On the Rhodes
Think of Rhodes, and you probably think of boob tubes and pavement pizzas in Faliraki. But there’s definitely a more upmarket side to the Greek island, as shown by hotels such as the Ixian Grand (www.theixiangrand.gr) and Lindian Village (www.lindianvillage.gr), which is why the BA franchise partner GB Airways (0870 8509850, www.ba.com), is launching twice-weekly scheduled flights there from Gatwick in May. It is also starting flights that month to Dalaman in western Turkey, another airport previously served only by charters.
Feathers will fly
The Virginia tourist board must be hoping that The New World, starring Christian Bale, Colin Farrell and Christopher Plummer, released next Friday, does for the state what The Lord of the Rings did for New Zealand. Filmed around the Chickihominy river, the film tells the story of the clash between Native Americans and English settlers in the 17th century.
Sun and sound
The most important thing about skiing or boarding? Looking cool, of course. Oakley Thump 2 sunglasses have a built-in MP3 player and earphones, hold up to 240 songs, and are Mac and PC compatible. According to the manufacturers, the lenses offer distortion-free vision and block 100 per cent of all UV. One-gigabyte versions cost about £299. Stockists: 01462 475400.
Pump your pod
It can be hard for frequent travellers to stay trim, what with airline food, jet lag and business dinners. But now iPod owners can carry a personal trainer in their pockets by downloading a picture workout programme from www.pumpod.com. The cost for 12 exercises is £11.
Reality bites
Can’t get enough of reality TV? Well, dude, like now you can take a totally awesome vacation! In the US, Reality Trips (www.realitytrips.com) is offering holidays led by participants from series such as Survivor, The Amazing Race, The Apprentice and Big Brother (US). Destinations include Tanzania, Peru and Tibet. Can a George Galloway tour of Brick Lane be far behind?
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Moment in the sun
Brighton College in East Sussex this week became the first school in the country to make learning Chinese compulsory. It’s predicted that China will be the world’s largest source of outbound tourists by 2020.
Out in the cold
Do not pass go. Malmaison Oxford (01865 268400, www.malmaison.com) is launching “Nostalgia in the Nick” for former inmates of the Oxford prison. For £225 a double, there’s champagne, dinner, a sentimental tour — and porridge for breakfast.