Travel News: Sahara Smog is in the Air

If you’ve been in the parts of the UK affected by the smog this week, we wouldn’t blame you for wanting to get out of the country.

So if you can still see your computer screen through the dust, read on to find out what’s been going on around the world this week, as well as some exclusive, cheap all inclusive travel deals to help you escape.

Mind the Pollution

The UK was hit by a wave of sandy smog from the Sahara this week, the result of a large wind storm in Africa. This, combined with higher than normal pollution levels, has played havoc with people’s health and even made London landmarks disappear from view. Those in affected areas have been advised to avoid exercise, stay inside and watch Netflix all day in bed (ok, maybe the last bit isn’t official advise). You don’t have to tell us twice.

#DEFRA say pollution levels already high this morning. This is my view of the London smog this morning. @itvlondon pic.twitter.com/ZVjh2Z95tn

— Guy Phillips (@GuyPhillipsITV) April 3, 2014

Prickly Eat

So you’ve visited Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium in East London, you’ve funded the sausage dog cafe on Kickstarter and heard about the rabbit cafes in Japan – but if animal themed cafes are really your bag, there’s one in Vietnam that has trumped them all. Visit the Pet Cafe in Hanoi and you can sit down for a cuppa with rats, squirrels, iguanas, tarantulas, snakes and have lunch with a porcupine. Needless to say, the animals are next to the menu, not on it.

Musafa been a noisy flight

Passengers on an Australian flight from Brisbane to Sydney had a different sort of in-flight entertainment this week when the cast of the Lion King musical broke into song. While most passengers looked on in vague amusement as The Circle of Life belted out around the cabin, it’s difficult to say whether everyone was completely enthralled by the spectacle – but one thing’s for sure, “Hakuna Matata” is probably a catchier refrain than the regular safety announcements.

EU’ve got to drop those charges

If you’ve ever been stung by a huge mobile phone bill after a holiday, you’ll be pleased to hear that parliament has voted to axe data roaming charges in the EU. That means you’ll be able to call, text and use the internet in Europe for the same rates that you get on your home turf. The new rules should be coming in on the 15th December 2015. Hooray!