The UK Government is cracking down on air rage by imposing strict sentences on those found guilty of endangering an aircraft with disruptive behaviour.

Serious air rage incidents have increased during the last year with 648 'significant' in-flight incidents reported last year, a rise of around 16 per cent. 40 per cent of incidents were related to smoking and 42 per cent to alcohol.

Under the Aviation Offences Act, air rage passengers will face a five-year jail term if found guilty, three years more than the previous maximum penalty.

Need help? Want a travelling buddy or advice about a place or country – want to share something with us – why not visit our Mutual Aid section of the Website: Mutual Aid

Bath, well known as being a genteel Georgian spa town has been without its spa since 1978, when it was closed due to an amoebic bug. But now, as from August 28^th, you can book a day session for A335 or A317 for 2 hours. The facilities include access to a the Minerva Spa, a restaurant, terraces overlooking the baths and steam rooms. There are also various treatments, and exercise classed available at an extra cost. The five year project has cost A323 million. For more information, see www.thermaebathspa.com or tel: 01225 331234.

UK’s BBC recently undertook a special search for the Loch Ness Monster. Using sonar equipment and satellite navigation technology, they combed the entire lake of Loch Ness but found no proof of “Nessie’s” existence. Aaaah!

Blue Ventures research programmes need volunteers. We have always depended, and continue to depend, on the dedication and enthusiasm of our volunteers. Volunteers – from all over the world and from all walks of life – work with us both above and below the water. Overseas, volunteers are responsible for carrying out field research, as well as managing the day-to-day running of field camps. Working as a Blue Ventures volunteer is a challenging yet incredibly rewarding experience requiring hard work and commitment. If you are interested, see the Volunteer Guide (PDF )has particular focus on our current field site in Andavadoaka or visit our website at http://www.blueventures.org/volunteering_volunteers.htm

The UK's Air Transport Users Council, the passenger watchdog organisation reports that complaints about baggage problems continue to increase more than in any other category. Almost a quarter of all complaints registered last year related to lost luggage. There was a 44 percent increase in written complaints, with mishandled baggage at the top of the list followed by complaints about delays, cancellations and ticketing problems.

An UK independent television company is looking for friends, couples and families who are off on an adventurous trip overseas for a new Channel 4 documentary series.

• Are you currently UK based?
• Are you going away for at least three months and leaving later this year?
• Are you travelling as a family, a couple or a group of close friends?
• Is this your first big trip abroad – i.e. this is not the sort of hing that you do every year?
• Are you spending the majority of your trip somewhere other than Europe?

If your answer to all of the above is 'Yes' then we want to hear from you! If you are interested in finding out more information please ring Emma on 0207 684 1661 x247 or email emma@ideallondon.com.

Police in Bangladesh have announced new measures to combat the organised gangs who are terrorising transport owners, workers and passengers into handing over money at many of the capital, Dhaka’s bus terminals. The Bangladesh Rifles have combined with a newly formed Rapid Action Team in an attempt to bring the practice to an end. 72 people have been arrested so far, accused of terrorising drivers and passengers into handing over money to criminal organisations.

To search this and past issues of our E-newsletter, just enter a word or phrase below, select the search options and click the search button.

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Are you UK based and planning to go on holiday in October or November, but haven't decided where? Do you fancy letting us plan it for you? If you want a holiday with a difference then call us on 023 80 712568 or email us at iwthol@granadamedia.com for an application form. (Please note, you have to pay for the holiday, but you get a fantastic itinerary and good prices.)

Here’s a little Beetle quiz based on airport codes. See how many you get right! Go on, have a guess!

Which cities are served by airports with the following codes:

1. MUC
2. GOA
3. YTZ
4. SGN
5. AEP

For the answers, see at the end of the e-newsletter.

The UK government still has a warning out, advising travellers against non essemtial travel to Bali, after last October’s bombings.

However, reports from hoteliers and hostel owners in Bali say that the back packing hostels are almost full now, and the upper end hotels are one third full. Garuda, Indonesia’s state airline resumed flights from the UK to Bali at the end of July 2003.

An American diver has been arrested for penetrating the Yongala, the wreck of a steamship. The Yongala is a popular wreck dive off Townsville, Queensland, Australia. It sank during a cyclone in 1911, resulting in the death of all on board. Despite being told twice that he was not allowed to go inside the wreck, our hapless diver ignored all warnings, was arrested and fined A$2000. If you dive wrecks, particularly where there has been a loss of life please be respectful of this, says the Beetle, and follow local guidelines.

If you have a travellers tale that your aching to tell. Then why not visit the “Travel Sized Bites” section of the Website and share it with the world. Travel Sized Bites

The Theatre Museum has five galleries illustrating the history of the performing arts in the UK. The collection includes displays on theatre, ballet, dance, circus, puppetry, opera, musicals, rock and pop. There's usually a daily workshop on performing arts subjects, such as pantomime and making a play.

Where: Russell Street, Covent Garden.

Open: Tue-Sun, 10:00-18:00.
Tube: Covent Garden Enquiries: 020 7943 4700
Entrance: free admission for individuals.

Under 30? A member of Globetrotters Club? Interested in a £1,000 travel award?

Know someone who is? We have £1,000 to award each year for five years for the best submitted independent travel plan. Interested?

Then see our legacy page on our Website, where you can apply with your plans for a totally independent travel trip and we'll take a look at it. Get those plans in!!

Win a Moon guidebook on Fiji. See www.moon.com for info on Moon guidebooks.

Some people have said the quiz is difficult, we say do some research; try google.com or Ask Jeeves, if you need help with the answers. One submission, only, please!

The winner of last month's Moon guide on Yellowstone and Grand Teton is Christine Buehring. Please send us your postal address, Christine!

Austravel, the Australia and New Zealand travel specialists are holding a fair in London Saturday 30th August 2003.

Lonely Planet will be at the Austravel Fair, where they’ll be offering advice on the top 10 most frequently asked questions they receive about Australia and New Zealand.

Where: London Commonwealth Institute, Kensington High Street, London When: Saturday 30 August 2003 More info: visit http://www.austravel.com

From Webmaster Paul, Budget Flight Directory