Category Archives: Sidebar

Bath Spa Opens

Bath, well known as being a genteel Georgian spa town has been without its spa since 1978, when it was closed due to an amoebic bug. But now, as from August 28th, you can book a day session for A335 or A317 for 2 hours. The facilities include access to a the Minerva Spa, a restaurant, terraces overlooking the baths and steam rooms. There are also various treatments, and exercise classed available at an extra cost. The five year project has cost A323 million. For more information, see www.thermaebathspa.com or tel: 01225 331234.


Travel Quiz: Fiji

Win a Moon guidebook on Fiji. See www.moon.com for info on Moon guidebooks.

Some people have said the quiz is difficult, we say do some research; try google.com or Ask Jeeves, if you need help with the answers. One submission, only, please!

The winner of last month's Moon guide on Yellowstone and Grand Teton is Christine Buehring. Please send us your postal address, Christine!

1. What kind of food is a kumala?

2. The Fijian what is the currency of Fiji?

3. What is the name of the island on which both Nadi and Suva can be found?

4. The 2001 film, Castaway starring Tom Hanks was filmed in one of Fiji’s island groups – true or false?

5. What is the three letter code for Nadi’s airport?

Your Name:

Your e-mail address:


Blue Ventures Volunteers

Blue Ventures research programmes need volunteers. We have always depended, and continue to depend, on the dedication and enthusiasm of our volunteers. Volunteers – from all over the world and from all walks of life – work with us both above and below the water. Overseas, volunteers are responsible for carrying out field research, as well as managing the day-to-day running of field camps. Working as a Blue Ventures volunteer is a challenging yet incredibly rewarding experience requiring hard work and commitment. If you are interested, see the Volunteer Guide (PDF )has particular focus on our current field site in Andavadoaka or visit our website at http://www.blueventures.org/volunteering_volunteers.htm


Answers to: So You Think You.re Well Travelled?

find out the nswers to: So You Think You’re Well Travelled?

  1. MUC = Munich, Germany
  2. GOA = Genoa, Italy
  3. YTZ = Toronto, Canada
  4. SGN = Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
  5. AEP = Buenos Aires, Argentina
  • 0 out of 5 – you need to get out more!
  • 1-3 – not bad
  • 4 – very good! You are a Globetrotter!
  • 5 – are you sure you didn’t sneak a look?

TV Appeal: Are You Off On A Trip Overseas?

An UK independent television company is looking for friends, couples and families who are off on an adventurous trip overseas for a new Channel 4 documentary series.

  • Are you currently UK based?
  • Are you going away for at least three months and leaving later this year?
  • Are you travelling as a family, a couple or a group of close friends?
  • Is this your first big trip abroad – i.e. this is not the sort of hing that you do every year?
  • Are you spending the majority of your trip somewhere other than Europe?

If your answer to all of the above is 'Yes' then we want to hear from you! If you are interested in finding out more information please ring Emma on 0207 684 1661 x247 or email emma@ideallondon.com.


TV Show: I Want That Holiday!

Are you UK based and planning to go on holiday in October or November, but haven't decided where? Do you fancy letting us plan it for you? If you want a holiday with a difference then call us on 023 80 712568 or email us at iwthol@granadamedia.com for an application form. (Please note, you have to pay for the holiday, but you get a fantastic itinerary and good prices.)


Yongala Arrest

An American diver has been arrested for penetrating the Yongala, the wreck of a steamship. The Yongala is a popular wreck dive off Townsville, Queensland, Australia. It sank during a cyclone in 1911, resulting in the death of all on board. Despite being told twice that he was not allowed to go inside the wreck, our hapless diver ignored all warnings, was arrested and fined A$2000. If you dive wrecks, particularly where there has been a loss of life please be respectful of this, says the Beetle, and follow local guidelines.


Free London Museums: Royal Air Force Museum

If you are into airplanes, then this is the place for you: Britain's National Museum of aviation features over 70 full-sized aircraft including a unique collection of British, German and Italian planes.

The Museum also houses a flight simulator, 'Touch and Try' Jet Provost Trainer and Sunderland Flying Boat 'walk through' experience.

Address: Grahame Park Way, NW9.

Open: Daily, 1000-1800

Tube: Colindale Rail: Mill Hill Broadway.

Enquiries: 020 8205 2266 Entrance: FREE.


So You Think You’re Well Travelled?

Here’s a little Beetle quiz based on airport codes. See how many you get right! Go on, have a guess!

Which cities are served by airports with the following codes:

  1. MSY
  2. FCO
  3. MEL
  4. LXR
  5. CMB

For the answers, see at the end of the e-newsletter.


UK TV Show Needs Volunteers

Would you like to take part in a documentary we are currently making for Channel 4? It is provisionally titled Travellers Tales, and is about travellers who have experienced tropical illnesses. Perhaps… you unwittingly transported a bot-fly home from a remote destination? You got lost at sea? You are being de-wormed for tapeworms? You were made part of drug smuggling scam? You were held hostage by terrorists? You left the country on a mission to solve a medical mystery? You survived a natural calamity? Or are you still staggered by a memorable bout of Delhi Belly? Perhaps you even know a British traveller currently receiving treatment in a clinic or hospital abroad?

I would like to hear about your experience of the places you have been to in addition to accounts of any illnesses you might have had. I am concerned with illnesses ranging from diarrhoea to dengue and would be very interested to hear your story – funny or painful – with a view to including it in the documentary. Should you be interested in taking part, your journeys will be portrayed accurately and responsibly.

The idea is to tell people's cautionary tales as a way of helping viewers understand the need to prepare for travel to far flung places in the world and to offer some suggestions of how to deal with problems should they arise.

If you have a gripping story to tell or know anyone who has been afflicted by long haul travel OR have faced unplanned challenges, please do get in touch. If you have been ill contact catherine.brindley@rdfmedia.com If you have a story to tell about the severe hardships you faced the please contact danny.horan@rdfmedia.com