Blame it on hyperbolic forecasts of economic doom and gloom, the implosion of the media and a sense of ennui when it comes to conventional nights out, but it seems like London is looking to the past for inspiration with a new (or maybe old) wave of retro-themed events hitting the capital. The 1930s and 1940s might seem like an unlikely era to emulate when it comes to partying, but the combination of swing music, kitsch Union Jack-bedecked decor and the chance to dress up in polka dots, stockings and pin-up icon make-up provide a hip escape from the monotony of daily life and drum and bass music! From cabaret bars to big band dances and interactive cinema, here’s a brief introduction to the retro revival evoking the romantic spirit of Blitz-era London.

The Blitz Party

Smudge on some red lipstick, paint on your stocking seams and grab a man in uniform for the Blitz Party, a 1940s-themed knees-up that kicks off at set dates in the suitably atmospheric Arches in Shoreditch. Jazz bands, cabaret acts and eye-poppingly co-ordinated swing dancers set the pace amid World War II posters, sandbags and provisions tins, with Union Jacks and bunting galore streaming above the dance floor. After having steadily grown in popularity throughout 2011, the recent New Year’s Eve event was packed out with hipsters putting their best foot forward in tea dresses, victory rolls and military threads, proving that the coolest way to spend a Saturday night is now more likely to involve Glenn Miller tracks and jitterbugging than dubstep and class A’s. Other swell touches included of-the-moment drinks like the Spitfire, an outdoors hog roast and newsreel and movie montages flickering across the brick walls – our tip is to grab a gin and a friend and emulate the semi-professionals waltzing across the floor. You’ll most likely look like an un-coordinated pair of toddlers spinning about, but letting go and getting in the mood (as Mr. Miller himself would have it) is what the Blitz Party is all about!

The next Blitz Party event takes place on Saturday 28th January, with tickets priced at £20 each.

Secret Cinema

What started out as a niche idea has now grown into a huge production spanning almost two months, with a massive cast and thousands turning up to participate in interactive screenings of movie classics. The unpredictable nature of Secret Cinema means that you could well end up in the future rather than the past, but the last few efforts from the SC team have centered around black and white cult favorites like The Red Shoes and The Battle of Algiers. Keeping the main event shrouded in secrecy until the reels start rolling, ticket-holders instead receive drips of information through mystic missives with only a few 0bscure clues to work from. Perhaps one of the most impressive elements of Secret Cinema is the covert collaboration between those who have been to keep it a surprise, and I’m certainly not going to be the one to lift the veil – suffice to say that the current production involved getting dressed up in 1940s gear, exploring an incredible 5 floor building with meticulous sets and actors merging in with the nervous crowds, and delving into a hidden world of murder, double-bluffing and smuggling. After getting chatted up by a Soviet officer, trading bottles with waitresses and singing happy birthday to a bemused lecture room within the first 15 minutes, I can safely say it’s one of the more unusual and memorable ways I’ve spent a Saturday night in recent months. One thing to remember is to throw yourself into the confusion, invent an alter ego (or three) and talk to everyone you bump into – spend the night at the bar and you’ve missed the point entirely!

Secret Cinema runs until the end of January 2012. Tickets are £35 each or £25 concessions.

Cellar Door

A sense of the clandestine and risqué permeates the atmosphere at Cellar Door, a tiny cabaret bar hidden near the Aldwych Theatre in the heart of the West End. Situated beneath the bustling pavements of Theatreland, Cellar Door used to be an infamous gentlemens’ public toilet reputedly frequented by Wilde, Gielgud and Orton, and whilst the interior has now been suitably jazzed up with mirrored walls, a stellar cocktail bar and a series of glamorous cabaret singers and burlesque dancers, it retains a theatrical and uninhibited ambience that makes you feel like you’ve stepped from 2010′s London into 1930′s Berlin in the blink of a false eyelash. Vintage dress is not compulsory but it will help you get into the swing of things, as the ‘Fallen Angel’ performers belt out stage and old-school classics whilst pawing unsuspecting customers and pin-up burlesque dancers pep up the evening with a shower of sequins and feathers. Audience participation and singalongs are almost mandatory, so be prepared to come out of your shell! Old fashioned glamour aside, the bar is arguably one of the best in the city – choose from spirits classed as a Von Teese, Page or Monroe on an imaginative cocktail list that makes deciding a tricky process. I recommend the quirky Breakfast Martini (gin, marmalade, Cointreau and lemon juice), sipped from an idosyncratic china teacup and saucer.

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About The Author:  Olivia Squire is a London-based writer who currently writes for TubeHotels.com, a price comparison site for hotels in London, and in particular hotels near tube stations.
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New York
The managers of New York HI love Christmas and New Years, they say it’s the best time of the year to enjoy the city. They put on three festive activities a day for guests from mid-December to early January, including guided tours of the New York illuminations, trips to enjoy the Christmas carols at the Harlem Gospel Church and welcome parties with free cocktails. They’ll also help you on your mission to spend New Year in Times Square or in a nightclub with your fellow travellers.

Prague
Sir Toby’s Hostel invites all guests to cook and eat a great Christmas dinner together for free. Their large kitchen is perfect for communal dining and you’ll get to meet some great people around the Christmas turkey who are sure to have some interesting travel stories to tell. Whoever is so inclined is then encouraged to enjoy Midnight Mass in English at the nearby Anglican Church.

Sydney
Blue Parrot is the best place to spend a social Christmas in Sydney. The inn is run by two sisters who know how to create a warm, family atmosphere. They’ll be giving out little Christmas presents to everyone staying on December 25, and they’ll also be the opportunity to join in the “Secret Santa” by offering a small gift to another traveller. Customers can also enjoy a tradition Christmas dinner menu, which includes turkey, pudding and also a barbecue with grilled kangaroo. At New Year the sisters will bring their guests to watch the Sydney Harbour fireworks from the comfort of a small park known only to the locals after a day of picnic relaxing under the sun of the Australian summer.

Rome
The B & B Smart in Rome has got some exciting things planned for Christmas and New Year including traditional Italian Christmas decorations, champagne and delicious lunches and dinners cooked especially for the occasion. Afterwards you can enjoy the evening fireworks held in the city or, for anyone wishing to attend the Christmas Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, it’s within walking distance.

Amsterdam
Cocomama Youth Hostel is offering a delicious hearty dinner on Christmas Eve with games and films to be played afterwards. On New Year’s Eve customers can join the employees on foot to the nearby Museum Square where the concerts and NYE activities takes place.

London
The Generator Hostel celebrates Christmas in true English tradition from 24 December 26. During the day, Christmas films will be broadcast and in the evening they’ll be holding a lottery where you can win bottles of champagne. A free cocktail is offered to anyone in Christmas-themed dress. On New Year’s Eve the Generator is holding its own party featuring a DJ and karaoke and with many prizes and a glass of champagne for each customer.

Get Christmas dinner at the Clink Hostel in London on Christmas Eve with lollipops and wine. Then on Christmas morning guests can come to a pyjama party where you can get breakfast until noon and then play billiards, quizzes and games and on Boxing Day, you can join in with a fun game of bingo.

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About The Author:  Shing Mon Chung | Online Marketing Executive | HostelBookers.com Ltd  e: ShingMon.Chung@Hostelbookers.com | t:+44 (0)20 7406 1800 | f:+44 (0)20 7406 1801
a: 52-54 High Holborn, London, WC1V 6RL
Registered Number: 2841908 England
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Photo Credit:  HostelBookers.com

Did you know Edinburgh has its own volcano? Well, it’s an extinct volcano, but that’s still pretty impressive. Called Arthur’s Seat and the highest of seven hills that you’ll find in Edinburgh, it would be a shame to visit and not ascend. There are even a variety of routes that cater to all levels of fitness and the views really are so worth the effort. Also worth a mention is “Our Dynamic Earth”, which gives you information about how this landmark came about. So, you can get some exercise and be educated all in the same day.

Edinburgh Castle can be seen from almost everywhere in town and a wander around here is a must.   Another thing on Edinburgh’s “to do” list happens at 1 am. Unless you are used to it, are deaf, a very heavy sleeper or already up (it’s Edinburgh in festival season, right?), then be prepared for the field gun, which launches a shell every night excluding Sunday, Christmas Day and Good Friday. Originally a time signal for ships, you can, if you happen to be awake and have some ear plugs ready, take a seat at a memorial bench to “Tam the Gun”, (otherwise known as Staff Sergeant Thomas McKay MBE), who fired the weapon for 27 years.

Many of the hotels Edinburgh is home to have information on tourist attractions and the lovely historical buildings for which the city is famous. There are some great examples of modern architecture to marvel at as well. The site where the Netherbrow Centre once stood has been converted into the Scottish Storytelling Centre. The John Knox house, which was built in the 15th century, was also included in the facelift project, directed by Malcolm Fraser Architects. Another triumph of theirs is the Scottish Poetry Library, tucked down Crichton’s Close.  This building won the architects the “Building of the Year” competition run by Channel 4 in 2000.

After dark, Edinburgh’s twisty, cobbled and winding streets take on an esoteric, spooky feel. It’s the perfect time to take a ghost tour around the secret spots and get your fill of chills. One of the more historically correct, is a tour that shows visitors around Mary King’s Close. This was sealed and closed down to the public for many years after being used as a quarantine area during an outbreak of plague in the 1600s to stop the spread of infection. This atmospheric place is many feet deep beneath the city’s modern thoroughfares and is a great snapshot of life at the time.

Amazingly a fully functioning police station, the Police Information Centre, is a museum for all things relating to Edinburgh policing.  The museum includes possibly the most ghoulish exhibit – that of a business card holder fashioned from the cured human skin of the notorious corpse robber- William Burke. There are also some viscous looking weapons and some rather lovely ceremonial truncheons. Festivals, ghosts, history, volcanoes, castles and hotels Edinburgh has them all and more.

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About The Author:  This is a guest post written by Saul Malpass an aspiring blogger who enjoys writing and passing on his knowledge and enthusiasm for subjects through blogging. Saul has a degree in Journalism and blogs on behalf of www.lodging-world.com  a company who specialize in hotels in Edinburgh.
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Winter is the perfect time to visit the ‘big smoke’ with the numerous shopping streets selling everything from sweaters to mulled wine, and for its historic and infamous Theatreland. The options of shows are boundless, with classic musicals such as Wicked, Billy Elliot and The Phantom of the Opera being permanent fixtures in the city, as well as long-lasting plays like Mousetrap and The Woman In Black. If you are looking to see a show that is directly geared towards Christmas, however, then here are some to check out.

Christmas with the Rat Pack is coming back to London for another season, playing at the Wyndham’s Theatre from 20^th December until 7^th January. The show transports audiences back to the 1950s and 60s where Frank ‘Ol’ Blue Eyes’ Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jnr and Dean Martin’s smooth vocals lifted any mood and entertained millions throughout the world. The essence of these legends of the music and movie industries is brought to the stage, wowing audiences and getting even the most Scrooge-like person in the mood for Christmas with seasonal greats such as White Christmas, Silent Night and Baby It’s Cold Outside. A favourite with anyone who appreciates these classic songs, Christmas with the Rat Pack is wonderful for those who want to sit back, relax and be carried away by the suave vocals.

For those who are interested in seeing a dance show with beautiful music, then Matthew Bourne’s Nutcracker at Sadler’s Wells is a great choice for the Christmas season. Having been absent from the London stage since its 2003/4 sell-out run, the show is back for a limited period from 6^th December until 22^nd January. The fresh and reimagined version of the Tchaikovsky classic features Matthew Bourne’s pathos and wit, as well as beautiful costumes and sets from Anthony Ward and brilliant choreography. The show is a traditional favourite during the winter season and is a popular choice.

If you are coming to London to see a show with young children, then The Snowman at the Peacock Theatre is an excellent choice and will have the kids in amazement long after the curtain has closed. The show is usually on the Christmas calendar every year and is a great mixture of dance, stagecraft and music, featuring the haunting ‘Walking In The Air’ performed by a live orchestra. The Snowman is sure to put the whole family in the mood for Christmas and is also a fantastic selection for a first-time theatre performance. It is booking until 8^th January 2012.

If none of these shows are whetting your appetite and you fancy yourself as a bit of a Scrooge, then why not see A Christmas Carol at the Arts Theatre? Written by Charles Dickens, the story takes the audience through Scrooge’s past to his future, going through dark, creaking houses, cosy firesides and creepy graveyards. Producer Simon Callow returns to the show to create a funny, heart-breaking and celebratory piece of theatre that is perfect for Christmas. A Christmas Carol will show from 8^th December until 14^th January.

There is something for everyone this Christmas in London, whether you are coming with the children or taking a quiet weekend break away. London will never disappoint when it comes to theatre, and with its rich history, beautiful historical buildings and wide variety of shows, you are sure to have a memorable trip.

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Alice Bzowska is a London-based writer who currently writes for London Theatre Tickets website, Theatre Tickets Cheap.
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The Air France Holidays package includes roundtrip airfare, flights from Paris to Rome, plus 6 nights hotel with continental breakfast.  Naturally there will be various terms and conditions and additional misc. taxes and fees.  And if Rome is not your desired destination, there are also $999  packages for Paris plus London, Prague, Amsterdam or Florence.  The sale is valid for travel dates through the end of March.

Faites un bon voyage!

Images: Air France Holidays

To celebrate the one-year anniversary of their joint transatlantic partnership, British Airways, American Airlines and Iberia Airlines have launched a terrific winter sale. 

Don’t you just cringe when you see that little * asterisk sign?  It means whatever the ad is saying they are about to introduce so many term, conditions, and fees that you won’t recognize the original offer!  Well this sale while it is a step in the right direction does indeed come with a whole host of restrictions and additional government taxes.    Your final ticket price will likely be hundreds of dollars more by the time all the taxes and fees are added in.  The British Airways sale uses the Fare Basis OKXNAJB.  A travel agent can easily help you identify days that this fare would be available and what the final ticket price will be.

Tickets for the Europe sales must be purchased by November 15, 2011 for travel between November 8th and May 21, 2012.  All travel must be completed by June 15, 2012.  The least expensive days for travel to Continental  Europe are Sunday through Thursday, and Monday to Wednesday are the least expensive travel days to the UK.

Once your tickets are secured, you will no doubt want to look into finding a cheap car hire and good hotel deal.  If you’re like me, it’s been way too long since you’ve roamed cobbled stone streets and sipped an espresso at a chic sidewalk cafe.

photo credit – flickr: Trodel

Old Head Golf Club, Kinsale

Most golf enthusiasts have one common day-dream, to play golf once in their lifetime on legendary courses in Ireland and Scotland.  Perhaps nowhere else on earth is the love of  golf more prevalent than in the British Isles where the game of golf was invented.  Long-time provider of affordable travel to Ireland and Scotland, Sceptre Tours has formed a new division that specializes golf-inclusive vacation packages.  SceptreGolf.com is designing new golf packages that include rounds on some of the best courses in Scotland and Ireland.  These packages are surprisingly affordable for top level resorts and golf courses.  Time to text your buddies and start planning a golf getaway!!

Here’s a glimpse of some of their most attractive packages in Ireland (based on April 2012 costs):

Western Ireland:  Legendary Courses & Adare Manor Villas, Fm $1299 pp
This package which is good for April 2012 and includes round-trip airfare to Ireland, 6 nights in a 3 bedroom villa at 5-star Adare Manor Resort in Limerick (based on quad occupancy).  Standard shift minivan and 4 rounds of golf including Ballybunion Old Course and Cashen Course in Kerry, Adare Manor Course in Limerick and Lahinch Golf Club in Clare.

Southern Ireland – Legendary Courses & Lodge at Blarney Resort, Fm $1599 pp
This package in the heart of southern Ireland includes round-trip airfare to Ireland, 6 nights lodging in a two-bedroom lodge at the Blarney Resort, standard shift minivan, and 4 rounds of golf at Old Head in Kinsale, Fota Island Golf Club in Cork, the Killarney Golf & Fishing Club (Kileen Course) and Blarney Golf Course in Blarney.

Eastern Ireland – Legendary Courses & The Ritz-Carlton Powerscourt, Fm $1899 pp
This deluxe package includes round-trip airfare to Ireland, 6 nights at The Ritz-Carlton Powerscourt (with interconnecting deluxe room), standard shift minivan, 4 rounds of golf at The K Club in Kildare (Parmer Course), The European in Wicklow, the Potmarnock Golf Club in Dublin and Druids Glen in Wicklow.

Visit SceptreGolf.com for complete details and terms and conditions.

Photo: Flickr/Monster

The Regimental Museum can also be found on Tower Street and displays in its spacious surroundings magnificent paintings, prints and uniforms of regiments that go back as far as the 17th century. Currently, admission to this fascinating place is only £4, but is free to accompanied children under 16.

History lovers are bound to want to visit Yorkshire Air Museum, which is to be found in 20 acres of parkland at Elvington close to York City. Admission to what was, at one time, World War II RAF Bomber Command Station, is currently £7 for adults, £5 for senior citizens and £4 for children.

Yorkshire Air Museum is indeed the biggest WWII station open to the general public and has a large restaurant to dine in, splendid gardens to peruse and more than 15 exhibitions to enjoy.

Jorvik Viking Centre provides an excellent fun family day out and should be an educational experience too, as visitors can learn all about the Vikings and where they came from, what they did and eventually where they went. Prices start from £9.25 for adults and £6.25 for children between the ages of 5 and 15. Some concessions are also available.  Schools who wish to visit Jorvik Centre are regularly catered for, so children can learn about this fascinating era.

York’s National Railway Museum is another must see for both young and old alike. Originally opening in 1975, it has been extended on more than one occasion. However, what with its fascinating collection of 100 locomotives and other items, it continues to be a success with the public. Entry is free, although charges do apply for certain special events.

Whilst local engineers designed the railways, many navigators, or navvies (as they have become known), built them and this and many more stories of how the railways began can be learnt about at this Railway Museum.

York Minster is one of the biggest and indeed most beautiful Gothic Cathedrals in the World and for this very reason, attracts many people from all over the globe who marvel at its architectural splendour whilst delving into its fascinating history. Admission fees are currently £9 for adults and £8 for senior citizens, whilst students and children aged 16 and under are allowed free entry.

Currently, it is said to cost approximately £20,000 per day just to run this amazing Cathedral.

Sporting enthusiasts are bound to be drawn to York Races, where the racecourse is considered to be one of the best in Britain. Admission prices are largely dependent upon the fixture, but course enclosure is between £5 to £7, although accompanied children aged up to 16 are allowed free admission.

Clifford’s Tower is another of York’s many historic attractions and is what remains of York’s Castle and its keep. From here, one can enjoy some of the most splendid views of York City and in the springtime, the banks are coloured with beautiful yellow daffodils. Admission costs are currently just £3.50 for adults and £1.80 for children.

Treasurer’s House is a fascinating 17th century building located behind York Minster. Here, one can embark upon a guided tour of this fascinating medieval dwelling and explore its many treasures, including the walled garden and art gallery. Admission charges are £6.30 and £3.10 for adults and children respectively.

Most interestingly, there is a Roman Tour available at Treasurer’s House, where those brave enough can hear all about the ghostly apparitions said to be seen here!

One place that certainly should not fail to impress its visitors is York Castle Museum, which is particularly famous for its recreation of a Victorian Street known as Kirkgate. There is also a host of exhibitions to choose from here, including York Castle Prison and even the 1960s! A year’s admission is only £8.50 for adults and is free for children under 16.

As part of the programme for 2010/11, York Castle Museum staff will be committing themselves to an adult learning service via workshops, events and other activities within the Museum and within Yorkshire Museum and York Art Gallery.

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About The Author: This post was contributed by Anthony Haslam of TravelSupermarket.com.  Travel Supermarket.com is a UK price comparison site.

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ROME – Hotel Dama  This property was renovated in 2011 and is located 10 minutes from Termini station with restaurants and shops close by.  Ensuite rooms are nicely furnished with every modern comfort and are now 40% off.

LISBON – Lisbon Calling  This new hostel is located in the heart of the historic city center, close to major tourist attractions, shops and nightlife and has been fully renovated.  This is one of HostelBooker’s top selling properties at regular prices and now they are offering 40% discounts.

DUBLIN – The Jacobs Inn  A short stroll from Trinity College, Temple Bar and located in the city center, this inn features free events like dance parties, movie nights, salsas nights, and walking tours, as well as free Wi-Fi, Playstation, pool table and more.  It’s definitely a place to make friends.  Discounts for the summer sale are 20% off.

PRAGUE – Plus Prague Hotel  This is the choice when you want ALL the amenities including an indoor swimming pool, sauna, late night bar and family Italian restaurant.  There’s even a girls only area featuring oversized bathrooms with cosmetic tables, huge mirrors and ample hairdryers.  The summer sale discount is 30% off.

BARCELONA – Be Hostels Mar  Located in the heart of the trendy Raval neighborhood, this hostel is close to art galleries and an easy 10 minutes away from famous Las Ramblas.  Top attractions like the Picasso Museum, the Gaudi cathedral, beaches and the harbor are all within walking distance.  Rooms during the sale at 20% off.

Amsterdam Beer Bike

1.  Amsterdam: Maybe not the first place you think of for a “different” getaway. Make this weekend your own, however, by skipping the same busy clubs and coffee houses and try a new way to consume lager–the beer bicycle! This giant contraption is part bike, part bar, and all fun. It seats 8-18 people, and comes with a driver to transport you around Amsterdam. Pick your locations if you have somewhere in particular you’d like to visit. Nothing makes an entrance quite like 10 lads on a beer bike!

Bratislava

2.  Bratislava: Not only will a weekend here be cheaper than many other destinations, you can surprise the groom-to-be with a pretty remarkable experience. Get great seats to mud wrestling between bikini-clad babes, and watch them duke it out over drinks. Just when you think it can’t get any better, toss in the stag to join the action!

Croatia Yachting

3. Croatia: For a more laid back Stag do, try sailing in Croatia. The utmost in lazy vacations, you can climb on board in Split, Croatia with nothing but a spare t-shirt and have everything taken care of for you. Imagine: a private boat filled with only your best mates, the captain, and a chef. Sail from one island to another in the Adriatic, taking time to swim and enjoy water activities.

4. Newcastle: Don’t feel like flying for a weekend stag do? Stick closer to home with a party in Newcastle, but skip the overdone club scene and try something a little more unusual this weekend. Suit up for a gladiator duel between you and your mates and take it out on that one guy who is really getting on your nerves. Nothing relieves pre-wedding stress like battling it out!

5. Bristol: For a stag activity you’ll never forget, try the Somerset Challenge. The challenge consists of 7 crazy activities where you compete against each other for points, and ultimately, the title. Challenges include a cider run, drunken pub skittles, and welly wanging! If you’re not drunk enough by the time you’ve finished the challenges, a barbecue is provided at the finish complete with beers for all!

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About The Author: This article was contributed by the folks at Redseven Leisure.  “Redseven is quite a diverse, unconventional, innovative travel company based in Brighton, UK.  We believe in making a difference, and empower our staff to help make that difference – especially for our customers.”  It is clear from visiting their site that they are tops in planning unforgettable Stag and Hen getaways for prospective bridges and grooms.
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