Lily Allen to launch fashion chain in Dubai

A Dubai boutique is due to start selling clothes from Lily Allen's Lucy in Disguise collection.

Fashionistas hoping to fit in with the jet set after catching flights to Dubai will have another option for looking fabulous, after Lily Allen announced plans to launch her vintage fashion concept in the UAE city.

The 26-year-old singer has recently taken a break from music to focus on launching Lucy in Disguise, which allows savvy shoppers to rent designer clothes for a glamorous night out.

Now, homegrown luxury fashion chain Boutique 1 will sell clothes from the Lucy in Disguise collection in Dubai, Arabian Business reports.

Other worldwide boutiques to offer clothes from the collection, include Le Bon Marche in France, Shopbop.com in the US, Lane Crawford in Hong Kong, and Harvey Nichols in London.

For more information visit here

Boston Logan Airport – Shopping & Dining Guide

Boston Logan International Airport is one of the United States’ busiest airports. Millions are served by this airport every year, and most of those millions leave this airport utterly satisfied! The airport serves as a focus city for JetBlue Airways apart from handling some popular US airlines, code share and global alliance airlines.

Boston Logan Airport is an incredible facility that guides its passengers through a maze of services and amenities. It is a huge airport and features 4 terminals, each of which has its own fire department, police department, hotels and even a non-denominational chapel! Since it is such an enormous airport not many people are able to check out each and every part of Boston Logan. Here is an extremely compact Boston Logan International Airport Guide that offers information and tips on the shopping and dining options at the airport.

Terminal C – This terminal features some award winning restaurants and some wonderful shopping alternatives. From local to international, people can find a variety of delicious cuisines at this part of the airport. For shopping freaks, there is really no dearth of places where you can spend some of your hard-earned money, clothing, accessories, gifts, books, jewellery – you name it they have it. Log onto Boston Logan Airport’s website for more information on shops and eating joints at Terminal C! One can also check out other valuable Boston Logan Airport information while one is logged in!

Terminal E – This terminal is another paradise for food and shopping lovers. Terminal E features a duty-free shopping arcade which automatically makes it one popular place among travellers. Other shops that one can find at this terminal are TechShowcase, Brookstone and Zoom Systems.

Reasons Aplenty For Travellers to Book Flights to Hawaii

Hawaii is an incredible holiday destination – one that beguiles vacationers from all corners of this planet. The place is inundated with a stunning variety of natural splendours – be it vast sandy beaches, cascading waterfalls or tropical rainforest. Such natural marvels cocooned up in the warmth of locals and world class infrastructure makes Hawaii such a fine vacation spot among all kinds of people.

Top Charms of Hawaii
It is not surprising to know that cheap tickets on flights to Hawaii are highly popular as millions await their chance to get acquainted with the mesmerizing locales of the region. Hawaii casts a kind of enchanting spell on visitors who book flights to Hawaii and travel to the state. Check out some information on few of the most popular attractions and activities that await holiday makers in Hawaii.

Beaches
Beaches are perhaps the biggest charms of the Hawaiian state. Many book their seats on flights to Hawaii just to sample the myriad of beaches that grace the land of the region. Beaches in this part of the world are known for their excellent sand texture and remarkable water clarity.

The island of Maui in Hawaii is known for its beautiful, picturesque beaches that are immensely popular among foreign tourists. One can take part in a range of activities at these beaches like swimming, snorkelling or surfing. There surely is no dearth of interesting options when it comes having fun at the beaches in Maui. Popular beaches in the area are Kaanapali, Black Rock Beach, Kapalua Beach and Oneola Beach.

Sightseeing
There is a flood of options as far as sightseeing in Hawaii is concerned. Those people who are hard pressed for time on Hawaii holidays will find that it is really difficult to decide what all tourist attractions to miss out – they all are astonishingly wonderful! Still, if one has pick few of the most remarkable ones than they have to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Panaewa Rainforest Zoo, Waimea Canyon and Pearl Harbor Memorial. There is no point in getting seats on cheap flights to Hawaii if you are going to miss any one these must-see tourist delights.

Events and Festivals
Hawaiians love to celebrate and celebrate they do! It is this very spirit of joyousness and jubilation that sets Hawaii apart from others as a holiday destination. All throughout the year, Hawaii organises a variety of activities and events - ranging in size from gatherings of few hundreds to state-wide events with over 100,000 participants.

Hawaiians celebrate music and the arts, sports, culture, agriculture and traditions. Through music, dance, games, food, parades and competitions, festivals and events in Hawaii provide visitors with an experience that is way beyond just sun, sand and surf!

Some of the popular and significant events and festivals that are organised in the region are Merrie Monarch Festival, Aloha Festivals, Molokai Hoe Canoe Race, Spam Jam and Hawaii International Film Festival. It surely is worth the effort to schedule your trip in Hawaii keeping in mind some of the major festivals in mind!

Shopping
Just like every popular holiday destination, Hawaii too allures people with its enchanting range of shopping options. The place promises to satisfy and gratify even the most judicious of shoppers. Hawaii is most famous for its print clothing, long-lasting tropical flowers, and its unbelievable assortment of mementos and gifts.

Eating
Food is another big charm of this place. Hawaii features a number of eating joints that serve incredibly delicious food amidst the most soothing of surroundings. Try out any of the many regional cuisine joints to sample something unique and exceptionally delectable!

South Africa visitors urged to catch Royal Show

A major agricultural show is expected to greet 250,000 visitors in South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal province this weekend.

Families and animal lovers alike are advised to fit in a trip to the Royal Show during their South African summer holiday.

Starting on Friday (May 27th), the ten-day festival features a wide range of attractions, including live music concerts, chainsaw racing, show jumping, fireworks displays and animal shows.

Celebrating its 160th anniversary, the highly popular event expects to draw around a quarter of a million visitors to the KwaZulu-Natal Showground, including many overseas guests on flights to South Africa.

Hosted by the Royal Agricultural Society, The Royal, as it is referred to by the locals, will include a wide range of wildlife, ranging from race horses to birds and livestock.

For more information visit here

Virgin Australia launches A330 on Sydney to Perth route

Virgin Australia launches A330 on Sydney to Perth route


A new domestic route from Sydney to Perth has been launched by Virgin Australia.

The first Airbus A330 flights to Perth from Sydney with Virgin Australia have been launched, with new business class cabins and economy class features included.

Passengers in economy class can enjoy luxury leather seats and in-flight video entertainment on their own personal screen.

Meanwhile, business class options include daily newspapers, airport lounge facilities, meal service, additional carry-on luggage storage, and blankets and pillows on all flights that last three hours or more.

The new service will be running at a peak frequency of three times per day by July, carrying 33,000 passengers a week, the airline added.

Prices on this new service start at 219 Australian dollars (£143) each way in economy class and 1,399 Australian dollars each way in business class.

For more information visit here

Singapore Airlines to set up low-cost carrier

A new low-cost, no-frills airline is being set up by Singapore Airlines, with the aim of offering affordable air travel throughout Asia and beyond, the airline has said.

Cash-conscious travellers will soon be able to benefit from cheap flights on offer from Singapore Airlines' new low-cost partner.
Both medium and long-haul routes will be served by the as-yet-unnamed airline, which is being set up in response to the growing demand among consumers for low-fare travel.

The first flights are expected to begin within the next 12 months, and more details including the range of routes on offer, will be confirmed "in due course", the airline's owners SIA Group added.

Goh Choon Phong, chief executive officer of SIA, said: "As we have observed on short-haul routes within Asia, low-fare airlines help stimulate demand for travel, and we expect this will also prove true for longer flights."

For more information visit here

Stunt Orchestra coming to Australia next month

Music lovers can enjoy a memorable mix of rock, classical and aerial acrobatics in Sydney next month.

Brits catching flights to Sydney next month will be able to catch a free musical performance, which is certainly out of the ordinary.

Shenzo Gregorio, leader of the Stunt Orchestra, combines the skills of a virtuoso with the athleticism of an acrobat, playing violin and singing, whilst suspended up to 46 feet above the ground.

As if that wasn't enough, Shenzo is accompanied by two aerial acrobats, who perform choreographed routines to the music, and a three-piece band, featuring guitar, drums and bass.

Fresh from a run of highly successful shows in Hong Kong, the Stunt Orchestra will be playing eight free performances at Sydney's Queen Victoria Building, starting on June 16th.

For more information visit here

Google Street View to boost flights to India?

New online images of India as seen from street level could result in a tourist boom, with many monuments and attractions included.

An increased number of Brits may consider booking flights to India after exploring the country online, as Google has announced that it will be capturing the country with its Street View technology.

Starting today (May 26th), the US-based company will be gathering data via its vans, which are mounted with specially-designed 360-degree cameras, AFP reports.

Google Street View, which launched in the US in 2007, is currently available in 25 countries worldwide and allows site users to explore nearby and foreign destinations in detail, by simulating what it would be like to walk down the street.

For more information visit here

Entry Requirements for Britons Booking Flights to Hong Kong

Sitting in the Far East, Hong Kong is a destination of choice for countless travellers worldwide. Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region of People's Republic of China and has its own set of rules and regulations concerning immigration. Take a look at some of the necessary points before paying for your airfares to the destination.

Visa Facts

• British citizens can book tickets for their cheap flights to Hong Kong as they can visit the country without a visa and stay there for as long as six months. The website of the Immigration Department of Hong Kong states that the time period is 90 days for other British nationals such as British Protected persons, British subjects, British Overseas citizens, and British Overseas Territories citizens.
  


• The length of stay allowed is again 90 days for citizens of British Indian Ocean Territory, British Virgin Islands, and British Antarctic Territory arriving in Hong Kong without a visa.

Passport Policy

• British citizens catching flights to Hong Kong can stay in the country for 6 months provided their passports are valid for this duration. Hong Kong Immigration allows passport holders with less than six months of validity on their passports to stay for an additional month above the scheduled stay if the passport covers this time frame.
  


• Many British passport holders book flights to Hong Kong and plan to visit Mainland China via the destination. Such travellers are required to get a Chinese visa before reaching the border of China. Violating this rule can result in a fine and even detention. While entering Hong Kong through Mainland China and leaving again through the Mainland, one should definitely carry a multiple or double entry visa for Mainland China.
  

Safety and Security

• Thankfully, violent crime is quite rare but petty crime does happen. For instance, it is necessary to be on your guard against pickpockets in crowded areas.
  


• One should also avoid drinking with strangers or accepting any drinks or edibles. There have been instances of spiked drinks being served to trusting tourists.
  


• Be extra careful of your luggage, when you check in and out of hotels.
  


• It is unadvisable to stray into unfamiliar areas on one’s own.
  

Health Tips

• Seek medical advice before booking your cheap flights to Hong Kong. Ensure that you have all the necessary vaccinations. The UK and Hong Kong Reciprocal Health Care Arrangement came to an end in June 1997 and visitors can be made to take temperature screenings on arrival. As per the results of temperature screening results, additional tests can also be conducted.


• With dengue being reported almost every year, travellers should be careful against mosquitoes. Similarly, it is wise to exercise due caution against different STDs.
  


• For further information on health, call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or visit the websites of the National Travel Heath Network and Centre NaTHNaC and NHS Scotland’s Fit for Travel.
  

(Source: Websites of FCO and Immigration Department of Hong Kong which must be referred for more detailed information. The author disclaims liability of any kind of losses or damages resulting from the use of above information)

Thai spa resort offers one-off treatment deal

A spa resort in the Hua Hin is offering a one-off day of special holistic treatments.


British travellers looking to feel their very best after arriving on flights to Thailand are advised to check out the one-day deal being offering at wellness retreat The Barai, Hua Hin.

The resort promises to take guests on a journey to discover inner peace, and balance the body, mind and spirit, during the Seed of Happiness special spa event.

This six-and-a-half-hour package includes a 90-minute group meditation session, conducted by Dr Buathon, a renowned Thai holistic practitioner.

Later on, there will be a 90-minute 'sound healing' workshop, to help improve concentration by using the vibration of a singing bowl.

After a light lunch, guests will be treated to a 90-minute blend massage, which uses Thai, Swedish and aromatherapy techniques.

For more information visit here

Entry Requirements for Britons Taking Flights to Hong Kong

The entry requirements for the Far East destination of Hong Kong are sometimes confused with China and Macau. Hong Kong along with Macau is one of the two Special Administrative Regions of China. It would be worthwhile for British travellers to take a look at some visa and passport related information before paying for your airfares to Hong Kong. The information finds it source in the websites of Foreign and Commonwealth Office and that of Hong Kong’s Immigration Department which must be referred for detailed insight.

Visa Tips

• British citizens can rush to buy tickets fo flights to Hong Kong since they can stay in the destination for six months without a visa. Other British nationals including British Protected persons, British subjects, British Overseas citizens, and British Overseas Territories citizens are allowed to stay for 90 days.

• Citizens of British Indian Ocean Territory, British Virgin Islands, and British Antarctic Territory can also stay for 90 days if they don’t procure a visa before catching their cheap flights to Hong Kong.

Passport Tips

• For a six month long visa free stay in Hong Kong, British citizens taking flights to Hong Kong must ensure that their passports are valid for six months to cover this duration.

• In case of less than six months’ validity, you may be allowed to stay only for an extra month over your originally planned stay. However, this duration must also be covered by your passport validity.

• Overstaying the allowed duration may result in heavy penalties which can easily nullify the savings you made on booking those cheap flights to Hong Kong.

Grab Flights to Dubai & Greet Lavishness at City’s Hotels

Holidays to Dubai – a set of words that triggers off fancies of many a keen vacationers! In the recent years, Dubai has become an increasingly popular tourist destination. Thanks to its wonderful year-round weather, rich local culture and tempting attractions, Dubai is the perfect holiday destination!

At any given point of time, there are millions of holiday makers who are on a lookout for cheap tickets on flights to Dubai. The city is inundated with attractions and tourist delights that are simply astounding! In fact, if there ever was a city that could be classified as a ‘tourist paradise’, it would undoubtedly be Dubai! Apart from all other charms and wonders, one standout feature of this glorious emirate is its grand hotels. Redefining opulence and luxury, Dubai hotels make sure that flights to Dubai are brimming with people with a refined taste and a liking for supreme comfort. Some information on few of Dubai’s top hotels is available below.

Burj Al Arab

Burj Al Arab is comparatively a recent addition to the spectrum of Dubai attractions but to its credit the hotel is already regarded as an iconic symbol that is grand, gaudy and glamorous! Burj Al Arab is located along the Jumeirah Beach and those travellers who can actually afford a stay in this 7-star hotel, holiday to Dubai is more like a visit to the paradise! Burj Al Arab is often billed as the ‘world’s most luxurious hotel’ – a claim that would be really hard to refute! From chauffeur driven Rolls Royce to private in-suite check-ins, Burj Al Arab ensures that every guest is pampered like king! But it is in the domain of food that Burj Al Arab really scores big. Guests of this hotel are subjected to a gastronomical nirvana as they are served the very best of food ever created by the humankind.

Atlantis, The Palm

Travel to Atlantis, The Palm and get dazzled by the utter affluence of this majestic hotel! Located on the wonderful Palm Jumeirah - an artificial island that stands out a sparkling jewel on the world’s globe – Atlantis, The Palm lets you know why Dubai attracts people who wish to sample the ultimate in luxury. The hotel’s décor is compelling enough to sweep you off your feet with its finesse, luxury and opulence that is ever so charming. Atlantis, The Palm fascinates families, couples and business travellers alike and to be honest, who can blame them!

Hilton Dubai Jumeirah Resort

Many consider Hilton Dubai Jumeirah Resort to be the final word in hospitality! This one is really one of the most lavish resorts that were ever built by the human race. Hilton Dubai Jumeirah Resort complements Dubai’s over the top image quite beautifully as the resort itself is pretty sensational. Not really for the ones who prefer cheap flights to Dubai, Hilton Dubai Jumeirah Resort is rather popular among business travellers as the hotel features some of the finest corporate services to its guests. Amenities and services like a state-of-art business centre, high-speed Internet access, video conferencing, printing and express mail make sure that business executives who book flights to Dubai and stay at this hotel once find it very hard to stay somewhere else!

Metropolitan Hotel

Metropolitan Hotel surely manages to hold its own among the plethora of swish and swanky hotels in Dubai! The hotel is an incredible place to stay in if you have a refined taste and a liking for everything perfect. Metropolitan Hotel features a cinema complex and multiple theme restaurants, making it hard for tourists to miss the hotel on their holidays to Dubai.

All Seasons hotel opens in Bangkok

Bangkok has seen a new central hotel opened to the public this week.


Visitors to Thailand arriving on flights to Bangkok have been offered another affordable accommodation option, as Accor has opened its latest All Seasons hotel in the south-east Asian city.

All Seasons Bangkok Victory Monument is the fifth Accor hotel in the Thai capital and offers British travellers a range of facilities, including an indoor pool, wireless internet access and an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet.

The 162-room hotel also serves a choice of regional and international dishes at its signature restaurant A Touch Of Lime.

Perhaps the hotel's most appealing aspect is its convenient location, just a two-minute walk from key Bangkok attractions, including the Victory Monument, Siam Square and Chatuchak Market.

For more information visit here

Volcano, Ash & Flights: Know Your Rights

The volcano ash is back, back again to haunt the holiday makers who planned fondly for their vacations! Iceland’s volcano eruption is sending plumes of ash into the atmosphere around Europe and preventing airlines from operating in the affected area.

Around 500 flights have been cancelled so far in the UK, disturbing the plans of many a holiday makers. Travellers who were lucky enough to get cheap tickets on flights are surely disappointed. However, the clouds of gloom look to fade away as many airlines are set to resume almost normal flight schedules.

Budget airlines like Ryanair and easyJet that are renowned to provide tickets on cheap flights believe that the volcano ash is not likely to cause massive flight trouble. UK’s flag carrier, British Airways also believes that the situation is not that bad, especially after the airline conducted an approved test flight into the ash cloud's red zone with no damage to the plane.

Mr Walsh told BBC, “We flew in the red zone for about 45 minutes at different altitudes over Scotland.

“'Initially it flew over the north of England, Newcastle, Glasgow, Edinburgh, back to Newcastle.

“The aircraft then returned and has been examined. All the filters were removed and will be sent to a laboratory for testing. The simple answer is that we found nothing.”

While the extent of damage on flight operations is still debatable, there is no doubt in the fact that there have been people who have affected by flight cancellations and delays. Let us find out about the alternatives such travellers have.

What If Your Flights Get Cancelled?

If your flight is cancelled airlines are liable to offer you either a full refund of your unused ticket or a substitute flight. EU-based airlines are obliged to provide you accommodation and meals if the traveller is delayed.

Under EU rules, airlines within the European Union must pay compensation to the passengers if their flight is cancelled or delayed, unless the situation has been caused by ‘extraordinary circumstances which could not have been avoided even if all reasonable measures had been taken.’

Airlines may try to claim the case of volcanic ash delays as 'extraordinary circumstances', however they still are obliged to offer travellers with accommodation, meals and refreshments and transport between the airport and accommodation.

One must keep in mind that if you are flying back to the UK from outside the EU on a non-EU airline, then these rules do not apply. Is such circumstances, passengers must contact their airlines.

Travel Insurance Coverage

Travel insurers must refund your premium (single trip travel insurance) if your flight is cancelled and you do not travel. If you make plans for an alternative flight at some other date, your travel insurer should be able to change your policy to cover this. However, it is best to check with your insurer for all the details.

Finest of Washington DC’s Festivals & Events

A number of Britons add substantially to the ever increasing number of travellers booking flights to Washington DC, USA. Scratch beneath the political layer, and you will see that the capital of allegedly the most powerful country in the world has a lot to offer. The best time to travel to DC is the spring months of April and May or still better the autumn months of September and October.

Apart from the government buildings, which no doubt form a part of the sightseeing expedition of many traveller’s booking flights to Washington, the charm of the city’s interesting events and festivals is no less significant. There are some uniquely popular events that the city hosts during autumn months which are amongst must experience events – particularly for food and music lovers who plan their holidays here. Read on to find information on just three of them.

Taste of DC

Billed as the region’s largest food and wine festival, Taste of DC is a much anticipated annual event. This year the festival is schedule from October 8 to October 10. The visitors to the event are not only swept off their feet by delicious food and wine and beer, but there is a lot for the culturally minded to experience at the event. A popular crowd magnet, the festival in 2011 will showcase wine and beer pavilions, fine dining pavilion, some of the areas finest eateries, musical performances, family entertainment zone apart from other personalized brand experiences. Gourmets booking cheap tickets to Washington for October are sure to experience some of the finest food and wine apart from other entertainment.

Maryland Seafood Festival 2011 - Annapolis, Maryland

The Maryland Seafood Festival is an annual event that is being held for more than four decades. The highlights include music performances, great food, arts and crafts and family activities. The event also features The Capital’s 21st Crab Soup Cook-off.

The event is seen as a tradition and is held at Sandy Point State Park, Annapolis in Maryland, conveniently close to Washington. With a larger focus on providing family friendly atmosphere and great seafood, the event attracts visitors on cheap flights to Washington from all over the country’s east coast. No doubt the event can be a great retreat for international travellers with love for seafood, especially those planning to book flights to Washington during early September. This year the event is scheduled to take place on Saturday and Sunday, September 10 and 11.

Abbey Road on the River 2011 – Washington DC

Rock-n-Roll aficionados, particularly the Beatles lovers booking cheap flights to Washington to visit the city during first week of September can rejoice as they have an opportunity to witness the largest Beatles Music Fest in the world. Abbey Road on the River 2011, marks its 10th anniversary when it begins over the Labor Day Weekend on the 1st September to conclude on 5th September. The live performances, dancing and shaking on some of the greatest tracks composed and sung by the great Beatles, for sure, uplift the spirits of thousands of visitors that arrive to witness this event from many countries. Needless to say that a substantial chunk of Beatles’ fans arrive in from Britain to drink in the music of this English rock band which rose to popularity at the Cavern Club in Liverpool, England.

The music festival will feature some 75 bands from around the globe and thousands of Beatles fans will join hands at the Gaylord National Resort at National Harbor in the Washington DC capital region. The venue itself is a wonderful retreat for tourists with its attractive glass-covered atrium and is known for luxury accommodations and some of the popular restaurants. Sprawling grounds and ready to be photographed fascinating views of the Potomac River as well as the impressive skyline beguile numerous visitors.

Holidaymakers invited to dive into Egypt

A Red Sea resort town has been highlighted as the ideal place to learn to scuba dive.


British travellers looking to try a new outdoor activity this summer have been encouraged to book flights to Egypt, due to the ideal conditions at the Red Sea resort of Taba Heights.

Clear waters, gentle currents and shallow dives make for the perfect place to learn scuba diving, the resort instructor Waterworld claims.

Nervous first timers are urged to try out the Discover the Red Sea half-day package, which can lead onto a full-day PADI Open Water course the very next day.

Nicola Osgerby, assistant operations manager of Red Sea Waterworld, said: "We strive to make our first-time divers feel as comfortable as possible in the water and so many people - ranging from eight to 88 - immediately come back for more."

For more information visit here

Dubai to open world's first Fashion Hotel

Fashion-mad visitors to Dubai will soon have a suitably stylish hotel to meet their every need, it has been announced.

The UAE city of Dubai is set to become the home of the world's first Fashion Hotel, which will feature round-the-clock catwalk highlights broadcast on a giant screen.

Al Habtoor Group has teamed up with Fashion TV to set up a 100-metre LED screen at the new five-star hotel, with a range of special features also on offer to tempt fashionistas arriving on flights to Dubai.

Each of the 200 rooms will feature access to Fashion TV's 30 channels, as well as the biggest fashion DVD library in the world, Emirates 24|7 reports.

For more information visit here

Los Angeles Greek Film Festival: Making Flights to LA Hot

The 5th annual Los Angeles Greek Film Festival is just around the corner and it is time for every film buff to pack bags and land at the wonderful city of Los Angeles!

About the LA Greek Film Festival

The Los Angeles Greek Film Festival will showcase films from Greece and Cyprus, and will feature works by international filmmakers of Greek origin.

The Festival showcases new films from Greek filmmakers worldwide and aims to support the Greek Cinema throughout the globe. The festival also strives to promote cultural exchange as well as to bridge gap between the Greek filmmakers and the Hollywood.

Cinema enthusiasts from different parts of the world are sure to book flights to Los Angeles to be a part of this astounding 4-day event. All of those who want to avoid those soaring airfares on flights to Los Angeles, it is advised you book as soon as possible as the festival kicks off from June 9, 2011.

Great Forum for Filmmakers

The Los Angeles Greek Film Festival encourages the Greek filmmakers to assume an active role in the world cinema and it promotes the modern Greek culture by focusing on its hidden treasures and subverting age-old clichés. It really makes sense to look for cheap tickets on flights to Los Angeles as people who will be there at the festival will be part of an initiative that is sure to take the world of cinema by storm!

Apart from offering a platform for Greek films and culture, the Los Angeles Greek Film Festival tries hard to acquaint visiting filmmakers with the entertainment business. The festival’s special panel series and the popular One-on-One Program allows participants - both experienced veterans and novice filmmakers - to intermingle with the working industry players in a friendly milieu.

Festival Organisers

Los Angeles Greek Film Festival is organised by the Eastern Mediterranean and Balkan Cultural Center, which is a non profit organization that works to promote the awareness of the Eastern Mediterranean and Balkan cultures through the arts and sciences.

Orpheus Award

The Orpheus Award is the Los Angeles Greek Film Festival’s annual accolade that is presented to honour the best in Greek and Greek inspired cinema. The award has become a pivotal part of the festival and highlights the art and artists who are changing the way people think about the films.

Festival’s Film Schedule

Holiday makers who have their bookings on cheap flights to Los Angeles and are all set to travel to the gala festival must have the all-important information on the movie screening schedule.

June 9, Thursday

6:00 PM – Red Carpet Event

7:00 PM – RF (Director: Stavros Liokalos), Pelican’s Watch (Director: Lea Binzer)

9:30 PM – Opening Night Gala

June 10, Friday

5:00 PM - 13 ½ (Director: Haris Vafeiadis), Harisma (Director: Christina Ioakeimidi)

7:15 PM - Marios and the Raven (Director: Yiannis Bougioukas), My Sweet Canary (Director: Roy Sher)

9:45 PM - Alter (Director: Petros Antoniadis), The Death I Dreamed Of (Director: Panagiotis Kravvas)

June 11, Saturday

1:00 PM - The Dog (Nikos Charalabopoulos), With Great Power: The Stan Lee Story (Directors: Will Hess, Terry Dougas, Nikki Frakes)

3:15 PM – Knifer (Director: Yannis Economides)

5:30 PM - Pyramids of Athens (Director: Yolanda Markopoulou), Mikis Theodorakis, Composer (Directors: Asteris Kutulas, Klaus Salge)

7:15 PM - Without Borders (Director: Nick Gaitatjis)

9:30 PM - A Woman’s Way (Director: Panos Koutras)

June 11, Saturday

11:00 AM - 1.2 Million Children (Director: Effie Pappa), What Time Will You Be Back? (Director: Maritina Passari), The Game Must Go On (Director: Angeli Andrikopoulou, Argyris Tsepelikas)

1:30 PM – Commentary (Director: Jonathan Crow), Biloba (Director: Sofia Papchristou)

7:00 PM - Burning Heads (Director: George Siougas)

Phuket resort offers two-thirds off spa break deal

Visitors to the Thai island destination of Phuket can get a 65 per cent reduction on a one-night spa break deal.


Brits arriving on flights to Thailand have been offered another great value accommodation deal, after a Phuket resort knocked 65 per cent off the price of a one-night break.

Visitors staying at the Ban Yuree Resort and Spa Hotel near Patong Beach on the island of Phuket can stay the night for just 1,980 baht (£40), down from the standard price of 5,750 baht per night.

For this price you also get a double room and a free one-hour Thai massage at the resort's spa for both of you (normally priced at 750 baht each).

Furthermore, when it comes to dinner, you can get ten per cent off at the hotel's restaurant, while the airport pick-up and drop-off service is also reduced by ten per cent.

For more information visit here

Catch flights to India to see a Buddhist festival

An ancient Buddhist temple in India is celebrating its annual festival next month.

A traditional Buddhist festival is just one of the many cultural attractions in store for those catching flights to India this summer.

The annual celebration of Yuru Kabgyat takes place during the month of June at the ancient Lamayaru Monastery, which dates back more 850 years.

Known to the locals at Yuru Gonpa, this temple in the Ladakh region of Northern India was founded by monks from the Drikungpa School of Tibetan Buddhism.

The temple's founder Nimagon visited the site on which it stands in 1143 AD and, upon seeing that the entire valley was full of water, he said "may a monastery be founded in this place", made offerings to the gods, and the water drained away.

Visitors to this sacred monastery are expected to give a small donation towards the upkeep of the building and the living expenses of the 200 llamas that call it their home.

For more information visit here