Six Record-Breaking Facts About Dubai

Dubai is surely a great place to explore and experience the best of family fun, Middle Eastern culture and vacation shopping. This cosmopolitan city can easily impress visitors with its modern landscape that marvellously blends with its well-preserved traditional elements.

And in case you’re booking cheap tickets to Dubai to enjoy the time of your life here, then here are some record-breaking facts about the city that can help you comprehend the physical magnificence of Dubai:

Highest Tennis Court: Back in 2005, the helipad of the Burj Al Arab was transformed into the world’s highest tennis court to host a friendly ATP match between Roger Federer and Andre Agassi. So you can try something really adventurous here with a game of tennis at 650ft above the ground.

City with the Most Buildings at 300m or Taller: This unique record sums up the spectacular cityscape of Dubai. The city has some 21 buildings rising above 300m into the sky and this figure is twice as many as the second city on the list.

Largest Indoor Ski Resort: Ski Dubai became the world’s largest indoor ski resort when it was opened in December 2005. You can surely include this excellent family attraction in your travel itinerary as you book your cheap air tickets to Dubai for a wholesome family vacation in this Middle Eastern cosmopolis.

Largest Vertical Maze: The Al Rostamani Maze Tower on Sheikh Zayed Road stands at a little more than 200 metres above the ground. This largest vertical maze in the world can easily amaze you with its eccentric beauty, and surely entice you to take a picture of this brilliant Dubai skyscraper.

Tallest Hotel: Standing at 356.3 metres, the magnificently-lit Gevora Hotel along Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai is the tallest hotel in the world. This grandeur five-star hotel took this crown from the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai in Business Bay when it was opened to the public in February 2018.

Tallest Topiary Sculpture: The Mickey Mouse topiary at the Dubai Miracle Garden officially made it into the record books in January 2018 for being the world’s tallest topiary structure. This magnificent topiary stands at 18m and is made using 1000 varieties of plants and flowers.

At Brightsun.co.uk, you can browse discounted airfares to Dubai to discover these record-breaking attractions at this brilliant holiday destination.

Six Great Thai Products That You Should Buy In Phuket

Phuket in Southern Thailand is a great place for beach fun and nature exploration. Visitors from different parts of the globe book their cheap Phuket holidays for a memorable tour of this exotic Thai destination.

Apart from its numerous beaches and city attractions, Phuket is also known for Thai souvenirs and other local products sold at the bazaars and flea markets here. So in case you wish to top off your Phuket vacations with some holiday shopping, then here are six things that you can consider buying here:

Coconut Bowls: You can buy handmade coconut bowls made out of coconut shells as Thai souvenirs. These colourful bowls are usually lacquered – often over a shell mosaic – from inside to give them a smooth finish. There are many souvenir shops in Patong and Phuket Town where you can grab a couple of these handcrafted Thai souvenirs.

Thai Silk: There are some superb sarongs, dresses and trousers made with colourful Thai silk. You can find many small markets in Phuket to buy some cheaper silk stuff, but in case you wish to buy sophisticated designs and high quality stuff, then you must check out Jim Thompson shops in Central Phuket.

 

Beach Sandals: These colourful and incredibly cheap sandals are available in hundreds of fun designs. You can get a pair or two during your all-inclusive Phuket holidays from any of the crowded markets and kiosks in the city. And while at it, you can always bargain a bit on the tag price.

Phuket Pearls: Phuket has been into production of pearls for over four decades, and you can easily buy some beautiful and affordable pearl sets at Phuket Pearl Shop in Phuket town. This legendary shop deals in Akoya Pearls, Mabe Pearls and South Sea Pearls that are also used at international beauty contests.

Elephant Souvenirs: As a significant part of the Thai identity, elephants literally come in all shapes and sizes in Thailand. Yes, you can check this yourself while exploring the night markets of Phuket, and grab a piece or two of meticulously designed toy elephants. Though a bit pricey, the ones made of Thai silk are particularly popular among the visitors here.

Fisherman Pants: Cheap, light and comfortable, these colourful cotton pants make for a great summer wear. These unisex pants were introduced in Thailand in the late 19th century and used mostly by Thai fishermen. So you can surely buy a pair or two of this fun souvenir that comes in different designs and colour patterns.

So make the most of your action-packed Thai vacations with luxury holidays to Phuket from UK offered by Brightsun Travel.

Best Beaches in Tel Aviv, Israel

Tel Aviv has the appeal of a modern metropolis with the added bonus of boasting a beautiful stretch of coastline. There are a number of blissful beaches across the city, so you’re never too far from a spot to relax amidst the bustle. We’ve compiled a list of the must-visit coastal hotspots of Tel Aviv that promise the ultimate fun beach day…

Mona Beach

Mona Beach requires an entrance fee during peak seasons but it’s totally worth it. This beautiful beach is very long so there are plenty of spots to relax on soft golden sands, and it has a range of great facilities, as well as breath-taking sunsets. Mona Beach is also believed to be a top spot for surfing.

Tel Baruch Beach

This serene beach is pristine, comfortable and slightly further out from the city centre, offering the ultimate retreat. The waters here have gentle waves which make for ideal swimming conditions, and some of the excellent facilities offered at Tel Baruch Beach include water sports, a beachfront restaurant, playground and volleyball court.

Frishman Beach

Frishman Beach offers endless beach fun with a number of volleyball courts, an outdoor fitness centre, a shallow point of entry into the water and a great selection of nearby bars and restaurants. Brightsun Travel offers cheap air tickets to Tel Aviv from UK, so book a break here and visit Frishman Beach for a day of fun and adventure.

Metzitzim Beach

This renowned Tel Aviv beach was named after a famous film from the 70s, Hof Metzitzim and is considered to be one of the city’s best family-friendly attractions with a play area, shallow waters, a high lifeguard presence, sports facilities and a choice of eateries. You’ll often witness beach parties at Metzitzim Beach during the summer.

Jerusalem Beach

Jerusalem Beach is located in the heart of the city, and it’s a popular swimming spot due to its clear and warm turquoise waters. The beach has a seaside promenade which offers awe-inspiring sunset vistas and loungers and parasols which are available to rent, as well as shaded wheelchair accessible areas and an excellent local restaurant.

Bograshov Beach

The bustling Bograshov Beach is popular with both locals and tourists with a backdrop of Tel Aviv’s modern skyline. The beachfront here is lined with impressive hotels and the beach itself is just steps away from plenty of restaurants. Bograshov Beach is particularly vibrant on the weekends!

Secure cheap flights to Tel Aviv from UK with Brightsun and look forward to visiting this beach-lover’s haven.

Atlanta’s Top 5 Prettiest Parks & Gardens

Atlanta is a bustling US hotspot with many beautiful and welcoming green spaces in and around the city to escape to, enjoy extensive leisure facilities at and fully appreciate nature. Read our pick of the best gardens and parks in Atlanta which are sure to offer a wonderful and relaxing travel experience.

Sweetwater Creek State Park

This serene park is located within easy reach of downtown Atlanta, comprising of nature trails which wind through forests, fields and exotic plants and trees. The Sweetwater Creek State Park is also home to a 215 acre reservoir which offers great fishing activities and boat rides during Atlanta’s warmer months and an award-winning visitor centre with captivating exhibits.

Oakland Cemetery

The 48-acre Oakland Cemetery is the oldest public park in Atlanta and the final resting place for thousands of the city’s former citizens, including soldiers of the Civil War. The gardens here are filled with greenery, plants, flowers, ancient trees and sculptures and the site hosts lots of colourful events and festivals throughout the year.

Historic Fourth Ward Park

The Historic Fourth Ward Park boasts charming waterways including a two-acre lake, an amphitheatre which often hosts concerts, a children’s adventure park and plenty of picnic spots among abundant greenery, not to mention skating opportunities. Secure yourself some cheap air tickets to Antalya from UK with Brightsun Travel and ensure you visit this attraction which makes for a perfect respite from the city.

Stone Mountain Park

This park is located just outside of the city but is well worth venturing out to for the day; it’s the most visited attraction in Georgia with over 3200 acres of natural splendour to admire. Stone Mountain Park is home to some picturesque hiking trails as well as fun-filled attractions, including a treetop adventure course and the world’s longest running laser show.

Lullwater Preserve

Last but certainly not least, Atlanta’s Lullwater Preserve is located in the Emory University campus, open to the public with great views of the Candler Lake, a suspension bridge which overlooks historic ruins, pretty waterfalls, old growth trees and scenic trails. The Lullwater House is also located here which is an attractive 1920s Tudor style mansion.

Brightsun Travel is a UK travel service provider offering great deals on cheap flights to Antalya from UK plus worldwide holidays, tours and cruises. Check our latest offers out now at Brightsun.co.uk

Make The Most Of The Brightsun Travel Digital Advent Calendar This December !

Launched on 1st December 2019, our online digital advent calendar gives you the opportunity to win awesome prizes in the days leading up to Christmas Eve. This innovative digital project is sponsored by many of our airline partners that includes Air China, Air Canada, Asiana Airlines, Etihad Airways, Gulf Air, Lufthansa, Royal Air Maroc, TAP Air Portugal, Malaysia Airlines, British Airways, Emirates, Virgin Atlantic and Thai Airways, and also our hotel partner St James’ Court, a Taj Hotel.

All you need to do is just visit http://www.brightsun.co.uk/win, click open the door for that day and fill in the required details. This free to enter lucky draw will give you the chance to win everything from Apple watches and vouchers to travel goodies and flight tickets. There are new gift hampers every day until 24th December, so do make sure you enter each day and see what great prizes are on offer.

You also stand a chance to win a pair of air tickets to Lisbon offered by TAP Air Portugal on the final day of our digital advent calendar. Lisbon is the vibrant capital of Portugal which promises a wonderful travel experience with sightseeing landmarks, stunning coastlines, a warm Mediterranean climate and plenty of bustling bars and restaurants, not to mention thrilling outdoor adventures.

With lots of chances to win prizes at your disposal, you can surely go ahead and try your luck for these great gift offers.  So keep your fingers crossed until 24th December and hope for the best prize offers. You can also invite your colleagues, relatives and close friends to enter this exciting digital advent calendar. Who knows what fortunes are in store for you this Christmas Eve!

This exciting advent calendar is completely free to enter, and while at it you can also explore our Christmas holiday offers that includes holiday packages to Las Vegas, Orlando and Sydney and many such popular vacation destinations. So visit Brightsun.co.uk to avail our latest Brightsun Travel Christmas offers and celebrate this holiday season with your near and dear ones.

6 Things To Know Before Visiting Bangkok

Bangkok is always full of life: crowded, noisy, colourful and exciting. There are temples, ancient sites, bustling markets and a whole host of amusement attractions in this Southeast Asian city to keep you constantly on your toes. To make the most of your time here, there are a few things that you should keep in mind as you embark on your cheap holidays to Bangkok.

1 – You can always rely on Bangkok’s public transportation for exploring the city’s numerous sightseeing attractions and cultural centres. The MRT (Light Rail) and BTS (Subway) are cheap, fast and convenient, the trains are quite clean and the token system is simple and efficient.

2 – It’s important to cover up your knees and elbows when visiting temples, monasteries and palaces. Moreover, it would be sensible to dress up properly even if a temple isn’t on your travel itinerary; you never know when you’ll come across a beautiful temple worth exploring!

3 – If you’d like to explore Bangkok by road, then you can surely go for a tuk-tuk ride during the day to get a better view of the city’s eclectic landscapes. However, when you’re exploring the city during the night, it makes more sense to hire a taxi.

4 – Thailand is definitely no free country like Britain where it’s quite normal to be critical of the British royalty. Thailand is a completely different world altogether, and you must not bother the locals about their personal or public views about the Thai royalty.

5 – You won’t find people queuing up here during your all-inclusive Bangkok holidays from UK. Instead of forming long lines, Thai residents form a crowd for their chance. So it’s always important to prepare for strange crowd formations while waiting in public places.

6 – You can save a good deal on airfare and hotel rates if you plan your Bangkok holidays during the month of April. However, this time is far from being the best time to explore the city as the humidity becomes almost intolerable.

Buckle up your belts for your luxury holidays to Bangkok with your near and dear ones.

Win Flight Tickets & Much More In The Brightsun Travel Digital Advent Calendar

We at Brightsun Travel have launched our digital advent calendar for 2019 and are very excited to announce some incredible prizes that are up for grabs in the 24 days before Christmas. This advent calendar is sponsored by our major partner airlines, including Air Canada, Lufthansa, Royal Air Maroc, Malaysia Airlines, TAP Air Portugal, Thai Airways, Air China, Asiana Airlines, Emirates, British Airways, Etihad Airways, Gulf Air and Virgin Atlantic, as well as our hotel partner St James’ Court, a Taj Hotel.

You could be in with the chance of winning a pair of flight tickets to Lisbon, the Portuguese capital courtesy of TAP Air Portugal with this festive competition. Lisbon is an idyllic city with a pleasant Mediterranean climate and historic sightseeing landmarks including the São Jorge Castle and Belém Tower. Another amazing prize on offer in this advent calendar is a blissful spa day worth £300 courtesy of Qatar Airways. You could be treating yourself and a loved one to some well needed pampering!

Other fab prizes on offer include a delicious afternoon tea at St James Court, a Taj Hotel in London, two tickets to the highly anticipated Manchester City vs. Liverpool football match at the Etihad Stadium in April 2020 courtesy of Etihad Airways, a £150 dining voucher offered by Virgin Atlantic, an Apple watch courtesy of Malaysia Airlines, a £50 Love2Shop voucher with Royal Brunei, a £200 Amazon voucher with Asiana Airlines and an Amazon Echo with Thai Airways.

There has already been some lucky winners announced this week, including Louise Reeks who won an IPad courtesy of British Airways, Emma Hussain who won an Amazon voucher with Emirates and Ellie Howe who bagged herself a pair of tickets to Marrakesh with Royal Air Maroc. Why not try your luck this month and enter yourself for the chance to win an epic prize. Just visit http://www.brightsun.co.uk/win every day until 24th December and click open the window for that day to be entered into the prize draw.  Check out our Brightsun Travel Digital Advent Calendar advert at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fuBtU27_vU

After entering yourself into our advent calendar prize draw, why not have a browse of our Christmas holiday packages and deals? We have some great value Brightsun Travel Christmas offers.

Guangzhou Must-Do’s – The City’s Best Tourist Experiences

Guangzhou is the immersive capital city of China’s Guangdong sheng province which is home to sacred sites, charming neighbourhoods and superb museums and art galleries. This charming city offers a plethora of attractions, including exciting shopping avenues, bustling night markets, intoxicating nightclubs, upmarket hotels and chic restaurants and bars. Brightsun Travel offers an excellent selection of cheap flights to Guangzhou, so you can look forward to a fantastic trip here. Below are Guangzhou’s top 4 tourist experiences which should definitely be added to your Guangzhou itinerary.

Enjoy Shopping Sprees

Guangzhou is the ultimate shopper’s paradise with plenty of malls and bustling streets offering great shopping and entertainment experiences. The Taikoo Hui shopping centre is a popular spot here where you can grab a bargain on upscale goods, as is the Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street which offers serious retail therapy in the form of chic boutiques and market stalls.

Encounter Fascinating Wildlife

Guangzhou is home to several sprawling nature reserves which offer great wildlife viewing opportunities. Visit the Xiangjiang Safari Park, one of Asia’s largest animal theme parks spread over 130 hectares. Here you can encounter more than 40,000 rare birds and animals, including Malay tapirs, white kangaroos, koalas, tigers and lions.

Discover Shamian Island

The eclectic Shamian Island is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the region where you can discover a range of historical buildings with Baroque, Gothic and Neoclassical architecture. There are also a number of stunning religious sites at Shamian Island, including the French Cathedral and Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church.

Take a Day Trip to Nansha

The beautiful Nansha region is set within an hour’s drive from Guangzhou; it’s home to the Tin Hau Temple, the largest Mazu temple in Southeastern Asia which is dedicated to Mazu, ‘Goddess of the Sea’ and the picturesque Sunflower Garden which displays millions of pretty sunflowers that bloom all year round.

You can book cheap tickets to Guangzhou from UK through Brightsun Travel and enjoy every moment of your memorable trip here.

Best 3 Bazaars In Istanbul

Bazaars are some of the most important attractions in Istanbul, introducing you to the city’s local cultures. These colourful marketplaces are great for people-watching and also for securing bargain prices on a myriad of traditional items, from fresh groceries and street snacks to handicrafts, souvenirs, clothes and accessories. We’ve listed the city’s best 3 bazaars which are must visits on a trip to Istanbul.

Arasta Bazaar

This bustling old bazaar is set beside the stunning Blue Mosque, dating back to the 17th century. It comprises of a series of shops selling traditional Turkish apparel, jewellery, pottery, souvenirs, carpets, tiles, kilims and more. Nearby are some local restaurants, traditional coffeehouses and the Museum of Great Palace Mosaics, so you could make a day of both sightseeing and shopping at the Arasta Bazaar.

Egyptian Bazaar

This famous Turkish marketplace is also known as the Spice Bazaar, considered to sell the best Turkish delight in the city as well as an array of spices, fruits, teas, cheeses and jewellery. Egyptian Bazaar is a delight for all the senses and the perfect spot to buy authentic local items. Book some cheap flights to Istanbul with Brightsun Travel and make sure you add this bazaar to your travel itinerary.

Grand Bazaar

Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar is one of the largest and oldest bazaars in the world at over 30,000 sq. m. Here you can spend the day browsing all kinds of bargain goods at around 4000 shops spanning around 60 streets. It’s the best example of a chaotic market and one of the most exciting shopping experiences you’ll ever have. At the Grand Bazaar you can purchase items such as handmade carpets, kilims, artworks, antiques, leather items and precious stones.

 

When is the Best Time to Visit Istanbul?

Istanbul is best visited in the autumn months (Sept-Nov) and in spring (March-May) when the tourist crowds aren’t as hectic, the hotel rates drop, you’ll be able to secure the best price on Istanbul flights deals and daytime temperatures are mild and pleasant; the sun is very likely to make an appearance during these periods.

Best Shopping in Bangkok – From Markets To Mega Malls

Bangkok is Thailand’s colourful capital and a shopping haven with endless options for retail therapy, from contemporary shopping malls housing designer brands to charming shopping streets and bustling markets selling bargain items. Brightsun travel offers cheap flights to Bangkok, so why not treat yourself to the ultimate getaway? We’ve put together a list of the top shopping spots in Bangkok which all have their own appeal and awesome items up for grabs.

Chatuchak Weekend Market

A trip to Bangkok is not complete without visiting this famous marketplace. It’s one of the world’s largest weekend markets, covering over 27 acres with over 15,000 stalls selling traditional items including handicrafts, souvenirs, merchandise and antiques. Chatuchak Weekend Market is an ideal place for a bit of bargaining and genuinely shopping until you drop.

Siam Paragon

The upscale Siam Paragon mall comprises of 10 storeys with many international high-end designers, including Dolce & Gabbana and Giorgio Armani. There are over 250 shops to browse here, as well as world-class dining venues, a Cineplex and one of the largest aquariums in South East Asia. This mall and its fancy façade offers an extra special shopping experience.

MBK Shopping Centre

The MBK Shopping Centre offers a unique shopping experience with several floors of market stalls and shops to browse – over 2000 in total! The mega mall is always bustling with shoppers purchasing items such as clothing, accessories, electronics, furniture and stationary. There are also food courts, restaurants and excellent leisure facilities to take advantage of here.

Chinatown – Yaowarat Road

Bangkok’s colourful Yaowarat Road is a perfect place to buy souvenirs. There are lots of quirky little shops to visit here and the best part is you can barter for a discount. The town’s indoor Old Siam Plaza shopping centre is a highlight with cute boutiques and tailor shops, as is Sampeng Lane, a major shopping street with a large number of traditional vendors.

Damnoen Saduak

One just has to experience the floating markets of Bangkok which is prime to Thailand’s cultural heritage, and the most popular one in the city is Damnoen Saduak which offers an exciting experience and epic photo opportunities with hundreds of sellers rowing along the narrow waterways. Goodies such as traditional cuisines, fresh fruits and souvenirs can be purchased here.

Take advantage of our cheap air tickets to Bangkok and look forward to some incredible shopping!