Friday, March 23rd, 2012
A source of inspiration, a teacher, a guide, a saviour during wait times, a companion in the jet-lag hours, and a travel buddy on the road and in the air – a good book is atop most seasoned travellers’ must-pack list.
Before and while travelling it’s a good idea to read a book to gain a sense of culture and experience a taste of what’s to come. Over a million books are published every year; a feat that can make it hard to weed out the good from the bad. To help you choose what book to take away with you on your next trip we’ve pulled together a list of travel-centred recommendations.
On the Road by American writer Jack Kerouac is a largely autobiographical work, based on road trips made by a group of friends across America. The Telegraph Travel explained that the book should come with a warning: “proceed with caution; you may never be able to settle in one place again.” The 1950’s cult classic transports the reader from New York to LA, encountering music, poetry and wild antics along the way. Read more »
Friday, March 16th, 2012
New York City…
It’s the setting of a thousand films; the subject of Frank Sinatra’s famous lyrics: “If I can make it there, I’ll make it anywhere”; and home to the United Nations’ headquarters and the world’s largest stock exchange. The thriving metropolis typifies the United States’ “Land of the Free” moniker – packing activity, culture and opportunity into every nook and cranny of every street and alleyway. There is no ‘bad’ time to visit The City That Never Sleeps… A constantly evolving calendar of events sees New York always engaged with things to see and do. However to experience the Big Apple in all its splendour, it’s hard to beat spring in the city.
As winter thaws out, alfresco dining fills New York’s…
sidewalks, patios, decks, rooftops and terraces with chattering friends, spilling drinks and heaped plates. Enjoy cocktails and sushi overlooking the West Village at Sushi Samba’s rooftop bar. Casual and quirky Yaffa’s in Tribeca is a New York institution, open 24/7 with outdoor tables offering a great vantage point from which to spot celebrities. Shake Shack’s Madison Square Park outdoor court brims with social burger fiends – the store is so popular that its website helps guests “check the line and save time” with a ‘Shake Cam’. The Yard at the Soho Grand is one of the city’s hippest and most coveted outdoor spaces; the perfect place to bask in the sun and indulge in plates from the grill. New American-style dining is presented against a stunning backdrop at Bryant Park Grill on a glorious sun-drenched rooftop. Closed for the winter, The Loeb Boathouse comes to life in the spring, with an outdoor terrace perfect for marvelling at couples adrift on paddle boats on Central Park’s famous Lake . Read more »
Monday, April 4th, 2011
Our one-stop flights to Ireland will have you on the ground enjoying some Irish craic in no time at all. Find inspiration on the best things to do in Dublin here.
A typical day in Dublin isn’t as wet as the rest of the Ireland would have you believe, but you should still come prepared. Spend a morning working out the lay of the land, walking the cobblestone streets and talking to locals, who, much like the city itself are full of charm and personality.
For the best breakfast in Dublin head to Bewley’s on Grafton St (Leffey St end) and order their right of passage full Irish breakfast. At around 10 euro, the poached eggs, grilled bacon and pork sausages along with roast tomato, mushrooms, toast and of course (gulp) black pudding represents great value. For those who aren’t nursing a hangover, there’s also a great selection of yoghurt, bagels, pancakes and porridge.
Kilmainham Gaol
A must see on any visitors list, the Kilmainham Gaol (now a museum) offers an insightful and at times moving look at the history of Ireland’s nationalism. A prison for almost 128 years, many of Ireland’s rebellion leaders were residents at one time or another. Accessible by tour only, make sure you arrive early in the summer as it gets very busy, and bring a jacket – as it gets surprisingly cold inside!
Situated at the mouth of the Liffey River, Dublin is the place to go for fresh seafood. Salmon and cod are the most popular, along with scallops, lobster, mussels and oysters and keep your eyes open for Dublin Bay prawns – yum! It’s hard to imagine anyone could be hungry after such a big breakfast but great value fish and chips can be found wrapped in butchers paper with chunky chips and sinful batter at Leo Burdock’s, 2 Werburgh St.
The most important day on the Irish calendar is of course, March 17, St Patrick’s Day. Having just missed the official celebrations, you can still find plenty of Irish spirit. Join locals at one of the popular pubs along Harcourt, Camden and Leeson streets for a game of rugby and post match pint.
For traditional Dublin fare, Gallagher’s Boxty House is hard to beat. Sit by the peat fire and find comfort in their Irish stew, Gaelic pancakes and bread and butter pudding.
These are only a tiny snapshot as to what you can do once you land in Emerald Isle, and we’d love to hear what your favourite places are in Dublin!
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V Australia and our partner Etihad Airways, fly to Dublin and for a short time only we can offer the following:
Sydney to Dublin from AUD$1939* Economy Return
Book online or visit your travel agent before the 18th April PLUS when you book economy tickets through your travel agent, you can receive a free upgrade to premium economy (conditions apply, see your travel agent for more details)
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