Travelrific® Travel Journal
Picture postcards in prose.™ Check out the blogroll on the front page for official merchandise and other resources!Archive for tourism
Travel Search Engine Merger Provides Added Convenience to Consumers
By Linda Tancs
Internet savvy travel consumers may not have to worry about cross checking results on Kayak (www.kayak.com) and SideStep (www.sidestep.com) any longer. Their merger promises enhanced searching capabilities, including more data and faster results. According to SideStep, its toolbar will continue to work as usual. Time will tell whether post-merger integration issues enhance or thwart the customer experience.
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Celebrity Cruises Is Going Green
By Linda Tancs
In a move illustrative of the ever increasing competition among cruise lines, Celebrity has announced that Solstice, its Caribbean-traversing megaship debuting later this year, will boast real grass on its top deck. One can only assume that their market research indicates a desire among the consuming public to have the scent of freshly mowed grass added to the salt air experience. Or perhaps the bocce ball and croquet lobby got the best of them. Whatever the case, there’s sure to be quite a premium to pay for all the irrigation and maintenance of this lawn experience. Ants and weeds are optional.
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Sundance a Draw for Film Cognoscenti and Skier Alike
By Linda Tancs
It’s not too late to make your way to Utah’s Sundance Film Festival in Park City, running from 17 January to 27 January. And remember, they say that folks come to Park City for two reasons: Sundance and skiing. So if upping your arts quotient isn’t your cup of tea, then head for the pistes. Pick up free ski vouchers at the Sundance box office if you can, or just head for the slopes. Snow conditions are reportedly favorable, so hop on the next plane to Salt Lake City, and experience what many consider to be the best powder quality anywhere.
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Luxe Links
By Linda Tancs
South African golf legend Gary Player may not have designed The Pezula Championship Course at the Pezula Resort Hotel in Knysna, but he would have to delight in the resort’s sweeping views of the Indian Ocean and Knysna Lagoon. Bounded by the sea and indigenous forests, Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa offers a private haven for the golf enthusiast. Imagine the cascading shot from the 13th tee falling 207 feet to the green below. No need to take a mulligan on that swing.
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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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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.
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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.
