Author: Shawon Hannan

Eurostar International, a UK-based high-speed rail service between the UK and mainland Europe, has reported that its service to Brussels will be hampered by strike action called by workers in Belgium. The train operator is likely to cancel its services from London to Brussels between 21.00 hours on Tuesday, October 2, 2012, and 21.00 hours on Wednesday, October 3, 2012, due to the impending industrial action. The company statement said, ‘During this period of industrial action, Eurostar services to and from Brussels will terminate and commence at Lille Europe station. Eurostar strongly recommends that all passengers travelling to or from…

Rail passengers in the West Midlands area of the UK will now be able to report antisocial behaviour onboard trains through a text message to the nearest authorities. Centro, a UK based organisation operating bus, rail and Midland Metro Tram transport in the West Midlands area, has announced that the ‘See Something, Say Something’ scheme, which had earlier been introduced on the West Midlands bus and tram network, has also been launched on the rail network across the West Midlands. The programme aims to empower commuters to report against any antisocial behaviour onboard trains, in order to help police maintain…

Half term holidays are gaining favour with UK families, following the recent spate of rain. While severe weather warnings are only just abating in the UK, many parents are considering a holiday to warmer locations of Spain, Turkey and Portugal for the October half term breaks to take advantage of the bargains that are currently on offer. According to the UK based car hire comparison company, comparecarhire.co.uk, in 2012 October half term bookings are on an increase over October 2011. Andy Hemmington, the spokesperson of Comparecarhire.co.uk, said, ‘For some families the September storms have dampened spirits and driven Brits to…

Transport for London (TfL), a UK-based government agency responsible for transport in Greater London, is partnering VisitBritain, the official tourism website for Great Britain. The agency is partnering with VisitBritain to promote and distribute the Visitor Oyster card, a smartcard that allows travellers to use public transport without tickets. VisitBritain will be a single point of contact for all distribution channels and for sale of the smartcard outside London. This would imply that visitors to the city can directly access trains, buses, and the underground in London using a single smartcard. This is expected to reduce long queues at boarding…

Travelodge Hotels, a UK-based company that owns and operates hotel properties, has announced the opening of its newest hotel in Burton-upon-Trent, in UK, where in 1985 it opened its first hotel. The new Travelodge Burton-upon-Trent Central will be opened by the Mayor of East Staffordshire, Cllr Len Milner, and Judy Harper, a receptionist at the company’s first hotel, Travelodge Burton A48 Northbound, and one of the first employees of the brand. Burton-upon-Trent Central Travelodge is offering 68 guestrooms in an iconic Midlands Grain Warehouse constructed in the late 19th Century. Melissa Wilson, the hotel manager for Burton-upon-Trent Central, said, ‘It…

Ryanair, an Ireland-based low cost airline, has opened its first travel agency in Manchester, UK. The new ‘pop-up’ shop – as known by the airline – will offer the airline’s routes, and it has offered to pay double the difference if visitors can identify a cheaper flight to their destinations from Manchester. The shop is now open in the Piccadilly area of the city for the next four weeks. Michael Cawley, the airline chief operating officer, said, ‘Ryanair has long pioneered customer innovations and through our latest promotion, we will bring our ultra-low fare seats right to the heart of…

Accor, a France-based hotel company and owner of brands such as ibis, ibis budget, and ibis Styles, amongst others, will be opening four new hotels in UK in October 2012. The company is opening its new flagship Ibis London Blackfriars hotel in the UK, with 297 guestrooms, an open plan lobby with the reception, and a bar and restaurant. Located in the heart of Blackfriars, the hotel is within easy commutable distance with other parts of the city. A new Novtel hotel will also be opening at the same property, with 182 rooms and complimentary Wi-Fi, fitness centre and an…

With its year-round sunny, lively events calendar and affordable prices during both high and low season, the island of Menorca is a popular travel destination that is not confined to the summer months. If you are looking to rent out a villa and enjoy a fun, active and memorable holiday without spending a fortune, then you should certainly consider this top destination. In fact, the beauty of Menorca is that being an island that is relatively low lying, the weather is favourably mild all year round, meaning affordable self-catering holidays can be achieved on this popular Balearic island, regardless of…

Planning your summer trip next year, looking at those rain clouds hovering over Britain? Then here are some destinations finding favour with UK travellers for those looking forward to sunnier weather. Direct Destinations, a UK based travel company, is suggesting that a popular travel destination for British travellers is the US. In 2012, travellers from the UK to the US increased 4% over that in 2011. Popular destinations in the US include California, New York and Florida. Florida is the most popular US destination for British families with its sunny beaches and famous attractions, including Walt Disney World Resort, and…

First Great Western, a UK-based railway company, is offering supplementary evening services on the Severn Beach Line. The service, which began on September 17, 2012, will be catering to extra demand on passenger traffic between Bristol Temple Meads and Avonmouth. It is to provide a boost following a recent period of growth in passenger numbers on the line. The line was inaugurated by Cllr Tim Kent, executive member for transport at Bristol City Council. Mark Hopwood, the company managing director for First Great Western, said, ‘First Great Western has worked hard with Bristol City Council and the Severnside Community Rail…