Friday, March 07, 2008
Online travel firm Expedia enters India
Chennai: Expedia Inc, the world's prima online traveling company, announced its entry into Republic Of India with the launch of
The online traveling engagement land site have been designed specifically for North American Indian travelers and offerings the best in hotels and traveling finishes worldwide, along with fully localised service and an in-country client attention centre staffed with dedicated agents who talk both Hindi and English.
"Indian online traveling marketplace is estimated to be deserving over $2 billion for 2007-08 and is growing rapidly. The figure of Indians traveling abroad is growing. For North American Indian travellers who prefer to vacation in alien locations overseas, Expedia is the ideal topographic point to book travel, as we are an international traveling expert with planetary merchandise range, competitory prices, and in-depth traveling and finish information," said Sharat Dhall, Managing Director, Expedia.co.in.
"The launch of Expedia Republic Of Republic Of India supplies us an further beachhead as we go on to put aggressively in Asia to fit the tremendous scale of measurement and possible of the region," said Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO, Expedia, Inc.
Expedia's clients in India will have got entree to nearly 80,000 hotels across the Earth and covering a broad terms range.
Expedia.co.in offers tickets to events, attractions, rubber-necking tours, subject parks, spas, restaurants, culinary experiences, and alone experiences such as as diving with sharks in Commonwealth Of Australia or going quadruplet biking in Dubai.
Labels: chennai, customer care center, expedia inc, hotels worldwide, india, indian travellers, launch, online travel booking, travel, travel company, travel destinations
Monday, February 25, 2008
Flights to Sydney - Journeying to The Far Side of The World - Part One
I am planning a trip to see household in Australia, Commonwealth Of Commonwealth Of Australia is a very popular location for vacations despite the fact it's the other side of the planet! The job is that travelling that far Sn be nerve-racking and extremely uncomfortable so I've looked into some tips that can hopefully do the flight a spot more bearable, maybe even enjoyable.
Firstly I, like many others, have got household in Commonwealth Of Commonwealth Of Australia and they dwell on the outskirts of Sydney, which is a spot of a fillip since Iodine won't necessitate to set up adjustment owed to me getting the trim room, also Sydney is one of the top metropolises to see in Australia mainly owed to the human race celebrated Opera House and Bridge.
So that's one less thing to worry about, now it's just a substance of getting the flight out the way, I've travelled to United States in the past disbursement over nine hours in a tin can and it wasn't exactly comfy (I'm quite tall and so leg room was a problem) so you can understand my apprehensiveness at the prospect of the flight to Sydney. This is when I started looking up some tips and helpful information on how to ease the emphasis of the long flight.
First of all with flights to Sydney you aren't going to be flying consecutive there, the bulk of flights necessitate to have got a stopover in either Capital Of Singapore or Taiwan, which is no bad thing as it gives me a opportunity to see some Far Eastern states on the trip, when arranging the flight it is normally a predetermined location and not something I can change, although by comparing different flight companies I could easily take my pit-stop country. Most flight companies take a firm stand my flight travels from place in Manchester down to London's Heathrow then onwards and eastwards!
In order to do certain I'm not going to be disbursement the flight writhed in their cramped seating I'm planning on enquiring about place locations, some air hoses let you to choose your place yourself; especially since people are now booking their ain flights without the traveling agent who used to do certain households were seated together. Iodine am going to see firstly how much leg room there is on these flights, since I've heard in the news and television ads that legroom have got been improved recently, failing that maybe I'll look into getting one of the seating at the presence near the door, despite my concerns a lanthanum Fight Baseball Club I believe I'll be able to manage the duty of gap the door if we land in the sea if lone just to acquire a opportunity to stretch along my legs out!
Once I've chosen that then there's the day of the month of the flight, the chief point to retrieve if all the television shows have taught me is acquire there early, I don't desire to be one of those saps that bend up 10 proceedings before the flight's owed to take off and end up being told you're too late. So I be after to acquire there around 2 hours before the clip given on the ticket, mainly owed to the fact I dwell not far from Manchester airdrome but cognize full well that there's always traffic and the possibility of the auto breakage down. So getting to the airdrome early is no bad thing, I've got a book and an iPod to maintain me company anyway.
In the 2nd portion of my usher I'll be covering the other things to see when taking a long draw flight specifically flights to Sydney in Australia, such as as keeping yourself hydrated but not needing to travel to the lavatory every five proceedings as well as how to cover with jetlag.
Labels: australia, flights, holidays, sydney, travel
Sunday, February 17, 2008
US Tourism Is Not The Same As It Used To Be
Many international travellers are avoiding the United States because of the fusses of tight security measurements in topographic point and the entry procedure have taken for one such as a long time, even as the diminished dollar do the United States somehow a cheaper topographic point to visit. Tourists going to the United States excluding travellers from United Mexican States and Canada, have started decreasing after the September 11, 2001 incident and are still 17 percentage less than in the twelvemonth 2000 degrees per the United States Department of Commerce.
Though increased of reachings from United Mexican States and Canada had been noted in 2006, visitants to the United States from abroad remains the same with no improvement at about twenty two million. Overseas tourers are of import to the touristry industry because they not only remain longer, but pass more than money than those approaching from United Mexican States and Canada. The Commerce Department makes not anticipate an improvement to the United States touristry industry that could attain the September 11, 2001 degrees of about twenty six million not until 2010. After that fateful incident, the United States have set up respective security measurements in place, but they had not be given to see that such as a move are barriers that could take to a diminution in traveling to the US.
Declining abroad visitants to the United States intends America's share of the human race traveling marketplace is getting smaller. The United States have experienced raking in 15.6 percentage of international touristry gross in 2001 as compared to just 11.7 percentage in 2006. The United States is not considered anymore to be the figure 1 traveling finish like it used to be.
Europeans are expanding their apparent horizons to pass more than traveling on topographic points like Dubai, People'S Republic Of China and Turkey for their vacations. To acquire a share of the international industry, Discover United States is lobbying United States Congress to go through the Travel Promotion Act, a measure that would set up a nationally coordinated political campaign to advance traveling to the United States and educate people about visitant entry and security policies.
Increasing international traveling to the United States would not only hike the United States touristry industry, but also assist in projecting her mental image abroad. In the past there have been an built-in belief in United States Congress that United States makes demand to set much attempt into attracting international tourists, but it is not the lawsuit currently. The United States now necessitate to marketplace its touristry industry just like everyone else.
Labels: tight security, tourism, tourism industry, tourists, travel
Monday, February 11, 2008
Guide To Spain Holidays
Guide to Kingdom Of Kingdom Of Spain Holidays
Spain have not been a true human race powerfulness since it was defeated in the celebrated naval conflict against England in 1588; it is still an incredibly beautiful state and one that is rich in history as well as in culture. It is also not a mediocre or uncivilized culture, being the 9th biggest state in the human race in footing of economy, and have the 5th biggest economic system in the European Union.
So what make you like to do?
If you like sports, then a vacation in Kingdom Of Spain is a perfect choice, whether you desire to play golf game or ticker a football game game or plentifulness of other merriment sporting activities. Go on a hike, travel aqualung diving event in the Mediterranean Sea sea, take a twenty-four hours trip to the Fink Islands, which are a Spanish territory, or remain in Kingdom Of Kingdom Of Kingdom Of Spain and bask warm, bright beaches right outside your hotel.
History
If you prefer history, then Spain have a batch to offer, from ancient palaces to World Heritage Cities, of which Spain have the most of any single state in the world. Go exploring historical edifices and larn all about the history of this state which came within a hair's comprehensiveness of controlling most of Europe through taking England.
Adventure & Night Life
If escapade and nighttime life are more than your style, then Kingdom Of Spain have plenty to offer you, as well, especially since the celebrated Spanish siestas do for other energy for late nights. For families, though, Kingdom Of Kingdom Of Spain also takes great striving to do their state a perfect destination.
Family & Kids
You and your household will love Spain, which is full of all sorts of absorbing hoarded wealths from interesting and merriment museums to menageries and even safaris. There are nature trails to be walked, natural continues to be explored, and fish tanks to see where you can even watch the dolphinfish at drama for hours on end.
If your household is into wild rides, there are subject Parks all over Kingdom Of Spain that offering the household scene that you desire and drives enough to fulfill almost any epinephrine drug addict (at least immature epinephrine junkies). These Parks are merriment and exciting, and have got a batch to offer families, including the wild merriment that you desire in a relatively safe space.
The state of Kingdom Of Spain is an extraordinary topographic point to visit. It offers a warm climate, beautiful landscapes, gorgeous palaces, historical edifices and castles. This is a state that is very easy to fall in love with.
Labels: Destination Guides, destinations, holiday, holidays, Spain, Spain Holidays, travel, vacations
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
From Oymyakon to Versailles - The Most Exotic Trips
German magazine 'Geo Saison' have introduced the listing of 50 most alien trips in the world.
The most large-scaled from given circuits - is the round-the-world trip. For 9 thousand € and 24 years 1 can acquire from Frankfurt On The Main On The Main to Frankfurt, visiting 3 continents.
For 35 thousand dollars 1 can pass nighttime in an unbelievable topographic point - 7-star hotel Burj aluminum Arab in Dubai. It is the most expensive hotel in the world, the flooring space of the flats is 1,2 foursquare meters.
Another unusual proposal - "the museum for oneself." For example, the rent of one of the hallways of Versailles will be about 8 thousand Euro.
Paying 2,5 thousand € one can see the formal dinner on the juncture of Alfred Nobel award presentation in Stockholm. By tradition, all the Swedish royal household will be present on this event.
A week-long trip to Republic Of India with visiting of a national wedding ceremonial ceremony will be 10 thousand €. And journeying to the lost in Kampuchean jungle temples of Angkor Wat is estimated in 5 thousand Euro. The instigators of this path make not except the possibility that tourers could detect a new archeological sensation.
6 years behind the wheel of a motortruck would be 2 thousand €. Accompanied by a professional a tourer can acquire from Santa Iron to Los-Angeles.
Paying 650 dollars the tourers can take a course of study in 'driving an elephant' in Thailand. The instructor will demo particular controls which the elephant can follow.
And for lone 65 Euro, tourists, accompanied by teachers can dunk to the sea underside near Alexandria and admire the deep-set hoarded wealths of Cleopatra.
At the same time, it will be 30 thousand € to dip to the underside of Atlantic Ocean ocean in order to see the stays of 'Titanic'.
For full-valued engagement in wintertime carnivals in Rio De Janeiro Delaware Janeiro tourers will pay about 6 thousand Euros. Those who would wish to, will be taught to dance samba.
The Gallic have got invented an interesting amusement for tourists. They take them to Giverny near Paris, to the garden of the celebrated Gallic creative person Claude Monet. The picture course of study endures 8 years and costs 900 €.
Berlin Menagerie offerings its invitee nighttime visits. 6 people will pay 3 thousand Euros in order to pass a nighttime in the small house near the coop with hippos. Spending this sum of money of money tourer will lie on flooring mats and taste sensation the dinner for gourmands.
Among the circuits throughout Russia, the magazine points out the supersonic drive aboard of Russian war-planes (about 14 thousand €) and 5-day jaunt through Hermitage for 2 thousand Euros. And paying 5 thousand € one can see Oymyakon - the coldest topographic point on the planet.
Labels: exotic voyages, offers, tourism, travel, world trip
Sunday, February 03, 2008
10 Great Tourist Destinations You Can Go to in the Bahamas
The Commonwealth Of The Bahamas is well known all around the human race as one of the top traveling destinations, and one of the chief grounds is because of its pristine beaches and natural wonders. At the Bahamas, you can pass your holiday at the beach sipping tropical drinks or you could plunge and detect the marine life that abounds near its shores. Whatever the reason, the Commonwealth Of The Commonwealth Of The Commonwealth Of The Bahamas is certain to offer travellers everywhere a well deserved clip for remainder and relaxation, and here are 10 topographic points you could travel to when visiting this island paradise.
1.) Beaches in Bahamas
These are the two most popular beaches in the Bahamas. More than two statute miles long, Cabbage beach is dotted with tropical trees such as as coconut, casuarinas and sea grape. Eden beach near Atlantis vacation spot is also a great beach finish for tourists, especially for those staying at the hotel. Other popular beaches here are the Gold Rock Beach, Xanadu Beach and Lucaya Beach.
2.) Lucayan National Park
In this park, tourers can bask a countless of activities. The activities include spelunking or cave geographic expedition where you will see the interesting stone formations in the caves and kayaking down a Rhizophora mangle lined creek. Swimming in the beaches lined with coral littoral is, of course, the most popular.
3.) Andros Island
In this island, you can travel snorkeling and diving to see the abundant and diverse Marine life in its shores. In fact, the island touts of one of the biggest barrier reefs in the world. In this reef, you will see elkhorn corals and other coral formations stretching out more than than 100 miles.
4.) Blue Lagoon Island
The Blue Lagoon Island located in Capital Of The Bahamas show windows dolphinfish that you can swim with, drama with or ride. For the less courageous, there are docks where you can loosen up while watching these fantastic animals. You also acquire to bask the beautiful scenery this offers.
5.) Eden island Outdoor Aquarium
This popular tourer finish have 11 exhibit lagunas where tourers can see 200 species of different Marine animals. The Acrylic Fiber tunnels that sabotage the sea creatures' habitat enable tourers to see piranhas, lobsters, jellyfish, greenish eels, sharks, giant groupers. You can see many other animals as well in their natural habitats.
6.) Pirates of Nassau
Prepare to be enthralled and fascinated by the life of plagiarists in this locale located at the bosom of business district Nassau. Here, tourers are taken into an educational programme that educates people about the life of plagiarists through synergistic programs. This is a great manner to acquire to cognize Bahamas' civilization more.
7.) Commonwealth Of The Commonwealth Of The Bahamas Historical Society Museum
This historical museum show windows exhibits that show the island's history from the clip of Capital Of Ohio to the present. Here, you will see tons of Lucayan-Taino-Arawak artifacts. The artefacts here give tourers a glance of the lives of the people in the distant past.
8.) The Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus Museum of Bondage and Emancipation
This museum located in Auction house was once the topographic point where slave auction bridges and gross sales of commodity from shipwrecks were held. Today, the topographic point functions to educate people on the rich history and civilization of the Bahamas. Artistic plant of celebrated Bahamian creative person Amos Ferguson is also showcased in this museum.
9.) Crystal Cay
This topographic point is an fish tank and a menagerie spanning the whole of New Capital Of Rhode Island Island. Here, you can see the absorbing animate beings either by going up the 100 feet high observation towers or travel down a stairway for a position of the corals, tropical fishes, sponges and other Marine life. You can attain this island through Capital Of The Bahamas docks or through Arawak.
10.) Garrison Charlotte
Fort The Queen City is a military land site located in Occident Bay Street and Marcus Bethel Manner in Nassau. It was built sometime in the late 18th century and was named after Saint George the Third's wife. Here, you can take a coil and see the waterless moat, dungeons, lift bridge and ramparts.
Labels: bahamas, travel, video
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Lake Garda at Christmas
Many people like to pass their Christmastide interruption away from home, maybe being coddled during a restful hotel stay. Italian Republic is a fantastic topographic point to pass Christmastide and the vacation spots around Lake Garda are truly spectacular.
The Lake Garda country have been a popular topographic point to remain for centuries. Indeed, this part was once popular with rich Romans looking to fly the crowded cities.
It's a similar narrative today, with many Italians choosing to remain around Lake Garda, which have a considerably quieter ambiance than the likes of Rome, Milan, Venezia and Florence.
With its propinquity to the Italian Alps, this do a great alkali for walking or skis holidays. As you would anticipate from any part in Italy, the nutrient is antic and the vinoes are of an first-class quality.
Would could be a more than pleasant manner to pass a Christmastide interruption than by restful in a farmhouse, sitting by the fire and enjoying some fantastic local vinoes or cuisine?
Although Italian Republic sometimes have a somewhat partial repute as being an expensive topographic point to stay, hotels and flats around the lake are reasonably priced, particularly during the gala season.
There are a figure of lakeshore vacation spots to take from, each of which have its ain alone atmosphere. If you're looking for a small spot of everything then the town of Bardolino have plenty to offer.
If you desire to take a inexpensive flight to the Lake Garda part then you'll happen that Ryanair offering some highly competitory flights to Brescia, which is a relatively short thrust from many of the best resorts.
No reference of Lake Garda at Christmastide would be complete without mentioning the small town of Riva del Garda, which touts dramatic positions of both the lake and the mountains.
Christmas at Lake Garda is truly spectacular.
Labels: destinations, europe, holiday, Italy, tips, travel, vacations
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Vienna - History of an Imperial City
Due to its privileged geographical placement, just between the Danube River river and the The Alps that descend calmly to the mounts called Wienerwald. The Austrian working capital was through its dynamical history a very of import factor to take into business relationship for the hereafter of the whole existent Europe.
The fact that it was placed in the intersection of the great paths between Occidental and Asian Europe, soon made Austrian Capital go the bosom of Europe. But the procedure to attain that aim was far from easy, as history explains. In their attempts to procure their lands and the Mediterranean Sea sea against the Northern invaders, the romans, under Gaius Octavianus emperor, occupied this privileged zone between the The Alps and the Danube.
In its origin, they established simply a soldiers encampment base, the strongest they had in Austria, adjacent to the place that the existent Austrian Capital occupies, and later it became working capital of the part during nearly 400 years. Some old age later, in Claudius I time, Limes was built at the east, as an advanced defensive attitude topographic point to command the border. Also, as a lateral pass defence of the cardinal camp, some other troop encampments were built in what today is the Third District of Vienna.
Around twelvemonth 115, the chief military personnel where moved to this new camps. After this happened, a critic time period was to follow, and after serious conflicts against the savage invaders, opposition went down and the whole metropolis was devastated.
Only at twelvemonth 960 the district was ready again to be rebuilt, after the current Emperor strengthened the Asian border. 1137 is the twelvemonth when Austrian Capital is first designated as a metropolis and 1156 conveys to Austrian Capital the quality of the working capital of the territory.
Vienna today is amazingly full of story. Some rocks standing there have got seen many empires come up and go, but in the end the consequence was the obvious. Austrian Capital have a privileged place in the bosom of Europe and this made many empires to be interested in gaining this position. At same time, even if it was burnt down once in the early years, the existent metropolis was never conquered again and even resisted the conflict against the Turkish military personnel between 1529 and 1683.
This warfare alone can be understood as many others that happened on that period, but it really had a particular significance for the whole Europe, as in that time time period the whole strength of Europe was brought there. If Austrian Capital would have got got not resisted, almost certainly the whole Occidental civilisation would have been destroyed.
Labels: austria, city, europe, history, holidays, travel, trip, vacations, vienna
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Destination Spotlight- Bermuda
If you're anything like me Bermudas is one of those topographic points you cognize if probably gorgeous, you take that as a given, but you've never actually got unit of ammunition to visiting. Why, is anybody's guess. The island is as colourful and interesting as you'd imagine. Here are the top five grounds to visit.
Weather
Probably the most obvious ground to see Bermudas is the weather. It's humid clime intends you can vouch hot weather condition on your vacations giving you the perfect alibi to purchase more than two-pieces than you cognize what to make with.
Wildlife
There is plenty of wildlife in Bermuda, including wild true cats significance your trip will be interesting to state the least. But be warned there are also plenty of insects and bugs. Now I cognize what you're thinking, I'm not a immense fan of creepy crawlies either but, hey, I believe a couple of beetles in a arresting state like Bermudas is much more than congenial than a spider back place in Swindon. As they say, everything looks so much better in the sun.
Beaches
As you might anticipate Bermudas is place to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. With deep bluish Waters and achromatic sand Bermudas beaches are a small taste sensation of paradise. And there are so many of them you may even happen one you can have got all to yourself. Then again, you could desire to happen a slightly busy 1 to demo off your bikini!
History
St Georges in one of the oldest towns in the Southern Hemisphere and is extremely popular with tourists. It have been named a World Heritage Site.
Dance
While you're in Bermudas be certain to catch a public presentation from the Gombey Dancers. The group's public presentations are influenced by imported Native American and African slaves and the shows should not be missed.
Labels: bermuda, holidays, luxury, travel, vacations
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Tips On Planning A Wonderful And Stress-free Holiday
Tip No.1 of Travel Planning
It's challenging to take a traveling destination. With research, you can provide to the multiple involvements and budgets of your traveling comrades - friends, household or kids. Aid can be obtained from your traveling agent, the library travelogues, cyberspace land sites and forums.
Tip No. Two of Travel Planning
Check all traveling written documents before traveling. Brand certain they are in order and passport is manner before traveling termination date. Brand run off of your passport, credits card game and drive license. Some states necessitate you to have got a passport valid 6 calendar months after traveling date.
Tip No. Three of Travel Planning
Always bank check up on train/bus/ferry agendas before you travel. Certain agendas be only for certain season. Rich Person an option traveling program in head in lawsuits of transportation system programs change.
Tip No. Four of Travel Planning
Always maintain your baggage in sight. Bash not go through your baggage to strangers. If you have got to set your bag on ground, always maintain clasp of manage with one foot.
Tip No.5 of Travel Planning
If you are detained by an official, always inquire for identification. Stay composure and if state of affairs worsen, inquire to see his superior. If there is linguistic communication barrier, seek to Dail Eireann the visitants hotline or police force to acquire more than help.
Tip No. Six of Travel Planning
When away from home, retrieve to state your household who to reach in modern times of exigency .
Tip No. Seven of Travel Planning
Never wear anything flashy. No gold jewelries, expensive rings and branded tickers in apparent view. A word of advise, leave of absence your jewellery at home.
Labels: budget, Business, holidays, hotels, itinerary, planning, transportations, travel, travelling, vacation
Friday, June 29, 2007
Hello from Nova Scotia - Exploring Annapolis Royal
Still thinking about what I learned about the fate of the Acadians after my visit to the Grand Pré National Historic Site, I got into the car and started driving westwards through the fertile Annapolis Valley, an area referred to as the "Breadbasket of Nova Scotia". The gentle North and South Mountain Ranges enclose this agricultural land of orchards and vineyards. The Bay of Fundy is located just on the other side of the northern range. A pleasant drive took me along the Evangeline Trail that runs on the northern shoreline of South West Nova Scotia.
My destination was Annapolis Royal, a town with more than 400 years of history, located at the mouth of the Annapolis River. Annapolis Royal, founded in 1605, originally was called Port-Royal by the Acadian settlers, but after the territory changed hands to the British in 1713 it was renamed in honour of England's Queen Anne. The word "polis", Greek for "town", was added to the Queen's name, and the original French word "Royal" was retained. A sign of turbulent times, ownership of this area went back and forth seven times between the English and the French. The town was settled two years before Jamestown, Virginia, three years before the founding of Quebec, and fifteen years before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Massachusetts.
Together with today's Port-Royal across the river, it is the oldest continuous European settlement in North America, north of St. Augustine, Florida. Annapolis Royal is one of five Cultural Capitals of Canada and was also recently selected as "The World's Most Livable Small Community" in an international competition endorsed by the United Nations. To enter the town I drove across the causeway that houses the Annapolis Royal Tidal Power Generating Plant and drove slowly into one of the most historic and picturesque towns in Canada.
Annapolis Royal used to be the capital of Nova Scotia from 1710 until 1749 when Halifax became the capital of the province. Its collection of 135 Municipal Heritage Properties makes it the largest National Historic District in Canada. The town is a popular tourist destination and boasts numerous bed and breakfasts, restaurants, cafes, galleries and retail stores located in heritage properties.
Fort Anne, the main attraction in the heart of the town, was built by the British to protect the mouth of the Annapolis River and this was my first stop. I went into the visitor's office at Fort Anne and was greeted by Alan Melanson, a 9th generation Acadian and a senior guide at this Parks Canada property. When I told him who I was looking for, he mentioned that my destination was actually the Port-Royal National Historic Site which was located on the other side of the river. I had obviously gotten the names Annapolis Royal, Fort Anne and Port-Royal confused and had showed up at the wrong place for my guided tour. That wasn't a problem, though, since Alan indicated that his twin brother, Wayne Melanson, is a senior guide at Port-Royal and he would simply make a phone call to the other location to advise his twin brother of my arrival later this afternoon.
I would have a chance to meet Alan again later tonight to participate in the famous Annapolis Royal Candlelight Graveyard Tour which Alan would lead at about 9 pm this evening. So with my appointment set at Port-Royal for later this afternoon, I decided to park the car and explore the town on foot. I walked down Lower St. George Street past the Town Hall, the Lighthouse which dates back to 1889 and heritage buildings such as the Sinclair Inn Museum – a National Historic Site, the Adams-Ritchie House and the Old Post Office.
I came back up through Church Street and admired all the colourful wooden clapboard houses. One thing about Nova Scotia architecture is the decorative paint trim work that always stands out as a special touch. Since my busy travel schedule had so far kept me from having lunch, I stopped off at the Streetscape Café, a cozy local place where I had a delicious vegetable puree soup, followed by some vanilla biscotti. It was the perfect place to read up on the local brochures and tourist information I had picked up. Appropriately strengthened I was ready to continue my discoveries of Annapolis Royal.
Just a few steps up the street right in front of Fort Anne is the Garrison Graveyard which was originally a French Catholic Graveyard from 1636 to 1710 and is the last resting place of about 2000 early residents. Right across from Fort Anne and the Graveyard was my bed and breakfast for the night, the Garrison House, which I would have a chance to explore a little later this afternoon after my visit to the Port-Royal Historic Site. I continued my stroll past Fort Anne on Upper St. George Street towards the Court House. Built in 1837, it is the oldest court house in the province still in use. An enormous old French willow tree at the Court House lane used to serve as the whipping tree where minor crimes were punished in public.
Just a few steps further on Upper St. George Street are the Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens – a full ten acres of horticultural beauty that just celebrated their 25th anniversary. I entered the gardens through the well-stocked gift shop and started my explorations of various display gardens, dykes and marshland areas. A stunning Victorian garden illustrates the horticultural styles of days past. An Acadian House ("la Maison Acadienne") is also located on the property and showcases tools and utensils used by the early French settlers. Although it was already early October, many of the garden areas still provided colourful displays of flowers and during the summer the Historic Gardens also feature a café with hot and cold refreshments.
My brief walking tour through Annapolis Royal had given me a great introduction to a beautiful and very historic town and I was ready to discover even more history at the Port-Royal National Historic Site.
Labels: annapolis royal, hello from, nova scotia, travel
Monday, June 11, 2007
New York City Business Travel Destination Guide
New York is a city that truly has something for everyone. The diverse residents from around the globe make New York unlike any other city in the world. A major destination for business travel, New York is home to countless businesses and is a world economic capital. When traveling to New York City, business travelers are often surprised by the high cost – including meals, hotels and transportation. Some corporate per diems are not high enough to cover expenses.
Transportation
Airports Serving New York City
There are three airports that you can use when traveling to New York City - John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), La Guardia (LGA) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). JFK, the largest of the three airports, began service in 1948 and has since grown to five times it original size. Located just 15 miles from downtown Manhattan, transportation options range from public transportation to taxis and hired cars.
La Guardia is smaller than JFK, servicing about half the number of passengers as JFK. It is located closer to downtown Manhattan than JFK, just 8 miles. Transportation options include public bus service from the airport to all areas of the city, bus service to Grand Central Station and Penn Station via the New York Airport Express Bus and as always, taxis and hired cars are available.
The Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), across the Hudson river in New Jersey about 16 miles from midtown Manhattan is also a good option for business travelers. Currently, Newark airport is undergoing a five year renovation project to its B terminal.
Taking the Train to New York City
For East Coast business travelers, New York City is easily accessible by taking the train. Amtrak offers several routes that travel between New York City and numerous East Coast cities.
The Acela Express train runs from Washington, DC to Boston, with stops in Philadelphia and New York City. Business travelers will find the Acela has amenities not offered on other trains, and travels at speeds up to 150 miles per hour. You will get to your destination sooner than the other trains, but a ticket on the Acela comes at a premium cost.
Getting Around the City
New York City is known for its hectic traffic – but don't worry, getting around is not as hard as it may look. Taxis and the metro are the primary forms of transportation for business travelers.
When getting around or asking for directions, all you need to remember is compass directions and have the right vocabulary. "Uptown" is when you are heading north towards higher numbered streets while "downtown" is when you are traveling south. You will go to the "East Side" or "West Side" when you are crossing the island. And be aware of building numbers which often don't follow logical patterns.
What to See
If you are lucky enough to have some free time while traveling to New York City, you will find you have endless options to keep you entertained. Known as the city that never sleeps, there is always something to do in New York no matter the time. Home to many world famous attractions such as the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, the Empire State and Chrysler buildings and over 20,000 restaurants and 150 museums, you will never run out of something to do while visiting this exciting city.
Labels: Airport, Business, Business Travel, JFK, New York City, travel, Travel Guide
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Ocho Rios, Jamaica is a Lovely, Natural Paradise With Lots to Do and See
If you want a vacation in a lush, tropical location; try the town of Ocho Rios in Jamaica. On the coast, the town has much to do and see. From big resorts, to smaller, privately-owned garden styled hotels, it has something for everyone from souvenir hunters to scuba divers. The crystal-clear, vividly turquoise water of the Caribbean Sea is breathtaking. Or hire a driver and go inland to see the deep jungles and gorgeous countryside. Jamaica is pure paradise. Here are some ideas on where to go on your trip.
Dunn's River Falls
Every day, tourists climb a natural rock formation whose river empties into the sea, called Dunn's River Falls. It is a great way to cool off in the hot sun. For those who don't want to climb, there is a path along the falls to walk up to the top. Nature is all around, and hear the tropical birds squawk in the trees as you walk through this lovely site.
Shaw Park Gardens
If you love flowers, go to this large botanical garden on a hill overlooking Ocho Rios. There you will see huge Banyan trees, with multiple trunks spread out everywhere. Colorful flowers such as towering bougainvillea vines surround you along with other breathtaking scenery such as waterfalls and lush jungle meadows. Look down on the coastline, and take photos of the sea from way up high. It is a nature photographer's paradise.
The market
Get your dickering skills in order and go over to the public market. Here, you are expected to talk the vendors down in price for everything from hair braiding to t-shirts. Buy a rum-filled coconut that is cut open with a machete right in front of you. Watching this is interesting all in itself. If you have new items you want to barter, take them with you and see if you can strike a deal with the dealers who sell in various outside booths. It is a lively and fun place. Expect many people to ask if they can braid your hair into cornrows. I had them do a French braid on me, for hardly any money. American money goes very far as of this writing, in Jamaica. Check out the hand-carved wooden sculptures by local artisans. The craftsmanship and elegance is amazing, of subjects such as fish, flowers, birds and more. My suitcase was filled with them by the end of my trip. Prices are reasonable, and even moreso if you are a good bargain-negotiator.
Take a snorkeling or scuba tour
Go to a dive store or inquire at your hotel where to find a good snorkeling tour. There are reefs everywhere down in Jamaica, full of tropical fish of all sizes, colors and shapes. It's like swimming in an aquarium. The skilled divers know where the best coral sites are, and will take you in their boat to them. It is amazing to see the majestic "gardens" of coral all around you, growing as if they were flowers. Bring a disposable underwater camera to capture memories of this exotic venture. The experience is surreal and fun. Just make sure to wear strong sunscreen or you will get a lobster-red sunburn very easily.
Shopping and dining in the shop district
In Ocho Rios, there are a variety of stores from high-end to low-budget. They are all interesting and offer great souvenirs. If you love coffee, buy the Jamaican Blue-Mountain coffee there, which is much cheaper than it is in the U.S., where it can cost $50 per pound, easily. Buy spices at local stores, such as curry powder or jerk seasoning. Jerk chicken is a spicy dish found all over Jamaica. It is delicious, just make to eat it with a pitcher of water by your side.
Some of the best restaurants are understated and out-of-the-way. Ten years ago, when I was there, there was a small place called Blue Cantina near the Hibiscus Lodge (the garden-style hotel I stayed at.) The Blue Cantina has great food for cheap prices. Try the fried plantains, served as a side-dish, they are to die for. They make wonderful tacos. The restaurant in the Hibiscus Lodge is a good place for breakfast, too. It is terraced, and overlooks the ocean, with amond trees branching over your head. I always ate outside there. The wait staff are professional and serve great fruit and pastries.
In general, going to Ocho Rios, Jamaica is great if you want to get away from regular city life and try something more natural. If you have time, have a taxi take you to other towns and cities as well. There is much to see in the country island of Jamaica. Have a Pina Colada, sit back and soak in that glorious Caribbean sunshine. It truly is paradise.
Labels: bahamas, caribbean, cayman islands, charter, cruise, jamaica, ocho rios, tour, travel, tropical
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Limoges - Town of History and Porcelain
Limoges is a town in west-central France, and is the prefecture of the Department of Haute-Vienne and capital of the Limousin region. Its inhabitants are known as Limougeauds. The town is officially the 24th largest in France. It is built in the main on the right bank of the river Vienne, and can be considered to be the gateway to the Massif Central.
If so many people from all around desire to come and linger a while in Limoges, it's not just because of the services provided by this beautiful town, but also because of the quality of life it offers, which is no longer found in the big cities. This quality of life appears in both the preservation of the surrounding nature and the clemency of the climate. At the gates of the town you will encounter a huge natural park -- the countryside, offering itself to you! Its proximity to the sea makes its winters mild (in January only one degree separates Limoges from Toulouse), and it has a veritable Indian summer.
Limoges is also one of the towns of France with the lowest level of crime, so embarking upon an evening stroll will rarely pose a problem. Nor will its 692 hectares of green for sporting activities, of which there is almost an embarrassingly large selection.
For a thousand years, Limoges has been the capital of the porcelain and china industry, with its production exported throughout Europe. Three manufacturers -- Haviland, Bernardaud and Royal Limoges -- present their history in a specially developed area, and there are several manufacturers who welcome visitors to their works. There is also a preserved porcelain furnace dating from the end of the nineteenth century, which can be found in the Casseaux quarter.
As for history and culture, Limoges possesses the second most important library in France, after Cluny, and the abbey of Saint Martial is the birthplace of European polyphonic music. But when visiting Limoges, one of the most beautiful encounters is the collection of enamel ware of all periods and styles found in the Eveche enamel museum.
Limoges is also situated to the north of the cultural zone of the Langue d'Oc, and here people speak a Limousine version of occitan. Indeed the occitan texts discovered in Limoges are amongst the oldest in existence (notably those in the abbey of Saint Martial). So, from the middle ages, Limoges has been a cultural centre of prime importance in southern Europe, and its six libraries permit the reader to borrow transcriptions of many of the ancient texts.
Tradition is also present in the rich musical life Limoges has to offer. There are several halls for theatre and concerts, including five municipal cultural centers. Here you can still encounter the playing of ancient instruments such as the hurdy gurdy. Indeed a department of traditional music was created in the music conservatory in 1987, and students are able to study instruments such as the chabrette, bagpipes, traditional violin and the diatonic accordion. It's also possible to study dance and the occitan language through a repertoire of traditional regional songs. Folklore groups abound to regale both the locals and tourists alike with their diverse spectacles!
In summary, to encounter Limoges and its people is to embark upon the discovery of a culture and way of life entirely apart!
Labels: france, limoges, limousin, occitan, porcelain, rencontres, travel
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Lanzarote - Playa Blanca
Playa Blanca is situated at the southernmost tip of the island, and seems to have its own unique weather, away from the rest of island. Flanked by the Femes mountains on one side... and with Montana Roja imposing at the other side, it is sheltered from some of the higher winds, and also claims the highest temperatures on the island.
With beautiful white sandy beaches framing the town, edging round to Papagayo (a series of coves with shallow clear waters), it's also an ideal place to bring the children, and feel safe as they paddle about in the shallow waters. With all the variety of tourist shops that you would expect, there are many bars offering low-key entertainment throughout the evening. It's a little quieter than other resorts in Lanzarote, which suits the visitor seeking a more laid back holiday experience.
The most recent development is the Marina Rubicon. A development of designer shops, and restaurants in beautiful surroundings, positioned right next to the beautiful Marina. Why not take a stroll, and see some of the most spectacular yachts in the Canary Islands. The promenade in Playa Blanca is host to many top quality cafes and restaurants, where you can sit back and sample either the local or international menu on offer. The view across to Fuerteventura is beautiful, and at night you can see Corralejo's lights twinkling back at you, whilst listening to the waves lapping at the shore.
All in all - this is a resort of the highest quality.
Labels: Bars, beach, Canary Islands, clubs, Lanzarote, Playa Blanca, restaurants, travel
Friday, April 27, 2007
Top 10 Beaches in the Caribbean
A holiday to the Caribbean offers you the chance to visit some of the most spectacular beaches in the world. Virtually every island of the Caribbean will have beaches that amaze; with crystal clear blue seas, sugar white sand & palm trees.
To help you choose where to go and more importantly what beach to choose, we have complied a list of the top 10 beaches in the Caribbean.
1/ Palm Beach (Aruba) – Idyllic beach setting with superb white sand.
2/ Grand Anse Beach (Grenada) – 3km beach with sugar-white sand, lots of space & shallow waters.
3/ Johnson's Point (Antigua) – Made up of secluded coves; these white soft sand beaches are a must for snorkeling & swimming
4/ Pink Sand Beach ( Bahamas) – One of the world's most photographed beaches, often voted "world's best" by travel publications. 5km's of salmon pink coloured sand, due to red plankton that has mixed with the fine white sand.
5/ Crane Beach (Barbados) – Often voted as Barbados' most beautiful beach. Imposing cliffs, a natural coral reef and soft white sands make for a perfect beach.
6/ Negril Beach (Jamaica) – Laid back atmosphere and Jamaica's prettiest beach. A lot quieter than Seven Mile beach.
7/ Englishman's Bay (Tobago) – A sheltered beach with fine white sand, crystal waters & surrounded by a palm jungle.
8/ Grace Bay (Turks & Caicos) – Part of a national marine park, this beach has fine white sand, calm turquoise waters and is protected by a barrier reef.
9/ Trunk Bay (US Virgin Islands) – A beautiful beach with crystal clear waters, considered one of the best places for snorkeling in the Caribbean.
10/ Shoal Bay (Anguilla) – Put Angullia on the tourism map; sugar-white sand, crystal clear blue waters & coral reefs.
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Labels: beach, beaches, caribbean, holiday, holidays, top 10, top ten, travel, vacation
