This is the final part of my series of articles about visiting Helsinki and other options nearby. You can find part one about Helsinki here and part two about visiting the countryside around Helsinki here.

If you think the Nordic countries are expensive, then you need to think again when it comes to Tallinn. The destination is great value for eating and drinking with reasonable hotel prices and plenty of luxury hotel options. It’s no longer a stag night destination, so you don’t need to worry about that either. Instead, it is perfect for a romantic weekend break or some fine dining and culture at great prices. 

In this article, I will take a closer look at some of the must-see sights in Tallinn, including the old town, market, and Telliskivi Creative City, as well as share tips on how to get around and what to do during the festive season.

Getting there and around

The easiest way to fly to Tallinn is to transfer via Helsinki with Finnair. Or you could spend some time in Helsinki first before carrying on to Tallinn. The flight is extremely short at around 35 minutes, but if the weather is good, you will get some great views. You can read my review of the flight from Heathrow via Helsinki here.

Tallinn is a small city with most attractions within walking distance of one another. Bolt is the best riding-sharing app to use there (it is where Bolt originated from), but there is plenty of public transport too with buses, trams, and trolleybuses, as well as a bike-sharing system. Uber is also available. 

Where to stay

I have been to Tallinn twice and stayed at the new Radisson Collection hotel, which you can read about in this article. That would be my choice again due to its lovely spa and rooftop bar along with modern luxurious rooms and great views.

If you want to stay in the old town in something rather unique, I have also stayed at the Schlössle Hotel which is housed in one of the old buildings and has hosted celebrities and royalty. The rooms have a real sense of history and place and there is a lovely courtyard in summer. It is also part of Leading Hotels of the World. 

As well as these, there is also a decent Hilton hotel between Old Town and Kadriorg Park with an outdoor terrace with barbecues, and an eforea spa, indoor pool, and fitness centre

What to see

The Old Town

Tallinn’s old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is worth exploring. The cobblestone streets, mediaeval architecture, and winding alleyways feel almost fairytale-like. If you enter through the Viru gate you pass by a colourful flower market on the way.

The best way to see it is with a walking tour. Reval Tours is definitely a tour with a difference from the Medieval costumes to the storytelling approach. Rather than boring you with facts and figures, the tour aims to tell you the stories – the scandal and the gossip behind each location. It was definitely a lot more interesting than a normal tour!

The Town Hall Square is the heart of the old town and has numerous outdoor cafes to sit and drink in the medieval architecture. 

The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is a beautiful Russian Orthodox church, and Toompea Castle provides insight into the city’s history. You should also see St. Olaf’s Church, which was once the tallest structure in the world.

Where to eat and drink (excluding Telliskivi)

There are numerous bars in Tallin from the upmarket to the quirky. Labor bar is a rather downmarket but fun option with cocktails served in scientific beakers and random drinks such as mushroom ale! The bar Sigmund Freud is a very lively but fairly upmarket bar with a focus on cocktails.

Botaanik is on the edge of the old town with a tiny unassuming shopping front, but they take their mixology very seriously, with a focus on botanicals, of course. It’s small inside as well, so reservations are recommended. Botaanik is also nominated for Top 10 Best New European Bar 2019 by the Mixology Bar Award.

As well as the restaurants mentioned in Tellsiskivi below, here are two fine dining options that I have visited and loved.

Noa

I ate at what is now Noa Chef’s hall, but if you want something less fancy, the normal Noa is in the same location by the water’s edge with a lovely terrace for a summertime lunch. 

Noa Chef’s Hall is now Michelin-starred since I last visited, but I absolutely loved it and said at the time it was worthy of a Michelin star. While the cuisine is modern and innovative, it also tastes and looks amazing while remaining approachable. 

Mon Repos

If you enjoy beautiful restaurants but prefer a more classic style of cooking, Mon Repos would be my recommendation. It would be perfect for a special occasion or romantic dinner, with its setting in an imperial summer residence overlooking Kadriorg Park. The interior blends original stained glass and panelled ceilings with modern furnishings.

Telliskivi Creative City – food, street art and shopping

Telliskivi Creative City is a creative neighbourhood that has been redeveloped from a former industrial area into a centre for art, culture, and entertainment. The neighbourhood is home to a variety of galleries, studios, cafes, and shops. It is particularly known for its street art that adorns many of the area’s buildings. 

There is also the Estonian equivalent of Bansky with The Dance of Death mural which was created by the Estonian street artist Edward von Lõngus in 2017. TThe mural depicts Endel, a former soldier and an eccentric local character who was known for his habit of carrying a stick with him everywhere he went. In the mural, Endel is surrounded by a group of skeletons, symbolizing the Dance of Death.

There is also a lovely shopping arcade with unique local businesses. 

Food and drink in Telliskivi

There are plenty of restaurants and cafes around in this area. If you are looking for something casual and delicious, we ate at Rock Paper Scissors (KPK) which has a 100% gluten-free kitchen. Cider is a big thing in Tallinn in both non-alcoholic form and the good stuff!

For something a little grander I’d also recommend F-Hoone with its international dishes and beautiful architecture. Many visit  F-Hoone to try their well-known spicy salmon and coconut soup. The drink list includes a wide selection of artisan beers and ciders as well as cocktails. 

For dessert, I recommend trying the La Muu ice cream shop – but be warned, if you try the black ice cream, you will end up with a black tongue for a while (it tasted good, though). They also have a number of Vegan options. 

Nearby towards the market is an area to have a few drinks or a meal in a quirky setting with the Locamotive Restaurant Peatus. The buildings, which were built in 1873–1874, were used as a train depot for maintaining and housing locomotives and rail-cars until spring 2015. Symbolically, two rail-cars – the dining car of a Moscow train and the passenger car with leather seats of Edelaraudtee – were left in front of the former train depot of the Baltic Station. These two rail-cars are what Peatus (‘stop’ in Estonian) is made of. You can stop for a meal, morning coffee or a few drinks. In the evenings, they host different events, bands and DJs.

If you are gin lover, you must visit Junimperium for a tour and tasting. The bar also serves cocktails, and you can buy the gin to take home where (and some of them at Duty-free at the airport too). They have won lots of awards, and I can see why as their gin was outstanding (although after the fifth sample they all tasted amazing – hic!).

Balti Jaam Market

Balti Jaam Market is also worth a visit if you are a foodie or want to do some shopping for local crafts. The huge hall is impressive and has three floors. It is a few minutes walk from the main Telliskivi area. 

On the underground floor, there is a supermarket, a sports club, and various services. On the ground floor, there is a large hall for fish and meat, vegetables, and a street food area with nearly 20 dining options. There is everything from bread and cheese to chocolates and local delicacies. The first floor is mainly devoted to Estonian design and crafts, clothing, household goods, and antiques.

Christmas Markets and Events

Tallinn is a magical destination during the holiday season, with a variety of Christmas markets and activities. The Town Hall Square Christmas market is one of the most popular, with stalls selling handmade crafts, food, and drink. Visitors can also enjoy the Christmas lights and decorations that adorn the city’s streets and buildings. Other holiday activities include ice skating or going to a Christmas concert or ballet.

You can find out more about Tallinn here.

The post A great value short luxury break in Tallinn – To Helsinki & beyond part 3 appeared first on Turning left for less.

If you are looking for somewhere to stay closer to nature but still close to Helsinki, The Barö Hotel is a good option.

I stayed at the Barö as the first part of a recent press trip to Finland. Because I run a Europe travel blog, I often find myself researching and staying in European cities and going on day trips from the city. This particular stay opened up my eyes to a more relaxing type of travel, staying out of the city centre, which I will definitely be trying to do more of.

Location

The Barö is conveniently located just a 1 hour and 13 minute drive from Helsinki airport and 1 hour and 4 minute drive from Helsinki city centre. Additionally, Turku airport is less than a 2 hour drive away. I travelled from Heathrow with Finnair. You can read my review of Finnair’s business class here.

Nestled in the beautiful Barösund region of Inkoo, The Barö is perfectly situated for those seeking to explore the stunning Finnish wilderness without having to venture too far from Helsinki. The area has been a popular tourist destination for many years, with locals and visitors alike heading to the region to enjoy its natural beauty and peaceful surroundings. In fact, even famous Finnish artists have been known to spend their summers in Barösund as far back as the 13th century. 

The Barö: An Overview

The Barö is a newly built hotel designed to minimize its impact on the local environment. From the outset, the developers prioritized ecological sustainability and took great care not to damage the surrounding forest and natural landscape. The result is a stunning hotel that seamlessly blends into its surroundings while providing a warm and personalized experience.

The hotel’s accommodation buildings are constructed from Finnish heartwood logs, which are only felled from locations within 100 kilometres of the sawmill, ensuring minimal environmental impact.

The Barö is committed to using renewable energy sources and relies on 100% wind power. In 2023, the hotel will also install solar cells to produce a significant portion of the energy used.

The Barö has been recognized for its commitment to sustainability and inclusivity with several awards, including the Sustainable Travel Finland Label, Green Key, and We Speak Gay certifications.

Check-In

It was low season when we visited The Barö, so the hotel was quite empty – although this made our stay extra special. The check-in area is located in the restaurant, which adds to the family feel of The Barö.

We were personally guided to our rooms to ensure we found them and knew how everything worked. The check-in process was seamless, and all the details were emailed before check-in. We were given a card with the times of all the activities that had been pre-booked as well as when private sauna and jacuzzi time had been booked.

The Rooms

The 18 rooms at The Barö are separate lodges built sustainably into the rockface. There are many room types available which I will detail below. Some share a terrace with another room, while others have a private terrace. A wooden walkway connects the lodges together.

There are a variety of room types to choose from. I stayed in one of the Hycklesund rooms, which was perfect for my stay.

Hycklesund Rooms

Even though I arrived in the dark, my initial impressions of the room were very positive. My room was situated nearer the restaurant which was handy. It was also a much shorter walk away from the sauna than most rooms. Even though the room has a shared terrace, it still feels very private. The rooms are quiet and have stunning views.

 

 

 

The room had a well-equipped bathroom with some lovely-smelling toiletries. I had no issues, but others in the group had issues with hot water at some times of day.

 

The room also had a mini-bar with prices displayed on a tablet and other hotel information. There were lots of cup options, including traditional Finnish coffee mugs. The wine in the image below was also part of the minibar and not complimentary.

 

 

The Barösund

If you’re looking for the ultimate luxury experience during your stay at The Barö look no further than The Barösund suite! This exclusive suite is the epitome of extravagance and comfort, offering you a truly unique and indulgent stay.

The Barö, the Barösund suite offers not one but two luxurious rooms for you to enjoy, both connected by a private terrace in the middle. The room features a plush king-size bed with a private terrace and a living room with a fireplace. The Barösund suite also boasts a private sauna and jacuzzi outside, where you can relax and unwind in complete privacy. 

 

The Bergvalla

This room option is similar to the Hycklesund but also has a fireplace in front of the bed. This would be very useful to warm up after a day of exploring. Bergvalla rooms also have a private terrace.

 

The Barölandet Mini Suite

The spectacular Barölandet mini-suite features a bedroom with a king-size bed, a living room and a spacious terrace which showcases breathtaking views of the majestic valley.

 

The Barölandet

The Barölandet is a double room featuring a plush king-size bed and an expansive terrace. The Barölandet is also available to book as a twin room. If you’re travelling in a group or with family, book The Barölandet Twin room and enjoy a seamless connection between the rooms, facilitated by the shared terrace.

 

Facilities and Services at The Baro

As well as being in a stunning location, The Barö has a sunset terrace, sauna and jacuzzi for hotel guests. A range of tours and activities can also be arranged.

Sunset Terrace, Jacuzzi and Sauna

Spending time at the sunset terrace is one of the highlights of a stay at The Barö. The terrace is set right next to the lake. The sauna was one of the best I have experienced. It had a nice changing area with towels and a mini-fridge where you can purchase drinks.

Inside the sauna, we had stunning views of the lake from a huge panoramic window. The jacuzzi is also set overlooking the lake. Sitting in the sauna with a glass of wine is the perfect place to unwind after a day exploring Finnish nature.

If you dare, there’s also a platform where you can swim in the lake.

You can also book the sauna and jacuzzi for a private visit.

Massages

If you’re looking to relax and unwind during your stay at The Barö, the hotel offers massage services upon request. During my visit, I opted for a 30-minute back massage that used suction cups, which left me feeling completely relaxed and rejuvenated.

 Outdoor Space

Hiking and Exploring the Nearby Forests

Hiking is one of the very best activities in the area. Our group went on a guided hike through the forest and along the lake. With a focus on meditation and appreciating the local nature.

We were shown the local berries and herbs, and different species of birds were pointed out to us. We followed the deer tracks and learnt all about the local wildlife. Midway through the hike, we stopped to lie on yoga mats on the forest floor, where we had time to fully experience and appreciate nature.

The hotel can arrange many other activities through local companies, including:

• Hunting
• Fishing
• Electric Bikes
• Mushroom and Berry Picking
• Yoga
• Fishing
• Hunting
• Horse Riding
• Golf 
• Picnics
• Riding

Food and Drink

The Baro Has one restaurant on-site, The Berg serves 3 meals a day, and they were ALL amazing!

I was impressed by their dedication to sustainability and supporting local businesses. The restaurant was a highlight of my stay, offering delicious meals made with ingredients sourced from nearby farms and responsible operators. It was refreshing to see a hotel committed to positively impacting the environment while still delivering an outstanding dining experience.

A range of dietary requirements can be catered for. I’m a pescetarian, but mainly fish was served anyway. One night, the veal was substituted for tofu, and my breakfast was without pork.

Breakfast

At The Baro, breakfast is a real treat that comes in a wooden box, complete with everything you could want for a delicious and satisfying meal. Alternatively, if you prefer to enjoy breakfast in the comfort of your own room, the hotel can accommodate that as well.

The breakfast menu features a range of mouth-watering options, including the hotel’s own smoked salmon, freshly baked bread, seasonal fruits and berries, locally raised pork, and fresh produce sourced from nearby farms.

Delicious coffee was also available as self-service as well as a range of juices which changed daily.

Brunch

I did not have brunch during my stay. Brunch is only served at weekends. It includes appetisers, a warm main course, and dessert.

Lunch and Dinner

Lunch is a 3-course menu and very filling! Dinner is a 4-course menu, but you can have up to 7 courses for an extra cost. Here’s an example of one of the night’s menus.

A selection of some of the best dishes:

The extensive wine list featured wines from France, Italy and Spain. The cocktails were also delicious.

For an extra special dining experience, the hotel puts on their regular chefs’ table events, which include a 7-course surprise menu. On Wednesdays and Thursdays, there are visiting chefs’ table events. All events feature fresh and seasonal cuisine. There are also chefs’ table wine dinners represented by importers of Antinori and Gustav Lorenzi and top Finnish sommeliers. 

Room service is also available from 5:00 pm-7:00 pm.

Booking a Stay at The Baro

The Baro is available to book direct (view the website here). You can also book via a huge range of booking engines such as Booking.com and Hotels.com. Rooms start at €238.

Final Thoughts

I loved my stay at The Barö overall. I have never really stayed anywhere quite like this before. It would be a good place to get time off busy schedules or explore areas nearby Helsinki while staying closer to nature.

Like our The Baro archipelago hotel review? You can read more hotel reviews here. If you’re also looking to stay near Helsinki Airport, The Clarion Hotel is one of the top 10 nearest hotels to Helsinki Airport that provides a comfortable and convenient stay for both leisure and business travelers. 

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If you haven’t read Part 1 of Helsinki & beyond yet, you can read it here. 

Helsinki has a stunning location located nearby ample national parks and amazing wildlife. You can visit traditional towns and cultural heritage centres and participate in plenty of activities in the nearby national parks. As well as exploring the city, there are several amazing day trips from Helsinki to choose from. You could also extend your trip and spend a few nights.

I recently visited the areas surrounding Helsinki as part of a recent trip organised by Visit Finland.

How to Get to Helsinki

Helsinki is the perfect destination for a break. Helsinki-Vantaa Airport is the main international airport serving the city. The airport is located about 20km north of the city centre and is well-connected to the city by public transport, taxis, and rental cars. 

London to Helsinki

There are several direct flights from London each week with a flight duration of just under 3 hours. These flights are mostly operated by Finnair. I tried out Finnair’s business class from Heathrow on the way to Helsinki, and it was a fantastic experience. A return flight from London Heathrow to Helsinki starts at £167 in Economy Class and £547 in Business Class.

The Weather in Helsinki and the Surrounding Areas

I visited Finland in February. During that time, it was much warmer than usual. I had prepared for much colder weather. The only time it snowed was on my return flight date – which you can read about here. February is the coldest month in Finland, with temperatures of -1°C to -10°C. However, it was more like 6°C for my visit. However, it still gets quite warm in the summer, with temperatures of 11°C to 21°C.

Visiting Nuuksio National Park from Helsinki

We spent a day exploring the areas around Nuuksio National Park and Espoo. 

Nuuksio Reindeer Park

Distance from Helsinki: 38.5km

Visiting Nuuksio Reindeer Park was one of the highlights of my trip. If you’re visiting Finland with kids, this is the perfect day trip! As a group of adults, we still really enjoyed the experience.

The park houses a variety of white and brown reindeer. You will have a chance to feed the reindeer and see them enjoy the national park.

The Nuuksio Reindeer Park also has a traditional Kota-Finnish hut where you can get warm and drink coffee with a classic Finnish cinnamon bun.

Another unique attraction at the park is Amethyst digging.

Staying the Night at Nuuksio Reindeer Parl: The Ecological Eco-Huts

If you want to make your visit a side trip rather than a day trip, Nuuksio reindeer has a unique accommodation option. The park has some igloo huts where you can stay the night in the national park and even see reindeer out of your window. Huts sleep two people and have a double bed and little extras like a mini-fridge and a bucket of lichen to feed the reindeer.

You can read more about Nuuksio Reindeer park and the accommodation options here.

The Finnish Nature Centre Haltia

Distance from Helsinki: 37.7km

The Finnish Nature Centre is well worth a visit if you’re in the area. Through various ever-changing exhibitions, you can learn about Finland’s landscapes and the surrounding Nuuksio National park. It’s very near Nuuksio Reindeer Park, so combining the two would be good.

The Finnish Nature Centre is also an excellent place for lunch. We visited Restaurant Haltia, which serves a buffet-style lunch with several traditional Finnish dishes. 

The shop also sells a range of equipment to start a forest adventure. Below is some of the kit that was available to hire. 

Nuuksio Forests

Finland has an unspoilt natural environment which is fantastic to explore. Many tours from Helsinki offer unique experiences around Nuuksio National park and the surrounding forests. If you choose to stay overnight, many accommodation providers also provide a range of activities. Here are just some of the forest activities you could opt for.

• Hiking
• Mushroom and Berry Picking
• Skiing
• Fatbiking
• climbing
• Herb Foraging
• Survival Skills

Staying in Haltia: The Haltia Lake Lodge

Within walking distance of Haltia, the lake lodge is another great accommodation choice.

The Hotel

The lodge has two accommodation options, the hotel and the lodges. The hotel is located above the restaurant and has a minimalistic yet traditional feel. You can drink your morning coffee out of traditional Finnish cups while admiring the views of Nuuksio National Park from your window.

Lodges

The lodges are a bit further from the hotel, amongst the forest. Inside, there’s a double bed and a lovely balcony.

You can read more about Haltia lake lodge and facilities here.

How to Get to Nuuksio National Park from Helsinki

Driving – 39 minutes

Bus – Buses run from Hki Linja-Autoasema (line 280) in Helsinki to Haltia (In Nuuksio National Park). You will need to change buses in Lommila, Espoo, to line 245. If you are lucky with transfer times, you could make the whole journey in 48 minutes.

Train – Trains only run to Espoo (21 minutes), but you can jump onto the 245 bus from there.

Visiting Inkoo from Helsinki

Inkoo is a unique place to visit. You can stroll through the streets, visit local shops and cafes, and admire the picturesque houses. Start your day by exploring the traditional buildings in the town centre, including a lovely church (another place I was recommended to visit).

If you’re interested in going on a beach day trip, Inkoo has several beautiful beaches, such as Sandviken Beach, where you can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. Inkoo is also a good destination to start a boat trip to the nearby Archipelago National Park. You can take a boat tour of the park and see the stunning landscape and wildlife, such as seals and sea birds.

How to Get to Inkoo from Helsinki

Driving – 46 minutes

Bus – It’s pretty hard to reach Inkoo from Helsinki, especially if you’re staying overnight at a hotel just out of Inkoo. Buses run every 4 hours from Hki linja-autoasema, Helsinki to Bergkulla th L, Inkoo

Visiting the Barösundintie Area and Inkoo

The Barösundintie Area is best visited for an overnight stay. We stayed at The Baro (full review coming soon), where we went on a guided forest walk. A guided forest walk is also a great activity to do in other forests surrounding Helsinki.

There are a variety of walks on offer, from mushroom picking to herb foraging. We went on a hike with a focus on mindfulness. It was very relaxing, and we learned lots about the forest environment and how important it is to the people of Finland.

Every 10 minutes or so, we stopped to admire nature, whether it was lying on the forest floor on a yoga mat and taking in every detail or a guided meditation session; the hike was very peaceful.

The Baro Hotel

For me, staying at The Baro was very special. The hotel is very sustainable and uses only local food and 100% renewable energy sources. The views from the rooms to the lake below are wonderful, and the front wall of the lodges is a huge glass window. 

The restaurant serves 4-7 course meals for dinner, a luxury breakfast box, and a 3-course dinner. 

If you choose, there is a range of activities, including the forest walk I went on. 

There is a sauna and jacuzzi overlooking the lake, and if you’re brave enough, you could have a swim! Massages are also available. 

Staying at The Baro felt like a long, long way away from the bustling city of Helsinki, and it’s definitely somewhere I would return to. My full review of The Baro will be coming soon.

Other Side Trips and Day Trips You Could do From Helsinki

Ekenäs Old Town

Ekenäs is a peaceful and scenic destination that offers a perfect break from the bustle of Helsinki. Ekenäs has a beautiful, well-preserved Old Town with cobbled streets and colourful wooden houses. You can stroll through the streets, visit local shops and cafes, and admire the picturesque houses. Ekenäs also has a beautiful waterfront with a long promenade and admire the marina.

Distance from Helsinki:

How to Get There:

Driving: 1 hour, 14 minutes

Bus:  A direct bus runs from Helsinki to Ekenas, but it does take 1 hour, 41 minutes. You can catch the bus from Lapinrinne.

Train: The train takes 1 hour, 18 minutes with a change in Espoo.

Tallinn, Estonia

Exploring Tallinn, Estonia’s capital, is also possible on a day trip from Helsinki. There are lots of things to do on a day trip. Tallinn’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-visit. The medieval architecture, cobblestone streets, and quaint cafes make it a very appealing destination.

Estonian cuisine uniquely blends Scandinavian, Russian, and German influences. Try some local dishes, like black bread, smoked fish, and sauerkraut. 

Tallinn is also a good stop on a multi-centre trip before or after Helsinki. You can read the TLFL Radisson Hotel Tallinn review here. 

You can read all about Tallin in part three. 

How to Get to Tallinn from Helsinki

Flights: Finnair runs regular flights between Tallinn and Helsinki. You can read the TLFL flight review here.

Ferry: The Regular ferries run between the two cities, which take two hours.

Fiskars Village

During my trip to Finland, lots of people recommended visiting Fiskars Village. This charming village is known for its traditional ironworks, which date back to 1630. The village has a vibrant arts and crafts scene, with many galleries, boutiques, and workshops to explore.

You could also visit the Fiskars Museum, which showcases the history of the ironworks and the village. The village is also surrounded by beautiful nature, with many hiking trails and scenic spots to discover, such as the Fiskars Waterfall. 

Getting to Fiskars from Helsinki:

Driving and Taxis: Fiskars village is 1 hour, 15 minutes drive away from Helsinki.

Train: The train from Helsinki travels as far as Karjaa. It would then be a 16-minute taxi ride to Fiskars village.

Final Words

I really enjoyed exploring the areas around Helsinki. What I saw was so different to Helsinki; it was a lovely break to get out into the forest for a bit. It really does have a calming effect.

Have you explored the areas surrounding Helsinki? Where do you recommend? 

The post To Helsinki & beyond part 2 – Side Trips and Day Trips: Reindeer, Villages and National Parks appeared first on Turning left for less.

Both Sylvie and I have been on press trips with Finnair to the Nordic region recently, so I thought we would turn it into a series of articles about visiting Helsinki and where you can easily travel to for a two-centre holiday or a day trip from Helsinki.

In part one, we will look at visiting Helsinki itself. Then we will look at the countryside near Helsinki and finally Tallinn in Estonia. 

Helsinki

For six years in a row, Finland has ranked No. 1 as the happiest country in the world, according to the World Happiness Report. So it’s about time we all visited to find out why (given the miserable state of the UK at the moment….)

I must admit I had been through Helsinki airport on numerous occasions and never been further than the Helsinki Hilton, once I got there I wished I had visited sooner. 

I was pleasantly surprised by the stunning architecture and lively food and drink scene, as well as hotel prices. Although food and drink area bit pricey similar to high London prices, hotels can be found for a very reasonable price which makes it an affordable destination. 

You can find all the essential information for Helsinki here.

Getting there – fly on a long haul aircraft

The only direct flight from London Heathrow is with Finnair. Low-cost airlines are available from other London airports.

You can read my reviews of Finnair’s business class flights here. If you are lucky, you may get an A350 with their new Airlounge seats even for this short trip. The airline uses the A350 daily over the summer, with it usually being on the last rotation of the day. Even the older seats are still all aisle access flatbed, so you can relax on the 3-hour flight in complete comfort. Prices in economy start from £171 and in business class from £546. When you compare that to the current prices for short-haul travel, they are actually pretty reasonable for the length of journey. 

Obviously, you can earn BA tier points on Finnair, and with it being a longer short-haul route you would get 160 tier points return. You can also redeem Avios on Finnair through ba.com

One option if you can’t find availability for business class on Avios would be to transfer Amex membership reward points to Finnair and use the miles to upgrade or buy a business class ticket depending on how many points you have. 

I really like Helsinki as an airport. It is modern with some lovely shops, and the lounges are great. There is a good Finnair business class lounge, and if you have status, the Premium lounge even has a lovely sauna as well as a restaurant with some delicious reindeer burgers on the menu!

Where  to stay

Airport

If you are planning to head onwards to somewhere else and just plan to stay overnight, I have stayed at the Hilton Helsinki airport and found it to be very good. They are usually pretty good at upgrading Gold and Diamond Honors members, and if you are lucky, you will get a room with its very own sauna. The hotel is just a short walk from the terminal.

TLFL writer Sylvie stayed at the Clarion hotel at the airport which you can read about here as well as other options by the airport.

Helsinki centre

In the centre of Helsinki, I stayed at  new Scandic Helsinki Hub hotel, which has a lovely location opposite the Old Church Park.

There are some lovely cafes in the area, and the tram stop is just a few minutes around the corner. It is also only 10 minute’s walk to the railway station or the metro.

The hotel is housed in an impressive 1920s printing house. Rooms are loft style and very modern. There was an excellent breakfast buffet in the morning with local delicacies as well as more international cooked options. As well as the gym and yoga room, there is, of course, a sauna and cold water bucket showers.

We were there in winter, but in summer, they have a lovely courtyard area to eat or drink.

Prices are extremely reasonable, starting from £99 per night!

You can check prices and availability here.

How to get around

You can catch a train from the airport to the city centre very easily. The Helsinki-Vantaa Airport is located approximately  12 miles from the city centre. The modern airport train station is located between terminals T1 and T2 and accessible with luggage on both ends. You can purchase a ticket from the ticket machines or the VR ticket office at the station. Trains leave every 10 minutes, and the journey to the city centre takes about 30 minutes.

Helsinki has an excellent public transport system, and trams are a great way to get around the city. There are 13 tram lines in total, and they cover most of the city’s main areas. Trams run from early morning until late at night, and the frequency varies depending on the line.

To use the trams, you can purchase a ticket from a ticket machine, a ticket booth or by using the HSL mobile app. If you plan on using public transport frequently during your visit, it might be worth investing in a Helsinki Card. This card includes free public transport and admission to many attractions in the city.

Trams were my favourite way to travel, and I would choose these over a hop on hop off tour personally. I guess since I don’t see trams very often there is something fun about travelling by tram. Even if you don’t get off, taking a tram line around the city is a great way to get your bearings. It is a relatively small central area so you should be able to cover the main attractions using the tram with lines such as 2 and 3. 

Uber is also available, but as you might expect quite pricey!

What to see and do

The main sites are reasonably close together and can be covered with a Helsinki walking tour. Most walking tours should cover the following must-sees:

Helsinki Cathedral: Located in Senate Square, this impressive white cathedral is one of the most iconic landmarks in Helsinki. The cathedral is open to visitors, and you can climb to the top for a panoramic view of the city.

Market Square: This bustling outdoor market is a great place to sample Finnish food and drink. You can try traditional dishes like reindeer meatballs and salmon soup or pick up souvenirs and gifts.

Design District: Helsinki is known for its design scene, and the Design District is home to many boutiques, galleries, and museums. If you’re interested in Finnish design, this is the place for you. The buildings are also painted in bright colours which makes for some great photos.  

Kiasma: The Museum of Contemporary Art has a collection of over 8,000 works of art and hosts exhibitions and events throughout the year.

Ice Park

In the winter, the Jääpuisto Ice Park is worth visiting and is located in the centre of Helsinki close to the Helsinki Train Station. From December to March, it provides a skating rink where you can hire skates. There is also the Ice Park café to warm up with a hot chocolate. 

Christmas market

If you are looking for a new Christmas market destination, Helsinki should definitely be on the list. The oldest and most popular Christmas market in the capital is located in Senate Square. The Helsinki Cathedral, overlooks the scene making for a beautiful setting for the stalls. 

There is a traditional St. Lucia procession on 13 December down the steps of the cathedral as well as the market.  Over a hundred stalls line the square selling a diverse range of items from handcrafted gifts and Christmas ornaments, to locally grown produce, fish, meat, and prepared foods. Santa Claus makes daily appearances, and an old-fashioned merry-go-round spins in the square’s centre, providing free rides for children.

Island hopping

The archipelago of Helsinki consists of around 330 islands, and many can be reached easily by ferry. In the summer you can visit islands with great beaches, cafes and full of nature to explore.

On the island of Suomenlinna close to the city, you can visit a brewery situated in a former jetty barracks. It features beer and cider as well as a restaurant and cafe with a terrace for the summer months. The fortress on the island is a UNESCO world heritage site has been the inspiration for many new beers at Suomenlinna Brewery. 

Löyly restaurant, bar and sauna

Even if you don’t bother with the sauna, I would highly recommend visiting here for a drink or meal to enjoy the seaside location. But make sure you book as it was very busy when we visited. 

The Finnish sauna culture is enjoying a revival in Helsinki. The Löyly design sauna opened in spring 2016 on the southern tip of the Helsinki peninsula. In addition to a smoke sauna, traditional sauna and private sauna for groups, you can cool off with steps straight into the sea or chill out in the fireplace lounge with a cold drink. There is a large terrace that stretches out over the sea to enjoy the Finnish food or a cocktail. 

www.loylyhelsinki.fi/en

Spis

Spis is a small Nordic restaurant that prepares food by using the freshest Nordic ingredients. The menu is based around vegetables, but there is always at least one fish and meat entré as well. Menus are tasting menu style and cost €97 with wine paring available as an extra. 

spis.fi

Ekberg Cafe

Ekberg is Finland’s oldest bakery, patisserie and café, located on the atmospheric Boulevard. This is also just around the corner from the Scandic hotel and has not only a lovely cafe but also a beautiful delicatessen to buy some gifts or snacks. It has a feel of a traditional European Grand Cafe, and in good weather you can sit outside to enjoy some people-watching.

Ekberg.fi

Conclusion

I didn’t really know much about Helsinki but I found it a truly beautiful city which was easy to navigate. I was pleasantly surprised by hotel prices since the city has a reputation for being a bit pricey and it was very easy to get around using public transport. It is a fairly small city so it is easy to combine with day trips to the countryside or Tallinn which is a very short flight away (or longer ferry). We will be covering these options in the forthcoming articles.

Have you been to Helsinki? What are your favourite things to do there? Let us know in the comments below.

You can read Part 2 of To Helsinki & beyond – Side Trips and Day Trips: Reindeer, Villages and National Parks here. 

The post To Helsinki and beyond – part one visiting Helsinki in the happiest country in the world appeared first on Turning left for less.

I had wanted to visit Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE ever since writing about some of the deals on luxury hotels on TLFL. I then attended a presentation by the tourist board and decided I needed to get on with it! I went on a press trip with the Ras Al Khaimah tourist board to see what it had to offer (I paid for my flights, they arranged the hotel and activities). 

I have been going to Dubai and Abu Dhabi for around 15 years and have seen huge changes in both places. I find Dubai a bit much sometimes if I want a relaxing winter sun break as it is now so built up. Ras Al Khaimah is completely the opposite end of the spectrum. 

After my visit I loved it so much I am already planning a trip there this autumn! The Emirate is far less developed than Dubai and feels so much more authentic. It has more of a sleepy pace than Dubai but has plenty of luxury hotels and restaurants to choose from. However, it still has good infrastructure with roads in good condition and all the essential services you could need.

It would make a great twin-centre break with Dubai. You can party in Dubai and then head to Ras Al Khaimah for relaxation and nature as well as saving money on your hotel compared to Dubai. 

It is also worth knowing it is a few degrees cooler than Dubai usually which extends the season with the best weather slightly. 

Where is it and how to get there

Ras Al Khaimah is around 50-60 minutes from Dubai airport by car. Currently, you can only get there by car, but Qatar are due to restart service to Ras Al Khaimah this year. It costs around £50 in a taxi from the airport to Ras Al Khaimah. I’d recommend considering hiring a car as it is a straightforward drive, and there is not much traffic in RAK making it a pleasure to drive around. 

If you arrive late into Dubai and don’t fancy the drive that night, you could do what I did and stay at the airport at the Premier Inn Dubai airport. This is my go-to if I arrive in the early hours and just want to sleep before moving on somewhere else. It costs from around £65.

There is no Uber in RAK, but taxis are easy to come by and very cheap. You can also use Careem app which is similar to Uber if you don’t have cash. 

Is it dry?

No, it is the same as Dubai with alcohol available in hotels. It does still have the 30% tax on alcohol, so prices are a bit higher than in Dubai but then with hotel prices being cheaper, you will probably end up spending less overall. There is a chance they could remove the tax as well in order to compete with Dubai. 

What is there to do?

If you fancy getting out and about there is plenty to do. It is very different to Dubai with activities focused more on nature. 

You can find details of all the attractions and all the essential information you need on the Ras Al Khaimah tourist board website here. 

Jebel Jais mountain – stunning scenery and adrenalin rides

The drive out to Jebel Jais is stunning in itself, even if you just fancy going to the lovely restaurant at the top rather than doing any of the activities. It’s a fairly easy drive with the new road that just opened, and it’s one road pretty much most of the way. It takes around 1 hour 15 minutes from the beach hotels. 

The restaurant at the top, 1484 by Puro does breakfast as well as lunch and dinner, so it could be worth going early at weekends and having breakfast there. You can book a table in advance as it does get crowded.

There are multiple activities once you get to the top. These include the world’s longest zip line, which is done superman style, a series of 8 ziplines which is done seated and the sledder. Hiking and biking are also popular here.  There is even a Bear Grylls Explorer camp. You can find details of the activities here.

Suwaidi Pearl Farm outing – mangroves, camels and flamingos too!

While at first glance you may think that a pearl farm doesn’t sound very interesting, this was one of my favourite outings. The journey to the pearl farm allows you to see more of RAK and see the huge differences between the Emirates. The pearl farm is set in a stunning location. You get a traditional boat out to the floating farm and the scenery along the way is beautiful with the mountains set against the clear sea and mangroves. You travel alongside an island where you may spot camels too!

Once onboard, you hear about the difficult conditions that traditional pearl divers (free diving) lived in and how the vocation gradually died out in the UAE. You may also get the chance to try your luck with picking an oyster to see if it has a pearl inside. You may also be lucky and spot the nearby flamingos with the old-school telescope. 

A generous traditional lunch is also served while you relax and take in the views. Naturally, there is a shop which has some lovely pieces with both traditional and modern styles available. 

You can find more information here.

Sonara Al Wadi luxury desert experience

This evening activity is held next to the Ritz Carlton but is not actually run but the hotel. If you have ever been on one of the Dubai desert experiences, this is in a whole different league. It is a much more classy and upmarket experience with fantastic food and a relaxed vibe.

There are plenty of activities included including birds of prey, camel rides, sand dune surfing and entertainment.

I got to try flying the owl, which was a real highlight to be up close with such a gorgeous creature. It was surprisingly soft to touch! 

The evening starts with drinks and canapes (alcohol available to purchase) alongside the activities while you watch the sunset. It felt very chilled, and with all the chairs being spread out, it would be great as a special romantic evening, although you get families there as well.

Once the sun sets, you head down to the restaurant for dinner. This is served in three courses with multiple dishes for each course based on local cuisine. It was all delicious and a lot of food, so bring your appetite!

As dinner progresses, there are two acts which are both spectacular. The first is a balance and juggling act, but it is the firebreather that steals the show.

You can find more details about Sonara here. 

Al Hamra, Mosques and museums

Al Jazeera Al Hamra is the only remaining historical pearling village in the entire Gulf region. It is also the setting for the yearly Fine Arts Festival which is worth visiting even if you are not particularly into art since there are lots of activities during the festival. 

Al Jazeera Al Hamra has a fort and watchtowers, mosque, souq and extensive courtyard houses. It is a great place to try some traditional dishes from the souk such as kanafa which is shredded filo with creamy cheese drenched in rosewater syrup. If you like cheesecake, this will be up your street.

You can also do a tour with the Mohammed Bin Salem Mosque which dates back to at least the 18th century, and the National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah. Sheikh Zayed Mosque is possibly one of the oldest places of worship in the United Arab Emirates. The external façade has been restored, but its architecture remains vestiges of the era of Sheikh Saqr bin Rashid Al Qasimi.

Shopping

Some of the hotels run a daily shuttle to Dubai if you want to do some serious shopping, however, there are some malls in RAK itself. I went to the Al Hamra mall, which is walking distance from the Waldorf hotel. It has all many of the shops you’d expect to see in a UK mall such as Boots, H&M, Starbucks, Nandos etc as well as a Sephora and a great beauty salon called Tips and Toes which is fantastic value for a manicure or pedicure, but they offer lots of different services. I just walked in without an appointment. 

What luxury hotels are there to stay in?

I will be reviewing the two hotels I stayed in, the Waldorf and the Movenpick in more detail shortly. I will also cover the Intercontinental in more detail in a later article. If anyone has stayed there recently, please feel free to comment below to gather some more information. 

Waldorf Astoria

Having visited several hotels, this is the most relaxing for me out of the three as it is spread over a wide area, so it feels very calm. The hotel is the original luxury hotel here but still feels modern with a sense of grandeur. There is an adults-only pool, a huge white sand beach, and two main restaurants. Both restaurants I found exceptionally good. I liked the fact that they had happy hour too to keep the drinks costs down. 

There is a spa here, too which had Margaret Dabbs foot and hand treatments as well as a wide range of massages and facials etc. 

Prices start at around £230 per night in low season.

You can check prices and find more information here.

Movenpick 5* featuring beach villas

Hotels in the UAE may not conform to the usual standards we would expect from a brand, and the Movenpick is very luxurious compared to some of the hotels from the brand you may have experienced elsewhere. Movenpick is also part of the Accor group, so you can earn your Accor points there. 

It is very new, having opened in 2022 and has a modern beach vibe. It definitely feels aimed more at a younger crowd from the clientele, but I did not feel out of place there.

The hotel has a lot to offer for food and drinks with a lively rooftop bar, a beautiful Mediterranean restaurant, Ula, with Santorini vibes, a French bistro and a beachside restaurant, the Beach house. 

The beach villas are stunning with a private pool and direct access to the beach. Inside the rooms are spacious and modern. 

Entry level rooms start at £133 per night in low season. 

You can find more details and prices here. 

Intercontinental hotel

This is also a very new hotel having opened in late 2022. The hotel has six different dining experiences, from 360 degree sea view dining at Levant & Nar, to New York vibes at NoHo.

If you are looking for an adults-only experience they have an entire wing of the hotel dedicated to the club rooms and also have a separate pool there as well as the lounge. 

Prices start from around £200 per night. 

You can find more details and prices here. 

Ritz Carlton – Al Hamra Beach and Al Wadi Desert

There are two Ritz Carltons in Ras Al Khaimah. One is set in the desert and the other is a beach hotel.

The Al Hamra beach features some gorgeous beach villas with a generous size private pool. However, even the lowest category room starts at £570 a night in low season. 

The Al Wadi hotel features Pool villas, a hydrotherapy spa and access to a nearby golf club and beach. Prices start from £369 per night. 

You can check prices for the Al Hamra here and the Al Wadi desert here. 

The post Why I fell in love with Ras Al Khaimah, UAE – a great alternative to Dubai and Abu Dhabi appeared first on Turning left for less.

Today’s reader article, Iceland, is by Martin who won the TLFL reader review competition for the most entertaining read with this Article. 

After my last review where I regaled everyone with my heroic tales of discovery of how to turn left on an aircraft (and then subsequently turning right on my first business class trip to go up the stairs), I was absolutely inundated with requests from both Teddy and Simon to do another one, and having just returned from ten days in Iceland I’ve put on my writing cap and sat down at my keyboard for you all.

The flight

This trip (part of my *0^th birthday celebrations) was booked using Avios and a Companion Voucher, so total flight cost was £100 in Club Europe. On my last experience in CE, I wasn’t overly impressed with it as a form of premium class – if you aren’t aware, it’s exactly the same as economy seating, but the middle seat of each bank of three is blocked out, so you aren’t having to fight with anyone who gets the arm rests or awkwardly waking up with you head on their shoulder. You also get a choice of meals and some decent cutlery, but for the three-hour flight from Heathrow to Reykjavik I don’t think I’d choose to pay the price of a cash ticket over economy.

The other downside to this particular route is that it leaves at 07:40 – obviously, this is an obscene time of the morning to be checking in, especially when you’re obligated to spend time in the lounge thus requiring arrival at Terminal 5 by 05:30… The plus side is that the time from leaving the car with the parking company outside the Sofitel to being in the lounge was about 20 minutes at most – I don’t think I’ve ever been through bag drop and security so quickly.

One quick side note about our hotel at Heathrow – it was one of several non-premium parts of our trip due to the alarm going off at 4am, and we stayed in the Thistle Hotel. It was cheap, a bed for night and had free water, with my only complaint being the single light switch that turns on ALL the lights in the room, including the LED ones pointing directly down above your head which make you feel like you’re waking up on Mastermind. Still, less chance of you going back to sleep I suppose…

Food choice on the flight was the breakfast menu – I opted for the muffin, which massively confused the cabin crew member as they were labelled as ‘souffles’. I’m not sure if she thought I was expecting her to make me something on-demand, but personally, I could’ve eaten an entire vat full of the coconut muesli – that stuff is delicious.

Reykjavik International Airport

Reykjavik airport itself is an oddity in the aviation world as far as my experience goes – arrivals and departures are mixed together on the concourse and you are trusted, as grown-ups, to find your own way to baggage reclaim or your gate as appropriate without accidentally getting on the wrong aircraft. I’ve experienced it in the military world, where you are all just herded into a tent and have your name checked prior to attempting to board the correct plane, but not as a civilian. Comment below if this is something you’ve seen elsewhere…?

Before we leave the airport, it’s worth mentioning that Reykjavik International Airport is actually in Keflavik, about 45 a minute drive from the capital. Thus, it is also known sometimes (usually on road signs) as Keflavik Airport. This is confused further by Reykjavik having its own airport in the middle of the city, used for domestic flights and private flying. This is ALSO Reykjavik airport. Just be wary what you book and where it is – especially hire cars.

Car hire

Regarding these, and after much vehicle comparing, switching dates, altering locations and looking at my bank account, I settled on Fara Car Hire – a local Icelandic hire company who have an office a few miles away from the airport. They collect you, drive you there and send you on your way quite quickly. My Jeep Compass cost me about £400 for the 10 days – my preference for a Range Rover was vetoed (budgetary concerns, or some other nonsense…) and I also refused their excess cover.

I randomly discovered you can get third-party car hire excess cover for a LOT less than the hire car companies charge you, and paid about £17 to Eversure for the whole period. They also do annual policies which will save you a fortune if you hire regularly – worth looking in to. Also, while public transport is a thing there, the return ticket on the airport/city centre bus is about £50 per person, so there’s a quarter of the cost of the hire car straight away.

You’ll also very quickly run out of things to do in Reykjavik itself, and getting tours that pick you up will rapidly get very expensive, so if you can hire I would recommend it. Parking around the city is cheap, available on an app and we never struggled to find a space.

Driving in Iceland is fairly straight forward – the rules are essentially the same, there isn’t really that much traffic and all the main roads are in good condition. The hire policy tells you not to go offroad or you won’t be covered, and from our exploring you really don’t need to. Just be prepared to drive everywhere at 55mph maximum.

Electric vehicles are incredibly common due to the cheap cost of electricity from geothermal plants, and even our Jeep was a hybrid. What I did notice however was the lack of public charging points – I had to rely on the car recharging its own battery when braking or just using the engine itself, which kind of defeats the object. This is a shame, as petrol is around £2 a litre up there, and the car drank a lot of it. I did get excited at one point outside a shopping mall in Vik where they had a bank of spaces painted out in green for charging, only for there to be no chargers in sight…

Anyway, enough of the practical stuff – what about the champagne travel part of this?

The hotel

We chose to stay in the Tower Suites – a relatively new collection on the 20^th floor of an office block with random companies taking up some of the floors, a Skyr shop on the bottom one along with a burger restaurant for convenient calories. This creates the odd situation of being dressed up to go outside like you’re a member of the Antarctic Expedition, and encountering a local in the lift who’s just working in the office in a normal suit…

Each suite is a different design, and ours had a view out over the inland part of the city and off towards the mountains. They’re very modern, give you far more pillows than you could need and are attended for all but 6 hours of the day. You get breakfast included, which is also far more than you could need and is delivered at a time of your choice. They have a set menu for each day, but you can ask them to remove or add specific items, especially if it’s simply far too much to eat, even on holiday.

There’s a lounge in the middle with a fully stocked drinks area, honesty box and free tea/coffee. Your own minibar also has plenty of free drinks/snacks, replenished every day by housekeeping. These are the sort of places that photos don’t quite do it justice, but for a premium place to stay In Reykjavik I can thoroughly recommend them. Entry to the building, the 20^th floor and your suite is controlled by an app, but as this still seems to have a few teething issues you’re given a keycard too.

Visiting Iceland

At this point it’s worth pointing out how modern Iceland is. They’ve completely immersed their economy into the digital world, and EVERYWHERE takes contactless card payments. I read this before I went there, and still took some cash with me as a backup. I didn’t need to in the end, as there was nowhere we went which didn’t take card, no matter how far away from the city we went. If you have a card with no foreign transaction fees, you’ll be fine – tipping isn’t even a custom there as everyone is very well paid (according to the internet). They almost frown when you take out cash, it seems to be that alien to them now.

On a similar note, don’t worry about the local language. English is essentially their second tongue, and anyone who approaches you in Icelandic such as a waiter, will quickly switch when you apologise in English for not knowing their own language and everything is printed in both. It’s very common to hear a local and a European conversing in English, despite it being neither’s first language. The only word I DO know is ‘foss’, which means waterfall, and explains why it’s so commonly in use around the tourist features of the island and a hotel chain. I have no idea when I may get to use this in the future…

So, what about Iceland itself? As I mentioned earlier, if you stay around the city, you’ll quickly run out of things to do. It’s a nice place, but you need to get out and explore to properly experience the country. We did our first visit to the Bridge Between Two Continents on the way from picking up the car to the hotel, mainly because the flight is so early that we couldn’t check in yet so had a few hours to waste. Iceland sits on the join between two tectonic plates, hence all the geologic activity. It had in fact been exploding in this area for a while before we arrived, but unfortunately stopped prior to our holiday so we didn’t get to see an active volcano. The join covers most of Iceland from one corner to the other, but this bridge sits over the closest part where the plates are moving apart a few centimeters per year.

We went on a tour as part of my birthday, doing one of the Golden Circles which take in several of the major sights. You’re driven round in a big, comfortable American SUV by a knowledgeable local guide. First up was Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park which sits in a gap between the two tectonic plates, and is filled in a little every year as they move apart. It’s like a plain between two mountain ranges, and regularly experiences changes to its geography. It’s also the site of the first Icelandic Parliament!

 This was followed by a visit to Geysir, home to the Icelandic Old Faithful which goes off every five minutes or so. This was our first experience of seeing boiling water coming out of the ground and became a common occurrence around the island – random areas of the ground will be steaming and the smell of rotten eggs fills the air…

Next up was Gullfoss (no prizes for guessing what this is) which apparently almost freezes solid during winter! Not somewhere I’d like to fall in…

Now, you can’t tell anyone about the next stop as it’s the Secret Lagoon. This is a geothermal spa, where the water is heated by the magma underground and the pool has been made around where it reaches the surface. It’s a very strange feeling, and towards the edge where it’s sourced the temperature gets way above comfortable, to the stage where you could add a teabag to it and enjoy a cuppa. Like many things in Iceland, it was something new and different.

We were then taken to a local restaurant for dinner and got to know the other people we’d been sharing a car with all day,  followed by the highlight of the tour – a night in a bubble. This is a fully transparent inflatable enclosure, surrounded by trees with a bed in it, so you can look out in the middle of the night and marvel at the Northern Lights. At least, that was plan – mother nature had other ideas, with almost complete cloud cover predicted for most of the night. I woke up quite a lot, hoping there might be a break in the clouds, but saw nothing unfortunately. Such is life.

At least, such is MY life – one of the Americans seemed very confused the next morning when we said we hadn’t seen anything, as he pulled out his phone and presented us with photos from a 15 minute period around midnight when he’d stayed up to watch a football game, and a break in the clouds coincided with the appearance of the lights. I wasn’t frustrated at all, honest… We were dropped off at the hotel after breakfast from a local bakery  – a lovely tour and a good way of seeing some of the sights fairly local to Reykjavik.

For our own tours, we visited the Perlan Museum – the top attraction in the city and home to a brilliant planetarium show of the Aurora Borealis, an ice cave taken from a real glacier and kept at -15 degrees, and an exhibition explaining the history of Iceland and its geologic story. It’s a fascinating place and well worth a visit. Same goes for the church in the middle of the city – Hallgrímskirkja.

We then spent a couple of days exploring the south coast of the island, round toward the city of Höfn. This is about a third of the way round the entire ring road, but that is a LOT of driving and not the sort of holiday we were after. There are enough sights on this part of the route to make it worthwhile, and while there are tour operators who offer trips from Reykjavik and see all these, they do it on a minibus in one day, totaling 15 hours and giving you very strict time limits in each location. If you can get a car and are happy to drive, do it this way.

In order, we visited Kerid Crater (a massive hole in the ground), Skagafoss (a very beautiful waterfall with its own rainbows), Vik (home to the Black Sand Beach and the wireless car charging spots), Skaftafell Glacier (a shot walk where you can go right up to the ice face if you want to) and then stayed overnight at a hotel. As this is meant to a premium travel site, I’m not going to describe what it was like and move swiftly on to the small unlit parking area we found locally to watch the cloud clear and the Northern Lights put on an amazing display:

The next morning we went down to Jökulsárlón Lagoon, one of the exit points of Iceland’s biggest glacier and home to the Diamond Beach. Huge chunks of the glacier break off on a daily basis, and slowly float down the lagoon toward to sea, where they end up beached on the sand and slowly melt over time. We went on a zodiac tour of the lagoon, dressed up in dry suits and holding on for dear life as we explored the icebergs. Following this, I had to make use of my spare socks and boots when I was too distracted by the ice on the beach to notice to wave come in over my feet. That water is pretty nippy, it has to be said…

Following the drive back to Reykjavik, we spent a few days relaxing and seeing some other parts of the city. The lights came out briefly one night there when it was horrifically windy and almost down to freezing, so I had to resort to my phone camera instead of my DSLR:

We tried out two other lagoon spas – Sky Lagoon and the infamous Blue Lagoon. You can’t go to Iceland and not visit the latter, apparently. I personally enjoyed the Blue Lagoon better – they’re both very commercialised but the special treatments at the Sky Lagoon felt very much like you were on a conveyor belt trying to get you through as quick as possible. I won’t subject you to photos of me wearing a face mask at the Blue Lagoon, as Michele would never publish it…

The return flight

In the best way to finish off a holiday, we once again found ourselves getting up at an ungodly hour due to the BA flight arriving mid-morning and the drive back to the airport having to be factored in. Checking in, dropping off the hire car, getting a lift back to the airport and then getting through security was a breeze, despite the rain lashing down. Once through, we received email and text alerts that our flight was delayed, and a quick check on FlightRader24 showed it had diverted to Aberdeen for reasons unknown. This gave us plenty more time to explore the shops in the terminal (10 minutes killed successfully) then sit down in the Saga lounge. There was plenty of food available for breakfast, comfortable chairs to both sit in and others for that more horizontal feeling…

The flight back was uneventful, and the delay was caused by a medical emergency on board. I can recommend both the chicken curry and BA’s crew for informing various passengers before we got to the gate which flight they’d been rebooked on to due to missed connections.

What’s next?

Next up is a second holiday to the Maldives, last visited in 2018. This is another reward flight, but only in Premium Economy as there’s never any Business class seats available for the 6 months of the year BA fly to Male, right? Well, that is unless you accidentally subscribe to SeatSpy because you signed up for the free trial and forgot to cancel it before the 14 days were up, and they send you an email whilst you’re on one holiday saying there are two seat available on the same flight you’ve booked your next holiday on. Despite this being 4 hours after they first came up, I checked the app and saw they were still available, so rang the BA Executive Club line. A 30-minute call later and we are now travelling in business class on the way out, for the upgrade price of 25,000 avios. Incidentally, this is exactly the prize amount I would have won in the recent TLFL completion if more people had clicked on my review. I’m not bitter, honest…

Anyone else flying out on New Year’s Eve, see you there!

Oh, and for anyone wondering – the answer is yes, there is!

The post READER REVIEW: Iceland by TLFL’s reader review competition winner appeared first on Turning left for less.

Why Geneva is the perfect summer break this year. I may be slightly biased as one side of my family is originally from Geneva, but I really enjoy visiting the city. Last week I went on a complimentary visit with the Geneva tourist board and tried a few new things that I wanted to share with you. Before I went for the first time, I knew that it looked beautiful, but I had very wrongly assumed there was not much to do….

Geneva is perfect for a short break because of the ease of getting around and to and from the airport. But it’s also ideal as a starting point for a longer trip, perhaps heading into the Alps which are stunning in summer. 

Weather

You may think of Switzerland as a winter ski destination, but the weather is generally warm and sunny in summer. It can reach into the 30s like when I was there. The average temperature is 26c in July and 25c in August.

Getting there

One of the reasons that I like Geneva for a short trip is the ease of getting there. I flew with Swiss, who are less affected by cancellations and delays than many other airlines. You can see my economy review here and my business class review here. 

Currently, no testing or Covid vaccination is required, which makes travelling to Switzerland very simple. The airport is only around 15  minutes by car to the old town. A taxi or Uber from the airport costs around 35CHF. You can also get the train or a bus which takes slightly longer. The train is right outside the airport and takes you into the city centre of Geneva.

Public transport is included if you get a Geneva City Pass which includes to and from the airport. At the moment, until the end of August, you can get a Geneva Resort Pass free if you stay in the city for at least one night. You get a free transport card and the Pass which gives you more than 100 activities which are free or at a reduced price. You will receive your Resort Pass together with your free Geneva Transport Card by email one day before arrival.

Getting around

I am something of an Uber fanatic, but I only used one once in my entire visit since it’s so easy to get around by public transport. Ubers and taxis are a bit pricey, as you may expect. In the city centre trams and buses are plentiful and included with a Geneva City Pass. I stayed at Hotel Metropole, and there was a bus stop right by the hotel which took me everywhere I needed to go. I could also get a tram from a few minutes walk away. I will cover the Hotel Metropole and other hotels tomorrow. 

There is also the Mouettes genevoises shuttle boat for free trips back and forth across Lake Geneva. Boats run every 10 minutes and travel from one side to the other.

Cycling is also easy around Geneva, with plenty of cycle lanes and only a short distance to get out into the surrounding countryside. 

What to do

Geneva has all the usual city break attractions such as the Old Town and museums. But there is a lot more besides that to do. 

Museums

The most novel museum is the Patek Philippe museum. It features specially made watches for royalty, watches through the ages and all sorts of novel watches made by Patek Philippe. Another unique museum is the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum which focuses on their work and is the only one of its kind. The Maison Tavel is a testament to medieval civil architecture in Switzerland. It was destroyed by fire in 1334 and rebuilt by the Tavels, a noble Genevan family. For something more modern, The Mamco is the largest and youngest museum of contemporary art in Switzerland.

Sightseeing

The Old Town offers two-hour walking tours for free. You can also use your Geneva City Pass to ride the mini train around the Old City. The Old Town is pretty with lots of greenery, squares and pavement cafes to enjoy a glass of Swiss wine or two! Geneva is very walkable as it’s a fairly compact city.

Doing a loop around the old town and over one of the bridges, then back via one of the others (they are all pretty close together), is an easy stroll for an afternoon. 

A lovely place for a lakeside walk to start is by the Flower Clock, which is also next to the Ferris wheel and where the cruises leave from.

Spas

I visited the Bain Bleu, which is right by Geneva Beach and offers a special entrance into Geneva beach for an additional 5CHF. The highlight for me was the large rooftop hydrotherapy pool with various different water therapy areas. It has a great view of Geneva beach and the lake. There’s a number of loungers next to the pool to relax and a bar too! Inside, you can have a hamman experience with seven different features or a massage. Booking is essential at weekends. 

There’s also the mystery pool indoors as well which is beautiful. It’s open every day from 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. 

The beach and water activities

There’s a wide range of water sports available. For something fairly relaxed, you can rent a paddle board at the Tropical Corner or at Plage du Reposoir. If you’re more of a windsurfer or a wakeboarder, you can take lessons at the Tropical or rent your own board. For wakeboarding, head to Quai Gustave-Ador just after the Jet d’Eau at Wake Up.

If you just want to chill out on the lake,  Les Corsaires offers a range of small pedal boats for hire, including one with a slide to jump into the water and cool off.  You can rent all types of boats in Geneva such as a sailing boat, motorboat or a fishing trip. Many offer a discount with the Resort/City Pass.  There are also regular 1 or 2 hour cruises on the lake, such as the Belle Epoque steamer. 

Further afield, rafting on the Arve offers waterfalls, rapids and calmer areas where you can swim.

A more sedate way to explore the river is by canoe rafting with inflatable boats with a guide or go it alone down the Rhône river, which starts in Geneva. 

If you’d rather spend the day by the water rather than on it, there are a number of beaches around the lake. Geneva Plage is the largest and also has a swimming pool next to it if you feel the lake is a bit too Wim Hof for you! (it’s around 23c in the water at the height of summer, so it’s not too bad). I’m not one for lake swimming generally, but the water in the lake is so blue and clear it makes you want to jump right in!

Shopping

Shopping is also plentiful with local stores as well as all the designers. It’s a good place to buy a watch as there is a wide choice and it can be a little cheaper but be careful of any import duties!

Chocolate!

As well as fondue, Switzerland is also known for its chocolate, and there are chocolate shops everywhere! You can even get a “Choco” pass which allows you to visit a number of chocolate makers for a free sample. 

With the Geneva City Pass you get a 20% discount on a chocolate-making experience with master chocolatier Monsieur Pagnell at Du Rhone Haute Chocolate. He used to work with Albert Roux at Waterside Inn, which holds 3 Michelin stars. As well as making your own bar of chocolate, you get a sampling session of his divine chocolates and get a discount on any that you buy. He even has special insulted pouches for your purchase so it doesn’t melt on the way home!

You can also do a three hour chocolate tour which includes  7 chocolate stops, with a unique Geneva tradition – smashing a chocolate cauldron!

Vineyards and wine tasting

Most people don’t realise that around 25 minutes outside Geneva, a whole wine region is waiting to be explored. My favourite way to visit is by Tuk-Tuk!

The Taki-bike Tuk Tuk company does lots of different tours including having your dinner on the tuk-tuk or a few drinks while you tour the countryside. I did the straight wine tour, and after around 40 minutes through stunning fields of vines and sunflowers, we arrived at my favourite winery, Les Perriers, which is family-run. The winery is open every day, and you don’t need an appointment if you want to visit under your own steam.

As well as great wines, I liked that they do such a variety, from sparkling wines to heavier reds. Switzerland grows some grapes such as gamaret that are local to the region which you can try here. 

Eating out and bars

I tried several restaurants while in Geneva and found a couple of new favourites! It’s a fairly cosmopolitan dining scene, but you need to try some Swiss favourites. They would regard eating fondue in summer as wrong, but I’ll admit last year I had it in summer and it was worth being a clueless tourist. It’s honestly not like anything you would get in the UK that calls itself a fondue!

My top tip is the restaurant Chez Philippe which has a great location in terms of public transport near the lake. It has a beautiful outside terrace with an awning they can draw across for the odd rain shower or if it’s too hot. The food is a grill-based menu with meat and fish with some Swiss favourites too. They do a good value set menu for CHF39 as well.

Slightly more casual for dinner with a beach vibe is the Restaurant – Le Restaurant de la Plage which juts out into the lake and offers some fantastic sunsets. 

The menu features local specialities such as fish from the lake.  There is also a lakeside path nearby you could take a post-dinner stroll on. If you just want a snack or a sunset drink, also a more casual kiosk there as well.

While strolling around Geneva, there are so many great cafes to stop and have a drink or lunch at. Here are a few I have sampled:

The Cottage Café, Rue Adhémar-Fabri 7 is a pretty little place on a grassy patch near the Brunswick monument on the right bank of Lake
Geneva. They had some really interesting salads like mine which was a bit like tuna spring rolls in filo pastry or an octopus salad. 

The leafy terrace overlooking the monument and the lake is a peaceful spot to enjoy lunch or dinner. 

La Potinière, Le Jardin Anglais is the perfect spot to cool off under the trees with a casual meal by the lake after a wander around the old town. On Sundays they have a more limited menu with platters such as the gorgeous seafood one I had!

Another very casual place for a drink or snack is the Jardin’s Du Rhone, right on the lakeside, with a great view of the Jet D’Eau and lake. 

Finally, if you only visit one bar, the Met bar at the Hotel Metropole should be the one. It was worth a visit for the Croque monsieur with fresh truffle alone!

The rooftop bar serves small plates/tapas and has stunning views of the lake. There are some great cocktails with some special gin and tonics too. 

Side trips and two centre holidays

You don’t need to worry about hiring a car if you don’t want to in order to explore further afield. There are easy connections up to Lausanne, Montreux and further into the Alps such as Verbier. You can also visit one of the most stunning wine regions in the world that is a UNESCO heritage site. 

I stayed in the Fairmont Montreux last summer and loved my visit to Montreux. It’s around an hour and 10 minutes by train to get there from Geneva. I booked the hotel through our partners GTC and got free breakfast and an upgrade. 

You can also pop over to France and do a day visit to Mont-Salève. A cable car takes you up to the top of the mountain for spectacular views. It is easy to reach by public transport from Geneva. 

You can find everything you need to know about Geneva and the surrounding areas including all the activities featured here on the official Geneva website here. 

Have you been to Geneva? What are your favourite places to visit while there? Let us know in the comments below.

Like our “Why Geneva is the perfect summer break this year” review? You can read many other destination reviews here. 

The post Why Geneva is the perfect summer break this year – TLFL visits the resort city appeared first on Turning left for less.

Our hoop system is back! Continuing on from our previous article, which covered a range of countries open to tourists, their entry requirements and the ‘hoops to jump through’ in order to visit, we have a fresh new version for you.

As the COVID crisis eases, many countries are relaxing and even removing their COVID-related entry requirements, which is great news for travel. Some airlines are even removing mask mandates (you can see more about this here), and it will be interesting to see how other countries, travel companies, and airlines respond. 

The government removed all countries from the UK’s red list on the 15th December, meaning no visitors or returning travellers need to quarantine in a government facility upon arrival to the UK. 

Our ‘hoop rating’, ranging from one hoop (easy) to three hoops (difficult) will let you easily decide which destinations may be the best option for your next trip. Mexico, Norway, Ireland and Iceland are some of our top picks for restriction free-travel, requiring no testing prior to or upon arrival, no vaccine passports and no other COVID-related entry requirements. Countries with no restrictions or requirements have a special little * next to them. 

As always, this list is up to date when originally published, and we will try to keep it updated as often as possible. However, be aware that this information is constantly changing; we advise you to look at the official FCDO website here for the most up-to-date information, and always triple check before booking or undertaking travel. Also please note: some countries may have differing requirements to your airline!

Europe

Belgium

Our hoop rating: 1 hoop

Entry requirements: Travellers who are fully vaccinated (and carrying an EU Vaccination Certificate, an NHS COVID Pass or certificate with a QR code) must complete a Passenger Locator Form (PLF), and provide proof of vaccination upon arrival (your final vaccine dose must have been administered less than 270 days ago).

Notes: Travellers who are not coming to Belgium via a carrier (for example, those travelling by car via France) and who will be staying in Belgium for a maximum of 48 hours, do not need to fill in a PLF. Travellers visiting Belgium for less than 48 hours do not need to present evidence of vaccination or a recovery or negative test certificate. 

Croatia

Our hoop rating: 1 hoop

Entry requirements: All you need is proof of vaccination to visit Croatia. If you’re not vaccinated, you’ll need to show proof of a negative PCR test (taken no more than 72 hours before entry) or a rapid antigen test (taken no more than 24 hours before entry). If you’re not fully vaccinated but have tested positive for COVID-19, you can enter Croatia. You will need to show proof of recovery from COVID-19, older than 11 days before arrival, but no older than 180 days before arrival.

Notes: Children under 12 accompanied by a parent or guardian are exempt from these requirements, provided the parent or guardian has one of the documents set out above.

Cyprus

Our hoop rating: 1.5 hoops

Entry requirements: All travellers are required to complete a Cyprus Flight Pass within 48 hours of departure and should check specific arrival requirements as outlined on the Flight Pass website. Vaccinated passengers may enter the Republic of Cyprus provided they hold a valid certificate of vaccination.

Passengers aged 12 and over who have not been vaccinated must undergo a PCR laboratory test within 72 hours prior to departure or a rapid antigen test within 24 hours prior to departure, and undergo a PCR laboratory test upon arrival at the airports of the Republic of Cyprus. Test results should be available within three hours through the online platform. You must self-isolate in your accommodation until the result is available.

Notes: The airport test must be paid for by the traveller, and generally costs between €15 – €19. Also, the Cyprus Flight Pass website does not accept the UK’s proof of recovery from COVID-19. 

Germany

Our hoop rating: 1 hoop 

Entry requirements: You may enter Germany from the UK for any travel purpose if you are fully vaccinated. Travellers aged 12 or over entering Germany from abroad must possess either proof of vaccination, proof of recovery or a negative COVID-19 test prior to arrival. Children between 0 to 5 years old and unvaccinated 6 to 11 year olds may enter if accompanied by a fully vaccinated parent.

Unvaccinated or unrecovered travellers aged 12 or over from the UK arriving in Germany need a negative COVID-19 test result. It can be either a PCR test that is no more than 48 hours old at the time of departure, or a rapid antigen or other test sample that is no more than 48 hours old at the time of entry. The result of the test required by the authorities can be either in paper or electronic form in German, English, French, Italian, or Spanish.

Individuals who can prove recovery from the virus and the fully vaccinated are exempt from quarantine requirements. Proof of recovery requires at least 28 days and no more than 90 days to have elapsed since the date of the positive COVID-19 test. 

Notes: 12 to 17 year olds may only enter if they are fully vaccinated, resident or the child of a resident, or have an urgent need to travel. If they are allowed to enter and are unvaccinated, they must have proof of a negative test or recovery.

Greece

Our hoop rating: 1 hoop

Entry requirements: If you arrive in Greece before or on 14 March 2022, you must complete an online Passenger Locator Form (PLF) before arriving in Greece. The form is in English, and is required whichever way you travel to Greece (including by ferry, road, rail or air). 

Visitors (both vaccinated and unvaccinated) aged 5 and above seeking to enter Greece must provide either a valid vaccination certificate, a certificate of recovery from COVID-19, proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test (undertaken within the 72 hour period before arrival into Greece), or proof of a negative COVID-19 rapid antigen test from an authorised laboratory (undertaken within the 24 hour period before your arrival into Greece). 

In addition, arrivals into Greece may be required to undergo a rapid COVID-19 test on arrival. If you test positive on arrival in Greece, you (and those you are travelling with) will have to self-isolate for at least 5 days at home or in quarantine hotels provided by the Greek state.

Notes: From 15 March 2022 onwards, arrivals in Greece will no longer be required to complete a PLF. Be aware that if other passengers on your flight, bus, train or ferry later test positive to COVID-19, you may be subject to self-isolation requirements. Be aware that travel requirements to Greece, regardless of transport method (air, overland or by boat) can change at very short notice. 

Gibraltar

Our hoop rating: 0 hoops

Entry requirements: From 18 March arrivals into Gibraltar International airport will no longer be required to submit a PLF. Testing for arrivals entering via Gibraltar International or Gibraltar port will end from the same day.

From Friday 25 March, unvaccinated close contacts of Covid positive individuals will no longer be required to self-isolate. You will still have to self isolate if you test positive. 

*Ireland

Our hoop rating: 0 hoops!

Entry requirements:

If you are travelling to Ireland from Sunday 6 March 2022, you do not need to show any proof of vaccination, proof of recovery, proof of negative test or Irish passenger locator form receipt.

There are no post-arrival testing or quarantine requirements for travel to Ireland.

Iceland

Our hoop rating: 0 hoops!

Entry requirements: There are no COVID-19 related travel restrictions for Iceland.

Entry requirements for Iceland are the same for all travellers, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status. You don’t need to provide proof of your vaccination status for entry to Iceland.

Italy

Our hoop rating: 1.5 hoops

Entry requirements: Adult travellers will need to complete a passenger locator form (EU PLF) to enter or travel through Italy as a visitor. The EU PLF will generate a QR code which should be shown to your travel provider prior to boarding.

From 1 March, all travellers (vaccinated and unvaccinated) aged 6 and over must show either:

• proof of vaccination
• evidence of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before entering Italy or a negative rapid lateral flow test taken within the 48 hours before entering Italy 
• a COVID-19 recovery certificate, certifying that you have recovered from COVID-19 in the last 6 months

If you cannot provide one of these options, you must travel to Italy on private transport and isolate for 5 days. To check what kinds of dosages are required for ‘fully vaccinated’ status, you can head to the Italian Ministry of Health website here. 

Notes: All arrivals from the UK into Sicily will need to undertake a rapid lateral flow test on arrival (administered by the local health authorities free of charge). Also, regardless of your vaccination status, anyone arriving in Italy by air, land or by sea may be subject to random COVID testing on arrival.

*Norway

Our hoop rating: 0 hoops!

Entry requirements: There are no COVID-19 related travel restrictions for Norway.

Entry requirements for Norway are the same for all travellers, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status. You don’t need to provide proof of your vaccination or recovery status for entry to Norway.

Portugal (including Madeira & the Azores)

Our hoop rating: 1.5 hoops

Entry requirements: If you’re fully vaccinated, you can enter mainland Portugal without needing to test. Children aged 11 and under do not need to take a test or show proof of vaccination. 

All travellers to mainland Portugal and the Azores are required to complete a passenger locator form before arrival. It is recommended (but not mandatory) you complete a form if you are travelling to Madeira or Porto Santo:

• Complete this form for mainland Portugal
• Complete this form for the Azores
• Complete this form for Madeira and Porto Santo

If you’ve tested positive for COVID-19 in the last year, you can enter mainland Portugal with a COVID-19 recovery certificate showing you recovered from COVID-19, no less than 11 days and no more than 180 days before you travel. You will not need to take a test.

If you’re not fully vaccinated, you’ll need to show proof of a negative PCR test (taken no more than 72 hours before entry) or rapid lateral flow test (taken no more than 24 hours before entry) when you check in for your flight to mainland Portugal. 

The Azores: To visit the Azores, visitors must provide proof of vaccination, proof of recovery or a negative test result taken prior to departure. Alternatively, you can choose to pay for a test on arrival and isolate until a negative result is received. 

Madeira & Porto Santo: besides the entry form, there are no other requirements to visit Madeira or Porto Santo. 

Spain (including the Balearic & Canary Islands)

Our hoop rating: 1.5 hoops

Entry requirements: All visitors to Spain must fill in and sign an online Health Control Form. This form can also be filled in by hand if not done prior. Upon arrival, you must show the QR code to authorities.

If you’re fully vaccinated and travelling from the UK, you can enter Spain without needing to test or quarantine regardless of your reason for travel. If you are not fully vaccinated but have recovered from COVID-19 in the past 6 months, you can you can also use a medical certificate or recovery record to prove your COVID-19 status on entry to Spain.

If you are unvaccinated, you may only travel to Spain if your reason is identified as ‘essential’, and other health and testing measures will be required. 

The Balearic Islands: visitors must present a vaccination certificate, otherwise there is no entry to the islands. 

Canary Islands: Same as the general requirements for Spain (above), however some tourist accommodation providers may also require guests to present evidence of a negative PCR, RAT or TMA (Transcription Mediated Amplification) test. Check directly with your hotel before travelling. 

Notes: Visitors may also be subject to additional checks at the point of entry including a temperature check, visual health assessment, or testing on arrival. Passengers may also be contacted and required to undertake a COVID-19 nucleic acid amplification test – NAAT (PCR or similar) at any point up to 48 hours after their arrival in Spain.

Children under the age of 12 years old do not need to show proof of being fully vaccinated upon entry to Spain, but they DO have to fill out and provide the Health Control Form. 

Switzerland

Our hoop rating: 1 hoop

Entry requirements: If you’re fully vaccinated you can enter Switzerland without needing to test or quarantine.

Travellers who are not fully vaccinated need special permission or a special pass to enter. If you’re not fully vaccinated and do get permission to visit, you’ll need to show proof of a negative PCR test (taken no more than 72 hours before entry) or rapid lateral flow test (taken no more than 24 hours before entry) when entering Switzerland. For more information, you can head to the Swiss Migration website here.

Notes: Unvaccinated children and adolescents arriving from the UK under the age of 18 are allowed to enter Switzerland if they are accompanied by fully vaccinated adults. Not all vaccines that allow entry to Switzerland also entitle you to enter places with a COVID certificate requirement in Switzerland (e.g. restaurants).

Turkey

Entry requirements: Visitors to Turkey aged 6 and over, including Turkish citizens and residence permit holders, must complete an online form a maximum of 72 hours prior to travel.

All new arrivals must provide one of the following: either proof of vaccination, proof of recovery, a negative PCR test (less than 72 hours of arrival) or a rapid antigen test (less than 48 hours of arrival). If you can provide one of these, you can enter Turkey without needing to test or quarantine.

For children aged 11 and under, no PCR test or vaccination certificate is needed. 

Notes: You do not need to complete an online form if you’re transiting Turkey on the way to another country. If you are travelling with a printed PDF proof of vaccination status, it must date from 1 November 2021 to ensure that the certificate can be scanned successfully.

You must wear a face mask at all times whilst in an airport, and for the duration of all flights, to and from Turkey. All arrivals into Turkey will be subject to a medical evaluation for symptoms of coronavirus, including temperature checks. Arrivals may be subject to random PCR testing on arrival.

The Americas

The USA

Our hoop rating: 2 hoops

Entry requirements: Travellers heading to the USA who have received their full vaccination dose are able to visit for tourism purposes, without needing to quarantine. Most fully vaccinated foreign citizens can enter the USA. The US authorities will accept any COVID-19 vaccine approved for emergency use by the World Health Organisation or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.

Before boarding a flight to the USA, most passengers – regardless of vaccination status – are required to show a negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than 1 day before travel and sign an attestation form. An LFT is acceptable but if it’s a home test it must be supervised by video. All air passengers to the USA are also required to provide contact information to their airlines before boarding. 

If you have recovered from a documented COVID-19 infection within the past 90 days (regardless of vaccination status) you do not need to get a test 3 to 5 days after travel. However, if you’re not fully vaccinated but have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last year you still cannot enter the USA unless you meet one of the exceptions detailed on the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and US Embassy websites.

Notes: Full requirements for pre-travel testing can be found on the CDC website. Children under 2 years old do not need to test. If you are travelling domestically within the USA, individual states and territories may have their own quarantine requirements.

Canada

Our hoop rating: 3 hoops

Entry requirements: All visitors travelling to Canada by air are now expected to get an electronic travel authorisation (eTA) to enter Canada. 

Fully vaccinated foreign nationals may now enter Canada for discretionary (non-essential) reasons, such as tourism. You must first fill out your information via ArriveCAN, including proof of vaccination in English or French and a quarantine plan in case you do not meet the necessary requirements at the border.

You must also have a valid pre-arrival COVID-19 molecular test result taken no more than 72 hours before your scheduled flight or arrival at the land border crossing; or a previous positive test result taken at least 10 calendar days and no more than 180 calendar days before entering Canada; or proof of a professionally administered or observed antigen test taken outside of Canada no more than 1 day before to your scheduled flight or entry to Canada

Notes: Fully vaccinated travellers may be selected for arrival testing, however you no longer need to quarantine while awaiting the result.

*Mexico

Our hoop rating: 0 hoops!

Entry requirements: Those wishing to travel to Mexico must register on the Mexico Vuela Seguro Platform before boarding your flight and show the QR code upon arrival at the airport.

(This has been confirmed by recent traveller and reader Nigel, who stated that ‘nothing was asked for on arrival except for the regular immigration form. The health declaration is pretty simple!’. Cheers Nigel!)

Notes: If you wish to travel across the land border with the United States for tourism purposes, you must be fully vaccinated and provide proof to do so. 

Antigua & Barbuda

Our hoop rating: 3 hoops

Entry requirements: All visitors ages 18 and over must provide proof of vaccination, and fill out a Health Declaration form. New arrivals must also present a negative RT PCR test or an approved Rapid Antigen test result, no older than four days prior to departure. Home tests, self-administered tests and those using saliva samples are not accepted. PCR test are recommended, as those who submit a RAT result may still be required to undergo a PCR upon arrival at their own cost. 

On arrival, you will be subject to health screening. The Ministry of Health and Wellness of Antigua and Barbuda advise that all arrivals will be monitored for coronavirus for up to 14 days and that ultimately it is the decision of the Quarantine Authority on who must self-isolate or quarantine on arrival.

Notes: Children aged 17 and younger do not need to have been vaccinated to enter Antigua and Barbuda, but passengers aged between 5 – 17 years must provide a negative PCR or RAT no older than four days prior to departure. It is possible that there will be lengthy wait times upon arrival. Antigua & Barbuda does not accept the UK’s proof of COVID-19 recovery letter.

The Bahamas

Our hoop rating: 3 hoops

Entry requirements:All visitors of any age must submit a Bahamas Travel Health Visa Trip application. Under 18-year-olds must be included in a parent or guardian’s profile. The health visa application is available from The Bahamas travel page. An email response will be provided once the application is completed, followed by an approval or denial of the health visa, and this confirmation must be presented upon arrival in The Bahamas.

Fully vaccinated travellers and children between the ages of 2 and 11 will require a negative COVID-19 test (either a Rapid Antigen Test or PCR), taken no more than three days (72 hours) prior to the date of arrival to The Bahamas. Self-administered tests are not accepted.

Unvaccinated travellers aged 12 and over must present a negative COVID 19 PCR test, taken no more than three days (72 hours) prior to the date of arrival to The Bahamas. Unvaccinated children between the ages of 2 and 11 are required to obtain a negative COVID-19 test (either Rapid Antigen Test or RT-PCR Test) taken no more than three days (72 hours) prior to the date of arrival to The Bahamas. Children under the age of 2 are exempt from testing requirements.

Notes: Requirements can change extremely fast for the Bahamas. Find the Ministry of Tourism’s website here for all the most up-to-date information. You may be asked to present proof of vaccination to enter a variety of locations in The Bahamas and should carry it with you at all times.

Barbados

Our hoop rating: 2 hoops

Entry requirements: Fully vaccinated persons will not be subject to testing* or quarantine on arrival. Once you have completed a health check and your documentation (valid negative test and proof of vaccination status) has been validated, you will be free to move around Barbados unhindered.

All travellers from the UK must present on arrival either:

• a valid RT-PCR COVID-19 negative test result taken no more than 3 days in advance of your flight’s arrival. 
• a valid Rapid PCR COVID-19 negative test result taken one day before arrival in Barbados
• a valid Rapid Antigen negative test result taken one day before arrival in Barbados

LAMP tests, shallow nasal swab samples, self-administered tests or home kits or tests using saliva samples will not be accepted. If you arrive in Barbados from the UK without a valid negative COVID test, you may be denied entry to the country.

A number of fully vaccinated arrivals will be randomly chosen to have a rapid antigen test. There is no requirement to quarantine, as the result will be made available very quickly. 

Notes: You should monitor the Visit Barbados website on a regular basis as the Government of Barbados may change the requirements without notice.

Turks & Caicos

Our hoop rating: 2 hoops

Entry requirements: Visitors to the Turks and Caicos Islands must first apply for permission to travel via the Turks and Caicos Islands Assured Portal. All travellers to Turks & Caicos aged 16 and above must be fully vaccinated and all travellers aged 2 and above (including those fully vaccinated) will be required to upload on to the TCI Assured Portal one of the following (professionally administered):

• Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction Tests result (RT-PCR);
• Nucleic Acid Amplification test result (NAA);
• RNA or molecular test results; or
• an Antigen test result

Notes: Travellers are also required to provide proof of health/travel insurance with COVID-19 cover and a completed health screening questionnaire.

Colombia

Our hoop rating: 1.5 hoops

Entry requirements: All visitors will be required to show an onward or return ticket valid within the 90 day period allowed for their entry into Colombia as a visitor. Between 24 hours and 1 hour before departure, visitors must fill out the ‘Check-Mig’ form, available on the Migración Colombia website. You will receive a confirmation email that you will need to present upon arrival in Colombia.

If you’re fully vaccinated, you can enter Colombia without needing to test or quarantine for flight arrivals. For cruise ship arrivals, you must be fully vaccinated and show a negative PCR test taken no longer than 72 hours prior to your intended entry to the country.

Foreign nationals who have started but not completed their vaccination scheme or have had their final dose less than 14 days before travel, will be able to enter Colombia showing proof of a negative PCR test issued no later than 72 hours prior to boarding. Unvaccinated foreign nationals who are not holders of a permanent resident visa will not be allowed to enter Colombia.

Children aged 17 and under do not need to show proof of vaccination or negative PCR test to enter Colombia.

Notes: Travellers will also be required to provide proof of health/travel insurance with COVID-19 cover and a completed health screening questionnaire.

The Middle East & Africa

Dubai 

Our hoop rating: 2 hoops

Entry requirements: From the 26th February, travellers to the UAE do not need to take a COVID-19 PCR test before they travel if they are fully vaccinated, or if they hold a COVID-19 recovery certificate with a QR code dated within 30 days of departure. Children under 12 do not need to provide proof of vaccination or test results. 

If you are not fully vaccinated, you must have a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 48 hours before departure and present the certificate at check in. Travellers arriving in Dubai may be required to undertake a COVID-19 PCR test on arrival and will have to isolate pending the result of the COVID-19 PCR test.

Notes: Visitors to Dubai must also have international health insurance before travelling. For more info, head to the Emirates website. COVID-19 entry requirements may change at short notice, and all travellers to the UAE are strongly encouraged to check the specifics before departure with their airline before they travel. Further details are available on British Airways, Emirates and Etihad websites.

Abu Dhabi

Our hoop rating: 1.5 hoops

Entry requirements: Vaccination is not a condition of entry to Abu Dhabi. Vaccinated travellers from the UK to Abu Dhabi will be required to have a COVID-19 PCR test on arrival but will not be required to quarantine. Further information is available on the UAE Government Portal and Etihad Airways website.

Unvaccinated travellers from the UK to Abu Dhabi will be required to have a COVID-19 PCR test on arrival.

Visitors must register via the ICA Smart Travel Service prior to travel, download the Al Hosn App and take further PCR tests if staying in the emirate.

Notes: The rules for entering and remaining in Abu Dhabi may change at short notice. You should check the current requirement from the Abu Dhabi Media Office website and on the Emirates News Agency website.

South Africa 

Our hoop rating: 1.5 hoops

Entry requirements: Visitors must provide a paper copy of a negative PCR test, no older than 72 hours prior to departure. There will also be a health questionnaire on the plane that needs to be filled out. Children under 5 do not require a PCR test.

Travel authorities recommend that you carry several paper copies of your test, as you may need to present it more than once on your journey. If you do not present proof of a test upon arrival, you will be required to take a COVID-19 at your own expense and may be required to quarantine at your own cost.

Notes: Screening processes have been introduced at all major ports of entry and departure, including airports, for arrivals, departures and transit passengers.

Asia & Australasia

Bali

Our hoop rating: 3 hoops

Entry requirements: Currently, the Indonesian government has launched an electronic visa (e-Visa) application system, which must be applied for and granted before arrival. However, as of the 7th March it has just been announced that the usual visa-on-arrival system will be reinstated. 

To visit Bali (as of Monday, March 7th 2022), you must provide proof of vaccination and a negative RT-PCR test result no older than 48 hours prior to arrival. 

Upon arrival, you must undergo another RT-PCR test and wait for a negative result (usually only a few hours). There will also be another test on day three. If the day three test is negative, travellers have the option of moving on to other parts of Indonesia if they wish.

Currently, visitors are required to show proof of a hotel booking (of their choice) with at least four nights paid for in advance. However, it is likely that this will be scrapped as of the 1st April. 

Both soft and hard copies of your NHS vaccination certificates will be required to be presented at various stages of your journey. 

Notes: Visitors must also hold proof of health insurance with a coverage value of at least US$25,000, which covers the treatment of COVID-19.

The Maldives

Our hoop rating: 1 hoop

Entry requirements: All travellers to the Maldives must fill in a Traveller Health Declaration form 48 hours before departure, and all passengers and airline crew need to complete an Immigration Arrival Card when arriving in the Maldives. Temperature checks and screening procedures will be in place on arrival.

If you are fully vaccinated you will no longer need a negative PCR test for entry into Maldives. All non-vaccinated visitors (except children under the age of one) must present a negative PCR test for COVID-19 on arrival to Maldives. The test and negative PCR certificate must be issued no more than 96 hours prior to departure. Children under the age of one do not have to provide a negative PCR test.

Notes: All visitors to Maldives are encouraged to install the contact tracing application ‘Trace Ekee’ upon or before arrival into the country. A reader has let us know that the Maldives still may enforce quarantine for those who are deemed ‘close contacts’, even if a negative test result is received.

Thailand

Our hoop rating: 3 hoops

Entry requirements: If you’re fully vaccinated, you can apply to enter Thailand via Thailand Pass under the Test and Go or Sandbox schemes. You must have been fully vaccinated for at least 14 days before your date of travel and the vaccines must be approved by Ministry of Public Health. You must take a PCR test no more than 72 hours before you leave the UK and when you arrive in Thailand.

If you are not fully vaccinated, you can enter Thailand under the Alternative Quarantine scheme. You must quarantine at a State Quarantine or Alternative State Quarantine (ASQ) facility. You cannot use the Test and Go or Sandbox schemes.

If you’re not fully vaccinated but have recovered from COVID-19 and have received at least 1 dose of approved vaccine, you will need to show medical certificate of recovery in order to enter Thailand under Test and Go or Sandbox schemes.

Test & Go updates: Travellers can now arrive in Thailand by air, land, or by water with the required prepaid accommodation reduced to 1 night and the COVID-19 tests revised to 1 RT-PCR and 1 self-ATK. The health insurance coverage has also been reduced to no less than US$20,000.

Sandbox updates: Travellers who plan to continue their journey to other Thai cities are still required to stay at least 7 days (nights) in the Sandbox destinations, but the COVID-19 testing requirement has been revised to 1 RT-PCR and 1 self-ATK, while the health insurance coverage has also been reduced to no less than US$20,000.

Notes: You may be required to download the Thai Chana COVID-19 tracking app when you arrive.

You can read one readers experience of the Phuket Sandbox here (though bear in mind it has changed significantly since).

There’s more official information here. 

Cambodia

Our hoop rating: 2 hoops

Entry requirements: All visitors to Cambodia must provide a negative PCR test result no older than 72 hours prior to departure/boarding. You must also demonstrate your full vaccination status to avoid quarantine. 

If you’re fully vaccinated, when you arrive in Cambodia a lateral flow test will be administered at the airport. If another passenger from your flight tests positive, you may be required to quarantine at your hotel or place of residence for five days. If no passengers on your flight test positive you do not need to quarantine.

Unvaccinated travellers or those who have not been fully vaccinated will be required to do a PCR test on arrival. They must then quarantine for 14 days. If not pre-booking the hotel, you must demonstrate you hold US$2000 in cash per person. Health authorities will oversee a PCR test on the thirteenth day of quarantine.

Notes: You will need a visa to enter or travel through Cambodia as a visitor. Tourist visas can be applied for online. Health insurance is no longer mandatory but all foreign travellers are encouraged to purchase COVID-19 health insurance that includes a minimum of US$50,000 for medical cover through the Forte Insurance website. This evidence should be printed in colour.

Australia (finally!)

Our hoop rating: 2 hoops

Entry requirements: To enter Australia you must hold a valid visa. See ‘Visas during COVID-19’ for more information.

From 21 February 2022, all fully vaccinated visa holders can travel to Australia without a travel exemption. Unvaccinated visa holders will still need a valid travel exemption to enter Australia.

A negative COVID-19 test is required for travelling to Australia. This can be in the form of evidence of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 3 days of scheduled departure, or evidence of a negative Rapid Antigen Test taken under medical supervision within 24 hours before scheduled departure. All travellers to Australia are also required to submit a Digital Passenger Declaration within 72 hours before departure. The Digital Passenger Declaration includes a declaration regarding your COVID-19 vaccination status and pre-departure test result. You may be asked to provide evidence you have completed your Digital Passenger Declaration when boarding your flight to Australia.

Notes: States and territories can apply their own travel restrictions. You should check requirements for the state or territory in which you will arrive. Border rules, including eligibility criteria, can change quickly. Travellers should prepare for disruptions to their plans.

Did we miss anything that you think should be on the list, or do you have your own experience? Feel free to let us know (nicely) in the comments, and don’t forget to keep us posted on where you’re planning to travel to next! 

The post UPDATED: The Easiest Countries to Visit Now – where can you go with NO Covid Requirements? appeared first on Turning left for less.

If you haven’t already read them,  you can find my report on the BA001 flight that was a special addition for the reopening of the US border last week. There’s also my review of the BA Club Suite night flight and the JFK Concorde Room.

In this article, I will look at what I got up to in New York, how easy it is to enter the US, and what’s putting the “new” in New York.

Travel practicalities and vaccine passports

In terms of travelling to the US, here is what you need:

• You will need to get a visa or an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) visa waiver to enter or transit the USA as a visitor.
• You need to be fully vaccinated (unless you are a US citizen) with any COVID-19 vaccine approved for emergency use by the World Health Organisation or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These are the AstraZeneca, BIBP/Sinopharm, Covishield, Janssen, Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech and Sinovac vaccines. In addition, those who have received the full series of an active (not placebo) COVID-19 vaccine AstraZeneca or Novavax COVID-19 vaccine trials are considered vaccinated.
• Children under 18 are exempt from the vaccination requirement.
• Fully vaccinated air passengers arriving to the US from a foreign country must get a COVID-19 test no more than 3 days before their flight departs. 
• It can be a PCR, lateral flow (rapid antigen) or LAMP test. Home tests must be supervised by video and use an FDA-approved test kit. 

I flew with British Airways who used Verifly. I had to upload my documents to the app and then I just flashed my green pass at check-in and nothing else was checked the rest of the trip. As well as proof of vaccination and your test results you also need to do an attestation. This confirms you are vaccinated and tested. Airlines do these so if you use one of the online options or apps it will ask you to do it online as part of the process which is much easier as it only takes a few seconds. 

On arrival in JFK, there were no queues for the early flight and most people were through in a few minutes. You no longer need to fill in any paper forms. You simply go to an entry booth and it is either done biometrically or you answer the questions on screen. I have Global Entry which I highly recommend if you visit more than a couple of times a year or plan to go through Miami or Orlando in the summer! 

The return was equally simple even without Verifly as I was asked to confirm  I had proof of vaccination and my UK PLF/tests and that was it. There were no queues at the premium check-in counters at JFK for BA. 

A minor change was Uber which had gone up in price and wait times but was still my preferred method of transport other than walking. If you are coming from the airport I usually use Dial 7 limos who charge around the same as a taxi but it’s a lot more comfortable in a town car! They are super organised and text you when you land, then text you with the car number and location of the driver who picks you up right outside the terminal. 

One thing that is very different from the UK is the requirement to present proof of vaccination for many venues for 12 years and over. This includes attractions, theatre, indoor dining and bars. I tried both the app and a paper print out and they were happy with either. You also need to present ID as well, but a driving license is fine. 

Mask wearing is pretty varied but you must wear a mask on aircraft, trains, buses and at airports. It was also strictly enforced at the theatre. 

How does New York feel?

I must admit I was slightly wondering what to expect having heard stories of a ghost town and boarded up shops, crime rises etc. But actually very little had changed. I was lucky and had warm sunny weather too. The streets were bustling and it didn’t seem like they had missed  tourists judging by the numbers of US tourists around. 

The main difference is the outdoor dining. It’s not like in the UK where there have stuck a few tables and chairs on the pavement in certain areas. In New York, almost every restaurant has a proper outdoor dining “structure” which are here to stay. If you want to dine outside it is advisable to book in advance. You don’t need a vaccine certificate for outdoors. 

I went for a walk around Central Park which was just stunning with the autumn leaves and I felt very safe.

When it was time to leave I felt quite emotional as I was only there for two nights. I really didn’t want to leave and can’t wait to go back!

What’s New in New York?

There are several new attractions in New York that have opened either just before or after the pandemic. 

Hudson Yards

Hudson Yards is a 28-acre real estate development in the Chelsea and Hudson Yards neighborhoods. There are a number of buildings with hotels, high-end shops, and tourist attractions. It sits on a platform built over the West Side Yard, a storage yard for Long Island Rail Road trains. There’s also Peak, the fine-dining venue on the 101st floor of one of the buildings that isn’t going to break the bank as much as you may expect. 

Here are some attractions there:

Mercado Little Spain

In the basement of the shopping mall is Mercado Little Spain which is the work of US celebrity chefs –  José Andrés & the Adrià brothers. José Andrés owns one of my favourite Vegas restaurants – Jaleo at the Cosmpolitan, so I had to give this a try! There are different stalls and restaurants in the complex as well as a shop.

I went to the “Vinos” bar where they had a full list of tapas as well as an extensive Spanish wine list.

Ironically when I was in Majorca this summer I struggled to get really good tomato bread and the patatas bravas were universally disappointing. Not the case here – these were some of the best I have had in my life, and I have eaten a lot of tapas in my time. I’d say even better than the Vegas ones. The bread was beautifully light and crisp with just the right balance of sweet tomato on top. Often it can be chewy or soggy.

Prices were reasonable starting with $7 for the bread as you could easily make a lunch sharing two or three dishes. The patatas bravas were perfect, crispy with a rich, spicy paprika-heavy sauce and a garlicky hit of aioli.

Truthfully I’d come back to Hudson yards just to eat there again. They do have a fancier Spanish restaurant there if you want something more upmarket. 

The Edge

If you have a fear of heights, I’d definitely avoid this. The Edge is a viewing platform on the 100th and 101st floors with an area that juts out, as well as a glass floor. It has an outdoor bar in good weather where you can get a glass of champagne – now that’s how you do a viewing platform! Of course, it also had an interactive lift.

The views were stunning and being fairly central means you get to see everything from One World Trade Centre and the Statue of Liberty to the Empire State Building. It’s open 10:00am – 10:00pm daily with the last elevator ride being 50 minutes before closing

City Climb At the Edge

This is a little like a mini Sydney Harbour bridge climb. City Climb is the highest open-air building ascent in the world. Climbers scale the outside of the skyscraper using a 45 degree angled staircase more than 1,200 feet above the ground, then lean out and look down from the highest outdoor platform in New York City. 

Little Island

In 2013, in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, Barry Diller partnered with Hudson River Park Trust to repair and restore the historic Pier 54 to create an entirely new public space for the city, with construction beginning in 2019. 

Little Island is a 2.4-acre park that was conceived to emerge from the existing wood piles of the former piers of the Hudson and designed to look like a leaf floating on water. There are 132 concrete “Tulips” that make up the structure of the park. Each tulip’s shape is unique and has a different weight load capacity to hold the soil, lawns, overlooks, and trees.

The park has lots of different areas including the main plaza that hosts food and beverage offerings, seating, shade, and expansive lawns (The Play Ground); an amphitheatre with a stage for an audience of 687 guests (The Amph); an intimate performance space and secret garden (The Glade); views of the city and the Hudson River with pathways and three special outlook points. 

Empire State Experience

There are so many new viewing platforms with One World Trade Centre, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, and Hudson Yards the Edge being the newer ones, that the Empire State Building has substantially upped its game. Instead of just a lift ride to the top, there is a fantastic interactive and immersive Empire State experience including a King Kong exhibit and plenty about its history and star roles in movies. 

There’s also an interactive lift.

Quality Bistro

Quality was actually originally a chain of high-quality butchers that branched into steak houses with one in Miami as well as New York. Now they have branched out even further into Italian and French food in New York.

I visited the Quality Bistro which is round the corner from where I was staying at the Conrad Midtown. Outside there are some very cute little booths but you will need to book to get one. I had to queue just to get inside with a reservation.

Inside the restaurant is beautiful with all the greenery and cosy banquettes. There’s also a stylish bar.

The menu is very simple and although not cheap, you get a lot for your money. The next tables to me had the onion soup and the French onion burger which both looked epic! (I need to go back!)

You must order the bread, as there’s a special butter service to accompany the bread. This involves pimping up the butter at the table with seasonings such as fleur de sel and chopped shallots. Then there is a selection of dishes to go with your bread and butter such as ham and radishes. 

I went for the very French Garlic snails. Thank god I had the BA Club Suites home that night so I wasn’t breathing garlic over everyone. They were the best snails I have had, very tender and the butter was not overly garlicky.

Next I had the steak frites which appeared to be a large New York Strip steak which is similar to a sirloin. This had a lovely peppery seasoned crust and a deliciously piquant dijon mustard sauce. The accompanying frites were also full of flavour and cripsy. The actual highlight was probably the roasted Brussels which were more like brussels on steroids! The wine list had plenty to choose from in terms of both French and US wines.

I normally skip dessert but I do love a good Floating Islands but I have never seen one like this. It was enormous. It had lots of crunchy bits of sugar and nuts  on top which were a lovely textural element against the soft meringue and creamy vanilla flecked custard.

You can find more about Quality Bistro here. 

I also ate at STK which has a great pre-theatre menu including the most amazing Miso glazed sea bass dish as well as great steaks. 

Broadway Shows

Broadway was up and running again. I went to see Ain’t Too proud which had originally opened in spring 2019. It’s a modern story of tragedy and triumphs of The Temptations, most of which I didn’t know. I loved the staging which was atmospheric yet simple. If you love music this is a must-see. They are probably the best voices I have heard in a musical, so rich and full and in perfect harmony. The choreography was also stunning. Judging by the audience’s reactions, they loved it too.

Others in my group saw HadesTown and Tina which they also recommended.

CityPass C3

A new version of the more expensive CityPass, City Pass C3 is worth considering if you want to do a few of the new and established attractions. This pass saves you up to 33% at 3 top New York City attractions. It also saves time as at The Edge. I just walked straight into the attraction by showing my pass. I didn’t need to book, although some do require that. It also pops up on your phone when you are near an attraction that is included.

For £68.10 it includes :

One-time admission to 3 attractions

If you want to plan a trip to New York, the NYCgo page is great for everything from dining to different borough’s top sights. 

I flew to New York with British Airways on their A350 with the new Club Suites. Currently, a 3 night holiday in Club to New York starts at £1750 with 4 nights in a 4 star hotel, but I’m expecting some Black Friday deals to be closer to £1500 hopefully. You can check BA Holidays prices here. 

The post What’s new in New York and travelling to the US like now? appeared first on Turning left for less.

Today’s reader review, St Lucia in BA Club World First review, is from Simon.

Flights

After visiting Barbados– and horrified that we would be both back to work very soon, we managed to grab two bargain Club World flights to St Lucia in the last week of September. We upgraded with Avios 10,000 each and paid £900 return.

This was the first time I have ever experienced ‘FLUB’- flying First but Club World service!! The First cabin was blocked out the week we booked but having used Expertflyer seat alert I managed to snag us 2A & E. The plane scheduled to take us was a 777 with old Club (ying-yang) so we were really looking forward to the flight from Gatwick.

Flight to St Lucia

Gatwick North was surprisingly still very quiet. The only other BA flight to Antigua had left at 10 am when we checked in. There were no queues and after the document checks, we were on our way through Fasttrack to the Aspire Lounge. The Lounge was very busy. I appreciate that it is now choice to wear a mask- but I follow the advice that they should be worn in crowded spaces. The Aspire was very crowded!! The food offer was not appealing- and unlike the lounges at Heathrow where you order by app and drinks and food are delivered to the table, here you joined the queue at the bar! Not a great visit.

The B777 (G-VIIY/ BA2159) was showing its age! Boarding was swift- group boarding was back so we were the first on. Champagne was offered pre-take off.

Whilst it was great to be seated in BA Club World First the general condition of the seat and cabin was clean, but looked grubby. Lots of scuffed sides and threadbare carpets. Despite this, the space was welcome, and the cabin was very quiet with 10 passengers. Club /Premium economy was full and 70% full in World Traveller.

I’m convinced the crew was from Heathrow originally. (note they are all one fleet now) Their professionalism was very business-like, but extremely friendly – as it should be for a holiday destination. Drinks were free-flowing, and the food was good – the roast beef is back! I’m still not sure why they serve everything at once on one tray – but because of Covid inconsistencies are now a part of our daily life! Overall this was a great flight- made special with the seats in ‘FLUB’ and a great BA crew.

Arrival at Hewanorra International Airport,  St Lucia

I’ve posted before on ‘TLFL’ that my recommendation for arriving at any Caribbean airport is to avail yourself of an arrival concierge. Sure enough, this was another great move by me (much to the other half’s relief!!) £60 each with Island Transfers allowed us to skip the massive health check and immigration queues. From plane to kerbside took 15 minutes!

There were only 2 people doing health checks for a very full 777 and a recently arrived JetBlue before us. My other tip – print all documents off – it speeds everything up even more

Hotels in St Lucia

Anse Chastanet

Having visited St Lucia 14 years before we were looking forward to our second visit. But we broke one of our ‘golden’ travel rules, never visit the same hotel twice. Just over a decade ago on our first visit to Anse Chastanet we were blown away by the location, hotel, food, and service. The view from our room to the Pitons was still simply breath-taking (see feature photo) We were in a Premium room as we received an upgrade as returning guests, but the hotel seemed much more worn and not as cared for as when we first visited. The staff were not as friendly either, years ago we enjoyed many evening drinks with them and the occasional limbo dance – not this time.

The hotel was much busier too – in previous years the big group of tourists visiting the island was the Brits. There are now many more daily flights from the US- and the island now seems like to be a preferred destination for the Americans. The beach was still beautiful though….

You can book Anse Chastanet through Our Luxury Travel Agent Partners GTC and receive the following free benefits:

• 100 USD resort credit (Exclusions apply)
• Complimentary full breakfast for two daily
• Property will offer early check-in and late checkout upon availability
• Property will offer upgrade at time of check-in – subject to availability (Exclusions apply)
• Basic Wi-Fi

Cap Maison

Our next hotel did not disappoint… Cap Maison in the north of the island on the exclusive Cap Estate is at the top end of five star! We spoiled ourselves by getting a speedboat from Anse Chastanet to Rodney Bay (the credit card took a bit of a dint!) but it was worth it. We cruised up the east coast with Piton beers in hand, touring Marigot Bay and Castries Harbour. This was a very special way to transfer taking us about an hour and 20 minutes. St. Lucia is very different from its neighbours- lots of windy roads with hairpin switchbacks, and single lanes zigzagging across the island meaning road transfers can be slow.

Cap Maison is a hacienda-style hotel with stunning views and facilities. It is regarded as one of the very best foodie destinations in the Caribbean and we found that to be very true. The main restaurant overlooks the sea with spectacular views. The other restaurant is a beach side informal affair called the ‘Naked Fisherman’. Food and beverage were excellent- great cocktails too!

The staff here were enthusiastic, friendly, and welcoming. The hotel does not have its own beach on the property (all beaches in St Lucia are public anyway). There is a lovely infinity pool- but many rooms here have their own lap pools. When booking I was tempted to book one of these but I’m glad we didn’t as the hotel was empty- 4 rooms occupied out of a total of 45. We had all the facilities to ourselves!!

The only drawback with Cap Maison is that the property backs on to the Royalton St Lucia, a massive hotel complex, very much aimed at those seeking the fun holidays. Having to listen to ‘Cotton Eyed Joe’ every evening didn’t spoil or ruin our holiday, but for those wanting a quieter time perhaps a room farther away from the reception would be better!

You can book Cap Maison through Our Luxury Travel Agent Partners GTC and receive the following free benefits:

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Daily Buffet breakfast for two guests per bedroom
• For stays of one, two, or three nights, guests will receive a complimentary lunch for two, once during stay
• For stays of four nights or more, guests will instead receive a $100 USD equivalent resort credit, once during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
• Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
• Complimentary Wi-Fi

Return journey

No boat rides this time – but a 2-hour stunning drive across the island back to Hewanarra airport. No FLUB either – even though I kept checking, but we were lucky that the plane changed to Club Suites. (G-VIIS) We had 5E & F- which I like as it’s in the more private mini-cabin at the front. A good standard flight back with a 5-hour sleep!! 

The Lounge at UVF is … mmm… well… interesting. It was very busy will a full Club going back. It is split into two sections- a darker side with the bar, and a lighter overflow area which was less busy. A friendly waitress came and took a food order, which consisted of soup and some toasted sandwiches. I stuck to a beer!

Gatwick was very quiet again on arrival and there were no queues and of course no document checks on arrival.

Conclusion

St Lucia is still very quiet. A curfew was in place during the evenings and Castries was very, very quiet – a big difference forms our last visit when it was a bustling island capital.

This was a great relaxing holiday- very different from the more fun island of Barbados. St Lucia is true, unspoilt Caribbean- well worth a visit!

Like our St Lucia in BA Club World First review? you can read more flight reviews here. 

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