ExperienceDays Blog

Photoshoot Experience Top 5

Posted on December 1, 2011 by admin

With Christmas just around the corner, getting the perfect present for everyone can be a challenge! We all know someone who loves to look fabulous and pose for the camera, so why not give them a glamorous day out – feeling like a professional model with one of our great photo shoot experiences! If you fancy feeling glam and dressing up in your best gear to act the model; you could even enjoy the experience yourself – and purchase some of the photos to give to family and friends as a unique gift!

So here they are, our current top 5 photoshoot experiences:

Couples Photoshoot
Price £37
Whether you are surprising a loved one or treating a couple you know, this great photo shoot is something they can enjoy together. A professional photographer will be guiding you through the photoshoot to ensure all the images of you looking your best are captured. In-between shoots, professional stylists will take you to a make-up room for some model-esque styling. After the shoot, you will be able to choose your favourite photo to take home as an A4 print – and have the option to purchase more photographs if you wished.

Experience Includes: Styling from Experts, Professional Photo-shoot, Complimentary A4 Print.
Where it’s Available: Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Glasgow, London, Manchester, Newcastle

Fashion Makeover And Photoshoot
Price £33
With this half day photo shoot, the lucky recipient will be able to enjoy the look and feel of a day in the life of a model! The professional hair and make-up stylists will help you achieve your ideal look, and ensure you get the maximum exposure in the limelight! In front of the camera, the professional photographer will capture a selection of great shots – allowing you to choose your favourite and take home a complimentary A4 print. All the magnificent photos from the photoshoot are available to purchase after the experience if you so wish.

Experience Includes: Discussion with Photographer, Hair & Make-Up Styling, Complimentary A4 Photo Print.
Where it’s Available: Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Glasgow, London, Manchester, Newcastle

Luxury Makeover And Photoshoot
Price £50
After a consultation with the stylists about what you hope to achieve, you will get a full make-up session & lesson, as the expert stylists will talk you through some colours and designs that suit your complexion. This style session will do wonders for your hair and will work toward matching your make-up and outfit. Once fully pampered and ready for the limelight, the professional photographer will capture your most beautiful shots – showing off your new glamorous look. During the experience you can use around three outfit changes – perfect if you just can’t decide what to wear!

Experience Includes: Professional Hair & Make-Up Stylist, Photo Shoot, Photo-Purchasing Session & Advice.
Where it’s available: London

Deluxe Makeover Photoshoot
Price £50
With 4 outfit changes during this great Makeover and Photoshoot experience, you will have plenty of options & opportunities to get submerge yourself in the pampered life of a glamorous model! Starting the day with an expectation discussion, your hopes for the session can be discussed and advised – utilising your wardrobe changes, the photographer and the stylists. Ensuring the professional aura and atmosphere is maintained throughout; your hair and make-up will be designed and applied by experts, making sure you look your best in front of the camera! Once the photoshoot is complete, sit back with a refreshment and decide if you’d like to purchase any of the photos.

Experience Includes: Welcome Consultation, Professional Hair and Make-Up Styling, Private Photo Viewing
Where it’s Available: Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Glasgow, London, Manchester, Newcastle

Photoshoot Special
Price £20
Let your loved one feel like the superstar they really are with this great photoshoot special. Professional stylists will be on hand to make sure you look your absolute best in front of the camera and under the spotlight. During the experience you will have up to four costume changes, ensuring you get a wide variety of different looks and poses. After the shoot, you will be able to view all of your most glamorous shots in the private viewing area, and decide which (if any) you want to purchase – along with your complimentary 7×5″ photo.

Experience Includes: Welcome Consultation, Makeover from Professional Stylists, Four Costume Changes.
Where it’s Available: Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Glasgow, London, Manchester, Newcastle

And there we have it, our current top 5 glamorous photoshoot experiences that are sure to give any want-to-be model their chance to feel pampered – showcasing their most beautiful sides under the limelight, with professional stylists and photographers! The perfect gift experience this Christmas.

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Like Us on Facebook to Win a Marriott Pamper Day for 2!

Posted on November 1, 2011 by admin

Win a spa day at the most prestigious of hotels for you and a friend with this awesome giveaway!

We’re giving away a Marriott Pamper Day for Two to one lucky winner, chosen from all of those that like our facebook page between now and November 25th! So like our page now and reap the rewards of discount codes, free giveaways and company updates – including our great blog articles!

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History of Pamper Days

Posted on October 27, 2011 by admin

Here at Experience Days there is very little we enjoy more than a good Pamper Day, as the combination of expert remedies, proven techniques and a break in the routine make for our favourite kind of day; a relaxation day!

But we got to thinking, where do spa days and pamper days come from, and who was the very first person to kick off their heels and enjoy a soul-soothing-spa-session in the name of pleasure?

Well, some research suggests that the term SPA could in fact be an acronym of the latin phrase‘Salus Per Aqua’, meaning ‘Health Through Water’.

However, many believe the term ‘Spa’ actually originates from 16th Century Belgium, when a town by the name of ‘Spa’ was practicing a water treatment known as ‘Balneotherapy’ – attracting the Romans to bathe their wounds in the hot springs available there.

But the Romans weren’t the first to notice the benefits of a relaxing rejuvenation day, as the ancient Babylonians and Ancient Greeks are also credited with early forms of water based indulgence. Recent archaeologists’ findings also show Bronze Age Weaponry lying next to hot springs in France and Czechoslovakia, almost proving they were there with pamper-scene evidence!

Pamper Days and Spa Days With Experience Days

Way back in the 3rd century, Emperor Caracalla credited bathing in the hot springs of Baden Baden, Germany, with curing his arthritis – and was so impressed that he built his own baths in Rome upon his return.

Here in England, the first Spa is believed to have been set up way back in 1571, when William Slingsby discovered the medicinal effects of a Chalybeate Spring in Yorkshire. The pampering pioneer was so impressed by its healing power he replicated it in an enclosed room and called ‘Harrogate Spa’. There is however some debate surrounding this discovery, with many believing that the Well used would have been highly noticeable due to the heavy smell of the Sulphur it contained.

Moving into the 18th Century, spa and pamper days became more popular, particularly with the discoveries made in hygiene and cleanliness leading to the introduction of regimen to people’s lives.
The History of Pamper Days - Sauna
As well as the Hot Water Soaks, Vapour Steaming, Drinking Hot Water and Cool Room Relaxation therapies that were proving so popular, people began to include diet and exercise plans to their pamper days as well.

During the 19th Century, further discoveries in cleanliness lead to the abolishment of traditional therapies that included drinking the water after bathing.

Today, many of the most popular Pampering Experiences derive inspiration from Egyptian and Middle-Eastern traditions, most famously the Rasul (mud) treatments. It was the Middle-East that discovered using silt from the Dead Sea provided great healing benefits for various skin conditions, while the ancient Egyptians often bathed in mud under the belief that when collected from the Nile Delta – it came with healing powers. Cleopatra herself is claimed to have been very fond of this method, along with another pampering pleasures involving soaking in a bath of asses’ milk to stay looking young and beautiful.

Other ancient artefacts that have stood the test of time and are now in use at today’s top spas include the Sauna, Aromatherapy lounges and the Turkish Hammam.

Saunas were first invented in Finland and used not for pleasure, but instead with great intent to cleanse and purify the body. The timber pits have survived in today’s market – but the post-sweat-out technique of rolling around in the snow directly afterwards has thankfully been dropped!

Turkish Hammam therapies originated in the Ottoman Empire, and have roots deeply in the religious notion of cleansing before entering the mosque. Thankfully, some of the architectural beauty of Hammams in Istanbul, Syria, Lebanon & Jordan has transcended into today’s spas – along with the purifying and exfoliating techniques employed for centuries.

So, with a little bit of the history and a massive range of choice; treat yourself or someone special to an indulgent day of pampering at one of the UK’s Top Spas.

The History of Spa Days and Pamper Days

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Top 5 Early Bird Christmas Gifts

Posted on October 20, 2011 by admin

With so many great gift ideas out there, we’re well aware that picking the perfect Christmas gifts for your nearest and dearest can become a shopping nightmare! So, to help relieve some of the stress of shopping this Christmas – we have selected our Top Five Early Bird special offers, combining fantastic experiences with budget-friendly prices!

If it is brilliant bargains you’re looking for, you should check out our Special Offers page, as you’re sure to find the perfect gift in there, but for now, here is our recommended Top Five:

2for1 – Paul Swift Stunt Driving Experience
Was £298 now £149
Paul Swift is the seven time British Stunt Champion and will be teaching you the tricks and flicks to drive like he does. This fantastic 2for1 experience will get the heart racing as you perform a range of stunts in 250bhp performance cars!
Experience Includes: Skills inc: Handbrake Turn, J-turn, 5 Timed Laps, Head-to-Head Challenges.
Paul Swift driving experiences are available in Darlington, Durham.

2for1 Discover Indoor Skydiving 2for1-Discover Indoor Skydiving
Was £98 now £49
The fantastic Indoor Skydiving is popular all year, so a 2for1 special offer just for Christmas makes for a truly brilliant best seller! Wearing a specially designed flight suit and briefed on the techniques, you can step into the 120mph winds and experience the thrill of Free Fall at a fraction of the cost.
Experience Includes: 2x 1 Minute Flights Per Person
2for1 indoor skydiving is available in Manchester or Milton Keynes.

Special - Model Portfolio Photo Shoot Model Portfolio Photo Shoot Special
Was £50 now £25
At half price, this fantastic photo shoot complete with stylist and make-up artists is the perfect Christmas gift for any budding young model you may know. With a consultation and two costume changes, the expert photographer will capture a range of your most beautiful shots for you to deliberate over and decide upon which to purchase!
Experience Includes: Welcome Consultation, Hair and Make-up Stylists, Two Photo Shoots with Costume Changes.
Model Portfolio Photo Shoot Special is available in London.

2for1 Hillmotts Luxury Retreat
Was £198 now £99
Spoil those in need of a good pampering this Christmas with the ultimate relaxation spa day, allowing them to take a friend (you) with them on this great 2for1 offer at the Hillmotts Spa Retreat. Each person will each receive 75 minutes of treatments, choosing from a range of treatments on the day.
Experience Includes: 75 Minute Treatment, 100% Natural Products & Oils.
2for1 Hillmotts luxury retreat is located in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire.

Special - Sunseeker Experience Special – Sunseeker Experience
Was £149 now £120
Sunseekers are the boat of choice for many of the rich and famous, and this 2.5 hour experience is the perfect way to get a taste of that luxury lifestyle. Once aboard the beautiful boat, you will be free to enjoy a drink and appreciate the views as you cruise around the Solent en route to the Isle of Wight. Participants may even get a chance to captain the vessel themselves under the captain’s tutelage!
Experience Includes: 2.5 hours on the Sunseeker, Drinks & Snacks, Power the Boat Yourself (depending on conditions)
Special – Sunseeker Experience is available in Southampton

And there we have it, our current Top Five Unmissable bargains for you Early Birds looking to catch a bargain. Be sure to check back soon as we’ll be bringing you more of our Top Five suggestions and deals not to miss out on.

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Top 5 Pamper Days

Posted on October 11, 2011 by admin

With so many Pamper Days on our website to choose from, you’d be forgiven for feeling spoilt for choice – so here is our Top 5 Guide to the best value and highest rated Pampering Spa Days available online today.

So how do you choose your perfect pampering treat?

It seems that from the customer feedback we receive, the option to spend the entire day at the venue, the friendliness of the staff at the venue, lunch included and the use of spa & facilities are the major contributors to making the perfect spa day.

With that in mind, here is our Top 5 guide to pampering perfection:

Marriott Pamper Day for Two, Experience Days Marriott Pamper Day for 2
Was £89 now £75
The Marriott Pamper Day for Two is the most popular Pamper Day on the website, and comes extremely highly recommended. The day involves 2x 30min treatments which can be taken either by yourself or shared with a friend – at many of the prestigious Marriott Hotel & Spas.
Includes Use of: Gym, Sauna, Steam Room, Pool & Restaurant (food not included)
Treatments Include: Manicure, Facial, Back-Neck-Shoulder-Massage.
The Marriott Pamper Day for Two is available at 14 locations across the UK.

Clarice House, Pamper Day, Experience Days Clarice House Ultimate Spa Experience
Price: £180
The Clarice House Ultimate Spa Day is another of the most popular spa days available, as the full day experience provides a superb level of luxury and service – especially when you can take the robe & slippers home afterwards!
Includes Use of: Pool, Sauna, Steam Room & Spa Bath & 3 Course Lunch
Treatments Include: Mini Facial, Body Polish, Swedish Back & Neck Massage, Mini Manicure & Mini Pedicure.
The Clarice House Ultimate Spa Experience is available at 3 locations across the UK.

Chocolate Rub & Wrap, Pamper Days, Experience Days Chocolate Rub & Wrap
Price: £110
The unique Chocolate Rub & Wrap is extremely popular with chocoholics and beauty queens alike, as the mixture of novelty, rehydration and chocolate smell make this fantastically enjoyable pamper day appealing to just about anybody!
The Chocolate Rub & Wrap will last for approximately 75 Minutes
Treatments Include: Chocolate Exfoliation, Butter hydrating Masque, Head Massage, Hot Towel Cleanse & Body Massage.
The Chocolate Rub & Wrap is only available in Notting Hill.

Hillmotts 2for1 Pamper Day, Experience Days 2for1 Hillmotts Luxury Retreat
Was £198 now £99
The 2for1 Hillmotts Luxury Retreat will last for 75 minutes each.
Includes Use of: Organic, natural ingredients
Treatments Include: (2 from) Aromatherapy Facial, Aromatherapy Full Body Massage, Luxury Aromatherapy Hot Stone Massage, Luxury Organic Aromatherapy Sugar Body Scrub, Indian Head Massage, Reiki or Reiki and Crystal Healing , Reflexology , Manicure or Pedicure.
The 2for1 Hillmotts Luxury Retreat is only available in Buckinghamshire.

Thoresby Hall, Pamper Days, Experience Days Thoresby Hall Day Spa & Rhassoul for 2
Price: £250
The famous Thoresby Hall is a fantastically luxurious getaway for those in need of pampering, and majestically provides an exotic escape from the stresses of daily life.
Includes Use of: Sauna, Steam Room, Gym, 2 Course Lunch at le Bistro for 2
Treatments Include: (Ancient Egypt Treatments) Mud Bath, Tropical Shower (Heating Rooms) Sanarium, Aromatherapy Cave, Hamman Steamroom (Cooling Rooms) Ice Cave & Experience Showers
The Thoresby Hall Rhassoul for 2 is only available in Nottinghamshire.

And there we have our condensed version of the fantastic range of Pamper Days that we have on ExperienceDays.co.uk. As relaxation days of this nature are a rare commodity and often purchased as part of a birthday present or luxury weekend away – it is important to ensure the right one is chosen.

Of course, there are plenty more options to suit just about any budget and in any location, so your perfect pampering experience is never far away – simply choose the comparison option and discover your ideal getaway at the hands of the professionals!

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A Brief History of Golf

Posted on April 1, 2011 by Ollie

The game of golf has a long and illustrious history, stretching back over five centuries. Its origins are in Eastern Scotland, during the 15th century. In the first golf games, players would hit pebbles with sticks around a natural course including hills, sand dunes, ponds, and tracks. There are several contemporary games that were similar, including versions from Belgium and Holland, but only the Scottish version included a hole. While these three stick-and-ball games might have originated from an even more ancient, single source, it’s reasonably clear that the Scottish version was the direct precursor of modern-day golf.

If you were to play a game of golf in the 15th century, you wouldn’t have quite the same experience as you would have today on a modern golf course. Courses of centuries ago varied a great deal in the amount of holes-from five to 25. St. Andrews established an 18-hole golf course in 1857, and other courses followed suit over the years until the 18-hole course was considered the norm.

Golf requires relatively short grass-but there were no mechanical grass cutters in the 15th century. The earliest golfers played on what is today referred to as a “links” course. The word “links” refers to the type of terrain, and is derived from the Anglo-Saxon hlinc, meaning “ridge,” dating to around 931 A.D. Links terrain was a rough, grassy area between the sea shore and the land. The grass was naturally short-bladed and the soil was very sandy, with lots of dunes and sand pits, as it was near the beach. The land had little agricultural value, and was thus accessible to golfers. Golf was traditionally played in the winter, when livestock grazed on the land and trimmed the grass.

The earliest balls were made of a leather shell tightly stuffed with feathers. Yes, Clubs were typically made of wood; wrought iron was sometimes used, but sparingly, as it could destroy the feathered balls. Special clubs were adapted to the terrain, such as the “rutting iron,” designed to get a ball out of a wagon wheel rut.
In the middle of the 15th century, Scotland was preparing to defend itself against English hostilities. The public, however, wasn’t interested in war-they played golf instead of practicing for battle. The king believed golf was a dangerous distraction, and banned it in 1457. It stayed outlawed until 1502, when the king himself took up the sport.
After royalty began to show an interest, the game exploded in popularity. It spread into England and France, where the royal court employed military cadets to help them carry their clubs-hence the term “caddie.”

In the 16th and 17th century, the best golf course was at Leith, near Edinburgh. The first golf club, the Gentlemen Golfers of Leith, was formed in 1744 and ran an annual golfing tournament, with a silver golf club for first prize.
The game of golf was introduced all over the world with the spread of the British Empire in the 19th century. However, it was still an elite sport-the clubs and balls were handcrafted and expensive to produce. Around 1848, golf equipment began to be produced en masse, making it accessible to average people for the first time.

The first major national championship was played at the Prestwick Golf Club in 1860. The tradition evolved into the British Open, and it was around this time that the first professional golf players were seen. There were still not many sponsored championships like the Open to compete in; most professional golfers earned a living by betting against their opponents. They supplemented this by caddying, teaching, and making golf balls and clubs.
At the beginning of the 20th century, several technological advances made golf both easier and cheaper. One was the Haskell rubber-cored ball, which added about 20 yards to even a beginner’s range. Steel-shaft clubs were even more cheaply produced than the mass-market wooden clubs of earlier times. As a result, golf became even more accessible to beginners.

Golf now has the distinction of being the first sport ever played in space. In February 1971, astronaut Alan Shepard hit a golf ball on the moon during a two-day mission. The swing was one-handed, and impaired by the limited range of motion allowed by his spacesuit. Still, Shepard described the ball as traveling for “miles and miles and miles” in the moon’s gravity, which is a sixth as strong as Earth’s. The ball actually traveled between 200 and 400 yards.
Today, golf and golf lessons are played all over the world-by amateurs at public courses, enthusiasts at private clubs, and professionals at prestigious tournaments. Despite its history as an elite sport, it’s popular among people from all walks of life. Golf has survived for over five centuries, and with its wide appeal and accessibility, chances are it will still be popular in five more.

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What NOT to Buy Your Mum for Christmas

Posted on March 31, 2011 by Ollie

For so many, the arrival of autumn doesn’t mean warm days and cool nights or carving pumpkins or sipping apple cider by the fire. Not even close. Instead, the arrival of autumn means that there are fewer than 100 days left to get that Christmas shopping done. If you’ve been out recently, you know that the stores aren’t decked out in the yellow and orange – most are already decked out in red and green!

So make your list and check it twice and make sure that your Mum’s at the top. And while you’re out shopping, keep this list of what NOT to buy your Mum for Christmas in mind. You’ll be glad you did.

An appliance

Topping the list of what not to buy your Mum for Christmas is any type of household appliance. That’s not to say a new appliance isn’t practical or that it’s not needed. If the stove is sending out sparks or the dryer runs for hours and the clothes still are damp, a new appliance does need to arrive soon. But it doesn’t have to arrive addressed to your Mum with a bow on top. Appliances are necessities of life, just like paying taxes and vaccinations. They never should be considered gifts.

Anything having to do with cleaning

Along those same lines, you should never buy your Mum anything that has to do with cleaning for Christmas. This includes cleaning supplies, new-and-improved cleaning tools, cleaning clothes, or even a couple months of pre-paid maid service. The truth is that most Mums, yours included, hate everything about cleaning.

Oh they might seem cheery while they’re scrubbing the loo, but they’re not. They’d much prefer that the messes not get created in the first place. If you do think your Mum would love a product that cuts grease faster than anything on
the market, you’ve probably been watching too much television. Why not get your Christmas shopping done early this year,and then spend Christmas Eve cleaning your Mum’s house so she doesn’t have to? But even if you do that, you better have a present for her to open in the morning!

Clothing that doesn’t fit or that looks gigantic

You won’t be doing your Mum a favour by giving her clothing in a size smaller than she normally wears. Even if she’s dieting, resist the urge to help her along by giving her clothing that’s smaller than her normal size. Your intentions might be good, however such a present likely will sit in the closet until it’s given away to charity.

Besides if your Mum is losing weight, once she does reach her goal, she’ll want to reward herself with something new to wear. She’ll enjoy going into the dressing room and having everything fit right AND look good. Let her be the one to select the style that’s right for her new look.

And if your Mum’s not dieting (but she definitely should be) it’s also not a good idea to buy her clothing for Christmas, even clothing that’s the right size. There isn’t a woman alive who wants to open a beautifully wrapped box only to find inside a huge, shapeless piece of fabric with an equally enormous tag reminding her of her double-X size staring back at her! That’s one gift almost certain to put a damper on the rest of the day.

Exercise equipment

Think about what message you are sending when you buy your Mum a thigh reducer or an exercise bike as a gift for Christmas. It’s as if you’re saying “I like you Mum, but I’d like you even more if you did something about your appearance!” Your Mum has loved throughout your life, regardless of your looks and she expects (and deserves) the same from you. It doesn’t matter if it’s the hottest workout DVD to ever hit the market, do NOT wrap it up and put it under the Christmas tree for Mum. It won’t be appreciated and it’s almost guaranteed to end up back at the store.

A new cookbook

As with appliances and cleaning supplies, a new cookbook will only remind your Mum of one more of the chores she has to do on a daily basis. And who’s really going to benefit from a new cookbook, you or your Mum? Here’s the reality: Any recipe that your Mum can’t whip up from inside her head is going to involve more work than she has time (or the desire) for.

Some other gift ideas of what NOT to buy Mum for Christmas.

Pierced earrings when Mum’s ears aren’t pierced.
Gourmet coffee when she’s a tea-drinker.
Alcohol if she’s a teetotaller.
Candy or cookies if she is trying to lose weight.
Flowers or perfume in a scent she’s allergic to.

Posted in Days Out | Tagged Christmas Gifts, gift ideas for Mum, Mum | Leave a comment

Why oh why, we love to fly

Posted on March 30, 2011 by Ollie

People love flying. We watch birds, fly kites, marvel at the bravery of the parachute jumper and hang glider, tourist travel into outer space and spend over $20 billion per year at amusement parks world wide. Instinctively we are drawn to the world above us and the skies have held a special significance in all times and cultures. Flying themes are reflected in every culture’s expression of religion, science and art. It’s easy to imagine that even our most remote human ancestors were curious about the world above us and longed to soar with the birds.

Historians could write volumes recounting funny, interesting and scientifically significant attempts at flight. History continues to be made every day. For all of our technology, we have not become jaded; flying around the world is routine, but we are still impressed by the power and science of flight. We have landed on the moon. Remarkably, most of us are still overwhelmed by the possibility of gliding over the trees in a hot air balloon. Simple or sophisticated, we will always desire to rise above our earthly stressors. It is a natural human longing.

The Chinese and Japanese developed kites for all kinds of practical purposes. In 1783, the Mountgolfier brothers flew the first hot air balloon- kept aloft by burning old shoes and wet wool. Later that year, a rooster, a duck and a sheep became the first hot air balloon passengers and flew for King Louis XVI. Within 15 years, an extreme athlete named Garnerin became the first parachute jumper as he fell successfully 2000 feet down out of a balloon. Mechanical and aeronautic advancements were made over the next century that culminated in the Wright Brother’s flying invention in 1903.

We are fortunate to live in a time when flying is so commonplace and accessible. It is no longer the domain of the dreamers and thrill-seekers. Every one of us can experience the exhilaration of flight, either as a practical means of transportation or a special getaway. We need to make an effort to indulge this longing to fly!

7 Reasons Why We Love the Skies:

It’s liberating. There is something freeing about losing the grip of the earth and loosening the pull of our problems. One could use gravity clichés all day and still not adequately express the liberation of flying. It is something that has to be experienced to be believed.
It pushes our limits. Figuratively and literally we journey to new heights. Perhaps we will visit something we have always wanted to see or maybe it challenges us personally, but it will require us to experience something new.
It is peaceful. Somehow, even in a crowded airplane, with screaming babies and an annoying seatmate, if you look out the window and watch the sky, you will experience a profound stillness and a sense that we can always get away from the chaos of the world.
It’s an adrenaline rush! Interestingly, the lighter the aircraft, the closer you are to the feeling of ‘real flying‘ as birds might experience it. Floating in the wind is soothing and yet powerful in a way that is difficult to match. The coolest part is that most flying experiences don’t entail the gut-wrenching falling sensation that one might get on a roller coaster because you are not actually accelerating as you fall. All the thrill- none of the anxiety!
It’s a new perspective- physically. You see your world in a whole new way. Dismayed by the ugly shopping centre round the corner? If you rise above it, you might find that in the bigger scheme of things, it’s not so bad. Conversely, you might see development, that heretofore you believed was a sign of ‘progress’, as a scar on the beautiful countryside. Either way, you are assured a view of the world you don’t normally have.
There’s no mobile phone reception! The higher you fly, the more havoc you wreak on cell towers as your call communicates with more than one… sometimes hundreds simultaneously. If for some reason, someone wanted to bug you while on a private tour- they couldn’t! Every now and then, it’s nice to be left in peace.
It’s fun and affordable. Commercial flying has never been cheaper and alternative flying experiences such as hot air ballooning, helicopter rides or pleasure flights can be an unusual gift or treat to oneself at a reasonable cost. It might be a once-in-a-lifetime experience or the beginning of a new obsession, but it is definitely an experience that won’t be forgotten.

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The Tiger Moth: Training Britain’s Pilots for World War II

Posted on March 29, 2011 by Ollie

The de Havilland Tiger Moth is a 1930′s era biplane that was primarily used to train pilots in the British Royal Air Force for aerial battle in World War II.

A biplane is a fixed-wing aircraft with two levels of wings-one braced above the cockpit and the other mounted on the belly of the plane, level with the underside of the fuselage. With upper and lower wings, biplanes can provide more lift than single-wing planes of a similar size and design. The cockpit is open to the elements, and there are often two seats: one in front, for the navigator and gunner, and one in back, for the pilot.

The biplane is the oldest airplane design; the Wright Brothers’ infamous Wright Flyer was a biplane, as were most of the earliest planes. De Havilland was a British airplane manufacturer founded in 1920. The company specialized in biplanes, and provided military aircraft to the British government during the years of World War II.

The first de Havilland Moths were designed to make planes more widely available to the general public. These planes were relatively cheap to produce, easy to fly, and compact to reduce hangar space. In the years between World War I and World War II, the de Havilland Moths were common private airplanes and came to symbolize civilian flight during this time.

One of the de Havilland models was used by many famous aviators on long-distance flights. The Tiger Moth was a variation on the Gipsy Moth design. The main difference was in the front seat. The British government specified that this military plane had to be easy to exit from either seat during flight, so pilots could evacuate with a parachute in case of an emergency. The Gipsy Moth had a fuel tank blocking access to the front cockpit; in the Tiger Moth, this tank was moved. The Tiger Moth also had a strengthened frame and fold-down doors for each cockpit.

The Tiger Moth proved to be an ideal trainer for the British Royal Air Force. It was relatively cheap and easy to maintain. It was not an easy plane to fly, however; many pilots reported that the controls were not as responsive as those in other planes. The Air Force actually liked this quality, as they felt it separated talented pilots from those with no innate ability.

It’s no wonder, then, that the Tiger Moth became the primary trainer for the British Royal Air Force. It was widely adopted among Britain’s allies, as well. Other countries that came to depend on it to train pilots included Canada, Australia, Norway, Sweden, and Portugal.

During the war, the Tiger Moth was outfitted with various features, some of which proved quite useful in the war effort. These included Tiger Moths that were outfitted with bomb racks and did duty as light bombers. Others were modified for remote radio control; these were called “Queen Bees” and were used for target practice.

Some wartime modifications, however, never made it out of the experimental stage. One of these was the “paraslasher.” This was a Tiger Moth outfitted with a long sickle blade on the underside of the plane, designed to slash the parachutes of enemy pilots as they drifted by. Tiger Moths were also tested as “human crop sprayers,” fitted with canisters of poison gas beneath the wings.

After the war, there were hundreds of surplus Tiger Moths left over. These found their way into the civilian market. Non-military pilots responded enthusiastically to the Tiger Moth; it was cheap to own and operate, and could perform well in a variety of roles.

Soon Tiger Moths from the old RAF training grounds could be seen working as crop dusters, aerial ambulances, tow-planes for aerial advertisements and gliders, acrobatic planes, and more. A new generation of pilots learned to fly in Tiger Moths, developing the sure, confident hand the aircraft requires.

There are several examples of Tiger Moths on display, including the England’s Mosquito Aircraft Museum, the Polish Aviation Museum, the Museum of New Zealand, and the Western Canada Aviation Museum. However, many more are still in use today-it’s estimated that at least 250 Tiger Moths are still flying as civilian aircraft. If you get a chance to fly in a Tiger Moth, take it-you’re flying a piece of history.

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Seven Creative Day Outings for Unconventional Couples

Posted on March 28, 2011 by admin

Maybe you’re not the typical dinner-and-a-movie couple. Maybe you prefer something a bit more exciting, or you need to bring some unpredictability to your relationship. Or maybe you’re looking for an absolutely unforgettable anniversary idea. Whatever the reason, you want more than the typical break away to get you and your loved one in the mood. Here are seven day outing ideas for couples who like a little something different.

Go sailing

Ever been on a yacht? If not, now may be the best time to try it out. Yacht sailing is romantic and exciting – and it’s a far cry from the typical walk in the park. If you’ve never done it before, you can hire an instructor to take you out for a fun day on the water. Don’t forget to take a picnic lunch – and even a bit of champagne.

Take a train ride

Ever hopped on a train just to see where you wound up? Why not take a train ride to one of Britain’s gorgeous historic towns? See castles and Roman baths, have lunch at a centuries-old inn, and be back in time for dinner. If you’ve got a bit more to spend, splurge on an Orient Express trip and travel in the lap of luxury. There’s something romantic about a train ride – something your loved one is sure to appreciate.

Play with power toys

Let’s face it: fast is sexy. And nothing gets couples in the mood quite like a day of zooming across the landscape, wind in their hair. Rent a speed boat and fly across the surface of the water. Fall for each other all over again from the back of a motorcycle. Explore the coast on a jet ski – and explore each other later on. Rent something fast and powerful for land or sea, and see where it takes you.

Take a drive

We know, taking a drive in the country is too conventional for you. But what about if the car you’re driving is a Ferrari or a Porsche? Put a new spin on the old Sunday drive by renting your dream car for a day. Pack a gourmet picnic lunch from a fancy restaurant – something you wouldn’t ordinarily order. Drive somewhere secluded, spread a picnic blanket, and see what happens. The glamour of a luxury car and gourmet food can make you feel like you’re in another world – and that’s the key to romance.

Try something crazy

If none of these ideas sound quite exciting enough for you, you may be in for something a little more extreme. Ever consider jumping off a cliff or out of a plane? If this sounds more fun than frightening, you might be up for bungee jumping or skydiving for two. Nothing gets our hearts pounding quite like defying death. If your date is up for it, this is sure to be an outing neither of you will forget.

Brush up on your battlefield skills

Paintball is a challenge, both physically and mentally – it requires strategic thinking, physical exertion, and a steady hand. It’s also exhilarating to compete individually or in teams, outwit your opponents, and see your plans succeed. Play on the same team and bond on the battlefield, or challenge each other on separate teams. Whatever you choose, you’ll go home happy at the end of the day.

Fly high

Going up in a hot air balloon sounds like the typical romantic date – but how many couples do you know who’ve actually done it? There’s nothing quite like drifting over the land, hearing nothing but the breeze. Traveling balloon-style is more relaxing than flying in a plane – you hear no motor and you drift where the wind takes you. But if you feel you need a bit more speed, why not try a ride in a small plane? Any small plane enthusiast will tell you it’s much more exciting than flying on a jet plane. However you choose to fly, there’s no doubt that getting your feet off the ground for a day is a fantastic date idea. If you love unconventional outings, these ideas should keep you planning romantic getaways for some time to come. Whether it’s an anniversary celebration, a romantic birthday
for two, or a spontaneous “just because” trip you’re planning, you’re sure to have a memorable time.

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