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DESTINATION -As one of the most popular city in Florida, Orlando home in one of the largest state park entertainment - Walt Disney World. Attraction is not only interesting and fun, but so is the accommodation.
Travel is not complete, convenient and comfortable place to rest. Orlando communicating from the center of town and district to make a holiday for two weeks. This city offers accommodation suitable for all types of visitors.
Universal Studios is a profusion of popular entertainment, Universal Studios Resort offers three hotels in locations including the Loews Royal Pacific Resort, the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel and Hard Rock Hotel. The most spectacular feature of the entire resort is a hot spot around the water taxi or shuttle bus.
As Wonderful World of Disney, the Walt Disney World Resort is quite magical. Disney, the resort offers more than 24 guests at the hotel site-selection. The resort offers two water parks, four gardens, golf courses, 220-Acre sports complex and Boardwalk with more than 9000 square feet of shopping, entertainment and restaurants.
International Drive (I-Drive) Resort in the area the best. The resort is located in the center of everything - The Orange County Convention Center, transport, Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. There are more than 100 hotels to choose from Orlando, and many shopping outlets, including The Adventure, Ripley's Believe It Or Not and the comedy / mystery night shows various ages. I-Drive, which is the choice for all ages and budgets, as well as tourists.
Regardless of what accommodation you choose, a captivating experience. the city is now a holiday destination.
DESTINATION - Baltimore City tourism.
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DESTINATION - Baltimore City tourism.
Change the name of the Baltimore Area Convention and Visitors Association is unveiled at the annual meeting of Thursday night.
CEO Tom Noonan will become the new name better market for tourism body.
tourism to $ 3 billion in Baltimore.
DESTINATION - Baltimore City tourism.
Change the name of the Baltimore Area Convention and Visitors Association is unveiled at the annual meeting of Thursday night.
CEO Tom Noonan will become the new name better market for tourism body.
tourism to $ 3 billion in Baltimore.
DESTINATION -An attack on the holiday island of Mallorca
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DESTINATION -An attack on the holiday island of Mallorca for Spanish tourism industry.
Tourism statistics show that the number of visitors to the country and the coastal cities fell 11% year.
Mallorca, popular tourist destination for UK and Germany, is home to many Spanish companies from the travel.
Terrorist attacks that have been designated by the Civil Guard eta, which is suspected of doing that, and want to disrupt the movement of tourists during holidays.
UK Foreign Office warns visitors, in the travel warning yesterday, a record close of the Civil Guard barracks tourists to the area.
Spanish tourism officials stressed that the latest attack was not intended for tourists and visitors.
DESTINATION -An attack on the holiday island of Mallorca for Spanish tourism industry.
Tourism statistics show that the number of visitors to the country and the coastal cities fell 11% year.
Mallorca, popular tourist destination for UK and Germany, is home to many Spanish companies from the travel.
Terrorist attacks that have been designated by the Civil Guard eta, which is suspected of doing that, and want to disrupt the movement of tourists during holidays.
UK Foreign Office warns visitors, in the travel warning yesterday, a record close of the Civil Guard barracks tourists to the area.
Spanish tourism officials stressed that the latest attack was not intended for tourists and visitors.
DESTINATION -and tourism opportunities
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DESTINATION -and tourism opportunities
Klobuchar meet early this week with the resort area that are involved in the tourism industry on the border to find out what can be done to promote tourism in the area of International Falls.
Senator Klobuchar chairman of the Senate Sub-committee
Klobuchar says tourism is the industry's fifth-largest in Minnesota, the $ 11 billion in annual sales and provides nearly 11 percent of total state employment in the private sector.
Klobuchar encourage Congress to Travel Campaign to attract visitors from abroad.
For International Falls, attract visitors from the United States north of the border is very important, he said.
Promotion Act allows the United States Travel to advertise tourism in other countries.
Travel Promotions will form a public-private partnership to promote the United States as an international tourist destination.
Legislation for a campaign tour paid by the private sector, and costs U.S. $ 10 foreign tourists at the entrance to the United States.
tourists from Canada will be exempt from fees.
DESTINATION -and tourism opportunities
Klobuchar meet early this week with the resort area that are involved in the tourism industry on the border to find out what can be done to promote tourism in the area of International Falls.
Senator Klobuchar chairman of the Senate Sub-committee
Klobuchar says tourism is the industry's fifth-largest in Minnesota, the $ 11 billion in annual sales and provides nearly 11 percent of total state employment in the private sector.
Klobuchar encourage Congress to Travel Campaign to attract visitors from abroad.
For International Falls, attract visitors from the United States north of the border is very important, he said.
Promotion Act allows the United States Travel to advertise tourism in other countries.
Travel Promotions will form a public-private partnership to promote the United States as an international tourist destination.
Legislation for a campaign tour paid by the private sector, and costs U.S. $ 10 foreign tourists at the entrance to the United States.
tourists from Canada will be exempt from fees.
India is one of the destinations
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DESTINATION - India is one of the destinations are the most important of South Asia. attract tourists from all over the world with many interesting attractions and a myriad of interesting attractions. Countries that have great tourism potential. Heritage tours, wildlife tours, nature tours, hill station tourism, wildlife tourism, beach tourism, medical tourism, monsoon tourism, etc is a key element of tourism in India wild charm that is unique. There are so many tourists to visit the palace in India. Each place has a charm and enchantment. Whatever india tourist places on their way to find new fascination in every step they. Heritage monuments, cultural excitement, wildlife safari, adventure thrills, beautiful scenery, rivers decoy, gorgeous hills, the beach hearts, etc. are all to enchant tourists visit them in India.
Agra, Delhi and Jaipur are the three major tourist attractions in northern India. Is very well advertised as gold travel circuits of India. Agra in Uttar Pradesh is famous for the world heritage monument Taj Mahal and the majestic Red Fort Agra. Agra itself refers to the majority of tourists to start the tour in Indonesia. Delhi is the capital of the country has several modern monuments and heritage attractions offer the visitor. Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Raj Ghat, Qutub Minar, India Gate, Humayun's Tomb, Lotus Temple, President House, Parliament House, Akshardham Temple, etc. should not be missed attractions of Delhi city. And Jaipur, capital of Rajasthan, famously known as the Pink City of India. Is a famous tourist destination in the world that has tourist attractions such as the City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal, Jal Mahal, Amber Fort, Albert Hall Museum and Jaigarh Fort Nahargarh Fort. A tourist can enjoy the beauty of Agra, Jaipur and Delhi along with the popular Golden Triangle tour.
Shimla, Manali, Kasauli, Ranikhet, Kashmir, Gulmarg, Srinagar, Sonmarg, Darjeeling, etc. are very popular hill town in northern India. This beautiful hill station that is known with great scenic beauty and availability of various sports activities and adventure. Winter sports on the hill of the city should enjoy. Munnar, Ponmudi, Ooty, Kodaikanal, etc. are very popular in the hills south India known as the scenic beauty of the eyes. Hill cities in India are very popular among honeymooning couples.
Wildlife are also popular tourist destinations in Indonesia. There are several national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and bird sanctuaries in India offers awesome opportunities for wildlife and adventure tourism. Ranthambhore, Sariska, Bharatpur, Kaziranga, Gir, Corbett, Bandhavgarh, Pench, Panna, Kanha, Periyar, etc. the famous wild wildlife destination of India.
Cities such as Varanasi, Pushkar, Ajmer, Jammu, Khajuraho, Konark, Puri, Tirupati, Shirdi, Amritsar, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Mathura, Bodhgaya, Rajgir, etc. the famous pilgrimage sites in India, known for wild religious and spiritual interests. Taj Mahal, Khajuraho, Ajanta, Ellora, Nalanda, Mahabaleshwar, Mahabalipuram, Konark, etc. are the sites of cultural heritage tourism in India. Heritage site has an important role of planning almost every street in the popular India tour package. Kovalam, Alleppey, Fort Kochi, Anjuna, Dona Paula, Aguada, etc. are a few places on the coast of India known as the attraction to steal hearts. Countries such as Goa and Kerala is widely acclaimed for coastal tourism and beach holidays in India. New Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Chennai, Trivandrum, Cochin, Pune, Nagpur, etc are worth visiting some of the cities in India. If you want to be interested too awesome tourist attraction in India, select the destination of your choice and wealth is to experience for a period.
DESTINATION - India is one of the destinations are the most important of South Asia. attract tourists from all over the world with many interesting attractions and a myriad of interesting attractions. Countries that have great tourism potential. Heritage tours, wildlife tours, nature tours, hill station tourism, wildlife tourism, beach tourism, medical tourism, monsoon tourism, etc is a key element of tourism in India wild charm that is unique. There are so many tourists to visit the palace in India. Each place has a charm and enchantment. Whatever india tourist places on their way to find new fascination in every step they. Heritage monuments, cultural excitement, wildlife safari, adventure thrills, beautiful scenery, rivers decoy, gorgeous hills, the beach hearts, etc. are all to enchant tourists visit them in India.
Agra, Delhi and Jaipur are the three major tourist attractions in northern India. Is very well advertised as gold travel circuits of India. Agra in Uttar Pradesh is famous for the world heritage monument Taj Mahal and the majestic Red Fort Agra. Agra itself refers to the majority of tourists to start the tour in Indonesia. Delhi is the capital of the country has several modern monuments and heritage attractions offer the visitor. Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Raj Ghat, Qutub Minar, India Gate, Humayun's Tomb, Lotus Temple, President House, Parliament House, Akshardham Temple, etc. should not be missed attractions of Delhi city. And Jaipur, capital of Rajasthan, famously known as the Pink City of India. Is a famous tourist destination in the world that has tourist attractions such as the City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal, Jal Mahal, Amber Fort, Albert Hall Museum and Jaigarh Fort Nahargarh Fort. A tourist can enjoy the beauty of Agra, Jaipur and Delhi along with the popular Golden Triangle tour.
Shimla, Manali, Kasauli, Ranikhet, Kashmir, Gulmarg, Srinagar, Sonmarg, Darjeeling, etc. are very popular hill town in northern India. This beautiful hill station that is known with great scenic beauty and availability of various sports activities and adventure. Winter sports on the hill of the city should enjoy. Munnar, Ponmudi, Ooty, Kodaikanal, etc. are very popular in the hills south India known as the scenic beauty of the eyes. Hill cities in India are very popular among honeymooning couples.
Wildlife are also popular tourist destinations in Indonesia. There are several national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and bird sanctuaries in India offers awesome opportunities for wildlife and adventure tourism. Ranthambhore, Sariska, Bharatpur, Kaziranga, Gir, Corbett, Bandhavgarh, Pench, Panna, Kanha, Periyar, etc. the famous wild wildlife destination of India.
Cities such as Varanasi, Pushkar, Ajmer, Jammu, Khajuraho, Konark, Puri, Tirupati, Shirdi, Amritsar, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Mathura, Bodhgaya, Rajgir, etc. the famous pilgrimage sites in India, known for wild religious and spiritual interests. Taj Mahal, Khajuraho, Ajanta, Ellora, Nalanda, Mahabaleshwar, Mahabalipuram, Konark, etc. are the sites of cultural heritage tourism in India. Heritage site has an important role of planning almost every street in the popular India tour package. Kovalam, Alleppey, Fort Kochi, Anjuna, Dona Paula, Aguada, etc. are a few places on the coast of India known as the attraction to steal hearts. Countries such as Goa and Kerala is widely acclaimed for coastal tourism and beach holidays in India. New Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Chennai, Trivandrum, Cochin, Pune, Nagpur, etc are worth visiting some of the cities in India. If you want to be interested too awesome tourist attraction in India, select the destination of your choice and wealth is to experience for a period.
There are many popular tourist destinations in the world
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DESTINATION - There are many popular tourist destinations in the world. If you want to enjoy a holiday in one of the popular tourist destinations, you have to find air tickets. Getting a cheap air ticket is not difficult task. There are many ways to get a flight ticket. Online is one of the many ways to book a cheap flight ticket. Internet is really making travel easier because you can check your favorite place, looking for information about the place and also book the flight with the help of a travel services company. There are many travel services company that offers cheap flights and cheap flight once. You only need to search for sites on the Internet and to type a few key words and you will get a long list of hundreds of travel sites. You must be careful to follow the site and gather information about as many places, a popular location of hotels and tourist attractions other. This will help you to plan your tour to the place where you will not find yourself as a foreigner. In addition the site offers cheap international flight. Once you succeed in booking cheap flight you will be able to save money on your trip. This will help you to use the amount of savings in other activities where you have planned to visit. After all you do not want to spend hard earned money on travel and spend your holiday for less money. Getting a cheap flight has become very easy, you must start the search on the internet. Spend a holiday in places far away will help you to relax and restore themselves. You will get a fresh energy to work after you return from vacation a wonderful trip. Once you choose a good place to visit you can hang around and find out attractions in other places near you have visited. You can book a hotel and spend the night and try some of your money to make your holiday trip a fun one. Travel sites that offer cheap air ticket deals are usually supported with advanced technology that allows you to search for all flights that go to the place you want. This site also provides information on the availability of seats airfares. You can in fact, compare prices and choose to fly in a flight that offers cheap flights once. Increased predilection to travel to the tourist attractions in the world and increased competition among airlines to have fallen dramatically in airfares. You must take advantage of situations like this and book your cheap air ticket, cheap flight to Bangkok and a popular tourist place to spend the holidays with your friends or family members.
DESTINATION - There are many popular tourist destinations in the world. If you want to enjoy a holiday in one of the popular tourist destinations, you have to find air tickets. Getting a cheap air ticket is not difficult task. There are many ways to get a flight ticket. Online is one of the many ways to book a cheap flight ticket. Internet is really making travel easier because you can check your favorite place, looking for information about the place and also book the flight with the help of a travel services company. There are many travel services company that offers cheap flights and cheap flight once. You only need to search for sites on the Internet and to type a few key words and you will get a long list of hundreds of travel sites. You must be careful to follow the site and gather information about as many places, a popular location of hotels and tourist attractions other. This will help you to plan your tour to the place where you will not find yourself as a foreigner. In addition the site offers cheap international flight. Once you succeed in booking cheap flight you will be able to save money on your trip. This will help you to use the amount of savings in other activities where you have planned to visit. After all you do not want to spend hard earned money on travel and spend your holiday for less money. Getting a cheap flight has become very easy, you must start the search on the internet. Spend a holiday in places far away will help you to relax and restore themselves. You will get a fresh energy to work after you return from vacation a wonderful trip. Once you choose a good place to visit you can hang around and find out attractions in other places near you have visited. You can book a hotel and spend the night and try some of your money to make your holiday trip a fun one. Travel sites that offer cheap air ticket deals are usually supported with advanced technology that allows you to search for all flights that go to the place you want. This site also provides information on the availability of seats airfares. You can in fact, compare prices and choose to fly in a flight that offers cheap flights once. Increased predilection to travel to the tourist attractions in the world and increased competition among airlines to have fallen dramatically in airfares. You must take advantage of situations like this and book your cheap air ticket, cheap flight to Bangkok and a popular tourist place to spend the holidays with your friends or family members.
Kenyir Lake
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DESTINATION - Kenyir Lake was built over 30 years ago, for the tourist in this area, first opened to the public. In less than a year, man-made lake in Southeast Asia will become a family tourist center that offers various activities for the whole family, July approaching, Bird Island, island of Rama-Rama and Orkid Island akan completed and opened to visitors, the cable car parks and services that are planned in the area of the lake.
It was built between 1978 and 1985. Sultan Mahmud Hydro Electric Power Plant that was built in 1985 to produce electricity, this dam approximately 23.6 million cubic meters of water and occupies 38000 Lake hectares.Kenyir only 65km from Kuala Terengganu's Sultan Mahmud Airport, served by daily flights from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. cruise on the 500km drive from Kuala Lumpur or 900km from Singapore through the North-South road and walk through the Malaysian jungles and tropical rainforests to the resort.
With about 340 islands and hilltops high, more than 14 waterfalls, rivers and a variety Rapids, Kenyir Lake is also home to various types of freshwater fish and exotic wildlife. Is rich with various species of flora and fauna. beautiful and quiet natural serenity Kenyir Lake became perfect for the city dwellers. Kenyir Lake is the perfect place for a holiday adventure.
DESTINATION - Kenyir Lake was built over 30 years ago, for the tourist in this area, first opened to the public. In less than a year, man-made lake in Southeast Asia will become a family tourist center that offers various activities for the whole family, July approaching, Bird Island, island of Rama-Rama and Orkid Island akan completed and opened to visitors, the cable car parks and services that are planned in the area of the lake.
It was built between 1978 and 1985. Sultan Mahmud Hydro Electric Power Plant that was built in 1985 to produce electricity, this dam approximately 23.6 million cubic meters of water and occupies 38000 Lake hectares.Kenyir only 65km from Kuala Terengganu's Sultan Mahmud Airport, served by daily flights from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. cruise on the 500km drive from Kuala Lumpur or 900km from Singapore through the North-South road and walk through the Malaysian jungles and tropical rainforests to the resort.
With about 340 islands and hilltops high, more than 14 waterfalls, rivers and a variety Rapids, Kenyir Lake is also home to various types of freshwater fish and exotic wildlife. Is rich with various species of flora and fauna. beautiful and quiet natural serenity Kenyir Lake became perfect for the city dwellers. Kenyir Lake is the perfect place for a holiday adventure.
Bulgaria
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DESTINATION - Bulgaria has around 150 hours of annual sunshine and temperatures of summer are usually less than 26 Celsius. Bulgaria is a great place to live year-round.
Bulgaria is a beautiful country. Bulgaria is also in the clean, pure air, amazing beaches in the Black Sea, and the relatively small number of industrial areas, rich forests, amazing mountains, green valleys and, more pure water.
Bulgaria only a few hours flight to all major countries Europe.
Bulgaria filled with various types of resort-bulgaria has many ski resorts.
As a result of Bulgaria is a tourist destination and many tourists find accommodation.
cost of living is very low compared to all European countries.
Bulgaria is a member of the EEU and in the past year. politically stable and has a low crime rate.
DESTINATION - Bulgaria has around 150 hours of annual sunshine and temperatures of summer are usually less than 26 Celsius. Bulgaria is a great place to live year-round.
Bulgaria is a beautiful country. Bulgaria is also in the clean, pure air, amazing beaches in the Black Sea, and the relatively small number of industrial areas, rich forests, amazing mountains, green valleys and, more pure water.
Bulgaria only a few hours flight to all major countries Europe.
Bulgaria filled with various types of resort-bulgaria has many ski resorts.
As a result of Bulgaria is a tourist destination and many tourists find accommodation.
cost of living is very low compared to all European countries.
Bulgaria is a member of the EEU and in the past year. politically stable and has a low crime rate.
India is a reflection of the village's rich culture and traditions
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DESTINATION - India is a reflection of the village's rich culture and traditions of the nation. And the best way to become a village of India by indulging yourself in a village tour. , Rural tourism is tourism related trips to rustic village. Similar to other forms of tourism, village tourism is also a part and parcel of India.
Village tourism is a special field of tourism is the main goal is to popularize the village as a place of tourist destination.
Village tour will help you to have a different view into the world of peace and quiet. birds, mud and the roof of the village, large trees, green land and the zig-zag path is a key aspect of India.
Along with other forms of tourism, tourism industry at this time also gave a special emphasis on rural tourism. To serve this purpose, the government of India is developing several sites for Tourism Village.
Mandwa village in Rajasthan: Rajasthan Mandwa village is referred to as "open air gallery of Rajasthan. This village is one of the pioneer village destination in India. Mandwa desert village is beautifully designed and dotted with several havellis building or apartment. If you plan to tour You must bring Mandwa woolen and cotton, the temperature varies drastically between day and night. The best time to visit Mandwa from September to February. While your trip to Mandwa, drink lots of liquids to the hot rays Sunday.
Kinnaur in Himachal Pradesh village: as a popular site for tourism in rural India is the village of Kinnaur in Himachal Pradesh. hilly Himachal Pradesh village is nestled between the height of the great Himalayas. This is a good place for adventure and nature lovers. Kinnaur has been quite soft and trekking route from the fruits of apples, peaches and apricots that will fulfill the desire of both Trekkers and lovers of nature. routes remain near this village. best time to visit Kinnaur is from May to October. It is advisable to bring woolen clothing for your trip to the village of Kinnaur.
Durgapur village in Assam: This is one of the new site is developed and a lot of hyped tourist village in India. Durgapur village, located in the north-eastern state of Assam and is very close to the Kaziranga National Park. This is a unique village. In this village, nearly 70 families who have been trained by the State Tourism Board to keep the needs of tourists who come here to enjoy a fun holiday village in India. Durgapur village is also famous for reflecting the local culture Assam.
DESTINATION - India is a reflection of the village's rich culture and traditions of the nation. And the best way to become a village of India by indulging yourself in a village tour. , Rural tourism is tourism related trips to rustic village. Similar to other forms of tourism, village tourism is also a part and parcel of India.
Village tourism is a special field of tourism is the main goal is to popularize the village as a place of tourist destination.
Village tour will help you to have a different view into the world of peace and quiet. birds, mud and the roof of the village, large trees, green land and the zig-zag path is a key aspect of India.
Along with other forms of tourism, tourism industry at this time also gave a special emphasis on rural tourism. To serve this purpose, the government of India is developing several sites for Tourism Village.
Mandwa village in Rajasthan: Rajasthan Mandwa village is referred to as "open air gallery of Rajasthan. This village is one of the pioneer village destination in India. Mandwa desert village is beautifully designed and dotted with several havellis building or apartment. If you plan to tour You must bring Mandwa woolen and cotton, the temperature varies drastically between day and night. The best time to visit Mandwa from September to February. While your trip to Mandwa, drink lots of liquids to the hot rays Sunday.
Kinnaur in Himachal Pradesh village: as a popular site for tourism in rural India is the village of Kinnaur in Himachal Pradesh. hilly Himachal Pradesh village is nestled between the height of the great Himalayas. This is a good place for adventure and nature lovers. Kinnaur has been quite soft and trekking route from the fruits of apples, peaches and apricots that will fulfill the desire of both Trekkers and lovers of nature. routes remain near this village. best time to visit Kinnaur is from May to October. It is advisable to bring woolen clothing for your trip to the village of Kinnaur.
Durgapur village in Assam: This is one of the new site is developed and a lot of hyped tourist village in India. Durgapur village, located in the north-eastern state of Assam and is very close to the Kaziranga National Park. This is a unique village. In this village, nearly 70 families who have been trained by the State Tourism Board to keep the needs of tourists who come here to enjoy a fun holiday village in India. Durgapur village is also famous for reflecting the local culture Assam.
the Manali
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DESTINATION -
Tourists from all countries in the Manali hill resort in Himachal Pradesh.
Located at an altitude of 2050 meters, Manali offers a beautiful village with fruits, snow-covered mountains, lush valleys and thick forest.
A hot air balloon operator cost 10.37 dollars and 5.18 for adults and children believe that the exotic beauty of this place combined adventure sports such as ballooning is to give the mixture a good prospect.
Tourists say that above a fertile green valley giving them a decoy.
hill resort is also popular for river rafting water white, paragliding, mountain, rock climbing, rappelling, tracking, snow sports such as skiing, snow biking and horseback riding.
With panoramic temples, rivers and mountain peak, Himachal Pradesh, the tourism economy.
DESTINATION -
Tourists from all countries in the Manali hill resort in Himachal Pradesh.
Located at an altitude of 2050 meters, Manali offers a beautiful village with fruits, snow-covered mountains, lush valleys and thick forest.
A hot air balloon operator cost 10.37 dollars and 5.18 for adults and children believe that the exotic beauty of this place combined adventure sports such as ballooning is to give the mixture a good prospect.
Tourists say that above a fertile green valley giving them a decoy.
hill resort is also popular for river rafting water white, paragliding, mountain, rock climbing, rappelling, tracking, snow sports such as skiing, snow biking and horseback riding.
With panoramic temples, rivers and mountain peak, Himachal Pradesh, the tourism economy.
Phuket
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DESTINATION - The island has a mountain of mountains in the western part of the island. Phuket is bounded, and many beautiful sites to attract thousands of tourists from all over the world to visit. Phuket, previously known as "Tha-laang" is one of the province, located in the area south of Thailand. Phuket is the largest in Thailand, Singapore is almost the size of the area around 570 square kilometers. Phuket consists of one large island, and 39 other tiny islands.
Here are a few destinations in Phuket Thailand:
• Nai Yang National Park - located just 20 minutes from the airport on the island of the north-west. That consists of two beaches is the beach Nai Yang and Mai Kao beach. Park that includes more than ten miles of beautiful and interesting, white sand beaches adored by many people. Nai Park is famous for amazing casaurina. A perfect place for picnics.
• Patong beach - Patong Beach is the most awarded and well developed beach in Phuket Thailand, located on the west coast of Phuket. This is regarded as one of the world where diving. Phuket is Thailand's most visited tourist, presents a variety of beaches, interesting and stimulating nature of life at night.
• Cape Phrompthep - located in the southern part of Phuket. This place is the best place to see the sunset in Phuket. This place is most busy at night with people witnessed the beauty of sunset panorama. search this place for atmosphere favors Phuket. Visitors who come to Phuket is always advisable to come to Phrompthep; akan finish the trip to Thailand.
Ton Sai • Forest Park - is located in the Bang Pang Kleua, Ultradit in the province, Phuket. Parks is one of the jungles of Phuket, with many kinds of mammals, including reptiles, bears, porcupines, Gibbons, macaques, lizards and more than one hundred types of birds. Forest tourism is popular in this city.
• rawai beach - rawai tourism is the beach in Phuket. people often drive to rawai on weekends to visit the beach. He has also attracts many tourists who come from other countries. one of the best in Phuket.
five of the best places to visit in Phuket. There are many interesting places to see in Phuket, Thailand.
DESTINATION - The island has a mountain of mountains in the western part of the island. Phuket is bounded, and many beautiful sites to attract thousands of tourists from all over the world to visit. Phuket, previously known as "Tha-laang" is one of the province, located in the area south of Thailand. Phuket is the largest in Thailand, Singapore is almost the size of the area around 570 square kilometers. Phuket consists of one large island, and 39 other tiny islands.
Here are a few destinations in Phuket Thailand:
• Nai Yang National Park - located just 20 minutes from the airport on the island of the north-west. That consists of two beaches is the beach Nai Yang and Mai Kao beach. Park that includes more than ten miles of beautiful and interesting, white sand beaches adored by many people. Nai Park is famous for amazing casaurina. A perfect place for picnics.
• Patong beach - Patong Beach is the most awarded and well developed beach in Phuket Thailand, located on the west coast of Phuket. This is regarded as one of the world where diving. Phuket is Thailand's most visited tourist, presents a variety of beaches, interesting and stimulating nature of life at night.
• Cape Phrompthep - located in the southern part of Phuket. This place is the best place to see the sunset in Phuket. This place is most busy at night with people witnessed the beauty of sunset panorama. search this place for atmosphere favors Phuket. Visitors who come to Phuket is always advisable to come to Phrompthep; akan finish the trip to Thailand.
Ton Sai • Forest Park - is located in the Bang Pang Kleua, Ultradit in the province, Phuket. Parks is one of the jungles of Phuket, with many kinds of mammals, including reptiles, bears, porcupines, Gibbons, macaques, lizards and more than one hundred types of birds. Forest tourism is popular in this city.
• rawai beach - rawai tourism is the beach in Phuket. people often drive to rawai on weekends to visit the beach. He has also attracts many tourists who come from other countries. one of the best in Phuket.
five of the best places to visit in Phuket. There are many interesting places to see in Phuket, Thailand.
Tourism objects Penelokan
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Penelokan located in the South Central Batur Village, Kintamani District approximately 23 km from Bangli city or 63 kilometers from Denpasar, the capital of Bali Province.
Throughout the area of the Batur has a very interesting area is the Kintamani District located on the north Bangli. Penelokan is the best place to view the scenery of Mount Batur and Lake Batur. Located approximately 1500 meters above sea level yangdari year have temperatures ± 22o C during the day and 16oC at night.
Many visitors both domestic and international, choose this place to be able to enjoy the mountain air is cool and fresh. Of course this is very fun while enjoying the beautiful scenery with the black lava that comes from the dense eruption of Mount Batur in the year 1917 which destroyed all the surrounding villages.
For that we intend to invite who is a pleasure for up to the peak. Kepundannya sunggu beauty is a beautiful painting.
In addition to the beauty panoramanya, we can also see the beautiful Lake Batur with water that is crystal clear and the mountain slopes you can see the tomb that is unique, and Barong Brutuk's Village Trunyan, which can not be found in other right in Bali.
Penelokan located in the South Central Batur Village, Kintamani District approximately 23 km from Bangli city or 63 kilometers from Denpasar, the capital of Bali Province.
Throughout the area of the Batur has a very interesting area is the Kintamani District located on the north Bangli. Penelokan is the best place to view the scenery of Mount Batur and Lake Batur. Located approximately 1500 meters above sea level yangdari year have temperatures ± 22o C during the day and 16oC at night.
Many visitors both domestic and international, choose this place to be able to enjoy the mountain air is cool and fresh. Of course this is very fun while enjoying the beautiful scenery with the black lava that comes from the dense eruption of Mount Batur in the year 1917 which destroyed all the surrounding villages.
For that we intend to invite who is a pleasure for up to the peak. Kepundannya sunggu beauty is a beautiful painting.
In addition to the beauty panoramanya, we can also see the beautiful Lake Batur with water that is crystal clear and the mountain slopes you can see the tomb that is unique, and Barong Brutuk's Village Trunyan, which can not be found in other right in Bali.
Director General of Forest
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Director General of Forest Protection and Nature Conservation (PHKA) MoF, Darori, the plan emphasizes the transfer of 10 chickens from Komodo Island Flores to Bali purely to protect the rare animals from extinction.
He said that this plan is also a demand for International Union Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) an international organization for the conservation of natural resources that the system condition "studbook" (genetic genealogy) for each type of animal that is endangered.
"IUCN is` condition `studbook in Komodo, I selected that is in the Flores Komodo native habitat because it is not except in the Flores and Rinca Island in Komodo Island itself is an area of Komodo National Park (TNK), Flores did not enter the area TNK," he said .
According Darori, 17 tails in Komodo Flores has begun to enter the settlement of which will also threaten the people and their habitat.
Komodo is the type of cannibal eat the chain is lost if they will eat each other, is concerned at the Komodo Flores akan extinct naturally, for it will also do the ex situ conservation through the breeding program (pengembangbiakan) at Taman Safari Indonesia in Gianjar, Bali.
He expects the full participation TSI will be able to increase the amount of Komodo with genealogy (studbook) is clearly within five years.
Director General of Forest Protection and Nature Conservation (PHKA) MoF, Darori, the plan emphasizes the transfer of 10 chickens from Komodo Island Flores to Bali purely to protect the rare animals from extinction.
He said that this plan is also a demand for International Union Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) an international organization for the conservation of natural resources that the system condition "studbook" (genetic genealogy) for each type of animal that is endangered.
"IUCN is` condition `studbook in Komodo, I selected that is in the Flores Komodo native habitat because it is not except in the Flores and Rinca Island in Komodo Island itself is an area of Komodo National Park (TNK), Flores did not enter the area TNK," he said .
According Darori, 17 tails in Komodo Flores has begun to enter the settlement of which will also threaten the people and their habitat.
Komodo is the type of cannibal eat the chain is lost if they will eat each other, is concerned at the Komodo Flores akan extinct naturally, for it will also do the ex situ conservation through the breeding program (pengembangbiakan) at Taman Safari Indonesia in Gianjar, Bali.
He expects the full participation TSI will be able to increase the amount of Komodo with genealogy (studbook) is clearly within five years.
Tradition Ngejot cadet - daa Tenganan Dauh Tukad
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Tradition Ngejot cadet - daa Tenganan Dauh Tukad
Ngejot tradition among youth in the Village-daa Pakraman Tenganan Dauh Tukad, Manggis Karangasem until now still lestasi ritual procession carried out in religious ceremonies associated Paci Usaba Sambah in local villages. As part of the ritual procession Usabe Sambah youthful-daa Ngejot concentrated in the Pura Bale Agung, a procession with the previously conducted in the respective subak or youth center activities, ceremonies and daa.
This year's ceremony in the Village Usaba Sambah Tenganan Dauh Tukad fell on Fifth sasih conducted as in previous years concentrated in the Pura Bale Agung menstanakan pemujan of Dewa Brahma, as the symbol of the god creator of the universe. Ceremony held for 15 days beginning Nedunang Ida Betara, Nulak Damar, Penampahan, Metekrok, daa Nyambah, Mekare-curry (War Pandan), Ngepik, Perejangan and Nyineb. In a series of ceremonies held Ngepik customary ritual procession called Sekaa youthful youthful-daa Ngejot embed value as a symbol of education, cooperativeness and manyama braya that can live side by side in harmony between the neighbors helped each other in daily life. Ngejot tradition also exists to share the fortune to be perceived together. By using the typical dress custom Tenganan Dauh Tukad, youthful-daa procession following the ceremony in khusuk diselingi joyous atmosphere cheer each other when the cadet - Ngejot daa melakoni procession, while the messages of representatives from each. According to the explanation Kelian youthful-daa I Nengah Budi (19-7-09), a procession ngejot between youth and daa Sekaa preceded by a set of youthful ngejot carries jotan contain fragrant flowers, fragrant oil that contains the meaning of respect and esteem of women with bungan and wewangian which is the enjoyment of women. Instead of giving daa jotan form various jajan Balinese who Bale Agung at the back and dibalas by Sekaa youthful form with jotan rice, sate and various processed Bali cuisine. As a symbol uacara togetherness youth-daa Ngejot meal ended with a joint (Magibung) in the Pura Bale Agung, where social interactions occur between the youthful crowd-daa strengthen the unity and kinship.
Desa Adat Pakraman Tenganan Dauh Tukad as part of the Countryside Agency Pagringsingan Tenganan following two streams that flow kepercayan Indra like a ritual procession in the village Baliage Tenganan Pageringsingan, and the flow Ciwa, religious ceremonial procession to the withdrawal as the Village People in the Bali. Indra and the flow of the meeting in Ciwa Tenganan Dauh Tukad rise to the uniqueness of the ritual procession keagamannya, among others, the attraction rituals mekare-curry (pandanus war) as they have in the Village People Tenganan Pagringsingan and 15 days for standard-Tilem Purnama.
Tradition Ngejot cadet - daa Tenganan Dauh Tukad
Ngejot tradition among youth in the Village-daa Pakraman Tenganan Dauh Tukad, Manggis Karangasem until now still lestasi ritual procession carried out in religious ceremonies associated Paci Usaba Sambah in local villages. As part of the ritual procession Usabe Sambah youthful-daa Ngejot concentrated in the Pura Bale Agung, a procession with the previously conducted in the respective subak or youth center activities, ceremonies and daa.
This year's ceremony in the Village Usaba Sambah Tenganan Dauh Tukad fell on Fifth sasih conducted as in previous years concentrated in the Pura Bale Agung menstanakan pemujan of Dewa Brahma, as the symbol of the god creator of the universe. Ceremony held for 15 days beginning Nedunang Ida Betara, Nulak Damar, Penampahan, Metekrok, daa Nyambah, Mekare-curry (War Pandan), Ngepik, Perejangan and Nyineb. In a series of ceremonies held Ngepik customary ritual procession called Sekaa youthful youthful-daa Ngejot embed value as a symbol of education, cooperativeness and manyama braya that can live side by side in harmony between the neighbors helped each other in daily life. Ngejot tradition also exists to share the fortune to be perceived together. By using the typical dress custom Tenganan Dauh Tukad, youthful-daa procession following the ceremony in khusuk diselingi joyous atmosphere cheer each other when the cadet - Ngejot daa melakoni procession, while the messages of representatives from each. According to the explanation Kelian youthful-daa I Nengah Budi (19-7-09), a procession ngejot between youth and daa Sekaa preceded by a set of youthful ngejot carries jotan contain fragrant flowers, fragrant oil that contains the meaning of respect and esteem of women with bungan and wewangian which is the enjoyment of women. Instead of giving daa jotan form various jajan Balinese who Bale Agung at the back and dibalas by Sekaa youthful form with jotan rice, sate and various processed Bali cuisine. As a symbol uacara togetherness youth-daa Ngejot meal ended with a joint (Magibung) in the Pura Bale Agung, where social interactions occur between the youthful crowd-daa strengthen the unity and kinship.
Desa Adat Pakraman Tenganan Dauh Tukad as part of the Countryside Agency Pagringsingan Tenganan following two streams that flow kepercayan Indra like a ritual procession in the village Baliage Tenganan Pageringsingan, and the flow Ciwa, religious ceremonial procession to the withdrawal as the Village People in the Bali. Indra and the flow of the meeting in Ciwa Tenganan Dauh Tukad rise to the uniqueness of the ritual procession keagamannya, among others, the attraction rituals mekare-curry (pandanus war) as they have in the Village People Tenganan Pagringsingan and 15 days for standard-Tilem Purnama.
India to compete for business tourism
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India to compete for business tourism. Government offers grants to states to set up a convention center to promote a so-called Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism.
Tourism Minister Kumari Selja is focussing on the promotion of tourism products, has announced that the central financial department will provide assistance for the development of one of the centers in each state and union territory.
Grants will be given on the product or the purpose of infrastructure development and the promotion circuit for MICE, according to a tourism official.
"Help will be given up to Rs.50 million (Rs.5 crore) for each project based on proposals received from the state," the official added.
MICE tourism as a concept has been getting popularity for several years with the company as the company's use of the site outside the workplace to motivate their staff to conferences, travel incentives and focus on business meetings, usually arranged in a location. This trip includes sightseeing, shopping and recreation.
The ministry said officials also focussing on creating infrastructure that will add to the experience of adventure tourism such as sports.
Proposal to set up heliports that will be part of the purpose of development projects.
The goal behind this move is that they will be "open to some new destinations and also provides a unique experience" for both foreign and domestic tourists.
Around 5.36 million foreign tourists visited in 2008. The first five years from 2009 shows a sharp decrease in the number of foreign tourist arrivals in this country compared with the same period in 2008. But from June onwards, witnessed increased slightly, officials said.
In June this year, about 341,000 foreign tourists visited the country compared with 340,000 in June 2008 and 310,000 in June 2007.
India to compete for business tourism. Government offers grants to states to set up a convention center to promote a so-called Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism.
Tourism Minister Kumari Selja is focussing on the promotion of tourism products, has announced that the central financial department will provide assistance for the development of one of the centers in each state and union territory.
Grants will be given on the product or the purpose of infrastructure development and the promotion circuit for MICE, according to a tourism official.
"Help will be given up to Rs.50 million (Rs.5 crore) for each project based on proposals received from the state," the official added.
MICE tourism as a concept has been getting popularity for several years with the company as the company's use of the site outside the workplace to motivate their staff to conferences, travel incentives and focus on business meetings, usually arranged in a location. This trip includes sightseeing, shopping and recreation.
The ministry said officials also focussing on creating infrastructure that will add to the experience of adventure tourism such as sports.
Proposal to set up heliports that will be part of the purpose of development projects.
The goal behind this move is that they will be "open to some new destinations and also provides a unique experience" for both foreign and domestic tourists.
Around 5.36 million foreign tourists visited in 2008. The first five years from 2009 shows a sharp decrease in the number of foreign tourist arrivals in this country compared with the same period in 2008. But from June onwards, witnessed increased slightly, officials said.
In June this year, about 341,000 foreign tourists visited the country compared with 340,000 in June 2008 and 310,000 in June 2007.
Melia Bali Resort Nusa Dua
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DESTINATION - Melia Bali Resort and Villa is a five-star hotel located in the elite area in Nusa Dua, around 20 minutes from Ngurah Rai Airport. Luxury building and is surrounded by beautiful tropical gardens give the impression of nature and the quiet atmosphere for every tourist vacationing. Landscape blue waves that surge can create rileks the tourists who relax on the golden sand beach in Nusa Dua, Bali, are only just a few steps from the hotel and villa rooms. The hotel staff will be more and spoil the tourists with a maximum service.
Melia Bali which is a hotel with a harmonious combination between Balinese architecture with modern art plus the five-star hotel facilities create your holiday fun and very impressive. Location of the hotel is strategically easier to fill in every tourist holiday shopping to shopping in Bali Galeria, enjoy the meal and treat a variety of shopping goods as cendramata.
Melia Bali Resort has 364 Superior Room, 50 duplex suites, 60 duplex Royal Service Suites, 9 Deluxe and Family Suite, 1 Executive Suite and 10 private garden villas are all designed with a beautiful design combines traditional Balinese touch with modern decoration. All of the dwelling has a beautiful flower garden and some have spectacular views to the beach. Each room is equipped with various modern equipment such as air, mini bar, safe deposit box, TV with international channels, IDD phone, bathroom, hair dryer, a coffee and tea, clothes and bathing also private balcony.
Hotel Facilities and Services:
• Meeting Room
• 24 hour room service
• Store cendramata
• business room
• Cocktail Lounge
• conference room
• Swimming pool
• foreign currency exchange
• Service call doctor
Service • Dry cleaning and laundry
• Postal Service
• Restaurants and bars
• Beauty Salons
• Internet Access
• Parking of vehicles
• security checks
Restaurants and Bars:
• Lotus Asian Garden
• Sorento Mediteranian Restaurant
• Saterra Pizzeria
• El Patio Coffee Shop
• Sakura Sushi Bar and Tepanyaki
• Lobby Lounge
• Island Bar
• Bali Boulevard
• Palm Bar
DESTINATION - Melia Bali Resort and Villa is a five-star hotel located in the elite area in Nusa Dua, around 20 minutes from Ngurah Rai Airport. Luxury building and is surrounded by beautiful tropical gardens give the impression of nature and the quiet atmosphere for every tourist vacationing. Landscape blue waves that surge can create rileks the tourists who relax on the golden sand beach in Nusa Dua, Bali, are only just a few steps from the hotel and villa rooms. The hotel staff will be more and spoil the tourists with a maximum service.
Melia Bali which is a hotel with a harmonious combination between Balinese architecture with modern art plus the five-star hotel facilities create your holiday fun and very impressive. Location of the hotel is strategically easier to fill in every tourist holiday shopping to shopping in Bali Galeria, enjoy the meal and treat a variety of shopping goods as cendramata.
Melia Bali Resort has 364 Superior Room, 50 duplex suites, 60 duplex Royal Service Suites, 9 Deluxe and Family Suite, 1 Executive Suite and 10 private garden villas are all designed with a beautiful design combines traditional Balinese touch with modern decoration. All of the dwelling has a beautiful flower garden and some have spectacular views to the beach. Each room is equipped with various modern equipment such as air, mini bar, safe deposit box, TV with international channels, IDD phone, bathroom, hair dryer, a coffee and tea, clothes and bathing also private balcony.
Hotel Facilities and Services:
• Meeting Room
• 24 hour room service
• Store cendramata
• business room
• Cocktail Lounge
• conference room
• Swimming pool
• foreign currency exchange
• Service call doctor
Service • Dry cleaning and laundry
• Postal Service
• Restaurants and bars
• Beauty Salons
• Internet Access
• Parking of vehicles
• security checks
Restaurants and Bars:
• Lotus Asian Garden
• Sorento Mediteranian Restaurant
• Saterra Pizzeria
• El Patio Coffee Shop
• Sakura Sushi Bar and Tepanyaki
• Lobby Lounge
• Island Bar
• Bali Boulevard
• Palm Bar
All Seasons Hotel Legian Bali
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DESTINATION - All Seasons Legian Bali is a 3 star hotel built with the concept of contemporary, bebrapa only minutes walk to Legian beach, restaurants and shops cendramata.
The hotel is about 15 minutes drive from Ngurah Rai Bali. Convenient location the hotel rooms are equipped with modern facilities in accordance with the expected. Swimming pool located in the middle of the hotel offers a relaxing effect can enjoy swimming and different kinds of cold drinks are available at the bar. Friendliness of staff All Seasons Legian Bali holiday make you and your family will be warm and comfortable.
If you want to shop or simply enjoy the scenery along Jalan Legian, only needed a few minutes walk. A wide range of handicraft goods, cendramata shops, restaurants and nightlife along the rows in Legian. Kuta Beach is only about 5 kilometers from the All Seasons Bali
and of the relaxed walk through the Legian Beach.
All Seasons Legian Hotel is located in a strategic place and has 113 rooms in multistory buildings and offers a choice that is suitable for tourists who want to vacation or do business. Each - each room is equipped with AC, telephone, small refrigerator, television with broadcasts in and outside the country, a tool of coffee or tea, bathrooms, hot and cold water, bath equipment, where penimpanan goods, hair dryer, balcony, and smoke pendeteksi .
Hotel Facilities and Services:
Restaurants and bars
Swimming pool
Dark pool of children
Rung meeting
Internet connection
24-hour service between the food and drink to the room
Coach Services
Spa and massage
Exchange
Parking
Storage of goods
Doctors at the time required
Security services
DESTINATION - All Seasons Legian Bali is a 3 star hotel built with the concept of contemporary, bebrapa only minutes walk to Legian beach, restaurants and shops cendramata.
The hotel is about 15 minutes drive from Ngurah Rai Bali. Convenient location the hotel rooms are equipped with modern facilities in accordance with the expected. Swimming pool located in the middle of the hotel offers a relaxing effect can enjoy swimming and different kinds of cold drinks are available at the bar. Friendliness of staff All Seasons Legian Bali holiday make you and your family will be warm and comfortable.
If you want to shop or simply enjoy the scenery along Jalan Legian, only needed a few minutes walk. A wide range of handicraft goods, cendramata shops, restaurants and nightlife along the rows in Legian. Kuta Beach is only about 5 kilometers from the All Seasons Bali
and of the relaxed walk through the Legian Beach.
All Seasons Legian Hotel is located in a strategic place and has 113 rooms in multistory buildings and offers a choice that is suitable for tourists who want to vacation or do business. Each - each room is equipped with AC, telephone, small refrigerator, television with broadcasts in and outside the country, a tool of coffee or tea, bathrooms, hot and cold water, bath equipment, where penimpanan goods, hair dryer, balcony, and smoke pendeteksi .
Hotel Facilities and Services:
Restaurants and bars
Swimming pool
Dark pool of children
Rung meeting
Internet connection
24-hour service between the food and drink to the room
Coach Services
Spa and massage
Exchange
Parking
Storage of goods
Doctors at the time required
Security services
The Association of British Insurers (ABI)
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The Association of British Insurers (ABI) is reassuring travellers that most travel insurance policies will "typically" cover the cost of medical treatment if they contract swine flu while on holiday.
Travel insurance providers will treat swine flu the same as they would any other illness, the ABI has stressed, covering the cost of any treatment required, in addition to the cost of rearranged flights and accommodation.
As with other illnesses, those people who are diagnosed with swine flu before they travel will be reimbursed for the cost of cancelling the holiday, as will any immediate family members who were due to travel with them.
The ABI also predicts that in the current circumstances, insurance providers will be lenient regarding the length of time it could take to acquire a doctor's certificate to confirm a claim .
This week has seen several cases of airlines disallowing passengers to board their flight because of suspected swine flu, which the ABI explains is in line with standard procedures for dealing with passengers who the airline deems unfit for travel, but this will also be covered by travel insurance.
The ABI assures customers that travel insurance companies are studying details provided by the Government about swine flu to help them asses the evidence available to support a claim made by a customer who is unfit to travel.
Commenting on the affect of swine flu on travel insurance policies, Nick Starling, ABI director of general insurance and health, said: "While the outbreak of swine flu is causing concern, people should not overreact or panic and travel insurance is there to help."
Comparison website Confused.com says that the outbreak of swine flu and its potential impact on travel arrangements emphasises the importance of having adequate travel insurance in place, but it should not take the outbreak of a pandemic to make people protect themselves, says Steve Williams, head of travel insurance at Confused.com.
"Travellers should not be prompted by major events such as the outbreak and spread of swine flu to buy cover," he said. "Every holidaymaker should ensure they are adequately covered as soon as the holiday is booked. Policies will not only cover you for unforeseen incidences such as illness or accidents, but it will also insure your holiday if you need to cancel it unexpectedly."
He added that taking the chance of not having sufficient protection, when travel insurance can be so inexpensive, "is unnecessary and foolish given the circumstances at the moment."
Confused.com recommends taking out an annual travel insurance policy while swine flu is posing a risk to the public and their holiday plans, because it provides cover for 12 months, offering cancellation, curtailment and repatriation costs.
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The Association of British Insurers (ABI) is reassuring travellers that most travel insurance policies will "typically" cover the cost of medical treatment if they contract swine flu while on holiday.
Travel insurance providers will treat swine flu the same as they would any other illness, the ABI has stressed, covering the cost of any treatment required, in addition to the cost of rearranged flights and accommodation.
As with other illnesses, those people who are diagnosed with swine flu before they travel will be reimbursed for the cost of cancelling the holiday, as will any immediate family members who were due to travel with them.
The ABI also predicts that in the current circumstances, insurance providers will be lenient regarding the length of time it could take to acquire a doctor's certificate to confirm a claim .
This week has seen several cases of airlines disallowing passengers to board their flight because of suspected swine flu, which the ABI explains is in line with standard procedures for dealing with passengers who the airline deems unfit for travel, but this will also be covered by travel insurance.
The ABI assures customers that travel insurance companies are studying details provided by the Government about swine flu to help them asses the evidence available to support a claim made by a customer who is unfit to travel.
Commenting on the affect of swine flu on travel insurance policies, Nick Starling, ABI director of general insurance and health, said: "While the outbreak of swine flu is causing concern, people should not overreact or panic and travel insurance is there to help."
Comparison website Confused.com says that the outbreak of swine flu and its potential impact on travel arrangements emphasises the importance of having adequate travel insurance in place, but it should not take the outbreak of a pandemic to make people protect themselves, says Steve Williams, head of travel insurance at Confused.com.
"Travellers should not be prompted by major events such as the outbreak and spread of swine flu to buy cover," he said. "Every holidaymaker should ensure they are adequately covered as soon as the holiday is booked. Policies will not only cover you for unforeseen incidences such as illness or accidents, but it will also insure your holiday if you need to cancel it unexpectedly."
He added that taking the chance of not having sufficient protection, when travel insurance can be so inexpensive, "is unnecessary and foolish given the circumstances at the moment."
Confused.com recommends taking out an annual travel insurance policy while swine flu is posing a risk to the public and their holiday plans, because it provides cover for 12 months, offering cancellation, curtailment and repatriation costs.
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A survey commissioned by AA
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"This year, given the state of the economy, the joblessness rate and concerns over what will happen in coming months have really added to people's anxiety about spending money on travel," said Cynthia Harris, spokeswoman for AAA Northern California.
A survey commissioned by AAA found that some 4.5 million Californians are expected to travel 50 miles or more during the extended holiday period ending Monday. That's a 2.7 percent decrease from last year. And that's even with gas prices more than $1.50 a gallon cheaper than they were Independence Day 2008.
Still, about 3.7 million Californians are expected to go on a road trip as the nation marks its birth 233 years ago, the annual survey found. Among the most popular in-state driving destinations for Bay Area residents? Yosemite, Lake Tahoe, Disneyland and San Diego, Harris said. For those willing to spend a bit more time behind the wheel, Las Vegas and Salt Lake City and its nearby national parks also are favorite destinations, she said.
For Bay Area residents who stick close to home, there's plenty to do: the county fairs in Alameda and Marin counties, the Fillmore Jazz Festival in San Francisco and the more than 50 Fourth of July celebrations in the region.
The automobile association cast as the one bright spot nationally for the travel industry an anticipated increase in trips by plane. But talk to representatives of the Bay Area's three largest airports and they predict fewer travelers.
"It's going to be real busy, but still down about 2 percent from last year," said San Francisco International Airport's Michael McCarron.
Oakland International Airport expects to be off about 15 percent compared with last year, said spokeswoman Rosemary Barnes.
Summer is usually a boon time for airports, when vacationers pack their sunblock and head off for family reunions, big-city sightseeing on the East Coast or some much-needed rest and relaxation at sunny coastal spots.
"We're in the busy time of the year, in general, but unfortunately for us, it's not as busy a usual," said David Vossbrink, a spokesman for Mineta San Jose International Airport, where year-to-year travel marked in May was down about 19 percent. "My instinct tells me that Fourth of July is going to be a stay-at-home and barbecue weekend."
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"This year, given the state of the economy, the joblessness rate and concerns over what will happen in coming months have really added to people's anxiety about spending money on travel," said Cynthia Harris, spokeswoman for AAA Northern California.
A survey commissioned by AAA found that some 4.5 million Californians are expected to travel 50 miles or more during the extended holiday period ending Monday. That's a 2.7 percent decrease from last year. And that's even with gas prices more than $1.50 a gallon cheaper than they were Independence Day 2008.
Still, about 3.7 million Californians are expected to go on a road trip as the nation marks its birth 233 years ago, the annual survey found. Among the most popular in-state driving destinations for Bay Area residents? Yosemite, Lake Tahoe, Disneyland and San Diego, Harris said. For those willing to spend a bit more time behind the wheel, Las Vegas and Salt Lake City and its nearby national parks also are favorite destinations, she said.
For Bay Area residents who stick close to home, there's plenty to do: the county fairs in Alameda and Marin counties, the Fillmore Jazz Festival in San Francisco and the more than 50 Fourth of July celebrations in the region.
The automobile association cast as the one bright spot nationally for the travel industry an anticipated increase in trips by plane. But talk to representatives of the Bay Area's three largest airports and they predict fewer travelers.
"It's going to be real busy, but still down about 2 percent from last year," said San Francisco International Airport's Michael McCarron.
Oakland International Airport expects to be off about 15 percent compared with last year, said spokeswoman Rosemary Barnes.
Summer is usually a boon time for airports, when vacationers pack their sunblock and head off for family reunions, big-city sightseeing on the East Coast or some much-needed rest and relaxation at sunny coastal spots.
"We're in the busy time of the year, in general, but unfortunately for us, it's not as busy a usual," said David Vossbrink, a spokesman for Mineta San Jose International Airport, where year-to-year travel marked in May was down about 19 percent. "My instinct tells me that Fourth of July is going to be a stay-at-home and barbecue weekend."
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Michael Kalinich and his sister
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Michael Kalinich and his sister, Susan Kalinich- Fabian, will sell Sawtelle Travel Service & Cruise Desk Inc. to Mark Webster, owner of Plaza Travel, in a "commission sale" that will provide the Sawtelle owners with a percentage of the new business' revenue over the next four years, principals said.
"We stand to make quite a bit more money that way" than with a direct sale, Kalinich said.
The combined agency will be called Plaza & Sawtelle Travel and be located at the Plaza Travel site at 3036 Old Vestal Road, just east of the Matthews Kia auto dealership.
Effective Monday, Sawtelle's agents will begin working at the Old Vestal Road location. Their phone numbers and e-mail addresses will remain the same.
Kalinich said he's wanted to sell the travel business for several years as he sought a career change. He's been assistant athletic director of corporate partnerships at Binghamton University for the past 15 months. His sister will remain with the travel business, working in sales.
Webster said he was resistant to the deal at first, happy with the business he had.
The 4,500-square-foot Sawtelle building will be available for lease, Kalinich said. The palm trees out front, which sparked controversy from neighbors who wanted them taken down, will remain for now.
"Things are so volatile in the travel industry right now," Kalinich said. "Before 9/11, there were probably 25 travel agencies in Broome County. Now, there's just a small handful. It ensures we're going to be in business for the next 10, 20 years."
Sawtelle was established 63 years ago. Plaza Travel has been in business for 41 years.
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Michael Kalinich and his sister, Susan Kalinich- Fabian, will sell Sawtelle Travel Service & Cruise Desk Inc. to Mark Webster, owner of Plaza Travel, in a "commission sale" that will provide the Sawtelle owners with a percentage of the new business' revenue over the next four years, principals said.
"We stand to make quite a bit more money that way" than with a direct sale, Kalinich said.
The combined agency will be called Plaza & Sawtelle Travel and be located at the Plaza Travel site at 3036 Old Vestal Road, just east of the Matthews Kia auto dealership.
Effective Monday, Sawtelle's agents will begin working at the Old Vestal Road location. Their phone numbers and e-mail addresses will remain the same.
Kalinich said he's wanted to sell the travel business for several years as he sought a career change. He's been assistant athletic director of corporate partnerships at Binghamton University for the past 15 months. His sister will remain with the travel business, working in sales.
Webster said he was resistant to the deal at first, happy with the business he had.
The 4,500-square-foot Sawtelle building will be available for lease, Kalinich said. The palm trees out front, which sparked controversy from neighbors who wanted them taken down, will remain for now.
"Things are so volatile in the travel industry right now," Kalinich said. "Before 9/11, there were probably 25 travel agencies in Broome County. Now, there's just a small handful. It ensures we're going to be in business for the next 10, 20 years."
Sawtelle was established 63 years ago. Plaza Travel has been in business for 41 years.
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As U.S. airlines
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As U.S. airlines seek to cull every last cost from their operations, travel agents are gearing up for what one agent calls a "battle royal" over a recent decision by United Airlines (UAUA) to pass along credit-card processing fees to 28 travel agencies. Those costs, which amount to 2% to 3% of the price of an airline ticket on average, are currently paid by airlines as part of the ticketing process. Wall Street is eager to assess whether United's move will prove successful, given that shifting such costs to agents and fliers could represent billions in savings across the industry.
Agents argue that United's card-fee experiment makes no logical sense because such a small agency group will not yield much in cost savings for such a large carrier. Instead, some agents contend the airline is hoping to spark an industry-wide assault on distribution costs, with travel agents' card fees merely the first front.
In a July 17 letter responding to 13 members of the U.S. House of Representatives who expressed concern about the matter, United says its change is limited and "in no way was intended to be a broad move in the marketplace, as has been interpreted by outside organizations." The Chicago airline also agreed to offer a 60-day extension on the fees to agencies that request one. Senators Ron Wyden [D-Ore.] and Jeff Merkley [D-Ore.] also wrote to United CEO Glenn Tilton in the past week, urging him to delay the program.
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As U.S. airlines seek to cull every last cost from their operations, travel agents are gearing up for what one agent calls a "battle royal" over a recent decision by United Airlines (UAUA) to pass along credit-card processing fees to 28 travel agencies. Those costs, which amount to 2% to 3% of the price of an airline ticket on average, are currently paid by airlines as part of the ticketing process. Wall Street is eager to assess whether United's move will prove successful, given that shifting such costs to agents and fliers could represent billions in savings across the industry.
Agents argue that United's card-fee experiment makes no logical sense because such a small agency group will not yield much in cost savings for such a large carrier. Instead, some agents contend the airline is hoping to spark an industry-wide assault on distribution costs, with travel agents' card fees merely the first front.
In a July 17 letter responding to 13 members of the U.S. House of Representatives who expressed concern about the matter, United says its change is limited and "in no way was intended to be a broad move in the marketplace, as has been interpreted by outside organizations." The Chicago airline also agreed to offer a 60-day extension on the fees to agencies that request one. Senators Ron Wyden [D-Ore.] and Jeff Merkley [D-Ore.] also wrote to United CEO Glenn Tilton in the past week, urging him to delay the program.
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The U.S. government has issued another travel advisory
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The U.S. government has issued another travel advisory to Americans venturing across the El Paso border into Mexico after the latest violence in the Ciudad Juarez area claimed the lives of eight U.S. children and teens, a U.S. marshal and a Mormon dual citizen active in protesting killings and kidnappings.
About 50 Americans have been slain in Juarez since 2004. Most died in the last 18 months, according to information from the U.S. State Department and border coverage compiled by the Houston Chronicle.
‘Dramatic increase'
“There has been a dramatic increase in drug related violence ... and there is no indication that the situation will improve in the near future,” says the advisory issued by the U.S. Consulate General in Ciudad Juarez. “American citizens are not being targeted, however U.S. citizenship provides no protection from the violence. The U.S. Consulate General urges all Americans to carefully consider the risk and necessity of all travel to Ciudad Juarez and within the state of Chihuahua.”
The latest advisory came days after the killing of Benjamin “Benji” Le-Baron, 31, a lifelong resident of Colonia Le Baron, a breakaway Mormon enclave of 1,000 in Chihuahua. LeBaron had become an outspoken activist against crime after the previous abduction for ransom in May of his 16-year-old brother, who was eventually released. Killed alongside Le Baron July 7 was his brother-in-law, Luis “Wicho” Widmar, 29, a martial arts practitioner who died fighting attackers. Both victims were dual citizens of the United States and Mexico.
At least eight U.S. citizen children and teenagers also have been killed in 2009 in the violence that grips Juarez and surrounding areas.
Record epidemic
In April, 4-year-old Mary Jean Gamboa and her 12-year-old brother, Ignacio Melero, were trapped and killed when a gunfight erupted around them on a major thoroughfare. Three other youths were killed in June alone.
The slayings are part of a record-breaking epidemic that continues in Juarez despite a massive buildup in 2008 by Mexican military forces. More than 1,100 homicides have been reported so far in 2009. The military “cannot be everywhere all the time and the drug dealers eventually learn their patterns,” said Tony Payan, a professor at the University of Texas at El Paso who studies the problem.
Payan said it is a “stroke of luck” that more American citizens have not been killed.
“There are probably anywhere between 50,000 and 100,000 American citizens living in Ciudad Juarez,” he said. The growing number of casualties “should not be a surprise, although still a terrible thing.”
lise.olsen@chron.com
More info : http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/nation/6544922.html
The U.S. government has issued another travel advisory to Americans venturing across the El Paso border into Mexico after the latest violence in the Ciudad Juarez area claimed the lives of eight U.S. children and teens, a U.S. marshal and a Mormon dual citizen active in protesting killings and kidnappings.
About 50 Americans have been slain in Juarez since 2004. Most died in the last 18 months, according to information from the U.S. State Department and border coverage compiled by the Houston Chronicle.
‘Dramatic increase'
“There has been a dramatic increase in drug related violence ... and there is no indication that the situation will improve in the near future,” says the advisory issued by the U.S. Consulate General in Ciudad Juarez. “American citizens are not being targeted, however U.S. citizenship provides no protection from the violence. The U.S. Consulate General urges all Americans to carefully consider the risk and necessity of all travel to Ciudad Juarez and within the state of Chihuahua.”
The latest advisory came days after the killing of Benjamin “Benji” Le-Baron, 31, a lifelong resident of Colonia Le Baron, a breakaway Mormon enclave of 1,000 in Chihuahua. LeBaron had become an outspoken activist against crime after the previous abduction for ransom in May of his 16-year-old brother, who was eventually released. Killed alongside Le Baron July 7 was his brother-in-law, Luis “Wicho” Widmar, 29, a martial arts practitioner who died fighting attackers. Both victims were dual citizens of the United States and Mexico.
At least eight U.S. citizen children and teenagers also have been killed in 2009 in the violence that grips Juarez and surrounding areas.
Record epidemic
In April, 4-year-old Mary Jean Gamboa and her 12-year-old brother, Ignacio Melero, were trapped and killed when a gunfight erupted around them on a major thoroughfare. Three other youths were killed in June alone.
The slayings are part of a record-breaking epidemic that continues in Juarez despite a massive buildup in 2008 by Mexican military forces. More than 1,100 homicides have been reported so far in 2009. The military “cannot be everywhere all the time and the drug dealers eventually learn their patterns,” said Tony Payan, a professor at the University of Texas at El Paso who studies the problem.
Payan said it is a “stroke of luck” that more American citizens have not been killed.
“There are probably anywhere between 50,000 and 100,000 American citizens living in Ciudad Juarez,” he said. The growing number of casualties “should not be a surprise, although still a terrible thing.”
lise.olsen@chron.com
More info : http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/nation/6544922.html
SUMMER is half over and you still haven’t found that cheap airfare
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SUMMER is half over and you still haven’t found that cheap airfare to paradise that everyone seems to be talking about. Should you book now, and take advantage of a recent spate of midsummer sales from the airlines? Or hold out in the hopes of even better deals when the leaves start to fall?
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Stephen Savage
Multimedia
Falling FaresGraphic
Falling Fares
Recent history suggests that customers should procrastinate. Over the last year, savvy travelers who waited till the last moment were generally rewarded with cheaper fares, as airlines were forced to cut rates to fill empty seats — even for peak holiday travel when airfares typically soar. Plus, leisure fares usually drop after Labor Day, as children go back to school and summer vacations come to an end.
On the other hand, recent deals are almost too good to pass up. It’s rare to see sales in the middle of the summer, but right after the Fourth of July weekend, Southwest Airlines ran one of its biggest sales ever, slashing one-way fares below $100 on many shorter routes in the fall, like New York to Baltimore for $30. Other carriers quickly matched those rates.
But not all the news is promising. A severe drop in passengers is forcing airlines to make further service cuts. For example, Delta announced last month that it would reduce capacity by 10 percent instead of 8 percent, by making more international reductions.
And American will shrink capacity by 7.5 percent, instead of the 6.5 percent it had initially planned. As a result, fares could go back up again, especially if demand goes up as well.
“There’s no history for where we are now,” said Rick Seaney, chief executive of FareCompare, an online airfare shopping site that tracks prices. “As much as consumers are struck trying to figure out when to buy, airlines are struggling to price seats.”
Airfares remain relatively low — about 18 percent cheaper than last year, according to Bob Harrell of Harrell Associates, a New York-based consulting firm that also tracks airfare. So the question that post-Labor Day travelers face is, when is the best time to buy their tickets? Lock up current relatively low fares or wait to see if they go even lower?
Most airfare watchers are advising customers to wait. Deeper discounts, they say, are likely in the coming months. “Airlines typically post high fares very far out, but do not start to actively manage them until closer to departure time,” usually 60 days before, Mr. Harrell said.
Waiting is a particularly good idea for flights to Europe, where airlines are confronting “a glut in international capacity,” said Mr. Seaney of FareCompare. Though carriers are already cutting flights on international routes, the global recession will make it difficult to fill remaining seats, he added.
“I’m telling people to be patient,” he said. “If you’re planning a trip for November or December, give it another month.” But one caveat seems to be about holiday travel. Fare watchers agree that travelers who must fly on peak holiday travel dates — like the Wednesday before or Sunday after Thanksgiving — should consider pulling the trigger now if they spot a decent rate. Bing Travel, the new Microsoft search engine that uses the prediction tools of Farecast, expects that fares will rise as Thanksgiving approaches — the opposite of what happened last year.
“Last year was atypical,” said Joel Grus, Bing’s so-called fareologist. When the financial crisis started last September, travel plans came to a standstill and airlines were forced to slash fares for the busy period over Christmas and New Year’s.
This year, he expects prices to follow a more traditional pattern. “We’ll see sporadic discounts, but only for particular dates,” Mr. Grus said, like Friday departures and Monday returns.
If you decide to wait, track fares so you don’t miss those time-sensitive deals. Sign up for fare alerts, offered by practically every travel site from American Airlines to Travelzoo, to receive e-mail messages of deals on specific routes. Twitterers will be glad to know that FareCompare now tweets about deals for hometown airports you specify, while JetBlue and Southwest tweet about general promotions.
Yapta.com, another price-tracking service, alerts travelers when the price of their plane tickets drop after purchase. That way, travelers can call the airline to request a voucher for the price difference, or pay $15 to have Yapta do it.
Even so, don’t wait too long. Airfare prices today are pretty good. According to Bing Travel, in mid-July the average fare for flights from New York City this September was $264 — down 25 percent from the same period last year. For example, September flights from Kennedy Airport to Heathrow near London were available for $613; a similar flight would have cost $802 last July for September.
Base your purchase on real savings rather than waiting for your dream price. “It’s about consumer air travel psychology,” Mr. Seaney said. Some consumers, he said, have an ideal price in mind — say, $500 for a round-trip flight to Europe — and won’t buy unless they see that price, no matter how good a deal the fare really is.
But that’s how some travelers miss out on bargains. “If you see something that is historically low,” he said, “buy it!”
More info
SUMMER is half over and you still haven’t found that cheap airfare to paradise that everyone seems to be talking about. Should you book now, and take advantage of a recent spate of midsummer sales from the airlines? Or hold out in the hopes of even better deals when the leaves start to fall?
Skip to next paragraph
Enlarge This Image
Stephen Savage
Multimedia
Falling FaresGraphic
Falling Fares
Recent history suggests that customers should procrastinate. Over the last year, savvy travelers who waited till the last moment were generally rewarded with cheaper fares, as airlines were forced to cut rates to fill empty seats — even for peak holiday travel when airfares typically soar. Plus, leisure fares usually drop after Labor Day, as children go back to school and summer vacations come to an end.
On the other hand, recent deals are almost too good to pass up. It’s rare to see sales in the middle of the summer, but right after the Fourth of July weekend, Southwest Airlines ran one of its biggest sales ever, slashing one-way fares below $100 on many shorter routes in the fall, like New York to Baltimore for $30. Other carriers quickly matched those rates.
But not all the news is promising. A severe drop in passengers is forcing airlines to make further service cuts. For example, Delta announced last month that it would reduce capacity by 10 percent instead of 8 percent, by making more international reductions.
And American will shrink capacity by 7.5 percent, instead of the 6.5 percent it had initially planned. As a result, fares could go back up again, especially if demand goes up as well.
“There’s no history for where we are now,” said Rick Seaney, chief executive of FareCompare, an online airfare shopping site that tracks prices. “As much as consumers are struck trying to figure out when to buy, airlines are struggling to price seats.”
Airfares remain relatively low — about 18 percent cheaper than last year, according to Bob Harrell of Harrell Associates, a New York-based consulting firm that also tracks airfare. So the question that post-Labor Day travelers face is, when is the best time to buy their tickets? Lock up current relatively low fares or wait to see if they go even lower?
Most airfare watchers are advising customers to wait. Deeper discounts, they say, are likely in the coming months. “Airlines typically post high fares very far out, but do not start to actively manage them until closer to departure time,” usually 60 days before, Mr. Harrell said.
Waiting is a particularly good idea for flights to Europe, where airlines are confronting “a glut in international capacity,” said Mr. Seaney of FareCompare. Though carriers are already cutting flights on international routes, the global recession will make it difficult to fill remaining seats, he added.
“I’m telling people to be patient,” he said. “If you’re planning a trip for November or December, give it another month.” But one caveat seems to be about holiday travel. Fare watchers agree that travelers who must fly on peak holiday travel dates — like the Wednesday before or Sunday after Thanksgiving — should consider pulling the trigger now if they spot a decent rate. Bing Travel, the new Microsoft search engine that uses the prediction tools of Farecast, expects that fares will rise as Thanksgiving approaches — the opposite of what happened last year.
“Last year was atypical,” said Joel Grus, Bing’s so-called fareologist. When the financial crisis started last September, travel plans came to a standstill and airlines were forced to slash fares for the busy period over Christmas and New Year’s.
This year, he expects prices to follow a more traditional pattern. “We’ll see sporadic discounts, but only for particular dates,” Mr. Grus said, like Friday departures and Monday returns.
If you decide to wait, track fares so you don’t miss those time-sensitive deals. Sign up for fare alerts, offered by practically every travel site from American Airlines to Travelzoo, to receive e-mail messages of deals on specific routes. Twitterers will be glad to know that FareCompare now tweets about deals for hometown airports you specify, while JetBlue and Southwest tweet about general promotions.
Yapta.com, another price-tracking service, alerts travelers when the price of their plane tickets drop after purchase. That way, travelers can call the airline to request a voucher for the price difference, or pay $15 to have Yapta do it.
Even so, don’t wait too long. Airfare prices today are pretty good. According to Bing Travel, in mid-July the average fare for flights from New York City this September was $264 — down 25 percent from the same period last year. For example, September flights from Kennedy Airport to Heathrow near London were available for $613; a similar flight would have cost $802 last July for September.
Base your purchase on real savings rather than waiting for your dream price. “It’s about consumer air travel psychology,” Mr. Seaney said. Some consumers, he said, have an ideal price in mind — say, $500 for a round-trip flight to Europe — and won’t buy unless they see that price, no matter how good a deal the fare really is.
But that’s how some travelers miss out on bargains. “If you see something that is historically low,” he said, “buy it!”
More info
The tourism industry has suffered its deepest slump
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The tourism industry has suffered its deepest slump in many decades with the number of visitors expected to be down 22 per cent on last year, according to the Tourism Council of Thailand chairman Kongkit Hiranyakij.
It was the biggest plunge in tourism growth in 49 years, he said.
Besides the global economic crisis, the country's continuing political turmoil had contributed to the sharp decline in tourism, Mr Kongkit Hiranyakij said on Thursday.
The expected number of tourist arrivals had been reduced from the expected 14.1 million to 11 million, he said.
The A(H1N1) flu outbreak could make tourism contract by three to four per cent, causing the country to lose up to 200 billion baht of tourism revenue this year, he said.
Last year, Thailand gained 540 billion baht in tourism revenue.
"If the government can solve its political problems and is able to host the Asean meetings successfully, tourism should be revived by the end of this year or the beginning of 2010," Mr Kongkit predicted.
However, he said Thai tourists would help generate an estimated 430 billion baht in revenue this year.
Source : http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/149921/tourism-hit-49-year-low
The tourism industry has suffered its deepest slump in many decades with the number of visitors expected to be down 22 per cent on last year, according to the Tourism Council of Thailand chairman Kongkit Hiranyakij.
It was the biggest plunge in tourism growth in 49 years, he said.
Besides the global economic crisis, the country's continuing political turmoil had contributed to the sharp decline in tourism, Mr Kongkit Hiranyakij said on Thursday.
The expected number of tourist arrivals had been reduced from the expected 14.1 million to 11 million, he said.
The A(H1N1) flu outbreak could make tourism contract by three to four per cent, causing the country to lose up to 200 billion baht of tourism revenue this year, he said.
Last year, Thailand gained 540 billion baht in tourism revenue.
"If the government can solve its political problems and is able to host the Asean meetings successfully, tourism should be revived by the end of this year or the beginning of 2010," Mr Kongkit predicted.
However, he said Thai tourists would help generate an estimated 430 billion baht in revenue this year.
Source : http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/149921/tourism-hit-49-year-low
Arizona Museum
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$6.50 for ages 1 and over. Children under 1 are FREE. Members are FREE. Group Rate: $5.00/person
Source : http://www.arizonabeautiful.com/phoenix-central/arizona-museum-for-youth-mesa-arizona.html
Arizona Museum for Youth - Mesa, Arizona
Arizona Museum for Youth - Mesa, Arizona
Have you been to visit AMY with your kids yet? Amy stands for the Arizona Museum for Youth and is totally focused on teaching children the joy of art and art appreciation. Here you children can see different kinds of art that will appeal to them, learn how to create art and just have a great time with all there is to do.
Take the little ones to ArtVille which is suited for children 0 - 4 years of age. They can keep busy in a town built to cultivate awareness of color, line, shape and texture. There are larger-than-life crayons, paintbrushes and glitter glue for them to create that piece of beauty to give you as a reminder of the fun they had at 
AMY.
The Museum began as a not for profit organization in 1978. There is artwork by local, national and international professionals on display which give both young and old an exposure to some of the very best of the world of art for those under 1 to over 101 years of age. The Museum has over 20,000 feet of public exhibition space with two galleries, a Family Zone and Gallery Shop.
AMY links interactive art-making activities with each exhibitor. This enables both the caregivers and the children the opportunity to learn about the techniques, processes and materials used to create art and yet it is fun because they are playing and showing self-expression while they are learning. The exhibits are dedicated to expression through music, reading, theatre, art making, and art appreciation. What a great way to have fun while learning!
There are classes available for all ages, children, pre-school summer programs, teens and the family. It’s a fabulous way to share some time and learn about art at the same time.
There are some rules that apply to a visit to AMY. They are common sense rules that make the outing more enjoyable for everyone. Shoes must be worn, running and climbing are not allowed. You can’t bring your stroller inside nor can you eat or drink in the galleries.
If you want a break and have something to drink or a snack then you will want to visit the FamilyZone where you will be able to relax and enjoy a snack.
In ArtVille shoes or socks are required. At Tot’s Square, for toddlers 2 and under, is a socks-oly space. If you forgot to bring some there are socks available for purchase at the Visitor Service Desk.
When the kids are done doing their own art projects in the art exhibition galleries make sure they clean up their area so it is ready for other kids to use later.
Location: 35 N Robson, Mesa, Arizona 85201
Phone:
480.644.2467: Recorded Info
480.644.2468: Customer Service
HOURS OF OPERATION
Tues - Sat, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Sundays, 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Closed most government holidays.
$6.50 for ages 1 and over. Children under 1 are FREE. Members are FREE. Group Rate: $5.00/person
Source : http://www.arizonabeautiful.com/phoenix-central/arizona-museum-for-youth-mesa-arizona.html
National parks
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Heading into another summer holiday weekend, two sets of figures show how Utah has been hurt by the recession and how it has managed to weather the downturn pretty well.
On the down side, hotel occupancy percentages continue to run well below 2008 levels -- by 7 percent statewide in June and 10 percent in Salt Lake County. But at least June's figures were no worse than they were in May and match up pretty consistently with the yearlong trend.
On the plus side, higher visitation figures at Utah's five national parks confirm what travel experts had predicted for this summer -- that lower gasoline prices would prompt many people to take road trips closer to home, and that international visitors would not abandon travel plans because of global financial ills.
And that appears to be the case, with June visitation to Utah's national parks up 14 percent over the same month a year earlier, when gas prices hit record highs. In the year's first six months, the five parks attracted almost 3 million visitors, nearly 6 percent more than in the first half of 2008.
"We have been working strongly, both internationally and nationally, for our national parks so that we're better positioned to take advantage of those people who are traveling," said Leigh von der Esch, managing director of the Utah Office of Tourism.
Zach Bynum, general manager of the Best Western Canyonlands Inn in Moab, has benefited from the results.
"Occupancy since mid-March has been even higher than last year," he said, pleased that visitation last month to Arches National Park was up 12 percent over the previous June. While its numbers were smaller, Canyonlands experienced a 25 percent year-to-year increase.
"With the economy hurting as it has been, many people are taking smaller vacations," said Bynum. "Travelers from Salt Lake and the front range of Colorado seem to be coming here rather than taking trips to Mexico or Hawaii."
More foreign visitors also are starting to come in, as they typically do in late July and August, Bynum added.
The international rush already has begun at Bryce Canyon, which registered a whopping 35 percent visitation increase last month compared to June of 2008.
Garfield County Travel Council Executive Director Bruce Fullmer said that when he went to the new Ebenezer's Bar and Grill by Ruby's Inn the other night, an entertainer asked people in the packed house where they came from.
"They were all from Europe or Asia, until a guy in the corner raised his hand and said 'I'm United States.' Our international visitors are 70 to 75 percent of our business," he said.
But it's not the French, Dutch and Asians alone, Fullmer added, citing a recent half marathon that drew 1,500 runners (mostly from Utah and Las Vegas) and a motorcycle ride that directed another 1,000 Harley riders through his county on a journey that started at Brian Head Resort above Parowan.
"It takes a little bit of everything to make it all happen in areas like this," he said. "But the park [Bryce] is generally what brings people."
Tourism Office Deputy Director Dave Williams observed that lower airfares in recent months have helped, adding "you never know when they're going to go up again."
Like airfare, hotel room rates were down in June -- statewide about $5.50 a night to $98.48. The declines mean local governments get less transient room tax revenue.
But as Danny Richardson, executive director of the Utah Tourism Industry Coalition noted: "The volume of visitors is good, though, which supports the restaurants and gift shops. ... This downturn won't last forever."
Hotel occupancy in June
For the second straight month, hotel occupancy levels across the state were down 7 percent to 10 percent in June, compared to the same month a year earlier. Occupancy percentages were:
Statewide » 61.7
Salt Lake County » 63.6
Davis County » 75.8
Ogden » 66.8
Utah County » 64.7
Logan » 61.6
Cedar City » 63
St. George » 55.3
Mountain resorts » 42.5
Elsewhere in Utah » 71
Source: Rocky Mountain Lodging Report
The 32yo man, first recorded H1N1 case with heavy symptoms
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The 32yo man, first recorded H1N1 case with heavy symptoms, is being treated for pneumonia at the intensive care ward of Heraklio hospital. Speaking to NET 105.8, Panagiotis Efstathiou, head of Health Ministry Operations Center said that the young man is in stable condition which is a good sign. He also underlined that the Health Ministry'Αs plan includes mobilization of the country'Αs medical force if necessary. He, however, stressed that there is no need of hospitalization in H1N1 cases with light symptoms.
Tourist Development Minister Kostas Markopoulos called for an end to exaggerations. “The new flu has not damaged tourism yet, though continuing exaggerations would place Greece in the group of countries with high problem and this would have serious impacts on the tourist industry”, said Kostas Markopoulos
“We can not become obsessed with the new flu, we should realize that we may contract it” said Lung Specialist professor P. Behrakis. Also he underlined that we should not allow the flu to influence our lives maintaining that intensive care wards are sufficient to cover cases of heavy symptoms.
Pediatrics professor Nikos Boudouris stressed that importance should be placed on daily hygiene.
The 32yo man, first recorded H1N1 case with heavy symptoms, is being treated for pneumonia at the intensive care ward of Heraklio hospital. Speaking to NET 105.8, Panagiotis Efstathiou, head of Health Ministry Operations Center said that the young man is in stable condition which is a good sign. He also underlined that the Health Ministry'Αs plan includes mobilization of the country'Αs medical force if necessary. He, however, stressed that there is no need of hospitalization in H1N1 cases with light symptoms.
Tourist Development Minister Kostas Markopoulos called for an end to exaggerations. “The new flu has not damaged tourism yet, though continuing exaggerations would place Greece in the group of countries with high problem and this would have serious impacts on the tourist industry”, said Kostas Markopoulos
“We can not become obsessed with the new flu, we should realize that we may contract it” said Lung Specialist professor P. Behrakis. Also he underlined that we should not allow the flu to influence our lives maintaining that intensive care wards are sufficient to cover cases of heavy symptoms.
Pediatrics professor Nikos Boudouris stressed that importance should be placed on daily hygiene.
Health and Education Ministries are in continuous cooperation to coordinate measures if necessary. In response to postponement of new academic school year , Education Minister Aris Spiliotopoulos said that all possible scenarios are considered to effectively deal with the flu in the event of problems.
Source : http://www.express.gr/news/news-in-english/194237oz_20090722194237.php3
States Warm to ATVs to Drive Tourism
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In May, Michigan's Roscommon County made it legal to drive all-terrain vehicles on the shoulders of county roads. A few weeks later, Patrick Driscoll bought a new $9,900 ATV to ride around Roscommon's back country -- exactly the kind of response county commissioners had in mind.
Lewis County Department of Recreational Trails
Two enthusiasts enjoy the mud and water in a 144-acre ATV play area in upstate New York in September. Lewis County recently cleared several forested trails, started selling permits to pay for off-road expansions and hosted a fund-raiser in May. Officials hope to connect their trails to towns, businesses and neighboring counties so riders can eventually drive to Vermont.
Local officials across the country are trying to develop ATV tourism in an effort to boost their economies. The vehicles, long regarded by conservationists as loud, dangerous and destructive to the natural landscape, now seem like a promising new source of revenue.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that 9.5 million four-wheel ATVs were in use nationwide in 2007. That's nearly double the 4.8 million it estimated in 2001.
Some public officials see ATV tourism's economic potential as akin to that of snowmobiling, which has, by some estimates, generated billions in annual vehicle sales and tourism revenue. A study of one of the biggest ATV trail networks, West Virginia's Hatfield-McCoy system, found that consumers spent $7.7 million for lodging, permits, meals, machine repairs and fuel while visiting in 2005. A spokesman for the trail network estimated that figure is now about $10 million a year.
Mr. Driscoll, a robotics engineer who lives in a suburb of Detroit, said he had been considering buying his first ATV for a while. The county's new law sealed the deal. If he had driven the ATV onto county roads before May, he would have faced a $135 fine.
"We put over 60 miles on it in the first weekend," he said. "I can just throw my helmet on and drive down the road to the trails."
Now local officials in states including Michigan, Maine, Vermont and New York are extending trail networks, building new systems for ATVs and other off-road vehicles, and making routes more accessible.
Towns that can connect ATV trails to main thoroughfares and local businesses will be able to reap economic benefits, said Brian Hawthorne, the public-lands policy director for the Blue Ribbon Coalition, an Idaho-based advocacy group for off-road vehicle users.
In the past year, 36 counties in northern Michigan began to allow people to drive off-road vehicles on the sides of all county roads. That makes it easier for ATV riders to access trails, grocery stores, restaurants and gas stations.
The new laws appear to have encouraged ATV usage. From March through June, the state issued 112,954 permits for off-road vehicles, up from 99,819 over the same period last year.
Local officials in other states are also trying to lure riders of ATVs, off-road dirt bikes and dune buggies. In upstate New York, Lewis County recently cleared several forested trails, started selling permits to pay for off-road trail expansions and hosted a fund-raising event to add to the kitty.
Fans say that ATVs -- usually one- or two-seat vehicles that can hit 65 miles per hour -- provide fun and access to remote parts of the country. Critics say that their loud motors shatter tranquility, and that their wheels tear up the ground and plants.
In Vermont, ATVs are banned from public land, but the state's Agency of Natural Resources proposed a rule in May that could lift the ban. It would create a process for vetting an ATV club's proposal for trails on state property that would connect with those on private land. Rogue ATV riders have long created their own paths, damaging land in the process.
Residents opposed to the proposal have sent hundreds of letters and emails to the agency. George Longenecker, a professor who lives in Marshfield, Vt., protested in a letter to his local newspaper. Mr. Longenecker said ATVs damage land and are excessively noisy and more destructive than the snowmobiles that pass by his property in the winter. The costs of enforcing the rule would outweigh any gains, he said, adding, "We don't have money in Vermont right now for that."
Back in Michigan, some businesses are already seeing a return from the new ATV policy. Kurtis Norton, the owner of two hardware stores in Roscommon County, said sales at one of his stores were up more than $2,000 in June -- a 4.5% increase over last year -- as more travelers visit from southern Michigan.
"We're trying to do whatever we can to help our businesses," said Robin Seymour of the Roscommon County Board of Commissioners' Office.
Write to Simmi Aujla at simmi.aujla@wsj.com
Source : http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124831007584074147.html
A looming strike by Via Rail's locomotive engineers
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A looming strike by Via Rail's locomotive engineers is throwing a wrench into Jennifer Baron's plans for a "babymoon" in Montreal.
Pregnant and due in October, the Torontonian and her husband were looking forward to one last pre-baby vacation, visiting family and friends and taking in Montreal's sites during Ontario's August long weekend.
When she heard Via was preparing to cancel all its trains beginning tomorrow, "we looked into flying but that's expensive and driving would take long because we have to stop a lot so I can stretch and whatnot," Baron said. They may cancel.
With the 340 engineers at Canada's national passenger rail service set to strike at noon tomorrow and Via already cancelling some long-distance trains, many travellers were scrapping vacation plans or scrambling to make alternate arrangements.
Via spokesperson Malcolm Andrews said the two sides and a mediator are still in negotiations and Via remains "hopeful" a solution will be found. But even if a strike is averted, Via may not be able to offer full service after noon tomorrow, he said.
"It depends how close to the deadline an agreement is reached - the closer it is, the more of the system will be in shut-down mode or close to it and so the longer it would take" to put Via's schedule back on track.
Quebec would be hard hit by a strike, as the Quebec City-Windsor corridor is Via's busiest, carrying about 9,000 passengers daily.
A strike could be another blow for Montreal tourism, adding to woes caused by the loss of the Grand Prix, a weak economy and new U.S. passport rules. Hotel bookings fell 11 per cent last month compared to June 2008.
Erica Scime of Hamilton, Ont., was planning to take the train next week for a 10-day trip to Montreal with her boyfriend.
Yesterday, she was busy calling airlines and bus companies to find another way to get here. She's not sure they'll still come.
A work stoppage will also affect Montrealers' plans.
Adele Benoit was going to take her 2-year-old son on his first train ride to Ottawa next week to visit his grandparents. She'll have to drive instead.
"I was really trying to make the trip less polluting to the environment and my son loves trains," she said. "He would have had a blast."
Stephanie Lemieux said she'll leave as planned for Toronto on a Via train today but "we have no idea how or when we will be able to come home." It puts "a damper on our trip since we'll be having to think about refunds and alternative ways to get home instead of enjoying ourselves."
Some Montreal car-rental companies saw an increase in business yesterday. Airlines and bus companies are also standing by to fill the gap.
Orléans Express, which runs inter-city buses in Quebec, saw a spike in calls yesterday and is preparing to boost service.
Greyhound spokesperson Timothy Stokes said the company will monitor ticket sales and quickly add buses if demand increases.
Air Canada may use bigger aircraft or add flights, spokesperson Isabelle Arthur said. "We are monitoring demand and are ready to adjust capacity if necessary to accommodate Via passengers."
Porter Airlines spokesperson Brad Cicero said turmoil at Via has sparked an increase in calls to the airline.
VIA is offering refunds on all cancelled trains, even on tickets normally deemed unrefundable.
For more information, go to www.viarail.ca/en/update/
ariga@ thegazette.canwest.com
A looming strike by Via Rail's locomotive engineers is throwing a wrench into Jennifer Baron's plans for a "babymoon" in Montreal.
Pregnant and due in October, the Torontonian and her husband were looking forward to one last pre-baby vacation, visiting family and friends and taking in Montreal's sites during Ontario's August long weekend.
When she heard Via was preparing to cancel all its trains beginning tomorrow, "we looked into flying but that's expensive and driving would take long because we have to stop a lot so I can stretch and whatnot," Baron said. They may cancel.
With the 340 engineers at Canada's national passenger rail service set to strike at noon tomorrow and Via already cancelling some long-distance trains, many travellers were scrapping vacation plans or scrambling to make alternate arrangements.
Via spokesperson Malcolm Andrews said the two sides and a mediator are still in negotiations and Via remains "hopeful" a solution will be found. But even if a strike is averted, Via may not be able to offer full service after noon tomorrow, he said.
"It depends how close to the deadline an agreement is reached - the closer it is, the more of the system will be in shut-down mode or close to it and so the longer it would take" to put Via's schedule back on track.
Quebec would be hard hit by a strike, as the Quebec City-Windsor corridor is Via's busiest, carrying about 9,000 passengers daily.
A strike could be another blow for Montreal tourism, adding to woes caused by the loss of the Grand Prix, a weak economy and new U.S. passport rules. Hotel bookings fell 11 per cent last month compared to June 2008.
Erica Scime of Hamilton, Ont., was planning to take the train next week for a 10-day trip to Montreal with her boyfriend.
Yesterday, she was busy calling airlines and bus companies to find another way to get here. She's not sure they'll still come.
A work stoppage will also affect Montrealers' plans.
Adele Benoit was going to take her 2-year-old son on his first train ride to Ottawa next week to visit his grandparents. She'll have to drive instead.
"I was really trying to make the trip less polluting to the environment and my son loves trains," she said. "He would have had a blast."
Stephanie Lemieux said she'll leave as planned for Toronto on a Via train today but "we have no idea how or when we will be able to come home." It puts "a damper on our trip since we'll be having to think about refunds and alternative ways to get home instead of enjoying ourselves."
Some Montreal car-rental companies saw an increase in business yesterday. Airlines and bus companies are also standing by to fill the gap.
Orléans Express, which runs inter-city buses in Quebec, saw a spike in calls yesterday and is preparing to boost service.
Greyhound spokesperson Timothy Stokes said the company will monitor ticket sales and quickly add buses if demand increases.
Air Canada may use bigger aircraft or add flights, spokesperson Isabelle Arthur said. "We are monitoring demand and are ready to adjust capacity if necessary to accommodate Via passengers."
Porter Airlines spokesperson Brad Cicero said turmoil at Via has sparked an increase in calls to the airline.
VIA is offering refunds on all cancelled trains, even on tickets normally deemed unrefundable.
For more information, go to www.viarail.ca/en/update/
ariga@ thegazette.canwest.com
All-inclusive resorts with cattle-call buffets and indifferent service
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All-inclusive resorts with cattle-call buffets and indifferent service are still with us, but they're rapidly being replaced by architect-designed havens with vaunted international chefs and 3-to-1 employee-to-guest ratios. Golf, tennis, zip lines, climbing walls and even trapeze lessons have replaced conga lines and limbo dancing. And with deals to entice travelers back to Mexico multiplying like Tribbles, now is a great time to discover this new breed of all-inclusive.
Images
The focus at Amansala resort is on tranquility and well-b...Amansala resort in beachside Tulum.Grand Velas's Frida restaurant is known for traditional M... View More Images
Mexico Mix
* Mexico vacations, no planning required 07.22.09
* 10 tips for taking kids to Mexico 07.08.09
* Mexico's 10 most romantic honeymoon hideaways 06.24.09
* 10 reasons to explore Mexico's final frontier 06.10.09
More Mexico Mix »
Mind you, these places won't steep you in local culture, but the good news is that all-inclusives have stopped trying to keep guests inside their gates and are organizing forays out into the world to explore Mexico's unique history, flora and fauna. What still applies is the convenience and perks of an all-inclusive vacation: you'll pay less for what you get.
When choosing a resort, you can't go too far wrong with Dreams, Melia, Excellence, Iberostar, Palace or Riu resorts, but here are some suggestions for finding the right all-inclusive to suit your individual style:
Best couples magnet
Superior deluxe with king-size beds and a huge, ocean-view Jacuzzi is the only room category at Aventura Spa Palace (Puerto Aventuras, Riviera Maya). Cool towels and champagne on arrival, a hydrotherapy spa, a refrigerator and bar stocked daily, a beautifully groomed beach, an expansive international wine list and impeccable service also endear it to lovers. And if you book a group of rooms, they'll provide the wedding for free — just bring your own cake and videographer. Also worth a look: Excellence Riviera Cancún (Puerto Morelos, Riviera Maya) and Iberostar Paraiso Lindo.
Best for earth mothers
We forgive Amansala its self-dubbed "eco-chic resort" label because it's actually a pretty unpretentious place. Accommodations are stone-and-wood, palapa-roofed cabañas that even a Four Seasons devotee could love. You can have it both ways— the blue skies, white sands and crashing waves Tulum is famous for, but with private bathrooms, mosquito-netted beds and running hot water. The focus is on tranquility and well-being, exemplified by its now-famous six-night "Bikini Bootcamp," a regime of morning stretches, power walks, pilates, yoga, meditation, salsa dancing and other activities. Your reward is Mayan clay treatments and beachside massages. The included meals are organic and low-fat, such as just-caught grilled fish and fresh mangos.
Best for baring it all
When you're ready to shed your clothes along with your cares, Hidden Beach Resort offers 42 secluded oceanfront suites, each with a balcony or patio with a hammock, on the white sands of the Kantenah Bay north of Tulum. If you're at all shy, book a swim-up suite and cloak yourself in water; they have direct access to the artificial river that meanders through the property and connects to the main pool and swim-up bar. But be assured, one of Hidden Beach's virtues is restraint — complaints of inappropriate behavior are rare here. Guests may enjoy nude dining, disco, volleyball and even cruises blissfully au naturel...or partly or fully clothed, if they'd rather. There's no dress code.
Best facsimile of a boutique hotel
A cluster of low-rise buildings at water's edge, the Azul Beach Hotel (Puerto Morelos, Riviera Maya) has less than 100 guest rooms (each with a patio or balcony) offering megaresort amenities. The atmosphere is more refined than most of its neighbors in nearby Playa del Carmen and Cancún; the closest thing to an activities director you'll encounter are fresh fish frys and a squadron of beach butlers armed with mineral-water vaporizers — though you might want to roust yourself for yoga and morning Spanish classes. The tequila bar and palapa-shaded beach beds are ever so adult, but families will also appreciate the daily kids' club and kids' menus at four restaurants.
Best foodie haven
You'll eat as well at Grand Velas All Suites & Spa Resort (Nuevo Vallarta) as you will anywhere around Puerto Vallarta. Its four restaurants include two AAA four-diamond restaurants, Lucca and Piaf, which serve upscale Mediterranean and Art Deco-inspired French cuisine. The open-air Azul serves eclectic casual meals with panoramic ocean views, while Frida is known for traditional Mexican dishes that the legendary artist made for her husband, muralist Diego Rivera, and serves specialty tequilas and prepares custom margaritas at your table. The resort's gorgeous surroundings, between Puerto Vallarta and the tony Punta Mita enclave to the north, are icing on the cake. If you prefer to admire the view from your room, the resort provides 24/7 room service. Then try — just try — to work it all off with pilates, yoga, meditation, tennis or the 80,000-square-foot spa. Also worth a look: Riu's resorts get high marks for their impressive buffets.
Best family vacation
The granddaddy of all-inclusive resorts does right by kids at the freshly renovated Club Med Ixtapa, a hacienda-like complex with a dizzying array of supervised treasure hunts, pool games, costume parades and sports for kids, as well as an optional teen spa. Parents have leisure time to indulge in sailing, kayaking , tennis and yoga — or brush up on their lounging skills. Families can regroup in the evening with dinner and a show at the open-air theater. Also worth a look: Iberostar Paraiso Lindo (Playa del Carmen).
Best for luxury junkies
The first adult-only all-inclusive resort to earn AAA's five-diamond award, Royal Hideaway Playacar occupies a sparkling stretch of Playa Del Carmen waterfront and puts stereotypes of blocky, featureless all-inclusives to rest. Its 200 rooms are distributed through two- or three-story villas, so it never feels crowded, and a modernized blend of Mexican and Mediterranean colonial style with stone floors, hand-carved wooden furniture and marble bathrooms are every bit as sophisticated as the hefty price. Meals in six specialty restaurants are free and unlimited, as are top-shelf liquors. Among the pools scoring the meticulously manicured grounds is a vast infinity pool overlooking the ocean.
Best for active vacations
Just south of the Cancun Airport, Moon Palace Golf Resort & Spa is in the midst of the Riviera Maya's panoply of day trips; unlimited outings to Chichén Itzá, the Wet'n'Wild water park, Tulum, Isla Mujeres, and favored snorkeling spots are included with a promotion lasting until Dec. 23. But couples, families and singles alike can keep plenty busy right on the property, home to a miniature golf, a climbing tower and a Jack Nicklaus signature golf course. And guests at any Palace resort can take advantage of other properties' pools, water sports and restaurants. The entire resort chain is offering a $100 to $400 airfare credit, depending on length of stay, through the end of the year and a $200 golf and spa credit with at least three nights' stay, increasing to $300 from late August through the end of the year.
Christine Delsol is a former Chronicle travel editor and author of "Pauline Frommer's Cancún & the Yucatán."
Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2009/07/22/mexicomix072209.DTL#ixzz0M5BX87Vj
All-inclusive resorts with cattle-call buffets and indifferent service are still with us, but they're rapidly being replaced by architect-designed havens with vaunted international chefs and 3-to-1 employee-to-guest ratios. Golf, tennis, zip lines, climbing walls and even trapeze lessons have replaced conga lines and limbo dancing. And with deals to entice travelers back to Mexico multiplying like Tribbles, now is a great time to discover this new breed of all-inclusive.
Images
The focus at Amansala resort is on tranquility and well-b...Amansala resort in beachside Tulum.Grand Velas's Frida restaurant is known for traditional M... View More Images
Mexico Mix
* Mexico vacations, no planning required 07.22.09
* 10 tips for taking kids to Mexico 07.08.09
* Mexico's 10 most romantic honeymoon hideaways 06.24.09
* 10 reasons to explore Mexico's final frontier 06.10.09
More Mexico Mix »
Mind you, these places won't steep you in local culture, but the good news is that all-inclusives have stopped trying to keep guests inside their gates and are organizing forays out into the world to explore Mexico's unique history, flora and fauna. What still applies is the convenience and perks of an all-inclusive vacation: you'll pay less for what you get.
When choosing a resort, you can't go too far wrong with Dreams, Melia, Excellence, Iberostar, Palace or Riu resorts, but here are some suggestions for finding the right all-inclusive to suit your individual style:
Best couples magnet
Superior deluxe with king-size beds and a huge, ocean-view Jacuzzi is the only room category at Aventura Spa Palace (Puerto Aventuras, Riviera Maya). Cool towels and champagne on arrival, a hydrotherapy spa, a refrigerator and bar stocked daily, a beautifully groomed beach, an expansive international wine list and impeccable service also endear it to lovers. And if you book a group of rooms, they'll provide the wedding for free — just bring your own cake and videographer. Also worth a look: Excellence Riviera Cancún (Puerto Morelos, Riviera Maya) and Iberostar Paraiso Lindo.
Best for earth mothers
We forgive Amansala its self-dubbed "eco-chic resort" label because it's actually a pretty unpretentious place. Accommodations are stone-and-wood, palapa-roofed cabañas that even a Four Seasons devotee could love. You can have it both ways— the blue skies, white sands and crashing waves Tulum is famous for, but with private bathrooms, mosquito-netted beds and running hot water. The focus is on tranquility and well-being, exemplified by its now-famous six-night "Bikini Bootcamp," a regime of morning stretches, power walks, pilates, yoga, meditation, salsa dancing and other activities. Your reward is Mayan clay treatments and beachside massages. The included meals are organic and low-fat, such as just-caught grilled fish and fresh mangos.
Best for baring it all
When you're ready to shed your clothes along with your cares, Hidden Beach Resort offers 42 secluded oceanfront suites, each with a balcony or patio with a hammock, on the white sands of the Kantenah Bay north of Tulum. If you're at all shy, book a swim-up suite and cloak yourself in water; they have direct access to the artificial river that meanders through the property and connects to the main pool and swim-up bar. But be assured, one of Hidden Beach's virtues is restraint — complaints of inappropriate behavior are rare here. Guests may enjoy nude dining, disco, volleyball and even cruises blissfully au naturel...or partly or fully clothed, if they'd rather. There's no dress code.
Best facsimile of a boutique hotel
A cluster of low-rise buildings at water's edge, the Azul Beach Hotel (Puerto Morelos, Riviera Maya) has less than 100 guest rooms (each with a patio or balcony) offering megaresort amenities. The atmosphere is more refined than most of its neighbors in nearby Playa del Carmen and Cancún; the closest thing to an activities director you'll encounter are fresh fish frys and a squadron of beach butlers armed with mineral-water vaporizers — though you might want to roust yourself for yoga and morning Spanish classes. The tequila bar and palapa-shaded beach beds are ever so adult, but families will also appreciate the daily kids' club and kids' menus at four restaurants.
Best foodie haven
You'll eat as well at Grand Velas All Suites & Spa Resort (Nuevo Vallarta) as you will anywhere around Puerto Vallarta. Its four restaurants include two AAA four-diamond restaurants, Lucca and Piaf, which serve upscale Mediterranean and Art Deco-inspired French cuisine. The open-air Azul serves eclectic casual meals with panoramic ocean views, while Frida is known for traditional Mexican dishes that the legendary artist made for her husband, muralist Diego Rivera, and serves specialty tequilas and prepares custom margaritas at your table. The resort's gorgeous surroundings, between Puerto Vallarta and the tony Punta Mita enclave to the north, are icing on the cake. If you prefer to admire the view from your room, the resort provides 24/7 room service. Then try — just try — to work it all off with pilates, yoga, meditation, tennis or the 80,000-square-foot spa. Also worth a look: Riu's resorts get high marks for their impressive buffets.
Best family vacation
The granddaddy of all-inclusive resorts does right by kids at the freshly renovated Club Med Ixtapa, a hacienda-like complex with a dizzying array of supervised treasure hunts, pool games, costume parades and sports for kids, as well as an optional teen spa. Parents have leisure time to indulge in sailing, kayaking , tennis and yoga — or brush up on their lounging skills. Families can regroup in the evening with dinner and a show at the open-air theater. Also worth a look: Iberostar Paraiso Lindo (Playa del Carmen).
Best for luxury junkies
The first adult-only all-inclusive resort to earn AAA's five-diamond award, Royal Hideaway Playacar occupies a sparkling stretch of Playa Del Carmen waterfront and puts stereotypes of blocky, featureless all-inclusives to rest. Its 200 rooms are distributed through two- or three-story villas, so it never feels crowded, and a modernized blend of Mexican and Mediterranean colonial style with stone floors, hand-carved wooden furniture and marble bathrooms are every bit as sophisticated as the hefty price. Meals in six specialty restaurants are free and unlimited, as are top-shelf liquors. Among the pools scoring the meticulously manicured grounds is a vast infinity pool overlooking the ocean.
Best for active vacations
Just south of the Cancun Airport, Moon Palace Golf Resort & Spa is in the midst of the Riviera Maya's panoply of day trips; unlimited outings to Chichén Itzá, the Wet'n'Wild water park, Tulum, Isla Mujeres, and favored snorkeling spots are included with a promotion lasting until Dec. 23. But couples, families and singles alike can keep plenty busy right on the property, home to a miniature golf, a climbing tower and a Jack Nicklaus signature golf course. And guests at any Palace resort can take advantage of other properties' pools, water sports and restaurants. The entire resort chain is offering a $100 to $400 airfare credit, depending on length of stay, through the end of the year and a $200 golf and spa credit with at least three nights' stay, increasing to $300 from late August through the end of the year.
Christine Delsol is a former Chronicle travel editor and author of "Pauline Frommer's Cancún & the Yucatán."
Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2009/07/22/mexicomix072209.DTL#ixzz0M5BX87Vj
Are Vacation Rentals the Hottest Growth Area in Online Travel?
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Are Vacation Rentals the Hottest Growth Area in Online Travel?
Renting a vacation home from a private party has been an option for many decades. But, today with the rapid expansion of the Internet and online marketing, the vacation rental market is one of the hottest growing sectors in travel and tourism.
Previously hampered by the highly fragmented industry, a lack of brand awareness and misconceptions ranging from pricing to security, vacation rentals are now becoming a considerable force in the online travel arena. Some experts say that the total spent on vacation rentals is equal to that of the cruise industry, but nobody really knows for sure because at least half the properties are owned and marketed by individuals and families, leaving no central source of data. What is certain, however, is that many of these owners are potentially prime customers for companies offering marketing and sales assistance.
"It's essentially a mom and pop industry," says Carl Shepherd, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy and Development Officer for HomeAway. But with the help of companies who’re investing in online marketing to attract potential renters, Shepherd predicts that "the vacation rental market is set to grow because it offers an unparalleled value for the average family worldwide."
HomeAway was founded just four years ago, but has already grown to become the leading vacation rental marketplace with more than 425,000 property listings worldwide. Recently ranked seventh largest travel website in terms of traffic by ComScore, the company reports 25 million visits each month across its global network of vacation rental Web sites.
Shepherd explained that Europeans are much more familiar with the concept of renting a holiday home than Americans. “For generations families had have used vacation rental homes as the backbone of their vacation planning,” he said. But, in the US, it's a different story. "The biggest misconception is that it will be more expensive than a hotel."
Unlike Europe where traditional offline companies such as James Villas, Interhome and others have been involved in the market for decades, North America was slow to notice the growth in this travel sector. So when it did start, it went straight to the World Wide Web.
"A significant factor in the growth of the industry has been the contribution of investment capital. Since our inception in February, 2005, HomeAway has received more than $405 million in private financing," Shepherd said.
"Before the growth of the Internet vacation home owners had to advertise through their real estate agents or in the classified sections of their local paper, and travelers had to start planning their vacation months in advance in order to find a suitable property," he said. "The web has changed that by offering a more efficient marketing channel for homeowners and property managers and by making vacation rentals accessible to a broader audience of travelers."
Jessica Kornacki, VP Marketing for Endless Vacation Rentals®, part of Group RCI and the Wyndham Worldwide family of companies, said her company has represented properties in Europe for more than 40 years. Since launching in North America in 2007, Endless Vacation Rentals® offers more than 200,000 vacation rental accommodations including homes, villas and resort condos in 100+ countries. Until recently, "The USA has been more regionalized and the vacation rental category has always been marketed in a more fragmented way," she said.
Kornacki explained that the benefits of Endless Vacation Rentals® include fully-managed properties, best price guarantee, technologically advanced online search and booking capabilities, more space and efficiencies than an average hotel room, complimentary concierge service and a cost-effective mix of self-catered meals and dining out. As a bonus, vacation rentals are increasingly introducing resort-like amenities, such as multiple pools and golf options.
"The vacation rental market is growing despite the economy as people are focusing more on value for the money," Kornacki said. The goal is to make it easier for the customer, she said. "Vacation rentals have not traditionally been an easily accessible category for American travelers -- it almost has an air of mystery."
The vacation rental market has high customer satisfaction levels and lots of repeat business, says Kornacki. "We are applying best practices laid out by the hospitality industry including allowing guests to use their Wyndham Rewards® points and offering a concierge service with great customer service," she said. “We also began offering short stays as an option, recognizing that consumers want the flexibility of a weekend getaway in addition to the more traditional seven-night holiday.”
Both Carl Shepherd and Jessica Kornacki will be speaking at the Travel Distribution Summit North America, being held at the Westin on Michigan Avenue in Chicago on September 16-17. They will be joined by other expert speakers including Bob Barnes, Chief Executive Officer of Zonder in a session titled: "Vacation Rentals: Can you cash in on a booming sector?"
The Summit is comprised of three senior-level conferences on Distribution, Revenue Management and Mobile Technology in Travel. These sections have been specifically co-located to provide delegates with the opportunity to meet with 700+ travel professionals. Purchasing one conference ticket gives delegates an all-access pass to the three events, providing delegates with over 30 sessions to choose from and opportunities to network with a unique cross-sector of the travel industry.
For more information, click here: http://events.eyefortravel.com/tdsusa/travel-distribution
Or contact:
Helen Raff
VP North America
+44 (0) 207 375 7582 (UK)
helen@eyefortravel.com
Are Vacation Rentals the Hottest Growth Area in Online Travel?
Renting a vacation home from a private party has been an option for many decades. But, today with the rapid expansion of the Internet and online marketing, the vacation rental market is one of the hottest growing sectors in travel and tourism.
Previously hampered by the highly fragmented industry, a lack of brand awareness and misconceptions ranging from pricing to security, vacation rentals are now becoming a considerable force in the online travel arena. Some experts say that the total spent on vacation rentals is equal to that of the cruise industry, but nobody really knows for sure because at least half the properties are owned and marketed by individuals and families, leaving no central source of data. What is certain, however, is that many of these owners are potentially prime customers for companies offering marketing and sales assistance.
"It's essentially a mom and pop industry," says Carl Shepherd, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy and Development Officer for HomeAway. But with the help of companies who’re investing in online marketing to attract potential renters, Shepherd predicts that "the vacation rental market is set to grow because it offers an unparalleled value for the average family worldwide."
HomeAway was founded just four years ago, but has already grown to become the leading vacation rental marketplace with more than 425,000 property listings worldwide. Recently ranked seventh largest travel website in terms of traffic by ComScore, the company reports 25 million visits each month across its global network of vacation rental Web sites.
Shepherd explained that Europeans are much more familiar with the concept of renting a holiday home than Americans. “For generations families had have used vacation rental homes as the backbone of their vacation planning,” he said. But, in the US, it's a different story. "The biggest misconception is that it will be more expensive than a hotel."
Unlike Europe where traditional offline companies such as James Villas, Interhome and others have been involved in the market for decades, North America was slow to notice the growth in this travel sector. So when it did start, it went straight to the World Wide Web.
"A significant factor in the growth of the industry has been the contribution of investment capital. Since our inception in February, 2005, HomeAway has received more than $405 million in private financing," Shepherd said.
"Before the growth of the Internet vacation home owners had to advertise through their real estate agents or in the classified sections of their local paper, and travelers had to start planning their vacation months in advance in order to find a suitable property," he said. "The web has changed that by offering a more efficient marketing channel for homeowners and property managers and by making vacation rentals accessible to a broader audience of travelers."
Jessica Kornacki, VP Marketing for Endless Vacation Rentals®, part of Group RCI and the Wyndham Worldwide family of companies, said her company has represented properties in Europe for more than 40 years. Since launching in North America in 2007, Endless Vacation Rentals® offers more than 200,000 vacation rental accommodations including homes, villas and resort condos in 100+ countries. Until recently, "The USA has been more regionalized and the vacation rental category has always been marketed in a more fragmented way," she said.
Kornacki explained that the benefits of Endless Vacation Rentals® include fully-managed properties, best price guarantee, technologically advanced online search and booking capabilities, more space and efficiencies than an average hotel room, complimentary concierge service and a cost-effective mix of self-catered meals and dining out. As a bonus, vacation rentals are increasingly introducing resort-like amenities, such as multiple pools and golf options.
"The vacation rental market is growing despite the economy as people are focusing more on value for the money," Kornacki said. The goal is to make it easier for the customer, she said. "Vacation rentals have not traditionally been an easily accessible category for American travelers -- it almost has an air of mystery."
The vacation rental market has high customer satisfaction levels and lots of repeat business, says Kornacki. "We are applying best practices laid out by the hospitality industry including allowing guests to use their Wyndham Rewards® points and offering a concierge service with great customer service," she said. “We also began offering short stays as an option, recognizing that consumers want the flexibility of a weekend getaway in addition to the more traditional seven-night holiday.”
Both Carl Shepherd and Jessica Kornacki will be speaking at the Travel Distribution Summit North America, being held at the Westin on Michigan Avenue in Chicago on September 16-17. They will be joined by other expert speakers including Bob Barnes, Chief Executive Officer of Zonder in a session titled: "Vacation Rentals: Can you cash in on a booming sector?"
The Summit is comprised of three senior-level conferences on Distribution, Revenue Management and Mobile Technology in Travel. These sections have been specifically co-located to provide delegates with the opportunity to meet with 700+ travel professionals. Purchasing one conference ticket gives delegates an all-access pass to the three events, providing delegates with over 30 sessions to choose from and opportunities to network with a unique cross-sector of the travel industry.
For more information, click here: http://events.eyefortravel.com/tdsusa/travel-distribution
Or contact:
Helen Raff
VP North America
+44 (0) 207 375 7582 (UK)
helen@eyefortravel.com
Sun total eclipse
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Sun total eclipse visible at 09:15 local time in many places along the river upstream terpanjang in China, Yangtze.
Sun Moon completely barred, and those who want to can see the aura clearly enjoying sun corona at various locations in Town observation Praja Chongqing, western China, and the City of Guang `an in the neighboring province, Sichuan.
Big city lights are shut off for many people to enjoy kenyamaan total sun eclipse, which lasted about four minutes, so the report China's official news agency, Xinhua.
People want to see the eclipse will also meet the riverside Yellow and Yangtze, on Wednesday morning, the city of Lanzhou in China's west-sea and Wuhan in central China, while Sun Moon cover start at 08:15 local time.
Partial sun eclipse occurred at 08:01:27 start in the District Cona, Tibet, China's west-southwest, so the description of Chinese Academy of Science (CAS).
District that is one place that witnessed the first sun eclipse, Xinhua said.
However, the eclipse of Cona are gloomy, some words from the source station Observation Mount Purple CAS, based in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, east China.
Cona is located 500 kilometers to the south of Lhasa, capital of Tibet. Sun rays behind cloud obstructed in Lhasa.
Weather in many major cities throughout China in the full sun eclipse path along the Yangtze River is not support for people who want to witness the natural phenomenon.
Sun total eclipse visible at 09:15 local time in many places along the river upstream terpanjang in China, Yangtze.
Sun Moon completely barred, and those who want to can see the aura clearly enjoying sun corona at various locations in Town observation Praja Chongqing, western China, and the City of Guang `an in the neighboring province, Sichuan.
Big city lights are shut off for many people to enjoy kenyamaan total sun eclipse, which lasted about four minutes, so the report China's official news agency, Xinhua.
People want to see the eclipse will also meet the riverside Yellow and Yangtze, on Wednesday morning, the city of Lanzhou in China's west-sea and Wuhan in central China, while Sun Moon cover start at 08:15 local time.
Partial sun eclipse occurred at 08:01:27 start in the District Cona, Tibet, China's west-southwest, so the description of Chinese Academy of Science (CAS).
District that is one place that witnessed the first sun eclipse, Xinhua said.
However, the eclipse of Cona are gloomy, some words from the source station Observation Mount Purple CAS, based in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, east China.
Cona is located 500 kilometers to the south of Lhasa, capital of Tibet. Sun rays behind cloud obstructed in Lhasa.
Weather in many major cities throughout China in the full sun eclipse path along the Yangtze River is not support for people who want to witness the natural phenomenon.
Harbin Ice Festival Open 2010
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Harbin Ice Festival Open 2010
U.S. $ 995 per person in double occupancy
5 Days / 4 Nights
19 January 2010, Harbin
After a meeting in Beijing, we went to Harbin where we transfer to the hotel. Today we visit Zhaolin Park, renowned for its ice carving art in the world. Zhaolin Park is located in the Prefecture Daoli in Harbin City. This is known as the Ice Disney World, and then we went to Sun Island Snow Sculpture.
20 January 2010, Harbin (B, L)
Today we visit the Center Street, a popular European style building is unique, many shops, beautiful and colorful cultural life recreation area, the road has been one of the important place in Harbin.
Us to the Church of St Sophia, this is the largest Eastern Orthodox Church in the far eastern region, which was first built in March 1907 by Russian troops. St Sophia Church of Harbin is the most impressive and imposing structure.
enjoy the Harbin Ice & Snow World. This city offers a neat, impressive and artistic ice & snow sculpturess, carving and building in the gardens and rivers frozen.
Paying a visit to Guogeli Street, a street famous for Harbin, the name of the Russian poet - when you walk in the street, you feel like you are walking in a corner of the city of Paris ... especially in the near, not far from the KFC, there was a nice piano bar, people to see some performance or Russia already have .... Coffee Type russian architecture lining collected GuoGeli Street.
21 January 2010, Harbin (B, L)
Two trips to the Dragon Ski Resort for interesting day trips and playing in the snow.
22 January 2010, Harbin departure (B, L)
visit the North East Tiger Reserve Center, Russian Stock Center and Ji Le Temple.
23 January 2010 (B)
After breakfast, transfer to Harbin airport for our flight back to Beijing
People set to 'Niagra of India' Hogenakkal
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People set to 'Niagra of India' Hogenakkal
Hogenakkal (Tamil Nadu), July 18: as the 'Niagara Falls of India', Hoegnakaal waterfall in Dharmapiri district in Karnataka is a tourist destination.
Waterfalls and lush green create a beautiful environment and a destination for tourists both domestic and foreign.
However, the weekend here more quickly as a place crowded with people, who come here to soak in water or shower to enjoy the boat.
In addition to providing a vacation, waterfall, known as healing people suffering from skin ailments that come here to take the herbal power shower.
"The water here is very good. Take the medication. The water comes from here to cover 350 kilometers distance.
Tourists, especially from Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh to come here to enjoy the boat on the lake, which receives the water fall.
"Lake is very good and we enjoy it. There is a fantastic place, and especially all the things that is very good. Fall in the valley here is quite impressive," said Beena, a tourist.
Travelers who want to disturb more upstream boat ride through the water falling from a high altitude.
People set to 'Niagra of India' Hogenakkal
Hogenakkal (Tamil Nadu), July 18: as the 'Niagara Falls of India', Hoegnakaal waterfall in Dharmapiri district in Karnataka is a tourist destination.
Waterfalls and lush green create a beautiful environment and a destination for tourists both domestic and foreign.
However, the weekend here more quickly as a place crowded with people, who come here to soak in water or shower to enjoy the boat.
In addition to providing a vacation, waterfall, known as healing people suffering from skin ailments that come here to take the herbal power shower.
"The water here is very good. Take the medication. The water comes from here to cover 350 kilometers distance.
Tourists, especially from Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh to come here to enjoy the boat on the lake, which receives the water fall.
"Lake is very good and we enjoy it. There is a fantastic place, and especially all the things that is very good. Fall in the valley here is quite impressive," said Beena, a tourist.
Travelers who want to disturb more upstream boat ride through the water falling from a high altitude.
Top 10 Destination
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The UK is a popular tourist destination because of its terrific scenery, history, and culture. It’s got great cities, countryside, and a coastline. Here are some places to spark your interest, away from the usual tourist spots. Beware, there are a lot of large photos so this page may take a little longer to load.
10. CHESHIRE
Little Morton Hall, Chesire
This is a county of pretty villages, market towns, and scenic countryside. Chester, an old Roman town, has well preserved, medieval city walls and historic buildings from different periods, including the 14th Century red sandstone Chester Cathedral. Pleasure boats go for rides on the River Dee. The Tatton Park country estate, near the town of Knutsford, has a medieval manor house, gardens, deer park, and a farm with rare breeds. Photos by orangejon & Beth M527
9. NORFOLK BROADS (Norfolk and Suffolk)
The Broads are a series of navigable rivers and lakes, which are lock free. There are yachts and motor launches for hire or canoes with a guide. It’s a haven for bird watchers and the area is home to the Grey Heron, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, and other waterfowl. The waterways are lined with quaint villages, thatched roof houses, country pubs, and windmills. Messing about on the river brings its rewards. Photos by gerry balding & seeks2dream
8. BRADFORD (West Yorkshire)
National Media Museum
Thackley Tunnel
Built on the woolen trade in the Industrial Revolution, the tourist industry has become increasingly important, as traditional industry has declined. The major attraction is the National Media Museum, which tells the history of photography, television and movies, and presents screenings in its IMAX cinema. The city is also known for its curry houses. It’s close to Howarth where the Bronte sisters are celebrated and Saltaire, a preserved 19th Century town where David Hockney’s paintings are on permanent display. Steam trains run on the nearby Keighley and Worth Valley Railway. Photo by phill.d
7. BRIGHTON (East Sussex)
Brighton Palace
It takes less than an hour to travel by train from London to the coastal resort of Brighton. It’s always party time in this city, with lots of bars, nightclubs, and amusement arcades on the seafront. It’s known as ‘The Gay Capital of Britain’ and the Gay Pride Carnival takes place every August. There’s a shingle beach and a nudist area. Brighton is also known for its interesting architecture, especially the Royal Pavilion, built in the early 19th Century. The exterior is inspired by India and the décor by China. Photos by Dominic’s pics & Steve9091
6. DERBYSHIRE
View from Cable Car
Chatsworth House
A large area of the Peak District National Park lies within this county. There’s lovely scenery and the area attracts hill walkers, cave explorers, and rock climbers. The folk art of Well Dressing (arranging thousands of flower petals into clay) takes place from the end of May until early September. Chatsworth House is a country house with parkland and gardens, noted for its paintings and furniture. Matlock Bath village contains the Heights of Abraham, where a cable car runs and a former mine is open to the public. Gulliver’s Kingdom amusement park is close by. Photos by Dave Pearson & Natman
5. LAUGHARNE, Carmarthenshire, Wales
Laugharne Castle
Dylan Thomas' Boat House
This town on the estuary of the River Taf is a focal point for fans of the poet, Dylan Thomas, who lived here with his wife and children from 1943 until his death in 1953. His former home, known as the Boathouse, is open to the public. It contains the original furnishings and memorabilia. The poet wrote much of his most popular work here including Under Milk Wood, his play depicting the life of a fictional village called Llareggub. Laugharne is reputed to be the inspiration for the village. Laugharne Castle is another point of interest and dates from before the Norman Conquest. Photos by willposh & Eifion
4. NEWCASTLE upon TYNE and GATESHEAD (Tyne and Wear)
Newcastle/Gateshead Quayside
Angel of the North
Newcastle (on the north bank of the River Tyne) and Gateshead (on the south bank of the River Tyne) have fought back against economic depression and emerged as a combined center for culture. Famous for the bridges over the Tyne, the most recently built is the tilting Millennium Bridge. The regenerated Quayside has a lively bar and club scene. It’s also the location for the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art and the Sage concert venue. The most famous piece of public art in Britain is a short drive away. The Angel of the North, the brainchild of Antony Gormley, stands 66 feet high (20m). Photos by Gail Johnson & Patrick Mayon
3. NORTHUMBERLAND
Alnwick Gardens Treehouse
Bamburgh Castle
This is a county of unspoilt beauty and fascinating history. Alnwick is a bustling market town with a medieval castle, which has been used as a location for Hogwarts School in Harry Potter movies. Bamburgh is one of the most scenic spots, with a Norman built castle and a wide beach. A boat trip to the Farne Islands, off the coast, is popular with bird watchers, who are likely to see Puffins and Arctic Terns at the right time of year, as well as Grey Seals. A causeway links Holy Island (Lindisfarne) to Northumberland. The major attraction is the 16th Century castle. The island is famous as the place where a monk created the Lindisfarne Gospels, the beautifully illuminated Latin manuscript. Photos by fatcontroller & left-hand
2. NORTHERN IRELAND
Giant's Causeway
St Anne's Cathedral
Northern Ireland’s troubled past is well documented but the tourism industry is growing. Parts of Belfast have been re-developed and the city boasts a fine 1906-built City Hall, the Ulster Museum, Botanical Gardens, and St. Anne’s Cathedral. Anglers and golfers have always known the virtues of the country. Rugged scenery and castles reward the visitor. The most famous landmark is Giant’s Causeway (County Antrim), interlocking basalt columns resulting from volcanic activity. In County Tyrone, the life of immigrants sailing from Ulster to America is told at the Ulster-American Folk Park near Omagh. Photos by Andras Jancsik & antwerpenR
1. GLASGOW
Main Hall at Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum
Aquarium Corner, Glasgow
This is another city that has survived its industrial decline and re-invented itself. The re-development got its just reward when the city was named as European City of Culture in 1990. It has more parkland than any other city in the UK and it’s praised for its examples of fine architecture. The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum has one of the most important collections in Europe and includes French Impressionists and Old Masters. Glasgow was home to the Art Nouveau designer, Charles Rennie Mackintosh, and his work can be seen at the Willow Tea Rooms and throughout the city. Photos by innoxiuss & hodge
Source : http://www.toptenz.net/top-10-uk-locations-you-may-have-overlooked.php
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