Misc. Info for Travellers

Manhunt after Failed New York Bombing!According to reports, the New York police are on the lookout for a suspicious white man seen close to a car bomb which failed to explode in Times Square over the weekend. Cameras captured the man, believed to be in his 40s, changing clothes as he walked away from the vehicle in the heart of Manhattan's theatre district. It remains unclear why the improvised device failed to detonate, despite smouldering after partly catching fire in the back of the vehicle. Police have a mass of clues, starting with footage from 82 security cameras in Times Square and the car and bomb. Travellers in the area are urged to be aware of the threat of indiscriminate terrorist attacks.

Riots in Greece Continue

On Saturday 1 May, demonstrators attacked police officers with a petrol bomb and set fire to vehicles in violent confrontations on the streets of Athens during the May Day protest. Officers in riot gear retaliated with batons before quickly backing off after each repeated wave of attacks and officers were forced to fire tear gas at protesters. Travellers in the area are urged to avoid all public demonstrations.

United and Continental to Merge

United Airlines and Continental Airlines agreed Sunday to a $3 billion merger that would create the world’s biggest airline. The deal, which is to be announced officially today, 3 May, will create a leading presence in the top domestic markets, including New York, Chicago and Los Angeles, along with an extended network to Asia, Latin America and Europe and, if the deal wins antitrust approval, the merged airline would replace Delta Airlines as the United States’ top carrier.

Smartphone Apps for Travellers in France

Travellers with Smartphones planning on taking a trip to France this year will be able to make use of some new applications aimed at making their holiday a little but easier. The applications have been launched by the French Tourism Agency and all 38 apps are available on the French Government Tourist Office's official website, covering topics including food and wine, destinations, accommodation, transport and weather. Travellers can also use the apps to find out how to use the Paris Metro system, pinpoint the location of their hotel or find out when train services are scheduled to operate in their area.