Tourism & Travel

Archive for February, 2010

The Buried Treasure in Your TV Dial
Selling the radio spectrum that is used for over-the-air television would create a bonanza for the government (and even make our smartphones work better).

Read more on New York Times

Hi guys, my name is sofia, I live in Los Angeles. Help! My boyfriend and I would really like to get away this year, at the end of December, possibly beginning of January for an eight or nine day vacation, Our budget is limited, and Im really vexd on where we should go. My best friend’s are going to pukhet Thailand, but I can’t seem to find anything reasonable during that peak holiday season. We really don’t have to travel there. My boyfriend has NEVER been outside the united states (I know:) so I wanted to bring him somewhere unique, exotic, and fun… I was hoping you might have a good idea, maybe a story from one of your travels that you would like to share with me. I am really overwhelmed! Ideally our budget is really only about $2,ooo per person airfare, hotel, and food, and I DON’T want to take a cruise! lol.. Am I crazy, or is this doable? I would so appreciate your help! I have a fantastic two bedroom apt between westwood and Beverly hills, anyone up for a home swap:) Thx Sofia

My wife & I need ideas on where to go and what to do to learn about the history of the 13 colonies. We would arrive on a Friday and leave Monday. We own a flooring store (for over 20 years) and enjoy learning about architecture history and how people lived in the past
Raised in Laramie, WY. Live in Colorado. Ft Collins, Colo Springs, now near Vail.

For those of us that grew up with the Internet as a mainstay of our daily life it can be amazing that anything got done before it. This also applies to how we travelled before the Internet got here. In the past that meant actually calling a travel agent and totally relying on there skill or lack thereof to book a trip. It would be hit or miss in terms of making sure you were at the right travel agency at the right time.

That is how it used to be. With the advent of the Internet the power to plan your own trip has given the power back to the individual. Of course with that responsibility also comes the consequences of not planning properly. That means that a person not well versed in travel planning may not put together the needed options or may miss some that are essential or near essential. This is not usually a problem since many of the online travel sites will usually give you the proper and needed options to make your trip experience a good one.

State Department issues travel warning to Reynosa
McALLEN — The U.S. State Department renewed a travel alert to Mexico this week, adding Reynosa to an expanding list of cities experiencing drug violence.

Read more on The Brownsville Herald

I’ve been married for about a year, and my wife doesn’t like to travel nearly as much as I do. She likes to travel every 1-2 months. If I had my way, I’d be traveling every week or two. Anyway, I’m thinking about doing some traveling on my own.

Does anyone have any suggestions for some great places to go when you’re flying solo?

If you have some time off, you should look into taking an all inclusive cruise vacation. A cruise is a unique way to travel and see distant lands while still having all the luxuries and comforts of staying in a five star hotel. A cruise ship comes complete with a wide assortment of activities and entertainment that are geared to please all types of people. In addition to the many on board activities you can do, there are also lots of tours and points of interest in the areas the ship docks at.

By booking a cruise that is all inclusive you don’t have to worry about paying for the extras. All your meals are covered by the cost of the cruise. You can find special cruise packages available through various travel agencies. By choosing a travel package you can save a lot of money off the price of your cruise ticket. The all inclusive package is also a good choice if you are taking the whole family on vacation. There are a lot of all inclusive cruises to the Bahamas that offer the package deals. The accommodations can be as low as $60 per night for each person for a 7 night cruise.

Choosing  all inclusive cruise vacations is a good choice if you like having the availability of a large assortment of things to do at your fingertips. Where else would you be able to have fine dining and dancing in the evening and walk through old world villages during the day? The wide variety of locations to visit enables you to choose the cruise that takes you to places you want to see the most. You can visit the tropics or take a tour of the Greek isles. You can even find island resort accommodations available with some cruise line packages.

I love traveling but it’s so difficult for me to find a travel companion. I’m currently in graduate school so I have time during spring break and summer to travel but my friends have other responsibilities and aren’t able to come with me.

Any ideas for safe solo trip (international) or an escorted tour group that caters to solo travelers?

Thanks

in my course we are having dragons den ( similar to the real programme except the dragons are my tutors) im stuck and need help so if anyone could provide me with new ideas in travel and tourism, it can be a product or service, would be helpful.

Why are Marriott Times Shares so great?  Since 1984 time shares have been offered, and many time share are offered today.  Of all the time shares for sale, Marriott has much more to offer buyers than the rest.  We will discuss these benefits of Marriott time share ownership.

Top quality resorts offer serenity and peace.  Marriott time shares have top quality resorts all over the world.  You can take your family and or your friends on great vacations for rest of your life.  It you want to go to the beach, an island, a foreign country, or a ski resort, Marriott time shares are there and ready to serve you.

You will enjoy many, many benefits of Marriott time shares.  In addition to having fantastic accommodations,  you can easily trade your week for another location anywhere in the world.  This expands your choices for your vacation, where you go and what you do, all the while knowing you will be pampered by the Marriott.

Do you know about the Marriott reward points?  When you buy a Marriott time share, you can, if you choose, let Marriott rent your time share.  If Marriott rents your time share, you will earn reward points.

If you’re thinking ‘ I want to sell my timeshare ‘ there’s really no need, you can exchange these reward points for many of the special Marriott services and other things that you now pay cash for.  This system can only be used by privileged people.  Privileged people are peole who bought their time shares directly from Marriott.  If a Marriott time share is purchased on the resale market which means from someone else, the new owner will not get reward points.  Airline tickets, car rentals, merchandise, and cruises are some of the things reward points can be exchanged for.

According to sell my timeshare news you can buy a Marriott time share many ways.  The best way to buy a Marriott time share interest is to attend a Marriott Vacation Club International resort.  The Marriott Vacantion Club Internation resorts are in a rare class of their own.  These are high-class resorts in great settings with great service.  When you arrive, you know you are in a special place, so don’t miss out.

This may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportuntiy to invest in this system of world class resorts.  You can always vacation in your home resort.  When you purchase a  Marriott time share you pick a resort as your home resort.  Marriott calls it home because when you vacation there, you are celebrating in paradise, celebrating the ecstasy of your home for a week.  And not just any week.  A week at the fantastic Marriott Vacation Club International resort.  Not only does vacation ownership of a Marriott time share give you a whole new world of opportunities to enjoy and explore.  You also get the Marriott vacation flexibility.

www.realaustraliatravel.com Looking for Australia Luxury travel ideas? How about seeing the outback in style or staying in some 5 star luxury accommodation. Check out the slideshow for a little slice of heaven.

If you are looking for a good way to travel in a luxurious manner then you should look into using a travel club. Most travel clubs allow you a significant discount on different travel alternatives. These can include rental condominiums, villas, cottages, hotel rooms, cruises and airfare. Depending on the club you can expect to pay an initiation fee and an annual maintenance fee or in an exceptional choice a one time lifetime fee. If you travel in any measure then you can expect a travel club to save you thousands of dollars in savings over the next years of travel. This is really a great deal if you have a family or a number of traveling companions. The more you use it the more you will save!

Watch Casey Wohl, The Getaway Girl, talk about fun & fabulous fall getaway travel ideas on the Daytime TV show.

Travel with Spirit® Partners with Guideposts to Offer Inspirational Vacations
Travel with Spirit® has partnered with Guideposts to offer the Guideposts Inspiration Vacations travel programs for 2010. The programs will feature cruises, tours and travel events to thrilling destinations, such as the Bahamas, Europe and the United States and will enable participants to travel with Guideposts editors, staff and readers. (PRWeb Feb 19, 2010) Read the full story at [[[SHIFTOUT …

Read more on PRWeb

With the dollar at $2.05 per pound sterling, I need some ideas for cheaper travel and staying in the UK, especially London.

I want to take my kids there and focus on educational opportunities along with traditional vacation destinations.

This discount travel idea came into being because traveling can be quite expensive relative to most people’s incomes. Unless you’re fairly well-off, you won’t be able to travel as much as you would like until you master some discount travel techniques. The art of discount travel is more then simply a few tricks. It is an overall strategy that you can, and should, apply to every element of your trip.

For example, you should explore charter flights and last minute deals, etc. to get the cheapest possible airfare. Once you arrive in a foreign country, you should meet some locals and establish where the cheap places to eat and stay are. Discount travel involves a lot of small things that when applied together result in big savings, and allow even those on moderate budgets to travel more and more enjoyably.

An important discount travel idea to use if you want your money to last while you are in a foreign country is that of bargaining. In most foreign countries, and especially those of the third world, bargaining plays a big part in everyday life and you will find yourself continually overspending if you don’t participate in it.

Most North Americans are terrible at bargaining, which is not at all their fault. Bargaining simply does not play much of a role in our everyday transactions except for large purchases like buying a car, and maybe to a lesser extent a house. Most of us aren’t used to it and we certainly aren’t used to haggling over small everyday items.

The first thing to understand – and a great discount travel idea – is that in the third world, everything is negotiable, and usually very heavily negotiable. When you start to bargain, you’ll soon see that the type of bargaining that goes on in other parts of the world is very different from the North American style. People often start with figures that are double or more their desired amount.

The first step in bargaining is to not be in any kind of rush to get in a taxi, or in a hotel room, or to purchase your item. Take the time to ask around, and if you can, find some locals who will (hopefully) give you an idea of a good price. The second thing to keep in mind is you have to be willing to walk away, or at least good at pretending that you’re willing to walk away. Oftentimes you’ll find that by simply showing a lack of interest and willingness to avoid the transaction the price will be lowered, without any need for specific bargaining on your part.

Once you get the hang of bargaining you’ll find it rather easy, and in some cases fun. The main thing to keep in mind when you’re in a foreign land is that your status as a North American will usually label you as rich to locals, even if it doesn’t seem that way to you. If you don’t want to get charged double – or more – for every single thing you do while traveling you’ll have to get used to the idea of bargaining. This is a key idea in the overall strategy of discount travel.

Organize your long dreamed trip

Our world can be proud of stunning and astounding sights, sunny islands and other stunning places you have never seen. Earth is so different and so certainly so many people have a desire to feel its beauty.

Many years millions of people from all over the world make trips or vacations to most distinct parts of our world. Hundreds if not thousands of traveling ideas and destinations can be surely added to this list. Anyone can find the country or place of interest that suits you the most and so such trip leaves you full of energy and best memories.

Dream lays in the beginning of any great trip. If you want to make that once in a lifetime trip, think, is there a place you’ve always wanted to see? If you can easily imagine this place in your mind, then don’t hesitate and determine the best time to visit it, surf the net and find handy travel guides and hotel ratings, then book tickets and hotel online or visit travel agency and prepare for this amazing vacation.

In case you don’t have a specified place of interest in your mind, then think differently and ask your self, what vacation will suit you the most now. Think thoroughly, maybe you’re tired of cold weather, rain or snow and want to go somewhere where summer never ends and swim in crystal sea or ocean water. In case you think that is what you really need, Caribbean Islands, Cuba or Australia vacation will certainly leave only best memories. Winter people who like snow, crystal Nordic air and snow covered hills will like to tell about their trip to Austria, France ski resorts or famous USA alpine ski places. Do you feel you can’t leave big city even for a week? Why not to arrange an unforgettable tour to one of major world cities like New York, London or Tokyo?

Today everyone can find simply endless possibilities for travel, so there is no doubt you can find the vacation idea that suits you perfectly, so pack your stuff and spend your vacation in the best and unforgettable way!

 

If you are going on vacation and traveling as a family with kids, it doesn’t have to mean that you are going to have to go to those places people usually go to with kids, like Disney World for example. What about traveling to Amsterdam with your kids? Here they will find completely new experiences and be able to immerse themselves in a different culture. Here are some ideas for ways in which you can make a trip to Amsterdam for yourself and your kids an experience for all of you to remember.

 

Vacation Apartments in Amsterdam

 

One great idea for accommodation on your trip is to stay in vacation rentals in Amsterdam rather than choosing to stay in a hotel. There are a number of reasons why this is a good idea:

 

Lower costs: it is usually cheaper to stay in vacation rentals in Amsterdam rather than in hotels, because you are likely to need to rent more than one room in a hotel, in order to accommodate the whole family; this is not a problem if you stay in an apartment. Cooking for yourself: vacation apartments in Amsterdam are equipped with kitchens, which means that you don’t have to go out to eat every day. This has the added advantage of being able to feed your kids meals you know they like, rather than risking them not liking the meals you buy elsewhere. More space: when you are traveling with kids and staying in hotels space can be a problem, because hotel rooms don’t have a lot of it. Vacation apartments in Amsterdam, however, give your kids a lot more space for play.

 

Activities for the Kids

 

When you are staying in one of the vacation apartments in Amsterdam you will discover lots of different activities that you and your kids can do there. Here are some ideas for things to see and do during your stay.

 

Children’s Cook Café

 

The Children’s Cook Café is a great fun place to visit with your kids whilst staying at vacation rentals in Amsterdam; here they can have fun making all kinds of different things.

 

Dutch Riding School

 

If you have a child who loves horses then here is a great activity for them; they can have lots of fun watching the horseback riding and learning here.

 

Both of the above activities are free for children, so perfect if your budget is limited. These are kids’ activities, but there are family based activity types for you to discover in Amsterdam as well.

 

So you can see there are plenty of activities that you can do with your kids when in Amsterdam and they don’t have to cost a lot of money. The whole family will enjoy the trip if you cook foods the kids like, select activities that they will enjoy, and stay at vacation apartments in Amsterdam. Do a bit of research and you’ll realize that a trip to Amsterdam will be a really special experience for your kids.

 

Cumberland Maryland, nestled in the “Narrows” of the Western Maryland mountainside, is an up and coming travel destination for those looking for exciting dining, shopping, sightseeing, arts, theatre and outdoor activities. A quaint and historic city, Cumberland, also known as the “Queen City”, has a rich history stretching back to early American history; at one time a stronghold for Union forces during the American Civil War and later evolving into a major industrial and transportation hub. Once the second largest city in Maryland (after Baltimore), Cumberland went into a period of decline as industries closed, jobs were lost and the city had to reinvent itself. Now, Cumberland is a vibrant urban center enjoying a renaissance in part due to a growing arts, theatre and tourism community. In addition, Cumberland has become a destination for outdoor enthusiasts anchored by a the cities geographical position at the center the Great Allegheny Passage biking and hiking trails which connects Washington, DC to Pittsburgh, PA. The growing popularity of biking on the trail has seen a niche support industry born in the area catering to the needs of outdoor enthusiasts looking for tours, hiking and biking equipment as well as related supplies. Beyond tourism, which is arguably becoming Cumberland’s next major industry, the region is also a growing hub for medical care, is the seat of the Allegany County Government and is home to many regional businesses based in the downtown and surrounding area. Cumberland Maryland Things to Do Cumberland Maryland is rich in options that can suit any taste, budget or lifecycle. The Cumberland region offers all the amenities including first class hotels, spas, golf courses, outdoor adventures, shopping, dining and culture. Spend a day or stay a week just to try and explore it all.

Visit an Art Gallery or Museum. In addition to traditional Art Museums, Cumberland now offers first class art galleries displaying works from local, regional and national artists. At last count more than 20 galleries displaying visual art call the Cumberland region their home. Baltimore Street in Downtown Cumberland is the hub of the local art scene but galleries can also be found along its side streets, at Canal Place and in the nearby college town of Frostburg. The Saville Gallery, operated by the Allegany Arts Council, is located in downtown Cumberland and displays a wide variety of artwork including photography, painting, ceramics and more. Call 301-777-2787 for more information and schedules. Buy tickets and enjoy an evening of theatre. Don’t be surprised if you see some Broadway type shows such as Fiddler on the Roof or a Neil Simon comedy stop in town. Of the three traditional marquee front type venues in downtown alone, the Cumberland Theatre hosts professional casts performing drama, comedies and musicals scheduled June through December. Call 301-759-4990 for more information. Also check out what is playing at the Palace Theatre or the New Embassy Theatre as well as at the area’s half dozen or more performing arts arenas. During the summer months many outdoor performing arts events are presented downtown and at Canal Place. Go on a history kick. History abounds at every turn and alleyway as you explore Cumberland Maryland. For the history buff at heart, visit the single log cabin that was George Washington’s headquarters located on Greene Street a short walk from downtown. There are many museums to choose from, themselves hosted in historic buildings and former grand residences, offering an abundance of views into Cumberland’s past. Recently relocated to Baltimore Street in downtown Cumberland is the Allegany County Museum. Explore the many exhibits highlighting Cumberland’s past industrial, transportation and cultural history. Canal Place is a good starting point to get oriented and offers historical markers and information throughout the complex. The National Park’s Visitor Center, located on the 1st floor of the Western Maryland Railway Station at Canal Place, offers maps, brochures and additional information about sites in the area. Bike the C&O Canal and Great Allegany Passage. People from all over now come to the Cumberland region to enjoy the hundreds of miles of biking trails and paths. The most popular trail is the Great Allegheny Passage which marks the transition from the C&O Canal tow path to the rail trail section of the passage. Experience the beauty and sights riding through the Narrows, Helmstetter’s Curve, Bone Cave and Brush Tunnel as you make your way between Cumberland and Frostburg. Many local businesses offer tours, guides and bike rentals. Shop until you drop. Whether its window shopping or you’re on a mission to buy out the town, Cumberland Maryland will not disappoint. Antiques, keepsakes and collectables are almost a natural resource in this region and as a result you can find an antique or collectables store at almost every corner. Explore the side streets off Baltimore Street in downtown Cumberland as well as the main drag in Frostburg. If you’re looking for more modern items; art stores, souvenirs and clothing boutiques abound. Country Club Mall in La Vale serves up the national chain names to round off your shopping excursion. Visit explorecumberland.com/shop to view a list of local businesses and shops.
Dine Al Fresco on Baltimore Street. Whether it is Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner, dining outdoors on Baltimore Street and watching people walk by is the entire rave. The Baltimore Street pedestrian walkway creates a pedestrian friendly corridor on what was once the town’s busy main street. Enjoy the landscaping, water fountains and regularly scheduled entertainment and events as you dine at the popular Manhattan, City Lights or Oxford House restaurants just to name a few of the many options. Beyond Baltimore Street many dining options from casual, national chains, fast food and pub fare are also available. Visit explorecumberland.com/eat to view a list of restaurants in the Cumberland area.
Take the Western Maryland Railroad to Frostburg. Make it a round trip or bring your bike onboard and return on your own wheels on an exciting downhill bike ride back to Cumberland via the Great Allegany Passage. As soon as you enter the restored terminal you will be brought back in time to when the train travel was the backbone of the nation’s transportation system. The Western Maryland Railroad brings you back to the day of steam engines and its role on moving people west and beyond. Enjoy the scenic mountain beauty of winding and weaving through the Narrows up to Frostburg. Choose from many different packages and options including First Class car Lunch or Dinner, Rail to Trail packages and Murder Mysteries. Enjoy lunch and shopping in Frostburg and then watch the train spin around a large rotating platter to prepare for its return trip to Cumberland. Take a day trip. Cumberland Maryland is an excellent launching point to plan trips to sites and cities not too far away . Make a day of it to drive to Washington, DC, Baltimore, MD or Pittsburgh, PA, all within 130 miles and only 2.5 hours away! Checkout the college town of Frostburg, offering a quaint downtown area lined with shops, restaurants and art galleries. Head out to Deep Creek Lake, the areas playground, and enjoy boating and water sports in the warm months or skiing in the winter. Civil war buffs visit the Antieum Battlegrounds or check out the attractions just over the border on Pennsylvania such as the coral caves, nemacolin and many other national parks. Go Camping. Pitch a tent, hike the trails and enjoy the great outdoors. Only miles from the urban yet quaint hustle and bustle of downtown Cumberland exists the natural beauty of state parks, lakes, rivers and campgrounds. Green Ridge State Forest in Flintstone, MD is just a few exits from Cumberland yet a world away. The public park offers biking trails, hiking, canoeing and kayaking on the Potomac River. The nearby Hidden Springs Campgrounds offer full hookups and many amenities. Other parks and camping sites nearby include Rocky Gap State Park, Allegany Fairgrounds and Little Orleans Campground and Park Area. Become a local. See a High School football game, eat a hot dog, and bring a lawn chair to downtown Cumberland’s popular Friday’s After Five festivities. There is nothing better when visiting a new destination then to experience it as a local. Cumberland loves its local sports scene, visit in the fall and attend a High School Football game to watch Fort Hill High School take on cross town rival Allegany High School. Eat where the locals eat? Visit Curtis’s Coney Island Wieners on North Centre Street in downtown for a hot dog with a secret meat sauce to die for. Check out D’Atris Restaurant in La Vale and order a cheese steak sub, like no sub you will find anywhere else. Every Friday in the summer starting at five, bring your lawn chair and find a good spot to take in the scene while enjoying musical performances, outdoor vendors, food and, most important, cold beer that can be bought at the event.

Whether it’s an outdoor adventure, soaking up the art scene, becoming a local for the day or just enjoying a relaxing dinner, Cumberland Maryland offers something for everyone’s taste and budget. Visit ExploreCumberland.com where you can plan and even book your next trip to Cumberland Maryland online.