Archive of articles from 2012

Air New Zealand launches 'hobbit plane'

Air New Zealand unveiled its Hobbit themed aircraft at a special event over the weekend.

New adventure travel series to inspire travellers

A new video series that helps to inspire travel seekers find their perfect trip for 2013 will launch on the Google+ social network next week.

Is the travel guidebook dying?

We all thought this may happen, but new research supports the fact that the travel guidebook is on its way out.

Charley Boorman bikes around South Africa

A new Charley Boorman travel series is set to return to our screens this Autumn - and this time the famous adventurer is taking his motorbike across South Africa.

Traditional gap year destinations too expensive

The most popular gap year destinations are also the most expensive, according to new research from Moneycorp and gapyear.com.

Young travellers shun postcards, survey reveals

Half of travellers under the age of 24 have never sent a postcard, according to a recent survey by O2.

Shark cage diving banned in Western Australia

Cage diving with sharks has been banned in Western Australia, as the government vows to rule out tourism ventures based on attracting sharks.

Does travel make you sexy?

Travel makes people more attractive, according to Intrepid Travel.

Disabled adventurer sets out on 30,000 mile expedition

Andy Campbell has set out on an expedition to travel 30,000 miles around the world in a wheelchair.

More backpackers choose working holidays

The amount of backpackers choosing a working holiday gap year after university, as opposed to a traditional post-A-level break, is on the rise according to Love TEFL.

Is this the weirdest travel gadget yet?

A backpacker has invented a new kind of travel friendly gadget – Pop & Go knickers are the only underwear you can change without taking off your clothes.

New Zealand Sky Dive disaster in 2010 due to ‘overloading’

A report looking into causes of the 2010 New Zealand Sky Dive disaster, which saw eight people killed, has blamed the incident on ‘overloading’ and poor management.

Travellers meeting on flights is commoner than you think

Worried about travelling alone during your gap year? Don't be - it turns out that making friends whilst travelling is so easy that 39 per cent of us have forged relationships on airplanes, according to a recent survey by Sky Scanner.

Airline uses martial arts to control rowdy passengers

Have you ever misbehaved on a flight? Well, you better watch out - because one airline has started training its staff in martial arts, so they can give the chop to any unruly travellers.

Global SIM card to make calls cheaper

A new global SIM, which can adopt local numbers of the country someone is travelling in, is hoping to make calling home 90 per cent cheaper for backpackers.

Backpackers warned to be safe in Thailand, after recent bombings

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office have extended travel restrictions in Thailand, after 13 people were killed at 400 injured by bombs in Hat Yai and Yala over the weekend.

EuroStar to dabble in music festivals

EuroStar are moving from trains to try their hand at music festivals by launching a one day musical extravaganza in London this summer, in collaboration with internationally renowned DJ Gilles Peterson.

Burma plans development to meet tourism needs

Burma is making plans to become more 'tourism friendly' in wake of a massive influx of traveller interest, according to TravelWire Asia.

European festivals more popular with young Brits

ABTA are predicting a massive surge in bookings for European music festivals this summer – as Glastonbury is cancelled in the UK.

Parents inspired by kid’s gap years

Parents are so inspired by their children’s gap year stories – that they’re visiting the same places as their globe-trotting kids.

YHA wins at Australian Tourism Awards

Two YHA hostels have scooped the top awards for backpacker accommodation at the 2012 Quantas Australian Tourism Awards.

InterRail Pass turns 40

This year the InterRail Pass, a ticket to budget travel across Europe, is celebrating its 40th anniversary.

Adventurers Wanted! Win a job in Australia’s Outback

Three young people are being offered a chance to escape the doom and gloom of the UK and win three very unusual paid jobs in Australia. Sunshine, friendly locals and an unforgettable time are guaranteed!

New budget travel pass launches in Africa

A new ‘Go Africa’ budget travel pass has launched, to make flights with Kenya Airways cheaper and more flexible.

2012 is set to be the year of travel

A recent search reveals that an estimated 2.5 million young people in the UK will be planning a gap year in 2012. The findings, by youth travel specialist, STA Travel predict a boom in student travel this year as unemployment soars and university fees rise.