Travelrific® Travel Journal
Picture postcards in prose.™ Check out the blogroll on the front page for official merchandise and other resources!Archive for tourism
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.
Share this:
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.
Share this:
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.
Share this:
Winter Fantasy Thrills Families at Longwood Gardens
By Linda Tancs
Want to see a Currier & Ives lithograph come to life? Then be sure to visit Longwood Gardens’ Winter Fantasy now through 6 January. Located in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania (outside Philadelphia), Longwood Gardens produces a dreamlike atmosphere of caroling, bell ringing, dancing fountains and outdoor lighting (500,000 bulbs strong) sufficient to snuff the bah-humbug out of anyone. And don’t miss the skating shows highlighting professional and amateur skaters near the Chimes Tower.
Share this:
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.
Share this:
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.
Share this:
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.
Share this:
2008 Will Usher In Changes in St. Bart’s
By Linda Tancs
Postcode aficionados, take note: in 2008, St. Bart’s postcode will change from 97133 to something beginning with “977.” But that’s not the only change to take place in this small yet sophisticated French West Indies island–the new year brings a new tax on guests. A resort tax (often referred to as a tourism development tax) of 5% will apply to the island’s 160 + hotels, condos and villas. No doubt this levy will greatly enhance the local economy. After all, consider the economic benefit conferred on Orlando, Florida courtesy of its 6% tax remitted by moneymakers like Magic Kingdom properties. By some accounts, the Mouse contributes as much as 33% to Orlando’s resort tax revenue, which tallied in the $14M range this year. Considering the exclusivity of this French isle, it’s a wonder that its luxe visitors (including A-list celebs) weren’t taxed sooner. Better late than never, as they say.
Share this:
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.
Share this:
Proposed Rule Could Assist U.S. Cruise Lines
By Linda Tancs
In a move to thwart the incursion of U.S. cruise business by foreign-flagged lines, Customs and Border Protection has proposed a change in cabotage law. In cruise industry parlance, cabotage refers to the transportation of passengers between two ports in the same country. Current U.S. law prohibits foreign vessels from transporting passengers between ports in the country, but this restriction is often circumvented by foreign lines by the addition of a token port of call in another jurisdiction. Under the proposed new rule, any such additions will be deemed a violation of the cabotage law unless the foreign port of call lasts at least 48 hours and foreign ports comprise at least 50% of the overall itinerary. The time for public comment on the proposed new rule will expire on December 21, 2007. Go to www.regulations.gov for instructions on submitting a comment.
If you enjoy my blog, please leave a comment and/or write a short review at a site like Stumbleupon. Thanks!
