Soaring Flight Taxes Expected to Continue

I heard a startling fact today about the cost of the UK's aviation taxes. Whilst many countries are actively lowering their flying taxes, it seems that taxes for UK flyers are forever on the up.

In the last two decades, air passenger duty in the UK has increased by a huge 2600% with travellers paying more than any other country in the world. Rather than encouraging people to travel and holiday, it's as if we are being penalised and prevented from travelling to our favourite destinations.

Anyway, in an attempt to counter the Government's incessant misuse of air taxes, industry leaders are joining with The Association of British Travel Agents to prevent more increases.

This year the treasury is expected to pocket £2.2billion of travellers money with further increases predicted over the next few years. To put the taxes into perspective, it would cost a family of four flying to Australia £340 in flight tax. Compare this to another country in the EU- such as France - and the same family would expect to pay just £15. With such huge differences you can really see how unfair the UK system is.

Head to Marrakesh for a city break with a difference!

Exhausted all destinations for city breaks in Europe?

Why not go a little further afield and try Marrakesh? Its a surprisingly short three hour flight and there's plenty to see and do, and along with its economical currency, you'll really be getting bang for your buck!

We stayed at a charming Riad in the centre of the city near the fascinating communal square of Djemaa El-Fna. Throught the day, the square is packed full of orange juice sellers, snake charmers and gymnasts. If you're looking for cheap eats, head to the square as evening falls and you can grab a hearty meal from one of the many temporary food stalls. Just opposite the square is Koutoubia Mosque which is surrounded by peaceful green gardens and comes alive during the call to prayer.

To sample some of Marrakesh's history, head to the ruins of The El Badi palace or stroll to The Saadian tombs for elaborate tiling and stories of ancient Kings.

For something a little different, but nonetheless still riveting, head to Yves Saint Lauren's gift to the city, The Majorelle gardens. Visit at midday when the sun is at its highest so you can tantalise your eyes with the shades of green, blue and yellow.

Flights to Marrakesh are also extremely cheap at the moment with Ryanair quoting at just £53 from many cities. You can also get very reasonable accommodation prices with websites such as direct-lineholidays.co.uk offering weekend deals at around £100.

Honeymooning in paradise

According to a recent survey into the location of honeymoons for newlyweds, the Maldives and Barbados are the two most favoured destinations.

What could possibly be better than blissful warm blue seas, white sand and luxury hotels; and sharing it all with the love of your life? (hopefully!).

Personally, if I felt inclined to propose to my better half, I would be on the first flight to Barbados and start my holiday straight away with the wedding ceremony on the beach, followed by a couple of weeks of hectic, itinerary-busting honeymooning! They say it's a good idea to kill two birds with one stone after all. Barbados is far more than just a honeymoon destination, offering an array of attractions and surf spots for those who daren't go near the island for fear of bumping into love-struck newlyweds!

The same can be said of the Maldives. If you're into snorkelling or diving, you MUST visit the Maldives. It has some of the finest coral in the world and attracts vast amounts of manta rays, creating a beautifully eerie dive in crystal clear waters. You can also visit the wreak of a 270 foot freighter that sank in 1981 or visit the Male fish market if you prefer to stay on terra firma!

Holidays to Barbados and the Maldives can be expensive, but hey, you only live once, and anyway why should honeymooners get all the fun?

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