From high rises in the UAE to in-flight couches making their way onto planes across the Pacific Islands, here’s our round of the week’s top travel news.
Du-high
This week saw the opening of the world’s tallest twister tower in Dubai – further proving that Emirates really do know how to enjoy the high life. The 307-metre high Cayan Tower is a staggering 80 stories tall and overlooks both the Persian Gulf and the Dubai Marina. With views like that, it’s fair to say that the skyscraper’s 570 apartments are the height of luxury.
Image: criminalintent via Flickr
Samoa’s Supersize Seats
Samoa Air announced plans this week to introduce larger seats for passengers with wider waistlines. In a bid to cater to its curvier customers, the airline plans to create an ‘XL class’ for those weighing more than 20 stone (286 pounds). The special XL rows will see a two inch difference in the size of seats from 12 to 14 inches. Currently, the airline is the only one in the world to charge their clientele in terms of their weight; with passengers paying a fixed price per kilogram. As one of the world’s most obese countries, it’s fair to say that the airline’s decision to resize its rows is suitably fitting!
Image: Aero Icarus via Flickr
Angry Birds Abroad
Three Middle Eastern cities Doha, Abu Dhabi and Al Ain are all currently having a bit of a spat over which one of them will be given the rights to build the world’s largest Angry Birds theme park. The app-themed resort, which will feature our favourite disgruntled feathery friends, already has branches based in Finland, Singapore and the UK, but this one would be the first to grace the Persian Gulf. Let’s hope the fight for the franchise doesn’t ruffle anyone’s feathers too much.
Image: Marco d’Itri via flickr
What’s on this Weekend?
Thursday 20th June – Friday 21st June: Summer Solstice
In light of the longest day of the year, you can celebrate the summer solstice at Stonehenge 2013. The annual event in Wiltshire is free (including parking) and has a capacity of 20,000 people.
Image: Milan G via Flickr
Tuesday 18th June – Saturday 22nd June: Royal Ascot
Britain’s most famous equestrian event, Royal Ascot, has been taking place in Berkshire this week and continues on Saturday. The five-day annual occasion hosts some of the most exciting events in horse racing and if you like wearing big hats or a flutter on the gee-gees, it makes for a fun day out too.
Image: RacingKel via Flickr
Thursday 20th June – Sunday 23rd June: Taste of London
If you’re a bit of a foodie and in the capital this weekend, it’s not too late to snag some tickets to one of the city’s biggest food festivals, Taste of London. Taking place in Regent’s Park, you’ll get to sample some of the most cutting edge dishes and drinks from Britain’s top restaurants.
Image: anniemole via Flickr
And finally, to get in the spirit of summer, we’ll leave you with this little joke to crack on the flight.
Q: What did the pig say while sunbathing on the beach?
A: I need some water, I’m bacon!
For more ideas to keep the kids occupied on the plane or beach, take a look at our Downloads section on the blog.
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