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
Alpine Delights
By Linda Tancs
In the latest edition of Travelrific® Travel Show, the topic is Switzerland. Switzerland is a study in contrasts, from waterfalls and glaciers in the valleys of the Alps to the Mediterranean climate of its subtropical resorts in the south. Discover Switzerland’s alpine delights at www.travelrificradio.com.
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White Days, White Nights
By Linda Tancs
Are you dreaming of a white Christmas at the Winter Palace? If so, start packing your mukluks (leave the stilettos home) and ushankas and head to St. Petersburg’s Hotel Astoria for their special White Days package. Valid now through March 31, 2008, the 3-day package includes buffet breakfast each morning, a ticket to the Hermitage and a Russian Table (no, not roulette) in the Davidov Restaurant. As you sample from eighty or so vodkas and dine on the finest caviar on earth, enjoy the hotel’s view of the gilded cupola of St. Isaac’s Cathedral, which dominates the city’s skyline. Also nearby are the Winter Palace and Hermitage, Peter and Paul Fortress and Mariinsky Theatre. Be sure to buy your matryoshkas at Nevsky Prospekt, the main shopping mecca. After your 3-hour tour of the city’s highlights, you’ll be ready for your complimentary Russian classical leaf massage at the spa. Chances are, you’ll never look at an oak leaf the same way again. The Mongols managed to conquer Russia in winter. In great style, so can you.
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Eurostar Bids Adieu to Waterloo
By Linda Tancs
Not even an industrial strike in France affecting the Metro and train service to Calais and Lille can rain on Eurostar’s parade. Beginning today, Eurostar leaves its roost at Waterloo for new digs at St Pancras offering a higher-speed line to Paris and Brussels. Commuting time will now be just over 2 hours to Paris and just under 2 hours to Brussels. Those morning croissants might still be fresh when you get there.
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Egyptian Splendor
By Linda Tancs
In this week’s edition of Travelrific® Travel Show, the topic is Egypt. From the lush metropolis of Cairo to the regal splendor in the Nile Valley, you’re never far from experiencing ancient history. Explore the splendor of Egypt at www.travelrificradio.com.
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Pistes of France Give Aspen a Run for Its Money
By Linda Tancs
What is France’s best kept secret? No, it isn’t the location of the best truffle-producing oak tree. Instead, try the tony ski village of Megève in the heart of the French Alps. Take to the pistes in high style from the comfortable elegance of a chalet at Le Hameau de Mavarin, sporting fabulous views of Mont Blanc. After you’ve indulged in foie gras and farm pig at Michelin-rated Le Flocon de Sel, walk it off along the narrow cobbled streets in this pedestrian-friendly hamlet. Aspen’s got nothing on this powdered paradise for skier and non-skier alike.
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Holland’s Charms
By Linda Tancs
In this week’s edition of Travelrific® Travel Show, the topic is Holland. Think of Holland and you probably envision wooden shoes and tulips. But did you know that Holland has more canals than Venice and more bridges than Paris? Tune in to www.travelrificradio.com and learn more about its charms.
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Fake Pesos in Argentina
By Linda Tancs
The anemic U.S. dollar gets a second wind in South America, but only if the peso is legit. And so travelers to Argentina (Buenos Aires, in particular) should exercise caution in examining their notes at money exchanges, markets, street vending and in taxis. For instance, make sure the bills have a watermark and different serial numbers. If you’ve been duped, file a police report immediately. When shopping, use U.S. dollars if the vendor will accept them. The rate of exchange just might be more favorable than what you’ll get at the hotel or a bank. Nothing ventured, nothing gained, as they say.
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Faith-Based Tourism Is Growing
By Linda Tancs
Today is All Souls Day, and so it seems only fitting to discuss faith-based tourism. According to the World Tourism Organization, the faith-based travel industry is one of the fastest growing segments of the business, with one-third of each major demographic expressing interest in a spiritual-oriented vacation. Want to learn more? Visit the World Religious Travel Association at www.religioustravelassociation.com.
Answer to yesterday’s trivia question: Hawaii, Puerto Rico and parts of Arizona.
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Air France Crew Strike Affects Short Haulers
By Linda Tancs
Air France reports in its most recent press release that measures are underway to mitigate delays arising from a crew strike to take effect between 25 October and 29 October. The strike will reportedly only affect about 10% of flight schedules in and between France and Europe. Remedies include a full refund of airfare for those passengers who cannot be re-routed according to their wishes, free ticketing for other flights, or postponement of travel for up to one month. Air France has set up a special 800 number for passengers in France: 0800 240 260.
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The Magic of Copenhagen
By Linda Tancs
In this week’s edition of Travelrific Travel Show, the topic is Copenhagen, Denmark. Copenhagen is a large city but really has the feel of a village hamlet, much like the settings in stories told by its famous son, children’s storyteller Hans Christian Andersen. Learn more about this kid-friendly destination at www.travelrificradio.com.
