Travelrific® Travel Journal
Picture postcards in prose.™ Check out the blogroll on the front page for official merchandise and other resources!Archive for london
Birthing Pains at Heathrow
By Linda Tancs
No one ever said it would be easy. Apparently, last month’s massive move of British Airways’ operations to the brand spanking new Terminal 5 was not without a hitch–or a glitch. Flight delays and baggage loss again wreak havoc on unsuspecting travelers using the newest digs at Heathrow–eerily reminiscent of the baggage belt debacle of December 2006. Over 300 flights have been cancelled, and more are projected at least until tomorrow. Ouch.
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Carry-On Rules Revised in U.K.
By Linda Tancs
After much consternation surrounding the U.K. Department for Transport’s one bag carry-on rule, today’s effective date for lifting of the old rule provides welcome relief for travelers. In the past, the one-bag rule meant that a purse or other hand bag, laptop, and luggage bag were not counted as one bag for carry-on purposes. The old rule required passengers to choose among these items for carry-on, creating headaches for business travelers in particular. Now, at several U.K. airports including Heathrow, London City and Stansted, each airline has the discretion to enforce the old carry-on rule. Travelers are advised to check with their respective airline for travel originating in or connecting through U.K. airports to avoid any unwelcome surprises. As for Gatwick, the old rule is still in effect for the time being while substantial construction activity that could potentially disrupt security measures continues.
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Eurostar Bids Adieu to Waterloo
By Linda Tancs
Not even an industrial strike in France affecting the Metro and train service to Calais and Lille can rain on Eurostar’s parade. Beginning today, Eurostar leaves its roost at Waterloo for new digs at St Pancras offering a higher-speed line to Paris and Brussels. Commuting time will now be just over 2 hours to Paris and just under 2 hours to Brussels. Those morning croissants might still be fresh when you get there.
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Biking It in London
By Linda Tancs
If cycling is your passion, then be sure to rent a bicycle during your London stay from Go Pedal (www.gopedal.co.uk). They’ll deliver your bike(s) to the address you provide. Discount pricing is available for multiple rentals and multiple days. Lights, child trailers and organized tours are available for a fee as well. Now, go pedal!
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The Greening of London’s Taxi
By Linda Tancs
Even the black cab must go green. Tough new EU emissions standards require that London’s taxi cabs undergo an engine overhaul. Without government backing in this endeavor, the black cab is likely to join the Routemaster in oblivion. Get those bikes ready.
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Relaxing at London’s Gatwick Airport
By Linda Tancs
Weary travelers, take heart. London’s Gatwick Airport now offers restful, hotel-like stays on the premises, courtesy of Yotel. Check out (no pun intended) www.yotel.com.
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New Warder at the Tower of London
By Linda Tancs
Think of the word “beefeater” and invariably the image of a male costumed in black and red ceremonial garb with a big black hat is conjured up. Oh, that’s so twentieth century. Starting this month, a woman–42-year old Moira Cameron of Argyll, Scotland–will join the ranks of Yeoman Warder of Her Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress the Tower of London, and Members of the Sovereign’s Body Guard of the Yeoman Guard Extraordinary (or just plain Yeoman Warder to the uninitiated). Good thing those teddy bears in the gift shop are unisex.
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London 2012 Olympics
by Linda Tancs
Now be honest–did you really see that the 2012 Olympics logo set out the numbers, 2-0-1-2, at first glance? It reminds me of a Rorschach test. Could you do better? Try your luck at www.london2012.com.
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Security Cameras for the Streets
By Linda Tancs
So you thought you’d steal a passionate kiss from your sweetie in the shadow of Eros at Piccadilly Circus. Smile, you’re on candid camera. Remember the Bard’s advice that “all the world’s a stage”? Well, at least little Britain is, with nearly 300 cameras reportedly trained on the average citizen each day–for security, of course. So don’t forget to floss, and for heaven’s sake, comb your hair.
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London for Less
By Linda Tancs
In this week’s edition of the podcast Travelrific, the topic is: what can you do for free (or nearly free) in London, England? With the dollar sinking against the pound, travelers need some serious cost-cutting ideas. Listen in for some fun and family-friendly ideas that won’t break the bank. Visit www.travelrificradio.com.
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