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.

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.

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!

Mexico City’s Most Important Heritage Attractions

Mexico City is one of the most ancient cities in the Americas with a rich and interesting past. It was originally built over Aztec ruins and is home to a great number of colonial structures and archaeological sites. If you’re interested in the heritage of a city, then there is no better place to visit than Mexico City. Brightsun Travel offers cheap tickets to Mexico City from UK , taking you to the heart of this charming historic destination.

Centro Historico is the most important historic place of interest in Mexico City which is home to the city’s most iconic landmarks, some of which we have included in our list of Mexico City’s hottest sightseeing spots below. You could spend an entire day here stepping back in time to a bygone era and exploring the museums, buildings and ancient ruins.

San Juan Teotihuacán

The sacred Mesoamerican city Teotihuacan is set around 50km from Mexico City, dating back a number of centuries. Why is this attraction so important? It’s considered as the destination where the gods were created, and is one of the oldest archaeological sites in Mexico home to spectacular preserved monuments including the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon.

Chapultepec Castle

This stunning 18th century structure is set in the city’s Chapultepec Park, and was an official residence of former Mexican leaders including Emperor Maximilian and Porfirio Diaz. Chapultepec Castle was also an important site in the Mexican-American war and today it’s home to the National History Museum, which has some important exhibitions and artefacts.

Templo Mayor

The Templo Mayor is one of the few remaining sites of Tenochtitlan, the Aztec city that Mexico City was built over. This archaeological wonder was formerly the most important site in the city and it’s now home to a museum displaying captivating Aztec artefacts which were excavated beside the Templo Mayor.

Catedral Metropolitana

Catedral Metropolitana is the largest cathedral in the Americas with a rich and fascinating history. This grandeur building was built on the ruins of an Aztec site and features a mixture of old architectural styles, artworks and influences including baroque, gothic, neo-classical and Mexican Churrigueresque.

Brightsun Travel has cheap flights to Mexico City from UK from a range of UK airports and our team of experienced and knowledgeable consultants can help you with your travel-related queries, whether you want to know about hotels near Mexico City airport, find out more about the city’s attractions or discuss your flight options.

6 Interesting Facts To Inspire You To Take a Flight To Lagos

Lagos is one of the largest cities in Nigeria which is renowned for its exquisite beaches, luxurious resorts, colonial buildings and exciting nightlife. This charming destination offers everything from a fascinating cultural heritage and wildlife rich lagoons to a thriving food scene, all which make it the perfect holiday choice. We have put together 6 interesting facts about Lagos which may inspire you to visit this alluring city.

It’s Home to West Africa’s Tallest Building

Lagos boasts an impressive skyline of dazzling skyscrapers; the city’s 32-storey NECOM House tower is the tallest building in West Africa which was constructed in 1979. This marvel of a tower rises 160m above the city and serves as a lighthouse for the city’s harbor.

It’s One of the World’s Fastest Growing Cities

You can book cheap air tickets to Lagos to visit Lagos which is one of the fastest growing cities in the world. The population of the city has skyrocketed from 1.5 million to over 20 million in the last 50 years.

It’s the Centre of Nollywood

Nollywood is the nickname for the Nigerian movie industry. Based in Lagos, this industry produces more than 10,000 movies per year. It’s a fact that Nollywood films earn more than Hollywood and Bollywood films in Nigeria and other African countries.

It’s the Birthplace of Many Music Styles

Lagos is world-famous for its fascinating music culture. A number of styles of music have evolved in this city, including Nigerian hip-hop, Fuji and Sakara. You can visit some of Lagos’ eclectic nightclubs to enjoy amazing live music performances by renowned artists.

 

It’s home to Africa’s Longest Bridge

Lagos boasts the continent’s longest bridge – Third Mainland Bridge which is 5 miles long and connects Lagos Island to the city’s mainland. Book cheap flights to Lagos to discover this spectacular bridge which was constructed by Julius Berger Nigeria PLC in 1990.

It Boasts a Floating City

Lagos is home to Makoko, which is the world’s largest floating city constructed over the water on stilts. Here you can witness locals travelling through the waterways on boats. A major highlight of Makoko is the two-storey floating school which provides education to underprivileged children.