Twenty destinations for 2014: Papua New Guinea

Why? A land of thriving tribal cultures, smouldering volcanoes and vast swathes of pristine mountainous rainforest, Papua New Guinea is one of the world’s last great frontiers and remains largely untouched by mass tourism. Hundreds of islands lie north and east of the mainland, with sparkling white-sand beaches, coral reefs and verdant jungles teeming with wildlife. The magnificent plumage and outrageous courtship displays of the islands’ birds of paradise - two-thirds of the country’s flora and fauna species are endemic - along with numerous species of tree kangaroo, spine-covered echidnas and huge flightless birds such as the cassowary, will delight birdwatchers and nature-lovers alike.

Travelling through this rugged country offers countless opportunities to interact with Papuans, from staying in rainforest villages to witnessing a “sing-sing”, colourful traditional festivals in which warriors don elaborate headdresses and chant to the rhythmic pounding of drums. Papua New Guinea was part of the British Empire in the late 19th century and subsequently administered by Australia (from 1906-75). It is also home to a number of Second World War sites. Visitors can follow in the footsteps of Australian “diggers” (who heroically held off a Japanese ground invasion) on the challenging Kokoda Track, or visit a former Japanese submarine base near Rabaul, where the shells of fighter aircraft still lie half-buried in the jungle. Those who crave truly intrepid travel have the opportunity to scale 4,000m peaks, surf big waves off largely empty beaches, or explore little-known dive sites. Diverse, colourful and extreme, this is an island nation like no other.

How to go: Epic Tomato (020 7426 9899; epictomato.com) offers two different itineraries in the country. For Telegraph Travel’s full guide to Papua New Guinea, go to telegraph.co.uk/papuanewguinea

Flybe cuts 24 routes

Flybe has announced its summer schedule for 2014, confirming more than 150 routes from 65 UK and European airports between March 30th and October 25th, 2014.
The timetable reaffirms Flybe’s ongoing commitment to the regional economies of the UK and, with fares starting at just £19.99 one way including taxes and charges, the airline is determined to provide a product and an experience that is in tune with its customers’ needs.
Following the recently announced reconfiguration of its route network, the airline can now also confirm that it is withdrawing 30 routes of which 14 normally operate for summer only.
Passengers affected by the route withdrawals are being contacted and offered, where possible, an alternative Flybe flight or a full refund on their ticket.
Commenting on the new schedule, Paul Simmons, Flybe’s Chief Commercial Officer said: “We recently announced that we would be reconfiguring our route network as part of a carefully planned strategy to optimise our operations. “We have since taken a long hard look at all the routes we fly to make sure that our new schedule is what our customers really want and that they operate at the best possible times for everyone. The extent of our confirmed regional network, with more than 150 routes on sale for next summer, means that no other airline has the regional and onward international connectivity offered by Flybe.” Simmons added.

easyJet plans third route to Tel Aviv

easyJet is planning a third route between the UK and Tel Aviv. The airline, which already flies to the city from Manchester Airport and London Luton Airport, will start services from London Gatwick Airport from 1 April 2014.
The thrice weekly flights, which will go on sale on 10 December, will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays with fares starting from £90.49
Hugh Aitken, UK Commercial Manager for easyJet, commented: “easyJet is delighted to be able to offer new services to Tel Aviv from a third airport in the UK. We expect to carry around 50,000 passengers each year on the new Gatwick service. Combined with our flights from London Luton and Manchester this means we will operate 16 weekly flights to Tel Aviv from the UK.
“Our research, in conjunction with the Jewish News, has helped us better understand why passengers choose Tel Aviv and informed us about what they enjoyed about their trip. The most striking finding was the destination’s growing popularity with young travellers who viewed it as a relaxing, beach destination to visit.
“One of the reasons for launching new flights from London Gatwick is because Tel Aviv’s appeal as a popular leisure destination has been growing. Almost 100,000 passengers travelled from both London Luton and Manchester with easyJet in the past year.”
easyJet started flying to Tel Aviv in November 2009 from London Luton Airport. Across Europe the airline currently serves Tel Aviv from London Luton and Manchester as well as Basel, Geneva and Rome.
The airline has recently announced a Berlin – Tel Aviv route which is the first since the signing of the Open skies agreement between the EU and Israel. In the past twelve months easyJet has flown more than 330,000 passengers into and out of Tel Aviv, 190,000 of those flew to and from the UK and next year this is set to increase further.
easyJet has also increased its flights between Manchester and Tel Aviv from two to three per week between 17 Feb 2014 and 28 April 2014.

Ryanair launches allocated seating

Ryanair has launched allocated seating on all Ryanair flights from 1st February 2014, which is now available when booking on the Ryanair.com website, which allows Ryanair customers to choose their preferred seats in advance.
Ryanair customers can now select their preferred allocated seat either during the booking process or when checking-in online with three seat options available:
Ryanair customers who do not wish to pre-select their seats can check-in during the period from 7 days to 2 hours prior to their flight and they will be assigned an allocated seat at no cost. (Free allocated seats will not be available prior to 7 days before each flight departure).
Customers who have already purchased priority boarding for flights departing after 1st February 2014 can select a standard seat free of charge when checking-in online.
Ryanair’s Robin Kiely said: “Ryanair is listening to our customers and responding, so that they can continue to enjoy the lowest fares and most on-time flights, but can also benefit from these recent improvements to Ryanair’s industry leading customer service. All Ryanair customers may now bring a (small) second bag on board, enjoy an easier booking process on our improved website, “quiet flights” pre-8am and post-9pm, and customers can now choose their preferred allocated seat on all Ryanair flights from 1st February.
Ryanair will next introduce a “My Ryanair” customer registration service at the end of December, allowing customers to save their personal details to make even faster bookings. This will be followed by a “Share the Fare” feature, a “Fare Finder” feature and mobile boarding passes before the end of April 2014.
“These service improvements will be in addition to the 12 new routes from London Stansted airport, which begin in April 2014, as Ryanair offers our customers an even greater choice of destinations, as well as Europe’s industry leading customer service.”

Qatar Airways extends footprint in US

Qatar Airways is extending its footprint in the USA with the launch of a new service to Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), commencing on July 1, 2014.
The destination will become Qatar Airways’ second route in Texas; the airline currently operates to Houston non-stop daily from Doha.
A statement said that the airline’s latest announcement reinforces its commitment to the American market and the passengers that fly with Qatar Airways from the United States.
“We are pleased to continue enhancing our presence in the United States and are committed to providing passengers with an exceptional travel experience with Qatar Airways, as they travel on their long-haul and short-haul journeys.
“It is an exciting start to 2014 that we have announced three new American routes, and we look forward to welcoming our new and loyal passengers on board.
“We take this opportunity to thank the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport for their support in enabling the commencement of Qatar Airways’ new services. DFW is the world’s fourth busiest airport, and we are pleased to begin operating services there.”
The Dallas/Fort Worth route will be operated with the airline’s flagship Boeing 777-200LR aircraft, which features a two-class design with 42 Business Class lie-flat seats in a 2-2-2 configuration.
Qatar Airways’ Business Class product was ranked the “World’s Best Business Class” at the Skytrax World Airline Awards this year in Paris.
Economy Class features 217 seats in a 3-3-3 across configuration, featuring one less seat per row in Economy Class than its competitors.
Currently flying to four destinations in the United States – New York, Washington DC, Chicago, and Houston – the airline will nearly double its footprint in the country with the addition of three new routes in 2014: Philadelphia (2 April), Miami (10 June) and Dallas/Fort Worth (1 July).
Key destinations for passengers travelling from the United States across the airline’s hub in Doha include routes in India, Africa, the Middle East and Asia.
Popular business and leisure destinations such as Abu Dhabi, Bangkok, Delhi, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Nairobi, Kuala Lumpur, Colombo, and Maldives are operated daily non-stop with multiple frequencies, making Qatar Airways an airline of choice among passengers.
In line with Qatar Airways’ growth strategy, many routes are served with multiple frequencies, ensuring maximum connectivity and convenience by providing some of the shortest travel times in the industry.

Katara Hospitality plans new hotel in Doha

In line with the growth strategy of its Merweb brand, Katara Hospitality has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for managing a new hotel in Doha under the umbrella of Merweb brand.
The MoU was signed by Saeed Abdulla Al Amer Al Kaabi, President of Sphinex Hotels & Resorts and, on behalf of Katara Hospitality, by Hamad Abdulla Al-Mulla, Chief Executive Officer. The signing ceremony took place today at Sharq Village & Spa, Doha.
The new hotel will be known as Merweb Plaza Hotel and is located on Jawaan street in Al Sadd District. The hotel has been designed to cater to the growing number of business travelers who seek a high-quality business hotel in the very heart of Doha city.
Currently under construction, Merweb Plaza Hotel is expected to open in late 2014. The property will comprise 175 rooms and suites equipped with the latest technologies and amenities required by business travelers on the move, while restaurants, meeting and banqueting space as well as recreation facilities will complement the offer.
“We are proud to be associated with Katara Hospitality, the national owner, manager and developer of iconic hotels that has become one of the most reputable international hospitality organisations,” said, Saeed Abdulla Al Amer Al Kaabi, President of Sphinex Hotels and Resort.
“With its international experience and scale, we are confident that Katara Hospitality will manage Merweb Plaza Hotel according the highest international standards, and are confident that this will be a fruitful partnership for both parties.”
“The addition of Merweb Plaza Hotel to the portfolio of managed hotels under the Merweb brand fits perfectly with our strategic expansion plans for this brand”, stated Hamad Abdulla Al-Mulla, Chief Executive Officer of Katara Hospitality.  “As we are refreshing the Merweb brand to enhance the guest experience, we are looking forward to a successful partnership in managing this new hotel”, he concluded.
Katara Hospitality takes great pride in its home grown Merweb brand and is presently focusing on reviewing and refreshing the brand offering to become one of the leading hotel management companies in the region.

10 of the best rooftop bars in London

London does pubs and pints famously well but you can increasingly add rooftop bars to the superlatives list, too.
True, summer lasts only about two weeks here but that hasn’t dampened the enthusiasm for an alfresco cocktail or two -- most of these spots are open year-round with outdoor heaters and cozy blankets if you want to leave the sheltered inside space.
These 10 panoramic places will be among the best perches in town for New Year revels.

Queen of Hoxton, East London

Located in the heart of Hipsterville with an uninspiring view of surrounding office blocks, this rooftop is a magnet for East London’s creative crowd.

There are fire pits and a toasty tipi in winter and BBQs, frozen cocktails and guest DJs when the sun is shining.

Screenings of cult films sell out in hours, so keep an eye on the bar's Facebook and Twitter pages to score a coveted ticket.
Food and drink menus change with the seasons. Right now the Pumpkin Spiced Cider ($8.80) and DIY toasted marshmallows ($1.60) hit the spot.
Queen of Hoxton, 1-5 Curtain Road, Shoreditch, EC2A 3JX; +44 20 7422 0958; open daily, year-round

Radio Rooftop Bar, central London

Indoor glass atrium and warming cocktails make this a top winter spot.A newcomer to the city’s rooftop scene, Radio is among the swankiest.

It’s the crowning glory of a five-star hotel that was once the headquarters of the BBC.

Ten floors up in the heart of Theaterland, the wide terrace either side of the glass-walled bar lets you tick off most London landmarks.

A cosmopolitan post-work/pre-theater crowd mingles with well-heeled hotel guests, so you should dress to impress (no sportswear allowed for men).
Seasonal cocktailslike the Autumn Sundown with Gin Mare, vanilla, basil and apple ($19) are great.
Radio Rooftop Bar, 336-337 The Strand, Aldwych, WC2R 1HA; +44 20 7395 3440; open daily, year-round

Madison, City of London

Saintly sipping with St. Paul's in the background.Sipping is a spiritual affair at this City of London bar, with a large outdoor terrace overlooking the dome of St. Paul's Cathedral.

There are 150 different wines to choose from and a good range of beers, spirits and cocktails. But the signature drink is a Pornstar Martini with vanilla vodka ($17.60).

The mini-cheeseburgers with blue cheese and bacon ($14.40) are a manageable bite with drink in hand or you can take a table at the classy restaurant serving up European fare.
Come 5 p.m., it’s wall-to-wall City boys, while the weekend attracts a mixed crowd of tourists and locals.
Madison London, 1 New Change, St Paul’s, EC4M 9AF; +44 20 8305 3088; open daily, year-round
More: Futuristic London airport proposed for Thames island

Boundary, East London

Boundary: British weather-proof.Sitting atop a converted Victorian warehouse, this is one of the city’s most stylish rooftops.

Wicker chairs and white cushions create a relaxed Mediterranean vibe, while the new weatherproof pergola means the infamous British weather won’t bother you one bit.

Classic cocktails are all around $15, or there are pitchers to share. The zingy Rooftop Garden with lemon vodka and apple brandy ($38) feels appropriate.
You can nibble on olives or go for something more substantial from the all-day menu of seafood, char-grilled steaks and salads (available until 9.45 p.m.).
Boundary, 2-4 Boundary Street (entrance on Redchurch Street), Shoreditch, E2 7DD; +44 20 7729 1051; open daily, year-round

The Big Chill House, King’s Cross

Creative student types call this place home in increasingly cool King's Cross. This large Victorian pub in King’s Cross is a maze of different floors, with funky decor, rocking DJs and sweaty 20-somethings from nearby Central Saint Martins College predominating.
There’s a good selection of craft beers, spirits and cocktails, plus tasty bar bites such as chili popcorn prawns with sweet chili dip ($6.50).
The rooftop closes at midnight on the weekends, but downstairs stays thumping until 3 a.m.
Big Chill House, 257-259 Pentonville Road, King’s Cross, N1 9NL; +44 20 7427 2540; open daily, year-round

Vista, central London

Vista ... has a sweeping one, especially come New Year's Eve.Perched on top of The Trafalgar hotel in Trafalgar Square, the newly refurbished Vista has one cracker of a view -- and one of the best New Year’s parties in town.

The ambitiously priced drinks list is dominated by Champagne and creative cocktails.

The Movista is a blend of Jamaican rum with a touch of cherry wine and fresh lime juice, topped up with soda ($19).
With its monochrome furnishings and sophisticated air, Vista attracts a suited-and-booted crowd and cashed up tourists looking to escape the hubbub below.
The Trafalgar, 2 Spring Gardens, Trafalgar Square, SW1A 2TS; +44 20 7870 2900; open daily from April to October but also open on New Year’s Eve for the Thames-side fireworks display; $7 cover charge after 4 p.m.
More: 7 hot new London hotels

Upper Deck, Southwark

Being British, this rooftop bar comes with cream tea and scones.Opened in April 2013, this terrace overlooking the Thames has glorious views of Tower Bridge, the Tower of London and World War II warship HMS Belfast.

Considering it’s in prime tourist territory, prices are reasonable, with more than a dozen wines on offer, plus bottled and tap beer and the usual spirits.

You could embrace all things British with a cream tea -- scone, clotted cream and jam ($8) -- or share a local cheese board with fruity chutney and artisan bread ($23).
You’re unlikely to hear a local accent during the day, but come evening time it’s packed with post-work punters.
Upper Deck, HMS Belfast Visitor Center, The Queen's Walk, Southwark, SE1 2JH; +44 20 7403 6246; open daily from March to November

Dalston Roof Park, East London

AstroTurf meets gritty inner city.There’s no real view (unless you count a sloping roof of solar panels), but this AstroTurfed pop-up atop a four-story former factory is the ultimate hipster hangout and a great stop to plan for once winter clears away.

It’s not as pretentious as it sounds, though, with a casual neighborhood vibe and DJs, stand-up comedy and classic films.

A team of local volunteers tends to grow-bags of herbs, fruits and veg that are blended to make yummy cocktails (from $10).
There’s also well-priced wine, beer and cider served in plastic cups and a changing line-up of street food stands.
Dalston Roof Park, 18 Ashwin Street, Dalston, E8 3DL; +44 20 7275 0825; open daily from May-September; one-off membership fee of $5

Frank’s Campari Bar, South London

Multi-story car park becomes hipster central.Who would’ve thought a multi-story car park in a nondescript South London suburb could be the site of one of the capital’s coolest bars?

Part sculpture project, part seasonal pop-up, Frank’s is one of the biggest -- and cheapest -- rooftops in town.

You can choose from Campari cocktails($8), local Meantime beer ($7) and a simple wine list -- it’s just white, red or rosé at Frank’s.
Then there's grilled sweetcorn ($4) to munch on while you admire the city skyline, including the Shard skyscraper, from afar.