Travel & Tourism

Flash sale launched on flights from Manchester to New York and Orlando

From MCR to NYC

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 4th July 2023

Aer Lingus has celebrated the Fourth of July with a flash sale on flights between Manchester and New York.

The airline is also slashing prices on flights from Manchester to Orlando, home of Disney World.

The promotional fares from Aer Lingus are in celebration of Independence Day, with savings running now until 10 July 2023.

And deals are available on flights all the way through to 31 October 2023.

Customers will be able to save £100 off economy fares between Manchester and New York or Orlando, or £200 off Business Class tickets.

The deals apply on direct flights from Manchester, with discounted fares live until midnight on 10 July.

There are daily flights between Manchester Airport and the Big Apple, with Aer Lingus flying straight to New York’s JFK Airport.

Aer Lingus staff at Manchester Airport ahead of their flash sale on flights to New York
Aer Lingus has launched a flash sale on flights between Manchester and New York. Credit: Supplied

And trips across the Atlantic also whizz between our city and Orlando in Florida.

Aer Lingus say they’ve launched the flash sale to give people the ‘perfect opportunity to pack the suitcase, get into the patriotic spirit, and book that well-earned mid-summer getaway to North America’.

They promise a friendly Irish welcome on board, with delicious in-flight dining, and complimentary access to a world of entertainment on all the airline’s direct transatlantic services from Manchester.

Aer Lingus’s Fourth of July savings are live now at aerlingus.com.

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Featured image: Supplied

Travel & Tourism

‘Mass disruption’ expected as Greater Manchester Bee Network bus drivers prepare to strike this month

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

‘Mass disruption’ is expected on the Bee Network this month as thousands of bus drivers are set to stage strike action.

2,000 workers who are employed by Stagecoach, Metroline Manchester, and First Bus Rochdale – all of which are firms among those that make up the bus part of the Bee Network – will walk out in a co-ordinated strike amid an ongoing pay dispute.

Unite the Union says all the firms are ‘highly profitable’ and it’s therefore ‘disappointing’ that workers are being denied a fair wage.

At Stagecoach, around 1,000 drivers based across the Oldham, Stockport, and Middleton depots have rejected a pay offer of 3.5%, and 1,000 Metroline Manchester members will also do the same after turning down an ‘unsatisfactory’ below-inflation pay offer.

Workers at both Metroline and Stagecoach believe the offer doesn’t address years of low pay they’ve recieved, especially given the ongoing cost of living crisis.

‘Mass disruption’ is expected on the Bee Network this month / Credit: TfGM

Then, over at First Bus Rochdale, 110 members have rejected this year’s pay offer of 6%, as they feel this does not go far enough to address the fact they’ve had years of being paid less than their counterparts at other companies, and are still the lowest paid in the region.

Stagecoach, Metroline, and First Bus Rochdale, part of First Group PLC, are all firms which have seen a rise in profits in recent years.

Given the number of drivers and companies involved in the upcoming strikes, Unite says ‘travel chaos’ is expected – with many delays and cancellations of services in Manchester and the surrounding areas.

2,000 drivers are set to stage strike action / Credit: TfGM

It’s also expected to impact several events on in the city centre, including Manchester United v Chelsea at Old Trafford, comedian Peter Kay’s gig at the AO Arena, and singer Tom Grennan’s concert at Co-op Live.

“With so many drivers across the Bee Network walking out at once, this will be a highly disruptive strike that will bring parts of Greater Manchester to a standstill,” admitted Unite regional officer, Colin Hayden.

“We know residents will be disappointed to hear of potential action, but this is entirely the fault of the employers involved and our members feel they have no choice but to walk out to make their voices heard.

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“Unite remains open to negotiations with the bus companies who need to return to the negotiating table with an improved offer.”

Strikes will take place this month from 19 to 22 September.

Featured Image – TfGM

Travel & Tourism

You can enjoy a glamping experience in a converted shipping container 50 minutes from Manchester

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia

There’s a staycation 50 minutes from Manchester where you can enjoy an elevated glamping experience in a converted shipping container.

Here at The Manc, we’re obsessed with unusual and quirky stays.

Whether it’s kipping in an aircraft, an old school or a helicopter, even in a stationary train carriage at an old train station, it’s fair to say it’s one of our favourite little niches.

That being said, instead of tucking you into a lovely motor vehicle, this time we’re letting you nestle down in a converted and cosy shipping container just outside of Greater Manchester.

Titled Hous Viridis, which is simply Latin for ‘green house‘, this unique staycation is covered from floor to ceiling with sage green paint.

The living area and bathroom at Hous Viridis, where you can stay in a converted shipping container / Credit: Hous Viridis
The living area and bathroom at Hous Viridis, where you can stay in a converted shipping container / Credit: Hous Viridis
The living area and bathroom at ‘Hous Viridis’, where you can stay in a converted shipping container (Credit: Hous Viridis)

The green doesn’t stop there either, as there’s an array of potted plants and shrubbery throughout this 960 square foot property.

There are four distinct sections inside this quirky staycation property, including a kitchen, living and dining area, three bedrooms and a bathroom.

Whether you’re after a romantic getaway, a trip with friends or even a mini family gathering, you can have it all at Hous Viridis as it sleeps up to eight people.

This shipping container turned glamping pod has plenty of amenities to stop you from getting cabin fever, including a 50-inch TV, American-style fridge freezer, Nespresso coffee machine and, of course, the secret to turning almost anyone into a good cook: an air fryer.

The outdoor space at Hous Viridis, which is a converted shipping container less than an hour from Manchester / Credit: Hous Viridis
The outdoor space at Hous Viridis, which is a converted shipping container less than an hour from Manchester / Credit: Hous Viridis
The outdoor space at Hous Viridis, which is a converted shipping container less than an hour from Manchester (Credit: Hous Viridis)

It also has its own vintage cocktail cabinet with a selection of glasses and a handful of recipes; the only thing you need to bring is the alcohol.

If inside this shipping container ever gets a little bit too stuffy, there’s an outdoor area which boasts everything from a hot tub to a fire pit and a hot stone pizza oven.

‘The Hous’ even has a herd of adorable pygmy goats which they keep as pets, and if given enough notice, you can get access to the paddock if provided permission from your hosts.

You might also unintentionally bump into an animal or two, as this staycation spot is a wildlife haven home to rabbits, hares, birds of prey and more.

You may be wondering after hearing all this good news if there’s a catch, and the Hous Viridis website gives you one warning: the weather…

“Being in Yorkshire, we can experience all four seasons in one day, so pack for all weather eventualities”. To be honest, since we’re from Greater Manchester, if this is the only downside, you can count us in.

Whether you’re after winding down in the Yorkshire or want to experience sleeping over in a converted shipping container, you’re sure to have a memorable stay.

You can find out more information about Hous Viridis and enquire about bookings right HERE.

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Featured Images — Hous Virids

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