Joe Journeys is changing.

I have been working hard to find a way to better deliver information and better organise my website, so hang in there while I update the content into the new and improved Joe Journeys.

You may notice in the next few days and weeks that pages will begin to look different, but this is all to improve things and better organise content. Joe Journeys blog is being retired, and instead and up-to-the-minute website is being built to prepare for the future.







Take a look at the new Joe Journeys, I would love to hear from you.

Why Hotel Lille - Review

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A post by Joe Mendonca

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Finding the Best Western Premier Why Hotel in Lille is an easy walk from any of the train stations, the facade already hints your about to get into something unusual about a standard hotel, something it definitely is not.

The lobby and entrance is nothing to boast about, it has a restaurant on the main floor and outdoor terrace, a DJ  with chill-out music suggests a trendy place to be, something the room interiors definitely deliver.

Oval windows, stylish rooms, big plush beds, LED mood lighting, flat screen TV, modern bathrooms with very unique deep bath and shower that requires a bit of a climb. There is room service available (handy when I discovered my fridge wasn't working and a bucket of ice was delivered). In room coffee maker with proper Nesspresso coffee that always delivers a punch of caffeine.

The Best Western Premier Why Hotel is chic and stylish. The location is ideal, butLille is small anyway, getting around on foot is the best way to see the town. Nearby pedestrian shopping areas and restaurants, and just a short walk from main sites.

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Best Western Premier Why Hotel - Booking.com
Best Western Premier Why Hotel - Tripadvisor
Best Western Premier Why Hotel

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Pride Azores to celebrate 2nd Gay Pride event

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A post by Joe Mendonca

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A second Azores Pride Festival will be held from 25 to 31 August 2013 in Ponta Delgada, after having a successful first gay pride event on the island in 2012, and what is hoped to become an annual event.

More than 2000 people participated in the first-ever Pride Azores event on September 1, 2012, a success considering the islands isolation and hidden attitudes towards LGBT, which are more open on the content of Portugal, the event highlights the Azores are not exempt from having gay residents too.

This years theme is titled "Do not blend into the landscape", encouraging the 20,000 inhabitants to come out and celebrate who they are and stop hiding.

The highlight of the event, the LGBT Pride Parade is scheduled for Saturday, August 31, at 18h, taking the route between the City Gates and the Gates of Sea of Ponta Delgada, the largest city of the Azores  A fairly new area that is used to dock some of the worlds major cruise ships that pass by the picturesque island of São Miguel on cross Atlantic routes.

The Festival, organized by the LGBT Pride Azores, is open to anyone and not limited to individuals of LGBT but also with the participation and collaboration of heterosexual supporters. Details of the week long program are found on the Pride Azores website, with events and schedules throughout the week.

The organization Pride Azores will now continue it´s work on all 9 islands of the Azores, an autonomous region of Portugal, with workshops in schools, libraries, and other special events throughout the year supporting the over 20,000 citizens that are mostly in the closet. The Azores has a population of approximately 250,000, but there are many more Azoreans living in the areas of Toronto, Canada and California, USA, amongst other parts of the world.

The Association aims to support and social integration of the population lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people and their families in the Azores, through educational programs, social and cultural. The motto of the Association is to educate, liberate and celebrate.

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Pride Azores
Gay Travel: First Pride Azores

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BA fly A380 with flights to/from Frankfurt

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A post by Joe Mendonca

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Happy to post this on behalf of a passenger and follower of Joe Journeys that was lucky enough to fly British Airways on day 1 of operation, 4th commercial BA 380 flight from Frankfurt to London Heathrow.

The new A380 is now being deployed on short-haul flights in order to give cabin crew and ground handlers experience of the jet - starting with BA902 to Germany's financial centre.

Instead of an old Boeing 767, passengers stepped aboard the Airbus A380, British Airways newest plane, for the 90-minute flight. Frankfurt was chosen because it is a high-frequency destination from Heathrow, and the airport is already well accustomed to handling the A380.

All passengers were accommodated on the lower deck; those carrying Club Europe tickets were able to enjoy lie-flat business-class beds on the short flight.

"The crew was visibly new, so all pretty excited and service wasn't routine yet" said the flyer who regularly does this route.

"Economy cabin looked like the normal long haul product with Business the same (2-4-2 layout with some back facing seats)" commented the frequent flyer who wants to remain anonymous, "First Class and Upper Deck was sealed off and I wasn't allowed to get in there. They seemed to have installed a few blue mood-lights (a bit like in new first), but apart from that the most striking difference was that the cabin was proper clean. Service was standard Club Europe, nothing exciting. though there were 23 crew members for what usually would have been an A319 load. The bird itself is fairly quiet and moves pretty softly" he said, "the engines move a lot, especially when there is a little wind. I'd imagine that to look scary during turbulence."

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British Airways

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Emirates celebrates 5 years flying the A380 - Google streetview gives a look inside

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A post by Joe Mendonca

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The Gulf carrier, Emirates, unveiled its first, long-awaited A380 in July 2008 and now celebrates five years of flying the A380. Emirates has 35 A380 aircraft in its fleet and a further 55 on order, making it — by far — the airline most committed to the Airbus superjumbo.

It was five years ago, on August 1, 2008, that Emirates flew the superjumbo on its debut flight to New York, which remains its longest non-stop route. The full list of A380 destinations is: Dubai, Amsterdam, Auckland, Bangkok   Beijing, Hong Kong  Jeddah, Kuala Lumpur, London Heathrow, Manchester, Melbourne, Moscow  Munich, New York JFK, Paris, Rome  Seoul, Singapore, Shanghai, Sydney and Toronto.  New routes are set to extend to Los Angeles, Mauritius and Zurich.

The A380s carry up to 517 passengers, with 14 in First Class, 76 in Business and the remaining 399+ in Economy. First and Business are on the upper deck, while economy is on the main lower deck. On the upper deck is the Onboard Lounge, where First and Business passengers can enjoy a drink with mini-pod lie-flat seats in Business Class and the sanctuary of Private Suites in First Class with access to two Onboard Shower Spas. All of the airline's A380s are fitted with wifi.

The world's first purpose-built facility dedicated for the A380 was opened in January 2013 at Concourse A at Dubai International.

Coinciding with the 5th anniversary milestone, Emirates has partnered with Google to launch the world’s first Street View of an A380, the world’s largest commercial jet aircraft. Explore online the Emirates A380’s luxurious First Class Private Suites, expansive Business Class cabin, Onboard Lounges, Shower Spas, cockpit and more on Street View. You can take a stunning, 360-degree virtual journey of the iconic double-decker.

Business Class of A380 on Emirates

First Class Lounge of A380 on Emirates

Economy Class of A380 on Emirates

Five years of the Emirates’ A380 - quirky facts*

Bread rolls loaded: 14,000,000
Fresh fruit baskets: 22,438
Fresh flower displays: 157,062
Caviar tins (30 grammes): 210,477 (6,314 kilogrammes)
Shaving kits: 224,414
Toothbrushes: 1,009,767
Cornflake packs: 516,061
Coffee packs: 2,153,988
Teabags: 4,375,237
Sugar packs: 6,731,580
Baby food jars: 538,500
*Figures refer to items loaded aboard Emirates’ A380s departing Dubai only. This does not include items loaded overseas.

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Source:
Emirates A380 Cruises into 5th Anniversary

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Hotel Galeon Sitges

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A post by Joe Mendonca

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Having returned year on year to Sitges for my annual holiday from holidays, the Hotel Sitges group offers a selection of hotels in various classes, one of which is Hotel Galeon which at one time was a budget hotel, but now delivers a much more upscale experience, and a reason why I always choose to book here first when I return to Sitges.

When I first stayed in Hotel Galeon the rooms were basic but clean, it delivered excellent value back then, and since renovations and upgrades rooms are now delightfully decorated, comfortable beds, wooden floors and modernised bathrooms, even air conditioning is installed in the rooms for individual control for those that just can't stand the heat.

What I really like is the late breakfasts which are served until 12pm, unheard of in almost any hotel elsewhere. A choice of pillow from soft to firm, and even beach towels and umbrellas are available free (with deposit), saving you valuable luggage space and weight.

Hotel Galeon is my number one choice when I return to Sitges  it delivers and is an excellent product conveniently located in the heart of Sitges.

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Hotel Galeon - Booking.com
Hotel Galeon - Tripadvisor
Hotel Sitges

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Dreamliner to Toronto on BA

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A post by Joe Mendonca

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British Airways announces arrival of the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner with routes to Toronto and Newark from September 2013. Though the BA website does have my scheduled flight listed as an operational flight, they cannot guarantee the aircraft I will be traveling on, but keeping my fingers crossed.

The new Boeing 787 Dreamliner cabin interior have been designed nose to tail. A new 'smooth ride technology' is said to provide a calmer journey. There are larger windows and new ambient lighting. The aircraft is also quieter, lighter and more fuel efficient.

I'll be watching to see if my flight is lucky enough to travel on this new aircraft, and if I do, I'll be sure to let you know what it was like.

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British Airways

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Cloister Inn Hotel Review - Prague

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A post by Joe Mendonca

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A three star hotel perfectly located in Prague 1, just a few minutes walk from Old Town Prague and the famous Charles Bridge. For a hotel of this class I was impressed overall by the standards and service. Clean interiors, very good sized room, and free coffee and tea available in the lobby.

Classed as a budget hotel, rooms do not have a bathtub, but are equipped with a small fridge to keep food and drinks cold. All rooms have air conditioning units and climate control, which in summer is essential in Prague if you can't handle the heat.

Breakfast is simple with options of cereals, rolls, small selection of fruit, cold meats and cheeses, boiled eggs and sausage, which is enough to get you started for the day.

I would return to Cloister Inn simply for the location alone, and for being within budget.

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Cloister Inn Hotel - Booking.com

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Radisson Hotel Decapolis Review - Lima

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A post by Joe Mendonca

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One usually has standards when staying at a chain hotel and Radisson Decapolis Hotel in the safe neigbourhood of Miraflores in Lima is a good option. There was always enough staff on hand to answer your questions, open the doors, or serve you your pisco sour.

The location is excellent, with shopping nearby, fine dining or just want to walk along the cliff top path toward the Locamar centre or Love Park, I found the Radisson Decapolis ideal, chic and stylish with plenty of in-house services to do all you want to do in Lima.

The rooftop patio/bar, with swimming pool and glass enclosed gymnasium is a nice space, and at night becomes a good place to start the night to sip your pisco sours. In the morning the breakfasts surpass many hotels in this class with specialty menu, try the ranchero or Decapolis Special eggs which will waken your taste buds from the start.

The rooms are of excellent size but are not as modern or chic as the entrance or lobby, with a CD clock radio, perhaps it may be due for slight update. However, in no way are the rooms uncomfortable, with enough space to put your luggage away. A large bathroom with shower and bathtub, which ultimately I craved after days of trekking, a good soak and rest. Wifi worked everywhere and TV channels with enough options to view.

Ultimately the Radisson Decapolis is more expensive than others nearby, but places you in a prime spot for getting to know Lima or for a simple stop-over before discovering Peru.  The service was attentive and felt cared for, something you don't often get when staying in a hotel of this class.

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Radisson Decapolis Hotel - Booking.com

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Tierra Viva Cusco Plaza Hotel Review

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A post by Joe Mendonca

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Cusco is a charming city and being near the Plaza de Armas puts you within reach of all the most important places of interest, such is the case when staying at Tierra Viva Cusco Plaza Hotel. Its outdoor terrace offers a great view of the city and the hills which surround it. Booking at Tierra Viva Cusco Plaza Hotel means airport pick-up as well for those just arriving into Cusco.

Upon registering you'll be offered coca tea to help with the altitude sickness that can sometimes hit travellers just arriving, it slowly creeps up on you as it did with me and found myself asleep very early in the evening as my body adjusted to the the new height, but fully recovered and ready the next day.

Despite booking two different types of rooms, a single on the first stay and a double room on subsequent stay, both rooms were identical in size and style. The rooms are a good size however could be small considering there could be two in a room. Bathroom are modern and clean and two bottled waters are included.

Though all rooms have large windows, there is nothing to look out to, most rooms face into courtyards, and having your curtains drawn would mean disclosing everything inside. However most just pass through Cusco and a stay here is ideally located and comfortable, and staff ensure you get on your way on time and requested taxi bookings arrive on time and a price that is correct locally (be warned, taxi drivers will make you think they are offering a fair price, but in fact the actually cost is often less than 50% of what they quote you).

There are more upscale options to stay in Cusco  but Tierra Viva Cusco Plaza Hotel is comfortable enough to enjoy and its location is ideal, considering the price too, its not a bad deal after all.

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Tierra Viva Cusco Plaza Hotel - Booking.com

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La Cabana Machu Picchu Hotel Review - Aquas Calientes

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A post by Joe Mendonca

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High expectations were soon dropped when I discovered the room I actually booked was not the room I got, despite paying the same price for it, and having mentioned this to reception after seeing my room, it was not the problem of the hotel, but rather the booking agent (booking.com) who incorrectly sells the room (apparently).

La Cabana Machu Picchu Hotel is a basic hotel, and Aquas Calientes being a small town, any location would be a good location. Though it does have the advantage of being near the hot springs just up the hill.  Check-in was messy, despite having reservations and being picked up at the train station they processed those just off the street/walk-ins first (perhaps giving away my reserved room in the process), quoting the same price to all, which made me wonder how fair this process actually was.

I felt bitter but the room was actually decent enough to enjoy, with an outdoor balcony overlooking the alley below, small bathroom but nice hot shower, and very cosy bed.  Breakfasts starts at 5am with check-out at 9am, though I think breakfast should be served sooner, as the queue for the buses up to Machu Picchu are already long at 5am.

Wifi worked, it was clean, good size bedroom, comfy beds and outdoor space, it served its purpose for what most people will spend in Aquas Calientes, one night only.

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La Cabana Machu Picchu Hotel - Booking.com

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PeruRail Vistadome to Machu Picchu Town

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A post by Joe Mendonca

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It is one of those journeys that getting there is part of the adventure, the PeruRail trip from Cusco to Machu Picchu Town, or Aquas Calientes as it is better known, certainly is a feast for the eyes as you enter the tropical zone and into the jungles of the Andes.

There are a few options when booking your trip with PeruRail, I've opted for the Vistadome experience with panoramic windows, though the Expedition service appears to offer equal comfort, however you could always indulge in the Hiram Bingham - an exclusive luxury Orient Express service operated by PeruRail which even includes ticket entry and transportation into Machu Picchu.

Unfortunately the booking system does now allow to choose your seats, and though you may purchase more than two doesn't mean you will sit together. However most people are willing to swap around for a better arrangement. The only way of identifying if you have a window seat or not on PeruRail is as follows, even numbered seat are aisle seats and odd numbered seats are window.

Once on your way Peruvian flute music will broadcast into the rail cars as you watch the hills and mountains become more lush and green into the jungle. A light meal service of quinoa salad, potatoes and flavoured bread and butter with soft drink or tea/coffee, with alcohol for purchase on board. The outward journeys also includes an attempt to sell souvenirs such as hats and t-shirts and cd's of the music played. The return journey is different as it involves a fashion show of Peruvian materials as well as an insight and celebration of Peruvian legend, with goods offered for sale after the show.

PeruRail is comfortable and professional and is only a small part of the trip to get you to Machu Picchu  but the experience is highly enjoyable since views are breathtaking from almost any seat, which ultimately gets you there safely and on time.

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PeruRail

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Fauna Hotel Valparaiso - Review

Finding the Fauna Hotel was easy, down an ally where cars have no access and along the top of a hill which immediately gave a good view of the town below and the bay.

Unlike traditional buildings the hotel functions from top to bottom, reception/restaurant/terrace at the top, with rooms leading down the multi story building perched along the hill. The outdoor terrace offers a great point of view of the town, and in the morning one can watch the sunrise.

I've opted for the bay view room which has incredibly tall ceilings and windows, wooden floors and open yet separate seating area. A large modern bathroom with glass paneled shower and granite floors. Finding a heater in the room made me happy as winters can be tough if you don't have in room climate control, something my hotel in Santiago did not have. The bed was comfortable, pillows and soft duvet covers to ensure your warm on a cold Chilean winter night. The walls are roughly textured and earth brown as if the rooms were made from cutting into the hillside, organic with specs of mud and hay - a down to earth feeling.

I'm finding little fault with Fauna Hotel, despite having no in room television, it doesn't really bother me, the town is interesting and colourful and just steps away. A funicular is just metres from the door and for only 100 Pesos (approx 20 cents) you can descend or climb easily to the town below.

Favourite thing about Fauna? Having breakfast while the sun rises, the view, decent breakfast, style and comfort in a down to earth bohemian way.

Note: at time of my visit works were underway next door for expansion, which will provide panoramic views and expanded occupancy.

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Photos of Fauna Hotel, Valparaiso Chile 2013 © Joe Mendonca

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A post by Joe Mendonca

Fauna Hotel on Booking.com
Fauna Hotel on Tripadvisor

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Mito Casa Hotel Review - Santiago Chile

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A post by Joe Mendonca

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Mito Casa Hotel is in an excellent location, within walking distant to most sites, city centre and entertainment district of Bellavista, the hotel came as a recommendation from a friend who stayed there a year earlier.

Selecting the economy double room places me in room number one just outside by the garden, which at first had its advantages by not having to go up any stairs, however soon I realised the weaknesses this had. Having a garden flat meant I was directly effected by the cold Chilean winter and with no individual control of  room climate, a small heater could have improved  this. I soon discovered the wifi was not working or strong enough to receive in my room, and despite mentioning this on my day of arrival nothing was done to rectify it, even after my second return to the hotel later in the week.

My second stay was much better as I had a room on the 3rd floor of the main building with its art deco appearance, a room overlooking the road with in-room sink but private bathroom/shower in the hallway (which is exclusive to you only - not shared).

The great features of Mito Casa Hotel is the location, the style and design, and its intimate feel, more like a bed and breakfast than a hotel. The rooftop terrace offers great views of the area and superb views of the mountain range that encloses Santiago. Location alone sells Mito Casa Hotel  however I was slightly disappointed action was not taken from issues I raised on my first stay, for this reason I suggest you stay in the main building.

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Photos of Mito Casa Hotel, Santiago Chile 2013 © Joe Mendonca

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Mito Casa Hotel - Booking.com 
Mito Casa Hotel - Tripadvisor 

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Flying Economy on American Airlines

First time flying American Airlines, economy, London to Miami on-route to Santiago. I was hoping to fly the 'new' American Airlines from adverts I've seen, but it wasn't to be.

I wasn't fortunate enough to experience the updated interiors and entertainment, inflight wifi and in seat power, instead I flew on a 777-200 with many unoccupied seats and was disappointed by expectations.



Sure there was back of seat screens for watching movies, but not on demand. Two and a half hours into the flight have been served lunch, in plastic trays, forks and knife, cellophane enclosing a simple salad, chicken and broken bits of spaghetti, though edible, it's presentation fell well below what you might get at a fast food outlet. Alcohol is available for purchase onboard, no cash accepted.

Midway through flight cheese flavoured crackers and drinks were offered and about one and a half hours before landing a hot deep dish pizza was served.

It all started right, from check-in to lounge and boarding, the service has been attentive and polite. American Airlines is pushing the 'new' a lot in its ads and online, what I experienced was mediocre.

Oh well, there is still the return flight to be had. Will I be so lucky?

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A post by Joe Mendonca

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AA Admirals Lounge Heathrow

This is the first time I'm flying American Airlines, and being a member of OneWorld alliance with elite status am lucky enough to get access to its flagship lounge at Heathrow Airport, the Admirals Lounge.



Beige interiors with open areas and private out of the way seating areas, the selection of drinks range from coffee and tea to beer, wine and spirits.

What the lounge lacks is a selection of snacks like crisps (chips to some of us), sandwiches, fruit or salads, compared to the BA Galleries which offers champaign (on request).

Overall it is comfortable and is a good way to relax before a flight, so far the service has been polite and attentive.

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A post by Joe Mendonca

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Addicted to travel: Dromomania

I have always wanted to define my passion for escaping and wandering, an urge to travel and explore this world of ours. Finally, after investigating and much research I came across this this thing called dromomania, for those with an insatiable urge to travel. At last my condition has a name and something I can understand better.

Dromomania, is an uncontrollable psychological urge to wander or travel. People with this condition spontaneously depart from their routine, travel long distances (and sometimes take up different identities and occupations). The term comes from the Greek: dromos (running) and mania (insanity). The term is sometimes used to describe people who have a strong emotional or even physical need to be constantly traveling and experiencing new places.

I've been called worse things, and besides, there are worse conditions to have, but I can safely make a self diagnoses  and officially call myself a dromomaniac.

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A post by Joe Mendonca

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Tickets to Macchu Picchu, the easy way to book in advance

Visitor numbers to Machu Picchu are restricted to 2500 people per day, even less if you want to explore Huaynapicchu or Machu Mountain with only 400 per day. Planning ahead and booking tickets is a complicated process as the official tickets are issued by the Peru Ministry of Culture only. The official website struggles to function, only reservations can be made online, and payment is due within 6 hours, something that cannot be completed on the official website, only locally through registered banks and tourist offices. After 6 hours the reservations are released.

I wanted to do both Macchu Picchu and Huaynapicchu I didn't want to wait for a last chance opportunity to visit. After many tries and research I found an excellent online service, Ticket-Machupicchu.com, that will buy the tickets on your behalf (for a small surcharge). Your required to provide the date your visiting along with your passport name and number, as this will be checked upon entry onto Machu Picchu. In fact, you need a entry ticket just to buy a ticket for the bus up to the site.

The booking process is easy and professional, they even have an online chat should you have any queries about ordering. Payment can be made online and you will be sent an email to track your order. It takes approximately 30 days to issue, but you will be informed by email along with a link to print your pass/entry - this can also be confirmed by checking your ticket with the official government website.

Relief. I'm going to Macchu Picchu and Huaynapicchu with a 7am time slot. Planning ahead ensures my entry. If your struggling to buy tickets Ticket-Machupicchu.com is the easy way to book your ticket in advance.

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Ticket-Machupicchu.com
Peru Ministry of Culture - Machu Picchu Official Reservations System Online

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Hetero Friendly Axel Hotel Berlin Review

After the success of Barcelona and Buenos Aires, Axel Hotel, the world's first heterofriendly hotel chain opened the third location in the heart of the gay district of Berlin, a niche upmarket intimate hotel serving mostly gay clientele, and definitely one of the most unique hotel experiences I've had.

Dark and stylish, floor to ceiling mirrors, black painted walls in corridors, bedrooms balanced by white cotton and red accents with upward lighting. The real difference is discovering the room layout has an open plan bathroom where shower and sink area are exposed (except toilet). Immediately when you walk in to your room a red tinted glass reveals the jacuzzi tub and shower behind it, opposite a wall with floor to ceiling mirror, means all is visible to watch whoever may be in the shower or bath. If your traveling with someone you have to be comfortable in your own skin, and not afraid for others to watch.

The spa area on the 6th floor had fitness equipment as well as a wet and dry sauna, with a jacuzzi outside overlooking the city. The whole spa area is glass windows to watch the world outside. The spa is open till 2am.

Rooms have a luxurious and sexy appeal, but there are some things that score low to make this a repeat experience. The wifi signal and network was difficult and unreliable, connecting on a mobile practically impossible, and the iPad struggled to stay connected. Not included in the room rate is standard TV channels, instead of opting to pay for selected movies Axel Hotel Berlin charges extra to activate even common TV, which in my book should be standard.

Axel Hotel Berlin is in a class of its own and very different from conventional hotels. It is an experience and a destination in itself. This is not a place for the conservative individual but rather one who is willing to be more exhibitionist for a change. It is sexy with upmarket appeal, cosmopolitan design with high standards and specs. No sleaze here, rather sophisticated kink.

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Axel Hotel Berlin - Booking.com
Axel Hotel Berlin - Tripadvisor
Axel Hotel Berlin

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Tegel: from gate to taxi in less than 60 seconds

The quickest exit ever, from the plane to entering my booked airport transfer in less than 60 seconds. Über efficient!

As soon as I landed I was notified my driver and car was waiting via an email, along with the drivers name and contact number, but it wasn't long after we arrived at the gate and got off the plane, passed passport control, exited, find my driver and get on my way - all in less than 60 seconds.

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Airport transfer from Berlin Tegel airport with Blacklane Limousines. Book your car with chauffeur on their website, smartphone app or by phone at a binding fixed price. Billing is handled automatically using your preferred cashless payment method.

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Travel Trends: 100 Most Visited Cities

Figures released from Euromonitor International Top City Destinations Ranking, covering 100 of the world's leading and most dynamic cities in terms of international tourist arrivals have just been released for 2011. Report shows emerging city destinations located in Asia Pacific saw an increase due to a strong economic environment.

While many cities remained in the same rank, Vietnam showed a particularly strong performance with Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi experiencing 40% growth for the second consecutive year, with future demand is likely to be driven by other Vietnamese cities including Hue, Hoi An, Nha Trang and Phu Quoc emerging as international tourists look to discover more new places.

Uncertainty in the global economy still exists, especially in the US and Europe, future growth will be driven by Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America.

Top City Destinations Ranking 2011
Country	City	Rank	2011 Growth (%)
Hong Kong, China	Hong Kong	1	8.8
Singapore	Singapore	2	8.7
United Kingdom	London	3	2.7
Malaysia	Kuala Lumpur	4	16.0
China	Macau	5	8.4
Thailand	Bangkok	6	12.5
Turkey	Antalya	7	13.3
China	Shenzhen	8	6.8
USA	New York City	9	3.5
Turkey	Istanbul	10	20.2
China	Guangzhou	11	8.9
France	Paris	12	3.5
United Arab Emirates	Dubai	13	-0.1
China	Shanghai	14	-5.8
USA	Miami	15	7.1
Saudi Arabia	Mecca	16	4.7
Thailand	Pattaya	17	10.5
Italy	Rome	18	4.5
USA	Las Vegas	19	4.2
Spain	Barcelona	20	4.0
Taiwan	Taipei	21	51.3
China	Beijing	22	5.1
USA	Los Angeles	23	8.1
Thailand	Phuket	24	9.5
Hungary	Budapest	25	8.5
Netherlands	Amsterdam	26	12.8
Russia	Moscow	27	11.5
USA	Orlando	28	4.1
Czech Republic	Prague	29	0.0
Germany	Berlin	30	7.5
Austria	Vienna	31	4.8
Turkey	Mugla	32	11.9
Vietnam	Ho Chi Minh	33	45.1
Spain	Madrid	34	0.8
Ukraine	Kiev	35	6.6
Poland	Warsaw	36	35.0
Ireland	Dublin	37	-6.7
Egypt	Cairo	38	-35.0
Turkey	Edirne	39	9.3
China	Zhuhai	40	-2.2
India	Chennai	41	14.0
China	Hangzhou	42	14.2
Argentina	Buenos Aires	43	9.2
USA	San Francisco	44	2.9
Russia	St Petersburg	45	16.0
South Korea	Seoul	46	1.7
Mexico	Mexico City	47	3.7
Japan	Tokyo	48	-28.0
Canada	Toronto	49	0.3
India	Delhi	50	15.0
Australia	Sydney	51	0.2
Indonesia	Denpasar	52	0.5
Mexico	Cancún	53	9.1
Peru	Lima	54	30.0
China	Suzhou	55	14.0
Romania	Bucharest	56	10.0
India	Mumbai	57	7.0
Belgium	Brussels	58	2.1
Dominican Republic	Punta Cana	59	11.0
South Africa	Johannesburg	60	8.4
Germany	Munich	61	4.0
France	Nice	62	2.6
New Zealand	Auckland	63	7.7
Portugal	Lisbon	64	5.4
India	Agra	65	15.0
Italy	Milan	66	4.8
India	Jaipur	67	16.0
Morocco	Marrakech	68	1.2
Egypt	Sharm el Sheikh	69	-21.6
Saudi Arabia	East Province	70	6.4
Syria	Damascus	71	-18.4
Canada	Vancouver	72	-6.6
Indonesia	Jakarta	73	0.3
Bulgaria	Burgas	74	7.7
Syria	Aleppo	75	-12.3
Italy	Venice	76	4.7
Philippines	Manila	77	23.0
Italy	Florence	78	4.5
Bulgaria	Varna	79	7.4
Kenya	Nairobi	80	40.3
USA	Honolulu	81	2.8
Greece	Athens	82	2.0
Vietnam	Hanoi	83	41.5
New Zealand	Christchurch	84	-0.5
United Arab Emirates	Abu Dhabi	85	6.3
Brazil	Rio de Janeiro	86	7.0
China	Guilin	87	14.3
Australia	Melbourne	88	14.4
Brazil	São Paulo	89	3.0
Thailand	Chiang Mai	90	6.3
USA	Washington DC	91	2.6
Saudi Arabia	Riyadh	92	6.5
Azerbaijan	Baku	93	8.6
Turkey	Izmir	94	27.1
China	Nanjing	95	14.4
Bulgaria	Sofia-City & Greater Area	96	9.7
Kyrgyzstan	Issyk-Kulskaya Oblast	97	57.6
Belarus	Minsk	98	2.8
India	Kolkatta	99	9.0
Switzerland	Zurich	100	3.3

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Source: Euromonitor International’s Top 100 City Destinations Ranking (2001 Results)