Travel Notes...

What’s new and how to get the best from your holiday

ICELAND EXPLORER

TRAVEL agent Discover the World will be the first to fly from the UK to East Iceland from summer 2016. The new route from Gatwick to Egilsstadir provides easy access to the East Fjords and Vatnajokull — the largest glacier in Europe. Packages from £1,049 per person include flights and B&B. discover-the-world.co.uk.

TAKE TO THE SKIES

YOU can now hail a private jet with your smartphone, as ‘Uber of the skies’ app JetSmarter has launched in Britain. It gives pricing and availability for planes across the globe. It’s one way to beat the morning rush-hour, but only if your office is next to an airport. jetsmarter.com

SAIL AWAY

NEW website antlos.com makes boating trips more accessible by connecting holidaymakers directly to owners. Choose between a single bed, a cabin or an entire vessel. All bookings come with a skipper who is both host and guide. The site offers breaks in the Mediterranean and the British Virgin Islands. antlos.com

GO DOWN UNDER

YOU can now reach the other side of the world at record speed. Singapore Airlines’ new flight from Heathrow to Sydney comes with a quicker connection at Singapore — which shaves an hour off the previous 22 hr 45 min journey time. Economy flights from £935 return.

singaporeair.com

SPOILT FOR CHOICE

UK-to-France tour operator French Travel Service will extend its rail holiday programme to six countries in 2016. Taking advantage of Europe’s network of high-speed trains, there are packages from London, Ebbsfleet and Ashford to 15 new destinations, including Venice (four nights from £481), Munich (£454) and Barcelona (£429). Prices include breakfast. F-t-s.co.uk