Ras Al Khaimah - A Quiet Emirate Making A Splash

The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority was only established in 2011, but its ambitions are clear - to develop and promote the tourism infrastructure and to establish Ras Al Khaimah as a luxury travel destination.

For those who find Dubai a little too lively, this quieter neighbouring emirate could be the antidote they're looking for. While many will head to Ras Al Khaimah with the simple wish to relax in the year-round sunshine, those who are usually drawn to culture on holidays will also find plenty to do.

The finest hotels have established a wealth of desert, coastal and historical experiences to offer guests - so far, Waldorf Astoria and Banyan Tree are the main luxury brands with a foot in the sand, and more will undoubtedly follow.

Alongside these brands, the new Al Marjan Island is set up to seriously expand the luxury offering. This is a 2.7 million square metre complex set to house around 30 of the world's most luxurious accommodation options, restaurants and theme parks, so there are endless options for a luxury experience here.


Beach openings
The emirate has set its sights on becoming a strong contender in the luxury market and there are a number of projects on the horizon, including the opening of a new Marriott five-star beach resort.

The 300-room Ras Al Khaimah Marriott Resort is to open in 2019 in the north of the emirate and will feature 45 suites and six food and drink outlets, as well as direct access to a private beach with the Hajar Mountains as the backdrop.

These developments will continue to solidify Ras Al Khaimah's reputation as one of the fastest growing tourism destinations in the world.

The plan certainly seems to be bearing fruit, with the first quarter of 2015 showing an increase in visitors of 17%.

Ras Al Khaimah achieved 2.14 million guest nights in 2014, a 72% increase on 2013, and talks with global airlines are said to be ongoing to get more carriers to use RAK International airport as an operational base. 

Currently, only Air Arabia operates scheduled services throughout the region, but they are to be joined by Qatar Airways, who effective October 01, will operate one daily round trip between Doha and Ras Al Khaimah. 

QR 1120  Doha to Ras Al Khaimah  2015 - 2230
QR 1121  Ras Al Khaimah to Doha  2330 - 2345

Operated by Airbus A320 equipment, the carrier will operate the aircraft in a two-class (economy and business class) configuration. This service will allow connections throughout the Qatar Airways network, thus encouraging guests to travel to the emirate for both leisure and business requirements.

The airport will ultimately support more than 400,000 visitors flying in and out annually, while the emirate currently has 5,000 hotel rooms and will add 1,000 more by 2017.

Desert days

For now, Banyan Tree is a key player, with two properties in Ras Al Khaimah; Banyan Tree Al Wadi, for luxury with a desert twist, and Banyan Tree Ras Al Khaimah Beach, which stretches along a private beach.

At both resorts, spa is key, in keeping with the Banyan Tree philosophy, while activities such as falconry shows, horse riding and nature walks to discover the Arabian wildlife such as gazelle and oryx are the main attractions at Banyan Tree Al Wadi, with a free shuttle connecting the two resorts in 20 minutes. Learning the ancient art of archery is also on offer, and the resorts are family-friendly with kids' clubs available. Private dining under the stars, sunrise yoga and sunset cruises ramp up the romance factor.

All the villas at both resorts are private pool villas - Banyan Tree Al Wadi has 101 villas, 31 of which are designed with a Bedouin-inspired, tented roof, while Banyan Tree Ras Al Khaimah Beach as 32 Bedouin-inspired villas.

Further Information on Ras Al Khaimah
If you would like to learn more about Ras Al Khaimah, why not the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism website, which will give you lots of advice about this destination.


Call To Action

If Ras Al Khaimah, or indeed any of the emirates in the UAE are destination(s) that you are considering visiting, why not email World of Transport Travel with you requirements.

Channel Island Head To Head: Guernsey v Jersey

There are a lot of visitors to the Channel Islands, so I decided to put Guernsey and Jersey, the largest two islands, in the spotlight to see which one was the best travel destination.

Both Jersey and Guernsey have golden beaches, gourmet restaurants and glorious scenery by the bucket load – so where should you spend your holiday?

Well, have a read of this article and see what you think.

Round 1: Best of the beaches

The islands both perform strongly in round 1, getting this insight off to a cracking start. Jersey weighs in with the likes of La Haule and Green Island beaches – idyllic stretches of white sand ideal for sunbathing and swimming – and finishes off its assault with a handful of idyllically secluded coves. It also has a classy and facility-packed beach resort up its sleeve in the shape of St Brelade’s Bay. 

Guernsey pulls no punches either, bringing out the tropical-style west coast beaches of Grandes Rocques, Vazon and Cobo as well as the remote but glorious Moulin Huet Bay. Within day trip distance, too, is Shell Beach on the pint-sized island of Herm: a sizzling strip of sand made entirely out of crushed shells. 

The Channel Islands are among the sunniest spots in the British Isles, so you'll have more than a fighting chance of enjoying fabulous weather whichever destination you choose to visit.

The winner is… Each island has a full hand of Caribbean-esque beaches to its name, making this round just too close to call.

Round 2: Gourmet food

Guernsey has plenty to be proud of in the foodie stakes, with a smattering of exquisite bistros such as Fermain Beach Café (Fermain Bay) and Auberge du Val (Sous L'Eglise, St Saviour) to point to. The island also boasts locally famous Beetons Fish and Chip Shop (Pitronnerie Road), which does one of the best versions of this classic dish you’ll have tasted. 

Jersey, though, cranks the competition up a notch with a remarkable total of four Michelin-starred eateries. Shaun Rankin’s Ormer (7-11 Don Street, St Helier), the newest addition to the island’s starred restaurant selection, is a must-visit. If you are looking for something slightly more budget friendly, however, then try surfer’s favourite El Tico Beach Cantina (La Grande Route des Mielles, St Peter), which rustles up scrumptious, fuss-free food in a dining room that overlooks the sea.

The winner is… Jersey, by several Michelin stars.

Round 3: Action and adventure

They might be small in size, but both islands offer boundless opportunities for adventure and exploration. 

Guernsey woos walkers with its vertiginous coastal paths and wow-factor scenery, as well as performing strongly in the adventure stakes thanks to the amazing opportunities for surfers, kayakers, climbers and mountain bikers.

Jersey adds golf at La Moye Golf Course (La Moye, St Brelade) and Les Mielles Golf & Country Club (St Ouen's Bay, St Peter) into the mix, as well as boasting a full range of watersports and the new aMaizin! Adventure Park (La Grande Route de Saint-Pierre). 

So far, the two islands are evenly matched. But Guernsey edges ahead thanks to its easy ferry access to the smaller Channel Islands of Sark and Herm, which both lend themselves to walking, coasteering and kayaking day trips.

The winner is… It’s a tricky one, but Guernsey takes the title.

Round 4: Chic boutiques

Luxe and local are the two themes of the Channel Islands’ shopping scene, so expect to find a top selection of both high-end boutiques and fascinating little independent shops.

Shopping in Guernsey is concentrated around St Peter Port, with the cobbled High Street and its surrounding lanes hosting gems such as designer fashion stockist Nautilus (8 Mill Street) and the National Trust-owned Victorian Shop and Parlour (26 Cornet Street). Every Friday between 8.30am and 2.30pm, the Market Square is the setting for a popular fresh produce market selling everything from just-caught fish and local meat to chutneys and veggies sourced from around the island. 

Jersey has regular markets too – the long-running Central Market (Halkett Place, St Helier) and Beresford Market (Beresford Street, St Helier) are among the best – along with oodles of upmarket jewellery, fashion and artsy shops. Local favourites include Rachel’s Textiles Studio (47 La Colomberie, St Helier), The Harbour Gallery (Le Boulevard, St Aubin) and award-winning jeweller Catherine Best (Les Chenolles, St Peter).

The winner is… Jersey’s sheer choice wins out in round 4.

Round 5: Family fun

The prospect of romantic clifftop strolls, fabulous fine dining and seaside relaxation makes the Channel Islands a popular couples’ destination, but these idyllic isles also exercise a powerful draw on families. 

There’s more to see and do on Guernsey than you could possibly pack into one visit, including discovering the ancient harbour fortress of Castle Cornet (St Peter Port), go-karting with Karting Guernsey (Victoria Avenue), fun for tots at the Jungle House (Oatlands Lane) and getting hands-on with history at the Guernsey Museum and Art Gallery (Candie Gardens, St Peter Port).

Jersey, on the other hand, hosts the fascinating Channel Islands Military Museum (La Grande Route Des Mielles, St Ouen), the Jersey War Tunnels (Les Charrières Malorey, St Lawrence) and the outdoors adventure-focused Creepy Valley Activity Centre (Les Ormes Golf & Leisure Village, Mont a la Brune).

The winner is… It’s another close one, but Guernsey probably packs the weightiest punch.

So who comes out on top?

It all depends on what you're looking for from a summer escape. Guernsey is a sleepy rural backwater with superlative scenery, a quaint little coastal capital and plenty of remote beaches to relax and kick back on. Jersey is larger and livelier, with more to do in terms of sightseeing and dining. 

There is no way that I would suggest one way or the other as to which of the islands is better. What one person likes, another doesn't. That said, there is nothing on either Jersey or Guernsey that you couldn't like.

So, what's the solution?

Well, my suggestion is to visit them both, and make the call for yourself.

Call To Action


If Jersey or Guernsey, or indeed any of the other Channel Islands, are destination(s) that you are considering visiting, why not email World of Transport Travel with you requirements.

Short Break Destination: Reykjavik, Iceland

Getting There - Keflavik:

Yes, I realise Reykjavik is the capital of Iceland, but you are actually flying in to Keflavik, located some 50 kilometres south-west the capital, where the international airport is to be found. From there, the Icelandair bus service connects to all flights and takes you in to the city centre and onwards to most hotels.

Before anyone corrects me, there is an airport in Reykjavik city centre, but it's limited to domestic flights and small aircraft.

Icelandair flies direct from Heathrow, Gatwick, Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow; Wow Air from Gatwick and Dublin; easyJet from Belfast, Bristol, Edinburgh, Gatwick, Luton and Manchester; and FlyBe from Manchester. In addition, Lufthansa operates from Frankfurt.

Paul's Initial Thoughts:

Iceland is certainly having a moment - UK visitor numbers in January and February were up 30% year on year. Although visitors are getting out and about, Reykjavik is the obvious gateway and a brilliant year-round city, with the pull of the northern lights in winter to match summer's long, light days. Despite the fact it's only town-sized by international standards (population 120,000), there's more than enough to do to keep eager city-breakers satisfied.

Thoughts From Promote Iceland Bureau:

Reykjavik is not for the ones that plan to the last detail - it's an escape from ordinary routine. Full of life and fun, it packs a punch in terms of experiences to be had. If you don't like the weather, go to a concert; if you prefer staying out, go whale watching; if you are tired, you can hit the geothermal pools; then choose from an abundance of restaurants. You'll be glad to hear that you can fit it all in to a single day as no time it wasted on typical day problems like waiting for transport.

Highlights:

All major sights are within easy walking distance in the downtown core, known by its postcode as 101, where street art and cafe culture make a lively hub of activity and creativity.

When it comes to sights, visitors can discover Viking remains in a longhouse at the snappily titled Reykjavik 871 +/-2 The Settlement. Exhibition, and the broad sweep of the island's history at the National Museum, Signature's buildings include the soaring Hallgrimskirkja church and the ultra-modern Harpa concert hall, which overlooks the harbour. Most visitors will also head out of the city for a few excursions, including whale-watching trips from the harbour, northern lights in winter, the Blue Lagoon hot springs and southern Iceland's geysers and waterfalls. You can even enjoy a helicopter trip of the city.

Where To Stay:

There is a wide range of accommodation on offer in this city, but here's one for you to consider. Newly-opened 4* Apotek Hotel is a former pharmacy designed by Gudjon Samuelsson, the former state architect who built some of the most celebrated buildings in Iceland including the Hallgrimskirkja church.

Call To Action

If Reykjavik, or indeed a tour of Iceland, is something that you are considering, why not email World of Transport Travel with you requirements.

Discover: Izmir, Turkey

Izmir is a city founded "under the most sublime blue sky and in the world's most remarkable climate" - you may not necessarily be familiar with Izmir but it has been attracting visitors for over 8500 years, and this is how it was described by the famous historian of the ancient world, Herodotus.

Izmir - the perfect choice for a summer holiday or short break.

Once known as Smyrna, Izmir has become a place of trade, culture and the arts since ancient times. These days however, it is its coastline, stretching some 600kms from Dikili in the north, to Selçuk in the south which is the major attraction.

Sun, Sea and Sand

Choose from some of Turkey's most attractive results:

Cesme is favourite holiday spot with its healing thermal waters, golden sands, sun, sea, colourful lifestyle and enjoyable nightlife.

Alacati with its beautiful sandy beaches, is a surfing paradise and attracts and up-market crowd to its designer hotels and stylish restaurants.

Foca is a lively fishing village, with an authentic ambience, home to Mediterranean seals. 

Seferihisar is the first Cittaslow city in Turkey.







Culture and history

This region is home to some of Turkey's most magnificent sites:

Ephesus, where St. Paul once preached, is one of the most important cities of antiquity, which has been beautifully excavated to give a real sense of the life of the ancient Romans.

Pergamum, built of striking white marble, home to a famous library and healing centre.

Izmir itself, with the ancient centre of Smyrna (Tepekule), the imposing citadel of Kadifekale, the Agora and fascinating archaeological museum.










Thermal Spas and Springs

Izmir's thermal springs have been in use since ancient times, known once as the Springs of Agamemnon. These days, you can choose from pampering spas and health tourism centres which make sure you return refreshed and rejuvenated from your holiday.

Faith Tourism

For centuries Izmir has been home to sacred chapels of the three theocratic beliefs; mosques, churches and synagogues. It was the place where St. Paul preached, and the Virgin Mary spent her final days close to Ephesus.

Call To Action

If Izmir, or another part(s) of Turkey, is a destination that you would like to visit either on its own or as part of a multi-centre trip, please email World of Transport Travel with your requirements.

Make It A Break: Istanbul, Turkey

Shopping, nightlife, history and gastronomy - Istanbul has it all and more besides. It has never been easier or more popular for weekend breakers to visit.

It's the city of seven hills. Where commuters take the metro to travel between two continents on their way to the office every morning, and it's also one of the fastest growing tourism destinations on the globe. Did you know that 11.6 million tourists visited Istanbul last year, making it the third most visited city in Europe after London and Paris.

Whilst Istanbul is known for its ancient history, it's a relatively new city break destination, and one that could very likely appeal to many people. The city is a collision of cultures which makes for the perfect weekend break. Turkey is a fascinating amalgam of ancient and modern, east and west. Half in Asia, half in Europe, the capital is a magic blend.

It's a city full of energy, the crossroads of civilisation, the financial centre of the region and it's the only city in the world to straddle two continents.

Access All Areas

As a result of Istanbul's popularity, Turkish Airlines, the national flag carrier, has increased its frequencies from all UK departure points.

Istanbul has always been a popular destination for travellers, and it's less than four hours from any part of the UK.

The carrier works in collaboration with TourIstanbul to provide complimentary tours of the city to transit passengers.

The national airline now operates 101 scheduled flights weekly to Istanbul, departing from Heathrow, Gatwick, Birmingham, Manchester and Edinburgh; in summer there are additional flights from Heathrow and Manchester weekly. That's in addition to the direct flights available with Pegasus Airlines, British Airways and AtlasJet.

If you reside outside of the UK, then Istanbul will be very likely accessible by Turkish Airlines, or the flag carrier of the country in which you reside. Otherwise, you can reach the destination via a change of plane en-route.

Further proof of the metropolis's improving stature are the numerous luxury hotels wrestling for prime real estate in the city. The Shangri-La opened a hotel in Besiktas last May (2014), Raffles Istanbul opened last September in the mall and entertainment complex the Zorlu Centre; the Morgans Hotel Group opened its first property outside of the US and London in Istanbul last November, 10 Karakoy; and St Regis also established a hotel there in March of this year, in the shopping district of Nisantasi.

It is estimated that there are 175 4* hotels in the city, with another 100 hotels of all ratings currently under construction. The city has every kind of hotel, according to your budget and needs.

Asia attractions

While Istanbul's European side has traditionally been more popular with tourists, the Asian side is well worth a visit. Hilton opened its first hotel there in October last year; the Hilton Istanbul Kozyatagi Hotel, as it sees this side of the city as up and coming.

World of Transport Travel recommends all visitors take time to explore the Asian side. One of the best, and cheapest, ways to discover Istanbul is to take a ferry from the European side to the Asian side - not only to see some fantastic scenery while crossing the Bosphorus, but also to discover what daily life is like for residents of Istanbul.

To get a really good, authentic meal, we would recommend eating in the "lokanta" or tradesman's restaurants. This is where the locals eat and where you can experience traditional Turkish food for a fraction of the price of high street restaurants.

Sultanahmet, otherwise known as the Old City of Istanbul, boasts the densest concentration of historical sights and should be the base for all new visitors to the city. We would always recommend that a first-time visitor to Istanbul stays in the Sultanahmet area, and the best hotel here is the Four Seasons Sultanahmet. There are of course, other hotels to suit all tastes and requirements.

To uncover the city's lessor-known treasures, a local guide can prove indispensable. It is essential to take a walking tour in the company of an expert local guide which will help you to discover some of the city's less obvious historic sites, such as the Hippodrome of Constantinople, or the underground Basilica Cistern with its towering stone columns and eerie atmosphere. A local guide will also help introduce visitors to the labyrinthine alleyways of the Grand Bazaar.

When it comes to the best time to visit, there's really no such thing, since Istanbul doesn't have seasonality, it's a city-break destination and it's busy all year round. The lowest season is December and January, but traffic peaks as the temperature rises, when visitors come to enjoy both the sun and the city.

If you fancy visiting in the balmy summer months, it's worth booking into a bolthole on the Bosphorus, from where you can escape the heat. Several former Sultans' palaces on the strait have been converted into luxurious resort hotels with swimming pools and relaxing gardens.

For those of you who prefer the security of an escorted tour, you have several tour operators to choose from. Some offer a flexible way to explore. You can travel as part of a group with a tour manager always on hand. Yet, if you prefer your independence, you are able to step away from the group and explore at your own pace.

There are both dedicated tours of Istanbul, as well as multi-centre tours in Turkey. On a five-day tour of the city for example, visitors will take in the iconic sights such as Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque, plus there are excursions such as Bosphorus cruise and dinner in the city's "Flower Passage", an historic arcade with cafes and restaurants.

For the compulsive shopper, Istanbul is the perfect destination. There's a huge range of goods to buy - from leather, jewellery and souvenirs to clothes. It's a vibrant place and one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, boasting more than 3,000 shops spread across 61 passageways.

There's so much on offer in Anatolia's former capital that visitors might well need a beach break afterwards, but that's easy to arrange.

People can spend time in Istanbul experiencing the nightlife and gastronomic cuisine and then head to the beach to enjoy some time in the Turkish sun.

e-Visas

An e-Visa is an official document permitting entry into and travel within Turkey.
The e-Visa is an alternative to visas issued at Turkish missions and at the ports of entry.
Applicants obtain their visas electronically after entering required information and making payments by a credit or debit card (Mastercard or Visa).

The link to download your e-Visa is given on the final step where you will be informed that your application has been completed successfully. In addition, the same link to download your e-Visa will be emailed to you. Passport control officers at ports of entry can verify your e-Visa on their system. However, you are advised to keep your e-Visa with you either as a soft copy (tablet PC, smart phone, etc.) or as a hard copy in case of any failure on their system. 

As in the case of other visas, respective Turkish officials at the ports of entry reserves the right to deny entry into Turkey to a holder of an e-Visa without any explanation.

Did You Know?

Istanbul has taken centre stage in no less than three James Bond films: From Russia With Love, The World Is Not Enough and Skyfall.

Call To Action

If Istanbul, or another part(s) of Turkey, is a destination that you would like to visit either on its own or as part of a multi-centre trip, please email World of Transport Travel with your requirements.