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This week's best deals: Africa, Algarve and Mexico

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16 days in Africa from £1,704.50

Intrepid Travel (0800 781 1660) is offering 25 per cent off a range of tours including its Discover Gorillas, Chimps & Game Parks trip, where you will spend 16 days getting up close to Rwanda's mountain gorillas, spot wildlife in Kenya and Uganda, and track chimps in the forest, from £1,704.50 per person. The price includes accommodation (mostly camping), meals, a gorilla trek permit, game drives, park entry fees and transport, plus services of a local tour leader. International flights excluded. Various dates until December 2013.



Discover the Algarve from £389

The Travel Department
(020 7099 9665) is offering a seven-night holiday in the Algarve from £389 per person, where you'll discover the towns of Silves, Monchique, Lagos and Sagres, taking in some of the beautiful scenery along the way. You will also visit the colourful city of Loule, famous for its market and quaint shopping streets and stay in a three-star hotel. The price includes flights, accommodation at the Hotel Auramar on a half-board basis and excursions. Departure is from London Gatwick on 12 March 2013.



Save 30 per cent on a beachfront holiday home in Mexico

Tripadvisor Holiday Rentals is offering 30 per cent off a four-bed beachfront holiday home in Akumal, Mexico. The villa sleeps ten people and stays during January cost £110 per night for two bedrooms or £215 per night for all four bedrooms.

 


British tourist dies in Thailand hotel after days of binge drinking

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British tourist dies in Thailand hotel after days of binge drinkingStock photo: Thailand



A British tourist has been found dead in his hotel room in Thailand after days of binge drinking following an argument with his girlfriend.

Carsten James Denbigh, 47, was found kneeling on the floor with his body resting on the bed in a hotel room in Wang Krachae on 18 December, according to the Bangkok Post.

Pol Sub Lt Pawat Kaewkem, from Trat Tourist Police, said a pool of vomit mixed with blood was on the floor, and he appeared to have been dead for up to seven hours.

There were no injuries found on his body.

Mr Kaewkem said an investigation found Mr Denbigh and his British girlfriend visited Trat's Koh Mak about a week ago.

His girlfriend stayed with him on the island for two nights, before returning to the UK after they had a huge row.

Denbigh went on to consume a high volume of alcohol over the next few days. He fell ill and started vomiting blood, before being sent for treatment at Trat Hospital, from where he was discharged on Monday 17 December.

Pol Sub Lt Pawat said police from Muang Trat police station took Denbigh to stay at a city hotel because he had no money to pay for transportation.

According to the Daily Mail, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office could not immediately comment.

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Hotel review: One King West, Toronto

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Review: One King West, TorontoThe old vault - One King West


If you're hoping to get a real sense of Toronto's atmosphere and history, a stay at the One King West will tick all the right boxes. Here's why...

What's to love?

Amazing architecture, great location, luxurious surroundings - all housed in one of Toronto's oldest iconic landmarks.


Review: One King West, TorontoOne King West


Tell me the story

One King West is rich in history. The address dates back to the mid-1800s when it was first home to Michie & Co Grocers and Wine Merchants. It changed hands in 1871 when it was taken over by the Dominion Bank for 126 years. Much of the bank's original features still remain, giving the hotel a unique character. The magnificent old banking hall now hosts events and conferences, and the old vault complete with a 40 tonne, 4 ½ ft thick door is now an a la carte dining room.

This 12-story renaissance style building we see today was originally built in 1914. In 2006 a 51-storey extension known as 'the Silver' was added, making it the tallest residential building in Canada.


First impressions

Well, it's tall! The location is pretty perfect - it's in Toronto's downtown shopping and business area. We were welcomed into the bustling yet efficient lobby with plenty of friendly staff.

Review: One King West, TorontoOne King West


The rich sense of history in the building is incredible. The hotel retains plenty of original features: check out the sweeping marble staircases, opulent paintings and even the original lifts.

Best rooms in the house?

We stayed in a superior suite with sweeping views over Lake Ontario. Room facilities included a kitchenette with fridge, ensuite washer/dryer and designer décor throughout. We were not entirely sure as to the function of the kitchenette as it featured a microwave, dishwasher and electric cooktops, yet there were no pans or dishes!

Review: One King West, TorontoAOL Travel

The suite was a little rough around the edges and could have done with a little modernisation eg the TV system was quite cumbersome and not user friendly at all and the bathroom facilities felt a little dated. That said, the plush King Size bed was a welcome retreat after a hard days shopping.

Top tip?

The room's clothes washing facilities come in very handy.

This place is perfect if you're...

...looking for an extended stay in Toronto. Exploring Toronto from the hotel is extremely simple, as it is Ideally located by the subway station and a the cities trolley service is a simple 5 min walk away.

Where to eat/drink

The hotel is a five-minute walk away from Toronto's St Laurence market - host to a variety of 'street food' dining options. A short walk down Church St, you will find Loblaws - an amazing concept supermarket offering fresh food such as cakes, breads, sushi, pizzas and more - perfect for stocking up your mini-kitchen.

Review: One King West, Toronto

For a change of scenery, catch a trolley down Queen St West - you will find a variety of different restaurants and bars perfect for brunches, lunches and dinners. A particular favourite of ours was Chantecler (1320 Queen St West), offering Canadian sharing dishes with an Asian twist. Their slow smoked pork shoulder lettuce wraps were amazing!

Things to do, places to see...
Toronto's shopping is amazing. Get wonderfully lost in the boutiques of Queen St West or grab some vintage bargains from Kensington Market. If you like architecture/ art head to Frank Gehry's Art Gallery of Ontaario (AGO) - admission is a bargain at $10.50.


If you do one thing here, make sure it's...

Check out the views of Lake Ontario. From the fitness suite on level 17, you have access to the roof terrace. Perfect if you want to catch a perfect snap of a sunset over the lake.

Review: One King West, TorontoOne King West

Details:

One King West Hotel & Residence
1 King Street West Toronto, ON M5H 1A1
Phone: 416-548-8100
Fax: 416-548-8101
Web: www.onekingwest.com

 

Which airline has been voted worst short-haul carrier?

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Which airline has been voted worst short-haul provider?PA


There are no prizes for guessing that Ryanair has been rated the worst airline out of 16 carriers offering short-haul flights, with its add-on charges being the biggest bugbear.

A survey carried out on 5,622 Which? members on homeward-bound flights in the 12 months leading up to October 2012 reveals that Ryanair is the least popular airline, while Swiss International Air Lines has been voted the best.

Short-haul flights were defined as those departing from Europe or North Africa to the UK. Customer scores and ratings for the 16 airlines that received at least 30 responses for short-haul flights were included in the results.

The Which? report said: "We were inundated with comments about Ryanair - many about its extra charges. This partly accounts for the paltry one-star ratings for baggage allowance, boarding arrangements, seat allocation, and food and drinks. For example, it charges at least £15 per bag, per flight, for any checked-in luggage, and £10 to reserve a seat."

Which airline has been voted worst short-haul provider?Which?



It is the third time in a row Swiss International Air Lines is flying highest in Which?'s European airlines table with an overall satisfaction score of 82 per cent, compared to Ryanair's 34 percent.

Turkish Airlines (78 per cent) and Lufthansa (75 per cent) took the second and third top spots.

Each airline was rated in a number of categories, including check-in process, baggage allowance, seating allocation and airline staff.

Swiss is the only short-haul airline to receive the maximum five stars for its staff. Some members praised their politeness and "great service", while some also liked its "excellent booking process".

Joining Ryanair at the bottom of the table was Thomas Cook Airlines (in 15th place) with a score of 36 per cent, Thomson Airways was 14th on 45 per cent and Monarch 13th with 47 per cent.

A Which? spokesperson told Aol Travel: "The airlines topping our survey received flying colours for their good customer service and value for money. No-frills airlines will have to do more to cut down on the extra charges for baggage allowance, seat allocation and food and drink if they are to see their ratings really take off."

Which? 16 Best and Worst Short-Haul Airlines:

1. Swiss 82 per cent
2. Turkish Airlines 78 per cent
3. Lufthansa 75 per cent
4. Aer Lingus 74 per cent
5. KLM 67 per cent
6. British Airways 67 per cent
7. SAS 65 per cent
8. TAP Portugal 64 per cent
9. Air Malta 62 per cent
10. Jet2.com 61 per cent
11. Flybe 59 per cent
12. EasyJet 54 per cent
13. Monarch 47 per cent
14. Thomson Airways 45 per cent
15. Thomas Cook Airlines 36 per cent
16. Ryanair 34 per cent

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The world's sexiest hotel rooms

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Top ten sexy hotels (where you'll want to get naked!)Star Suite at Andaz San Diego


We've found the hotels that want you to strip off and enjoy being free and naked! Complete with shagpile bunk beds, provocative art and private outdoor spaces, these are some of the sexiest hotels around...



Like this? Discover the world's sexiest's destinations

Sign up to our weekly newsletter | Follow us on Twitter | Become a fan on Facebook

 

Do cheap ski holidays really exist?

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Do cheap ski holidays really exist?Getty


Sleeping in the snow is the only way to save money if you want a cheap ski holiday, right? Right. But if you're worried about feeling the cold, there are other ways to survive a ski holiday on a budget, too. From motorhomes to cosy little pensions off-the-beate track, there are ways you can take a cheap (ish) ski hoiday, honest. Here are our fave ideas...



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Zookeeper's emotional reunion with gorilla he hand-reared 20 years ago

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Zookeeper's emotional reunion with gorilla he hand-reared 20 years agoArchant


A retired zoo keeper has had an emotional reunion with a gorilla he brought up as a baby with his wife back in the 1970s.

Ron Smith, 82, battled back tears as he saw Salome for the first time in 20 years.

Ron, of Ipswich, Suffolk, told Archant: "She looks really well. It's so nice to see her. I am choked."

The widower recalled: "We reared her from soon after she was born. It was like our own child. She even slept in a cot in our bedroom."

Ron and Salome's incredible story starts back in 1976. He was second in command at the Ape House at London Zoo when Lomie gave birth to Salome - the first ever gorilla born there.

But Lomie struggled with her new baby and so Ron stepped in to take Salome home and rear her with his wife Barbara, who died in 2008, for the first year of her life.

She was taken into the zoo during the day but at night she slept in a cot in Ron's bedroom.

The animal-loving Smiths, who had no children of their own, loved bringing up loveable little Salome.

The time of caring for her soon came to an end, and Ron recalls that their parting was harder than he ever thought it would be.

Zookeeper's emotional reunion with gorilla he hand-reared 20 years agoArchant


Two decades have passed since Ron last saw Salome, who he affectionately still refers to as "my baby".

Now aged 36, the mother-of-three is living at Bristol Zoo, where she was relocated 20 years ago.

Ron decided he would love to see Salome for at least one last time as an extra-special Christmas present to himself.

His eyes lit up and he choked up as she emerged from behind a bush with her one-year-old son Kukena clinging to her leg.

Salome stared at Ron and his eyes began to water as she focused on her surrogate dad for a few magical seconds before walking away.

The former zookeeper stood transfixed as he watched her playing the highly-attentive mother.

John Partridge, senior curator of animals of Bristol Zoo, saluted Ron and his late wife Barbara for doing such a good job rearing Salome, saying: "I was really excited to meet Ron.

"I first met him in 1976 because Salome's mother came here to begin a breeding programme.

"Salome's mum then went back to London where she gave birth to Salome.

"Salome is a brilliant mother and that is all down to this guy."

Zookeeper's emotional reunion with gorilla he hand-reared 20 years agoSalome with her own baby: PA


He added: "The proof is there as she has had babies, rears them herself and is a strong member of the family.

"All that is down to how she was reared."

Lynsey Bugg, assistant curator of mammals, said: "I do not think she necessarily knew who Ron was but there was a definite recognition of familiarity.

"I think it is wonderful. He's done such a good job. She's an amazing animal in terms of teaching other members of the group about mothering. To see the man who made it all possible is just magical.

"The whole team have loved having Ron here and will continue to keep in touch with him."

Making the long 200-mile trip back to Ipswich, the lifelong wildlife-lover said: "This day will stay in my memory for a long time. I am overwhelmed. It has been a wonderful day - the best."

Aol Travel reported the birth of Salome's own baby, who arrived on 28 September 2011.

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Supermodel Bar Refaeli heads for icier climes on holiday in Greenland

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Supermodel Bar Rafaeli heads for icier climes on holiday in GreenlandInstagram/Bar Refaeli



Supermodels holiday in glamorous locations, like the South of France, Barbados and Miami, right?

Well stylish Israeli model Bar Refaeli swapped winter sun for icier climes, when she took a trip to Greenland this week.

Refaeli posted a picture of herself on Instagram, surrounded by glaciers and wearing warm clothing while on the deck of a boat.

The 27-year-old model looked like she was having a great time in the Arctic country.

By area, Greenland is the world's largest island and attracts tourists for its spectacular glaciers, Northern Lights viewing and trekking opportunities.

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Revealed! The celebs travellers would most like to holiday with

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Revealed! The celebs travellers would most like to holiday withPA



If you could go on holiday with any celeb, which would it be? A new survey has revealed that Kate Middleton is the most popular choice as a travel companion for Brits.

The research was conducted by boutique hostel company Generator, which asked travellers who they would most like to bunk with and young royal Kate along with Prince Harry received 43 per cent of the vote.

Holly Willoughby came third (30 per cent) with one in three women opting for the TV presenter for her fun and friendly nature.

According to Entertainmentwise, the survey found that most men would like to meet James Bond, with Daniel Craig coming second (20 per cent) in the poll as the man they would choose to share a city break with.

Cheryl Cole, Olly Murs, Jessica Ennis and David Beckham also made the top ten list.

But when asked who they would least like to travel with, the Britons aged between 18 and 34 years, said Katie Price, followed by Jedward, Pete Doherty, Ed Miliband and Peter Andre.

Carl Michel, Executive Chairman of Generator, said: 'After the Olympics and the Queen's Jubilee it is interesting to see that Brits are now more patriotic than ever, having given the young royals the public seal of approval as potential roommates.'

Top 10 celebrities Britons would most like to share a room with

1. Kate Middleton
2. Prince Harry
3. Holly Willoughby
4. Daniel Craig
5. Cheryl Cole
6. Olly Murs
7. Jessica Ennis
8. David Beckham
9. Gary Barlow
10. Sarah Millican

Top 10 celebrities Britons would least like to share a room with

1. Katie Price
2. Jedward
3. Pete Doherty
4. Ed Miliband
5. Peter Andre
6. Kerry Katona
7. Ashley Cole
8. Denise Welch
9. Noel Gallagher
10. Hugo Taylor

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Taylor Swift and Harry Styles cosy up on romantic ski break in Utah

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Taylor Swift and Harry Styles cosy up on romantic ski break in UtahInstagram/Ellen Dreher



Hot new couple Taylor Swift and Harry Styles have been spotted on a secret ski break in Utah, America.

Just days after One Direction's Harry joined Taylor and her mum on a shopping trip in Los Angeles, the pair were seen at the Canyons Resort in Park City on Friday.

E! Online reports that a female fan took a picture of the couple and posted it on her Twitter page, writing that Swift was not open to taking a picture with her.

But the fan ended up snapping a picture of the singers, who were enjoying an après-ski lunch with Taylor's brother Austin.

The woman also tweeted: 'Omg OMG omg what are the odds. T swift just talked to me and said it was nice meeting me.'

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David Beckham splashes out £250K on Christmas holiday in the sun

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David Beckham to splash out £250K on Christmas holiday in the sunGetty



David Beckham is reportedly splashing out £250,000 on a family Christmas holiday in the Maldives.

According to The Sun, the footballer is treating Victoria and their four children to 11 nights at luxury resort One&Only Reethi Rah.

Of course, the A-list family are staying in the priciest suite available, which costs £8,600 a night and they have booked three more (for luggage? Staff? Haper's toys?), each costing £3,700 a night, taking the room bill alone to £217,000.

While on the lavish paradise escape, the Beckhams can indulge in the resort's facilities, which include 12 beaches, 40 pools and its own seaplane.

Dinner isn't cheap either as eating at the swish restaurant will cost them at least another £150 a night.

A source told The Sun: 'It's the best resort in the Maldives and they are staying in the most expensive rooms.'

The Beckhams are said to have flown to the Indian Ocean island from the UK yesterday and took a private plane to the hotel.

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Celebrities hit Aspen for Christmas

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Celebrities hit Aspen for Christmas ski holidaysRex



It's ski season and the celebs are wasting no time hitting the slopes, with the likes of Paris Hilton, Mariah Carey and Antonio Banderas holidaying in Aspen over Christmas.

Paris Hilton and her model boyfriend River Viiperi showed off their moves at the Colorado ski resort and the couple took to Twitter to share their holiday snaps with their fans.

Paris wrote: 'Ski Bunny Barbie and Ken @RiverViiperi ready for another beautiful day in Aspen!'

Mariah Carey is enjoying a festive break at the Colorado ski resort too and was spotted going late-night shopping in floor-length checked dress.

Other stars at the ski resort are Christina Aguilera, Matt Bellamy and Cheryl Cole's dancer friend Derek Hough.

Browse pics of the celebs on ski holidays in Aspen...



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This week's best deals: Machu Picchu, La Plagne and Berlin

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25 per cent off holidays in Machu Picchu

Intrepid Travel (0844 4998487) is offering 25 per cent off trips to Machu Picchu in its five-day sale, with holidays from £566 instead of £755. The seven-day itinerary takes in the historic city of Cuzco, Quechua communities in the Sacred Valley and a guided tour of Machu Picchu's famous ruins. The package includes hotel accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, one group dinner, guided tours and a local tour leader. International flights are excluded. Book from 26 to 30 December and quote promotional code 9504 when booking. Valid for travel before 30 April 2013.



Save £140 on a ski break in La Plagne

vip-chalets.com (0844 557 3119) is offering a seven-night ski holiday at French resort La Plagne for £799 per person instead of £939, with a saving of £140. The package includes a stay in Summit View's Como Suite, which gives you access to the family-friendly and vast Portes du Soleil ski area. The suite has a boutique hotel feel, with contemporary décor and a private lift down to the slopes. Summit View overlooks the pistes and spectacular Grand Rochette mountain. The price is based on a 6 January departure from London Gatwick, with return flights, resort transfers, VIP chalet catering, welcome champagne and canapés and complimentary ski hosting included.



Four-star city break in Berlin for under £100

easyJet Holidays (0843 104 1000) is offering a four-star city break in Berlin for £92 per person. The package includes a stay at the Euro hotel, which offers easy access to the city centre, for two nights on a bed and breakfast basis. Departures are from Liverpool on 17 January 2013.


 

Win! A spa break for two at Carey's Manor & SenSpa in the New Forest

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We've teamed up with four-star retreat Carey's Manor & SenSpa to offer one lucky user the chance to win a spa break in the New Forest.

You and a guest will enjoy a three-course dinner in the Manor restaurant, a 60-minute Hot Stone Harmony Treatment each, full access to the SenSpa's facilities and breakfast the morning after your stay.

Carey's Manor Hotel & SenSpa offers pure luxury in the New Forest National Park, with its world-class spa facilities, luxurious bedrooms and delicious dining options. Voted Hotel Spa of the Year by the British Beauty Awards, its Thai-themed SenSpa boasts a large hydrotherapy pool, ozone swimming pool, herbal sauna, crystal steam room, ice room, experience showers, tepidarium, laconicum and Thai-inspired relaxation areas.



The Hot Stone Harmony Treatment is an ancient practice combined with Thai traditions and techniques. Thought to be 10 times more effective than a deep tissue massage, the treatment involves strategically placing volcanic basalt stones, heated to temperatures of up to 120 to 150 degrees, on the body's meridian lines to increase the flow of energy, and deeply penetrate muscles to ease tension.

The prize includes: a one-night stay for two people in a Knightwood Garden Room at Carey's Manor & SenSpa with breakfast, a three-course dinner (drinks not included) and a 60-minute Hot Stone Harmony Treatment each. The prize must be taken between a Sunday and Thursday before 1 March 2013. The prize will be presented in the form of a voucher.

For your chance to win a spa break for two at Carey's Manor & SenSpa, visit our Facebook page and enter your details before 1pm on Wednesday 2 January

Don't worry if you don't win as Carey's Manor & SenSpa is offering all AOL Travel users a 10 per cent discount on hotel stays and spa treatments. Just quote AOL002 when booking. Offer available until 1 March 2013. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other special offer. Book via the website or by calling 01590 624467.

 

Climber completes 120ft-high tightrope walk NAKED

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Climber completes 120ft-high tightrope walk NAKEDCaters News



A daredevil tightrope walker was captured crossing a 120ft-high line over water just one foot deep at Mai Leung in Thailand without a safety harness - or her clothes!

Hayley Ashburn, from San Francisco, discovered the spectacular spot while travelling by boat along the coast with her friends. The 24-year-old was looking for somewhere different from the popular climbing area of Tonsai.

According to Caters News, two days after searching, they came across Mai Leung and couldn't resist jumping ashore and climbing the rocks in the bay.

Hayley said: 'It's not a well-known spot - there are tons of amazing cliffs in Thailand yet to be discovered.

'Most climbers stick to the classic climbs on Tonsai but if you travel by boat it's possible to find spectacular, unclimbed rock like this.

'I found Mai Leung on a trip with my friends while looking for new climbs and highlines.

She added: 'Mai Leung - which is Thai for a small pokey stick - stuck out as an obviously fun object to climb so we came ashore and started setting up.

'The height changed depending on the hour of day and the level of tide. The ocean was moving eight feet vertically between morning and night when we were climbing.

Hayley said that at high tide the water was deep enough to fall into without injury but at low tide the line was over dry land and a fall would be very dangerous.

'I walked naked to feel free, being out on the line without anything on my body at sunrise was magical and beautiful and I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

'It was for the thrill and the fun of being naked in the wilderness where nobody is around to see.'

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2012 named safest year ever to travel by plane

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2012 named safest year ever to travel by planeGetty


Got a fear of flying? You'll be pleased to learn, then, that plane passenger safety levels are increasing - and 2012 was the safest year ever in air travel.

Figures released by flight advisory service Ascend reveal the number of fatal crashes and the number of people killed in those crashes in 2012 fell sharply compared with 2011, according to the Daily Telegraph.

In fact, the fatal accident rate of one per 2.5 million flights made 2012 the safest year on record, and nearly twice as safe as 2011.

Figures showed that there were 15 planes crashes involving deaths in 2012 compared with 25 in 2011; and the number of people killed in fatal accident crashes this year was 362 compare with 403 last year.

Nearly three-quarter of the deaths in 2012 occurred in two incidents.

A Bhoja Air Boeing 737 crashed near Islamabad airport in Pakistan on 20 April, kiling 127 people.

Then, on 6 June, 153 people, plus 10 on the ground, died when a DANA Air plane crashed while landing at Lagos airport in Nigeria.

Paul Hayes, head of safety at Ascend, told the Daily Telegraph: "2012 does not represent a new norm for the world airlines.

"Nonetheless, airline fatal accident rates have been steadily improving and on average, operations are now twice as safe as they were 15 years ago. About 335 fewer passengers and crew were killed each year in the last decade than during the 1990s."


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Brangelina take '12 nannies' on their Caribbean Christmas break

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Brangelina take 12 nannies on their Caribbean Christmas breakPA


Beach holidays aren't quite as relaxing as they could be when you've got six children in tow. But it seems that Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have found the perfect solution - they reportedly took up to 12 nannies with them on their Christmas break in the Caribbean.

According to the New York Post, the couple are staying at the home of fashion designer Donna Karan on Turks and Caicos.

Sources claim that they have been joined by Brad's parents, Jane and William Pitt, his brother Doug Pitt and his sister Julie Neal Pitt, and their families - bring the party up to 22 people.

And that's before you count the nannies - a local source claimed that the couple were travelling with a dozen nannies.

Architectural Digest editor-at-large Jeffrey Slonim wrote on his blog on Christmas Day: "At lunch on a small island three away from Parrot Cay. A woman said she'd heard from a local that [Pitt and Jolie] were in town with two nannies per child. Count 'em, 12 nannies!"

Donna Karan's luxury home is located in Parrot Cay, on a white sand beach. During their stay, the Jolie-Pitt's will be able to enjoy the infinity pool, lined with black volcanic stone, which offers 360-degree views, an open-air screening room for watching movies, a dining pavilion and an impressive collection of African and Asian art.

Another visitor to the island said: "They are at Donna's house, without Donna, and have been loving the island because it is so secluded. Angelina's taken the kids to Karan's yoga spa. They've been running around the island with no care in the world, and relaxing."

Back in August, Donna Karan told Vanity Fair that her Caribbean home is her "best-kept secret", and said that her spa house is "like a private yoga retreat."

However, their stay may soon be coming to an end. The Daily Mail reports that this is just the first stop in a round-the-world trip.

Click on the image below to see which celebrities were skiing in Aspen this Christmas...



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Paris streetlights could be turned off to save money

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Paris streetlights could be turned off to save moneyPA


French ministers are considering a plan to turn off streetlights between the hours of 1am and 7am in a bid to save money and energy.

If it's approved, the plan would not only plunge Paris into darkness, but would also apply to all other cities, towns and villages across France.

The Daily Mail reports that French President Francois Hollande and his energy minister Delphine Batho are currently considering the proposal. If it goes ahead, residents and visitors would be encouraged to carry torches if they venture outside in the early hours.

Delphine Batho has said that the move would save energy and money and would show 'sobriety'. It follows on from a new rule which was brought in last July, whereby businesses have to turn off neon lights between 1am and 6am.

However, the plans are not popular with business owners, who worry that plunging residents and tourists into darkness could affect trade.

French chef and culinary consultant Didier Quemener told Quartz: "My clients don't want to be in the dark in the City of Light."

The Independent reports that, if it goes ahead, the new rules would come into effect in July 2013. The Energy Ministry claims that it wouldn't represent a big change from the current situation, as the lights at Paris' 304 monuments, churches, statues, fountains and bridges are already turned off at night - and the Eiffel Tower's lights are turned off at 1am.

Click on the image below for some amazing images of England's sky at night...



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Will you be booking all inclusive in 2013?

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Will you be booking all inclusive in 2013?PA


If your thoughts have already started to turn to your next summer holiday, the experts reckon that they're one step ahead of you.

According to research from the travel organisation Abta, we're likely to take longer holidays and spend more money than usual in 2013 - and we'll be opting for guaranteed sunshine and all-inclusive breaks to make our money go further.

The Telegraph reports that after a run of disappointing, wet summers we'll be heading to destinations such as France, Greece, Spain and the US, where we know it will be hot and sunny.

Mark Tanzer, abta's chief executive, told The Independent: "The early indications are that forward bookings for 2013 are looking positive despite a continued squeeze on household budgets. The majority of British holidaymakers are reluctant to give up their annual holiday even in tougher economic times.

"In particular, we are seeing strong forward bookings for the luxury and all-inclusive sectors which have both done well in recent years. We are also seeing an increase in demand for tailor-made holidays as consumers look for greater flexibility but with all the security of a package."

According to to a poll by TravelSupermarket, the most popular destinations in 2013 will be Spain, the US, Portugal, Greece, Turkey, Italy ad France, and all-inclusive holidays, especially cruises, are expected to become more popular.

Bob Atkinson, a spokesman for TravelSupermarket, told The Telegraph: "Although many of us still like to take one main holiday, along with some additional short breaks, in 2013 we'll see holidaymakers slightly increasing the number of days they spend away as well as upping their holiday budgets."

Click on the image below for the top cruises for 2013...



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Chester zoo enjoys baby boom of rare animals

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Chester zoo enjoys baby boom of rare animalsSky News


Chester zoo has welcomed a number of babies in 2012 - many of which are seriously endangered in the wild.

The most recent new arrival is a baby Asian elephant, born on November 25. He hasn't yet been named but is obviously the pride and joy of first-time mum Sundara.

A female black rhino calf called Chanua was born in early October. The specious is dangerously close to extinction as there are believed to be just 700 Eastern black rhinos thought to remain across the world.

Chester zoo enjoys baby boom of rare animalsSky News


Keepers also celebrated the birth of a rare baby okapi, the closest living relative to the giraffe, for the first time in Chester Zoo's history. The female, Tafari, was born on October 10 to parents Stuma and Dicky.

Sumatran orangutan Tripa was also born in October. His species is classed by conservationists as being critically endangered in the wild, where it is estimated that fewer than 7,000 remain.

Chester zoo enjoys baby boom of rare animalsSky News


Other new arrivals include two baby giant otters, Kanzi the Rothschild giraffe, Daley the Asian short-clawed otter and Caspian the onager foal.

Sky News reports that the threat of extinction for some of these animals is so great that these babies may become party of an "insurance population".

Curator of mammals Tim Rowlands told Sky News: "This is not just about visitor numbers, it's about the fact that we have got animal welfare right, the animal husbandry right and this will help our conservation. We take a major part in the conservation work of the black rhino for example.

"There is that thought that some of these species in the future may go back [to their natural habitats] but some of the other species won't. They are 'ambassador species' but it's not safe to put anything back at the moment."

Sky News reports that the zoo's endocrinology lab is the only one in the UK specialising in the study of hormones in wildlife - and this can help researchers to understand why animals fail to breed.

Click on the image below to see baby zoo animals around the world...



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