Travelrific® Travel Journal
Picture postcards in prose.™ Check out the blogroll on the front page for official merchandise and other resources!Archive for international travel
OpenSkies Opens New Route
By Linda Tancs
OpenSkies, British Airways’ premium-plus sub, slowly but surely is building its routes. In addition to the New York/Amsterdam route, the acquisition of French airline and codeshare partner L’Avion adds additional routing to Paris via Newark Liberty International. L’Avion seats business-class only, which nicely complements OpenSkies Prem+ configuration boasting 52″ pitch seating. Need a tour round The Golden Bend? Don’t fret–the airline’s concierge services will take care of the details for you. You can get there for a very un-businesslike fare if you book by August 21. You can even purchase carbon offsets towards your journey, the proceeds of which benefit carbon emission projects. Is this a new era in travel? Time will tell. As playwright Arthur Miller said, ” An era can be said to end when its basic illusions are exhausted.”
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Roll Out the Barrels
By Linda Tancs
You needn’t wait for Oktoberfest to enjoy your favorite brew. Kicking off tomorrow through 3 August is the Berlin International Beer Festival along the city’s Karl-Marx-Allee. Showcasing over 200 breweries from more than 80 countries, the event includes traditional culinary fare, musical entertainment, and the newest brands to tickle your taste buds. Admission is free. The festivities this year will highlight 1000 years of Czech beer making, which brings to mind the Czech proverb, “A fine beer may be judged with only one sip, but it’s best to be thoroughly sure.”
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Castle in the Sand
By Linda Tancs
Let’s face it, there’s no shortage of lodging for the adventurous traveler: igloos, ice hotels, caves, and now this: a giant sand castle. One thousand tons of sand and four sculptors later, Dorset unveiled the first-of-its-kind hotel a few days ago on Weymouth beach. Lacking certain–ahem–amenities, the experience is yours (until Mother Nature’s wrecking ball is in full throttle) for a mere 10 quid a night. Mr. Sandman, bring me a dream, indeed!
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Environmental Effects of Tourism
By Linda Tancs
Sometimes too much interest can be a bad thing. For years now, conservationists have been bemoaning the effects of tourism on a wide range of treasures around the world. Recently, a report indicated that the platforms harboring visitors at some of Cambodia’s ancient monuments are in danger of collapse because of the wear and tear from guests unloading from tour buses from sunrise to sunset. This situation is hardly unique, and other countries have implemented measures to control the effects of tourism on the environment. For instance, Egyptian authorities have long rotated the availability of tombs in the Valley of the Kings to offset the effects of rampant tourism. With some nations realizing a substantial part of their GDP from travelers, a dilemma arises between accommodating those who contribute to the community coffers and preserving an ecosystem that grows ever more fragile by the day through human and industrial actions. Ultimately, these nations must manage their tourism assets like a key player trying to effect change in a system, using goals that are strategic, measurable, agreed, realistic and timely. Then maybe sustainable tourism can be achieved.
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World Tourism Grows Amid Uncertainties
By Linda Tancs
The World Tourism Organization recently reported some encouraging news on the status of international tourism. Amid roiling global markets, the WTO found that world travel grew at a rate of about 5% during the first four months of this year, up 1% long term. Summer travel in the northern hemisphere will dictate whether the uptick holds at year-end. Not surprisingly, the U.S. sported a double-digit increase in tourism, thanks in no small part to the declining dollar. Tiger economies are enjoying a surge in inbound travel as well. On the other hand, Europe’s numbers are lagging except for the ever-popular southern and Mediterranean destinations. Overall, the WTO remains cautiously optimistic, so why shouldn’t we?
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Golfers Will Find Paradise in the Balkans
By Linda Tancs
In Bulgaria, golf remains a little-known sport played predominately by foreign investors, diplomats and locals, if the scene at Ravno Pole is any indication. But it’s the foreign investment that may turn this land of almost 8 million inhabitants into a golf mecca. Already 19 properties are under development, set to compete with the ski and Black Sea resorts for an influx of tourism that reached the 5 million mark last year. If Black Sea Rama, a Gary Player signature course, is any indication, it’s the luxe traveler with 15.000 euros to spend on a membership who’s likely to find karma there. However, this government-supported venture promises to make golf an every man’s (or woman’s) game. Whatever the case, an uptick in Bulgaria’s tourism image seems assured.
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The Hottest Place on Earth
By Linda Tancs
Summer brings its share of perils–ozone warnings, dust storms, fires, draught and stormy weather. In some places, the heat is so extreme you might be wishing for your own polar ice cap to float on. Take Dubai, for instance. At a mere 40 degrees or so (centigrade, that is) in the shade, the air is so humid now you’d feel like a palm tree in a conservatory. So why are more and more Europeans flocking to this place in the stoking hot season of summer? In today’s crushing economic environment, value may be one answer. Outside of high season (September to May), this up-and-comer’s offerings are more affordable for those wanting a taste of the good life. And let’s not discount the probable desire of many travelers to witness history in the making as this Gulf resort for the super rich builds the world’s largest shopping mall and highest building. So there’s more than heat that’s hot about this playground. Whatever the season, though, those landmarks are likely to be little more than a gleam in your camera lens unless you’re part of the Jet set.
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Splendor in the Sea
By Linda Tancs
As we speak, Carnival’s newest goliath, Splendor, is fast completing its maiden voyage from Genoa to Dover. After its christening tomorrow, the ship will inaugurate Carnival’s northern European sailings, which includes ports of call in Scandinavia, Germany, Russia and the Netherlands. The liner also introduces a host of new innovations, such as flat-screen TVs in staterooms, a two-story spa and an improved mid-ship cinematic experience. A splendiferous ship, indeed.
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U.S. Government Might Be Your Best Travel Agent
By Linda Tancs
The U.S. Department of State is well known for its travel warnings and advisories, but perhaps its best-kept secret is the data you can find on lodging costs through its foreign per diem portal. So the next time you’re checking out rates on a hotel booking site, why not compare notes with Uncle Sam? You just might find the bargain you’ve been looking for.
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A Renaissance Wedding Awaits You in German Castle
By Linda Tancs
Summer is high season for the wedding industry. And for those seeking a fairy tale experience, nothing beats a castle. So which one will it be? If Skibo (think: Madonna) or Odescalchi (think: Tom Cruise) leaves you with that “been there/done that” feeling, then consider a German castle nestled in the Weserbergland hills of northern Germany. Castle Haemelschenburg is one of the most culturally signficant monuments in the area, a richly preserved Renaissance masterpiece situated between Hameln and Bad Pyrmont. The area has inspired many a lore, including the Pied Piper of Hamlyn and Sleeping Beauty. Are you ready to create your own legend? Maybe the medicinal springs and spas of Bad Pyrmont will inspire you.
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Travelrific® Travel Journal 