The Culture Bank

There is no other place in the world quite like Alaska.  With its miles of unsettled territory, rows of snow topped mountains, fields of glaciers, and tundra that serves as home to a wide variety of animal life, it is the last frontier.  And what better way to see it than by cruise ship?

There is little in the way of what we commonly think of as ‘tourist attractions’ in the Alaskan wilderness, which makes it the perfect destination for those who want to immerse themselves in the Alaskan wilderness.

Experience Alaskan native culture on a visit to Anchorage and then set out on a trek to discover the Alaskan glaciers.  Hubbard Glacier is the largest of Alaska’s tidewater glaciers and a glacier cruise offers some of the most spectacular landscape you may ever see.  Visit at the right time of the year, and you may even spot some whales.  Humpbacks and Orcas get together off the shores of Juneau, putting on quite the show for those fortunate enough to be there to see it.

Land trips include Skagway, providing visitors with a taste of the gold-rush era with its historical district; while a visit to the beautiful community of Ketchikan places you in the heart of the 16 million acre Tongass National Forest, with mountains rising up from the water and a terrain full of lush, rainforest-like foliage.

What better way to enjoy Alaska’s final frontier than by ship?   Immerse yourself in Alaska’s unspoilt beauty, with all the comforts of a cruise right at hand.

Some travellers are certainly more adventurous than others. While some enjoy the usual tourist hotspots, souvenir shops and beaches, others like to go exploring the lesser travelled areas to learn about new cultures, and see locations at first hand that most people would only see in magazine articles.

Taking flights to Beirut is not at the top of most peoples’ holiday agenda, but Beirut has plenty to offer the tourist, and there is sure to be something there to suit all tastes. The National Museum of Beirut for example has around 1300 exhibits, a small theatre where you can watch a short movie about the history of the museum, and a shop filled with souvenirs. The opening hours are: Tuesday to Sunday 9am to 5pm.  This is a lovely way to pass a few hours in the city.

For those who particularly like to view architecture, one of the finest examples in the city can be seen at a Franciscan convent called Eglise Saint Joseph des Franciscans. The complex of buildings dates from the 19th century, although it is believed that the Franciscans have had a presence in Lebanon since the Crusades.

Downtown Beirut (officially known as the Beirut Central District, or BCD) is packed with churches dating back from Ottoman and Crusader times, Byzantine and Roman ruins are everywhere and they are all interspersed with more modern buildings to give the city a somewhat unique appearance.  It is actually thought of as being one of the most beautiful city centres throughout the whole of the Middle East.

Cairo, the capital of Egypt, is a fascinating city to visit.  Although the city is dirty and crowded and the traffic is bad, Cairo has many interesting ancient relics and attractions to view.  One area to explore is Coptic Cairo which is the oldest part of the city and has been inhabited for 2000 years.  Ancient churches, cobbled roads and Roman relics make this an interesting place to visit.  Egypt’s oldest synagogue, the Ben Ezra Synagogue, is in this area as is the Hanging Church which is the oldest Christian church in Cairo.  The Coptic Museum has ancient artefacts on display. Islamic Cairo has several mosques including Ibn Tulun, one of the largest mosques in the world and the Islamic Art Museum includes displays of religious art. 

Another unique museum is the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities. It has many relics from the ancient pyramids such as mummies and sarcophagi.  Some of the most fascinating objects are those from the tomb of Tutankhamen.  The Pyramids of Giza are considered to be one of the ancient wonders of the world. The largest and oldest of the pyramids, the Great Pyramid of Cheops, was built around 2600BC.  It was built to be the tomb for the sarcophagus of the Pharaoh Cheops.   There are also several smaller pyramids and a Sphinx which is believed to have been built to guard the tombs. 

Flights to Cairo are available from the United Kingdom.  Cheap tickets can be found by searching online ticket search engines.

Mexico is fairly new as a popular tourist destination, with previously a few locales like Acapulco the effective preserve of the rich and famous. Now, Mexico is starting to open up to the general public, who find its natural beauties largely unspoilt and its people second to none in their friendliness and approachability.

With stunningly beautiful landscapes, magnificent beaches, great sporting opportunities like river rafting and a fascinating history in the shape of ancient pyramids and Aztec ruins, it’s easy to see why Mexico is proving so alluring.

Renting a villa in Mexico is the best way to explore the many attractions this unique country has to offer. Mexico is opening up just as cheap flights, travel websites and a growing taste for independent travel have transformed the industry, and holidaymakers are tailoring their trips down to the last detail rather than opting for a full package including flights and hotel. Freedom and flexibility are the bywords in modern travel, and renting villas in Mexico has never been easier. You’ll want to travel around and use your rental villa as a base, coming and going as you please.

Whether you’re into exploring Mexico’s Aztec heritage in ruins and museums, lazing on sandy beaches, looking for great night life or simply getting to know a lovely, friendly people, renting a villa will place it all at your fingertips and enable you to enjoy your Mexican holiday at your own frenetic or leisurely pace, whichever you prefer.

Considered by many to be one of the most interesting, beautiful and romantic destinations in the world, Venice is one of the major cities in Italy, which sees travellers coming in year after year on cheap flights from a variety of destinations.

The city has remained largely unchanged over the last 600 years, which adds to the exotic flavour and nature of it. And while the city has decayed somewhat since its original heyday, it is still one of the major reasons for cheap flights to Italy every year and its romantic charm brings visitors in all year-round.

Venice is a place that invites utter relaxation and regardless of where you are headed once you are finished with your vacation in the city, you are sure to be completely refreshed and replenished. By the time visitors get on their flights to London, flights to Aberdeen or flights to Damascus and other destinations around the world, their worries and cares will have been stripped away by the unique charm of Venice.

This is the only completely pedestrian city in the world; there are no cars. This is mostly because there are no streets, but instead there are plenty of waterways stretching between the main islands. Bear in mind that high summer is one of the worst times to book cheap flights to Venice, as the humidity and heat can cause fairly stagnant smells and an overall unpleasantness for the unwary traveller due to the lagoon. But outside of the peak summer months this is still one of the most romantic cities in the world to book cheap flights to.

The price for flights to Amman and other destinations in the Middle East are dropping all the time. There are loads of great deals on offer, and there’s never been a better time to visit Jordan’s famous White City and experience the delights of the mystic Middle East.

Amman, as well as being a fascinating and beautiful city in its own right, makes a superb base for exploring Jordan.

The White City of Amman is not just old; it’s one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. If you’re interested in archaeology and ancient history you’ve come to the right place, but Amman equally boasts a vibrant, modern ambience and rich culture.

Enjoy exploring and appreciating a way of life completely different to that of the West. Take tours to famous sites nearby such as the Dead Sea, the ‘Rose City’ and the ancient settlement of Madaba, which boasts magnificent mosaics.

The King Hussein Mosque in the middle of Amman was built in the Ottoman style, and at prayer times the call of the muezzin echoes down the winding streets and alleyways like something out of the Arabian Nights. You’ll half expect the carpet in your hotel room to whisk you up and off across the minarets.

The inhabitants of Amman love visitors to their city, and their ancient traditions of hospitality will take your breath away.

The bustling markets and streets are an ideal introduction to the Middle Eastern culture and way of life, but there are also chic boutiques and smart restaurants to enjoy should you start pining a little for Western luxuries.

International travellers from all around the world book cheap flights to Venice in order to experience the various events and activities that occur throughout the year. Probably one of the most famous of these is the Voga Longa, which is the equivalent of a marathon, with competitors rowing 32kms in less than 3.5hrs to receive a certificate. This is a sight that will have you talking non-stop for years to come, including on your trip back home, regardless of whether you are taking flights to London, flights to Damascus or any other city in the world. There are literally dozens of festivals and events to choose from, so no matter when you book cheap flights to the city you are sure to find something to keep you occupied.

As far as activities go, many people book cheap flights to Venice simply to experience the cultural aspects of this romantic destination. Riding a waterbus, also known as a Vaporetto, is a great way to see the architecture and Venetian watercraft up close. You could also hire a Gondola, although they are considered extremely expensive, often costing upwards of €100 for a short ride. Be prepared to haggle and always agree on a price before you actually get in. One of the most popular activities in Venice and the reason for many of the cheap flights that bring people in is the shopping. Venice is packed to the brim with hundreds of tiny little stores tucked into every nook and cranny and you will be hard-pressed to walk away without buying something.

As one of the busiest airports in the United Kingdom, Manchester Airport operates flights from a great many airlines to hundreds of destinations all over the world. Budget airlines are becoming increasingly popular as the cost of air travel skyrockets, and Manchester Airport offers several of these airlines to travellers.

EasyJet offers flights to Manchester from destinations such as Malta and Athens, and is very popular with British expats living in the Mediterranean. Other airlines which offer cheap flights to Manchester include Jet2.com and Viking Hellas and all have websites which offer good rates for early bookings.

Manchester has something to offer everyone from all walks of life. Sports fans may find themselves visiting the City of Manchester Stadium, home to Manchester City Football Club; alternatively if you are more of a red supporter than blue, there is Old Trafford, home to Manchester United Football Club. There are tours available around the grounds and photo opportunities alongside the trophy cabinets.

Manchester has an array of museums and art galleries for those who prefer a cultured trip, and the Lowry Centre also has regular theatre productions showing. Of course if theatre is what you are looking for, there is the Opera House and the Palace Theatre running top named shows such as ‘Les Miserables’ and ‘Evita’.

Shopping in Manchester is a highlight, boasting stores such as Harvey Nichols and Selfridges and visit at Christmas time and there are the continental Christmas Markets offering handicrafts and foodstuffs from Europe as well as unusual Christmas gifts.

Cheap flights to Dublin are available from many cities on the United Kingdom mainland and from Belfast in Northern Ireland. The flights are mainly operated via two airlines, Ryanair and AerLingus, although flights with other airlines such as KLM, BMI and Flybe are also available.

Flying from outside the United Kingdom may pose problems if wishing to fly directly into Dublin as there are a limited number of direct flights available; for instance if travelling from the USA to Dublin there may be a changeover at London Heathrow. When shopping around for the best deal on cheap flights to Dublin it is worth taking into account stopover time as some can be lengthy waits.

Dublin for the history buffs is like paradise. There are so many historical buildings and monuments to visit while in Dublin there may be the need for a second trip. Kilmainham Gaol is Ireland’s most famous prison and is actually the largest disused prison in Europe. Dublin Castle was the centre of English oppression in Dublin for over 700 years and should not be missed. It also has a new visitors centre in the basement.

Dublin has a lot to offer the serious shopper, with several department stores and a number of markets, but if you want a more relaxing time take a tour of the Guinness Storehouse.  A complimentary drink is on offer at the Gravity Bar, the highest bar in Ireland, after the tour. After learning all there is to know about Dublin’s favourite tipple, sit back and relax with uninterrupted 360° views of the beautiful city below.

One of the first things travellers do after they get off their flights to Amman is head to one of the many hotels throughout the city. While it is true that accommodation ranges from budget to the luxurious, one of the advantages of cheap flights to this Jordanian city is the fact that this is one of the best places to experience Middle Eastern hospitality and culture in an environment that is completely friendly to the westerner. Jordan is one of the safest countries in the Middle East and many travellers recommend it as the starting point for those who want to get a feel for one of the most amazing cultures in the world, without worrying about terrorists and bomb threats.

Arabian food is often beyond verbal description and many visitors take cheap flights to Amman simply to experience the pleasures of the Arabian cuisine in this culturally diverse city. Most foods in Arabian cultures consist of a base of lamb or chicken, along with rice and flat bread. Cucumbers, tomatoes and plain yogurt, are staple foods with most meals, as well as chickpea-based foods such as hummus and falafel.

While it is true that you could take flights to Tehran (more tricky these days) or Baku to experience similar cultures, the Jordanian way of life is one that has thrived for thousands of years and makes for an extremely unique experience that has to be seen up close and personal to be fully appreciated.

Take your sense of adventure on a cheap flight to Amman and you won’t be disappointed.