Travelrific® Travel Journal
Picture postcards in prose.™ Check out the blogroll on the front page for official merchandise and other resources!A Million Gallons of Beer Await You in Munich
By Linda Tancs
For those who don’t mind a little invasion of their personal space, now’s the time to head to Munich for Oktoberfest, which kicked off on September 22nd and runs through October 7. Just be prepared to sing and sway shoulder to shoulder with your comrades. Prosit!
Check out Germany shirts here: http://www.cafepress.com/wanderfulplaces/2318832
Share this:
Hit the Ground Running in Omaha
By Linda Tancs
Attention all marathoners: time to test your mettle on the rugged terrain of Omaha, Nebraska on Sunday, September 23rd. But your sneakers are worn down, you say? No need to worry. Run without them in this year’s first barefoot runners category. But don’t forget your t-shirt. http://www.cafepress.com/wanderfulplaces/2321174
Share this:
Negative Air Fare is the Latest Gimmick in Fare Wars
By Linda Tancs
You may recall the words of the late Nobel economics laureate Milton Friedman, “There’s no such thing as a free lunch.” Well, sort of. In a bid to distinguish itself from the competition, Spirit Airlines is offering “negative” fares on limited routes on limited dates for a limited time. So for those with limited funds, act today or be forced to pay.
Share this:
The Districts of Hong Kong
By Linda Tancs
In this week’s edition of Travelrific Travel Show, the topic is Hong Kong. You’ll find no shortage of sartorial delights in this pearl of a city known for its sweeping high-rise views. Find out why on www.travelrificradio.com.
Share this:
New Flying Handbooks Available
By Linda Tancs
For all those parachuters and pilots desiring a rating, take note: new handbooks are available at the FAA Web site. Study hard!
Share this:
Don’t Idle in Italy
By Linda Tancs
Anyone who has ever traveled to Venice, Italy, during peak season has experienced the herding phenomenon in and around the square and across its famous bridges, not to mention the scowls and angry utterances of the locals trying to keep pace with the droppings of litterbugs and loiterers. Well, idle no more. The Venetians are reclaiming their turf with fines for those foolish enough to nosh on their panini while touring. So sit down (at a table, that is), relax, and enjoy that gelato. Grazie.
Share this:
Luggage Clearing in the UK
By Linda Tancs
As reports continue to show a distressingly high level of lost (and at times, irretrievable) baggage via Heathrow, the obvious query is what happens to all of those misguided, misplaced and mislaid parcels? Does anyone give a hoot? The answer lies in Tooting (south London), where each week an auction firm hosts happy treasure hunters sifting through your unclaimed shoes and knickers. Of course, electronics and other valuables are sold separately. Who knows, maybe you can buy back your own shirts. Catalogs and photos are available at www.greasbys.co.uk.
Share this:
French Polynesia
In this week’s edition of Travelrific Travel Show, the topic is French Polynesia. From hiking to diving to jeeping, learn why this idyllic island chain is not just for honeymooners anymore. Visit www.travelrificradio.com.
Share this:
Biloxi is Back
By Linda Tancs
Biloxi, Mississippi is home to nine casinos. “Is” is the key word. Following the ravages of Katrina, Biloxi has replaced its floating casinos with on-shore, Vegas-worthy digs at Bayview and Beach. Why not head over for the Seafood Festival at the Town Green on September 15th and 16th and give a few slot machines a spin while you’re there. Just don’t lose your shirt. http://www.cafepress.com/wanderfulplaces/2321150
Share this:
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.
