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
Traveling to Turkey
By Linda Tancs
In this eastern Mediterranean country, you’ll experience the crossroads of Europe and Asia while marveling at its ancient past. Tune in at www.travelrificradio.com.
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What the Budget-Conscious Traveler Needs to Know About Venice
By Linda Tancs
As many travelers prepare to attend Carnival in Venice (25 January through 5 February), some caution is advised regarding pricing. Unbeknownst to many, Venetian service establishments are required to post a price list, a practice seemingly honored more in the breach than the observance. It should come as no surprise that, absent a price list, locals are charged less than tourists in many instances. Moreover, should you desire to take a water taxi across the canals, be sure to specify your desire for a taxi or else you may find yourself charged a private charter rate. And it wouldn’t hurt to negotiate with a gondolier to assure yourself the best rate. Let Venice stimulate your senses more than your pocketbook.
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Liverpool is All Abuzz in 2008
By Linda Tancs
Polish your scouse and head for Liverpool, England’s northwest fab city, as it launches its year as Europe’s Capital of Culture this weekend. Beginning on Friday at 8:08 p.m. on St. George’s Plateau, the People’s Opening will include performances by Ringo Starr, Dave Stewart and Echo and the Bunnymen. Keep abreast of events during the year at www.liverpool08.com.
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A Little German Tradition in Venezuela
By Linda Tancs
Mountainous glory, half-timbered dwellings and quaint, narrow streets. This description could apply to any of the towns and villages of Germany’s Black Forest region. Or try Colonia Tovar, a cozy German settlement in the hills about 40 km or so from Caracas. Settled in 1843 by about 300 Germans, the hamlet retains many of its cultural charms and traditions notwithstanding indoctrination of Spanish language and customs. In fact, the first Venezuelan beer was brewed in this settlement. This European enclave may be one of Latin America’s best kept secrets. Quiet on weekdays, things perk up a bit on weekends when the caraqueños (denizens of Caracas) show up for a little R&R. Then the narrow, winding streets are thick with jeeps offering tours. Ah, the price of commercialism.
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Traveling to Morocco
By Linda Tancs
Camel treks, ancient kasbahs and modern palatial residences await you in the northern African nation of Morocco. Learn more at www.travelrificradio.com.
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A Guide to New Year’s Eve Celebrations
By Linda Tancs
Baseball great Yogi Berra once said, “It ain’t over till it’s over.” Well, 2007 is almost over, but not until we clink a glass or two of bubbly and salute the great bard Rabbie Burns with a rendition of Auld Lang Syne (which means “old long ago”). All dressed up with no place to go? Then check out the fun read at www.pubclub.com for some suggestions. You might not agree with all of their assessments, but as another saying goes, one man’s meat is another man’s poison. One interesting event that didn’t make the cut on this Web site is Vienna’s big bash at Hofburg Palace. Visitors descend on this grand imperial city from every part of the globe to usher in the new year in the former winter residence of the Austrian emperor. Well, there’s always next year! See you then.
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Santa Claus is Coming to Town
By Linda Tancs
In honor of the impeding arrival of Santa Claus, today we highlight Santa Claus’s Village. Located near Rovaniemi, Finland, approximately 520 miles from Helsinki, Santa Claus’s Village offers the child in all of us a chance to explore and discover the Arctic Circle origins of the world’s most famous gift giver. Visit the village online at www.santaclausvillage.info. Later tonight, track Santa’s progress in his world travels at www.noradsanta.org.
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Gibraltar
By Linda Tancs
In the latest edition of Travelrific® Travel Show, the topic is Gibraltar. Gibraltar is a quaint little place overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar, but it’s more than just a big rock. Find out why at www.travelrificradio.com.
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The Art of Tipping
By Linda Tancs
The now-debunked story of Donald Trump leaving a $10,000 or so tip to a waiter has me thinking about the art–some would say, science–of tipping. How much is too much or not enough? Do popular conventions typically override the actual service received? Do you tip differently when you travel internationally? Calling all pundits–what say you?
P.S. If you enjoy my blog, please leave a comment and/or write a short review at a site like Stumbleupon. Thanks!
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New Swiss Tunnel Provides Speed
By Linda Tancs
All aboard the trains heading for the new Loetschberg Base Tunnel for a speedier run within and between Switzerland and Italy. Although the new base tunnel may bypass some scenic valleys, it will cut travel time from anywhere between 45 and 75 minutes depending on the route. So look at it this way: more time for the pistes.
If you enjoy my blog, please leave a comment and/or post a short review at a site like Stumbleupon. Thanks!
