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Welcome To Departure Lounge

Top luxury travel advisors orchestrating the world's best travel, so, where would you like to go.

Cultural Discovery

Outdoors / Nature

Ocean / River Cruises

Active / Spa

Our Proven Travel Advising Process

Orchestrating Great Vacations

1. DISCOVER

We get to know your travel style and preferences, using some fun visual tools and old-fashioned conversation (sometimes with wine).

Based on your input and preferences, we design trip options and present them to you with pricing for your desired travel dates.

Once you select the travel options you want, we reserve all the elements and provide you with confirmations and documents.

4. EXPERIENCE

This is the fun part.  You travel and have a great time.  We check in on you and the selected travel providers to make sure all is going well.

5. SHARE/RECAP

When you return, we talk with you about what was great and what could have been better, so we make each future trip awesome.

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Testimonials

Some Words From Our Clients, Travel Partners & Press

Thank you, Departure Lounge. My African safari was spectacular beyond my wildest imagination. I was made to feel like a VIP every step of the way.

We cannot thank you enough for the time you put in to help us make this a memorable vacation to Italy. We will continue to keep you at the top of the list for all our vacation needs!

Our trip to Southeast Asia was even more incredible than we thought it would be.

The staff at Departure Lounge worked with me to put together a fantastic viewing party for The Oscars. The party was a huge success and is still being talked about months later.

Distinctive, passionate, knowledgeable, forward thinking and unique. Departure Lounge is all these things and an amazing partner to Lindblad Expeditions.

In The News

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TRAVEL+LEISURE

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Since October 2000 Travel Muse has been helping Austinites turn their vacation dreams into reality. Travel Muse owner Cristina Herrera is a veteran of the Austin travel industry. After graduating from the University of Texas she worked for over 18 years at one of Austin’s largest and most successful retail travel agencies, eventually becoming manager of a branch location specializing in leisure travel. Now with over 30 years of experience as a travel professional, Travel Muse offers personalized attention and critical travel planning for a broad range of vacation options. Our goal is to form long-lasting relationships with our clients, and to become a trusted and valuable resource for exploring our wonderful world.

Packages and Promotions

Ponant cruises – from polar expeditions to paradise in the pacific, switzerland by rail – classic glacier and bernina express tour, beautiful norway – from mountains to fjords, discover patagonia – national geographic journey through argentina and chile, virgin voyages – a novel cruise experience for adults 18 and older, what clients say.

My wife and I began to use Cristina for our travel plans almost 3 years ago at the recommendation of some friends.She has helped us plan and book 2 overseas trips since then---one to Ireland and one to Spain.We have found her to be extremely knowledgeable and helpful.Best of all,she impresses us as being truly concerned about us---she is not just in it for the money,but appears to really enjoy her job and helping us to have the best possible travel experiences.Currently,she is helping us with booking a cruise and shore excursions on a cruise from Rome to Athens,and once again she is proving herself to be invaluable. My wife and I do not hesitate to recommend her to anyone to help with their travel plans!

Shagufta S.

Christine p., why choose us, full range of travel services.

From transportation to local sightseeing tours and everything in between. We book airline and rail tickets, hotels accommodations, tours, cruises and  more!

PERSONALIZED ATTENTION

We work hard to tailor the vacation experience to each traveler’s needs and preferences, and match them up with the perfect trip.

ENDURING RELATIONSHIPS

We share your passion for discovery and adventure. Our goal is to help you plan memorable vacations for years to come.

ASSOCIATIONS AND MEMBERSHIPS

Travel Muse has been providing inspiration, planning and travel arrangements for world travelers and vacation seekers since October, 2000.

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Please review our Terms & Conditions, Privacy Policy, Travel Insurance Information on our FAQ's page.

WELCOME TO TRAVELTK

TravelTK is a full-service travel agency offering its clients the most exclusive deals and benefits for a travel experience that is completely customized and extraordinary. The world needs travel agents more than ever to cut through the clutter and tell us what is really worth seeing. TravelTK will negotiate the best rates possible, take care of all logistics, and help out if any issues come up during the course of the trip, such as a missed connection or overbooked hotel.

Most importantly, TravelTK will plan an itinerary that is just right for you. At TravelTK, our goal is to be your travel partner and agency. We are dedicated to meeting and exceeding your travel and vacation requirements whether you are traveling on business or planning the perfect vacation or cruise. TravelTK offers a full complement of services for our corporate clients and holiday travel for our leisure clients.

Where in the world do your dreams take you? TravelTK makes dreams come true with inspiring journeys of discovery all over the planet. From North America’s magnificent West to the land of the Incas in South America’s Andes....

We travel to explore, to learn, to understand. As the world’s leading ocean and river cruise supplier, we believe in offering you extraordinarily well-designed cruises that bring you closer to the cultures of the world. That’s why our intimate, inclusive...

Flying is better when you're in first class, but you shouldn't have to overspend your budget to enjoy the extra comforts. If you're looking for great deals on business class tickets, look no further, because we have specially negotiated...

Is it just good or is it the best? TravelTK understands what the best is when it comes to the ultimate travel arrangement. Why book a hotel room at an island resort when you can have an entire island to yourself? Round up a baker's dozen...

OUR BEST OFFERS

WINTER SKI WITH TRAVELTK

Join TravelTK on a family-friendly ski/snowboarding trip to Heavenly Mountain Resort!

COSTA RICA WITH TRAVELTK

Join TravelTK on a group trip to Costa Rica!

FREE WEDDING OFFER

When you book three nights or more, Beaches and Sandals Resorts will gift you a wedding for free.

TRAVEL TO SPECIAL PLACES

Christmastime in Alsace & Germany

Skateboard in Paradise

Caribbean Over-The-Water Bungalows

Vacations in Paradise Resort Travel Agency •  Austin, TX

All inclusive  •  vacations  •  cruises  •  honeymoons destination weddings  •  disney  •  escorted tours  •  packages.

Relaxing beach vacation

Take a boat ride out on to the ocean

Summer Vacation

Luxury Travel Agency Serving the Austin, TX Area

Experience the very pinnacle of luxury all-inclusive excellence with sandals' vacations.

Plan your Disney vacation with one of our Disney travel agent specialists!

Palace resorts is a renowned leader in hospitality management..

Ask us about...

​​Destination Weddings!

Austin Texas Travel Agent. Destination Weddings in Mexico, Antigua, Rivera Maya, Bahamas, Jamaica, Barbados St.Lucia, St. Kitts, and a Private Islands collection.

Explore exotic tropical island vacations, luxury, all inclusive, family, and river cruises, romantic getaways, destination weddings, honeymoon packages, Luxury Sandals Resorts for couples only or Beaches Resorts for families and tours, Fly and drive Ireland vacations.  You need a vacation and we're here to help you find the perfect trip.

Browse or search through our site (which is filled with the most comprehensive and up-to-date specials available) to see the wide variety of trips we offer and then contact one of our experienced travel agents so we can help you narrow in on the perfect trip.

Our agents are certified destination wedding planners and honeymoon planners. We're looking forward to making your next trip a memorable and enjoyable one, so contact us today and get packing our travel agents are waiting to assist you!

Vacations In Paradise your personal Texas travel agency in the Austin, Hutto, Round Rock, Georgetown and surrounding areas! Let us help you plan your family vacations, honeymoon packages, unique destination weddings, business / corporate travel. Let our certified Sandals and Beaches Specialists assist you plan your Ultra All-Inclusive luxury vacation or your luxury destination wedding to the Caribbean. We have a Honeymoon Registry to assist you achieving you perfect honeymoon! Vacations In Paradise is an Ask me about destination wedding specialist, destination wedding travel planner, is ready to assist planning your dream destination wedding. We also offer fun and adventurous packages, Trips to Ireland, Fly drive packages or luxurious castle vacations, family disney trips, scuba diving, cruises, and surfing.  Don't forget to check out our cruise specials from Galveston, Texas on Royal Caribbean cruise lines and Carnival cruise lines.So, just sit back and relax by letting us do all the work finding your vacation in paradise. 

Let us help you explore your Vacations In Paradise !

Austin  //  Round Rock  //  Cedar Park  //  Hutto  //  Texas 

Our certified destination wedding and honeymoon travel agents are here to assist you !

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Client Reviews

Erika was easy to talk to and understood my needs for a successful vacation. Great job!

Erika is knowledgeable, personable, and easy to work with. She has a genuine interest in making sure your trip goes smoothly, from start to finish. Her expertise saved me considerable money on hotel and car reservations.

Erika was so kind and helpful with any questions I had, whether it was the travel, dates, or times. She went out of her way to make sure everything was all set and confirmed with me the next before, which I personally need a reminder too! I will definitely go back to Erika to help book my next trip!

Everything went smoothly; the flight, car rental, and hotel stay were all very good. I would definitely use Erika at EM Travel again.

We had a beautiful week-long vacation in the Caribbean. It was a very easy and smooth process to book hotels and activities through Erika.

Erika was very organized and everything was in place and ready to go by time of departure. We encountered no hiccups with any flight travel, excursion, or hotel check in. Highly recommend!

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Soul Free Travels

Travel like you mean it, satisfy your wanderlust.

Soul Free Travels is a boutique travel company shamefully enabling passionate travelers to maximize travel budgets, expand horizons and experience our wonderful world for all that it is.

We are travel advisors and unlike your average online travel agency, we go well beyond with the personalized services we provide to you. 

From start to finish, we work to deliver you what you want, whether that be the perfect honeymoon, family vacation, cruise or a solo expedition. Bespoke itineraries are our specialty. 

Be assured, we have your back from hello and we love to exceed your expectations!  Learn more about us and how we make a difference in your travels.

Soul Free Travels is a boutique travel agency in Austin, Texas shamefully enabling passionate travelers to maximize travel budgets, expand horizons and experience our wonderful world for all that it is.

We are travel advisors and unlike your average travel agency, we go well beyond in the personalized services we provide to you, and—be assured, we have your back from hello. 

Learn more about us and how we make a difference in your travels.

~ It's A Wonderful World ~

It's a wonderful world, go ahead & see more of it..

The Caribbean

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Southeast Asia

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We are Passionate   about Travel

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Our Passion for Travel

Travel consultants  with travel experience.

TRAVEL MASTERS TEAM

Meet our travel experts, meet our travel experts.

Vickie Coker

Owner/travel consultant.

Jennifer Aschermann

Manager/travel consultant.

I joined the Travel Masters team to pursue my passion for dive travel! As many of you know, if you spent any time around me, I absolutely LOVE to travel and can (and will) talk about it all day long. Now I actually CAN talk about it all day! I've been lucky to have traveled to Indonesia, Malaysia, Fiji, Cozumel, Bahamas, Bonaire, Roatan, Costa Rica, Galapagos, Thailand, Russia, Germany and Austria…whew! We have some incredible trips next year and I hope to see you diving soon!

Denise Crappell

Travel consultant, it's not just a vacation, it's an adventure, personalized service, travel in style, where in the world....

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5 Best Travel Agencies in Austin 🥇

Below is a list of the top and leading Travel Agencies in Austin. To help you find the best Travel Agencies located near you in Austin, we put together our own list based on this rating points list .

Austin’s Best Travel Agencies:

The top-rated Travel Agencies in Austin are:

• Century Travel-  is a professional travel agency for three decades
• Departure Lounge – fully-equipped to plan the next travel destination of its customers
• Excellent Escapes Travel, LLC- design stress-free journeys fit for their clients’ needs
• Tramex Travel – offers various travel set-ups for individual and group travel
• Gateway Travel and Tours Austin – provides competitive airfares across the United States

Century Travel

Century Travel  is a professional travel agency for three decades. They cater to local and national clients for travel consultations. Their track record is filled with success stories and excellence. It is a multi-awarded agency with multiple certifications. The team consists of experts committed to offering the best services. It aims to provide customers memorable and smooth-sailing trips. They fit consultations to save time and money. Their services include destination consultation, flight reservations, and hotel discounts. They also assign dedicated agents for every trip and destination for guidance.

Products/Services:

travel agency

Address: 2714 Bee Cave Rd #101, Austin, TX 78746, United States Phone:  512-327-8760 Website: centurytravelaustin.com

“My husband and I started planning our honeymoon to the Galapagos with Kim last October. Unfortunately due to Covid, we had to cancel our trip twice. Kim was such a pleasure to work with—always quick to respond and available to answer any and all of our questions. I know she put in a lot of work planning this for us and we can’t wait to start planning with her again in the future!” – Erin

Departure Lounge

Departure Lounge  is fully-equipped to plan the next travel destination of its customers. The agency partners with different hotels, cruises, and resorts. Their customers receive perks that only they could give. The travel advisors have experiences and connections to arrange the perfect trip. Amazing travel destinations can be upgrades upon request. The lounge receives walk-in and customers who booked in advance. The lounge features facilities for the comfort of the clients. A beverage of choice is served during the consultation. Travel events in San Antonio and Austin are frequently held. Reservations for these can be booked in advance.

Address: 701 S Capital of Texas Hwy Suite D420, West Lake Hills, TX 78746, United States Phone: 512-322-9399 Website: departurelounge.com

“I have used Departur Lounge for two vacations recently. Laura and her team have done an excellent job throughout the whole process. She even was able to help us change a trip at the literal last minute due to a hurricane! I would highly recommend her and her team” – Chris Morgan

Excellent Escapes Travel, LLC

Excellent Escapes Travel, LLC  designs stress-free journeys fit for their clients’ needs. They have consistently achieved excellence over the years. The team consists of passionate and creative individuals. They are experts in forming schedules and appointments for the customers. Working directly with excellent ground operators, they can deliver the best vacations. They are updated in every change locally and nationally. Their area of expertise in traveling covers every area. The best options are tailored to the customers’ lifestyles and needs.

Address:   500 W William Cannon Dr #404, Austin, TX 78745, United States Phone: 512-462-3868 Website: rickscleaners.com/current-modified-schedule

“Shelley is simply amazing. She knows exactly what she’s doing, personalizes your trip for you and makes you feel completely taken care of. I will never plan a trip again without her. Truly invaluable!” – Stephen Babcock

Tramex Travel 

Tramex Travel offers various travel set-ups for individual and group travel. Business travels adds to their list of services. The trace agency partners with different travel destinations. This ensures the quality of vacation their customers enjoy. The travel guides are knowledgeable and experts in their areas. Group travels to different places are also catered. They can design vacation schedules to fit their clients. The team can creatively craft travel for occasions such as a honeymoon. They have varying options for a safe and memorable vacation.

Address: 4505 Spicewood Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78759, United States Phone: 800-527-3039 Website: tramex.com

“We gone on our European trip yet, but I can say that the booking, planning and preparation has been impressive. Will surely recommend you guys with my friends on our Asian trip!”  – Cathy Spanks

Gateway Travel and Tours Austin

Gateway Travel and Tours Austin  provides competitive airfares across the United States. It is one of the leafing air consolidators. They cover many travel agencies, big and small. It is to empower them through cutting edge travel technology tools and product portfolio. They have the resources and expertise to smoothly guide them to the optimum. Partnering with famous names, they can give the best services for everyone. The clients they handled are all satisfied with the quality of services they have. With the current trends, they continue to innovate and integrate ideas. It is their way to lead the travel industry to greater heights.

Address: 4144, 9800 N Lamar Blvd # 110, Austin, TX 78753, United States Phone: 512-490-6777 Website: gttglobal.com

“I have been using this travel agent for all my domestic guided tour needs. I have sent my parents and my brother’s family to east coast and west coast tours. The staff at this agent was courtesy and knowledgeable, not just collecting checks. I even got a notice when the tour guide didn’t find my brother at the airport due to flight delay. I couldn’t complain about the service. Unless something bad happens, I will continue to use this agent.” – York Sun

Jeanie Burford is a reporter for Kev’s Best.  After graduating from UCLA, Amy got an internship at a local radio station and worked as a beat reporter and producer. Jeanie has also worked as a columnist for The Brookings Register. Amy covers economy and community events for Kev’s Best.

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Daydream Cruise and Travel

Your luxury vacation agency in central texas.

Welcome to Daydream Cruise and Travel! Located in Round Rock, Texas, we are your ultimate destination for creating unforgettable travel experiences. With a passion for exploring the world and a commitment to exceptional customer service, our team is here to turn your travel dreams into a reality. At Daydream Cruise and Travel, we understand that every journey is unique and personal. That's why we take the time to listen to your desires and preferences, ensuring that each trip is tailor-made to suit your individual needs. Whether you're seeking an adventurous escape, a relaxing beach getaway, or a cultural exploration, we have the expertise and resources to curate the perfect itinerary just for you. As a full-service travel agency, we specialize in cruises, tours, all-inclusive resorts, and custom vacation packages. From planning your accommodations and transportation to arranging exciting excursions and activities, we handle every detail, leaving you free to relax and enjoy your trip. Our dedicated team of travel experts stays up-to-date with the latest industry trends and destinations, providing you with expert advice and insider knowledge. We believe that travel should be an immersive experience that leaves you with cherished memories, and we strive to deliver just that. So, whether you're dreaming of cruising through turquoise waters, embarking on a cultural odyssey, or simply escaping to a paradise beach, come and discover the world with Daydream Cruise and Travel. Let us make your travel dreams come true.

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Bursch Travel

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Austin 204 Oakland Ave W. Austin, MN 55912 Fax: 800 Number: 800-645-2331 Phone: 507-437-8773

Hours: Monday - Friday   - 9:00am - 4:00pm

Call to schedule an appointment.

Bursch Travel - Austin, MN

What do you do for fun when not traveling? I love to spend time at our place on Mille Lacs Lake. I also enjoy gardening and baking.

What's your favorite destination and why?  Hawaii! I love how laid back it is.  I also love the people, the food, the weather and scenery.

What's the most unusual trip you've booked for a client?  I booked a 5 week tour of Europe. I priced tours, cruises, trains, and transfers.  It was definitely a challenge but I learned a lot!

Any random fun facts?  I LOVE to roller-skate. I may not be as smooth and graceful as I used to be, but I still enjoy it when I get the chance.

What are your travel related specialties?  Hawaii, Caribbean, Mexico and cruises.

Travel bucket list?  Italy, Alaska, Netherlands, and Mediterranean Cruise

What are your travel related specialties?  My travel related specialties include Princess Academy, Celebrity 5 Star Academy and European Rail Expert. I have been on 8 different cruises including Alaska, Hawaii, 3 Caribbean and 2 Mediterranean itineraries. The most recent trip was on Viking River Cruise on the Danube from Nuremberg to Budapest.

What's on your travel bucket list?  New Zealand and an African safari.

Do you have a favorite destination?  The European countries are my favorite destinations, because of the history, culture, paintings and beautiful buildings. There are 3 places that really stand out, first one is Ephesus in Turkey to see the excavation going on to uncover a city that was built in 10 century BC. They had homes that had hot and cold running water and they still have concerts in the amphitheater. I also enjoyed Rome, when I visited the Colosseum and the Vatican. The last destination is Budapest, which we viewed all the beautiful buildings lit up at night from our Viking River Cruise on the Danube. 

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Designers explain how they updated Shiner Bock's design to a more contemporary look

Fans of Shiner Bock might have recently recognized some small changes to the iconic Texas beer but not to the drink itself.

Shiner recently updated the designs for its Shiner Bock cans, bottles and other items with help from the Austin-based Bakery Agency. The changes were far from a major overhaul of the brand but instead tweaks to create something, according to Bakery Agency’s senior design lead Kaleb Sindac.

“It was a lot of toeing that very fine line of what can we push? What can we retain?” Sindac said. “We landed on something that I think really hit that sweet spot.”

The rich gold color and red secondary color have continued with this new redesign but there is now an updated sleekness to the design that brings a modern feel. The font used for “Shiner Bock” is now not outlined or drop-shadowed, leading to a more crisp legibility. There are also fewer lines in general on the packaging, placing the horned ram logo and name mark in a larger position.

Bakery Agency graphic designer Alex Vann said the hope with the logo was to peel back some layers to land on a clean design that has a contemporary feel.

“Our big goal was to make sure that the beer was coming off as authentically Texan as it possibly could,” Vann said. “Obviously with Shiner’s rich history, we really wanted to make sure that was being communicated.”

Sindac said a hallmark of the agency is the idea of “refined restraint” and she said it comes through in this design in the use of negative space, or the empty space in the design. 

NOW NON-ALCOHOLIC: Shiner gets on non-alcoholic bandwagon with new beer series

One of the major changes to the design involved the ram logo. The new ram logo has a more prominent placement in the new design with a much more expressive appearance than previously. Sindac said the collaboration process to getting from the old ram design to the new updated one was very fun.

“It’s really cool to see how some minor adjustments can really impact the facial structure of a ram,” Sindac said. “The one that we had before was a little bit more on the chiller side. I think the one that we have now you can really feel it exude its pride, exude confidence that I think resonates a lot with the folks back at the brewery.”

In addition to the new design, Shiner released a new commercial starring Texas native Jesse Plemons to celebrate the launch.

The Bakery Agency has been the lead creative agency for Shiner since December 2020. The agency has worked on multiple key projects since the partnership started, including the Shiner Light Blonde redesign last year.

For these projects, Vann and Sindac both said they prefer designing cans to the bottles.

“I have to say cans just because you are at such a tricky challenge,” Sindac said. “We have a color limitation, but yet through those combination of colors, you can render out this beautiful mosaic of an illustration. It’s really just cool to see.”

Middle East latest: Israel 'preparing for any eventuality' after Iranian missile strikes - as Tehran threatens 'larger response' if attacked

Israeli military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said aircraft are still patrolling the skies. Meanwhile, President Joe Biden said the US military helped Israel "take down nearly all of the drones and missiles" fired by Iran.

Sunday 14 April 2024 12:42, UK

• Israel-Hamas war

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• More than 300 drones and missiles fired on Israel by Iran, says IDF
• Iran threatens US bases and larger attack on Israel if it retaliates
• RAF shot down Iranian attack drones
• IDF says it needs to be prepared if new war front opens
• Michael Clarke analysis : Why it's likely not the end of cycle of violence
• Explained: Everything we know so far about the attack
• Sean Bell analysis:  This could have been much worse - the challenge is now Netanyahu's reaction
• Live reporting by Brad Young and (earlier) Lauren Russell

Two senior Arab officials say they are worried Benjamin Netanyahu could use this moment to start a wider war with Iran.

"Conventional wisdom is they won't [retaliate], but the guy sitting in power may go insane," one official told our partner network, NBC News.

The official has direct knowledge of negotiations between Israel and Hamas over Gaza and Israeli hostages.

Asked if he expected Israel would respond, the other senior official from a different regional country said: "I wouldn't be surprised if they try to do more. Bibi wants to drag us there."

Video filmed by Iraqi media shows a large section of a missile it says was fired by Iran and fell in Iraq.

The footage was taken in the Soran district of the Irbil governorate in the semi-autonomous Kurdish region of Iraq.

Local villagers gathered by the fallen part near their houses.

Iran launched its first direct military attack against Israel on Saturday.

It was an ambitious attack and the Iranians will be disappointed by the low level of destruction, but "they ought to be happy that they got the symbolic base", says military analyst Professor Michael Clarke .

Many ballistic missiles were fired at Nevatim airbase, where Iran says planes took off to attack the Iranian consulate in Damascus on 1 April, he explained.

The IDF reported light damage at the base, but overall Israel had "a very good night", added Clarke.

Iranian tactics

Iran has learned from the Russians, launching lots different types of device - drones, cruise and ballistic missiles - to overwhelm or distract air defences, said Clarke.

Ballistic missiles were the weapon they would have wanted to make it through.

They attacked from multiple directions because defence systems can only cope with a certain arc of launches - though in Israel's case, its capability was improved by allies' assistance, he said.

Netanyahu wants the last word

"The Iranians can now say 'we've hit the target which hit us'. That would seem like a logical place to call a halt to this particular iteration. But Netanyahu has to have the last word," said Clarke.

The question is whether Israel attacks Iran or goes after Iranian Revolutionary Guards outside in nearby countries, he said.

"Everybody else will be saying to the Israelis, call it off, call a halt, let this be the end to this particular iteration, but it probably won't be."

The RAF shot down "a number" of Iranian attack drones, Rishi Sunak says.

He confirmed the UK sent "additional planes" to the region as part of operations already under way in Iraq and Syria.

"The fallout for regional stability would be hard to overstate" had Iran's attack on Israel been successful, he said.

"This was a dangerous and unnecessary escalation which I have condemned in the strongest terms.

"Thanks to an international co-ordinated effort, which the UK participated in, almost all of these missiles were intercepted, saving lives not just in Israel but in neighbouring countries like Jordan as well."

Earlier this morning, we reported how the UK had deployed additional jets and refuelling aircraft to an airbase in Cyprus, where the UK already has a deployment operating against Islamic State in Iraq and Syria.

The jets were given permission to shoot down any Iranian missiles or drones as part of that mission, meaning where they were operating near Syrian and Iraqi airspace, rather than over Israel.

The jets were filling in for US planes that would otherwise have been taking part in the Iraq/Syria mission, so that American aircraft were freed up to focus on the Israeli mission.

Iran has no intention of continuing its "defensive operations", its foreign minister has said.

However, it will not hesitate to safeguard its interests against any new aggression, said Hossein Amirabdollahian.

"Exercising the right of legitimate defence shows Iran's responsible approach to regional and international peace and security," he said.

"At this point, the Islamic Republic of Iran has no intention of continuing defensive operations, but if necessary, it will not hesitate to protect its legitimate interests against any new aggression."

Pope Francis urged Iran and Israel to avoid any actions that could feed "a spiral of violence" that risked dragging the Middle East deeper into conflict. 

"Enough war, enough attacks, enough violence. Yes to dialogue, yes to peace," he told pilgrims in St Peter's Square.

Several Iranian airports including Tehran's Imam Khomeini International have cancelled flights until Monday, Iranian state media reports.

Domestic flights from Tehran's Mehrabad Airport and airports in Shiraz, Isfahan, Bushehr, Kerman, Ilam, and Sanandaj have also been cancelled.

The country's western airspace remains off limits to flights.

Major airlines across the Middle East have announced the cancellation of some of their flights, while having to reroute others. 

Lufthansa has suspended flights to Amman in Jordan, Beirut in Lebanon, Erbil in the Kurdistan region of Iraq, and Tel Aviv in Israel until Monday.

Austrian Airlines has suspended its flights to Tel Aviv, Erbil and Amman until tomorrow, with flights to Tehran suspended until 18 April. 

"Long-haul routes through the Middle East will also be rerouted accordingly due to various airspace closures," it said.

Emirates Airlines announced the cancellation of some of its flights and the re-routing of others.

Iran's foreign ministry has summoned the British, French and German ambassadors, reports the Iranian Labour News Agency.

The ministry will question what it referred to as their "irresponsible stance" regarding Tehran's retaliatory strikes on Israel.

Israel said France was involved in patrolling its airspace last night, while the UK sent jets to Cyprus to free up US planes from a joint mission against Islamic State in Iraq and Syria so they could assist Israel.

The president of Iran has said the country's army "taught a lesson" to Israel last night.

"Any new adventure will be responded with a heavier and regrettable response," Ebrahim Raisi said, in a post on X released by the foreign ministry.

The ministry hailed its attack as an "historic, powerful, victorious operation".

Jordan's prime minister says the country's armed forces will confront any attempt by any party that sought to endanger the kingdom's security.

At the same time, Bisher Khasawneh told his cabinet that any escalation in the region would lead to "dangerous paths" and said there was a need to reduce it by all parties.

The US ally's air defences intercepted and downed dozens of Iranian drones and missiles that flew over the country's airspace in the direction of Israeli targets, security sources said.

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PMP @ The SXSW 2024 Capital Factory Startup Crawl Perpetual Motion® Podcast

Join host Michael Glenn and guest host Dan Austin at the Capital Factory 2024 SXSW Startup Crawl. They travel the floor to meet inspiring entrepreneurs and government agency representatives who are bringing about the future of innovation.Your guided tour begins here: [1:55 ] Vlogmi—A social media platform focused on sharing genuine and authentic content to create a positive effect on digital well-being. [7:08 ] EVE—A drone network that can be safely used in an urban environment, allowing first responders to deploy the correct resources to quickly address a problem. [10:17 ] Free Water—An innovative advertising platform utilizing premium spring water packaging as an advertising medium while prioritizing philanthropy and sustainability. [13:54 ] Hubspot—A customer platform combining the software, integrations, and resources to connect a business’s marketing, sales, content management, and customer service. [18:10 ] NUTS—This data-centric security protects sensitive data itself, rather than just the perimeter of the system on which it is stored. [31:54 ] Space Cowboy—A system to capture and remove small pieces of space debris, reducing operational risk to satellite assets, and stewarding the orbital environment. [38:05 ] Sunfish—A user-friendly and person-portable autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) with field-proven artificial intelligence (AI) and simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM). [44:22 ] Mesodyne—A patented LightCell™ power generator converts any fuel into electricity via light, increasing the endurance of small systems to 10 times that of batteries.

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