Archive | April, 2009
27. Apr, 2009

Getting from the airport to your destination

airport-travelWe will assume that your trip went well, and you have your luggage. Now you have to leave the airport.

If you are not lucky enough to have family or friends to collect you, you have to find your way.

The easiest option is the airport or hotel shuttle.

In countries where there is a good public transport system, it is really easy to get around. Try to find small change before you leave, if not from the bank then from friends. The ticket machines need this change and you may end up having to buy a bottle of overpriced water to get a cheap ticket to travel. When you leave the country keep all the change you have for the next trip.

Taxis are convenient. Airport taxis are sometimes governed with a prescribed, if inflated tariff. Find out what the expected fee is so that you are not grossly over charged. Also research the route you should take. This could prevent the driver from taking you on a tour around the city to the destination which is only two blocks away. Ensure that the meter is working and they are not just charging you a random fee.

A hire car is another option.  These can all be booked on the internet and collected at the airport. Ensure you have your driver’s license and credit card to collect. You can check on the internet to see if you license is valid or whether you need an international license. Brush up on the rules of the road if different from yours.

When you return home, you can be on your way from the airport in no time at all. If you are parking at LAX for example, they have a system in place that allows you to collect your car very quickly.

27. Apr, 2009

Russia’s Twin Cities of Beauty

russiaRussia, the land of caviar, vodka, tsars, and world-class athletes, is a very interesting country because of its rich culture and history. Many people are familiar with the story of the Romanovs, the last royal family of Russia, and the mystery surrounding Grand Duchess Anastasia. Russia is also popular for two of its major cities, namely Moscow and St. Petersburg.

In Moscow, tourists are recommended to visit the Kremlin, Moscow’s historical center and stronghold. Most of Moscow was inside the walls of the Kremlin until the 1500s. It was then converted to the official residence of the tsars. The Kremlin also contains 3 ancient cathedrals, namely the Arhangelskiy, the Uspenskiy, and the Blagovenshenskiy, and these are open to the public. Also inside the Kremlin is the Palace of the President, a white and yellow palace built in the 19th century. Unfortunately, this building is not accessible by tourists. Another main attraction in Moscow is the Novodevichy Cemetery where some renowned Russians are interred. Among the famous buried here are former Soviet leader Nikita Krushchev, authors Anton Chekhov and Nikolai Gogol, and composer Sergei Prokofiev.

If you wish to travel Russia, then another recommended stop is St. Petersburg. The city is most famous for the Palace Square which is bordered by the Winter Palace, the General Staff Building, and the Admiralty and has the Alexander Column in the center. The Winter Palace has a gorgeous façade, classical columns, and figurines that line its roof. Inside the palace are 1,057 rooms and halls filled with incredible art collections, chandeliers, gold, marble, and other elaborate decorations. The General Staff Building has two wings which are separated by a huge archway whose top is decorated with sculptures of a chariot, six horses, and other figures. The Admiralty was primarily built in 1704 (the year St. Petersburg was founded) to be a shipyard and a fortress but was later converted into a naval college. The building has a golden spire for which the Admiralty is famous.

21. Apr, 2009

Travel to Las Vegas

las-vegasWhen you arrive in Las Vegas for the first time you are sure to be shocked at the size and scale of everything.

Las Vegas truely is the original 24hr city – it never sleeps.  You can walk up and down the strip at any time of the day and you will be able to eat a meal, watch a movie, see a show or of course gamble at one of the many casinos.

Many people come to Las Vegas purely to get married due to Nevadas relaxed laws regarding marriages and divorces.  Almost all of the major casinos have a wedding chapel inside!

It is extremely easy to simply walk into any one of the numerous chapels on The Strip and get married there and then, with no previous planning or booking. You cannot do this in any other state in USA.

Most of the casinos also hire huge musical stars in order to get guests to come stay at their hotel. Its not unusual for Elton John or Celine Dion to be booked at a casino for months at a time with 5-6 shows per week. You need to see a Las Vegas show to understand just how different they are to anything else you have seen. I would suggest grabbing some Kenny Chesney tickets when he’s at the Hard Rock Hotel.

21. Apr, 2009

Paris Culture, Food and Fashion

parisParis, the capital of France. It is a city rich in culture and taste. It is home to some of the best fashion and also the finest restaurants in the world. The whole city seems to cry out ‘Chic’.

When it comes to the latest styles and new fashions, Paris always springs to mind. Rightly so as many of the worlds leading designers are based in Paris.

Paris is also known as the most romantic city in the world. Thousands of people choose Paris as a honeymoon destination every year. What could be more romantic than a candlelit dinner on the Eiffel Tower?

Paris is also a city steeped in history. There are many historical locations and monuments to visit, each with its own particular tale to tell. There is the Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Elysees and the Musee Du Louvre to name but a few.

The world’s biggest bands always seem to make a stop in Paris. Why not treat yourself to some U2 tickets for example, they always put on a good show.

Travel around Paris is very easy. There is an excellent subway system, known as the Metro. There are also excellent bus routes and taxi’s are never far away.

There are many good hotels to stay at whilst in Paris, you never know, your stay may be so comfortable that you may never want to leave.

08. Apr, 2009

Cutting Cost when you Travel

cheap-travelA vacation, a business trip or simply trying to clear your mind, there are several different reasons why one would choose to travel from his or her home to another place. Travelling has always been a part of people’s lives as it can create special memories and wonderful times. However some people, or most people for that matter, find it difficult to travel nowadays because of the fact that airline tickets have become very costly. Fortunately, there is a way to find bargain tickets so that you can travel with a lighter wallet.

One way to search for cheaper airline tickets is to check on early morning flights or after midnight flights. These are usually the undesired flights due to their schedule so the ticket price for them can be a steal. Being flexible with your time and your schedule can go a long way with saving money on travel expenses.

Shopping for airline tickets over the internet can also have its advantages. Most promos and packages can be found over the internet plus booking in advance would always allow you to grab great discounts on your tickets. Also, try to avoid summer months when you want to take a vacation because these are the months where airline tickets are the highest. Plus, summer months would bring a lot of people to the airports as well. This would not only cost you more money but the number of people who are travelling along with you can make things uncomfortable with long lines and long delays.

06. Apr, 2009

Highlights of Asia

asiaAsia is home to many diverse and rich cultures that make this continent very interesting and endearing.  When you hear of Asia, you can’t help but imagine its colourful history as well as the people who are nothing but warm and accommodating.  If these reasons are not enough to convince you to travel to Asia, then perhaps the following will.

1. Macau- This very quaint region is predominantly Chinese mixed with some Portuguese influences. It is located in the south eastern coast of China and comprises of two islands in the Pearl River Delta of Guangdong Province. Macau  has some of the most wonderful tours (highlight tours, walking tours, and Historic Centre of Macau). It is also famous for its cuisine and for the quality of service in restaurants.  It is very rare to find a city with such density of restaurants that offers very diverse cuisines in their menu.  You have to look no further if you are looking for good food.  Macau has everything you are looking for.

2. Bali- This Indonesian Island provides the most incredible accommodations with the vast array of villas and hotels available.  Some private villas have indoor pools and a well trained kitchen staff.  You will never be sorry to travel to this great island.  Take part in the different excursions as well as guided tours by coach, private car or by boat or even by plane.

3. Thailand- Travel to this Asian country and experience a different world with their very rich and well preserved culture.  This is also considered a shopping hub of the east so shopaholics will find it hard to leave Thailand, or at least not without a considerable dent on their credit card.