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The new Blue British Passport is here!

Can I use my current EU Passport?

New Blue Passport

When will they be coming in?
The new style Blue British passports are already being phased in which started last year.

If I renew my passport now, which colour will I get?
You cannot choose which colour passport you are issued. If you renew now, you should be issued with the new blue passport. The colour is not the only change. In a first for the British passport, the back cover will also carry its own symbolic design – The floral emblems of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales embossed. According to the government, the new passport will also be the most technologically advanced British passport ever.

Can I still travel with the Burgandy Passport?
As long as it is in date, yes. As per the new rules, you must have at least 6 months left on your current passport to travel to EU countries.

The UK government has said: “You will need to have at least six months left on an adult or child passport to travel to most countries in Europe (not including Ireland).

“If you renewed your current passport before the previous one expired, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. Any extra months on your passport over ten years may not count towards the six months needed.”

Just make sure you check your passports before you make plans to go abroad.

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Money

Flight Delay and Cancellation Compensation

We’ve put together all the information you need to know to get the compensation you deserve when things go wrong

When a flight is delayed or cancelled, passengers may be entitled to compensation under certain circumstances. In the United Kingdom, these rules are governed by the EU Regulation 261/2004, which sets out the rights of passengers in the event of denied boarding, flight cancellations, and long delays.

If a flight is delayed for more than three hours, or if a flight is cancelled, passengers may be entitled to compensation of up to €600 (£528) per person, depending on the length of the delay and the distance of the flight. The compensation amount is based on the distance of the flight, with shorter flights entitled to less compensation than longer flights.

How long the delay has to be in order to be eligible for compensation depends on the distance of the flight.

  • Flight Distance less than 1500km – 2 Hours
  • Flight Distance 1500-3500km – 3 Hours
  • Flight Distance More than 3500 – 4 Hours

In order to claim compensation, passengers must have a confirmed booking for the flight and must have checked in on time. Additionally, the delay or cancellation must be the responsibility of the airline, and not due to extraordinary circumstances such as bad weather or strikes.

If the delay or cancellation is due to extraordinary circumstances, the airline is not liable to pay compensation. However, they are still required to provide assistance to passengers, such as food, drinks, and accommodation if necessary.

Passengers who are denied boarding due to overbooking or operational reasons may also be entitled to compensation, as well as assistance. If the denied boarding is due to overbooking, the airline must first ask for volunteers to give up their seats before denying boarding to any passengers. If the denied boarding is due to operational reasons, the airline must provide compensation and assistance to affected passengers.

In order to claim compensation, passengers should contact the airline directly. If the airline is not willing to provide compensation, passengers can also contact the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for assistance. The CAA can help passengers claim compensation and can also provide advice on how to make a complaint.

It’s important for passengers to keep all relevant documents, such as booking confirmation, boarding pass, and receipts for expenses incurred as a result of the delay or cancellation. These documents will be required when making a claim for compensation.

In conclusion, when a flight is delayed or cancelled, passengers may be entitled to compensation under certain circumstances. The rules for compensation are governed by the EU Regulation 261/2004 and the amount of compensation is based on the distance of the flight and the length of the delay. Passengers should contact the airline directly to claim compensation, and can also contact the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for assistance.

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Dubai

The Most Expensive Hotel In The World

When it comes to luxurious accommodation, few hotels can compare to the Burj Al Arab in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. This iconic hotel is widely considered to be the most expensive hotel in the world, with room rates that can reach up to £20,000 per night.

The Burj Al Arab is a 7-star hotel, located on an artificial island just off the coast of Dubai. The hotel is designed to resemble the sail of a ship and stands at a height of 321 meters, making it one of the tallest hotels in the world.

The hotel features 202 luxurious suites, each of which is equipped with the latest technology and state-of-the-art amenities. Guests can enjoy panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf from the privacy of their own suite, which features a private balcony or terrace.

The hotel’s suites are decorated in a traditional Arabian style, with rich fabrics and opulent furnishings. Each suite features a separate living and dining area, as well as a private bar and a large plasma TV. Choose the right suite and you’ll have your very own private butler 24/7 and a Rolls Royce to take you where you need to go. When money is no object, This is the hotel you choose.

The Burj Al Arab also boasts a wide range of dining options, including several fine-dining restaurants that offer a variety of international and local cuisines. Guests can also indulge in a variety of spa treatments at the hotel’s Talise Spa, which features a sauna, steam room, and a range of massages and beauty treatments.

The hotel also offers a variety of recreational facilities, including a private beach, an infinity pool, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. The hotel also features a tennis court, a children’s club and a wide range of water sports.

Despite its high room rates, the Burj Al Arab continues to be a popular destination for the wealthy and famous, and it is not difficult to see why. With its luxurious accommodations, world-class amenities, and unparalleled service, the hotel truly offers an experience like no other.

It’s worth noting that the Burj Al Arab is not just a hotel, it’s a symbol of luxury, exclusivity, and opulence. The hotel’s reputation, location, facilities and services make it a one of a kind place, and the experience of staying there is truly unforgettable.

Other Hotels That Offer a Similar Show of Luxury

There are a some other hotels around the world that offer a similar level of luxury and exclusivity to the Burj Al Arab in Dubai. Some examples include:

  1. The Plaza Hotel, New York City, USA: This iconic hotel is located in the heart of Manhattan and features 282 luxurious guest rooms and suites, many of which offer views of Central Park. The hotel also features several fine-dining restaurants, a fitness center, and a spa.
  2. The Ritz-Carlton, Paris, France: This 5-star hotel is located in the heart of Paris, near the Champs-Elysées. The hotel features 136 guest rooms and suites, all of which are elegantly decorated and feature marble bathrooms and high-end amenities. The hotel also features several fine-dining restaurants and a spa.
  3. The Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, Thailand: This 5-star hotel is located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River and features 393 guest rooms and suites, all of which offer views of the river or the city. The hotel also features several fine-dining restaurants, a fitness center, and a spa.
  4. The Four Seasons, Bora Bora, French Polynesia: This luxurious resort is located on a private island in the middle of the South Pacific, and features overwater bungalows and villas, many of which have private pools. The resort also features several fine-dining restaurants, a fitness center, and a spa.
  5. The Aman Tokyo, Japan: This luxurious hotel is located in the heart of Tokyo and features just 20 guest rooms, each of which offers panoramic views of the city. The hotel also features a fine-dining restaurant, a fitness center, and a spa.

All these hotels are renowned for their luxury, exclusivity, and unparalleled service and offer a unique experience that is not found in any other place, but they all have their own unique features, location and style, thus it’s important to research and compare them before making a decision on which one to choose.

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Travel News

Best Airlines In The World

Image: pexels

When it comes to air travel, there are several airlines that consistently stand out for their exceptional service, comfortable amenities, and high safety standards. These airlines are often considered to be the best in the world.

  1. Qatar Airways: Based in Qatar, this airline has been consistently ranked as one of the best in the world by various organizations, including Skytrax and AirlineRatings.com. The airline offers a wide range of routes, including long-haul flights to destinations around the globe. Qatar Airways is known for its luxurious first and business class cabins, as well as its excellent in-flight entertainment and dining options.
  2. Singapore Airlines: Singapore Airlines is another airline that is consistently ranked as one of the best in the world. The airline offers a wide range of routes and is known for its luxurious first and business class cabins, as well as its excellent in-flight entertainment and dining options. Singapore Airlines is also known for its high safety standards and its commitment to customer service.
  3. Emirates: Emirates is based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates and is one of the largest airlines in the Middle East. The airline offers a wide range of routes and is known for its luxurious first and business class cabins, as well as its excellent in-flight entertainment and dining options. Emirates is also known for its high safety standards and its commitment to customer service.
  4. Etihad Airways: Etihad Airways offers a wide range of routes, covering destinations in Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and the Americas. The airline is known for its luxurious first and business class cabins, which offer comfortable seats, private suites, and an extensive selection of in-flight entertainment and dining options. The airline also offers a premium economy class and economy class cabins that provide a comfortable travel experience. The airline’s onboard services include its award-winning “Flying Nanny” program, which provides special assistance for families traveling with children. Etihad also offers a unique “Guest” program, which includes a range of services such as a personal butler, a chauffeur service, and access to exclusive lounges.
  5. All Nippon Airways (ANA): Based in Japan, All Nippon Airways is known for its excellent service, comfortable amenities, and high safety standards. The airline offers a wide range of routes, including flights to destinations throughout Asia, North America, and Europe. ANA is particularly known for its business class cabins, which offer a comfortable and luxurious travel experience.
  6. Cathay Pacific: Cathay Pacific is a Hong Kong-based airline that is known for its luxurious first and business class cabins, as well as its excellent in-flight entertainment and dining options. The airline offers a wide range of routes and is known for its high safety standards and its commitment to customer service.

It’s worth noting that the ranking of airlines and the selection of the best airlines is often subjective and can change over time, depending on the evaluation criteria and the organization that does it. Also, the best airline for one person might not be the best for another, as it depends on personal preferences, travel itinerary and budget.

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Money

Which Airport Should I Fly From In The UK

The United Kingdom is home to some of the world’s most renowned airports, known for their efficiency, comfort, and amenities. Here are some of the best airports in the UK:

  1. London Heathrow Airport (LHR) – Heathrow is the busiest airport in the UK and one of the busiest in the world. It serves as a hub for British Airways and is the main gateway to London. The airport offers a wide range of facilities, including shops, restaurants, lounges, and a spa. Most of the worlds airlines use LHR so long-haul flights are usually cheaper when travelling from here. Gatwick Airport is also a good choice for long-haul flights which is why this is our second choice.
  2. London Gatwick Airport (LGW) – Gatwick is the second-busiest airport in the UK and serves as a hub for easyJet and British Airways. The airport has two terminals, both of which offer a wide range of shops, restaurants, and other amenities. Being the second busiest airport for long-haul flights, there’s always good deals on flights available, often cheaper than flights from smaller airports.
  3. Manchester Airport (MAN) – Manchester is the third-busiest airport in the UK and serves as a hub for easyJet and Jet2.com. The airport has three terminals, all of which offer a wide range of shops, restaurants, and other amenities.
  4. Glasgow Airport (GLA) – Glasgow is the fourth-busiest airport in Scotland and serves as a hub for easyJet and Loganair. The airport offers a wide range of facilities, including shops, restaurants, and lounges.
  5. Edinburgh Airport (EDI) – Edinburgh is the busiest airport in Scotland and serves as a hub for easyJet and Ryanair. The airport offers a wide range of facilities, including shops, restaurants, and lounges.
  6. London Luton Airport (LTN) is a great choice for short-haul flights. EasyJet have their base located at London Luton so there are always great deals on offer when booking your EasyJet flight from here. Flights can be found for as little as £15 for some destinations so its always a good idea to check this airport when looking for your holiday. If you like to compare flights, use our Flight Comparison page to find the best deals.

All these airports are known for their high-quality services, comfortable facilities, and efficient operations. They also offer a wide range of transportation options, including buses, trains, and taxis, making it easy to travel to and from the airport. As a summary; Long haul flights are best from LHR, LGW MAN. Short-haul flights from LTN is probably the best.

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Travel News

Hotel Prices In Turkey Increase by Up To 400% on 2019 Prices

Hotel prices in the popular holiday destination Turkey have increased by as much as 400% compared to 2019. Turkey has seen a big increase in demand since restrictions from the pandemic were lifted. Consumers looking for a quick getaway are choosing Turkey due to the country offering some of the most relaxed rules since the pandemic restrictions were eased.

UK Holidaymakers who would normally travel to Spain are now also flocking to Turkey due to the new rules put in place by the Spanish government. Stricter rules for non-EU travellers coming into Spain has put many people off booking their Spanish getaway. To see the new rules, check out our Spanish News Article published last week.

We compared multiple All Inclusive Hotel deals with popular sites like Booking.com, Loveholidays.com, Onthebeach and Travelrepublic.co.uk. All these sites prices have increased dramatically.

As an example, Wind Of Lara hotel in Antalya cost £450 for an All Inclusive 10 night stay for 2 adults and 1 child in 2019. Currently the cost has gone upto £1500 for the same duration.

Liberty Hotels Lara which is also in Antalya cost £810 for a 10 night All Inclusive stay in 2019 but prices are now averaging £3500 for the same duration.

The cost of holidays in turkey have increased so much, many families are now unable to book a cheap getaway to the region.

Here at TravelZine, we love Turkey and have chosen the country as our second favourite holiday destination for families, just behind Dubai.

As we publish, prices are increasing and indications show these will not come down any time soon. It’s unfortunate that hotels have increased their prices to cover the cost of the pandemic but as usual, demand always reflects price in travel.

We have reached out to the hotels identified and await their response.

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Travel News

Spain Entry Requirments – New Rules for UK Holidaymakers

Holidaymakers travelling from the UK must ensure they are aware of rules that are in place in Spain for non-EU travellers.

UK residents travelling to Spain need to ensure they can show proof of accommodation whilst on holiday and a return ticket out of Spain. 

You may now also be asked to provide proof that you can afford to spend at least 100 Euros per day (£85) for the duration of your holiday. This can be done by showing bank/Card statements, cash, travellers cheques etc. All British travellers need to ensure they have these to hand when entering Spain for their holidays. This includes holidaymakers on All-Inclusive deals. The rule is in place for all non-EU travellers.

Another recent rule change by the Spanish government is the 6 drink rule, which forces holiday companies to introduce a drink limit on all-inclusive holidays. There are also restrictions in place for when these drinks can be served – three at lunch and three with your evening meal.  The restrictions affect those travelling to Magaluf, Mallorca and also in some areas of Ibiza. Check with your tour operator before you travel to see if your holiday destination is affected by the new rules.

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Money

What Currency To Take On Your Turkey Holiday

currency

In December 2021, the Turkish Lira crashed to an all time low due to the Turkish economy and rising inflation. This leaves all British holiday makers with a key question: What Currency Should I Take On Holiday?

Hotels, shops, restaurants & excursion operators all accept Turkish Lira, British Pound Sterling, USD and Euros.

If you are thinking of travelling to Turkey for your holiday, we recommend taking Euros. Most sellers use this as their base rate currency so its makes more sense to take this on holiday. We travelled to Antalya this month and found that most shops and sellers sold items in Euros (apart from the big chain companies like McDonald’s, Burger King etc who still advertise prices in Turkish Lira) Gone is the time when you go to a bazaar and all items are marked with Turkish Lira price. Now most items, if not all are in Euros. Local sellers prefer the Euro over the Turkish Lira as the currency is more stable and they don’t have to keep changing their prices. Although most sellers still accept the Lira, it is no longer needed when going on holiday. Even Taxis and local excursion operators all advertise in Euros now. The Big chain companies also accept any of the above currencies.

The safest option is to have around £50 in Lira as spare (Which you can exchange in Antalya) as you get a better rate out there. Then the rest, get Euros (Which you will probably get a better rate here in the UK)

If you have any spare USD lying around, now is a good time to use these to exchange into Euros as the price of USD-Euro is good right now. You get approximately 1 euro to 1 USD currently due to the strong USD.

If you want to take Pound Sterling (GBP) then that’s also not a problem as most sellers accept this too. The rate you are given will change as they use Euro as their base calculator. We found most sellers offer an honest exchange rate when using GBP.

To sum it all up – We were able to freely use Turkish Lira, USD, Pound Sterling and Euros whilst on holiday in Antalya. Not one seller declined to accept any of these currencies. We did however find Euros was the best currency to have and the easiest to use and ensure you knew what rate you were getting from the exchange rate from GBP.

check out our free Currency Calculator to check live exchange rates. It’s a good idea to keep this page bookmarked or saved for when you are on holiday. You can then quickly check the rates to ensure you always get the best deal.

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Covid-19

Travelling – Traffic Light System – All You Need To Know

Updated: 17/08/2021 @08:00

Current list of countries in Greed, Amber & Red Lists – All you need to know

The traffic light system divides destinations into 3 categories – Green, Amber & Red

Visiting Green countries means the fewest rules and there is no quarantine when travellers return home to the UK. The ranking of countries depends partly on the number of Covid-19 cases and the success of each of the countries vaccine rollouts.

Countries on the Green List:
These are the countries & territories on the Green list:

AnguillaGreen watchlist – at risk of moving from green to amber.
Antarctica/British Antarctic TerritoryGreen watchlist – at risk of moving from green to amber.
Antigua and BarbudaGreen watchlist – at risk of moving from green to amber.
AustriaMoved to the green list 4am, Sunday 8 August. If you arrived in England before then, you must follow the amber list rules.
Australia 
BarbadosGreen watchlist – at risk of moving from green to amber.
BermudaGreen watchlist – at risk of moving from green to amber.
British Indian Ocean TerritoryGreen watchlist – at risk of moving from green to amber.
Brunei 
Bulgaria 
Cayman IslandsGreen watchlist – at risk of moving from green to amber.
CroatiaGreen watchlist – at risk of moving from green to amber.
DominicaGreen watchlist – at risk of moving from green to amber.
Falkland Islands 
Faroe Islands 
GermanyMoved to the green list 4am, Sunday 8 August. If you arrived in England before then, you must follow the amber list rules.
Gibraltar 
GrenadaGreen watchlist – at risk of moving from green to amber.
Hong Kong.
Iceland 
Israel and JerusalemGreen watchlist – at risk of moving from green to amber.
LatviaMoved to the green list 4am, Sunday 8 August. If you arrived in England before then, you must follow the amber list rules.
MadeiraGreen watchlist – at risk of moving from green to amber.
Mainland Portugal and the Azores are on the amber list.
Malta 
MontserratGreen watchlist – at risk of moving from green to amber.
New Zealand 
NorwayMoved to the green list 4am, Sunday 8 August. If you arrived in England before then, you must follow the amber list rules.
Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie and Oeno IslandsGreen watchlist – at risk of moving from green to amber.
RomaniaMoved to the green list 4am, Sunday 8 August. If you arrived in England before then, you must follow the amber list rules.
Singapore 
SlovakiaMoved to the green list 4am, Sunday 8 August. If you arrived in England before then, you must follow the amber list rules.
SloveniaMoved to the green list 4am, Sunday 8 August. If you arrived in England before then, you must follow the amber list rules.
South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands 
St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha 
TaiwanGreen watchlist – at risk of moving from green to amber.
Turks and Caicos IslandsGreen watchlist – at risk of moving from green to amber.

The list will be reviewed every 3 weeks and countries can be added or removed at short notice so please ensure you regularly check for the latest updates here on travelzine.co.uk.

Not all green list destinations are open for tourism and the government says it is travellers’ responsibility to check this.

Rules for travelling to England from countries on the Green list:
1. Take a COVID-19 test – you must take the test in the 3 days before you travel to England
2. Book and pay for a day 2 COVID-19 test – to be taken after arrival in England
3. Complete a passenger locator form

After you arrive in England:
1. You must take a COVID-19 test on or before day 2
2. You do not need to quarantine unless the test result is positive
3. Children aged 4 and under do not need to take this test

You must follow these rules, even if you have been vaccinated.

AMBER LIST
You should not travel to countries on the Amber list the government says, but from 17th May it will no longer be illegal.

Rules for visiting countries on the Amber list:
1. Take a Covid-19 test
2. Book and pay for a day Covid-19 test for day two and day eight of your return
3. Complete a passenger locator form

On arrival in England you must quarantine at home or in the place you are staying for 10 days.

You must follow these rules, even if you have been vaccinated.

RED LIST
You should not travel to countries on the Red list the government says.

If you have been in one of the countries on the Red list in the last 10 days, you can only enter the UK if you are a UK or Irish national, or UK resident.

Before arriving back into the UK, you must:
1. Take a Covid-19 test
2. Book and pay for a day Covid-19 test for day two and day eight of your return
3. Complete a passenger locator form

Upon arrival in England you must self-isolate for 10 full days in a quarantine hotel.

You will need to agree to book and pay in advance:
– 10-day (11-night) rate for one adult in one room is £1,750
– Additional rate per adult (or child over 11) is £650
– Children aged five to 11 are charged £325

You can be fined £10,000 or jailed for providing inaccurate details.

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Covid-19

Italy imposes quarantine on UK arrivals but opens up to visitors from US, Canada, Japan and some EU countries

Image: Pixels: Anna Shvets

From Monday 21st June 2021, Italy will will impose quarantine rules on UK visitors.
This is in response to the threat from the the highly contagious Delta covid-19 variant which has been rising in the UK.

Travellers arriving into Italy from the UK will be required to complete a compulsory 5 day quarantine on arrival, and take covid-19 tests. These measures were being signed today by Italian health minister Roberto Speranza.

Italy also launches its digital covid-19 certificate.
The health minister has lifted restrictions for tourists from the United States, Canada and Japan, as well as some EU countries, in line with the requirements of the ‘Green Pass’ certificate, in other words showing that they have been vaccinated or recently tested negative covid-19.

The news comes as the Covid-19 rate in Italy continues to fall, dropping to 16.7 coronavirus cases for every 100,000 people.

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Covid-19

Portugal removed from green list

Image: Pixels

Holidays to Portugal have taken a hit this week as the government announced Portugal has been moved to Amber from the green list where it has been since 17th May. The change will come into effect at 4am on Tuesday 8th June 2021.

This means, travellers arriving back to the UK after 4am on 8th June from Portugal wil need to follow the guidlines set out by the giverment for countries on the Amber list.

AMBER LIST
You should not travel to countries on the Amber list the government says.

Rules for visiting countries on the Amber list:

  1. Take a Covid-19 test
  2. Book and pay for a day Covid-19 test for day two and day eight of your return
  3. Complete a passenger locator form

On arrival in England you must quarantine at home or in the place you are staying for 10 days.

You must follow these rules, even if you have been vaccinated.

For more details on which countries are on which list (Green, Amber, Red) Click Here

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