Check out Amsterdam
An Advertorial Feature
Feeling a little itchy-footed? In need of a swift, rejuvenating city-break, seeking some creative or cultural inspiration? Then consider the possibility of booking some cheap flights to Amsterdam this autumn-winter period – a sure cure for any of the above ailments. With flights going at a snip and many of the city’s hostels, guesthouses, hotels and attractions offering end-of-season deals, this could be the perfect way to see out 2011. Whether travelling solo, with family or friends, Amsterdam will have something to fit your needs. Adaptability, after all, is one of the city’s key traits.
The first-time visitor will be in awe of the capital’s wealth of cultural offerings. In terms of art galleries there’s the Van Gogh Museum, which boasts the largest collection of the artist’s work in the world (displayed chronologically across five ‘period’ rooms) and contains works by other renowned nineteenth-century painters. As the name suggests, it’s also a museum so you can expect a healthy dose of art history alongside the eye candy.
Alternatively, you might fancy exploring some of the creative pursuits of Amsterdam’s ever-experimental youth. In this field, there is certainly no shortage of choices. ArTicks underground contemporary art gallery specialises in urban ‘street art’, graffiti reaching into the realms of aesthetic beauty.
If the notion of ‘street art’ propels you more towards architecture, Amsterdam will impress. The city itself has been referred to as ‘a work of art’ with styles and ambiences that differ from one district to the next. Most of its sites of architectural interest date back to the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, such as the canals and the narrow, quirky houses which line them; or Jacob Otten’s feat of classicism, Felix Meritis. Once again, as with the city’s art galleries, the modern is always making an appearance: seamlessly entwined with the old.
Where would art and architecture – you could even say ideas and development in general – be without the historical site for great minds to meet and ponder: the coffeehouse. Cafès in Amsterdam are far from simply ‘coffee and cake’ affairs. Yes, they serve a variety of other – shall we say – ‘delicacies’, towards which Amsterdam is known for taking a relaxed attitude; but I’m thinking more along the lines of each one’s individuality and eccentricity. Some are visually pleasing, doubling as galleries or situated in bizarre buildings. Others are thematically designed and decorated, such as the reggae-themed Rasta Baby; whilst some are straight-up tributes to bands or famed personnel, including The Blues Brothers and The Doors. In an age where high streets – especially those of large cities – are lined with chain-corporation coffee shops, Amsterdam provides a refreshing alternative; as refreshing as the beverages they serve.
Amsterdam could entertain the tourist for months on end: it has so much to offer and the prices, when compared to other European capital cities, are relatively low. And of course, you’re not restricted to Amsterdam either. Once you’re there, rail fares are low, so why not explore some other areas and cities? Rotterdam, Utrecht, The Hague, the list goes on…
Carl Stevens loves to travel at every given opportunity and to record his adventures and impressions. He is particularly interested in islands, culture and ecology, and interweaves his writing with these subjects. Carl writes this blog: www.voodoobunkbed.blogspot.com
London City Business Class Flights to New York now 2 years old
British Airways is celebrating the second anniversary of its unique business class-only service between London City and New York’s JFK. Despite being launched in the middle of a deep recession, the service has defied sceptics to win over business travellers flying between two of the world’s biggest financial centres.
Since it was launched on September 29, 2009, 97 per cent of the service’s flights to New York have departed on time from London City, while 90 per cent of flights to London have departed on time from New York.
And now British Airways is using the very latest technology by providing customers with their own 64GB iPads to watch the service’s bespoke in-flight entertainment options.
Richard Tams, British Airways’ head of UK&I sales and marketing, said: “Despite the economic downturn, there is no doubt that the service has become a firm favourite with many of our customers on the important London to New York route.
“With easy access from the City and Canary Wharf, a 15-minute check-in to departure, in-flight texting and internet access, it has been tailor-made to provide them with the most productive way to fly across the Atlantic. We’re very pleased to be marking the two-year anniversary of this exclusive service and will continue with more innovations to meet our customer’s needs.”
In addition to iPads loaded with specially chosen content to give customers a bespoke in-flight entertainment experience, British Airways is also trialling the use of iPads with pursers on the route to bring a new dimension to customer service in the air.
Each iPad is specially loaded with British Airways apps designed to give cabin crew information on customers, from their previous travel arrangements, to connecting flights and special meal requests, enabling them to offer a truly personalised service.
They also give cabin crew a library of information at their fingertips, including timetables, safety manuals and customer service updates. Thanks to the service’s OnAir connectivity, updates can also be delivered to the crew during the flight, which can then be given to customers.
It is expected that the new technology will be appreciated by customers who have already rated the service with consistently high customer satisfaction scores since the double daily business-class only route began.
The Airbus A318 aircraft operates with a maximum of 32 fully flat seats onboard and offers customers 15-minute check-in to departure and US customs clearance in Shannon, Ireland, where the flight stops westward for a brief refuelling.
The London – New York route is an important market for British Airways, which flies eight times daily to JFK from Heathrow and three times a day to Newark. British Airways offer a range of business and luxury hotels in New York which can be booked on ba.com together with business flights from London City for guaranteed savings than if booking separately.
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