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
Living Human Treasures
By Linda Tancs
Living Human Treasures is a program established by UNESCO to showcase individuals exemplifying a high degree of skill or knowledge concerning cultural traditions, ambassadors of sorts for their country. Romania is one of a select number of countries recognized by the UN agency for meeting all elements of the program. Scattered throughout the nation, you can meet individuals whose skills and talents–ranging from egg painting and wood carving to embroidery–have been passed down from generation to generation. Learn more about the initiative.
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Goodwill Traveling
By Linda Tancs
Voluntourism, or the combination of travel and volunteer work, is reportedly one of the fastest growing segments of the travel industry. If the idea of being both a traveler and a change agent appeals to you, then maybe this is the gig for you. Some typical tours include teaching English to children in remote villages or building a home or school. There are lots of programs and organizations to choose from. Learn more here
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City of Chocolate
By Linda Tancs
Think “city of chocolate” and you’d probably wax nostalgic about those little seashell-shaped chocolate wonders from Belgium. But there’s more than one fine chocolatier vying for your attention in Europe. For instance, look further south and–voilà –you’ll find Bayonne, the chocolate capital of France. In the 1800s the first mechanical chocolate production facility in the country was built there. Situated near the Atlantic coast in the Basque region, Bayonne’s chocolate-making prowess made the big time in 1855 at the exposition in Paris, 412 miles away. Today, visitors are likely to enjoy one of the region’s specialties, chocolate (70% cacao) tinged with Piment d’Espelette, a locally grown red pepper that is often ground like paprika and used to infuse many dishes–including desserts, obviously. What an unusual combination of epicurean delights. L’embarras du choix, no doubt.
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Catch the Wave
By Linda Tancs
Where can you learn to surf on the world’s largest man-made waves? Answer: Siam Park, Europe’s greatest (by someone’s estimation) water fun park located on the south coast of Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands. Siam is, of course, the ancient name for Thailand, and the Thai ambience is evident throughout the park. Even the building materials originated from Thailand. With rides like the Tower of Power promising an adrenaline boost the likes of which you’ve never known, this park is sure to please thrill seekers. For those seeking something a little more tame, there’s a relaxing river ride; the Sawasdee River cuts through the park. Whatever you do, enjoy the ride.
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Do CPAP Machines Cause Baggage Woes?
By Linda Tancs
Statistics indicate that over 12 million people in the U.S. alone suffer from sleep apnea, an obstructive sleep disorder. So it shouldn’t be surprising that travelers want to take their CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines onboard to use during long flights or at their final destination. Needless to say, one must determine in advance of flight whether the device will be considered part of normal carry-on items. FAA regulations, for instance, permit medical devices as an additional piece of carry-on luggage. But if you can bring it on board, can you use it? International carriers’ policies can vary widely on the subject. Some airlines may permit, or prefer, battery-operated devices and not require medical clearance. Others may require medical clearance by their experts in advance of flight regardless whether the device is powered electrically or by battery. Best not to leave this one up to chance, as any delay in flight arrangements may not be recompensed by insurance when it’s the passenger who is delayed rather than the plane.
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French Island Flair
By Linda Tancs
St. Barth’s is a French island in the West Indies, popular among jetsetters for it charm and sophisticated relaxation but no less fitting for visitors of any budget looking for lazy days in the perennial sun of this beach-fringed volcanic island. Listen to a sampling of the island’s delights at Travelrific Travel Show.
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A Bridge to Somewhere
By Linda Tancs
In a decade or so there’ll be a shorter commute between Hamburg and Copenhagen. That’s when one of the most ambitious bridge-building efforts in Northern Europe–the Fehmarn Belt Bridge–is due to be completed. Linking the German island of Fehmarn with the Danish island of Lolland, the 12-mile long span in the Baltic Sea consisting of four road lanes and two rail tracks will reduce rail travel time between Hamburg and Copenhagen by about 1 hour. The Danes haven’t seen a project of this scope since the opening of the much-heralded Øresund Bridge between Copenhagen and Malmö. Despite some opposition, the latest connection should be just as popular.
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Get Ready for the Prom
By Linda Tancs
The BBC Proms at Royal Albert Hall, held from July through 13 September this year, are one of the most beloved classical musical events in the world. No less so for the Last Night, beginning with the singing of old English folk songs. In addition to the usual festivities for the masses in Hyde Park, the season’s swan song will be concelebrated in Glasgow, Belfast and Swansea with a mix of Scottish, Irish and Neopolitan ensembles. Come on and join the party.
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Take it Slow on the Uptake
By Linda Tancs
Does the dizzying array of travel information on the Web have you in a tizzy? Slow down on the uptake before you hit that “book now” button. Uptake synthesizes travel information in a user-friendly format that goes beyond price comparisons. After all, money isn’t everything.
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Pony Express Travel
By Linda Tancs
In Germany travelers can relive that bygone era of horse-drawn mail coaches. Enjoy the syncopated rhythm of a dual horse-powered cab reminiscent of those delivering royal Saxon mail in the 19th century. At a leisurely pace of 5 kilometers per hour, you can choose a short jaunt around Bad Schlema, a half-day excursion to Albernau or a full day’s enjoyment of the natural resources at Talsperre Sosa. Relax and enjoy the ride.
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