New year brings a host of new destinations
Etihad Airways has announced that it will commence flights to Hong Kong on March 24 next year. The service will be operated by its codeshare partner Air Seychelles and will undertake three services per week from the UAE capital to the Asian economic hub. A return flight costs from Dh2,300 return, including taxes (www.etihadairways.com). Its local rival Emirates began flying a daily direct to Phuket this month, a favourite destination for UAE-based travellers, from Dh3,220 return, including taxes (www.emirates.com). Spring will also bring direct flights to Warsaw and Algiers. Expect a flurry of announcements from local and Middle Eastern carriers keen to expand their route networks in 2013.
An auction of vintage travel paraphernalia
Collecting vintage posters is an increasingly popular and lucrative pastime. Enthusiasts will be counting down to January 23 at 1pm when Christie’s will host its annual “Ski Sale” in South Kensington, London. The auction will sell more than 160 lots of early 20th century travel posters designed to promote ski resorts in the early 20th century. Designs
are estimated to fetch from £800 (Dh4,763) to £15,000 (Dh89,312) for very rare examples. Other items going under the hammer include antique Louis Vuitton travelling trunks and luggage. For more information and to register to bid online, visit www.christies.com.
Riders can enjoy the services of a horcierge
The Stafford Kempinski in London has launched a "horcierge" service to offer guests a choice of two horse-riding themed packages in conjunction with the Riding Club London. Guests can enjoy a morning ride in one of the royal parks, a trip with a personal shopper to help buying jodhpurs, a VIP tour of the British Military Stables, or even a side-saddle, polo or carriage driving lesson. A two-night stay including breakfast and a two-hour ride in Windsor Great Park costs £1,847 (Dh10,981), including taxes. A three-night stay, half-board, including taxes, shopping, museum tour, equestrian lesson and ride in Windsor Great Park costs £4,200 (Dh25,088). To book, visit www.kempinski.com.
Tiptoe across the Alps on a new walkway
Thrillseekers with a good head for heights will be pleased to know that the highest suspension bridge in Europe – just one metre wide and 100 metres long – is waiting in the ski resort of Titlis Engelberg in central Switzerland. More than 3,000 metres above sea level, the Titlis Cliff Walk, a pedestrian bridge, opened this week, and those who dare to cross will have a 500m view down to the valleys below, as well as wonderful views across Mount Titlis. The cost of crossing the bridge will be included in the local cable car ride. For more information, visit www.titlis.ch.