This week's travel agenda: new flights, hotel launches and accessible travel
Sri Lanka's latest boutique hotel
The Fort Bazaar is a new 18-room boutique hotel in the Unesco-listed Galle Fort, on Sri Lanka’s south coast. The Sister to The Wallawwa, close to Colombo, the Fort Bazaar is set in a converted colonial building, with Moorish-inspired interiors, a spa and a restaurant headed up by Australian chef Neal Giles. teardrop-hotels.com
New flights to Cape Town
British Airways will launch non-stop flights from Gatwick to Cape Town later this year, adding to its existing service from Heathrow. The new route will operate three times a week from 24 November, with economy fares from £795 return. ba.com
Accessible travel guide
The sixth edition of the Rough Guide to Accessible Britain is now available online. It assesses the country’s top attractions on their suitability for travellers with disabilities, as well as featuring accessible accommodation and dining, and a few hidden gems, such as circus schools and unusual museums. Also included in the free guide are visitor reviews, special offers and a blog. accessibleguide.co.uk
Let's get quizzical
Test your knowledge on a particular area and compete against other visitors with the QuizTrail app. The latest addition is Dan Snow’s Winchester, a trail launched by the TV historian, taking you around the Hampshire county town. Each correct answer unlocks the next stage, and users can add their own questions to the quiz. Other UK destinations featured include York and the City of London, while overseas you can try Venice, Dubrovnik and more. quiztrail.com
Cardiff “rescue flights”
From 12 September to 21 October, the key rail link between England and South Wales - the Severn Tunnel - will close for electrification work. Journey times between Cardiff and London, normally two hours, could take twice as long. So during the closure Flybe is planning four “rescue flights” a day (two a day at weekends) between Cardiff and London City Airports. Fares start at £35 each way. flybe.com
Fresh way to see Japan
Hiking in the Arashiyama bamboo forest outside Kyoto; Kamakura, Japan’s medieval capital and home to the first shoguns; and Tokyo’s formidable fish market, Tsukiji fish - these are all on the itinerary for The Dragon Trip’s 13-day tour of Japan. The price of £1,499 includes all transport, dorm accommodation and guiding, but not international air fares. thedragontrip.com
Northern Canada on a budget
For years flights between the north of Canada and the cities in the south have been expensive. But FlySarvaq, a new Canadian start-up carrier, plans to change that. It is based in Iqaluit, the main town on Baffin island, and plans to fly there from both Ottawa and Halifax - now better connected from the UK. Flights start 6 May. flysarvaq.ca
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