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
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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Ludwigsburg Festival in Full Swing
By Linda Tancs
North of Stuttgart lies the former dukedom of Ludwigsburg, Germany. Noted for its 452-roomed palace and heirloom gardens, this Baroque-inspired town plays host to a summer music festival, aptly known as the Ludwigsburg Palace Festival. Open through 27 July, events include an opera gala celebrating the festival’s 250th year, string quartets, musical interpretation of the spoken word and a classical concert with fireworks. With some ticket prices as low at 11 euros (and even lower for children), it won’t even burn a hole in your pocket. The hills are indeed alive with the sound of music.
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Routes Follow European Theatre
By Linda Tancs
The Culture Programme of the European Union sponsors a European Route showcasing the European architectural aspects of theatre buildings around the EU. First to open was the German Route in 2007, exploring German theatrical architecture from the 17th to 19th centuries, including the half-timbered summertime theatre in Neubrandenburg, Frederick the Great’s private theatre in Potsdam, Gotha’s palace theatre and the much-copied 19th-century style playhouse in Meiningen.
A recent addition to the theatre trail is the Nordic Route, celebrating the historic theatres of Denmark, Norway and Sweden. Visitors to Sweden will enjoy the theatre barn, a staple of Swedish cultural traditions, the oldest of its kind located in Hedemora. Historic stage sets and props await visitors to Halden, Norway, site of an Empire-style theatre built by townspeople in the 19th century. Saved from demolition in the 20th century, the Elsinore Theatre in Aarhus, Denmark is the oldest playhouse in the country preserved in its original form.
By 2009, five routes will connect culturally significant properties from Italy to Norway. The three additional routes to open are the Italian Route, the Emperor Route (covering Austria and the Czech Republic) and the Channel Route (linking the Netherlands, Belgium and the UK). Novelist Oscar Wilde regarded the theatre as the greatest of all art forms. See if you agree.
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Mobility-Challenged Travelers Find Companions
By Linda Tancs
Mobility-impaired travelers can fret less about getting from point A to point B. Former airline professionas have taken on a second life as traveling companions for those with special needs. Their services include booking travel, handling airport transfers and keeping relatives informed of your progress on domestic and international flights. This service epitomizes the phrase, a friend in need is a friend indeed. Find them at www.flyingcompanions.com.
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Paris on a Budget
By Linda Tancs
The French capital is rich with displays of cityscapes and architecture, festivities, sports, arts and entertainment. But is it too rich for your wallet? Fortunately, no–if you know how to stretch your euros in the City of Light. Find out more at www.travelrificradio.com.
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Stretching the Dollar in the City of Light
By Linda Tancs
Few expenses irk travelers more than transport costs from airport to inner city, and the pain is more keenly felt when the traveler’s currency is trading downward (like the U.S. dollar). Thanks to Paris’s still relatively new light rail at Charles de Gaulle Airport, you can transfer free among the terminals, and catch the Roissybus to L’Opera Garnier for less than $15. Transfer there via cab to the inner city for less than $10. That’s a savings of $50 or so from the price of an airport cab. What to do with that extra cash? Why not order the plat du jour at that sidewalk cafe you’ve been meaning to visit. You’ve earned it.
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A Cool Trip
By Linda Tancs
As record breaking heat grips the northeastern U.S. this late spring (spring!), it’s time for our collective mindset to turn to cooler climes. How about Iceland? Coming in this time of year at a delightfully cool 56 degrees fahrenheit in Reykjavik, you can run, hike, swim, bike, kayak or glacier hop without breaking a sweat. And it shouldn’t hurt that Budget Travel cites Iceland as one of few places where the U.S. dollar goes further. Of course, budget is a relative term. If fuel costs, airline downsizings and surcharges have you staying closer to home, then you can always enjoy Icelandic culture vicariously through the Puffin cam on the tourist board’s website.
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