jacko

Just invest time on the internet, for me, that is hardly an effort as I just work in another tab.I still think over a month but not over 5 months ahead averages out. Another good opportunity is soon after some big problem at the airline or airport. I got BA bargains after the Heathrow dispute, and Finnair just had some problems and I bet they have trimmed prices. Airlines that are 'struggling' offer bargains, but they might go out of business before the return flight....... I am on the mailing lists for quite a few carriers who send promotional fares out, Bangkok seems to be on there less often, or the fare is more than on the headline. Keeping with the same airline works better for the USA guys as their programs are better, I always look for price, with the caveat of reasonable connection time and no mickey mouse carriers. Mid November 2009 has gone already! If you want in that Biz Class cabin your approach has to change, either pay for it or stick with one carrier. I don't fly long-haul frequently enough these days to make that beneficial.

That might be good for the warm fuzzy feeling, but I would prefer one form of protection that I have confidence in, you have 2 which you do not! How many condoms do you use and what brand(s)?

I was surprised too, £1100 sounded good for Christmas travel. Lastminute.com came up with Air France at £805 from Manchester. From LHR Transaero (who?...Russia) for £711, Air China for £842

I have had positive results from Forex. But like brain surgery, it isn't something I would do on myself.

Or just go downstairs and get on the bus. (Actually it's a moving walkway so downstairs isn't correct) I was offered a 1000 baht taxi before I got to the bus guys. They spoke some English and I had to wait about 10 minutes.

Treasure Island too eh.... swine!

I have always booked between 5 and 2 months ahead, I believe that to be a good window. I also fly Manchester but am limited by my refusal to use LHR. Don't exclude Emirates because of the Dubai financial situation, if anything it might bring flights down, and outside of Christmas, and their next big holiday (Ramadan is a long time off) are not much impacted by our holidays. Avoid end-of-term, start of term if you can. Try Qatar's site, they offer some good prices directly. For cheap, Chiina Airlines via Amsterdam, Gazelle travel.

Animal farm isn't PC I guess, another reason not to go with Kindle/ Amazon, too much censorship about! Coincidentally Sony sent me a marketing email including this today. If it can be rotated, to give a landscaped reading area that would be preferable for me. The text looks a little small, can that be zoomed in-on?

Thanks, I took a look, looks like one of those personal organisers that didn't catch on years ago. Amazed I cannot transfer some of the books I downloaded to the gadget and have to get them from Amazon, like Apple software eh? At $259 it is far overpriced too. As to books on the laptop, well yes easy to obtain, but not practical. Perhaps one of the newer netbooks would work, but the thing I have won't pass to the bedside table single handed, and I would worry about it sliding to the floor when I turned. Whether I can download a book in under 60 seconds wireless or not, seems superfluous, when I was thinking of loading it like an Ipod or music to my cell phone.

Got any pictures of these things. I have had a couple of books on my computer for years, but reading from a computer just isn't comfy. Are these things the equivalent to a paperback you can read while propped up on pillows in bed?

It used to be about in Bangkok years ago, but it was a 'private' show.I have certainly seen live sex shows in Pattaya too, again some time ago. It would hardly surprise me that it could be provided upstairs in Patpong, although these guys getting out without the standard rip-off would be fortunate. All this presumes we are discussing mixed-sex shows (couples), other formats are commonplace.

Yes, glad to see you are keeping the .... thread on track, with such wonderful reviews.....

Welcome back, same sunny Stinky! Bet you're leaving soon though.....

LOL, I hope you didn't do some sort of research into all the places initialled PV that had a Fiesta Americana hotel! Now I know why it rang a bell, stayed at a Fiesta Americana in Merida once.

Isn't there a place in the Philippines with a similar name too?

And if I was in Oz, I would garb one too!

Well the Thai baht has appreciated 30% on the feeble £ in recent times so that will not help.Even Joekicker has been known to be a little critical about Thai Airways and their approach to doing business.

The problem is they are often expensive, being of a particularly flexible class. Most people manage by buying a ticket that has a return date, but it can be moved for a charge. Since you are unsure of how long you wish to stay, a one year open return looks best, but that will not be cheap. You need to consider how long you will stay, a shorter duration will likely be a cheaper ticket, then put a return date and be sure it can be moved. The other limitation is that the Class (yes economy, but there are many) of ticket. If you try to change a booking they will only give you a seat of the same (or lower) class, if it is not available, a higher charge to upgrade is required. Terms and conditions of the tickets are normally defined at the time of booking. I just did a quick check on BA, apart from their ticket being a whopping £800+ for a 5 month stay, there was a change of booking charge of £90!

Well actually isn't Oz 240VAC, 50Hz... but close enough.This is useful.

Just to confirm, did you get your retirement visa using proof of income confirmed by the British Embassy or Bank deposit?

Correct, there is not. The nearest is likely KL, followed by Singapore. I keep hoping someone will do one, changing at Amsterdam is tiresome, at LHR it is horrible. I transited in Doha last time, it was Ok although there is a bit of extra flying time going via the Middle East.

An hour sitting on the beach watching the firework spectacular is great!Then there are the expensive 'Gala Nights' at the big hotels.

Well you are certainly right.......So for a direct flight from Manchester to Bangkok it has to be..Thai (not so keen) or BA (never again).. Or an oriental/Australian carrier heading to it's Hub/Home stopping over. Eva would work!

How about EasyJet.... didn't they pull out?Pity about Singapore, a class act, just too expensive for those thrifty Lancashire crowds! (I know, it is in Greater Manchester and Cheshire!) These Middle Eastern Airlines are getting their act together, and tax increases might well help them more. I last flew with Qatar and it was pretty good.

Mmmm, curried fried duck, yummy!