Travelrific® Travel Journal
Picture postcards in prose.™ Check out the blogroll on the front page for official merchandise and other resources!World Heritage Site Gets Sacked
By Linda Tancs
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization determines the suitability of sites around the world for designation as a World Heritage Site. Their review includes, among other things, the degree to which the nominated property contributes value to humanity. Winners include the Pyramids, the Great Barrier Reef and Chili’s moai of Easter Island. But are these illustrious examples of culture and natural beauty immune from devaluation? Apparently not. At least one WHS has been delisted because of plans to drill for some black gold. That site is Oman’s Arabian Oryx Sanctuary. Of course, greed is but one cause of degradation. The tourism that results from a WHS title can wreck havoc on Nature’s bounty, bringing yet another shade of meaning to the law of unintended consequences. There is some recourse, however, short of delisting. A site could be eligible for placement on the List of World Heritage in Danger, which triggers economic assistance to endangered sites such as the Wildlife Reserve in the Congo. You needn’t be a government muckety-muck to get a site on this list. You can report your own concerns to UNESCO at wh-info@unesco.org.
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An Excursion to Japan
By Linda Tancs
In this week’s edition of Travelrific Travel Show, the topic is Japan. Its mountains, coasts and bustling cities all compete for a tourist’s attention. Listen in on the activities you can enjoy in this island nation. Visit www.travelrificradio.com.
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New Monument Unveiled at Houses of Parliament
By Linda Tancs
Outside the Houses of Parliament is a new monument, one honoring anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela. To paraphrase a quote attributed to him, Mandela once declared that when the U.K. is having elections, they don’t ask for observers from Africa. It seems only fitting then that his statue now looms opposite the electoral body.
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New Venetian Opens
By Linda Tancs
How about a little Asian fusion? No, not cuisine. Just mix a little Chinese culture with some Italian-themed entertainment and the result is: the Venetian Macao, the latest casino complex in the tiny peninsular city. Twice the size of its Las Vegas cousin, it’s billed as the largest building in Asia. And if its gaming revenues continue to outpace Vegas, it just might give Monte Carlo a run for its money.
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Women-Friendly Hotels on the Rise
By Linda Tancs
Does your room make you look fat? If the answer is ‘yes,’ then maybe your hotel isn’t trying hard enough to please female occupants. In an apparent attempt to sway the considerable population of women business travelers, some hotels have taken on the charge to make their premises more female friendly. Take the London Hilton on Park Lane, for instance. Their 22nd floor is devoted to female travelers, reputedly adapted to a woman’s special needs (skirt hangers, anyone?). Ditto the Wyndham chain, offering enhanced security and in-room amenities like ergonomic chairs and shower massagers. Now if they could only align the mirrors with the outlets, we’d all be a lot more comfortable.
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Bali, Indonesia
By Linda Tancs
In this week’s edition of Travelrific Travel Show, the topic is Bali, Indonesia. Where’s the best sunset in the world? Find out now at www.travelrificradio.com.
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Driving in Sweden
By Linda Tancs
It’s been reported that comedian Bill Murray was legally driving around Stockholm in a golf cart while illegally drunk. Golf cart? Perhaps he thought he was back in Catalina Island. So just how popular is this mode of transportation in the city centre? And was he wearing a helmet?
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The Bag Tax
By Linda Tancs
As environmental concerns drive consumers and businesses to forego the ubiquitous plastic shopping bag, international shoppers should be aware of certain disincentives–like bag surcharges–for the use of store-supplied plastic bags at the local grocery store. Ireland, for instance, charges 15 cents per bag, which apparently has folks lugging their own to the market. However, this practice is hardly new. There was a time, 20 or so years ago, when markets in the U.K. countryside routinely charged for in-house bagging and rare was the sight of a shopper without a bag or two–or even a cart–to take away their goods. Maybe it was the entrance of “express shopping” or mini-marts in the cities that caused the practice to abandon in favor of easy convenience for the time-challenged shopper. Whatever the reason, let’s cheer the return of those bygone days, even if we need a little tax to get there.
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New York State Fair to Open in Syracuse
By Linda Tancs
Beginning on August 23 and continuing until September 3, Syracuse will once again host the New York State Fair at its Expo Center. The fair’s theme this year is “Gotta Be There,” the urgency of which belies 161 years of standard fare in the way of exhibits, amusements and livestock demonstrations. Nonetheless, these sorts of things are usually well endorsed by the kids, who can travel free on Amtrak under certain conditions. Visit www.amtrak.com for details.
*Love travel? Get your travel-inspired merchandise today at www.wanderfulplacesonline.com*
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Be One of the First to Fly A380
By Linda Tancs
There’s jumbo–and then there’s superjumbo. Jets, that is. A380, the largest passenger airplane in the world, is set to make its debut courtesy of Singapore Airlines in October. Starting on August 27, however, you can participate in a charity auction on Ebay sponsored by Singapore Airlines to win a seat on the historic maiden voyage, set to depart on October 25 from Singapore to Sydney. Return seating the next day will also be up for grabs. Visit www.singaporeair.com for details.
*Love travel? Get your travel-inspired merchandise today at www.wanderfulplacesonline.com *
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