Travelrific® Travel Journal
Picture postcards in prose.™ Check out the blogroll on the front page for official merchandise and other resources!Da Vinci Slept Here
By Linda Tancs
Amboise Castle (Château d’Amboise) is a stout fortress in France’s Loire valley. Its magnificent trappings and gardens no doubt merit a World Heritage designation, but its biggest claim to fame may be for what is–or isn’t–buried in the palace grounds; namely, the remains of Leonardo da Vinci. The great Renaissance master moved to France in what would be his last years during the reign of King Francis I, accepting a post as “first painter to the king.” His creative genius is undisputed (a rare occurrence). What is less certain, however, is his final resting place, reputed to be Saint-Hubert’s chapel on the palace grounds. According to a story by the Associated Press, his remains were originally buried at the palace church of Saint Florentine but required removal after destruction of the site during the French Revolution. The identity of the remains removed to Saint-Hubert remains subject to much speculation. Amboise holds fast to its status as eternal host to one of the world’s finest artists; a simple stone slab on the floor of the church bears his name. Regardless what you believe, there are plenty of other reasons to visit the palace, like the sweeping views of the town and valley from the castle ramparts. The intricate Late Gothic carvings on the chapel’s exterior and its interior stained glass windows are worth the visit, too.
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The author has not received any compensation for writing this content and has no material connection to the brands, topics, products and/or services that are mentioned herein.
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Ride the Silver Bullet
By Linda Tancs
Airstream, affectionately known as the silver bullet, is synonymous with road travel. With over 70 years of design experience and a shelf life of 40 years or more behind it, this piece of Americana occupies a special place in the hearts of RVers. And now comes the chance to own a limited edition–in collaboration with another famed master of design and functionality, the Victorinox Special Edition Airstream is available for a lucky 125 purchasers. That’s one buyer for every year that Victorinox has produced the iconic Swiss army knife. Any takers?
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The author has not received any compensation for writing this content and has no material connection to the brands, topics, products and/or services that are mentioned herein.
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A Room With a View in Seoul
By Linda Tancs
The W Hotel in Seoul may be the chain’s first property in Asia, but the view is likely the thing that visitors will remember most. Sure, as a luxe hotel it’s got all the trappings you would expect: soothing spa remedies, ambience, five-star dining experiences, a resort locale. But it’s the view atop Mount Acha’s gliding slopes that makes it hard to leave the room. On a clear day, as the song goes, you can see forever. That’s W for “wow.” What’s your favorite room with a view?
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The author has not received any compensation for writing this content and has no material connection to the brands, topics, products and/or services that are mentioned herein.
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Registration Required for Visa-Free Travel to U.S.
By Linda Tancs
Tourists from countries participating in the visa waiver program may be unaware of a little program passed by Congress in 2007 (arising from the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007) known as the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), previously reported on this blog. However, that little program could take a big bite out of your travel plans if you fail to comply with its requirements. Simply put, ESTA requires that travelers from those 30+ countries participating in the visa waiver program obtain an electronic authorization of their right to enter the U.S. The authorization is obtained by completing an online application. If approved for travel, the authorization will be granted in a matter of seconds. Otherwise, prospective visitors may get a “pending” message, in which event the site must be re-checked for authorization within 72 hours. Those denied authorization must contact the State Department for advice on obtaining a visa. The effects of noncompliance with the program, as of 20 January this year, could include denial of boarding or denial of entry into the U.S. at point of entry. And if the Travel Promotion Act becomes law, there’s likely to be a $10 fee attached to your application. You should also note that the right of authorization is independent of any other requirements for entry, such as a valid passport and length of stay limitations. Any questions? Read the Department of Homeland Security’s FAQs.
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The author has not received any compensation for writing this content and has no material connection to the brands, topics, products and/or services that are mentioned herein.
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Something for Nothing
By Linda Tancs
Deep in the desert of Arizona expect to find the usual denizens: snakes, fire ants, birds of prey and assorted mammals like prairie dogs and porcupines. So don’t say there’s nothing–that is, “no thing.” And here’s something else to ponder: there’s no longer no thing in Nothing, for Nothing now has something (I’m beginning to feel like Dr. Seuss here). That would be a pizza parlor. That’s right, the little desert bowl of a town in the middle of nothing has a pizza joint that’s got the locals talking. Consider a visit the next time you’re on US 93 between mile markers 148 and 149, and send your reviews here.
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The author has not received any compensation for writing this content and has no material connection to the brands, topics, products and/or services that are mentioned herein.
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Canadian Rule Means Smart Packing for U.S.-Bound Travelers
By Linda Tancs
Getting ready to ski in Québec? Or perhaps a visit to Vancouver for the Winter Olympics is in your future. If you’re returning to the U.S., be advised that Transport Canada has put into place a strictly enforced rule of one carry-on bag per passenger. According to the agency’s fact sheet, this article must not exceed the dimensions of a small gym bag–measuring 9 inches, 16 inches and 22 inches. Exempt items include purses, medical equipment, camera bags, baby gear and laptops. Now don’t get tricky with those exemptions. If you pack your life into your laptop bag, then, voilà, you now have your carry-on. Also, you can have either a purse, laptop or camera bag–not all three–as an extra. Save yourself the worries and pack only what you need. Given the enhanced security requirements (to include body imaging as a result of the recent threats at Christmas), your fellow travelers will thank you.
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The author has not received any compensation for writing this content and has no material connection to the brands, topics, products and/or services that are mentioned herein.
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Magic Returns to Barcelona
By Linda Tancs
For the first time, Carnival Cruises will homeport in Barcelona with the return of the 130,000-ton vessel Magic in 2011. The ship will offer 7-, 9- and 12-day Mediterranean cruises from its adopted port, May through October. As reported in 2008 for Carnival’s Dream liner, Magic will keep the kids happy. Adults may find their inner Zulu at the Serenity spa. Today marks the last day for previous Carnival guests to cash in on pre-sale pricing as part of the line’s celebrated return to Europe. Newbies can view the full fare menu beginning on 26 January.
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The author has not received any compensation for writing this content and has no material connection to the brands, topics, products and/or services that are mentioned herein.
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The Soul of Seoul
By Linda Tancs
Seoul has been the capital of South Korea for 600 years, but this city is far from antiquated. In fact, among its many tributes to royalty and tradition lies a cultural renaissance in the making. Find out more at Travelrific® Radio.
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The author has not received any compensation for writing this content and has no material connection to the brands, topics, products and/or services related to Korean tourism.
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Sleep On It
By Linda Tancs
Longer security lines and increased check-in requirements mean headaches for early morning travelers. Worried about missing your flight? If you’re prone to misjudge the time it will take from breakfast table to tarmac, then maybe you need a sleepover. At many airports, you can get a deal on a nearby hotel–and a headstart on that check-in line. Sweet dreams.
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The author has not received any compensation for writing this content and has no material connection to the brands, topics, products and/or services that are mentioned herein.
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Imelda’s Paradise
By Linda Tancs
Last summer the famously opulent Parisian department store Galeries Lafayette opened a shoe department. Big deal, you say? Well, how many shoe departments have you seen that span almost 35,000 square feet? As you would imagine, there’s something for every budget, from flip-flops to Ferragamos. Imelda Marcos, the shoe-happy former First Lady of the Philippines, would no doubt find it heavenly.
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The author has not received any compensation for writing this content and has no material connection to the brands, topics, products and/or services that are mentioned herein.
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