Gatwick airport is one of the most famous airports in the United Kingdom and Europe as a whole. It stands in the top 30 busiest airports in the world, and is the 8th largest in Europe by passenger traffic. Gatwick also holds the record as the busiest single-runway airport in the world, constantly handling traffic that other airports divide over multiple runways.

Gatwick recently announced plans to expand their infrastructure with a one billion pound investment aimed at improving the visitor experience in terms of everything from access to aesthetics. Airport officials remain firmly convinced that this investment might even help them surpass the famous Heathrow in terms of amenities and passenger accessibility, and demonstrate the airport’s commitment to continued quality.

Though Gatwick has always been considered a ‘lesser’ airport than Heathrow, this is due to the merits of the latter rather than any shortcomings in the former. Indeed, Gatwick airport has a history that warrants more attention than it is generally given…

#1 – Advances in Architecture

Gatwick unveiled the world’s first circular airport terminal (named the ‘Beehive’) in 1936. It was an extraordinary achievement, as it was the first terminal to combine literally every necessary stage of air travel. There was a rail link directly to the terminal, and for the first time passengers could directly board their aircraft instead of having to travel across the runway on foot or by bus.

#2 – Private Fliers

Gatwick was not originally a public airport for major travel. In its early years, it was used as a home for a private flying club. The flying club that used it, which was the Surrey Aero Club, became so popular though, and brought so much attention to the airport, that it was soon granted a commercial flying license, which meant that members of the public could fly in and out of it.

#3 – The Queen Of England

The Queen of England has twice graced Gatwick airport with her presence. In 1956 the airport temporarily closed in order to undergo a major redevelopment, and it was Queen Elizabeth II who oversaw the ceremonies in 1958. Then, thirty years later, the Queen and Prince Phillip were also present for the opening of the new North Terminal as well.

#4 – The Blitz

During the second World War, all available resources had to be turned toward keeping Britain safe from the German Luftwaffe. Planes that were based at and flew from Gatwick airport played a pivotal role in Britain’s success in winning the battle of the skies, which ultimately led to the success of the Allies as a whole.

This article is sponsored by a Gatwick car hire company – http://www.gatwickcarhire.org.uk

Even though London is preparing for the Summer Olympic Games of 2012, there is no reason not to visit the city today. In London you find many sights, superb shopping and pulsing nightlife. Even great food can be found in the city.

The newest (and one of the most interesting) sight is the London Eye. The 135 meter (443 feet) high Ferris wheel can be found between Waterloo and Westminster Bridge. It was originally opened for the millennium new year by Tony Blair. But because of technical problems, the public couldnt use it before March 2000.

The 32 cabins on the wheel have room for 25 persons each. It is a very popular attraction; and because one rotation takes about half an hour, you can expect long queues in the high season. But the view from the top over the central London (including Big Ben and the House of Parliament) is worth the waiting.

In the opposite end of the timeline is Tower of London. The royal fortress has a 900 year old and bloody history. Many people have walked through the Traitors Gate; but few of them have returned. Torture, rats, and not least executions killed a lot of the prisoners.

Today the fortress is a more peaceful place (except for the other tourists). It is interesting to watch the famous Ceremony of the Keys where the head of the guards hands over the keys to the head of the night watchmen at exactly 9.52 pm.

You can see many interesting places on a Tower of London tour; including the royal apartment and the dungeons. But what most people find most exciting is the Jewel House with the British crown jewels. Here you can see the scepter of the sovereign with the worlds largest diamond Star of Africa.

Other interesting sight in London includes the 106 meter (348 feet) high Big Ben, the St. Pauls Cathedral and Westminster Abbey. Do also take a stroll in Hyde Park and see all the famous art treasures in British Museum.

If you get tired of all the sighs, a great thing to do in London is people watching. In London you can experience everything from businessmen with stiff upper lips and bowler hats to punkers with cock’s combs and safety pins through their noses.

Do you think it is impossible to find great food in London? Well, it is not; and you do not have to eat fish and chips. Both Gordon Ramsey and Jamie Oliver have restaurants in London, so you can find superb food. But it does not have to be expensive. London is a melting pot of multi-ethnic populations, so it is also possible to find cheap and exotic food in many of the international restaurants in the city.

You can also find great shopping in London. A good place to start is the Harrods; the famous department which brags about their ability to provide everything you can think about. In Designers Guild you can find wallpaper and fabric for you home and in Muji, you can buy minimalistic, Japanese design. If you bring kid, they will love you for taking them to the toyshop Hamleys of Regent Street; six story paradise for children.

Morten Elm is writing about city breaks in London on London Miniferie . Read more about the sights in London Shopping.

There is enough to do in London for an entire lifetime and any tourist is in for a cultural banquet. Although regarded as one of the priciest places in the world, there are plenty of activities on offer for free. Some of Britain’s most popular art galleries are in London and the majority are free; these galleries offer a diverse range of art from priceless classics to contemporary installations. If you’re concerned about fitting everything into one weekend, don’t worry as most public art galleries have late opening hours.

There are so many sights to see while exploring London such as the tradition of the changing of the guard at 11.30am every day. The vast Royal parks provide a green oasis in the bustle of London with Regent’s Park and St James’ Park being amongst the most popular.

No visit to London would be complete without seeing Trafalgar Square, a popular tourist attraction which is also the main focus for many political demonstrations. Each Christmas, Norway donates a huge tree to thank Britain for liberation from the Nazis.

The city is well known for street markets spotted around with plenty on offer, some of the most popular are Camden Market, Portobello Market and Greenwich Market. Each afternoon in Covent Garden Market, licensed street performers entertain the crowds with a variety of acts.

Westminster abbey is one of the most spectacular holy attractions London has to offer; it is free to worshipers but relies on admission fees from visitors to cover running costs. Each day at 5pm the Abbey choir sing the evensong which is a huge attraction.

Some of the finest restaurants in the world are on offer in London and these include French double Michelin star winning ‘L’Atelier de Jol Robucho’ or the more reasonably priced ‘Rhodes Twenty Four’, the flagship contemporary British restaurant of famous chef Gary Rhodes located on the 24th floor of tower 42.

If you are looking for a weekend break in London, then why not stay at Astor Court Hotel for a great value Central London hotel.

categories: London, Hotel, Weekend break, holiday, tourist, tourism, City, Cosmopolitan, sights, attractions

A trip to London can be quite exciting for the first-time visitor. As the capital city of England, there is much to experience in London. Any time is a great time to visit, as there is so much happening there that you will always find something, or more likely several things, to attract your interest. Before you arrive there, it is worth making a list of the what you want to see and do, so that you don’t miss out on any of the highlights.

London has been around for more than 2,000 years. While few visitors have the time to take in all that London offers, there are some places more enticing than others. Take the time to see Westminster Abbey, the Tower Of London, and the Houses Of Parliament. You can take guided tours of each of these, so you can learn about their colorful histories, which will give you an even better appreciation of what stands before you.

Also, be sure to find time for the House of Lords, the House of Commons, and the accompanying clock tower. Locals sometimes call it St. Stephens Tower just to make a point. Everyone else affectionately calls it Big Ben. It has four 23-foot faces that light up at night. The minute hands alone are 14 feet long. It is not open for public tours, but standing back far enough to see it is a rewarding view.

There are lots of palaces and historic buildings to visit. The Queen of England lives in the most famous of all them, which is called Buckingham Palace. Outside of Buckingham Palace you will see the famous guards clad in their red and black uniforms. You can take your picture with them, and even watch them run through some drills, which is a truly memorable sight to behold .

The sports fans amongst you will not be disappointed with London. Few things are as exciting as a throng of British fans cheering on their favorite football team. There are five teams currently in the English Premier League, Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham, Fulham and West Ham. If English football is not your scene not to worry, check out a rugby game or world class tennis at Queens and Wimbledon during June and July.

As a final point, remember to pack your camera and take lots of photos!

This article is sponsored by ‘Cheap London Hostels‘.

Retail tax or sales tax, added onto the total price of good purchased, is a reality that most people accept. Because of this implicit acceptance it comes as a pleasant perk that with travel from non-European Union (EU) countries into EU countries and purchasing goods within those countries can result in reclaiming any taxes you have paid on good. We all know duty-free shops within international airports; however, this law is in effect for a variety of retailers throughout the EU nations.

Taxes can be added onto a good through a number of ways and names including consumption, sales, or the standard EU value added tax (VAT). Traveling abroad in the EU, customers will find the VAT a standard addition to any purchased goods. The ability to refund VAT, however, is a perk not held by member countries of the EU, unless the items are meant to be shipped to non – EU countries.

Claiming a refund requires that all consumers pay an items tax (EU-VAT) regardless of international status (this tax will vary in amount country to country), but by law, will be able to process a refund on their total EU-VAT amounts.

Going through the paperwork process of refunding EU-VAT is not one that has to be accomplished alone. There are a number of reputable companies with the technical experience and established retail relationships to do the work for you.

Getting a refund on VAT for something as small as a pack of gum isn’t going to happen, there are minimum purchase requirements that must be adhered to, as well as different refund percentages for each EU nation.

Goods exempt from VAT, in general, are childrens clothing and books. Full VAT-refunds can be had, but countries vary on the percentages that are able to be claimed, as well as having minimum purchase requirements on goods purchased.

For example, Premier Tax Free has relationships with over 70,000 worldwide retailers. Choose which company you want to handle your refund wisely and you can make tax free shopping for non-EU residents an easy transaction.

Discover all you want to know about tax free shopping by checking it out today. Take advantage of the chance to save money by doing some tax free shopping. Go online and find out all you want to know.

In the United States stores will hold events where shoppers can buy products and merchandise and not pay tax. Obviously this means that there can be some huge discounts on regular prices which the smart shopper can take advantage of. If you want grab the best deals here are some tax free shopping tips not to miss.

Get hold of an online state list to find out which products are being sold tax free. If you don’t know this you could find that you have spent more than the permitted limit.

Compare the prices for tax free goods as these will vary from store to store. You might even find that shopping online will enable you to grab the best deals. Flyers from stores are useful to find out more about the prices they will be selling goods for.

Make a list of the things that you want to buy. Otherwise you could find that you spend more money than you can afford. It is so tempting to go a little crazy when you see so many bargains, but this can lead to over spending. Make a list and stick to it and you will not be out of pocket.

During sales that offer products without tax the majority of stores will open early and close later. So choose the time that you go shopping wisely and you could avoid the crowds. This will not only save you time, but also give you the chance to browse at your own pace. There is nothing worse than shopping in an overcrowded store and having to make fast decisions on items.

To get the most from tax free shopping take notice of this advice and act on it. Doing this will enable you to grab some great deals which are tax free and save yourself time and money.

Head out for that VAT free shopping. With the tax free shopping times it’s a wonderful way to be able to save money. So enjoy those times and discover when they happen by going online.

With the current rigorous security measures that are now being employed at airports, travelers are now finding more time on their hands while waiting to board their flight. Whether you are traveling with children or flying on your own, it has become necessary to alleviate the boredom of waiting to board the flight. Fortunately, there are a number of amusing things you can do to kill time at an airport while you’re waiting for your flight to London.

Have a Meal: Relaxing while having a snack or a meal is a great way to kill time while waiting for a flight. Airports now have a wide range of food establishments with comfortable seating where people can sit, chat, and enjoy good food. Many airlines no longer offer in-flight meals so having a meal at a national food chain is a great way to have a meal that you know you will like. You do not have to worry about receiving bad tasting food from an unfamiliar dining establishment. If you want to know what food establishments are at the airport, you can check the airport’s website for more information.

Surf the Internet: Most airports now offer Wi-Fi Internet access. All that you have to do is enable your laptop to connect to the airport’s access point. You can often find a comfortable spot to surf in an airport coffee shop, lounge, or an airline club. The signals are strong and can reach distances of around 95 meters or more. You can also often pick up the signal at the entrance of the airport and the signals are not disrupted by windows, walls, and doors. The three main Wi-Fi hotspot providers in airports are Boingo, T-Mobile, and Wayport. You can check your email and chat with friends. You can also post some comments on Twitter or add some posts to your Blog. As well, before you leave for the airport, load your laptop with fun games. You will find that the time will fly when you are focused on a fun video game.

Enjoy Airport Life: If you are on a tight budget, you can enjoy the scenery in the airport. For instance, the airport is a great way to watch people coming and going as well as watching tearful goodbyes and blissful hellos. People from all over the world pass through airports so you can chat with travelers and learn about where they come from and learn about their lives. There are also books stores that sell books and magazines, so you can take the opportunity to read a good book. If there is a long delay, wander the airport and enjoy the sights and sounds.

Spruce up Your Appearance: The airplane is a closed-in area and the bathrooms are very small. Take some time to stop in the airport bathroom to brush your hair, wash your face, do a make-up touch up, and brush your teeth. You will not only look better, but you will feel refreshed.

Because of the new airport regulations, tighter airport security and a reduction in scheduled flights, boarding a flight for commercial air travel takes much more time than it used to. Bad weather, more security checks, and traffic congestion, has resulted in much longer boarding delays. Fortunately, the airport has much to offer travelers which will make the wait much less boring.

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Traveling by car with children can be easily managed. Kids get use to a car quickly and learn how to entertain themselves. As well, it is easy to stop the car and talk to them when they are not behaving. Traveling by airplane with children can be much more challenging. However, by employing a few simple measures, you can make the flying experience much more enjoyable.

The following is a list of helpful tips to make flying with children less stressful:

1. It is important to make sure you are prepared for the flight. There are a number of items you will need to board the airplane. Make sure you bring your child’s passport and airplane ticket. When possible, purchase direct nonstop flight tickets so that you do not have to change planes which often is a hassle when traveling with children. For international air travel, book a bassinet for infants up to about 8kg. Ask the airline if they permit early boarding for families. Call the airline to see if they provide child seats. If they do not provide such seats, bring your own child seat. Arrive at the airport early and ask for bulkhead seats as they are roomier.

2. To ensure that your flight is peaceful, you need to keep your children busy while in the air. Many airlines offer video games, seat-back movies, activity books, comic books, and coloring books. You can also bring your own crayons, paper, puzzle books, toys, and game books. It will keep the kids entertained and focused during the flight and allow you to relax.

3. Many airlines will offer snacks; however, the food they distribute is not always suitable for children. Bring your kids favorite snacks and drinks. Do not give them food items that are high in sugar because it can cause them to become hyper during the flight. Water and juice are good choices. Other food items that are good choices include: bread sticks, small boxes of dry cereal, carrot sticks, apple pieces, raisins, bananas, rice cakes, and dried fruit.

4. When planning where you will stay once you arrive at your destination, choose an accommodation that caters to children. There are many resorts and hotels that provide free meals for kids and even allow children to stay for free. Some places also offer children’s activities, cribs, babysitting services, and recreational facilities for children.

5. It is important to keep children healthy, happy, quiet, and safe during the flight. When changing altitudes, children will often experience ear pain. For infants, you can lessen the pain and screaming by giving them a pacifier or a bottle. You can give older children gum to chew.

Because flying with children can be stressful, the night before the flight, make sure you get a lot rest. You want to make flying with children comfortable and enjoyable. By preparing ahead of the flight and planning how to keep the kids busy during the flight, you can help reduce the chances of problems arising and help ensure the flight is relaxing and fun.

Looking for information on airports, flights and flying? Cheapflights’ easy-to-use online services will help you find last minute flights and cheap tickets to just about anywhere including flights to London and flights to New York.

If you’re a manager in charge of the upkeep and maintenance of your workplace facility or the owner of a business having windows that need to be cleaned you can rely on a fulham window cleaning service. They can handle any type of window cleaning need for any business facility and are highly trained professionals.

When you rely on a fulham window cleaning service to do the job, you are getting trained professionals who can efficiently clean any type of window you have quickly. They will not only do a remarkable cleaning and shine job for you, but keep safety top of mind.

The services of the window cleaning professionals are meant to cater to the business owners needs. It doesn’t matter how much or how little you need your windows sparkled, they can arrange to come whenever you need them. They are flexible and the quality of work will be noticed by everyone who looks at your windows.

A fulham window cleaning service is dedicated to doing an extraordinary job. Rest assured they’re reliable and are insured to back up their work. This will also help to ensure the job will be done with professionalism. The supplies they use to clean your windows are safe and your patrons and workers will not be interrupted.

You will find when you start researching a fulham window cleaning service is they specializing in cleaning all types, sizes, and shapes of windows. They also specialize in special project work after construction. They can make your windows spotless removing unwanted debris, paint and the like.

During your shop around to get quotes, look for benefits of satisfaction guarantees, the number of stories they handle if you have a high rise with many stories, and if they provide both exterior and interior jobs to determine if they are a full service.

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