Travelrific® Travel Journal
Picture postcards in prose.™ Check out the blogroll on the front page for official merchandise and other resources!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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Queens Visit New York City
By Linda Tancs
For one day only, there’ll be three Queens in New York–of the Cunard variety, that is. On 13 January at 6:30 p.m., QE2, QM2 and Queen Victoria will sail out of New York harbor together for the first and only time, followed by a fireworks display amidst the Statue of Liberty. This is a one-time event because QE2 will be heading for retirement in Dubai near year’s end. Interested observers should head for one of four viewing areas: Battery Park, Wagner Park, Esplanade, or Hudson River Park.
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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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Registered Travelers Sail Through Airport Security
By Linda Tancs
If you’re an airport latecomer, frequent flier or business traveler, there’s Zen-like relief from airport security lines at your disposal. In case you haven’t heard, a program called Clear allows registered travelers access to a special security lane to breeze through security. The one-year-old program works like this: you fill out an online form and then meet with a Homeland Security representative to verify your ID and select your fingerprint and iris images for your Clear card. At a participating airport (there are 14 to date), you move through a special security lane with your ID and Clear card. The program does not remove the need to pass through the metal detectors and x-rays, but the special lanes should theoretically cut down on your airport transit time. So how much is all this convenience worth to you? There’s a special first-year introductory rate of $100. If your security “status” changes (in other words, you’re not on Santa’s good list anymore), then you’ll get a refund for the unused portion of your annual fee. Clear encourages lobbying your state airport directors to make its program more widespread–and therefore more viable–across the country. Learn more at www.flyclear.com.
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Carry-On Rules Revised in U.K.
By Linda Tancs
After much consternation surrounding the U.K. Department for Transport’s one bag carry-on rule, today’s effective date for lifting of the old rule provides welcome relief for travelers. In the past, the one-bag rule meant that a purse or other hand bag, laptop, and luggage bag were not counted as one bag for carry-on purposes. The old rule required passengers to choose among these items for carry-on, creating headaches for business travelers in particular. Now, at several U.K. airports including Heathrow, London City and Stansted, each airline has the discretion to enforce the old carry-on rule. Travelers are advised to check with their respective airline for travel originating in or connecting through U.K. airports to avoid any unwelcome surprises. As for Gatwick, the old rule is still in effect for the time being while substantial construction activity that could potentially disrupt security measures continues.
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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.
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