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Travelers: Kauai Condos offers vacation rentals at Kuhio Shores.
Vacation with views: try Hanalei Bay Resort on your Hawaiian vacation.
April 30, 2005
Northern France travel plan
Here's another interesting article by Mark Hart. This is a travel guide for a 14 day vacation to Northern France, a car was hired to travel between destinations.
Day 1.
Arrive in Calais via Ferry at the Port de Calais. Calais is situated on the Northern Coast, bordering Belgium. Calais has an 'English' feel to it and being English myself I didn’t really feel like I was in a different country here. We arrived on a Saturday so spent the afternoon looking around a local market, Place d'Armes.
Day 2-3.
Drove South along the Belgium border to Strasbourg - some of the countryside you drive through is so beautiful, rolling green meadows and quaint little farmhouses were in plentiful supply. The journey took almost half the day so the evening was spent sampling the French
nightlife. There was much enjoyment as we hit the bars in the center of Strasbourg. There were also many restaurants, including La Maison Kammerzell, which overlooks a beautiful Cathedral, this is where I first sampled one of the local dishes, frogs legs - suprisingly they do actually taste like chicken! The next day we spent exploring the city, visiting local attractions, such as Rohan Palace and the pituresque Petite France Quarter.
Day 4.
Headed west to Troyes and the surrounding region. Troyes is a lively city trying to
rejuvenate itself to former glories. It does have a large student population so there is a 'young' vibe about the place. Venture a few miles outside of Troyes and you are into France's rural heartland. There are vineyards a plenty here, with much wine tasting to be done. The area also has beautiful landscapes which inspired many famous painters.
Day 5-8
Traveled North West to the capital of France, Paris. We spent 4 days here to have a little break from driving and to take in as much of Paris as we can. Paris is a huge, beautiful city, with many places to see and things to do. Points of interest that must be seen are the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, Sainte-Chapelle, the Panthéon, Arc de Triomphe, Place des Vosges, Place St-Sulpice and not forgetting EuroDisney Paris!! All these will provide you with many photo opportunities and many happy memories.
Day 9-10
We headed southwest on the longest journey of the trip to the coastal town of La Rochelle.This is a beautiful town overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. There is a beautiful harbour that has amazing views of the sea and the local landscape. I highly recommend going on the Horse-drawn tour - cant think of a better way to see the beauty of this town.
Day 11
A short drive north took us to the city of Nantes. Nantes is a fascinating city which mixes high-tech industry and modern tower blocks with Art Nouveau squares, canals and a lively medieval centre. Some of the best medieval buildings are situated in the Place du Change and Place St-Croix where you'll find chic bars and restaurants.
Day 12
Continued North to Brest. This is another coastal city where you will be able to find many watersport activities, such as windsurfing, kayaking, diving and a first-class sailing club. Brest also hosts the French Naval fleet and the port was full of warships and vessels. Brest acts as a good base for discovering the nearby pretty villages of Le Conquet and the offshore islands of Ile d'Ouessant.
Day 13
Drove East to the city of Boulonge, stopping at the famous Omaha beach on the way. Boulogne is Frances most important fishing port, and is also home to the largest sea life center in Europe, Nausicaá. If you like climbing up towers to get a fine view of a town, then try the 12th Century Beffroi, amazing views!
Day 14
Headed South once more to Paris, this time to take in a soccer match in the impressive Stade Francais, home of PSG. This ended a wonderful trip to France, that was enjoyed by the whole family, and a trip to the South of the country was planned for the next year.
April 28, 2005
Corfu and Albania travel plan
This is a week long travel guide to the Greek Island of Corfu and a short stop in nearby country Albania written by Mark Hart.
Day 1.
Arrive at Corfu airport on the outskirts of the Capital of the Island - Corfu Town (Kerkira). Before departing for our hotel in the Nothern town of Sidari we spent the afternoon chilling in the small narrow market streets of the Town. First thing we notice is how cheap everything is and how friendly the locals are.
Day 2.
Spend the day in Sidari. This is the town where we are staying and is surrounded by some excellent beaches. There are also lots of nice coastal walks you can do to see some absolutely amazing views. There are plenty of restaurants which provide live entertainment, Two worth visiting are 'The Three Pigs' and 'Sea Garden' - both had fantastic 'Greek' Nights well worth going to because we got a taste of the local culture.
Day 3.
There are organised trips from Sidari to Neighbouring country, Albania. A short trip on a boat saw is docking in Saranda. From here we went on a small trip to Butrint, and you really get a taste of life in Albania. The country has come through a very difficult period and only since 1990 has it been 'open' to tourists - it is now working hard to make a stable economy and improve its standard of living and has taken huge leaps forward.
Day 4
We hired a car and drove down to Corfu Town again as there was too much to see on Day 1. The town has been influenced by so many different countries and cultures and you can see the varying style of architecture as you move throughout the town. It has one main beach which was fairly busy but nice. There is also a beautiful dock area where you can just sit and watch the world go by.
Day 5.
Day 5 saw us driving down to Kavos - on the south coast of the island (you can drive the length of the island in just over an hour). Kavos is the 'party' town on the island and is full of younger holiday makers. Worth a visit if you are looking for a lively nightlife although the beaches are not as nice as elsewhere on the island.
Day 6.
We drove up to the area on the North-West of the island - known as 'Bella Vista' or 'Beautiful View'. And it really is a beautiful view. There is restaurant right at the top of the mountain with a balcony looking over the cliffs and sea and it truly is breathtaking. You simply cannot go to Corfu without seeing this view.
Day 7.
We ended the vacation by going on the Grand Island Tour. This was a coach trip around the island taking in all the local scenery and monuments, including mouse island and a tour round a very old monastery - it made for a very interesting day and was the perfect way to say Goodbye to the island.
April 26, 2005
Travel Guide to the Netherlands
Here's another guest article by Mark Hart. I hope you enjoy it.
Here is a travel guide from a 14 day family vacation to the Netherlands from a few years ago. Train, trams and cycles were mostly used for travel between destinations.
Day 1-3
Arrive in Amsterdam Airport Shiphol, proceed to hotel in the center of the Capital City, Amsterdam. Amsterdam is one of the most beautiful and romantic Cities in Europe, it is a city of great diversity, has all the advantages of a big city: culture, history, entertainment, good transport - but is relatively small, quiet, and largely thanks to its canals, has a little road traffic. A must is to hire some bikes and travel round the city like the locals!
Day 4
Travel North to the City of Groningen, the largest 'Northern' City in the Netherlands. Groningen is a very pleasant city, with lots of bars and restaurants in the city center to satisfy anyone’s taste. Surrounded by beautiful countryside, Groningen is an excellent place to relax and unwind. It’s also packed full of museums so you can take in a bit of the local history and culture while there.
Day 5-6
Head South to De Hoge Velue for a weekend of camping and cycling. De Hoge Velue is a spectacular place filled with forests, meadows, sand dunes and much more, including a museum packed with Van Gogh's work.The park has surprises and attractions around every corner, and is well worth the time to visit.
Day 7
Continue South to the City of Eindhoven. Eindhoven is a developing city packed full of things to do, and the guided tour is a must as it takes you around all the points of interest plus the beautiful surrounding area.
Day 8
Carry on South to the border of Germany/Belgium and the City of Maastricht, one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands. Packed full of old narrow cobbled streets and interesting architecture, you really feel a sense of history as you walk around the city. There is a wide variety of restaurants from Dutch, to French, to Indian and Irish so whatever takes your fancy you can get here.
Day 9
Back up North to the city of Utrecht in the heart of the Netherlands. Utrecht is a very cosmopolitan city with lots of street cafes, its great fun relaxing with the locals in the cafes and just taking in the pleasant atmosphere that surrounds the city. Utrecht also has a sparkling nightlife. For those who like to go out, there are many cafés, discos and clubs.
Day 10-12
A short drive West brings us to Rotterdam. Three days are needed here as there is lots to see and do. Highly recommended is the Diergaarde Blijdorp, the extensive zoo that includes the impressive Oceanium, where visitors can walk through the huge shark tunnel surrounded by sharks and giant tortoise. There is also a beautiful Harbor that should not be missed. While here why not visit the Holland Casino for a night of high stakes fun. Again while here I suggest going on a city tour as it is the only way you are guaranteed not to miss any part of
this wonderful city.
Day 13
A further short drive will bring you to The Hague. The Hague is a beautiful city behind the dunes and is today still known as 'the largest village of Europe' It is full of History and Royalty, so this is the place to get a taste of all things Monarchy.
Day 14
Back to Amsterdam for a farewell to this wonderfull country. A trip on the famous canals and a look around the Artis Zoo is the perfect way to end what has been a fascinating vacation.
April 25, 2005
Travel Guide to 'The Capitol States'
This is a travel plan for a 14 day vacation to 'the Capitol States' in the US. With the help of my local travel agent this is what we came up with. A car will be hired to drive between each location. We will be travelling with someone studying American History, hence the educational theme for this vacation.
Day 1-3
Arrive in the historic City of Washington D.C. You will need at least 3 days to take in as much as possible, places to visit include The Lincoln Memorial, The White House, The Washington Monument, not to mention all the free museums. Evenings will hopefully be spent in trendy Georgetown - enjoying the many bars and restaurants.
Day 4-5
Drive to Baltimore in nearby Maryland. Again there is plenty to see and do in the City, Places of interest include Fells Point, which is like a 'mini England', Federal Hill for great views of the city and Mount Vernon, the cultural centre of the City. There is also a thriving nightlife in the Canton Area.
Day 6-7
A drive through the beautiful Virginian Country side to Charlottesville in the foothills of the awesome Blue Ridge Mountains. There are many vineyards that surround the city so there is much wine to be sampled!
Day 8-10
Explore the stunning Virginian countryside and the beautiful Shenandoah National Park and Blue Ridge Mountains that surround Roanoke. Walk along woodland trails up to the summit of some of Virginia's most picturesque mountains. There are lots of activities to do if you're feeling sporty: biking, boating, fishing and horse riding for starters! In the evening, enjoy the bars and restaurants of Roanoke's Farmers Market.
Day 11-12
Head off to Richmond. The Richmond Riverfront area has been regenerated which will provide you with much to explore, there are plenty of restaurants and shops, and a canal boat cruise looks tempting. There are more than 600 historic structures to look out for as well as the Black History Museum and Cultural Centre.
Day 13-14
The final destination is the colonial town of Williamsburg along the wonderfully scenic James River route. While here you can visit the famous theme park, Busch Gardens!
This article was written by Mark Hart. He'll be writing a few more articles fo us, so please check back often.
April 24, 2005
Portugal travel plan
Here's a guest article titled "Algarve/Lisbon Travel Guide". I found it interesting and you can use the author's personal experiences to plan your own trip to Portugal.
This is the travel plan of a recent seven day, family vacation to Portugal focusing on the Southern coast of the country known as the Algarve and the capital city, Lisbon.
Day 1.
Arrive at Faro Airport in the Southern, coastal City of Faro. We hired a car for the duration of the vacation, there are many places to hire a car in Portugal, although it is recommended to shop around a little as prices can vary. While in Faro we spent the afternoon looking around, there are many monuments and some beautiful beaches in the area which will keep all members of the family entertained, the locals were also very friendly. We then drove a short distance to our hotel and base for the vacation, Albufeira.
Day 2.
This was a 'chill out' day in Albufeira. There is plenty to do here, lots of shops selling anything from designer clothes to local hand made crafts, there is also no shortage of places to eat. What ever takes your fancy you are sure to find a restaurant that suits you. Albufeira also has a fairly lively nightlife so is also a good place to let your hair down.
Day 3.
Arguably the best day of the vacation was the visit to 'Zoo Marine' in nearby town Portimao. We spent the whole day there and is a place that people of all ages can enjoy. While there I highly recommend taking in the dolphin and Sealion shows, they were hugely entertaining - just be prepared to get wet if you sit at the front!
Day 4.
A coach trip to the Capital City of Portugal, Lisbon. Lisbon is a truly awe inspiring city, packed full of history and is a must visit. There is so much to see and do, shops, restaurants, museums and narrow medieval streets are all in abundance - make sure you go on the 'city tour' so you don't miss anything.
Day 5.
A trip to the beautiful Monchique mountains. With breathtaking views it is well worth a drive through, beatiful scenery and excellent mountainside restaurants where you can kick back and relax.
Day 6.
Time to take in what was thought to be the most Western point of civilisation until the dicovery of the Americas, the Town of Sagres. There seems to be sort of a 'mystique' around the town and has some amazing views - there are also excellent beaches in the area.
Day 7.
For the final day we visited the bustling city of Lagos. There are amazing hidden little beaches all up the coast of the Algarve but we found the best one here. We had a secluded beach all to ourselves for the whole morning - fantastic. Spent the afternoon in the lively town center where there is absolutely loads going on - watch out for the street entertainers - very amusing! We then headed back to Faro Airport to depart after a fantastic vacation.
April 23, 2005
Kuala Lumpur travel insights
As regular readers will know, I’ve been to Kuala Lumpur and written about KL as well as other destinations in Malaysia. I’m happy to publish a guest article written by Bigg Malique ttitled: “Guided fun steps to Kuala Lumpur 101”
Kuala Lumpur, better known as KL, is the capital of Malaysia. I’ve been to KL a couple of times now and still counting and do read on for a personal, self experienced, guide to Kuala Lumpur.
Getting there is especially easy from Singapore. A coach/bus journey would take only 3 hours, and a flight would take 20 minutes, which is a bargain too since the bloom of local budget airlines. The choice is yours.
So what can you do in KL you might ask. Lots. Be it shopping, site seeing or even learning. You want it, KL's got it.
Head over to Petaling Street, KL's Chinatown, for an amazing display of bargain and glorious food. They have these stalls in Petaling Street where everything under the sun can be found. Souvenir T-shirts, to keychains and not forgeting counterfeit designer goods. This place is second to Thailand's famous night markets. Grab a souvenir or two for the folks back home. They'll love it!
If you're looking for cheap accomodation, budget hotels and motels can also be found here for as cheap as 50RM a day. The rooms are suprisingly clean compared to nightmare stories shared by other visitors.
Ever heard of an indoor theme park? They have one in Kuala Lumpur. Called the Times Square, it is jam-packed with 10 levels of shopping galore with a huge indoor theme park to boot. You know what the other best thing bout this is? The all-day pass is priced at 25RM, about 8 US dollars!
After all the fun, you might want to have dinner at the Petronas Twin Towers. There is a 2 level'ed FoodCourt available there and they serve the widest range of food. Italian, Chinese and even local dishes can be found at the food court. Its reasonably priced (for an upscale shopping mall) and the only down point of this eatery is the queue. It’s so good, the queues are long!
After dark, KL lights up at Jalan P Ramlee. Jalan P Ramlee is a stretch of road filled with hip, cool and happening clubs. I would recommend the Thai Bar. There’s a resident band playing all night long and affordable drinks. Just don’t be shocked when you take a look at the drinks list. Instead of 'jugs', they have it in 'buckets'! Is that cool or what?
I must say that my trip to Kuala Lumpur was indeed a great one and one that I'll never forget. A recommended destination!
April 22, 2005
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
This is a guest article written by an anonymous writer.
We traveled to Philadelphia on a family trip for 2 days. It was one of the most historic cities I have ever been to.
We flew to Harrisburg and drove to Philadelphia, but you can also fly directly to Philadelphia. First we checked into Marriott Residence Inn Philadelphia on One East Square. The average cost is about $180.00.
You can try any restaurant by asking the locals, but since we had spare time, we traveled to the Novelty Restaurant. They have lots of items to choose from, all ranging from around $20.00. I tried the Grilled Angus Ribeye, with Pine Nuts, Shallots, Potato Puree, Green Beans, and Sprouts.
Then we visited the Independence National Historic Park where you can see the famous Liberty Bell, and where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were both created.
On our second day, we traveled to Temple University, and took a tour of the campus. They have a large food court, which is mighty cheap, and has a large selection of items. They serve breakfast, dinner, and lunch at the same time, so you can easily get a bite to eat. They also have a mini-shopping sidewalk where you can purchase quick food in stores like 7-11, and Dunkin Donuts. If you’re traveling to Philadelphia, you can't miss the Philly Cheese Steaks. The best place is Pat's King Of Steaks at 9th Street (Wharton & Passyunnk Ave.)
Then we visited the Museum Of Art near Franklin Parkway. The paintings were magnificent! They also had Chinese artwork on display, and that was interesting.
April 19, 2005
Taiwan Travel Plan: Taipei, Chi-lung, Kaohsiung
Fly to Taipei, Taiwan, Collect your luggage, and head out. Take a city bus to your hotel. We stayed at the Hilton Hotel - Ceaser Park. It was about $300.00 A day. But there are some hotels depending where you are in Taipei that go as low as $100.00 a day.
There’s lots to do in Taipei, but the most popular attractions are probably the Buddhist Temples. There are different types of Buddhist temples around Taipei. It’s customary to light an incense stick and stick it next to one of your favorite statues. We also saw a Buddhist ceremony, where they all came in to the center of the shrine and they sang.
When you finish sightseeing, get lunch and/or dinner in a buffet style restaurant. The prices are cheap, and the food is good. I don’t remember any names but you can ask locals for good cuisine.
Depending on how much time you have, you can leave the city of Taipei and go to Chi-lung (a coastal city very close to Taipei). You can visit another restaurant and eat good seafood cuisine. In Chi-Lung, I don’t quite remember the price of the food, but it was very cheap. I am assuming a maximum of $10.00. That’s cheap, seeing as how it is freshly caught from the sea. We ate tuna, clams (you could pick out your own clams), and mussels. They also had lobsters.
They do have some recreational activities at Chi-Lung, but we just stayed near the beach for 3 days soaking sun. We did take some time to visit the locals and shop around. We bought an Asian dress for only $2.00, and in the USA it was $69.00.
If you are not ready to go home, fly to Kaohsiung on the Southern tip of Taiwan. This place is good for tourism. We went to the Spring & Autumn Pavilion that represented the god of war. The scenery is magnificent.
Again, we asked a local for tips on the best restaurant in town (remember to ask several people and not just one). We also took a boat to the Penghu islands, where they had Ancient Temples and beaches. It was elegant, and we had planned to stay there for only a day, but we ended up staying for 3 days because of its beauty.
This guest article was written by an anonymous writer.
April 16, 2005
Who knows about the proposed US passport rules?
A few days ago I wrote about how the US government was considering requiring passprts of travelers returning from Mexioc, Canada, and other countries where currenty a US driver's license would suffice.
Seems no one asked Bush what he thought before making the announcement:
Bush, a former Texas governor, said he has ordered a review of the rules. “If people have to have a passport, it’s going to disrupt the honest flow of traffic. I think there’s some flexibility in the law, and that’s what we’re checking out right now,” the president said.“On the larger scale, we’ve got a lot to do to enforce the border,” he said.
In December, Bush signed into law an intelligence overhaul that requires tighter border security against terrorists and was the basis for the passport proposal. The White House did not say why the president was unaware of the plans, which his administration announced a week ago.
April 14, 2005
Italy trvel plan - Milan, Florence, Rome
Italy is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. It is home to modern fashion and contemporary art. It is also a center for exploring ancient history. However, you don’t have to be an artist or a history buff to appreciate the warm, inviting country that is Italy.
This travel plan covers three major cities, starting with Milan in the North, then moving down to Florence, and then down to Rome. You could always continue South to Naples (though people who are particularly sensitive to stray dogs may be too distracted to fully enjoy Naples).
This has been a guest article written by Celine B. Roque - I plan to publish more articles by Celine in the future, so please check back often.
1. Once you arrive at the Milan Malpensa Airport, you have the option of riding metered taxis, the Malpensa Express, or bus service to get to the heart of the city. Travel time varies depending on your means of transportation. Milan is best known for its high fashion and technological inclinations. It’s a bustling Italian metropolis. But the museums and churches of Milan are also historically significant because they display the works of Michelangelo, Tintoretto, and Da Vinci. In the winter, the ski resorts of Milan become busy, which is no surprise because it is so close to the Italian Alps.
Unless they wish to explore Milan for its art history or go hiking in the mountains, most tourists feel satisfied spending only a day or two in Milan to fulfill their shopping needs.
2. Riding the train is the cheapest, most efficient way to get from Milan to Florence. Touring these two cities consecutively gives you a contrasting perspective – while Milan is busy with the latest trends and fashion, Florence remembers history through its architecture and vast art collections. There are also several medieval-themed shops that allow you to get acquainted with old art, weapons, and other artifacts.
If you’re a soccer fan, watching the Calcio Storico Soccer Games in June is the perfect event for you. The soccer players wear traditional 16th century costumes during the games, to commemorate the games played in those days. Also, don’t forget to see Michelangelo’s David at the Academy of Fine Arts. The Piazza Michelangelo is the best place in Florence to watch the sunset, and you can enjoy a quiet dinner in any of the Italian trattorias nearby.
Most people enjoy their stay in Florence for 2-3 days, and 4 days if they make a quick detour to Pisa.
3. Whether you arrive in Rome via train or a local flight, your arrival at the city is definitely worth your trouble. There are a lot of sights worth visiting in Rome, from Vatican City, the center of Italy’s religious life, to the Roman Forum, the center of the ancient Roman Empire. Make sure you drop by the Pantheon, the Coliseum, and the Roman Baths for a real taste of the life in ancient Rome. Don’t forget – take lots of pictures!
April 11, 2005
Phillipines travel plan - Manila and Palawan
The Philippines is South East Asia’s hidden secret. With over 1,000 islands to explore, tourists will never run out of places to go. The landscape of the country is quite varied, with tall mountains, hills, and wide-open seas. This travel plan explores the islands in the Philippines best known for their beaches and scuba-diving spots. On the average, airfare from the US to the Philippines costs around $700-$1000. Hotel rates vary, depending on location.
1. Upon your arrival in Manila, check into a hotel – preferably one close to the Manila Bay, so you can enjoy the beautiful sunset it is famous for. Along Manila Bay is Roxas Boulevard, where you can enjoy several restaurants and coffee shops as you watch the sunset. There are several tourist spots in Manila that allow you to familiarize yourself with Philippine history and culture. Among them are the walled city of Intramuros, the San Agustin Church and Museum, and The National Museum. If you want to view a collection of dioramas reenacting important periods in Philippine history, then The Ayala Museum in Makati City, a few miles away from Manila, is a good place to go.
2. A day or two is enough to explore the beauty of Manila. To explore the beautiful Philippine beaches, take a local flight to the province of Palawan. Palawan is famous for its white sand, five-star resorts, and pristine waters. The areas you should not miss are Puerto Princesa (the provincial capital) and El Nido, the home of several untouched and isolated islands with white sand beaches. It is ideal for tourists to spend 2-4 days in Palawan.
Alternate Route:
If you’re willing to pay some extra money, you can charter a private plane from Manila to the Palawan island of Amanpulo – the most expensive resort in the Philippines. The charter plane costs around $300 per adult passenger and half-price for children.
Amanpulo has its own private museums and galleries. It’s paradise-like beauty was enjoyed by celebrities like Robert De Niro, Tom Cruise, and Claire Danes. Amanpulo wins several awards every year, such as The Gallivanter’s Guide #1 Best Beach Resort Worldwide. A little pricey for most people, but it’s very much worth it. Three days is enough for tourists to immerse themselves in Amanpulo’s paradise, but if you wish to stay longer and can afford it, you can be sure that the time and money is well worth it.
This has been a guest article written by Celine B. Roque - I plan to publish more articles by Celine in the future, so please check back often.
April 10, 2005
Credit card warning
I like to use Discover for travel purchases because the cash back is nice on a big purchase like airline tickets and the like. However there is at least one case where Discover failed a customer seeking a refund when hotel reservations were canceled due to a hurricane.
The travel trouble shooter published in the Miami Herald is advising one person with a problem to dump Discover and get a new credit card because "Discover let you down by not standing behind a perfectly legitimate dispute".
Other culprits are Travelocity and Ocean Pointe Suites in Key Largo although the troubleshooter had better luck convincing Travelocity to take care of things that the customer did.
April 9, 2005
Airline industry Q & A
USA Today has an interesting Q & A on the airline industry and they cover topics like JetBlue and Independence Air, delays in Atlanta, the Essential Services Act that should keep smaller airports up and running, regional jets, and more. It's a very interesting read.
US citizens will need passports...
The Seattle Times writes that to reenter the US after visiting Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, the Bahmas, etc. US citizens will need a passport by 2008:
But from Dec. 31, 2007, passports or their equivalent would be the only documents accepted under the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004, the officials said.Under a proposed timetable that will be formalized later this year after a public review period, the passport rule will be imposed on air and sea travel to and from the Caribbean, Bermuda and Central and South America Dec. 31, 2005. It will be extended to Canada and Mexico Dec. 31, 2006.
April 5, 2005
Florence travel plans
If you go to http://giubileo.comune.fi.it/en/frame.htm and click on itineraries on the right, you can find some great Florence travel plans based on different themes. For example the Dante travel plan features buildins that Dante would have known, including "the Baptistery of San Giovanni, where Dante was christened and where he hoped in vain to receive the poet's crown he knew to be his due (Par. xxv, 1-9)."
Then there's Palazzo del Bargello, built in 1255, where "Dante's banishment for Florence was proclaimed." And the tour goes on with more buildings and some art featuring Dante. And of course there are other travel plans:
MICHELANGELO IN FLORENCE, BRUNELLESCHI'S FLORENCE, RENAISSANCE CHAPELS IN FLORENCE, FLORENCE AND THE MEDICI, SAN NICCOLO', FRESCOES OF THE LAST SUPPER, and OLTRARNOIt makes for some great reading but I'm sure the sightseeing would be even better!
April 2, 2005
Travel scams and time shares
When I was in Cancun there were all sorts of free offers that sounded great until you heard you had to sit through a time share sales pitch to qualify.
Travel scams today include surprise time share sales pitches, necessary "upgrades" because the room type you requested is booked, fees, taxes, etc. Even experienced travelers need to be careful (you have to register to read):
The pitch for real estate can be very convincing, according to Keith Bellows, the editor of National Geographic Traveler, the National Geographic Society's travel magazine. Bellows, at 27, was talked into a $7,000 time share he couldn't afford."No matter how much we think we're experts - and I think I'm a pretty savvy traveler - we can get ripped off," Bellows said.
Kelly thinks he knows why."We're all greedy to some extent, and we all want the cheapest price for something," he said. "Sometimes that can get you into trouble."
Types of tours in China - Red tourism
In this article about the types of tours and destinations there are in China you can find information on many things but perhaps the most unusaul is Red tourism:
The National Tourism Administration even declared 2005 the "Year of Red Tourism" and issued a list of "30 choice red tourism routes" and "100 classic red tourism sites." They include cultural saints like Xibaipo, a village in the remote Taihang Mountains where early Chinese leaders charted the blueprint for the founding of New China.