Travelrific® Travel Journal
Picture postcards in prose.™ Check out the blogroll on the front page for official merchandise and other resources!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.
DISCLOSURE OF NO MATERIAL CONNECTION
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.
Share this:
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.
DISCLOSURE OF NO MATERIAL CONNECTION
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.
Share this:
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.
DISCLOSURE OF NO MATERIAL CONNECTION
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.
Share this:
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.
DISCLOSURE OF NO MATERIAL CONNECTION
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.
Share this:
Take the Stress Out of Travel
By Linda Tancs
Taxis, touts, ATMs, currency conversions, visa requirements….It’s enough to make you want to stay home peacefully rather than pull your hair out. Relax, there’s a way to take the stress out of travel. Although it may seem like a misnomer, IHateTaxis helps you find the right transportation (taxis included) to your hotel door worldwide and gives other helpful information to you, too, with country profiles.
DISCLOSURE OF NO MATERIAL CONNECTION
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.
Share this:
A Suite Makeover
By Linda Tancs
Haven’t you always wanted your cruise cabin to feel more like home sweet home? Crystal Cruises has updated its Symphony suites to include floor-to-ceiling windows, dining space, tech gadgets and–the pièce de résistance–an all crystal pedestal sink in the powder room. Let’s be crystal clear–this is high luxe on the high seas.
DISCLOSURE OF NO MATERIAL CONNECTION
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.
Share this:
Help for Haiti
By Linda Tancs
Thoughts and prayers are with those in Haiti and their loved ones as well as with relief workers seeking to do good works amidst such severe devastation. Godspeed to them all. Here’s a list of relief organizations to which readers may direct their thoughts or efforts, compiled by NBC.
Share this:
Old Charm in Crete
By Linda Tancs
Rethymno, one of the four provinces of Crete, is its third largest city, offering views of the White Mountains in the West and Mount Psiloritis in the East. There’s more to this metropolis than meets the eye, however. In fact, there’s plenty of retro in this metro. Consider the postcard-perfect harbor with its wooden boats. Or the cobbled streets. Or the fortress in the old town section, built by the Turks to protect against invaders. Not to mention the Venetian-style mansions. All this and great beaches, too. Festival season starts later this month, so start packing. Ferries depart daily from Athens.
DISCLOSURE OF NO MATERIAL CONNECTION
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.
Share this:
Consumer Reports for Travelers
By Linda Tancs
Anyone who has ever been stranded on an airplane for multiple hours may appreciate the new regulations to take effect requiring airlines to limit tarmac delays and provide basic necessities onboard. These regulations, however, won’t require airlines to post complaint data on their Web sites. For that you should check the monthly Air Travel Consumer Report. There you’ll find a host of information concerning flight delays, mishandled baggage, oversales, consumer complaints related to disability or discrimination, customer service reports to the Transportation Security Administration, and reports related to the loss, injury or death of animals. Check out the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, too, for more information.
DISCLOSURE OF NO MATERIAL CONNECTION
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.
Share this:
Body Scans at Airports Cause Consternation
By Linda Tancs
In light of recent terror threats against the U.S., the Government has renewed interest in the full body scanners deployed in limited release among U.S. airports as previously reported in this blog. Moreover, the Government has requested that international airports around the world adopt the devices as well. London Heathrow will reportedly begin using the machines. Reports from France indicate that the machines will also be in use in some of their airports, initially to search U.S.-bound travelers. Contrary to fears, officials report that the machines do not emit harmful radiation and are safe for pregnant women and those with cancer in their health profile. Of course, health is only one concern; the prospect of one’s contours being up for public inspection has private advocates reeling. Are you ready for your close-up? Let’s hear the views–pro and con.
DISCLOSURE OF NO MATERIAL CONNECTION
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.
Travelrific® Travel Journal 