Top half-term holiday destinations with British Airways

British Airways expects more than 1.5 million passengers to fly with it over this month's half-term holidays as we seek an escape from the February freeze and go in search of sunshine.

The busiest days are Friday 13th for outbound, and Sunday February 22nd for the return with over 120,000 passengers travelling with BA on these days.

Top destinations with British Airways this half-term are Orlando, New York, Dubai, Los Angeles & Tampa for long haul flights, and Rome, Barcelona, Tenerife, Malta & Fuerteventura for short haul.  Wherever you're going we hope you have a great time and enjoy the sun.

BA has posted some top tips to keep adults and children happy during and after your flight - to read them click here.

For luggage for your half-term holiday, click here.

Top reasons to make Iceland your holiday destination in 2015

Would you like to experience nature at its best? How about witnessing one of nature’s greatest events?

Visit Iceland between now and April and experience one of nature’s most amazing spectacles: the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). The extreme dark of the Icelandic winter provides the perfect vantage point from which to view this natural phenomenon, due to a lack of light pollution. On a clear night, the solar flares are simply mesmerising.

Nature lovers will also appreciate Iceland’s location. Over 80% of the island is uninhabited and large colonies of seabirds are easily visible around the coasts. You are most likely to see razorbills, fulmars, gannets, guillemots and, of course, the Atlantic Puffin. Iceland is also home to Látrabjarg, the largest bird cliff in the world. This one cliff alone is home to millions of birds. The best time of year for bird watching is from the end of April to the beginning of June, although tours are offered year-round.

 Located just three hours flying time from London, Iceland is the world’s most Northerly capital city. The Icelandic weather is changeable: due to the Gulf Stream, Iceland has a cool, temperate climate. The winters are fairly mild, but much colder than those in the UK; the average temperature of January in Iceland is 0.4°C! Iceland also offers fantastic shops, museums and restaurants. Icelandic fish and lamb are local specialities.

If you fancy something a little different, you can visit one of Iceland’s beaches (yes really!). Reykjavík has its own geothermal beach, boasting white sand and warm ocean water. Alternatively, you could brave the cold Atlantic and enjoy the health benefits of swimming in the cold water, like many Icelanders do.

If you have an adventurous streak, you may enjoy exploring Iceland on horseback. It is a great way to sample the stunning, panoramic views that Iceland offers. Riding tours are offered across the country by numerous farms on Icelandic horses. The Icelandic horses themselves are hardy and have a large personality.

Hiking through Iceland’s rugged and varied landscape during the summer moneths is a popular pastime for locals and tourists alike. The Laugavegur trail is one of the most varied and exciting trails in the world! It offers splendid views and takes in a great variety of landscapes; mountains in various colours, glaciers and hot springs, rivers and lakes.

A visit to Iceland would not be complete without experiencing its famous glaciers.  It is important to not that glacier walking or climbing should not be done without the accompaniment of a trained guide, without exceptions. Such trips allow you to explore the untamed Iceland, with its breathtaking landscapes.

For further information, visit http://www.visiticeland.com/  

 

Top South African holiday destinations

 

With the miserable January weather now upon us, surely it is the time of year to think about booking your next getaway?

South Africa has long been a popular holiday destination and is famed for its wildlife reserves. Kruger National Park is the oldest National Park in South Africa and one of the largest in the world. On safari you may be lucky enough to spot one or more of the 'Big Five'- elephants, buffalo, leopards, rhinos and lions.

South Africa is also home to some of the most beautiful and diverse cities on Earth that reflect the wealth of the country's history and culture.

A South African holiday is great value for money with one pound (GBP) buying approximately 17 South African Rand (ZAR). The South African climate is temperate and is known for its long, sunny days- certainly a nice change from the cold and damp British winter!

Popular tourist attractions include the Table Mountain National Park in Capetown. Table Mountain itself is a flat topped mountain with many tourists choosing to hike to the top that is almost 2 miles across. A cable car service is available for those less athletic! Once you reach the top, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views over Capetown and surrounding areas.

For the more historically minded, a visit to the Robben Island Museum is a must. The island, situated approximately 4 miles off the coast of Bloubergstrand, was the site of a prison for political prisoners during the 20^th century. The most notable inmate was Nelson Mandela, who was imprisoned there for 18 years.

If spectacular scenery is on your bucket list, look no further than the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve in Northern Mpumalanga. Enjoy fantastic views as you hike or drive through the reserve. One vantage point at the southern extremity of the reserve has been nicknamed 'God's window' due to its panoramic splendour. There you can see sheer cliffs plunge down into an expanse of forests and on a clear day be able to see for miles around.

If after all that travelling you feel a bit thirsty, then visit the Winelands of South Africa to quench your thirst! The Cape wine routes allow you to discover the joys of South Africa's award-winning wines and cuisine as well as enjoying beautiful green valleys and historic towns.

The South African Tourism Board has compiled a list of South Africa's top ten cities. The tourism hot-spots of Capetown, Johannesburg and Pretoria feature. Some lesser known cities feature, such as Port Elizabeth on the Eastern Cape which is known for its hospitality and picturesque beaches. Pietermaritzburg, in the state of KwaZulu-Natal, is cherished for its history and picturesque countryside. Durban,in the same state, is a hot destination with endless beaches, sultry nightlife and famous curries!

Click here to read the full article.