Best place to travel

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2008-07-04T21:44:00.001+03:00

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Places to see and some words about world

2007-09-20T02:07:00.000+03:00

LAND

* Dream of Italy is offering a 10 percent discount to residents of metropolitan Washington on its Tuscany Visioning Retreat to Italy Oct. 21-27. The six-night trip includes accommodations at La Foce, an estate in southeastern Tuscany; group and individual life-coaching sessions; all meals; a day trip; and a cooking lesson. Cost after discount is $2,880 per person double, plus $125 to $150 for required travel insurance. Book by Sept. 7. Info: 202-237-0657, http://www.dreamofitaly.com.

* Rancho de los Caballeros, a 20,000-acre guest ranch in Wickenburg, Ariz., is celebrating its 60th anniversary with $60 room rates (plus 22 percent taxes and fees) on Oct. 31, Nov. 30, and Dec. 15 and 16. The discounted rates are tied to several special events, including a Halloween costume contest at the ranch and performances at the Del E. Webb Center for the Performing Arts. Rates typically start at $400 a day, which includes meals (valued at about $60 per person per day); the $60 room rate does not include meals. Info: 800-684-5030, http://www.sunc.com.

* The Reef Resort in Grand Cayman has launched a Hurricane Season Sale, with 25 percent off rooms, free room upgrades (when available) and complimentary Hurricane Eraser cocktail. After the discount, a studio starts at $154 a night (plus 10 percent tax) for stays through Nov. 30. (Thanksgiving blackout dates apply.) The beachfront resort also offers a generous hurricane guarantee. Book by Sept. 6, and request code DEAN. Info: 888-232-0541, http://www.thereef.com.

I’ve been flummoxed in France, miserable in Sweden, scared in Mexico, bee-stung in Borneo, and ready to revolt in Moscow. I also had near-death experiences in Panama and Tahiti. But I’d never dream of staying home.

Despite what I hear about no one reading books anymore, the best travel journalism seems to involve a warts-and-all picture of the world. There’s cantankerous Paul Theroux, Hunter Thompson enduring fear and loathing in Las Vegas, and George Orwell down and out in Paris and London. What can you learn about the world from pap about chocolates on your pillow or a story by someone whose total experience involved checking into a hotel, admiring the bedspread, or ordering a beer?

Still, I think I could have done without trudging through that torrential rainstorm on a leech-infested trail to nowhere in Borneo. And after three hours, I arrived at a shelter, my legs streaming blood from bites, only to be attacked by swarms of yellow jackets. It was a sleepless night as rain drummed on the roof like a hail of bullets. I still curse the tourist agent who charted that trek.

SEA

* Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas has a Fall Into Savings special at Lake Powell, on the border of Utah and Arizona in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Rent a standard houseboat ranging from 46 to 54 feet for at least four days and receive a free day and a gas credit of up to $350. For example, a 46-foot Expedition that sleeps up to six is now $3,012 for a five-day rental, including $352 taxes and fees; usual price is $3,766. Deal is available Sept. 4-Oct. 31. Book at 888-486-4665, and request promo code NOPROB. Boat and marina info: http://www.lakepowell.com.

* Take a seven-night Mediterranean cruise aboard the Costa Victoria next month and receive savings of up to 64 percent. For example, the Oct. 29 round-trip cruise from Civitavecchia near Rome, with stops in Sicily, Greece and Turkey, is now priced from $599 per person double -- a savings of about $1,070. Sailings earlier in October range from $649 to $799 per person double. Taxes and fees are an extra $168. Info: 877-882-6782, http://www.costacruise.com.

* Celebrity Cruises has a deal on an Eastern Caribbean cruise departing Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on Jan. 27. A concierge class cabin with balcony is now $1, 049 per person double (plus $62 taxes); brochure rate is $1,399. The seven-night cruise docks in Puerto Rico, the British Virgin Islands, the Dominican Republic and Haiti. Info: 800-647-2251, http://www.celebritycruises.com.

Nor do I have kind words for the Aeroflot airline clerk who, without explanation, canceled our group’s seats on the plane from Moscow. She remained as steadfast as long-dead Stalin until, after cell phone appeals seeking help from the Russian tourist agency in Moscow, which is miles from the airport, we were finally permitted to plunk down into the last seats available.

Swimming from a sailboat off Tahiti, I was not warned of the strong current that began sweeping me out into the open ocean. No one seemed to notice my plight. Luckily, I was able to grab a line trailing off the boat’s stern.

In Panama’s San Blas Islands, everyone else on the Windjammer was swimming in the crystal-clear waters, so I jumped in too. But the current began carrying me toward Cuba. The only thing that saved me that day was being able to hook one finger into a tiny indentation on the boat’s hull until my son Barclay hollered for help.

When a group of teenage Mexican soldiers with automatic rifles as tall as they were stopped our minivan and ordered the men out and the women to remain inside, we got very nervous. But the lads were just looking for contraband guns and drugs, and for cigarettes to bum.

The day I was preparing to leave for Australia, I got a frantic call. Had I obtained a visa? No, no one told me to. I threw on my clothes, packed, and caught a plane to San Francisco, where the accommodating Aussie embassy opened for an hour that weekend so I could present my passport.

Driving through an endless rainstorm in Sweden, I finally had to stop at the only motel on the road, only to find — in that clean, spotless nation — the filthiest bed this side of you-name-it.

It wasn’t fun when, upon arriving at LAX on my way to Britain, the clerk notified me that my tickets weren’t there and my name wasn’t on any list. My frantic calls to an airline official on the East Coast finally got me aboard, but the plane was late and I missed a glorious dinner at the London Ritz. I was starved and — I have never told anyone this story — ended up eating alone at a McDonald’s.

AIR

* Fly Korean Air from New York to Bangkok for $1,104 round trip, including $86 in taxes. Travel Sunday-Thursday, Sept. 1-Nov. 30; pay an $80 round-trip surcharge for Friday or Saturday flights. Fare on other airlines starts at about $1,383. Purchase by Sept. 10 at http://www.koreanair.com.

* Rex, a discount regional air carrier in Australia, is offering a Backpackers flight pass. The pass, which costs about $408 for a one-month pass and $777 for two months (including taxes), entitles the traveler to unlimited flights between any of nearly 40 destinations in Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria. At check-in, passengers must produce a non-Australian passport and membership card for any of five backpacker travel organizations (VIP Backpackers, Youth Hostels Association, International Student Identity Card, International Youth Travel Card or Nomads). Info: 011-61-2-6393-5550, http://www.rex.com.au/backpacker.

Then there was the time Barclay and I ran barefoot though the Panamanian jungle behind a guide who spoke no English or Spanish, in search of monkeys. The bug welts on our legs lasted for weeks, but no rare tropical disease resulted.

As for watching the train from Paris to Champagne pull away just as Sue and I ran up, bags in hand, I can only blame myself, not the French.

I drive a car with 200,000 miles on it so I can afford to travel. But I know people who harbor such an intense fear of the outside world that they’d never dream of leaving the continental U.S. — with the possible exception of Hawai‘i. They have a thousand reasons: People Out There speak weird languages; it’s dangerous (almost as bad as some sections of L.A.); the French are rude; the English are snobbish and serve tasteless food; the Chinese are Communists; the Scots are too hard to understand; Mexican food is too spicy, and so on.

Besides, Those People just don’t like us, so why should we spend our hard-earned dollars there when we can go to Disneyland? Out There, the beds are too hard and the bathrooms are down the hall and have to be shared with foreigners, young backpackers, and people who might want to talk to you.

by independent

PACKAGES

* Dooley Vacations is offering an Ireland Luxury Castle package for travel Nov. 1-Feb. 29. A group of four pays $499 per person, plus about $145 taxes; couples pay $699 per person, plus taxes. Deal includes round-trip airfare from Washington Dulles to Shannon on Aer Lingus, six nights in a two-bedroom townhouse at the five-star Adare Manor, full-size rental car and daily breakfast. Book by Sept. 7. Priced separately, airfare is about $699, lodging about $369 a night and the car about $300. Info: 877-331-9301, http://www.dooleyvacations.com/vacations/luxury-castle-package.

* A six-night trip to Portugal's Azores Islands starts at $669 plus about $120 taxes per person double. The Azores Express package includes round-trip nonstop flight from Boston to Sao Miguel, the main island in the Azores archipelago, and six nights with breakfasts at the Vila Nova Hotel. Cheapest prices apply to Tuesday departures Nov. 6-Dec. 11 and Jan. 8-March 26. Priced separately, airfare in November is about $565 and the hotel $98 a night, for a savings of about $140 per couple. Info: 800-762-9995, http://www.azores-express.com.

Carol Sottili by WP and

The Drake hotel review

2007-07-25T20:13:00.000+03:00

The Drake only opened in February 2004, but it has already earned a following that includes some famous faces (musical group the Black Eyed Peas and actress Heather Graham have stayed here).
Part of the appeal is the hotel's rags-to-riches pedigree: Formerly a flophouse in a run-down Toronto neighborhood called Parkdale, the Drake was rescued by owner Jeff Stober, who injected C$6 million (US$4.8 million) into creating a boutique hotel. The renovation is gorgeous, and Stober's timing was excellent -- when he bought the property in 2001, the steady march of gentrification had already begun on Queen Street West. Even though the Drake is on its western fringe, Parkdale is less shabby and more chic, and there are some terrific restaurants, galleries, and shops within walking distance.
(all about hotel blog)
The 19 guest rooms are absolutely tiny -- they range from 14 to 28 sq. m (150-300 sq. ft.) -- but they are cleverly designed and have good amenities (CD/DVD players and lovely linens, for example). Still, the rates have gone up steeply since the hotel opened, and spending a minimum of C$159 (US$127) per night for a 150-sq.-ft. "Crash Pad" is hard to regard as a deal. I do love the neighborhood and the property, but you're definitely paying a premium for the "cool" factor if you stay here.

The Drake's strength is in its public spaces, and for a property this small, it has an awful lot. There are a restaurant and bar, a rooftop lounge, and a cafe; an exercise studio for yoga classes and a massage room; and a performance venue, the Underground, that features live music. There are also works of art throughout the hotel.
The Drake has been warmly welcomed by Toronto's arts community, and this is the one hotel in town where you're far more likely to meet city residents than visitors. Still, there's no getting away from the facts that this hotel is far from the downtown core and that access to public transit is limited to the Queen Street streetcar.

Great family vacation this summer

2007-07-05T11:30:00.000+03:00

Read more about interesting places to travel
Just how much fun is a family vacation with small children in tow? That can depend on whether you spend more time sweating and waiting in line than enjoying a ride at an amusement park. Or, if after a morning of activities enjoyed by young and old, you are reclining at the edge of the pool with a cool drink watching the kids have a great time.

To make your vacation more fun and less stressful, planning the fight activities and place to visit are key.

"Our number one recommendation always is to be sure you choose the fight resort or location for the trip," said Ray Anne Ryan, president and owner of Travel Affiliates, which has offices in Gulfport and Ocean Springs. "Choose a place that is kid-friendly with children's program. For restaurants, you want kid-size prices and kid-size portions for the best value."

Best bet? Place with a pool

Cruise ships are a popular choice for families because there are appropriate activities for all ages of children. And no matter what the destination for a vacation, a pool can make all the difference.

"Depending on the ages of children, they just love a pool," Ryan said. "And they love other kids. You can choose a condominium environment with the beach, or head to the mountains as long as it has a pool. The children always love time in the water."

By choosing a hotel with a pool, it is possible for parents to indulge their own special interests such as visiting museums and other cultural institutions.

"It opens the door for parents to visit an area that might have special interest for them," Ryan said. "It is possible to stay away from a crowded amusement venue and still have a wonderful time for the children and the parents. It can be a little lower key, less energy expended and more relaxing. Age appropriate activities are the key. A lot of cities now have children's museums and children's activities."

Visiting a major city like Atlanta, Philadelphia and New York isn't what most people think of as a family vacation. The beach, the mountains or an amusement park are the most common choices. But cities can also be exciting places to visit.

"Our clients enjoy cities," Ryan said. "That is something many families don't think of. Some of our cities have wonderful opportunities for families. Atlanta, Philadelphia and New York, for example, are wonderful places with the museums and age appropriate activities for children. I hate that families don't always consider cities. A lot of times it can be very affordable with good air rates, and good weekend deals at hotels. It can really be a great buy. You can go to Atlanta and, instead of going to Six Flags, do things in the city area with the children's museum. You have a morning outing and then go back to the pool."

There is nothing like a lost kid to put a real kink in vacation fun. Plan ahead for good communications. A lot of families now have cell phones for the adults and kids. Walkie talkies are another option.

"We like to have contact with our children," Ryan said. "We like walkie talkies in some destinations to help you stay in touch."

Family cruisin'

Marion E. Kohut, travel consultant, Roberts Travel, Columbus, agrees that cruises are an excellent option because parents can relax for a major part of the day while kids get to be kids.

"Most of the cruise lines have activities planned at least six hours per day for the children and staff there to take care of the children," Kohut said. "They are with kids their own age. The teenagers are together. So, cruises are a really good choice for children. It keeps them busy. They won't get bored. Cruises give parents a break."

Europe travel tips blog

Help along the way

Another option, particularly for large families, is bringing along a teenager to help with younger children. Kohut said often it is someone who is a regular babysitter for the children.

Just like adults, some children are better travelers than others. And it may be best to wait until kids are seven years or older to better appreciate international travel--and the very long flights sometimes necessary to get to foreign lands.

Kohut recommends planning ahead to have games, books and snacks for the kids when traveling. And don't rush it.

"Always check in early," she said. "Don't get behind schedule with kids. All in all, most children travel well these days because they are pretty well scheduled at home, as well. And when you reach a destination, plan in some down time. Don't try to do too much."

While traveling with young children can be stressful, you might want to enjoy the family vacations as long as they last.

"Teenagers often don't want to travel with their parents anymore," Kohut said. "So get in the trips when they are smaller."

A lot of resorts are now specializing in family vacations. Besides the usual theme park destinations, many Caribbean resorts offer special family packages.

"They have camps, day care, organized games and projects for children," says Saundra Lane, manager, Mainstream Travel, Greenville. "That has become a real popular thing. Some resorts you can actually get sitters or nannies to stay with your children. These people have been thoroughly checked out. We do use that option a lot when families go snow skiing and take younger children."

Thinking big

The family vacation doesn't have to be limited to the immediate family. A vacation can be a chance for extended families perhaps scattered around the country or world to come together.

"We have actually seen where entire families have reunions and do vacations," Lane said. "I'm doing a cruise now for 60 people who are doing a family reunion."

Lane has another tip. Don't think you need long periods of time off to have a family vacation. Long weekends where the family leaves on Thursday and returns on Sunday can be a great way to have some fun without spending a fortune.
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It can be interesting - Travel insurance

Beautiful Prague

2007-07-04T14:28:00.000+03:00

Czech Republic today is one of the most attractive sites in Central Europe, and Prague-Magic, Well, Gold is the most popular and beloved central Czech town of tourists.

Excellent rest saturated excursions and high quality care in the famous Czech spa attracted each year more and more Russians to surf on the Czech Republic. A high level of service, combined with the relatively low prices compared to Western Europe are solid and important factors in the selection of Russian consumers of this area. For nearly 10 years, our great pleasure to tourists throughout the year go to the Czech Republic : have the opportunity to get to know his beautiful Prague, enjoy the beauty of Karlovy Vary, may look at the mysterious interiors of the Czech castle Gluboka Vltava and Zhleby and learn secrets of the ancient medieval cities, Cesky Krumlov and Kutna Hora. You can book hotel and save up to 75%

Carlsbad

Carlsbad is the largest and most famous spa in the Czech spas, in the city, there are 12 with a temperature of 40 to 73 degrees. The best known is a source of spring, where the water rises key punches in a geyser, reaching a height of 10-15 metres. Carlsbad mineral water have on the body significantly, reaching effects, and their chemical composition are among the most efficient in the world. Spa treatment is in the city very long and constantly evolving tradition. Carlsbad is located in a scenic valley surrounded by mountains Krushnymi, at the confluence of two rivers, and Tepla River. This beautiful city parks, fine, historically valuable buildings and perfect hotels, beautiful products of porcelain and glass, and, of course, mineral sources, which went from mysterious depths beautifully decorated pavilions.

Zhleby Zhleby Castle, the residence of Czech ancient feudal kind Lihtenburgov, located in a beautiful forest. This is the only castle in the Czech Republic, which is really cast. His castle architecture recalls medieval knight housing. Crossed the threshold of the castle, you can find antique tale of brave knights, beautiful ladies, and wise kings. Ancient castle chapel, a Renaissance staircase, veranda and chivalrous knights' halls, Tirolerisch room, bedroom and galleries, all visitors will be able to lock on the history of the Middle Ages.

Gluboka over the Vltava

The 83-metre-high cliff with 13 century stands the most beautiful castle Bohemia. It was rebuilt several times, most recently in the form of copies of Windsor Castle in England, and is now only in the style castle in the Czech Republic. The castle contains a rich collection of furniture, a Dutch painting ages 16-17, weapons, pottery, glass and tapestries.

Kutna Hora

The city Kutna Hora one of the world's monuments under the protection of UNESCO. Successful exploitation of silver ore in the Middle Ages, Kutna Hora was the second most important after Prague in the Czech city of the kingdom. Wealth and prosperity to the Architectural off, during which were built excellent facilities : Late church of St. Barbara, Italian palaces, which began to mint the first Czech coppers, brick house.

Cesky Krumlov

The city Cesky Krumlov based in the 13 st century Vitkovtsev dynasty, and at that time, when the city was owned by the powerful and wealthy of the Communist dynasty Rozhmberkov, he became the center of South Bohemia. Excellent Renaissance buildings, rich paintings decorate the walls of buildings in the Land Technology, uzenkie streets - all in a climate of the Middle Ages, quiet and conducive to a great pastimes.

Prague is one of the most elegant and beautiful cities in Europe. The architectural ensemble of the city combines all styles represented in the history of art, and coexisting harmoniously on the streets : Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, classical, modern.

Capital of the Czech Republic, Prague, is the nine hills, which opened many unexpected and beautiful species of the Prague Kremlin and the Royal Palace. Especially beautiful panorama of the main city Vltava River, which divides the city into two parts. Each is unique in its own way, and known for its historic districts-District, the Party of Malaya, Old City, New City and the Jewish Quarter. On the river, in the city lie seven scenic islands, one island Camp. A couple Vltava maked over 18 bridges, the oldest and famous of which is Charles Bridge, known for his sculptures of saints and arcades.

Dozens, hundreds of sculptural compositions found in the city : the squares, streets, in yards and on buildings, in parks and succulent. Many generations of artists and musicians, Mozart, List, Beethoven, Goethe, Chapek, Gashek, Fly-draw in Prague source of his inspiration, the great artists lived here, and did hailed Prague in their works.

Today, Prague is not only a beautiful decoration and architectural monuments of past eras, but a great center of modern music, drama and poetry of Europe.

Best travel bargains round the globe in june!

2007-06-28T08:35:00.000+03:00

Southwest has kicked away its systemwide sale, with fares to respective U. S. destinations from $49 one manner. For instance, flights from Baltimore to Hartford, Conn. , or Providence, R. I. , beginning at $119 rounded journey, including taxes. By comparison, fares to Hartford typically get for $150 and to Providence, $160. Travel Tuesdays or Wednesdays July 31-Nov. 2. Book by June 14 at http://www.southwest.com.

Travel Aug. 1-19. Other airlines are charging closer to $1,000. Book at http://www.icelandair.com/.

Icelandair has sale fares to Europe in August. For example, flights from BWI to Reykjavik start at $881, including taxes. Other destinations include London, Paris, Oslo and Berlin.

CruiseOne is taking up to $370 off two nine-night Royal Caribbean cruises to Canada and New England. The Grandeur of the Seas departs Baltimore on Sept. 7 and costs $769 per person double; the Explorer of the Seas leaves Cape Liberty, N.J., on Sept. 14 and costs $679 per person double. Ports of call include Maine, Nova Scotia and Boston. Taxes of $54 (Baltimore) and $87 (Cape Liberty) are additional. Brochure prices on both are $1,049. Info: 877-600-4646, http://www.jgarroway.cruiseone.com/travel/cruises/index.do.

Book a Western Mediterranean cruise with Friendly Planet before June 29 and save up to $1,000 per couple. The 10-day cruise aboard Costa Cruise's Concordia has three departure dates; the Nov. 10 is the lowest, at $1,649 per person double (after the discount). Price includes airfare from New York to Rome, or pay $100 to $150 more to fly from Washington. Taxes of $135 and port charges of $159 are additional. Info: 800-555-5765, http://www.friendlyplanet.com/.

Save hundreds on an original household golfing packet at the Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, which features a Greg Norman golf class. The trade starts at $199 for one adult and one kid (17 and younger) and includes three or nine holes of golf (normally $75 for adults, $50 for kids), one minute of direction ($90 per individual), caddie concierge service ($20), nightclub rental ($35-$65) and two sleeves of Ritz-Carlton golf balls ($18. Good through Sept. 16. Taxes of 12. 5 percentage are extra. Info: 800-576-5760 or 407-393-4900, http://www.grandelakes.com.

Book two nights at select hotels in Montreal and take 50 percent off the third night. Twenty-three hotels are participating in the Sweet Deals special, including the five-star Queen Elizabeth Fairmont, which is $173 per night double with breakfast, and the Quality Inn Downtown, from $119 a night with breakfast. Taxes are extra and vary per property. Valid through Oct. 15. Info: http://www.findyourmontreal.com/. Contact each hotel separately to book.

Save the planet -- and 20 percent. Intrepid Travel, which espouses eco-responsible travel, is taking 20 percent off select land-only adventures. For example, pay $676 per person double (down from $867) for the eight-day Swiss Alpine Trails excursion in the Swiss and French Alps. Book by June 14; depart Aug. 11. Info: 866-847-8192, http://www.intrepidtravel.com/.

United Vacations is taking up to 40 percent off vacations to Europe, Mexico, the Caribbean, Canada and the United States. For example, a seven-night package to St. Maarten is marked down to $1,349 per person double from $2,199; the deal includes air from Washington and lodging at the Westin Dawn Beach Resort & Spa. Travel July 14-Aug. 18; book by July 15. Taxes are additional and vary per destination. Info: 888-328-6877, http://www.unitedvacations.com/.

Enjoy Scotland without the drab weather with a trade from Dooley Vacations. The packet starts at $1,299 per individual dual for travelling through June. Price includes atmosphere from New York to Glasgow (make $200 from Washington), one night at the Jurys Inn Hotel in Glasgow, five nights at any Discover B&B and rental automobile. About $170 in taxes extra. By comparison, June flights to Scotland normally get for a lofty, and a night at the Jurys Inn costs $135. Info: 877-331-9301, http://www.dooleyvacations.com.

[by Andrea Sachs] However, deals sell out quickly and are not guaranteed to be available. Restrictions such as day of travel, blackout dates and advance-purchase requirements sometimes apply.

Easy travel planning this summer

2007-06-07T13:22:00.001+03:00

Dohop Flight Planner, a travel search engine, now allows users to filter and sort results by several parameters, making travel planning easier.

The rank is calculated for each itinerary based on its price, waiting time, overall duration, number of stops and preferred route.

Dohop.com delivers instant results from more than 660 airlines, including more than 100 low-cost airlines, and it calculates the best connections between 3,380 destinations worldwide.

Users can find connections and cheap flights on all airlines and thousands of destinations in two seconds or less. In addition, there is a re-designed user interface.

The engine is especially good at finding cheap one-way flights. Similarly, Dohop excels at finding return flights that do not require a weekend stay, saving hundreds of dollars per trip and allowing travelers to arrange their travel plans around their business schedule and family life.

Dohop also helps travelers find good flights to and from secondary airports that add more flight options to choose from.

Destinations and our dollars

2007-05-25T09:30:00.001+03:00

Do you want to take a cheap summer vacation in a foreign country. What are some fun spots where your dollar will go far?

The dollar has been weakening against most currencies over the past several years, but there are still some good deals out there - especially in Latin America and Asia.

Countries like Argentina and Costa Rica and cities like Bangkok and Beijing have been popular vacation spots for decades, but over the past year they have experienced big jumps in tourism as the dollar loses its buying power in old European standbys, such as London, Paris and Rome.

Travel booking Web sites saw travel to South America rise by 7 percent compared to last year; travel to Central America rose 14 percent and travel to Asia rose 17 percent. The Caribbean has also become even more of a vacation mecca, with travel rising more than 20 percent since a year ago.

Part of the reason has been the dollar, which still buys a lot in Latin America and Asia but is weakening in Europe, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Over the past five years, the euro has gained about 50 percent against the dollar, and the British pound has strengthened by about 30 percent. You'll save money practicing your French in Montreal instead of Paris, but you won't pocket as much as you might think: the U.S. dollar's worth about 1.11 Canadian dollars now.

It's not just the exchange rate in some regions; inflation can give tourists extra sticker shock. Ireland, Greece and Spain saw costs rise more than 3 percent last year, higher than the United States' rate in 2006 of 2.5 percent. The United Kingdom had inflation of 3 percent, and Australia and New Zealand - whose currencies have also strengthened against the U.S. dollar in recent years - saw inflation of close to 4 percent.

A frugal traveler's best bets are places that may cost a lot in airfare, but where lodging and food more than make up the difference. Do the math: it may take an extra $300 to fly to Buenos Aires than to London, but if your hotel is $100 a night cheaper, you're saving money after just a few days. And $40 in the Argentinian city can buy you a fancy steak dinner for two that would cost you twice as much in Europe.

If you're wedded to Europe, consider heading east. Travelers hoping for big bargains in Prague might be disappointed, the Czech capital is still cheaper than big cities in Germany and Austria, but its days as a struggling student's haven are over. Better deals can be found in Eastern European countries such as Latvia, Lithuania and Croatia.

Other exchange rate-conscious travelers may want to consider Japan. It's still a pricey destination compared to other countries (Tokyo topped the Economist Group's list of most expensive cities to live in for more than a decade until last year) but the yen hasn't risen against the dollar over the past five years. Also, Japan's inflation has been virtually flat, so U.S. travelers who visited there many years ago might be pleasantly surprised to return and find prices haven't soared as they have in European cities.

In may London goes green Here you can read more about travel insurance

San Diego is expected to be the top destination

2007-05-22T15:45:00.001+03:00

SAN DIEGO - San Diego is expected to be the best destination for Southern Californians hitting the route for the forthcoming Memorial Day weekend, the Automobile Club of Southern California announced today.

Despite document gasoline prices, much than 3. 1 million Southland residents will go trips over the vacation weekend, the Auto Club reported. More than 80 percentage of travelers in Southern California will move by automobile to their vacation destinations, a 1. 7 percentage growth over last year, while much than 455,000 airplane passengers will move, a growth of 1. 4 percent.

According to an Auto Club survey, San Diego will be the top destination for Southern Californians, followed by Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon, the Central Coast and San Francisco.

Carol Thorp of the Auto Club said the high cost of fuel will affect holiday vacations, with more trips being planned closer to home.

"We're seeing a fairly small rate of growth in Memorial Day holiday travel, which could indicate that gas prices have reached levels that are impacting people's decisions to take trips," Thorp said.

A national holiday travel survey conducted by the Auto Club found that Californians spend more on a holiday getaway than travelers in most parts of the country. The average California household will spend $821 on a Memorial Day weekend trip, while households nationally spend an average of $594.

Across the state, more than 5 million people will take holiday trips.

The average gas price in most California regions is at least $3.30 a gallon.

Families can estimate fuel costs for their holiday trip by using the Auto Club's online tool, http://www.fuelcostcalculator.com.

[by Wire Reports]

5 Destinations of the year

2007-05-20T11:46:00.001+03:00

I you're going to spend the time and money on an international jaunt, why limit yourself to just one city? Each of the countries below offers a quality gay experience throughout their nation with a range of cities and destinations that would appeal to any LGBT traveler. But beyond the mere excitement of foreign travel, each has made broad gestures -- whether in social policy or market outreach -- to show the world that it respects gay travelers as well as its own gay citizens.

1. Mexico
2. Canada
3. Great Britain
4. South Africa
5. Spian

Here`s a list by gay.com

'Old Blighty' still a great destination

2007-05-19T10:28:00.001+03:00

From Staff Reports,
Though its weather is still doing its worst to sully England's reputation, old Blighty remains a mightily appealing travel destination, especially for golfers.

England has something for every tourist, from dynamic, action-packed London to the charming university towns of Oxford and Cambridge, the beautiful northern countryside and some of Europe's most storied golf courses.

Planning an overseas trip can be daunting, though, especially if you've never traveled abroad. Here are some travel tips from WorldGolf.com to help smooth things out.

Traveling to England (Some fresh news from London here)

Unless you've got a steamer trunk you've always been waiting to use, you'll be flying to England. Most major international airlines offer flights from North America; you'll most likely land at London's Gatwick or Heathrow airports, though some carriers offer service to Manchester or Birmingham. Check the Web sites of airlines such as Delta and British Airways for travel times and prices.

You'll need a valid U.S. passport to enter the United Kingdom. It's also a good idea to review the latest British travel restrictions before taking off.

Traveling in England

When to go: Between April and September is the best time to travel in England, unless you want to experience the infamous British weather. Of course, thousands of other tourists have the same plan, but you'll probably only feel truly cramped in July or August, the busiest months.

What to see: With its dynamic mix of restaurants, sites, museums and other cultural attractions, London is a terrific, and terrifically expensive, place to spend time. But England isn't just London.

In the north, you'll find a beautiful countryside of lakes, castles and national parks. Take a day trip to the medieval city of York, or check out Manchester, home of a world-famous soccer team and an almost-as-famous music scene.

The south has a more subdued landscape, with quiet country lanes and inland waterways. There you'll find Oxford, Cambridge and Stratford, Shakespeare's birthplace. The southern seashore is known for fun beach resorts like Brighton, and Cornwall in the southwest offers spectacular rocky coastline and wonderful surfing.

Getting around: The best way to see England is by train. BritRail offers passes ranging from two days to a full month to overseas visitors (you must buy before traveling). Consult the Visit Britain Direct Web site for more information.

If you're OK with driving on the left, England is served by the major car-rental players. The network of highways and major secondary roads is extensive and well-maintained, but rural byways in more remote areas like Cornwall and the Lake District are often narrow, twisting and hemmed in by walls. Exercise caution, especially at night and in bad weather.

Money: England's currency is the pound, and unfortunately at this writing it was worth nearly $2 U.S. You can exchange cash at airports and change bureaus, but watch out for high fees. Traveler's checks are another possibility.

A far better option than either is using your cards from home to get cash and pay bills. Credit cards are widely accepted in England, ATMs are plentiful and you'll get the best exchange (even with the small fee most U.S. card providers charge for foreign-currency transactions).

Crime and safety

Britain is a relatively safe country by international standards, with low rates of street crime and violence. Nevertheless, it can't hurt to review a few safety tips; a comprehensive list can be found at VisitBritain.com.

A few of the big ones:
• Avoid waiting alone at bus stops and on train platforms.
• Always use a licensed taxi.
• Remember: Cars drive on the left in Britain, so look twice before crossing the street.
• Try not to display cash or expensive items, especially on public transport.

It's also a good idea to take out travelers insurance before leaving. In case of emergency, 999 is the English equivalent of North America's 911 and can be dialed from any phone.

Any opinions expressed above are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the management. The information in this story was accurate at the time of publication. All contact information, directions and prices should be confirmed directly with the golf course or resort before making reservations and/or travel plans.

[by Golf Publisher Syndications]

Best for leisure hotel

2007-05-19T10:14:00.001+03:00

Sharm El Sheikh
has reasserted its claim to be one of the best holiday destinations in
the world after one of its hotels was voted the best five star leisure
hotel by travel insiders.

The Sharm El Sheikh Marriott beach resort won the accolade at the Mena Travel Awards.

Over
62,000 votes were cast by travel agents and trade agencies and their
selection served to confirm the Red Sea resort as the ultimate place
for holidaymakers to enjoy their leisure time.

With cheap flights to Sharm El Sheikh from UK airports tourists can arrive in the lap of relaxation and luxury in comfort and ease.

Known
for its phenomenal diving, with warm crystal clear waters, visitors do
not have to be scuba qualified to enjoy the benefits of visiting the
miles of beaches, though those who still want a glimpse of the
underwater world can don their goggles and snorkel.

The resort
area is placed ideally between the pristine sea and desert dunes, the
latter offering novel landscapes to holidaymakers.

Quad bikes can be rented to explore the dunes and there is also a night time safari on offer.

[by Airflights.co.uk]

3rd biggest travel destination?

2007-05-19T10:08:00.001+03:00

China is likely to replace the United States as the world's third most popular tourism destination next year, a United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) official said.

Now, China ranks fourth, after France, Spain and the United States.

Last year, China accounted for 5.8 percent of the global tourism market, a growth of 0.3 percent compared with two years ago.

Twenty-nine percent of tourists who traveled to Asia and the Pacific last year also visited China.

Xu Jing, regional representative for Asia and the Pacific of UNWTO, said the market share percentages of China and the US last year were very close.

"I am confident China will overtake the US next year," he said at the 2007 China (Qingdao) International Olympics & Tourism Forum, which concluded on Friday.

UNWTO forecast last year that China would become the most popular destination by the year 2020. At the beginning of this year, it revised its forecast to 2015. Xu said the forecast was revised because of the rapid development of the country's tourism industry.

The number of overseas travelers to China has increased from 10.5 million in 1996 to 49 million in 2006. The 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing and the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai, will further boost China's tourism market.

The Pacific and Asia Travel Association said inbound tourism to China will increase by 5 percent year-on-year between 2007 and 2009.

[by China Daily]

Best travel bargains around the globe

2007-05-19T10:00:00.001+03:00

The week's best travel bargains around the globe, by land, sea and air.

AIR

Eurofly has late summer/fall sale fares from New York to cities throughout Italy. Fare for nonstop service to Rome, Naples, Palermo or Bologna -- or for connecting service to Pescara or Lamezia -- starts at $529 round trip (plus up to $81 taxes). Fare on other airlines to Bologna, for example, is about $891. Travel Aug. 15-Nov. 13. Availability is limited on some dates. Purchase by May 31 at 800-459-0581, http://www.euroflyusa.com/.

British Airways has extended its purchase deadline to May 24 on a fare sale to London that also includes two free hotel nights. Round-trip fare from Dulles to London for travel May 28-Sept. 5 starts at about $920; from Sept. 6-Oct. 24, fare is about $716. Value of free hotel nights ranges from about $250 to $320. Several hotels are participating, including the Premier Travel Inn Wembley and the Royal National Hotel. Book at http://www.ba.com/maylondonforfree, or pay $20 more at 800-247-9297.

PACKAGE

Icelandair Holidays has discounts of $150 per person on its five-night Glaciers, Geysers and Waterfalls tour for travel July 1-Aug. 19. Post-discount price is about $2,285 per person double, including round-trip airfare from BWI to Reykjavik, Iceland; five nights at three hotels; guided motorcoach tour; breakfasts, one lunch and and three dinners; and taxes. Trip highlights include the hot springs village of Hveragerdi, Skaftafell National Park and the Thingvellir Viking settlement. Book by May 31. Info: 800-779-2899, http://www.icelandair.com/.

Save $200 per couple on October departures of a Croatia & Hidden Treasures of the Adriatic tour from Vantage Deluxe World Travel. The 13-night escorted trip starts at $2,699 per person double (plus about $331 taxes and fuel surcharge) for the Oct. 18 departure; other departures in October are $2,899. Trip includes airfare from Washington Dulles to Ljubljana, Slovenia, with return from Dubrovnik, Croatia; 13 nights at five first-class hotels; 25 meals; and 22 tours. The trip includes overnights in Lake Bled, Slovenia; and Zagreb, Opatija, Sibenik and Dubrovnik in Croatia. Book by June 4; request promo PR20100. Priced separately, air and hotel alone would cost about $3,320. Info: 800-322-6677, http://www.vantagetravel.com/cro07.

Prices were verified and available on Thursday afternoon when the Travel section went to press. However, deals sell out quickly and are not guaranteed to be available. Restrictions such as day of travel, blackout dates and advance-purchase requirements sometimes apply.

Here you can read full article washingtonpost.com

Barrier Reef best travel place

2007-05-18T11:08:00.001+03:00

The Great Barrier Reef has taken away one of reality tourism's almost
desirable awards.

The GBR - the reality's largest living organism - was
voted the better travel place by the World Travel and Tourism Council
(WTTC) as region of its Tourism for Tomorrow awards, at an observance
in Lisbon, Portugal, overnight.

Describing the win as a "major coup", Queensland Tourism
Industry Council (QTIC) chief executive officer Daniel Gschwind
said the award was considered the foremost accolade for sustainable
tourism.

He said the reef topped more than 130 entries from 40 countries
across seven continents.

"I believe the pure size and variety of nature, it is then dramatic to
view and to have, that is what makes (the reef) then particular," Mr
Gschwind said.

"It is an experience that leaves no one unaffected. When
you stay your chief under water it is just something that you will
likely recall for the remainder of your living. "We seek to have
certain that many much folk and subsequent generations can get that
kind of experience."

Mr Gschwind said the prize was the climax of efforts by industry,
regime and environmental stakeholders to guarantee the GBR is protected
for the future.

"Marine operators and industry organisations, including QTIC,
have worked intensely and cooperatively with the Great Barrier Reef
Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) to ensue the long term
sustainability of the reef while building a world class tourism
industry" Mr Gschwind said.

"At a time when environmental concerns are rising, not least
over the impact of climate change, this is shining example of how
the tourism industry, government and conservation can work together
in addressing the challenges."

The GBR marine park is the world's largest heritage site.

It is estimated to generate $5 billion in tourism earnings each
year and supports up to 50,000 jobs along the Queensland coast.

OK, for today best travel place is the Great Barrier Reef.

Best Travel Website in 2007

2007-05-18T03:14:00.000+03:00

Hailed as the “Oscars of the Internet” by the New York Times, the awards are judged by the International Academy of Digital Arts & Sciences, a global organization that includes Harvey Weinstein, Arianna Huffington, and “Simpsons” creator Matt Groening. This year’s Webby Awards received a record 8,000 entries from all 50 states and more than 60 countries.

“The Webby Awards honors the outstanding work that is setting the standards for the Internet,” said David-Michel Davies, executive director of The Webby Awards. “Wikitravel’s Winner selection is a testament to the skill, ingenuity, and vision of its creators.”

“Wikitravel.org is a truly collaborative effort by travelers around the world,” said Evan Prodromou, one of the husband-and-wife team that founded Wikitravel in 2003. “This Webby recognizes the work of all of our contributors, whose dedication and cooperation is the lifeblood of the site and the reason for its incredible growth.”

Added co-founder Michele Ann Jenkins: “I’m very proud of the Wikitravel community, and am endlessly impressed by the collaborative effort that goes into creating so many fantastic open content travel articles on the site.”

Wikitravel was inspired by Wikipedia, the available online encyclopedia, and by the needs of travelers looking for timely, prompt data that isn’t accessible in conventional travelling guides payable to lengthy script publication cycles. Wikitravel newly launched a Hindi edition, bringing the overall amount of word versions of the place to 16, and is developing plans to establish versions in Russian, Chinese, Greek, and Hebrew, among others. In April, the overall amount of articles on Wikitravel across all languages topped 30,000.

Wikitravel is owned by Los Angeles-based Internet Brands, Inc., a leading operator of media, community and e-commerce websites.