ICC planning to use Dubai as a hub for T20 WC

The ICC wants to ferry England cricketers to Dubai and then to the Caribbean where the T20 World cup begins end of the month.This is due to the fears of the ash induced travel chaos affecting the WC
ICC could be better off focusing its resources to better run the game than to indulge in such moves.It should be left to ECB and individual boards to figure out how to get its players to the West Indies rather than ICC.
The T20WC is becoming an annual jamboree in the International cricket circuit .Most World Cup events are held once in 4 years,the T20 WC being different.
ICC figures to use helicopters and low flying aircraft as per an article in the Straights Times.

Global Travel Disruption

The more we advance,the more we remain at the mercy of nature and its elements.The ongoing Volcanic ash disruption has ensured that other modes are as important as Air Travel.
More than 313 airports are globally affected.Insurance companies are not honouring the claims.
It has led to passengers spending time at terminals,or at hotels.If you are stuck up at KLIA or Changi or at Incheon it may still be bearable,while imagine the plight if you are stuck in an Indian airport or an African airport or an American airport-the situation might be unbearable.
Imagine the plight of stranded tourists who will rake up high roaming charges on their telephones.
Travel touch sincerely hopes that travellers face the least inconvenience and global travel gets back to its best.

Tiger Airways,Hotel Ista Bengaluru

Recently went on a trip to India by Tiger Airways.The return flight was delayed by 3 hours.The air safety announcements can be improved,as the girls who announce speak in Singlish.Many of my co passengers just could not understand.The crew  can show more enthusiasm.
Stayed at Hotel Ista ,Bengaluru.The Hotel is nice and comfortable,but is more of a Business Hotel than a leisure 5Star Hotel.
The rooms are smaller than usual,the lobby is small as well.The restaurant scores high on design.The rooms are functional.Their check in is excellent.Staff are also good.Special mention for Mr Cheema,Naren and Karan.

Airfares on the rise

As global economies mend,Airlines have started increasing their fares.Singapore Airlines has recently announced that it will be increasing its fares.
My personal wish is that airfares continue to be affordable-many more places to go!

Bel Air Resort and Spa ,Phuket,Silk Air

Went for a short trip to Phuket recently.Even though Thailand has extended the visa fee waiver till 2011,the immigration authorities charged us the Visa fee of 1000 THB each.
Bel Air Resort and Spa Panwa is a hidden gem of Phuket.The Hotel had arranged an Airport pick up who was holding a placard.Phuket in general has a problem that very few speak English,though the people are nice and reflects that it is the "Land of Smiles".So the Driver had very few words of English for us,leading to a quiet ride to the Hotel.

Bel Air is on the other side of the island located at Cape Panwa and is a good 40 minute ride from the airport,a fact we were aware of and was not an issue with us as we preferred a quiet place.

The Hotel is more of a Condotel and is on a hill,the Hotel Lobby is very deceptive as it looks more of a 3 Star lobby.The staff at the reception were very nice and welcoming,only one lady Ms Kwang ( knew english).
Our Suite was on the top most floor ,we had the most beautiful view of the sea,the rooms were 5 Star standard,the bath room was one of the best .The Kitchen was adequately equipped ,the balcony offered a plenty of options including a table with chair and lounge decks.

The Master Bedroom had a Kingsized bed while the other bedroom had twin beds.
The swimming pool located on a high floor is next to a poolside bar/restaurant with a large seating area.
There are plenty of shops near the Hotel,and the Cape Panwa area is quite close to the aquarium and the Hotel offers a free shuttle to the Cape area.
They offer a shuttle to their private beach which is clean and very nice and pleasant,with no bother from any peddlers.Makes the hotel as good as any beach Hotel.

We enjoyed the beach,Phuket town is not far from the hotel as it appears initially.Patong beach is a crowded area and has a buzz.
Cocoon Spa is absolutely great and offers good value for money,while more expensive than outlets near Patong ,it is much cleaner and offers better facilities.The manager there Ms Ping is very resourceful,she operates the spa,provides sight seeing tips,sells tours.She also helped a few guests get together and get the town in a shared van,acted as an interpreter,pointed us to a restaurant and most importantly she speaks english!

Shopping-We liked some of the outlets in Big C as well as the Premium Outlets- a word of caution,visitors get fleeced there while trying to locate the outlet which has the VAT refund form.The outlet does not recognize all the other outlets where you have shopped and will do everything to avoid giving you the form.
The GM of the Hotel Mr Doeke is very friendly and speaks English.
Would we recommend this hotel?Definitely yes !It is ideal for families and couples or groups of individuals.
While we were there ,we met a few families from Scandinavia and they too appreciated the property.
Any grouses-no,but the internet is real slow,maybe it will improve.The network connection at the lobby is pretty good.Communication with the staff could be a challenge but the smiles win you over.
Food choices at the Hotel and Beach restaurants are good.
We would tick excellent for most boxes regarding the Hotel.the kids loved the place.

Silk Air was pretty efficient both ways,our confirmation was at the last moment.

Airport Madness 2

This post is not about any airport,but a game which I enjoy-Airport Madness 2.
Makes you appreciate the work of countless invisible Air Traffic Controllers.

Millions Against Malaria

Travel Touch is about Flights/Travel,we also support causes which help Mankind.On 20 March 2010, Ken Evers & Tim Pryse will commence their flight around the world in a GA8-TC Airvan. This will be the first Australian commercially manufactured aircraft to ever circumnavigate the globe! Throughout their flight, their goal is to raise $1,000,000 for raising awareness about malaria.
The mission is simple: fly the first Australian designed and manufactured aircraft around the world! This exciting world-first flight will occur in a Gippsland Aeronautics GA8-TC Airvan. The flight will cover 26,740 nautical miles in 230 flight hours and burn 13,980 litres of Avgas . . . and create aviation history!
I strongly suggest visitors to click the link and support the cause.