tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6710492915441448277Tue, 20 Apr 2010 12:12:14 +0000This is a written account of my travel history. I hope the information here will prove useful.http://www.jamesmerriman.co.uk/travelblog/noreply@blogger.com (James Merriman)Blogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6710492915441448277.post-353086338455582752Wed, 06 Jan 2010 16:53:00 +00002010-01-06T17:06:44.996ZOsloI travelled from London Stansted using RyanairDate travelled: 10-11 October 2009Formally known as Christiana, the city of Oslo is Norway's largest and is also the oldest city in Scandinavia, dating from the 11th century.Oslo is served by several airports, so check which one you are arriving into to plan your route into the city centre. I flew into Torp airport which offers the Torp – Ekspress, http://www.jamesmerriman.co.uk/travelblog/2010/01/oslo.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (James Merriman)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6710492915441448277.post-5177534681809431795Tue, 06 Oct 2009 21:15:00 +00002009-10-06T22:32:23.593+01:00MonacoI travelled from Bristol (to Nice airport) using EasyjetDate travelled: 19 September 2009Monaco, the World's second smallest independent state, is surrounded by the Southern coast of France, and makes part of the famous Côte d'Azur, on the French Riviera.As Monaco doesn't have an airport (only a small heliport), the nearest airport for visitors is in Nice, some 45 minutes away. From Nice airport,http://www.jamesmerriman.co.uk/travelblog/2009/10/monaco.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (James Merriman)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6710492915441448277.post-3561506024712472059Wed, 30 Sep 2009 21:29:00 +00002009-09-30T22:29:18.174+01:00StockholmI travelled from London Stansted using RyanairDate travelled: 29-31 August 2009Situated on no less than 14 islands, and the self-proclaimed capital of Scandinavia, is Stockholm. The city rightly deserves its accolade of being one of the prettiest cities in the World.Stockholm is served by four airports, Arlanda, Skavsta, Vasteras and Bromma. All have their own transportation routes into the city.http://www.jamesmerriman.co.uk/travelblog/2009/09/stockholm.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (James Merriman)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6710492915441448277.post-5009515968370451751Tue, 11 Aug 2009 21:29:00 +00002009-08-12T22:43:20.717+01:00AucklandI travelled from Sydney using QantasDate travelled: 30 April-2 May 2009Known as the "City of Sails", the city of Auckland is New Zealand's largest, and is situated on North Island.Citizens holding United Kingdom passports do not need a visa if visiting New Zealand for stays up to 6 months. Visitors must have an onward ticket to present to the immigration official upon arrival. If you are planninghttp://www.jamesmerriman.co.uk/travelblog/2009/08/auckland.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (James Merriman)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6710492915441448277.post-5789738281551087697Tue, 04 Aug 2009 21:49:00 +00002009-08-04T22:50:10.036+01:00SydneyI travelled from Singapore using QantasDate travelled: 27-30 April 2009Despite the fact the city of Sydney is not the capital of Australia; it is still the largest city on the largest island on Earth.Citizens holding United Kingdom passports do need a visa to visit Australia, and you must have one before you arrive into the country. Luckily, this can be done with ease. Visitors can apply online http://www.jamesmerriman.co.uk/travelblog/2009/08/sydney.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (James Merriman)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6710492915441448277.post-4489234426389144981Wed, 29 Jul 2009 20:33:00 +00002009-07-29T21:34:17.940+01:00SingaporeI travelled from Kuala Lumpur using Air AsiaDate travelled: 25-27 April 2009The country and city of Singapore, a fully independent state since 1965, combines Chinese, Malay, Indian and Western influences into one of the World's most vibrant regions.Citizens holding United Kingdom passports do not need a visa to visit Singapore, for visits up to 90 days, but as it is in neighbouring Malaysia, do http://www.jamesmerriman.co.uk/travelblog/2009/07/singapore.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (James Merriman)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6710492915441448277.post-3087439402879277258Wed, 22 Jul 2009 18:17:00 +00002009-07-22T19:35:54.887+01:00Kuala LumpurI travelled from Bangkok using Air AsiaDate travelled: 22-25 April 2009The city of Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, is extremely proud to be cosmopolitan and forward thinking. From its impeccably clean streets, to its charming people, Kuala Lumpur has something for everyone.Citizens holding United Kingdom passports do not need a visa to visit Malaysia, for visits up to 90 days, but do not http://www.jamesmerriman.co.uk/travelblog/2009/07/kuala-lumpur.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (James Merriman)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6710492915441448277.post-1188319287060405942Tue, 14 Jul 2009 20:52:00 +00002009-07-14T21:57:35.857+01:00BangkokI travelled from London Heathrow using QantasDate travelled: 18-22 April 2009Despite its recent publicized political problems, Thailand still remains a popular tourist destination for British travellers. Bangkok, the capital city, is arguably the most exciting and dynamic city in East Asia.Citizens holding United Kingdom passports do not need a visa to visit Thailand, for visits up to 30 http://www.jamesmerriman.co.uk/travelblog/2009/07/bangkok.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (James Merriman)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6710492915441448277.post-1097882242165125088Thu, 19 Feb 2009 22:55:00 +00002009-02-19T22:56:41.544ZReykjavikReturn flights from London Heathrow using Icelandair or from London Stansted (London Gatwick from 1 May 2009) using Iceland ExpressDate travelled: 31 January-4 February 2009Reykjavik (or Reykjavík in Icelandic), the World's most northern capital city, and the self-proclaimed "Capital of Cool" is enjoying a mini tourism renaissance, thanks to Iceland's financial crisis which began in October 2008.http://www.jamesmerriman.co.uk/travelblog/2009/02/reykjavik.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (James Merriman)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6710492915441448277.post-3426849906085365721Thu, 22 Jan 2009 23:19:00 +00002009-02-13T21:04:09.644ZRio de JaneiroReturn flights from London Heathrow using British AirwaysDate travelled: 4-8 December 2008The city of Rio de Janeiro is Brazil's second biggest city, and indeed was its capital until 1960. The city is lucky enough to be surrounded by simply stunning natural scenery.Citizens holding United Kingdom and most European Union passports do not need a visa for visits up to 90 days, but make sure you havehttp://www.jamesmerriman.co.uk/travelblog/2009/01/rio-de-janeiro.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (James Merriman)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6710492915441448277.post-2105033054285447748Thu, 15 Jan 2009 22:19:00 +00002009-01-16T09:23:31.686ZIndiaPlease select an area from the list below to read more detail about my visit to India:IntroductionDelhiAgraJaipurPushkarConclusionIntroductionReturn flights from London Heathrow using British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Jet Airways or Air India (I travelled from London Heathrow using Finnair via Helsinki).Date travelled: 20-28 September 2008What can be said about India? The country with the secondhttp://www.jamesmerriman.co.uk/travelblog/2009/01/india.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (James Merriman)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6710492915441448277.post-3619587367656908907Wed, 07 Jan 2009 23:00:00 +00002009-01-08T20:03:04.696ZMoscowReturn flights from London Heathrow using Transaero, BMI or British AirwaysDate travelled: 23-25 August 2008Despite its past differences of opinion with the West, the Russian capital, Moscow, is one of most historical, and incredibly fascinating places to visit in Europe.All visitors to Russia must have a visa, and you must get it before you arrive in Russia, else you will be refused entry. http://www.jamesmerriman.co.uk/travelblog/2009/01/moscow.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (James Merriman)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6710492915441448277.post-5966999001499071241Sat, 31 May 2008 14:27:00 +00002008-06-02T11:23:57.425+01:00CairoReturn flights from London Heathrow using British AirwaysDate travelled: 24-27 May 2008Known as "the city of a thousand minarets" and Africa's most populous city, is the Egyptian capital Cairo. Cairo offers the visitor friendly Middle East hospitality, plus the fascinating history that's hidden within.British passport holders need a visa to visit Egypt (if you are visiting the resorts of the http://www.jamesmerriman.co.uk/travelblog/2008/05/cairo.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (James Merriman)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6710492915441448277.post-6389707365913432216Tue, 20 May 2008 11:18:00 +00002008-10-01T20:08:11.587+01:00LondonI traveled by coach using National ExpressDate travelled: 11-12 August 2004London, the capital city of the United Kingdom for nearly 1000 years, offers the visitor an incredible journey through the past, present and future of life in Great Britain.London is served by many different airports, notably Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, London City and Luton airports. Each have their own public transport http://www.jamesmerriman.co.uk/travelblog/2008/05/london.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (James Merriman)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6710492915441448277.post-8661870264250914184Sat, 03 May 2008 13:00:00 +00002008-11-20T14:51:17.238ZThe GambiaPlease select an area from the list below to read more detail about my visit to The Gambia:IntroductionHealth & AdviceTourist InformationConclusionIntroductionReturn flights from Bristol using First Choice Airways or Asteraus (both chartered airlines)Date travelled: 12-19 February 2008.The West African country The Gambia was until 1965 a British colony. The country has the somewhat tragic http://www.jamesmerriman.co.uk/travelblog/2008/05/gambia.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (James Merriman)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6710492915441448277.post-7285883858265633237Sat, 26 Apr 2008 15:13:00 +00002008-04-27T14:31:09.864+01:00Niagara FallsI travelled from New York City by train using the Maple Leaf Service. You can book tickets from International Trainline.Date travelled: 15-16 October 2007.Niagara Falls, one of the world's great natural wonders, and a popular honeymoon destination, is certainly one not to miss. Situated only 90 minutes away from Toronto, and right on the United States/Canada border, Niagara Falls is easily http://www.jamesmerriman.co.uk/travelblog/2008/04/niagara-falls.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (James Merriman)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6710492915441448277.post-7744858162364683437Sun, 20 Apr 2008 12:46:00 +00002009-02-13T21:35:59.492ZNew York CityLow-cost return flights from Bristol using Continental AirlinesI travelled from Toronto by train using the Maple Leaf Service. You can book tickets from International Trainline.Date travelled: 12-15 October 2007.There are many phrases that describe New York City, such as the Big Apple, or the City that Never Sleeps, but put quite simply this city is one of the top cities in the world to visit. http://www.jamesmerriman.co.uk/travelblog/2008/04/new-york-city.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (James Merriman)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6710492915441448277.post-848129672557418653Sat, 19 Apr 2008 13:33:00 +00002008-04-19T16:59:37.270+01:00TorontoReturn flights from Exeter using Air Transat or from Bristol using Fly GlobespanDate travelled: 10-12 October 2007Situated on the shores of Lake Ontario, and close to the border with the United States, is Canada's financial centre, and largest city, Toronto. Toronto contains a blend of natural and man-made treasures, all within easy reach.From Lester B. Pearson Airport (be prepared for lengthy http://www.jamesmerriman.co.uk/travelblog/2008/04/toronto.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (James Merriman)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6710492915441448277.post-1404716131461548542Sun, 13 Apr 2008 12:42:00 +00002009-02-13T21:27:44.485ZBarcelonaReturn flights from Bristol using easyJet or ryanairDate travelled: 25-27 August 2007Since hosting the Olympic Games in 1992, Barcelona, Spain's second city and capital of the province of Cataluña, has flourished into one of Europe's "coolist" cities.From El Prat airport, take the R10 train direct to the city centre (journey time 30mins). You are better off purchasing the 10 journey ticket, whichhttp://www.jamesmerriman.co.uk/travelblog/2008/04/barcelona.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (James Merriman)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6710492915441448277.post-1887164892182182803Sun, 13 Apr 2008 12:37:00 +00002008-04-13T13:40:08.985+01:00RigaReturn flights from Bristol or London Stansted using ryanairI flew from Copenhagen using Air BalticDate travelled: 12-14 June 2007Tucked away in North Eastern Europe, and one of the Baltic states, is Latvia, and its captial city of Riga. Riga has emerged from its sometimes tragic Soviet past into a vibrant modern European city, a paradise for not only romantic weekend breaks, but for the alcohol http://www.jamesmerriman.co.uk/travelblog/2008/04/riga.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (James Merriman)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6710492915441448277.post-6400926359508971792Sat, 12 Apr 2008 13:30:00 +00002008-05-12T16:14:40.986+01:00CopenhagenReturn flights from London Stansted using easyJetDate travelled: 9-12 June 2007.When you think of Denmark, you may think of Vikings, Bacon, or Peter Schmeichel. But its captial city Copenhagen offers the visitor a pleasant vibrant atmosphere, with plenty to see and do.From the airport, take the train from the terminal building direct to the city centre (tickets 28.50kr - about &pound3, journey http://www.jamesmerriman.co.uk/travelblog/2008/04/copenhagen.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (James Merriman)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6710492915441448277.post-3834009490437292285Sat, 12 Apr 2008 13:20:00 +00002008-05-05T16:46:46.071+01:00ShenzhenDate travelled: 15 May 2007.The town of Shenzhen, situated just to the north of Hong Kong, was built in the 1970's as a special economic zone of China, which means economic freedom in an otherwise communist country. Today, with a population of over 10million, Shenzhen is bigger than London! Shenzhen is not only an important business destination, it's also a shoppers heaven, as prices are http://www.jamesmerriman.co.uk/travelblog/2008/04/shenzhen.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (James Merriman)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6710492915441448277.post-6637051966369139174Sat, 09 Feb 2008 19:25:00 +00002008-02-11T20:18:03.704ZMacauFerry service from Hong Kong using Turbo JetDate travelled: 15 May 2007Known as the "Las Vegas of the East", and situated only 90 minutes by ferry from Hong Kong is the former Portuguese colony of Macau. The Special Administrative Region was handed back to China in 1999, and was the last European colony in Asia. British Citizens do not need a visa to visit Macau for up to 30 days. Due to Macau http://www.jamesmerriman.co.uk/travelblog/2008/02/macau.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (James Merriman)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6710492915441448277.post-7495348271855679742Fri, 08 Feb 2008 19:21:00 +00002009-02-13T21:31:31.264ZHong KongLow cost return flights from London Gatwick using Oasis Hong Kong Airlines.Date travelled: 12-17 May 2007.Hong Kong, the former British colony, where Eastern & Western traditions collide, offers the budget traveller everything and more. Thanks to the "One country two systems" law, British Citizens do not need a visa to visit Hong Kong.From the airport, the easiest and quickest way into town is http://www.jamesmerriman.co.uk/travelblog/2008/02/hong-kong.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (James Merriman)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6710492915441448277.post-7474524038767257893Tue, 05 Feb 2008 21:32:00 +00002008-02-05T21:32:18.599ZParisReturn flights from Exeter using Flybeor from Bristol using Easyjet.Date travelled: 24-25 March 2007.Known as "The City Of Love" and one of the World's most visited citites, the French capital of Paris makes a perfect weekend break.From Charles de Gaulle airport, take the RER train to Gare du Nord station (€8.60). I stayed at Hôtel La Bruyère, which is a short Metro ride from the centre.The firsthttp://www.jamesmerriman.co.uk/travelblog/2008/02/paris.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (James Merriman)0