Travelrific® Travel Journal
Picture postcards in prose.™ Check out the blogroll on the front page for official merchandise and other resources!Hip New Cruise Ship Seeks Godmother
By Linda Tancs
Billing itself as the hottest ship on water, the Norwegian Gem is seeking a godmother to christen it. The christening tradition in maritime history can be traced as far back as the Vikings, when human sacrifices were made to appease the gods. Thankfully, we’ve come a long way since then. Today, the godmother’s role is to bring good luck to the ship and its occupants. Are you up to the task? Visit www.gemitgirl.com for more information.
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Holland’s Charms
By Linda Tancs
In this week’s edition of Travelrific® Travel Show, the topic is Holland. Think of Holland and you probably envision wooden shoes and tulips. But did you know that Holland has more canals than Venice and more bridges than Paris? Tune in to www.travelrificradio.com and learn more about its charms.
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Fake Pesos in Argentina
By Linda Tancs
The anemic U.S. dollar gets a second wind in South America, but only if the peso is legit. And so travelers to Argentina (Buenos Aires, in particular) should exercise caution in examining their notes at money exchanges, markets, street vending and in taxis. For instance, make sure the bills have a watermark and different serial numbers. If you’ve been duped, file a police report immediately. When shopping, use U.S. dollars if the vendor will accept them. The rate of exchange just might be more favorable than what you’ll get at the hotel or a bank. Nothing ventured, nothing gained, as they say.
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Faith-Based Tourism Is Growing
By Linda Tancs
Today is All Souls Day, and so it seems only fitting to discuss faith-based tourism. According to the World Tourism Organization, the faith-based travel industry is one of the fastest growing segments of the business, with one-third of each major demographic expressing interest in a spiritual-oriented vacation. Want to learn more? Visit the World Religious Travel Association at www.religioustravelassociation.com.
Answer to yesterday’s trivia question: Hawaii, Puerto Rico and parts of Arizona.
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Standard Time Returns on Sunday
By Linda Tancs
Spring ahead, fall back. That’s the common refrain we use to change the hour hand on clocks every 6 months, more or less. Now comes the time to fall back again on Sunday after an extra week of extra light (thanks to the Energy Policy Act of 2005) gives way to standard time. It’s been over 40 years since Congress legislated this clock-turning routine, but not everyone observes it. So today’s trivia question is this: which jurisdictions do not observe savings time? The answer will appear in a special Friday edition of Travelrific®.
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Masterpiece Fearatre
By Linda Tancs
If it takes more than “boo” to have you jumping out of your skin, then test your composure at the Las Vegas Fright Dome at Circus Circus. This year’s haunt fest sports 5 haunted houses, 20 rides and a cast of creepy characters popping out of walls and ceilings. If you can’t make it by midnight, then you’ll have to wait until next year’s act. They’re aiming to be the #1 scare attraction in the country, so stay tuned to www.frightdome.com for future frights.
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National Ballooning Company Organizes Adventure Travel
By Linda Tancs
In search of a better view of fall foliage than your auto can provide? Consider hot air ballooning. Not just for summer thrill seekers, hot air ballooning in autumn provides amazing views of nature’s panoply of color from the Green Mountains of Vermont to the East Mountains of Albuquerque. If you can’t locate a hot air balloon company near you, then try the United States Hot Air Balloon Team (www.ushotairballoon.com). They’ll organize a flight for you nationally or internationally. So up, up and away.
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History and Haunts of Gettysburg
By Linda Tancs
In this week’s edition of Travelrific® Travel Show, the topic is Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The Civil War battlefield of Gettysburg abounds wtih tales of apparitions. Listen in for some history and haunts at www.travelrificradio.com.
Buy your Pennsylvania t-shirt or sweatshirt here: http://www.cafepress.com/wanderfulplaces/2321262
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Air France Crew Strike Affects Short Haulers
By Linda Tancs
Air France reports in its most recent press release that measures are underway to mitigate delays arising from a crew strike to take effect between 25 October and 29 October. The strike will reportedly only affect about 10% of flight schedules in and between France and Europe. Remedies include a full refund of airfare for those passengers who cannot be re-routed according to their wishes, free ticketing for other flights, or postponement of travel for up to one month. Air France has set up a special 800 number for passengers in France: 0800 240 260.
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Delta Queen May Get Legislative Reprieve
By Linda Tancs
Who can imagine the Mississippi River without a genuine riverboat plying its waters? Perhaps that’s what a group of U.S. legislators were thinking as well when they decided to sponsor a bill on October 16th to continue the exemption enjoyed by the Delta Queen that allows this historic steamship with a wooden superstructure to operate despite a 1966 ban on floating hotels made of wood. The current exemption is expiring in 2008, which led to the steamboat company’s decision to cease operations after November’s sailings. If the bill becomes law, the Queen can continue to hold court over her mighty waters until 2018. Want to show your support? Check out the grassroots effort to save the historic ship at www.save-the-delta-queen.org.
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