The Holidays are Coming - Sponsored by 4D

[Bob's Orange]

Thanks guys for the responses.

Shrivvy, we're half thinking of trying to go to Japan next year depending on cost. (think we have an Amex reward flight we may try and use) if I drop you a note is this a part of the world you'd be able to give me some advise on?

[Shrivvy Road]

Of course, be happy to help. I work closely with Inside Japan so feel free to drop me a message Bob

[Bob's Orange]

Of course, be happy to help. I work closely with Inside Japan so feel free to drop me a message Bob

Much appreciated mate.

[Berniman]

Off to Porto on Wednesday from Heathrow. Has anyone travelled recently and can advise on whether airports are shambolic or is it kind of normal now?

I travelled to/from Term 5 last week and was in and through in 30 mins - piece of piss

[Bob's Orange]

I travelled to/from Term 5 last week and was in and through in 30 mins - piece of piss

Nice one Berni, danke.

[cheltred69]

Flew from Gatwick on Friday. Through security without stopping. Flight delayed a little due to air traffic control being busy, supposedly a knock on from long haul flights from East not being able to fly over Russian airspace. Heard later of long delays at South terminal but zero hassle at north terminal.

[Bob's Orange]

Just some further feedback post my trip to Portugal last week. We flew from Terminal 3 and found check in and security slightly busier than usual, but nothing treacherous. We were due to leave at 19.30 and they got everyone to the gate but then announced that the plane had to be cleaned and they couldn't find the staff to do it, so there was a further delay. We ended up leaving about 21.15 (Having lounge access numbed the nuisance factor somewhat) and weirdly despite Portugal still having quite strong mask protocol, BA didn't request masks to be worn, however they did on the way back to England. (apparently Portugal had 'forced' them to do this) Getting through passport control was an absolute doddle and our bag for once was first onto the 'travellator' which was an added bonus! Overall found the airport experience relatively trouble free but sadly I saw others weren't so lucky with flights cancelled.

For those looking for a city break I'd highly recommend Porto. It's a beautiful cobbled street of a place with rich history, friendly locals and vibrancy, with live music all over the place. Added to that Portuguese wine (especially Port which I love) is highly underrated and is exceptional value. We had a litre of house red for 12.50 in a restaurant, and that was in a really touristy place overlooking the Douro river. Our hotel was a little off the beaten track but Uber or the local taxis are extremely cheap and the Portuguese don't tip so they are genuinely grateful when you add on a couple of extra euro. Masks had to be worn in taxis and on our tour bus but outsides and in bars and restaurants there was no need.

On the final night we had an added bonus, I think the Rally of Portugal had just finished and as we were eating dinner about 50 rally cars from down the years parked up along the river, from old Escorts to Lancia Deltas and apparently a Citroen rally car previously owned by Villas Boas as well as a world championship winning Audi Quattro. They then did a small stage around the streets of Gaia (the town opposite Porto) and it sounded fantastic.

Needless to say I miss the sunshine today!!

[Audrey]

Absolutely loved Porto. We walked into the centre until we realised they had a metro! Did you do the cable car bit over river? How about that railway station.

Lovely place. Got me into white port, too.

[Bob's Orange]

Absolutely loved Porto. We walked into the centre until we realised they had a metro! Did you do the cable car bit over river? How about that railway station.

Lovely place. Got me into white port, too.

White Port is cracking huh? We actually brought home a 10 year White Port which turns a lovely caramel colour, it tastes amazing!!

Yeah we did the cable car, cracking views over the river Douro. We could also learn a thing or 2 about pricing, after not bothering to go around Lincoln Cathedral earlier this year as it was £15 (I think) you could wander around Porto Cathedral (which was absolutely stunning inside) for 3 Euro each.

They are doing quite a lot of work extending the metro so some parts of the city are a bit hectic at the moment where they are building.

[Shrivvy Road]

The last week has been fucking horrific business-wise for me I will not lie. Not slept longer than 2 hours a night for over a week  now. Travel in this country needs a huge overhaul it's a joke

[Legends-Lounge]

Pisspot turned up today, o ly two weeks for my renewal.

[Legends-Lounge]

Zante here we come.

[Audrey]

I’m looking at Zante right now - off the back of our terrace!

[Legends-Lounge]

No one likes a bragger😀
We had our summers day on Friday 30 degrees followed by rain yesterday and a cool grey 17 degrees today!

Not been away for five years, last time out was Florida, for the fourth and last time. Son is off to Uni in Sept. next year the shit won’t want to know us, unless I’m waving a fist full of £‘S. 

[Jimmy Quinn]

Not been away for five years, last time out was Florida, for the fourth and last time. Son is off to Uni in Sept. next year the shit won’t want to know us, unless I’m waving a fist full of £‘S. 

Any of the Greek Islands are nice just hope the Airlines don't play up