whether people are going on business travel or holiday it is highly likely that everyone is going to benefit from the benefits of using e – tickets. However, it’s not just the passengers who are likely to benefit from these advantages because airlines are going to save billions of pounds worth of money when this new system has been introduced.

Rhodes

Rhodes attracts many tourists as it’s a cosmopolitan place oozing class and sophistication. As if it needed a better introduction, it’s officially the sunniest place in Europe guaranteeing you a sun soaked holiday.

Activities

Rhodes offers a variety of activities for all ages. For the braver among you, there is bungee jumping, catamaran sailing, horse riding, rally carting and plenty of water – sports. Those who would like to come back with their hair can choose from bowling, mini golf, walking tours and much more.

Nightlife

Most of the nightlife on the Island is limited to the City of Rhodes, Faliraki and Lindos where the most famous and lively clubs Amazone, Loft and La Scala can be found. Varieties of different music are on offer meaning there’s something for everyone.

For something a bit different why not try Casino Rodos which has over 300 of the latest technology slot machines and 34 gaming tables.

Eating Out

Rhodes is a paradise for tasty food which you can enjoy in small tavernas or the most elegant restaurants. You will not be disappointed with the local cuisine but be warned that dinner doesn’t start until around 10pm. Restaurants tend to be more expensive than tavernas but offer a range of international dishes. Rhodes is famous for its delicious desserts which you won’t be able to refuse so make sure you leave room!

Where to Stay

If you’re looking for somewhere lively to stay in Rhodes, Faliraki is the place to stay. Situated close to a beach with lots to do and excellent night life it’s recommended for younger party – goers.

If you’re looking for a truly cultural experience, the Lindos area is one of the most interesting archaeological sites in the world which attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world. It has managed to maintain its old tradition and style and stay inexpensive at the same time. There is lots to do around Lindos and public transport is excellent.

Perfect for families is Genadi Village which has all the facilities you would expect from a modern holiday destination. By day there is plenty of sight – seeing to do and excursions to go on and at night local bars and clubs play contemporary music and show international sporting events.

Attractions

There is so much to see on the Island. The Castle of Rhodes houses the Archaeological Museum of Rhodes and the Temple of Apollo is a site that must be seen. Kamiros is a city that must be seen even if history doesn’t normally interest you. Even after nearly 3000 years you can still see the remains of the very rich and advanced civilisation that existed thousands of years ago.

Other Info

The best time to holiday in Rhodes is mid – summer as you’re almost guaranteed that it will always be warm and dry. However, prices can be high and the crowds overwhelming. If you travel any other time of the year you will avoid the crowds but hotels, restaurants and transportation are scarce and the weather is unpredictable.

Image belongs to: Christian Bachellier. Taken from: www.flickr.com

Holiday In Boston

If you are looking for the perfect USA holiday then Boston is one of the top places to visit. Not only is it the capital of Massachusetts, it’s the largest city in New England and is often considered to be the unofficial economic and cultural centre of the New England region.  Second only to San Francisco for its popularity with tourists, an American travel information magazine recently named Boston as the seventh most popular city in the world. A trip to this beautiful city will guarantee that this is one USA holiday that you will never forget.  

There is so much to do that it is unlikely that you will manage to see all the sites it has to offer. A good place to start whilst on your USA holiday is the Freedom Trail which is one of America’s first historic walking tours. It is the perfect introduction to Colonial and Revolutionary Boston and takes visitors to 16 historical sites which gives you an idea of the best places to visit.  

Faneuil Hall is a collection of boutiques, eateries and pushcart vendors housed in converted 18^th century warehouses which has played an integral role in the life of Boston’s residents for over 250 years. When you can’t possible shop any more, you can enjoy the street entertainers that frequently perform outside the hall.  

For something a bit different while on your USA holiday you can take part in a Boston Tea Party Re – enactment sail on board the Tall Ship Liberty Clipper. You can help set the sails and then prepare for the fight where cannons will be shot and chests of tea will be thrown overboard. You can also take part in a Boston tradition by taking a ride on the famous Swan Boats in the Public Garden. You can enjoy a peaceful 15 minute ride as a Swan Boat driver paddles you around the Public Garden Lagoon.  

If sports are your thing then try and see a Boston Celtics game who once ruled basketball by winning 16 world championships. Just a short ferry ride from the city, you can visit the Boston Harbour Islands, the country’s newest National Park, composed of 34 islands. Visitors can enjoy swimming, boating, island tours, hiking, fishing and bird watching.  

You can also go whale watching, go on Boston Duck Tours, go to the Science Museum and much more while on your USA holiday in Boston. Most of the major places of interest are within walking distance of each other so you don’t have to worry about paying for taxis or getting lost on busses. There is a wide selection of hotels available to suit every taste and budget, ranging from the most luxurious hotels and large chain hotels, to smaller inexpensive lodgings.  

The whole of the greater Boston area is served by an excellent transport system which includes an underground railway – the ‘T’ which is perhaps the easiest way to travel into and around the city.   

Image belongs to: Joseph Hurtado http://www.flickr.com/photos/trumpetca/ Taken from: www.flickr.com

Football Club in Car Park Dispute At Stansted Airport

During a court case in June of this year, Bradley Goodwin and Luigi Del Basso from Bishops Stortford Football Club Ltd admitted operating an illegal car parking scheme at Stansted Airport. The men were taken to court after they ignored an enforcement notice from East Herts Council ordering them to stop operating their business, BSFC.  

It is estimated that they were making approximately £6,500 a day during peak times and first started when the football club was allowed to create a new stadium on greenbelt land. The area is close to the airport so was an ideal place to offer extra parking facilities.

In January 2003, the council issued an enforcement notice saying that there was no need for the car park scheme as there was already enough parking at Stansted Airport. As well as this, the car park was on greenbelt land. The club appealed the notice and as a result the case went before a public enquiry.

In October of the same year, an inspector upheld the enforcement but gave the club six months to comply with it. Again, the club appealed this decision and it went before the High Court in London in February 2004. The appeal was dismissed once again and the club was given six months to wind down the business.

The club decided to take matters into their own hands and ignore the ruling. They continued to operate the business into late 2004. However, there are reports that they continued trading up until earlier this year. As well as this, there is still a company operating as BSFC although there is no information available as to where the cars are being parked.

Image belongs to: Felipe Barrientos. Taken from: www.flickr.com

Parking Changes at Birmingham Airport

Parking at Birmingham Airport has been changed following the terrorist attack on Glasgow airport several months ago. The changes have been introduced following the closure of roads at the front of its terminal buildings and the terrorist attack which resulting in restricted access to the airport.

Since the attempted terrorist attacks in Glasgow and London, Birmingham Airport’s set-down roads have remained closed at the front of the Terminals. For the duration of this time the existing short-stay car park has been used as a temporary measure for dropping off passengers. This facility was free for drivers for a period of 10 minutes so they could efficiently drop off their passengers. However, the new parking rules which came into effect on 2^nd August mean that this has been withdrawn.

The airport has announced that it will not be reopening its roads at the front of its terminal buildings and has adopted a new scheme instead. The new “Rapid Drop-off” area which is close to terminals one and two has angered many people who now have to pay to drop friends and family off. Whereas before drivers could drop people off outside the terminal for free, they now have to pay £1 for 20 minutes and then £3 for every 15 minutes after that. This means that drivers are going to have to pay a very pricey £4 for just over half an hour of parking at Birmingham Airport.

There is an option where you can park for free for 30 minutes but people feel that it isn’t a realistic option. Birmingham Airport has set up free drop-off facilities in the long stay car park, with free buses regularly going to and from the terminal buildings. However, with a transfer time of 10 minutes each way, it is unlikely that anyone will be back at their car within half an hour.  

The airport say that the reasons for these changes are in order to improve the flow of traffic on the approach roads to the terminals, enable people to get in and out of airport traffic quickly and help them to unload from vehicles safely. Either way it looks like people are going to have to be prepared to pay large amounts for parking at Birmingham Airport.

Image belongs to: Christian Bachellier. Taken from: www.flickr.com