https://www.virginatlantic.com/ Archives - Jim Murty’s TravelTravelTravel

All I do each night is braai

2nd November 20242nd November 2024 funtime65

With apologies to Take That, and in my defence it is to promote Gary Barlow’s Wine Tour: South Africa, I have ‘all I do each night is braai’ running around my head.

The braai, or barbecue, as South Africans are quick to tell you is a religion in the Rainbow Nation, only matched by rugby.

And viewers of Gary’s Wine Tour which kicks off on November 11 on ITV will see the great man chomp through boerewors and sosaties (that’s spiced sausages and skewered meat to you and me).

All against the backdrops of stunning and varied South African scenery.

Bok for good

Along the way Gary will be joined by pals from the showbiz world.

Including music producer Eliot Kennedy, Michaela Strachan, Ben Shephard, Jane McDonald and Mica Paris.

The first episode sees Gary, who boasts his own brand, dive straight in to South African viticulture.

Gary and best buddy Eliot are Bok for good (soz) for a crash course at the Spier Wine Farm in Franschhoek.

Before tucking into their braai.

Never veldt better

After a restorative wine themed spa treatment, the boys head off to try their hand at wine blending.

Before a drive up into the mountains to learn the art of pairing great food with the right tipple.

And they finish with a spectacular drive along the coast to Camps Bay.

Where they try a glass of Gary’s favourite wine in the shadow of the Twelve Apostles.

Of course, the first piece of advice South Africans will give you, and you can have this for free, is put ice in your white wine.

The rand tour

But we imagine that Gary and his SA pals will tell you that… and much, much more.

While you’ll also get a peek through the keyhole at the Kruger National Park (staying at Kruger Shalati).

And Johannesburg (where he resides at Sanctuary Mandela)

And we’ll keep you updated here with Gary and his South Africanophile pals as he progresses through the republic.

Now SA is just two hours ahead of the UK and your pound will fetch 22 SA Rand.

Flight of fancy

Get the Braai on: Port Elizabeth township

If you’re thinking of your long-haul trip for next year.

While there is increased flight capacity into Cape Town in 2025.

With Norse Atlantic flying three times weekly from Gatwick.

Triple daily flights from Heathrow (January-March) with British Airways.

And an extension of Virgin Atlantic‘s season through to the end of April.

It’s been a few years since I was last in SA and watching the sneak preview of Gary Barlow’s series.

I can honestly say all I do each night is braai hoping that I’ll be a part of you again some day.

Countries

There is no such thing as a free lunch

28th September 202428th September 2024 funtime65

It’s dangerous, but timeous territory, and one directed at Travel professionals too… yes, there is no such thing as a free lunch.

It is, of course, an occupational hazard of reviewing accommodations and attractions near and far to sample their fare.

But such is human nature that it is treated by those who are not invited to give their expertise, ie us…

To be ridiculed with lazy name-calling, such as in my case Junket or Jollies Jim.

Singing for your supper

Yes, it has involved being wined and dined along the way.

And entertained by the likes of Diana Ross, The Beach Boys and One Republic, at Red Rocks, among others.

While stepping up too to be front and centre at the Rising Star Karaoke Bar at CityWalk, Universal Orlando.

Kidding about: With Levi and my racing goat Bandanaman in Tobago

While also being asked to rollercoaster, horse-ride, goat-race and whitewater raft.

But then without blowing our own trumpets, and, yes, we’ll do that too, it is our expertise to write a story which earns us our ticket.

Just as it is for sports writers who are invited to cup finals or music reviewers who are asked along to gigs.

Breakfast of champions

All of this more often than not begins with a breakfast, a lunch, a dinner.

And speeches about destinations and a thumb-through dates.

Buy my own clothes? Sir Keir Starmer sees the funny side

Before leaving with a gift bag with memory stick, pen, pad, coffee mug, selfie stick and other accessories.

Hardly Oscar or politician perk territory then.

The business of travel

Lounging about: Turkish Airlines business class lounge

Yes, we have savoured the best of airport business lounges, as in the award-winning Turkish Airlines in Istanbul.

And TA, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic business travel too.

And been pampered with wellness spas, massages and infinity and swim-up pools.

But always on the understanding that there is no such thing as a free lunch.

And that there is an article, or article, or throwback piece, at the end of it all.

And that a connection is built for future developments at the destination.

Writes and wrongs

The most persistent accusation that is levelled at travel writers is that their providers buy off their critiques.

But without going all AA Gill we have pointed out a destination’s discrepancies, as with a particular Moroccan mare.

And if that risks being asked to return then so be it because we have to be true to the readers and ourselves.

In truth you earn trust with travel providers by being honest and they are usually keen to get you back out to put things right.

Of course, there are those who abuse the system.

Like a previous boss’s daughter who took a break in Madeira.

Who didn’t write it up, took a year’s sabbatical, and when we did track her down the connection was discontinued.

Just one of many entitled staffers who needless to say were never asked again,

Pleasure to work with you

Playing it straight should come instinctively and those who don’t soon get found out.

If awards have arrived along the way such as the Irish Travel sector singling me out for a Pleasure to Work With award then I’ll take that too.

Because we know that there is no such thing as a free lunch,

And that means all of us being open and transparent with each other as to what is expected of us.

Countries, Oceania

Surf travels

27th July 202327th July 2023 funtime65

Gearoid has a board by the door, ready to fly off to anywhere in the world where the wave is up… surf travels buddy.

It goes without saying that Sligo surfer Gearoid is living his best life.

A life that takes him from Biarritz to Barcelona to Tahiti and all spots in between.

Seeing the great man walk on water in Barca on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas I’d back him against anyone in the world.

All of which hoves into view as we are reminded of the Olympics next year in Paris.

Where we are told only this week that the water in the Seine is clean enough.

For the first time in a century for competitors to dive and swim in it.

Although the waves are obviously not big enough for the surfers.

Swell stuff

Spray it again: Papenoo. Picture: Matarai Technicals

You might think that Biarritz might step in but our friends in the French Polynesia on the other end of the world have only put their hands up.

And for those of us still trying to master the board then the good news is that the season of lighter swells, October to March, is ahead of us.

On the north side of the island, visitors can find Papenoo’s wave, set on a black-sand beach.

Around 25 minutes’ drive to the west of the capital in Papeete.

Beginners are advised to stay close to the beach to catch a wave.

While those more experienced can head to the river mouth for the exhilarating breaks.

Water splash: Villa Ylangylang, Haapiti Moorea

While the Tahitians tell us that the Haapiti district of Moorea on the southwestern coast.

With its warm barrier-reef protected lagoon is for adrenaline=seekers.

You should head to the break near a reef pass or an opening in the barrier of coral which makes for safe rides into a deeper channel.

Now as a baby boarder, that’s still having to advance to standing up.

We were naturally taken by Papara’s Break on the south side of Tahiti Nu.

Located close to the reef shelves that feed Teahupo’o’s legendary waves, Papara provides an all-level playground.

With its consistent break over sand and easy-to-navigate surf.

While those who snorkel and don’t swallow (guilty) then Taha’a, one of the Society Islands, will give you the chance.

To discover an array of sharks, rays, turtles, dolphins and whales.

Board and lodging

Fun on water: Tahiti Ia Ora Beach Resorts, Punaauia

And no worrying about motels or flop accommodation here.

Surfers will tell you all about Tahiti Ia Ora Beach Resort. It is surrounded by sweeping beaches with views of Moorea in the distance.

Located close to the beach break in Papara, visitors can make this their refuge for some relaxation and recuperation post-surf.

Or Vanira Lodge which sits within walking distance of the three main Teahupo’o surf spots.

Visitors can recline on the veranda of their lodge overlooking Tahiti’s peninsula after a day of catching waves.

The Manomano Lodge is said to be the place for surfers who want to enjoy the all-level reefs of Papara.

Where you’ll stay under rainforest-clad peaks.

Now being an Intercontinental fan around the continents our eyes naturally fall on The Intercontinental Tahiti Resort & Spa which is sat right on the water.

With picture-postcard views of Moorea on the horizon.

While if you really want to go native then visitors can fully immerse themselves.

In the culture and daily life of a Polynesia family in a family-run Tahitian Guesthouse.

And, of course, you’ll receive valuable advice on what to see, understand, feel and experience around the islands.

You’ll get a one-stop through LA round trip with Air France and Virgin Atlantic from £2,585 round trip.

America, Countries, Flying

Flyday Friday… the City of Angels

31st March 2023 funtime65

The stars come out tonight as they say in Tinseltown which is why for us we’re reviving an old classic, Flyday Friday… the City of Angels.

All on the back of news from our friends in La La Land that even more than ever before we’re flocking back to California.

Weekly flights and seat capacity are both set to eclipse pre=pandemic records this year.

Thanks to new services from Delta and Norse and increased flights from Virgin Atlantic, American Airlines, United Airlines…

And Ireland’s national airline carrier Aer Lingus.

Who are there for the good times and the bad.

Fair Lingus

As in when my friendliness got the better of me on board my flight from Dublin to LA.

And I agreed to hold my fellow passenger’s half-full sick bag.

When unbeknownst to me the fuels from it got into my lungs and put me out of action for a whole day.

The good folk at Aer Lingus, of course, got me moved to another seat.

And also looked after my fellow passenger throughout the flight and organised for a wheelchair for at LAX.

Of course as they say in ad world other airlines are available.

LA Story

And on June 30, Norse will launch their first-ever London to Los Angeles service, the first LGW-LAX flight since pre-pandemic, offering seven flights per week with 2,366 seats.

Delta restarted their LHR-LAX route on March 26 after an eight-year break.

They now operate a daily nonstop service, offering Delta’s full range of cabin offerings with 1,967 weekly seats available.

Existing carriers are set to increase their number of weekly LA flights between now and July with forecasts showing that American Airlines will add nine new weekly flights.

Virgin Atlantic adding seven, United Airlines doubling their weekly offering from seven to 14 and Aer Lingus adding two additional weekly flights.

This will take the total number of direct, non-stop weekly flights from the UK and Ireland to LA in July to 98 with 28,119 seats, compared to 83 flights and 23,963 seats in 2019.

So there’s no excuse for not getting yourself taking the advice of Flyday Friday… the City of Angels.

And write a new chapter in your LA Story.

And do get out as close as you can to the Hollywood sign which will be 100 years old this year.

I know next time back I will, having missed out last time. And this time I’ll sit in a row on the plane on my own

Caribbean, Countries

Flocking to Barbados

29th March 202329th March 2023 funtime65

And on the back of the news that an osprey has flown 4,124 miles from Scotland to the Caribbean, we’re all flocking to Barbados.

And I’d be hot on her tail.

The bird of prey, which was tagged last summer in Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park in Renfrewshire, was spotted in Barbados earlier this month.

The Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation said it covered 4,124 miles during its epic journey from Lochwinnoch.

It was spotted by conservationist Michael St John who photographed a female with a blue ring on its left leg.

At Bawdens Irrigation Pond in the north of Barbados in the Caribbean.

With the ring number clearly visible – KW0, which indicated it was a bird from Scotland.

Watch the birdie

Hi, hi black bird: The wood dove in Sandals in Barbados

Now Barbados, of course, is the home of rum, Soca music, the Crop Over carnival and Rihanna .

And even has its own Scotland region and culture.

But for those who prefer more sedate pastimes then Barbados boasts stunning nature, exotic wildlife and beautiful bird-watching opportunities too.

Basket case: Your Barbados-loving blogger

Barbados bills (sorry) itself as an ideal bird-watching country with its small size perfect.

With birding sites not difficult to access, thus lending itself well to day trips and tours which can also be combined with trips to our magical beaches.

Villa collection

Within Easy Reach: And you won’t want to leave

Timely then that our friends at Villa Collection are teasing us with their Easter villa offerings which they will share with you on their site.

Easy Reach on Mullins Beach is a three-bedroom, sleep six,. contemporary beachfront villa.

It is just a few feet from white sands, including the services of a cook who will prepare two consecutive meals per day.

While on Gibbes Beach Bonavista Barbados is a beautiful four-bedroom with a large covered terrace and dining room.

And a wet bar that is accessible from the pool gardens.

And it’s on the Platinum Coast between Holetown and Speightstown, where the it crowd (and us) love to go.

So a gang of you can avail of it, with four bedrooms that sleeps eight.

While if you can get ten of you then the five-bedroom villa Banyan House in Queen’s Fort.

Nestled among mature trees complete with newly added fire pit with seating and soft lighting.

And just a short walk to the beach.

So take wing with British Airways or Virgin Atlantic from the UK and get flocking to Barbados. Check rates on sites.

And when you do you may be lucky too and be greeted with this little birdie in your hot tub on your balcony.

America, Countries, Deals, Europe, Flying

Goodbye to pre-departure tests

8th January 20228th January 2022 funtime65

If a week’s a long time in politics then a day’s an absolute lifetime as we say a tentative goodbye to pre-departure tests.

The UK and Ireland are not exactly throwing their doors open… we still have to put those little sticks up our nose.

But it’s enough to see punters bombarding their travel agents for summer holiday ideas.

Special agents

Our holiday providers have reported business up 150%.

With operators at the likes of Jet2Holidays (flash sale) and Barrhead Travel here in Scotland glued to their phones.

A kinda Christmas come late.

For us Caribbean converts in Scotland (I’ve always been a believer) there has been a rush.

To get on the new Virgin Atlantic Edinburgh to Bridgetown, Barbados route.

While old favourite Tenerife (and why not take in the north and west of the island too) is also seeing brisk business.

State of redemption

Acting Goofy: And a big dog in Disney World In Orlando

The Oo Es of A is always a dream destination with Orlando warming up nicely with a whole raft of attractions.

See you there in June (although I’ve jinxed that on so many occasions I’m loath to name it in case I can’t claim it).

While start spreading the news, New York is among the dream destinations we are lining up as our big comeback holiday.

Now if you’re a UK/Ireland hopper like me then you’ll always favour going through Dublin for your transatlantic trip.

You skip pre-clearance you see.

Aer of optimism

Stairway to US heaven: Brohna Tinnelly and Sean Ryan at the steps of an Aer Lingus plane in Dublin

Our old pals at Aer Lingus are always front and centre with their deals.

Ireland’s national airline carrier has a January Seat Sale.

They have two million seats on sale including up to 20% off European and UK* travel.

As well as flights to North America from just €169 each way as part of a return trip.

And as they reminded us when I was over in Dublin for our American Thanksgiving catch-up their VeriFLY app takes all the work out of it for us.

That way you can upload your Covid-19 related documentation required for your destination,

And that way all of your Covid documentation is verified before travel.

As usual we’ll bring you the best deals and destinations right here.

And with that in mind Michael O’Leary and Ryanair never miss out on the opportunity to seize the moment.

And they are offering 100,000 seats from €16.99.

Politicians watch out

So let’s say a tentative goodbye to pre-departure tests.

Safe in the knowledge that politicians being politicians then they’ll likely change all the rules next week.

Let’s not let them.