Do you bear a passion for history? Are you interested in ancient
architecture and temples? Do age-long and legendary activities
beckon you? If so, then you must definitely explore the ancient
lands of Rome, at least once in your lifetime.
With an area of about 150 square kilometers, and a population of
3.8 million, Rome still stands tall in the vast field of world history.
Whenever we come across Rome, Etruscan tombs, Republican
meeting rooms, Imperial temples, ancient Christian churches,
medieval bell towers, Renaissance palaces, and Baroque basilicas
strike the core of our mind and we enter the superficial world of
history and architecture. Rome takes us through the pages of
history.
Rome is situated halfway down Italy's western coast, about 20
kilometers inland. Rome is a large city, though the historical area
is quite small. A majority of the Rome historical sights are
restricted within a reasonable distance of the central railway
station, Stazione Termini. All the main Rome monuments are
situated west of the train station in Rome. However, it is always
advisable to use the map of Rome, once you arrive in Rome.
Attractions
The central attractions of Rome are the Palatine Hill and the Forum.
Via Del Corso is located north from the Forum to Piazza Del Popolo,
accompanied by Spanish steps and the Trevi Fountain on the east.
The Vatican in Rome is situated northwest of the Forum, across the
River Tiber in Rome.
Rome offers a great deal of pleasure with the likes of the
arrogance of the Vatican, the immemorial haunting memories of the
Coliseum or the sheer thrill of going back to centuries ago of
timeless history.
Rome offers you a wide range of excitement, adventure, and
enjoyment. The thrill and sheer experience of Rome is very
distinctive and unique. Rome gives you the liberty to thrive on
wine, architecture, history, and sunshine.
Monday, August 1, 2016
Visit to Labadee in Haiti
The first port for our Royal Caribbean cruise of the western Caribbean was Labadee, Hispaniola which is actually a part of Haiti. This specific port is leased out to Royal Caribbean so only their cruiseships come here. Labadee is actually a peninsula with a few beaches. Getting to land from the cruiseship is by tender.
There is a small section for kids with floating fake icebergs to climb and water slides but they charge an admission fee. Flotation mattresses are also available for rent for those who just want to float in the ocean. There are also locals who help with getting beach chairs for you but they expect tips. So things here are a money grabber. The cruiseship did have optional tours for snorkelling, parasailing, waverunner and kayaking tours but we thought that they were overpriced. Most passengers just spent the day relaxing around the beaches. The area around Labadee was pleasant enough but the beaches and shores themselves were fairly rocky so wearing sandals in the water would be advised. Royal Caribbean had organized a beach BBQ at an outdoor picnic facility which was okay but nothing special. There is a market there consisting of two buildings. One is a store where the souveniers and items have marked prices and the other building is like your typical market where locals try to hustle you for business. The locals inside the market were aggressive but polite. If you don't mind haggling, you could get some pretty good deals but if you dislike this type of pushy atmosphere, then you best avoid the market except for the fixed price store.
One big difference between this port compared to others is that since it is pretty well being used as a private beach, you will not be hassled by locals. The vendors coming around with drinks at the beach locations are actually Royal Caribbean staff so if one wishes to buy a drink, the cruiseship passcard is all that is required. As for concerns about being in Haiti given the poverty and political situation, Labadee was not a problem because the entire site is enclosed by a high steel fence. Other passengers later told us that they wandered off near the perimeter of the site and saw many Haitians along the fence begging for handouts and food. The fencing was mostly concealed in the distance from the main tourist areas.
We found Labadee in general to be a bit of a waste of time for us. The beaches were too rocky and we didn't have access to inexpensive activities since everything was run by Royal Caribbean. If one wanted to just go lie on the beach all day and not much else, then Labadee would be a suitable place. For those who want to experience some culture, do water sports without going through the cruiseship, or shop duty free, Labadee would not be the place to go. We decided to stay on board the ship after the BBQ lunch for the rest of the afternoon.
I like Royal Caribbean and would definitely cruise with them again but would not want to go on an itinerary that included Labadee in the future.
There is a small section for kids with floating fake icebergs to climb and water slides but they charge an admission fee. Flotation mattresses are also available for rent for those who just want to float in the ocean. There are also locals who help with getting beach chairs for you but they expect tips. So things here are a money grabber. The cruiseship did have optional tours for snorkelling, parasailing, waverunner and kayaking tours but we thought that they were overpriced. Most passengers just spent the day relaxing around the beaches. The area around Labadee was pleasant enough but the beaches and shores themselves were fairly rocky so wearing sandals in the water would be advised. Royal Caribbean had organized a beach BBQ at an outdoor picnic facility which was okay but nothing special. There is a market there consisting of two buildings. One is a store where the souveniers and items have marked prices and the other building is like your typical market where locals try to hustle you for business. The locals inside the market were aggressive but polite. If you don't mind haggling, you could get some pretty good deals but if you dislike this type of pushy atmosphere, then you best avoid the market except for the fixed price store.
One big difference between this port compared to others is that since it is pretty well being used as a private beach, you will not be hassled by locals. The vendors coming around with drinks at the beach locations are actually Royal Caribbean staff so if one wishes to buy a drink, the cruiseship passcard is all that is required. As for concerns about being in Haiti given the poverty and political situation, Labadee was not a problem because the entire site is enclosed by a high steel fence. Other passengers later told us that they wandered off near the perimeter of the site and saw many Haitians along the fence begging for handouts and food. The fencing was mostly concealed in the distance from the main tourist areas.
We found Labadee in general to be a bit of a waste of time for us. The beaches were too rocky and we didn't have access to inexpensive activities since everything was run by Royal Caribbean. If one wanted to just go lie on the beach all day and not much else, then Labadee would be a suitable place. For those who want to experience some culture, do water sports without going through the cruiseship, or shop duty free, Labadee would not be the place to go. We decided to stay on board the ship after the BBQ lunch for the rest of the afternoon.
I like Royal Caribbean and would definitely cruise with them again but would not want to go on an itinerary that included Labadee in the future.
Travelling to Mexico
Mexico is a hub of different interests and cultures. People who travel to Mexico will witness many rich and diverse cultures and entertainment. From museums and opera houses to idyllic beach resorts, travelers in Mexico will definitely not ask for anything more.
Probably one of the places that people who travel to Mexico will surely enjoy are the beach resorts outside the capital city. At the top of the list is Acapulco, which is sometimes referred to as the Riviera of Mexico for its hotels, casinos and beach resorts. The Acapulco is a very popular tourist destination where one can also do deep-sea fishing as well as other water sports. Another haven for people who travel to Mexico is the Mazatlan, which frequently holds the international fishing tournaments as well as pre-Lenten carnivals. Hunting and fishing are also things that will interest people who travel to Mexico. One can also find in Mazatlan an observatory and one of the tallest lighthouses in the world. Other beaches that travelers in Mexico should not miss are the Cancun Island, the Puerto Vallarta and the Los Cabos.
Traveling to Mexico also opens the door to a world of arts and drama. With its many museums, Mexico is one of the most important museum destinations in the world. The Chapultepec Park houses several of these celebrated museums; the most important of which is the National Museum of Anthropology. Other museums that travelers in Mexico should also visit are the Museum of National History, Snail Museum, Technology Museum, and the Museum of Modern Art, which boasts of the finest collection of Mexican painting including those of masters such as Diego Rivera, José Clemente Orozco, David Alfaro Siqueiros, and Rufino Tamayo. Children will also enjoy the Mexico City Zoo and the Papalote, a children’s interactive museum.
Traveling to Mexico will not be complete without visiting the Basilica de Guadalupe, which marks the site of the Virgin Mother’s appearance in 1531. The Metropolitan Cathedral is another travel destination within Mexico. With its baroque and neoclassical fa?ade, the church is a great example of architectural art forms.
Another Mexican architectural masterpiece is the Chapultepec Castle, which once served as presidential residence. The castle also features the murals of Mexican painter Juan O’ Gorman as well as the Memorial to Infant Heroes. Los Pinos, which is the official residence of the Mexican President, is also on the grounds of the Castle.
Monuments abound in the Paseo de la Reforma, a tree-line boulevard that houses Mexico’s landmarks. Travelers will surely love the monuments such as the Angel of the Independence, the symbol of the country’s national identity, Cuauhtemoc Memorial and the Diana Cazadora, the statue of Diana the Huntress.
What is traveling to Mexico without shopping for souvenirs? The Zona Rosa or the Pink Zone is an ideal shopping paradise. Within the area are restaurants, boutique squares, shops and hotels. Another shopping district is the Alameda Park, which borders the Palace of Fine Arts.
History fanatics will also love traveling to Mexico’s famed religious city of Teotihuacan, the capital of pre-Aztec civilization. In Teotihuacan, travelers to Mexico will find the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon, two pyramids that face each other, providing a great view of the surrounding regions from the top.
Probably one of the places that people who travel to Mexico will surely enjoy are the beach resorts outside the capital city. At the top of the list is Acapulco, which is sometimes referred to as the Riviera of Mexico for its hotels, casinos and beach resorts. The Acapulco is a very popular tourist destination where one can also do deep-sea fishing as well as other water sports. Another haven for people who travel to Mexico is the Mazatlan, which frequently holds the international fishing tournaments as well as pre-Lenten carnivals. Hunting and fishing are also things that will interest people who travel to Mexico. One can also find in Mazatlan an observatory and one of the tallest lighthouses in the world. Other beaches that travelers in Mexico should not miss are the Cancun Island, the Puerto Vallarta and the Los Cabos.
Traveling to Mexico also opens the door to a world of arts and drama. With its many museums, Mexico is one of the most important museum destinations in the world. The Chapultepec Park houses several of these celebrated museums; the most important of which is the National Museum of Anthropology. Other museums that travelers in Mexico should also visit are the Museum of National History, Snail Museum, Technology Museum, and the Museum of Modern Art, which boasts of the finest collection of Mexican painting including those of masters such as Diego Rivera, José Clemente Orozco, David Alfaro Siqueiros, and Rufino Tamayo. Children will also enjoy the Mexico City Zoo and the Papalote, a children’s interactive museum.
Traveling to Mexico will not be complete without visiting the Basilica de Guadalupe, which marks the site of the Virgin Mother’s appearance in 1531. The Metropolitan Cathedral is another travel destination within Mexico. With its baroque and neoclassical fa?ade, the church is a great example of architectural art forms.
Another Mexican architectural masterpiece is the Chapultepec Castle, which once served as presidential residence. The castle also features the murals of Mexican painter Juan O’ Gorman as well as the Memorial to Infant Heroes. Los Pinos, which is the official residence of the Mexican President, is also on the grounds of the Castle.
Monuments abound in the Paseo de la Reforma, a tree-line boulevard that houses Mexico’s landmarks. Travelers will surely love the monuments such as the Angel of the Independence, the symbol of the country’s national identity, Cuauhtemoc Memorial and the Diana Cazadora, the statue of Diana the Huntress.
What is traveling to Mexico without shopping for souvenirs? The Zona Rosa or the Pink Zone is an ideal shopping paradise. Within the area are restaurants, boutique squares, shops and hotels. Another shopping district is the Alameda Park, which borders the Palace of Fine Arts.
History fanatics will also love traveling to Mexico’s famed religious city of Teotihuacan, the capital of pre-Aztec civilization. In Teotihuacan, travelers to Mexico will find the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon, two pyramids that face each other, providing a great view of the surrounding regions from the top.
Travel to Germany
Germany has always one of the centers of attractions on the globe. The place is as beautiful as the fantasy of an artist & the imagination of a poet. it's a rich history that is speaks through the archaic & bewitching architecture & monuments, the culture & the convivial attitude of the locals. there's royal castles, magnificent castles & handmade houses that take you to the roads of the country's glorious past. The wonderful cities of Germany like Berlin, Munich, Hamburg & Frankfurt etc. treat you with an ecstatic unity in diversity.
The best time to visit Germany is summer season. When the sun is shining above your head during the months of April to September, Germany is an ideal place with mild weather & sunshine. one time you reach Germany, it is a pleasure & delight to explore the place via a train. These trains take you from town to town providing you the best of all amenities & an opportunity not to explore the interior but also the enthralling outskirts of each city.
A Little about the Cities-
Berlin, the capital city of Germany is a city full of life & passion that never lets your spirits down. Besides the entertaining & unforgettable nightlife of Berlin there's other attractions . The Brandenburg Gate & the remains of the Berlin Wall in Berlin sing the saga of the time of Second World War when Hitler reigned over Germany, are remarkable things to watch. While you are in Berlin be sure to visit the Checkpoint Charlie Museum that throws more light on the history of Berlin Wall & has a collection of the relics related to unbeaten escape attempts across its borders. Apart from this you should also visit the Germaldegaleire or the traditional Picture Gallery that has an exotic collection of the 13th to 18th century art.
there's several good hotels to make your stay comfortable in Berlin. The archaic Adlon Hotel is a renowned hotel in Berlin. You can ask either ask your travel agency to reserve the lodging for you or search the web.
The city of Hamburg also known as the 'gateway to the world' is situated between the Lake Alster & River Elbe. The place has a horde of museums & historical buildings with a bubbling nightlife & delectable cuisine. Hotels like Kempinski Hotel Atlantic Hamburg located alongside Lake Alster can be opted to stay.
If you need to take a look at old timber houses along with skyscrapers then the city of Frankfurt is the right choice. The place has loads of attractions like Palmengarten (1869) -a home to thousands of wonderful plants, events of the sort Nokia Night of the Proms, the Frankfurt zoo & so forth.
The city of Munich is bustling with all sorts of people from students to musicians, artists & the like. The place is known for its nightlife & for the love for fashion. The season to visit Munich is from June to October when you can actually enjoy & taste the fun & flora of the city. The popular tourist spots are the Englischer Garden which has a Chineese Pagoda along with beautifully trimmed landscape parks. Then there's also the Residenz palace & Klostergasthof Andechs widely known for its chilly beer.
Konigshof Hotel & Stachus Plaza are recommendable places to stay.
Apart from these cities there's other celebrated cities are Cologne known for German architecture, long winding roads, restaurants & the hot favorite of children as well as kids-the Chocolate Museum, the city of Saarburg resting in the hills of Saar river valley & also the city known for giving birth auto companies- Stuttgart.
All in all Germany is a perfect location for your vacations!
The best time to visit Germany is summer season. When the sun is shining above your head during the months of April to September, Germany is an ideal place with mild weather & sunshine. one time you reach Germany, it is a pleasure & delight to explore the place via a train. These trains take you from town to town providing you the best of all amenities & an opportunity not to explore the interior but also the enthralling outskirts of each city.
A Little about the Cities-
Berlin, the capital city of Germany is a city full of life & passion that never lets your spirits down. Besides the entertaining & unforgettable nightlife of Berlin there's other attractions . The Brandenburg Gate & the remains of the Berlin Wall in Berlin sing the saga of the time of Second World War when Hitler reigned over Germany, are remarkable things to watch. While you are in Berlin be sure to visit the Checkpoint Charlie Museum that throws more light on the history of Berlin Wall & has a collection of the relics related to unbeaten escape attempts across its borders. Apart from this you should also visit the Germaldegaleire or the traditional Picture Gallery that has an exotic collection of the 13th to 18th century art.
there's several good hotels to make your stay comfortable in Berlin. The archaic Adlon Hotel is a renowned hotel in Berlin. You can ask either ask your travel agency to reserve the lodging for you or search the web.
The city of Hamburg also known as the 'gateway to the world' is situated between the Lake Alster & River Elbe. The place has a horde of museums & historical buildings with a bubbling nightlife & delectable cuisine. Hotels like Kempinski Hotel Atlantic Hamburg located alongside Lake Alster can be opted to stay.
If you need to take a look at old timber houses along with skyscrapers then the city of Frankfurt is the right choice. The place has loads of attractions like Palmengarten (1869) -a home to thousands of wonderful plants, events of the sort Nokia Night of the Proms, the Frankfurt zoo & so forth.
The city of Munich is bustling with all sorts of people from students to musicians, artists & the like. The place is known for its nightlife & for the love for fashion. The season to visit Munich is from June to October when you can actually enjoy & taste the fun & flora of the city. The popular tourist spots are the Englischer Garden which has a Chineese Pagoda along with beautifully trimmed landscape parks. Then there's also the Residenz palace & Klostergasthof Andechs widely known for its chilly beer.
Konigshof Hotel & Stachus Plaza are recommendable places to stay.
Apart from these cities there's other celebrated cities are Cologne known for German architecture, long winding roads, restaurants & the hot favorite of children as well as kids-the Chocolate Museum, the city of Saarburg resting in the hills of Saar river valley & also the city known for giving birth auto companies- Stuttgart.
All in all Germany is a perfect location for your vacations!
What you need to know about Barcelona
Welcome to the home of 1888 World's Fair & 1992 Olympics, the capital of Catalan region-a culture branded for its unique amalgam of french & german mode of cooking. Known for its affluent culture & heritage, the city of Barcelona nestled on the shore of Mediterranean is of profoundly entrenched in the past.
The Spectacular Art & Architecture
Holidaying at Barcelona will treat your eyes with some of the worlds finest & out of the ordinary archaic architecture that stands unrivaled & unsullied till date. It is the work of the superlative Spaniard architect Antonio Gaudi. Gaudi's exclusive masterpiece work can be sighted at the church of Sagrada Familia , the one storey apartment of Casa Batlo, Casa Mila also known as 'The Quarry'-the multi relatives private residence that gives the impression of surging around the self same corner, Casa Vicens-the summer villa outside Barcelona that is a perfect blend of traditional & innovative designs & last but not the least the Park Guell an urban setting project, a magnum opus of this genius.
Something more about Barcelona
The months of June & July flicker with the celebration of the Fest de Grec-Barcelona arts festival, October & November have the onus for the international film festival & May is swarming with all the grand prix aficionados. You may choose any of these seasons & even apart from these to marvel at the exquisiteness of Barcelona. The accommodations are conveniently obtainable suiting to your pocket. there's some nice hotels at Sur Diagonal, Eixample, Barri Gotic etc. & luxury villas t spoil your self on the countryside. Barcelona on the streets of germany has not scaled heights demographically. The thin population of les than four million, the city permits you to liberally roam around everywhere without much hurly burly.
To intensify the magnificence of Barcelona, what waits ahead is the outstanding & exquisite work of Picasso. Picasso's distinguished concerto is put on view at the Museu Picasso where wing of the museum parades Picasso's take on Valazquez's famous 'Las Meninas'. The MNAC i.e. Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya displays an exotic collection of the work during Gothic & Renaissance era along with numerous other stupendous things like coins, medals, sculpture & carvings etc. but this is not all. A plethora of 20th century art & sculpture by prominent Joan Miro, Botero, Basquiat & Motherwell can be treasured at the MACBA - Mueseu d' Art Contemporani de Barcelona & Museu Fundacio Joan Miro museums.
On your holiday to Barcelona do not leave untouched the Ciutat Vella-the old city that nests in the midst of Barcelona that speaks of its rich Gothic architecture of medieval times & a memorable march on the pedestrian street of La Rambla that grounds vibrant markets & street entertainers.
The nightlife can be savored in the relatively solitary area of Gracia near the middle of Barcelona that also possesses the coveted Gaudi's project of Casa Vicens. Let the water caress & pamper your body at the beaches of Little Barcelona or Barceloneta & let your mouth relish the succulent seafood served here in Little Barcelona. A breath of air along the contemporary urban development project-Eixample where a grid is made with a garden adjacent to each block is unquestionably meaningful.
Once you step into this massive city that is bifurcated into numerous districts & zones, you will have no snag in getting around. From metros, buses & trains to rental cars all are at your service. To the budget travelers it is advisable to take a special 'Barcelona Card' that permits you free entry & discounts on hundred renowned venues along with priceless public transportation.
So are you ready to be bedazzled by the Barcelona curves & curvatures?
The Spectacular Art & Architecture
Holidaying at Barcelona will treat your eyes with some of the worlds finest & out of the ordinary archaic architecture that stands unrivaled & unsullied till date. It is the work of the superlative Spaniard architect Antonio Gaudi. Gaudi's exclusive masterpiece work can be sighted at the church of Sagrada Familia , the one storey apartment of Casa Batlo, Casa Mila also known as 'The Quarry'-the multi relatives private residence that gives the impression of surging around the self same corner, Casa Vicens-the summer villa outside Barcelona that is a perfect blend of traditional & innovative designs & last but not the least the Park Guell an urban setting project, a magnum opus of this genius.
Something more about Barcelona
The months of June & July flicker with the celebration of the Fest de Grec-Barcelona arts festival, October & November have the onus for the international film festival & May is swarming with all the grand prix aficionados. You may choose any of these seasons & even apart from these to marvel at the exquisiteness of Barcelona. The accommodations are conveniently obtainable suiting to your pocket. there's some nice hotels at Sur Diagonal, Eixample, Barri Gotic etc. & luxury villas t spoil your self on the countryside. Barcelona on the streets of germany has not scaled heights demographically. The thin population of les than four million, the city permits you to liberally roam around everywhere without much hurly burly.
To intensify the magnificence of Barcelona, what waits ahead is the outstanding & exquisite work of Picasso. Picasso's distinguished concerto is put on view at the Museu Picasso where wing of the museum parades Picasso's take on Valazquez's famous 'Las Meninas'. The MNAC i.e. Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya displays an exotic collection of the work during Gothic & Renaissance era along with numerous other stupendous things like coins, medals, sculpture & carvings etc. but this is not all. A plethora of 20th century art & sculpture by prominent Joan Miro, Botero, Basquiat & Motherwell can be treasured at the MACBA - Mueseu d' Art Contemporani de Barcelona & Museu Fundacio Joan Miro museums.
On your holiday to Barcelona do not leave untouched the Ciutat Vella-the old city that nests in the midst of Barcelona that speaks of its rich Gothic architecture of medieval times & a memorable march on the pedestrian street of La Rambla that grounds vibrant markets & street entertainers.
The nightlife can be savored in the relatively solitary area of Gracia near the middle of Barcelona that also possesses the coveted Gaudi's project of Casa Vicens. Let the water caress & pamper your body at the beaches of Little Barcelona or Barceloneta & let your mouth relish the succulent seafood served here in Little Barcelona. A breath of air along the contemporary urban development project-Eixample where a grid is made with a garden adjacent to each block is unquestionably meaningful.
Once you step into this massive city that is bifurcated into numerous districts & zones, you will have no snag in getting around. From metros, buses & trains to rental cars all are at your service. To the budget travelers it is advisable to take a special 'Barcelona Card' that permits you free entry & discounts on hundred renowned venues along with priceless public transportation.
So are you ready to be bedazzled by the Barcelona curves & curvatures?
Which Airline Is Really The Best?
Pick up any newspaper or watch any news channel and many times you will find something about the airline industry. Popular topics range in how gas prices affect airline prices, the latest merger or bankruptcy claim, an airline crash or problem with a flight and even terrorist attempts. Airlines even capture our attention by running airfare specials in the newspaper and on TV. The funny thing is, you don’t even pay attention to these advertisements unless you travel often or are planning a trip. So which airline is the best anyway?
There are a lot of things to take into consideration when deciding which airline is the best for you. Price is usually a big factor for most travelers. There are a few things to consider when thinking about price. If you live near a hub for an airline you are certain to be able to get better fares. Think about if it is worth it for you to travel to a larger airport rather than taking a flight out of the airport that you live 10 minutes away from. If you are only saving about $50.00 it is probably better to just take a flight from the airport you live closest to. Remember, you need to think of gas prices and traffic – both of which are on the rise.
Consider being flexible in your travel days to receive the best prices. If you can leave mid-week, then you are more likely to receive a better deal than if you were to fly Thursday – Sunday. These are the busiest travel days so the airlines take full advantage of this fact. Airlines also run special deals if you are more flexible with your departure schedule. This includes the time that you want to leave too. Early morning flights – very early morning flights – are often less expensive than mid-morning or evening flights. Think about rush hour traffic. If you leave before rush hour in the morning, or after rush hour in the evening you’ll most likely land a better deal.
The best time to book your own flight online is Tuesday evenings between 12 and 1 a.m. Airline’s computers change their fares at this point and this is when they are available to the public to be purchased. If you catch an airline just right, then anyone of them can be the “best” when it comes to pricing. There isn’t any one airline that consistently has the best prices. Although, the discount airlines like Air Tran and Jet Blue tend to be cheaper. But these flights are only available in select areas so many times you cannot fly these airlines.
Another factor to look at when deciding which airline is the best is the percent of flights that they have on time. These are the results of one survey that was conducted:
Hawaiian Air
Jet Blue
Southwest
ATA
United
Sometimes it’s better to drive than to be stuck on a flight that is delayed. Consider this on shorter distance flights.
Carry on luggage has become more popular with travelers because nobody wants to be caught without their clothes and people want to get off a flight and go – not wait around for their bag to come round the corner of the luggage carousel. This is how airlines ranked for lost baggage:
1) Hawaiian Air
2) Jet Blue
3) Southwest
4) Alaska Air
5) Continental
It’s also pretty frustrating when you have booked a flight and you aren’t allowed to get on it because someone overbooked the flight. How does that happen anyway? Here’s how the airlines ranked on passengers that were denied boarding:
Jet Blue
Hawaiian Air
United
American Airlines
US Airways
So which airline is the best? Everyone is going to have their personal opinions. But according to this, you should book a trip to Hawaii right away or else fly Jet Blue whenever possible.
I like to travel alone : the reasons
Some people shy away from traveling alone, a few embrace it. This article looks at the decided advantages of going it alone.
First, traveling solo is the ultimate freedom. The itinerary you set and all the decisions you make are your creations without concern or acquiesence to any other person or group. In other words, no compromises. No arguments, no second-guessing!
Some people shy away from traveling alone, a few embrace it. This article looks at the decided advantages of going it alone.
First, traveling solo is the ultimate freedom. The itinerary you set and all the decisions you make are your creations without concern or acquiesence to any other person or group. In other words, no compromises. No arguments, no second-guessing!
Traveling alone is a confidence builder as well. When I was young, at the tender age of 16 I traveled alone to work in Biddeford-Saco, Maine. I was over a hundred miles from home and family for the first time in my life. I was just a snipe of a boy and yet I was never terrified. Only a bit lonely. In retrospect, I realize the great value of that small journey (though a big one at the time) for a new found confidence was born in me. This always happens with travel by oneself. You learn you can solve problems, get over the blues, and find hidden treasures all by yourself.
Have you noticed that when you're on your own as a Traveling Pauper, people are more willing to start a conversation with you? You may feel like taking the initiative as well. Up pops an invitation for a meal, a side trip, a stay at someone's home. For some odd reason people keep a slight distance from couples and groups for they seem so self-contained in their association. Whereas the single Pauper looks ready about for a fellow human being that he might engage at any moment in pleasant conversation and simple exhanges about his travels.
Thomas Jefferson once said: "One travels more usefully when alone because he reflects more." It's true: you have abundant time for contemplating, even vegetating, or anything you want. A day long visit to one museum? No problem. A long hike on a trail frought with danger? Not an issue. You don't have to deal with someone else's mood swings, ---nor they with yours.
Here are two more exicting reasons that solo travel apeals to me: I find you learn language faster when you don't have someone else talking to you in your own all the time. It's funny, but we interact, are FORCED to interact much more frequently when we travel alone in a country that doesn't speak our native tongue. And finally, romance. I won't get into specifics, (this is such a tender and private sort of thing) but when you're on your own you're free to meet someone who might turn out to be very important in your life.
The most important factor to consider in your decision to make a trip alone is your own sense of independence. If you find that you have little tolerence for the idiosyncracies of others (and I confess this is my problem) you might be happier traveling alone.
But what if you have an eager spouse, relative, or friend that would feel somehow diminisehd by your decision to take off by yourself? Not to sound indelicate but, that my friend, is your problem. You'll simply have to open up these relationships in your life and solidly communicate the value of traveling alone. I pray your loved ones will be open and understanding enough to allow your wish to become reality.
I have a whole section in my book: 'Travel Cheap Travel Well!"- Confessions Of A Traveling Pauper on this issue of solo travel, as well as the many vagaries and benefits of traveling with a partner or a group.
But in this article, I hope I've at least opened the door, shown you the great benefits of leaving everyone behind as you discover the world INSIDE and outside of yourself.
Why not plan such a trip this year? Tell everyone of your decision or keep it to yourself and, with no explanation given, leave with great joy in your heart for the adventure to come. It's your choice!
As for this Pauper, I've done both and found each a liberating experience each time. In such action I've rediscovered that little boy that traipsed off to far away Maine on his own without permission asked or granted. I rebel still at conformity and the ristriction of others upon me. I wasn't placed on this earth to always bekon to anyone who wished to call.
So, I challenge you to answer your own inner traveling pauper, to pick up your courage and let your heart lead the way to a new adventure and landscape. Be it near or far---go it alone!
Wine travel
Wine has been an integral part of many civilizations since a long time. Wine formed an important part of the culture in many countries ever since the origin of mankind
Wine has been an integral part of many civilizations since a long time. Wine formed an important part of the culture in many countries ever since the origin of mankind. Many of our wine making skills dates back to our ancestors who originally invented the process of producing the finest wines in the world. Although the methods for fermenting grapes to produce wine may have grown more refined today but their basics originate from the procedures laid down by our ancestors. Many of the craziest people in world hang about at different places to experience the finest wine quality produced throughout the globe. These trips for tasting wines are growing more and more popular each day. Exclusive visits to specific wine producing areas are planned for an exotic experience of tasting wine at a place where it originates.
Many of the countries like Italy, Spain, Portugal, Australia, Germany, California and those in the Mediterranean region are all known for producing wine. Yet the finest wines in the present day scenario are believed to come from France. France has lately emerged as most popular wine producing country offering too many varieties of wines available throughout the world.
Recreational trips are developing many new themes for travel each day and the tour operators are coming up with new idea’s to attract prospective customers. Due to the ever-growing popularity of wine in our community many wine tasting trips are organized either individually or by groups. Also many tour operators organize trips to wine producing regions where wine lovers can have great pleasurable moments. Trips can be to any local wine rearing area or somewhere far off where one can reach comfortably only through air. Some places are very famous for making finest wines and people are usually attracted to the popular spots that produce wines so that they can taste the best wines at their original place. Also many high profile companies that produce wine send invitations to their valued customers as a business promotion plan, so that the customers can have a taste of the recently launched flavors of wine. Whatever be the reason a wine tasting trip is always an exhilarating experience for a wine explorer.
Wine tasting trips can last for a day, a week or more than that depending on the available time and the choice of destination. Many tour organizers also combine wine trips with an exotic location for lodging and a lavish food style coupled along the trip so that the travelers have an experience of lifetime. Among all possible destinations France has emerged as the mast preferred spot for wine enthusiasts. It gives a feeling like experiencing heaven on earth when one is on any personalized wine exploration tour.
Wine exploration can be great for wine novices and wine experts as it makes them familiar with the most popular wines and also the best selected ones. Anyone serving wine for tasting needs to take care of every small details of the surrounding to create a perfect ambience for the occasion . The glasses used should be tapering towards the sides and the color of class should always be transparent. One must remember that visitors are here to taste wine and not to drink it hence the quantity poured must be very small around one-third the size of glass. Enthusiasts of wine always immensely cherish wine exploration trips.
Worldwide Travel Insurance
Get protected from any extra expenses such as medical expenses, cancellation fees, or loss of baggage or cash, get insured under worldwide travel insurance cover.
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Planning for a trip world wide? Looking out for an insurance to protect your travel and make your experience a memorable one? The cheapest rate in a policy will hold no meaning if it doesn’t properly cover your overseas travel needs. Choose a company that does not cut on the insurance cover but on the cost of insurance. They should provide you with round the clock emergency assistance as well as cover you for activities and sports you are interested in. Get started with your skiing, snowboarding or bungee jumping, experience the best vacation ever. Do not forget to get an insurance cover of worldwide travel insurance.
Seek provisions for extending your overseas stay. Online option makes it convenient to you if you decide to extend your overseas stay, the holiday insurance should be chosen to protect your holiday. After all every one hopes that we won't need the insurance but it is always best to have it. When you are in a foreign country and something goes wrong whether it is a stolen wallet or lost passport you really do not want to go alone. This is precisely why one opts for worldwide travel insurance for all overseas travel.
Medical cover: you can be covered for any medical assistance or hospitalization charges. While you are on a world tour then the mounting medical bills might cost you the earth and leave you penniless.
Concerns about your personal baggage, protect it from any kind of stealth or damage to your personal belongings. You, as a globe trotter could possibly be having such worries and may be on the lookout of a way out of this. It could be the fear of theft of cash and other ensuing problems.
You plan your trip and relax let your travel insurance agent do the rest. You are going to be really relieved to have the insurance guy deal with things and see you have the funds etc to carry on with your trip and not have it ruined by some unforeseen problem. Your policy should be flexible enough as well as accommodate for any value that you might add during your holidays while making purchases. Independent insurance companies offer the cheapest source of obtaining cheap worldwide holiday insurance that provide for senior travelers, winter sports and globe trekkers low cost insurance.
Holidays in Tuscany
Summary:
A region on the West coast of Italy, Tuscany is a fantastic destination for a truly unique vacation. Lying on the Tyrrhenian Sea Tuscany benefits from great beaches on one side and yet is also surrounded my magnificent countryside on the other. Major towns and cities in the area include Pisa, the location of the famous leaning tower and Florence, two of Italy’s most visited places.
A region on the West coast of Italy, Tuscany is a fantastic destination for a truly unique vacation. Lying on the Tyrrhenian Sea Tuscany benefits from great beaches on one side and yet is also surrounded my magnificent countryside on the other. Major towns and cities in the area include Pisa, the location of the famous leaning tower and Florence, two of Italy’s most visited places.
Tuscany is divided into regions, one of which is called the Chianti Classico. For those of you who enjoy a glass of wine you may recognise the word Chianti as it is one of Italy’s finest exports. For this reason, the area is dense with vineyards, surrounded by small towns, castles and villas and makes a lovely change from the hustle and bustle found in many of Italy’s other regions and large cities.
To really get a feel for the rural area it is recommended that you utilise “agritourism” as your accommodation. This is a nice change from standard hotels as it involves staying on a farm or vineyard in a spare room, apartment or additional housing area which is rented out by farmers to supplement their income. Many of these are well established and offer the additional facilities a hotel may have, such as a swimming pool. If you are staying within the main accommodation with the family, your meals may well be included and you can be sure of a fantastic home cooked Italian feast every day of your stay. Should you be in self-contained accommodation you will find that facilities to make your own meals will be available.
Tuscany covers an area of 22,990 square kilometres, making it the fifth largest region in Italy. Included in this are the group of islands called the Tuscan Archipelago, the largest of which is called Elba. This is another much visited destination in the region due to its natural beauty and its artistic history, in common with much of Tuscany.
Tuscany boasts an impressive artistic history, as it is credited with being the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance movement. This manifests itself in the traditional form of art, such as paintings, many of which are displayed in the many museums in the area, the most famous of which is the Uffizi in Florence. Other mediums to have benefited from the Renaissance include sculpture and architecture. Many examples of these, particularly the architecture, can be stumbled upon in the streets, even in the small and remote villages which remain largely unexplored by tourists.
A region on the West coast of Italy, Tuscany is a fantastic destination for a truly unique vacation. Lying on the Tyrrhenian Sea Tuscany benefits from great beaches on one side and yet is also surrounded my magnificent countryside on the other. Major towns and cities in the area include Pisa, the location of the famous leaning tower and Florence, two of Italy’s most visited places.
A region on the West coast of Italy, Tuscany is a fantastic destination for a truly unique vacation. Lying on the Tyrrhenian Sea Tuscany benefits from great beaches on one side and yet is also surrounded my magnificent countryside on the other. Major towns and cities in the area include Pisa, the location of the famous leaning tower and Florence, two of Italy’s most visited places.
Tuscany is divided into regions, one of which is called the Chianti Classico. For those of you who enjoy a glass of wine you may recognise the word Chianti as it is one of Italy’s finest exports. For this reason, the area is dense with vineyards, surrounded by small towns, castles and villas and makes a lovely change from the hustle and bustle found in many of Italy’s other regions and large cities.
To really get a feel for the rural area it is recommended that you utilise “agritourism” as your accommodation. This is a nice change from standard hotels as it involves staying on a farm or vineyard in a spare room, apartment or additional housing area which is rented out by farmers to supplement their income. Many of these are well established and offer the additional facilities a hotel may have, such as a swimming pool. If you are staying within the main accommodation with the family, your meals may well be included and you can be sure of a fantastic home cooked Italian feast every day of your stay. Should you be in self-contained accommodation you will find that facilities to make your own meals will be available.
Tuscany covers an area of 22,990 square kilometres, making it the fifth largest region in Italy. Included in this are the group of islands called the Tuscan Archipelago, the largest of which is called Elba. This is another much visited destination in the region due to its natural beauty and its artistic history, in common with much of Tuscany.
Tuscany boasts an impressive artistic history, as it is credited with being the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance movement. This manifests itself in the traditional form of art, such as paintings, many of which are displayed in the many museums in the area, the most famous of which is the Uffizi in Florence. Other mediums to have benefited from the Renaissance include sculpture and architecture. Many examples of these, particularly the architecture, can be stumbled upon in the streets, even in the small and remote villages which remain largely unexplored by tourists.
Yukon province
The province Yukon is located north of British Columbia and it boarders Alaska to the west and to the east is the North West territories. Yukon was the 11th province to join the country of Canada. Yukon is probably best known for the Klondike Gold Rush in the 1890s. It is said that there is still gold in the rivers up there.
The province Yukon is located north of British Columbia and it boarders Alaska to the west and to the east is the North West territories. Yukon was the 11th province to join the country of Canada. Yukon is probably best known for the Klondike Gold Rush in the 1890s. It is said that there is still gold in the rivers up there
This province is neat because of its beautiful landscape, from fresh water lakes to snow cover mountains there is so much scenery. If you are a hiker this is the place to visit. Hiking through the mountains and seeing all the wild animals is awesome. You can go fishing in the fresh water rivers and lakes. Or just float down some of the rivers in a raft. It’s something that you will never forget.
There is still a lot of mining industry going on. Yukon’s main industry is gold mining. Tourism is there next biggest industry. People from around the world come to this neat province to see these good mines. A lot of people like to tour the river where the big Klondike Gold Rush occurred. It’s got some awesome history there, so prep to learn a lot and experience the Klondike Gold Rush.
Facts
-Largest city is Whitehorse
-Is the 11th province to become a part of Canada?
-English speaking province
-Klondike Gold Rush
This province can offer a lot of history and its well wroth the trip to see it all, this is a province you don’t want to miss out on.
Yacht charter in Greece
The Greek peninsula at the far south east of Europe is made up of the mainland (Attica, Peloponnese, Central Greece, Thessaly, Epirus, Macedonia and Thrace) and the islands in the Aegean and Ionian Seas. The area has a population of about 10 million. The Greek cruising area offers about 2000 islands and 10,000 nautical miles of coastline.
The name of Greece's capital derives from the name of the Goddess of wisdom and intelligence, Athena. This unique city is where democracy first saw the light of day, and where the Parthenon, the gem of architecture, was built. Today, about a third of the population of Greece (around 4,5 million people) live in Athens, and the modern city offers an endless variety of culture and entertainment.
Two hills lie at the heart of the city, one surmounted by the Acropolis and the monuments of Perikles, and the Lykabettus hill with the small white church Agios Georgis. Plaka and Monastiraki, the city quarter around the Acropolis hill, is a tourist highlight with narrow alleyways and attractive squares, which show the city’s romantic side. In summer the streets are full of bustling activity, in the most picturesque of settings. Kolonaki, the quarter around the Lykabettus hill, is typical of modern city life with its elegant boutiques and numerous cafιs.
We strongly advise you to spend a day or two in Athens, in order to view its many attractions such as the Apterous Nike temple, the Dionysus Theatre, the Odeon of Atticus and the House of Music, which should not be missed.
Piraeus, Athens’ harbour, is one of the largest shipping junctions in the Mediterranean, as it has been since ancient times. It has made quite a name for itself amongst travellers to Greece, due to its attractive nightlife and its romantic seafood restaurants and taverns.
The coast from Piraeus to Kalamaki is lined by high-rise apartment buildings. During the hot summers, the nightlife moves from the city to this coastal strip and its numerous beach clubs and restaurants.
Kalamaki the port and base:
Steering into the harbour during the day is no problem. At night there are beacons, which have to be spotted amongst the many lights on land. The harbour provides excellent protection against winds from all directions. The first mooring piers in the harbour are reserved for a private yacht club. The ware is sufficiently deep and the bottom is solid. Petrol can be delivered to the quayside; water and electricity will soon be available at all anchorage's. Showers are located near the port offices. Finally, there are many shops and several nice taverns near the harbour, and buses to Piraeus and Athens can be caught from the main road.
North of Evia, and away from the usual sailing routes, lie the green islands of the Sporades. All the islands are fertile, gentle, and idyllic, being known for their white beaches and rich under water fauna. Those islands that are more readily accessible have developed into popular holiday destinations. Peace and quiet is the trademark of Alonissos, the tree-covered Skopelos, Peristera (with just 25 inhabitants), the uninhabited Psathura, Palagonisi, and Skiros in the South. Alonissos stretches out quite far and along with the islands just off its coast makes up the “Sea Park”, a natural reserve that is home to the Mediterranean seal and dolphins. The islands are very closely grouped, being about 15 to 20 nautical miles apart, and are thus an ideal area for family holidays and inexperienced yachtsmen.
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