Saturday, December 29, 2012

Top 5 US holiday vacation destinations

The top 5 U.S. holiday vacation destinations - CBS News: ". . . 3. Chicago. America's "second city" is a first-class destination for the holidays. Browse for gifts in the open air Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza, a Chicago tradition since 1996, then head to the famous Walnut Room at Macy's for a bite to eat. A tradition since 1907, this landmark restaurant serves up plenty of holiday cheer to locals and tourists alike. Finish up a perfect night with a trip to ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo to see animals, ice carvers and thousands of twinkling lights. 2. Boston. . .."


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Thursday, December 27, 2012

Skiing in Japan -- small but beautiful

Skiing in Japan: small but beautiful | Travel | The Observer
The Guardian
Japan boasts some 600 ski resorts and the top sites, such as Niseko, are now well known to an international clientèle. But the lion's share of skiing in Japan goes on at local hangouts where, although the slopes aren't always steep, the runs are cheap ...

The Guardian

Sunday Preview | Travel essay How Boston prepared me to travel the world
Boston Globe
Kate McCulley, a Boston area native, gave up her Fenway apartment and online marketing career for a life on the road two years ago. She has been traveling and blogging ever since, visiting 35 countries on five continents. McCulley, 28, explains how ...

Philippines Lifts Travel Ban on Israel - Inside Israel - News - Israel ...
Arutz Sheva
"In view of improved security conditions in Israel and Gaza as a result of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, the (foreign department) travel advisory... is now lifted," a ministry statement said. Manila imposed a travel ban on Israel ...

Arutz Sheva

Travel tips: go to Lake Heikki in Finland, get healthy in Morocco, and deals ...
The Guardian
Take me there… Lake Heikki, Finland. Lapland is known for many things – reindeer, Father Christmas, the northern lights – but local cuisine is not one of them. However, a new holiday to northern Finland is putting the culinary highlights of the North ...

The Guardian

From the Travel Desk: No one wants bags to get lost
Minneapolis Star Tribune
The U.S. Department of Transportation keeps tabs on the numbers of lost, damaged, delayed or pilfered baggage, and the statistics can be sobering. In the first nine months of 2012, Delta reported 155,859 mishandled bags (for 73,852,423 passengers ...

Minneapolis Star Tribune

Amtrak Adds Chicago-Michigan Trains For Holiday Travel « CBS ...
By sstoddart
Amtrak is adding more trains on its Chicago-Michigan route to accommodate increased demand during the busy travel period at the end of December.
CBS Detroit

Avoiding Rose Bowl ticket and travel scams - TODAY'S TMJ4
Are you looking to get a great deal on tickets to the Rose Bowl? Before you jump at a deal that seems to good to be true, watch out. You could be targeted by a scam.
Local News

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Saturday, December 22, 2012

Hotel Room Workout (video)


CNN's Richard Quest looks at how to stay fit without leaving the comfort of your hotel room. --Business Traveller on CNN.com

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Thursday, December 20, 2012

Top tips for women business travellers

Good Travel tips--not just for women--

Top tips for female business travellers - Business Review Europe: ". . . In general, an outgoing personality encounters more security risks than those with an introverted character. Being careful about attire is important as designer clothes and jewellery attract attention. . . . Research the security situation prior to travel and understand the areas that are considered safe and unsafe. Are there cultural sensitivities? What is the status of women in business and society? What languages are spoken? Are bare arms and legs permitted or appropriate? . . . Be a hard target - Arrange to be met at the airport by a company or hotel car or even better, by a colleague or friend. Avoid unlicensed taxis, ensure mobiles are switched to roaming prior to travel, carry a list of key contacts, book a room on the third floor or higher and ask for women-only floors if available. Never accept food or drink from a stranger. #4 – Confidence and assertiveness . . . " read more here


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Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Boutiqe British cruise line launches revamped Voyager

Voyager--not your ordinary cruise ship--

Boutiqe British cruise line launches revamped Voyager: "The ship, which has been decorated in an explorer theme, offers open-seating dining in three restaurants, including a specialty venue, The Explorer Club. Other amenities include Scott's Lounge, a classic piano bar; a panoramic lounge at the front of the ship; and a terrace with an all-weather area for outdoor dining as part of the Veranda restaurant. . . The ship, which offers passengers soft adventure, is small enough to visit lesser-known destinations. It will stay in port longer than typical cruises, and feature lectures by experts on the areas visited. After its 20-day sailing to Barbados, Voyager will sail in the Caribbean and offer a 20-day sailing through the Chilean fjords, and visit Buenos Aires. Other trips will call on Uruguay and Brazil, the Amazon and Venezuela. For more information and booking, visit VoyagesofDiscovery.com."

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Saturday, December 15, 2012

Obama, Cuban-Americans and Cuba policy

The times are changin' on Cuba--policy and travel--

MIAMI: Obama maintains standing with Cuban-Americans - Politics Wires - MiamiHerald.com: "The door for travel to Cuba cracked open during President Barack Obama's first term. Cuban-Americans can now visit family on the island as often as they like. Americans can travel legally as part of an academic or religious trip. Perhaps it's for this reason that Obama's standing with the Cuban-American community in Florida stayed largely steady on Election Day, even though the modest openings with Cuba have riled some of South Florida's more conservative exiles. Exit polling showed that 49 percent of Cuban-Americans voted for the Democrat, roughly the same percentage as four years ago. At the same time, Florida voters sent to the House a Cuban-American Democrat from Miami who supports Obama's expansion of travel and remittances to Cuba while still favoring the 50-year-old embargo that limits American trade with the communist country. . . The victories by supporters of looser restrictions on Cuba travel illustrate changing attitudes of Americans who hail from the island nation: They seem to be less resistant to politicians who promote travel to Cuba and more focused on more traditional American concerns such as the economy, rather than Cuba policy. Those shifting attitudes could have implications for U.S. policy toward Cuba in the next four years, as well as how presidential candidates and politicians approach Cuban-Americans in Florida, an important swing state, in the future. . . . Read more here


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Thursday, December 13, 2012

Air travel at risk of sharp decline

Go over the fiscal cliff? Unintended consequences follow--

WASHINGTON: Air travel at risk of sharp decline - Business - MiamiHerald.com: "If Congress and the White House fail to deliver a deal on spending and taxes, funding for an array of federal transportation programs could suffer. But the bigger impact could result from an economic downturn that reduces travel and transportation demand. A Fitch Ratings report last month warned that the fiscal cliff would drive the U.S. economy into a new recession and unemployment back to 10 percent. In 2009, domestic and international travel declined 5.3 percent from the year before, and Fitch forecasts that it could decline as much as 5 percent next year if the fiscal cliff triggers a broader downturn. The aviation system would face a huge slowdown with potential cutbacks in operations and personnel, but air travel also would decline in a slowing economy. Highway and transit spending depends on the federal gasoline tax, and that would decline if Americans cut back on driving. Lower demand for consumer goods would hurt trucking companies, freight railroads and port operators. Meanwhile, the Federal Aviation Administration would face a mandatory $1 billion budget cut that could result in fewer air traffic controllers and more delays for the implementation of NextGen, the advanced aircraft guidance system that replaces decades-old technology. The Transportation Security Administration would be required to cut more than $500 million, which likely would lead to fewer security screeners and air marshals, resulting in longer lines at the nation’s airports. . . ."


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Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Disney to base entire fleet in Florida in early 2014

Disney to base entire fleet in Florida in early 2014: "Disney will operate all of its ships out of Florida in the early half of 2014, the cruise line announced as it unveiled new itineraries, which include a new port in Jamaica. The Disney Magic will return to Port Canaveral, joining Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy in sailing off the central Florida coast. And Disney Wonder will continue to homeport in Miami. (In 2013, Magic is scheduled to sail out of Galveston, Texas; Barcelona and Miami.) PHOTO TOUR: The Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy compared  Most sailings from Port Canaveral will visit Disney's popular private Bahamian island, Castaway Cay. Dream and Magic will sail a variety of itineraries, including three- and four-night Bahamian sailings. Fantasy will sail seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean routes . . . "

How to Survive a Caribbean Cruise with 7 Kids - Ordinary Traveler: "I know what you must be thinking. “You poor thing. You had to go on a seven day Caribbean cruise with your family.” Okay, so it really wasn’t all that tough, but I’m not going to lie, it was trying at times. It was my father’s request, who was celebrating his 60th birthday, to go on a family trip, young kids included. We were quite the crew of fourteen people, running around airports and cruise ship ports. Even though Scott and I don’t have any kids of our own, I did learn a few things about how to keep my nieces and nephews entertained while making sure I stayed sane."


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Saturday, December 8, 2012

Cruise deals during Wave Season

Decoding cruise deals during Wave Season | Fox News: "We’re also heading into Wave Season, which is the Black Friday and Cyber Monday of the cruise world.  But instead of one day, this sale lasts for three full months, running from January through March.  Every year during this time, cruise lines roll out special deals, perks and upgrades in order to entice travelers to book early for their departures later in the year. However, beyond the frequent cruiser, it’s surprising how many other travelers are unaware of this season, and also unaware of the savings that can be had on ocean voyages all over the globe.  The problem is that if you’re a first time cruiser, this time of year can also be dizzying with the array of choices you have. In fact, there are so many different ships, offers and promotions, it’s difficult to know where to start and even tougher to discern a mediocre deal from the bargains you shouldn’t pass up. With the start of the season just a few weeks away, I’ve put together a handy guide to help you narrow down your options and book the ideal cruise to fit both your lifestyle and your travel budget."

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Thursday, December 6, 2012

Do smartphones make it hard to escape work on vacation?


Do smartphones make it hard to escape work when you're on holiday? - video | Technology | guardian.co.uk: "Would you take a call from your boss if you were on the beach? Michael White heads to the Brighton seafront to see how many holidaymakers are using their smartphones and taking business calls when they're supposed to be relaxing and getting away from it all"

DavidMixner.com - TRAVEL: Is This The Best Hotel In The World? "  . . . as a person that loves hotels and traveling to seek the best in the world. Some of my favorites over the years have been the Cape Grace in South Africa, the George IV in Paris and the Washington, D.C. Four Seasons. Conde Nast Travelers has announced the winners in its annual reader survey for the 'Best Hotel in the World". The winner was the Oualia Hotel on Hamilton Island in Australia. The hotel obtained an unheard of perfect score of 100 from the magazines readers. The hotel is located on the Great Barrier Reef and has sixty large rooms. The resort is adults only."

Jewish Travel Through the Ages | Jewish & Israel News Algemeiner.com: "Among us Jews, it’s a common saying that there’s one of us everywhere. These days, whether it’s the recently released Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldier backpacking through India or South America, or those who run the Chabad house all the way in Laos, the Jewish people make their presence known in nearly every nook and cranny of the world. Throughout history, some Jews traveled to distant parts to escape persecution, others were explorers who were curious about the culture or science of new places, and some just ended up on strange shores completely by chance."

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Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Caribbean Cruise Port With Adventure Travelers In Mind

A Caribbean Cruise Port With Adventure Travelers In Mind
Gadling
The people that steer cruise ships to Caribbean cruise ports have been looking for new places to send ships for quite some time. Formerly satisfied with the standard fare of Western, Eastern or Southern Caribbean itineraries, cruise ...

Search continues for US man missing in Caribbean | Local News ...
U.S. Coast Guard crews searched Friday for a Washington state man who was reported missing from a Caribbean cruise. Two ships and a plane took part in the ...

New Cruise Ship Adds Old Ship Feature | Gadling.com
Recently, major cruise lines have been taking popular features of new ships and adding them ...

Authentic, New York City Experience, On A Cruise Ship
Gadling
Norwegian Cruise Line will launch new Norwegian Breakaway from New York City in May 2013. Busy getting New Yorkers into the idea of sailing away on their newest ship, Norwegian has everyone from the Rockettes to celebrity chef's excited and involved ...

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Saturday, December 1, 2012

Gauguin line sailing Caribbean, Mediterranean

Gauguin line sailing Caribbean, Mediterranean
The Province
29 from St. Martin, Tere Moana will ring in 2013 by sailing an eclectic mix of Caribbean and Panama Canal itineraries before setting out across the Atlantic on March 30, bound for a summer in the warm Mediterranean. With her first foray into the ...

Travel: Peggy Siegal's Guide to Cannes and the French Riviera ...
The movie-party publicist and events maven on the best places to hit up while in Cannes.
The Latest from VanityFair.com

Should a cruise line tell passengers who is sailing? Cruise Critic UK
By cruisecriticuk
“For groups of people with similar interests, we always evaluate group size, in the interest of not altering or interrupting the experience for other guests (not in the group) onboard,” explains Celebrity Cruises' Tavia Robb. “We are committed to ...
Cruise Critic UK

No sign of missing Caribbean cruise ship passenger
Boston.com
The 42-year-old man was identified as Jason Rappe of Olympia, Washington, who had been on board the Holland America Line cruise ship Eurodam. The ship was traveling from St. Thomas to the Bahamas when he was reported missing by his wife on ...

Cruise News Shorts: An Angry Cruise Ship Captain, NYC Hot Dogs and Kid-Free ...
Cruise Critic
In keeping with the Norwegian Breakaway equals all things New York City theme, Norwegian CruiseLine (formerly NCL) has announced the new ship will feature Sabrett Hot Dog carts and Brooklyn Lager beer. The three hot dog carts – the same you'd find ...

No sign of missing Caribbean cruise ship passenger
The Coast Guard has searched for a second day for a Washington state man missing from hisCaribbean cruise but found no sign of him. Coast Guard ...

Mediterranean Cruise Deals, Cruises to the Mediterranean | The ...
For the best Mediterranean Cruise Deals, speak with a consultant at the Cruise Web today.

No sign of missing Caribbean cruise ship passenger
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — The Coast Guard has searched for a second day for a Washington state man missing from his Caribbean cruise but found no sign of ...

Favorite Travel Websites: Price Most Important in Survey
ABC News
How satisfied you are with the price you pay for your next vacation may dictate how satisfied you are overall with the travel website you used. That's according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2012 Independent Travel Website Satisfaction Report. The ...

ABC News

Just what is 'Gangnam Style?' Seoul Convention Bureau explains it all
Chicago Tribune
Hoping to capitalize on the record popularity of the "Gangnam Style" music video, a South Korean tourism organization has launched a campaign and contest around the theme, “Just what is Gangnam?” The video, by the South Korean pop and rap star Psy, ...

Travel Deal Destinations For 2013 (PHOTOS)
Huffington Post
Also, popular chain hotels such as Marriott, Hilton and InterContinental are sprouting up across the country. This tourism boom is breeding competition and deals - in a country where the U.S. dollar already goes far. All of this is helping to change ...

Tourism award to Jammu and Kashmir
New York Daily News
Jammu, Nov 30 — The Jammu and Kashmir government has been given an award by a travelmagazine for "Excellence in Regenerating Tourism". According to a Jammu and Kashmir government spokesman, Conde Nast Traveller magazine selected the ...

AAA Alabama selling travel packages for BCS Championship Game to confident ...
The Birmingham News - al.com (blog)
Bama football.JPG Alabama defensive back Robert Lester (37) returns an interception during the first half of Saturday's Iron Bowl as Auburn offensive lineman Chad Slade (62) pursues at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa. (AP Photo/Dave Martin) ...

The Birmingham News - al.com (blog)

Santa Barbara Travel Celebrates 65 Years of Navigating the World
Ventura County Star
Santa Barbara Travel Bureau was recognized for 65 years of travel service by luxury travelnetwork, Virtuoso, and the Mayor of Santa Barbara.In photo: Charles de L'Arbre, CEO of Santa Barbara Travel; Helene Schneider, Mayor of Santa Barbara; Harwood ...

2013 PATA Travel Mart heads to China
eTurboNews
The PATA Travel Mart 2013 is co-hosted by Chengdu Municipal People's Government and supported by Chengdu Municipal Tourism Administration, Chengdu Municipal Bureau of Exposition, and Chengdu Culture & Tourism Development Group. For further...

eTurboNews

China and Japan report rising numbers of outbound trips
eTurboNews
BERLIN, Germany – Asia continues to be the driving force in global tourism. According to the latest ITB World Travel Trends Report, this year the number of outbound trips from Asia rose by seven percent, due in part to rising wages. Yet again, the most ...

eTurboNews

Tripomatic Revamps its Sweet Travel-Planning App
By Paul Sawers
The Czech Republic-based company launched in 2011 as a Web-based platform, and the introduction of a native app for iOS devices went a long way towards procuring new users who want to have their travel plans with them on the road.
The Next Web

Minneapolis travel writer Doug Mack gets lost in Europe | MinnPost
By Amy Goetzman
Doug Mack: I've always wondered about this. Dumb luck is a recurring theme in my book — when you travel with outdated information, you develop a deep-rooted reliance on what my traveling companion, Lee, called “The Goddess Serendipity.” But that initial find was certainly the luckiest; without it, I wouldn't have written ... MP: You're a champion of local tourism. Tell me about your work with Preserve Minneapolis? www.PreserveMinneapolis.org. DM: I serve on the board and I help ...
The Latest posts on MinnPost

Lightroom Travel Contest Winner Shares Lessons and Photos from ...
By Lex van den Berghe
Recently, Lightroom hosted the Around the World with Lightroom Photo Contest, which asked our community to share travel photographs and stories on our Facebook page. After a panel of judges selected five finalists, members of the ...
PHOTOSHOP.COM BLOG

Travel Like A Boss: Onboard A US Air Force KC-10 Extender - Gadling
By Josh Wolff
During Air Force Week earlier this year, the team at Gadling Labs was invited out to witness a demonstration of the KC-10 Extender refueling four.
Gadling

Solo female travel - independent - Lonely Planet travel forum
I will be landing in Morocco in a few days. I am travelling alone and am a woman (see subject line) late-30s, tall and blonde. It has been recommended by ...

Tourism researcher: Billings travel industry booming due to better ...
Every day during the first nine months of this year, at least 77 percent of the 4,000 hotel rooms in Billings were booked. That's a healthy 22 percent increase in ...

Making the Most of Business Travel with Eventbrite - Eventbrite.com ...
One of the tools we love to use when we travel is Eventbrite. When we're on the road we try to make the most of it and meet with customers we'd otherwise only ...

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Thursday, November 29, 2012

Port upgrades paying off for Miami

Port upgrades paying off for Miami | State | Bradenton Herald: "Now, cruise operators say they are embracing Miami for a host of reasons: proximity to Miami International Airport, which offers direct flights for cruise passengers both domestic and international; the responsiveness of PortMiami officials to their needs and the appeal of Miami as a destination unto itself. "We, like everyone else, positioned ourselves in places that people want to go to," Del Rio said. "People want to come to Miami." Also a bonus is the relative strength of the Caribbean after a bleak summer in Europe due to continued fallout of the Jan. 13 Costa Concordia shipwreck in Italy, the shaky European economy and high cost of airfare from the U.S. "Whether you're talking about the U.S. economy or talking about the European economy, it's been a tough time for consumers," said Gerry Cahill, president and CEO of Miami-based Carnival Cruise Lines. "One of the nice things about the Caribbean is you really can put together a great value proposition." For Miami, the influx means more tourists. . . . "

Airfares for Christmas travel up from last year
USA TODAY (blog)
For instance, It'll cost $406, on average, to travel to New York -- the website's second-most-popular destination after Orlando -- for Christmas, compared with $371 for the New Year. Hotel rates also are up in some cities. The average daily room rate ...

Medical Tourism Increases in Costa Rica
Fox News
He estimates medical tourism alone brought $196 million to Costa Rica's health industry in 2011, with patients spending an additional $84 million in hotel accommodations, food and shopping. Trithardt's doctor, Ignacio Vargas, told Reuters that tourists ...

New Zealand Hopes for Tourism Boost From 'Hobbit'
Wall Street Journal
Tourist spending has dropped around 12% since the onset of the global financial crisis, partly because of a strong local currency. Meanwhile, the deepening economic crisis in Europe has curtailed long-haul travel, and the cost of flights has increased ...

The 10 Best Winter Getaways For Travelers On A Budget
Business Insider
"They have nice suite setups for families and a deal where you get water park passes for the days you are there, not just the nights," says Julie Sturgeon, owner of travelagency Curing Cold Feet in Indianapolis, referring to Great Wolf Lodge properties.

Business Insider

Qantas cuts ties with Tourism Australia over Dixon's consortium role
The Australian
QANTAS has accused the head of Tourism Australia of trying to "unravel"' the airline's future plans, ending its 40-year partnership with the peak tourist body and suspending a $50 million marketing deal. The airline claims the body's boss, ex-Qantas ...

A Chinese opportunity that India Tourism misses
The Hindu
China's booming tourism market has, over the past few years, largely ignored India. Of the around 50 million Chinese who travel overseas every year spending some $40 billion, less than 1,00,000 travel to India on business and tourism, according to ...

The Hindu

After the storm, some travelers struggle for refunds | Travel Troubleshooter
The Seattle Times
The recent superstorm and series of nor'easters that slammed into the East Coast grounded tens of thousands of travelers, including Neil Weiss. Fortunately, most travel companies waived their usual rules, offering those delayed by the storms a refund ...

The Argument Against Pound-Foolish Travel - NYTimes.com
By By SETH KUGEL
One of the hardest parts of traveling on a shoestring is figuring out when not to save money. I call it Pound-Foolish Travel.
Frugal Traveler

Mexico: Safer But Not Safe Says Travel Warning | Gadling.com
By Chris Owen
Casting a more positive light to illuminate efforts being taken to improve the situation, Rodolfo Lopez-Negrete of the Mexico Tourism Board said the protection of tourists "is at the pinnacle of importance to the Mexican government," reports the ...
Gadling

Further Deregulation Could Vastly Improve US Air Travel - Business ...
By The Economist
THE deregulation of American air travel was a near-unqualified success for cost-conscious travellers, who can now fly across the country far more cheaply than in the era of heavy regulation. There are more flights and they cost less.
Business Insider

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Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Travel Tips for Students By a Student

Monday Reading: Travel Tips for Students, By a Student - NYTimes ...
By By ANN CARRNS
Travel tips for students by a student, the afterlife of your frequent flier miles, how to freshen up a computer and other consumer-focused news from The New York Times.
Bucks

Budget Holiday Travel Possible With New Way Of Thinking
Gadling
The desire for holiday travel is here. We want to visit friends and family sometime between now and the new year. Still, to recover from economic challenges, travel-related businesses are operating differently than they may have in years past, making ...

Costa Rica's Medical Tourism Boom
Huffington Post
Manzi estimates that medical tourism brought in $196 million to Costa Rica's health industry in 2011, with patients spending an additional $84 million in hotels, meals, travel and shopping. That makes for a total of $280 million spent on medical ...

Holiday Travel Tips and Helplines from the TSA
SmarterTravel.com (blog)
Happy holidays from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA)! What did the often-maligned security agency get travelers this season? The gift of holiday traveltips. The TSA has posted a new blog entry to alert travelers to recent changes in ...

SmarterTravel.com (blog)

As the world prepares for 'The Hobbit,' New Zealand prepares for the world
CNN International
It evokes not only a huge sigh of anticipatory relief from Tolkien fans around the world, but also kicks off a boom in “Hobbit tourism” to Wellington, which has been renamed “The Middle of Middle-earth” for the three weeks around the premiere (November ...

CNN International

Minister: Bali must enforce a limit on the number of tourists
eTurboNews
BALI, Indonesia - Bali must put a cap on the number of tourists allowed to visit the island, a former minister of tourism has stated. “The island has limited natural resources, limited water resources, limited energy, which all translate into a limited ...

eTurboNews

The Morning Briefing: Travel and tourism | SmartPlanet
By Charlie Osborne
The Morning Briefing” is SmartPanet's daily roundup of must-reads from the web. This morning we're reading about travel and t.
All Content on SmartPlanet

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Saturday, November 24, 2012

Cubans can leave, but to where and with what?

Cubans can leave, but to where and with what?: "November 11. 2012 - HAVANA — Vladimir Maiquil, 50, casts his fishing line off Havana's seafront boulevard, the Malecón, into the waters of the Florida Straits, 90 miles from America. "I'd love to travel and have the opportunity to see the world," Maiquil says, "but how can I afford the flight? I've got no chance. It's almost impossible." For decades, Cuba has been a country whose government would not let its people leave. But in October, it announced a lifting of the despised travel ban to begin in January. The announcement cheered Cubans as well as millions of Cuban Americans whose families have escaped the island since its takeover by communists. But it is unlikely the change will result in a tidal wave of Cuban travelers. The new law means that beginning Jan. 14, Cubans will no longer have to apply for a costly exception to the travel ban, known as an exit visa, or show a letter of invitation from a person in the intended destination. . . "

Cuban Time Travel by Jeffrey Frankel - Project Syndicate
By Jeffrey Frankel
For US citizens, the short trip to Havana requires navigating something of an invisible obstacle course, owing to the trade and travel embargo that their government maintains against Cuba. It also turns out to be a trip to the past – specifically, ...
Project Syndicate RSS-Feed

Travel: Mario Batali's Guide to Lake Michigan
Vanity Fair
Between his various television appearances, overseeing two dozen restaurants across the globe, and being a dad, it's a small miracle the Iron Chef gets time to sleep, let alone time to vacation. But when he can get away, he packs his signature orange ...

Mexico Travel Warning Updated Ahead Of Thanksgiving Holiday As ...
By The Huffington Post News Editors
With Thanksgiving quickly approaching, the U.S. State Department updated its travel warning for Mexico. ... Despite bad press and travel warnings, Mexico tourism holds its own ... New State Dept. warning exempts most Mexico tourist spots ...
The Huffington Post | Full News Feed

Save $500 On A Mountain Travel Sobek Galapagos Island - Gadling
By Kraig Becker
Mountain Travel Sobek Galapagos Island adventures are $500 off in January If you're like me you're probably already looking ahead to 2013 and planning your next adventure. If that happens to be the case, and the Galapagos Islands have ...
Gadling

How far can you travel on a travel budget? | Visual.ly
By graphicdesigner_
You can travel 12 times further by train than by plane for the same carbon footprint. We've shown how some ways of travelling are greener than other.
Visual.ly
Travel - Life & Style - The Times of India
|The cobalt blue of the sea in the travel magazine I held matched exactly with that of the one below us as ... Happy days here again for Agra's tourism industry ...

Enjoy Unforgettable Indochina Tours with Vietnam Tourism JSC ...
Vietnam and, to a lesser extent Cambodia & Laos are becoming ever more popular destination for travelers all over the world. Looking for an experienced ...
www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/thread.jspa?threadID...


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Thursday, November 22, 2012

New Years Eve cruise deals for 2012

New Years Eve cruise deals for 2012
Fox News
Saving one of my top picks for the last, I highly recommend the Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas, the biggest cruise ship in the world, sailing December 30 on a seven-day Western Caribbean cruise from Fort Lauderdale to the private beach at Labadee, ...

Cruise Deals: Late Fall and Early Winter Discounts on Caribbean Sailings
Condé Nast Traveler
This week, Royal Caribbean is offering plenty of deals on sailings to their namesake sea. The cruise line, which earned top honors in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards, is offering short (three-night) to medium-length (seven-night) cruises ...

Condé Nast Traveler

The Best New Cruise Ship of 2013? : The Lido Deck
Cruises, Reviews & News at CruiseCritic.com. Cruise Reviews, Cruise Deals and Cruises. SEARCH. Home · Boards · Cruise Deals · Last Minute Cruises ...

Aspirational Travel Site Peek Goes UGC, Now Lets Anyone Submit A “Perfect Day” | TechCrunch: "It seems like just a month ago that Peek launched as an editorially curated, aspirational travel site with a transactional business model. Actually it was! But don’t let that stop you from reading the rest of this article, because it’s doing something new."

Photos: Travel Imagery from Vanity Fair Photographer John Huba ...
Using picture frames as his muse, Huba curates a new show for his travel-themed work.
The Latest from VanityFair.com

LA Tourism Board Beats Vegas, New Little Tokyo Intersection ...
By Adrian Glick Kudler
THE INTERNET: Let's journey deep into the Local Tourism Board Wars, where LA has just won a major victory, becoming the first city to top one million Facebook friends....
Curbed LA

Life as a cruise ship priest - Telegraph
In the past, cruise lines would always carry chaplains, and some, including Cunard and Costa ...“We're actually classified by the cruise lines as an entertainer,” explains Father John .... Most competitive travel deals and vacation packages ...

Dominican Republic President meets on Royal Caribbean cruise ship
Royal Caribbean Blog (blog)
One of the objectives stated by the president is boost cruise tourism and work on a cruise shipterminal in the Dominican Republic. Michael Ronan, Royal Caribbean Regional Vice President made a presentation to foreign and domestic entrepreneurs, ...

Mexico Reports Tourism GDP Grew 3.2 Percent in Second Quarter: "Share Mexico Reports Tourism GDP Grew 3.2 Percent in Second Quarter By Claudette Covey November 18, 2012 10:36 PM Mexico’s Ministry of Tourism reported that during the second quarter of 2012 the quarterly indicator of tourism GDP increased 3.2 percent in real terms, compared to the same period of last year. According to the National Institute of Statistics and Geography, during the period April to June, the quarterly indicator of domestic tourism consumption grew 4.1 percent, compared to the same period in 2011. Domestic tourism consumption grew 2.1 percent, while inbound tourism increased by 18.3 percent."


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Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Expect Crowded Roads During Thanksgiving Travel Period

AAA: Expect Crowded Roads During Thanksgiving Travel Period
Wall Street Journal (blog)
Travel volume during the Thanksgiving holiday period continues to increase steadily from a low point in 2008, according to data from AAA. The travel group estimates 43.6 million Americans will take trips of 50 miles or more during the Thanksgiving ...

Wall Street Journal (blog)

Holiday Travel: What 43 Million Americans Can Look Forward To
ABC News
As 43 million Americans prepare to travel for Thanksgiving this week, some will have to brave snow, wind and heavy rain as they trek to their holiday destinations. Bad weather will cause a rough start for some travelers expected to be on the move this ...

ABC News

Israel tourism not hard hit yet by missile attacks
USA TODAY
He said he thinks people are watching and waiting to see what happens in Israel, Iran and Syria before making new plans to travel to the region. Late Monday, the Israel Ministry of Tourism issued a "Behind the Headlines" update via its New York PR agency.

Obama visit to Myanmar mixes diplomacy and tourism
Los Angeles Times
So went a whirlwind day for a president who showed himself willing to set aside the bloodshed in the Middle East, the "fiscal cliff" back home and other crises to mix tourism with diplomacy for a few hours in a nation struggling to emerge from decades ...

Panel: Promoting tourism in the US
Washington Post
Nick Graham, Expedia; Rhea Suh, Department of Interior; and Richard Perdue, Virginia Tech discusstourism promotion at Washington Post Live's Travel & Tourism Forum. WashingtonPostLive Production/ The Washington Post. Correction: Clarification: ...

9 Things You Should Know Before Boarding A Plane This Week
Business Insider
Over 43 million Americans are anticipated to travel 50 miles or more from home during Thanksgiving, up 0.7 percent since last year and the fourth consecutive year of growth since 2008 when Thanksgiving travel fell by 25 percent. More than 3 million ...

Business Insider

Black Friday, Cyber Monday travel deals run the gamut
USA TODAY
But remember, even as these deals proliferate, most Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals require fast action and plenty of terms and conditions, including required travel dates and booking at specific times. You wouldn't want to lose out because you're ...

Winter Travel Survival Tips
Huffington Post
When everything goes according to plan, flying is an incredibly quick and convenient way to travel. Alas, things don't always work so well. The recent storms in and around New York City demonstrated just how much airlines can alter their operations in ...

More Bay Area travelers fleeing for Thanksgiving break
San Jose Mercury News
One of the busiest travel weeks of the year is well under way in the Bay Area, as more people are packing airports and freeways than during any Thanksgiving rush since the Great Recession began. The region's busiest airport, San Francisco International ...

USACE builds road in Helmand province, cuts travel time in half ...
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is constructing a road in Helmand province, from Nawa to Lashkar Gah, in Southern Afghanistan, that already has cut travel time in half.
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Travel Gift Cards: A Thoughtful, Value-Oriented Choice | Gadling.com
By Chris Owen
Travel Gift cards and certificates from companies like airlines, hotels, cruise lines and other related services can make holiday gift giving eas.
Gadling

5 Hassle-Free Travel Tips For Thanksgiving « CBS New York
By julieparise
The Couch asked associate editor of Travel + Leisure magazine, Kathryn O'Shea-Evans, to stop by to come by and give us hassle-free travel tips.
CBS New York

Thanksgiving Travel Week Forecast: A Beauty Coming Up « CBS ...
By miketoole
I am happy to report that all is quiet in the weather department this week not only in New England, but for the majority of the country.
CBS Boston

Stressfree Holiday Travel with Kids | KTXL FOX40
By fox40samcohen
Our latest "person of pinterest" has travel tips so your airport experience isn't a nightmare.
KTXL FOX40

The cutting edge of travel technology - Travel Weekly
The scene played out at the Travel Innovation Summit, held in Scottsdale, Ariz., last week ....Marketing to Latinos: Travel, Tourism & Hospitality Conference ...

VIDEO: Travel Rush Is On!
Weather.com video Millions of Americans will be on the roads and in the air during the next few days. So what should we expect? We bring you the scene from ...

NTA Meets with Generation Y to Gauge Travel Preferences
Members of the Millennial Generation shared their outlook on life, travel and the tourism industry with the NTA Board of Directors this week. Millennials, also ...

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Monday, November 19, 2012

China's ecotourism; Great cruise deals

China's green shoots of ecotourism | Travel | The Guardian: "A new eco-resort in Zhejiang province, two hours from Shanghai, is hoping to improve China's reputation for sustainable tourism - China usually makes headlines for its environmental protests, and pollution. It is the world's largest emitter of CO2 gases and 70% of China's rivers and lakes are contaminated. As such "green" hasn't really featured as a selling point for travel to the Middle Kingdom. Until now. A new retreat tucked among the bamboo forests and tea plantations of Zhejiang province – a two-and-a-half-hour journey from Shanghai – has become a highly comprehensive ecoresort. The Naked Stables Private Reserve has been built to provide sustainable tourism in some of China's prettiest countryside. The 60-acre reserve is trying to become the first resort of its size in Asiato achieve platinum certification in the US Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design programme."

Set sail with great cruise deals
Herald Sun
BOOK and pay a deposit by January 31 for a small ship Baltic Sea cruise with Beyond Travel and receive a 25 per cent discount off the cruise price. The 11-day Sweden, Russia and Finland itinerary is a round-trip from Stockholm on the modern tall ship ...

News to use
Chicago Tribune
The Online Vacation Center is offering a 12-night cruise of Australia and New Zealand on CelebrityCruises departing Nov. 16, 2013. Cost is as low as ... Liberty Travel has packages in Cancun, Mexico, as low as $715 per person double occupancy ...

Ultimate Vacation Packages featuring Carnival Cruises
CBS Local
Where You Can Go: Once you book your trip and pay the additional balance ($598 for a 4-nightcruise; $698 for a 7-night cruise), you'll have your choice of trips. For a 4-night cruise, pick Bahamas sailing from Port Canaveral, FL, Western Caribbean ...

Popular Christmas Cruise Destinations [INFOGRAPHIC]
Gadling
Christmas cruises sail to a variety of destinations. On board ... Think sailing around the Caribbeanduring the popular December holiday would cause you to miss snow? ... This infographic from UKcruise seller CheapCruises.com tells the ho ho whole story.

Local caregiver wins cruise
Princeton Daily Clarion
Melissa Vaughan, a Newburgh family caregiver with multiple sclerosis providing round-the-clock care to her 89-year-old mother, Barbara, who has Alzheimer's disease, is the winner of the CaregiverCruise Giveaway sponsored by Home Instead, Inc ...

Royal Caribbean Execs Sell Near 52-Week High
Barron's
Royal Caribbean Cruises is enjoying a recent 52-week high stock price after strong earnings and executives of the cruise line have cast off some holdings, selling 50,388 shares for $1,441,495 in direct sales that may have included stock acquired by ...

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Saturday, November 17, 2012

The Luxury Locations CEOs are Visiting This Winter (video)


The Luxury Locations CEOs are Visiting This Winter - Jenny Graham, business development director at Quintessentially Travel, speaks about some of the locations big-spending clients are visiting this winter.(source: Bloomberg)

Air Travel Then Vs. Air Travel Now
Huffington Post
More than 84 million Americans are expected to travel over the holidays this year, and 42 percent plan to fly to their destination. As this is the busiest travel time of the year, I started thinking about how travel, particularly air travel, has ...

New Zealand's Green Tourism Push Clashes With Realities
New York Times
Ten years ago, the breathtaking vistas featured in Peter Jackson's “Lord of the Rings” trilogy were at the heart of a tourism campaign that helped jump-start a multibillion-dollar international travel industry and a worldwide image of the country's ...

Travel forecast for Thanksgiving is a rerun from last year
Los Angeles Times
About 3.37 million Southland residents are expected to travel over the holiday weekend, an increase of less than 1% above last year's 3.35 million local travelers, according to the Auto Club of Southern California. The average price of self-serve ...

Los Angeles Times

Florida's tourism increased estimated 3.5 percent in third quarter over same ...
Washington Post
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida's tourism industry is on pace for another record year. VISIT FLORIDA, the state's public-private tourism agency, on Thursday released a preliminary estimate showing the state had 21.9 million visitors in the third quarter ...

Li Li's Travel Journal updates with part 6
By (Anne Stickney)
What happened to Li Li after the Valley of the Four Winds? For that matter, where exactly was she when her Uncle Chen was duking it out with that orc and human during the cinematic trailer for Mists? Li Li's Travel Journal continues with part 6 ...
WoW Insider

Retro Style Travel Poster Series of Mythical Beasts
By Justin Page
Los Angeles graphic artist and web designer Fernando Reza (aka “Fro Reza“) has created a series of retro style travel poster designs that each display a different mythical beast and the destination that they call home. A limited edition (100 ...
Laughing Squid

Travel Intelligence: What to Wear, Where – Intelligent Travel
By Intelligent Travel
The African Safari-goer (by Steve Boyes, National Geographic Expeditions Africa expert). Good chemistry: New insect-repellent fabrics last for 70 washes but can be uncomfortable; opt for whatever makes you most comfortable. How low can ...
Intelligent Travel

Stunning Interactive Map Lets You Travel the Galaxy (Video ...
By Kimberley Mok
100000 Stars is an interactive environment that allows you to zoom, scroll and click among 100000 known stars.
Latest Items from TreeHugger

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Friday, November 16, 2012

World's Eeriest Abandoned Places

Travel + Leisure: World's Eeriest Abandoned Places (PHOTOS): "Staten Island's Tugboat Graveyard has long intrigued--even frightened--local residents, including NYC-based photographer Chris Barreto, who grew up just a few miles away. "It took me years to build up the nerve to go," he admits. "The immense size of the shipyard is unfathomable--row after row of ships, just waiting their turn to sink into the murky waters. The stench of rotting wood and oil is almost unbearable. It's not a welcoming place." Barreto is just one of the many artists, photographers, travelers, and writers inspired by the act of human abandonment. "When any man-made structure is deserted and void of people, it leaves behind an unsettling energy," he says."

Va. tourism pitch seeks to capture 'Lincoln' fans
Fox News
State tourism officials are inviting fans of film and history to walk in the footsteps of Steven Spielberg and his "Lincoln" stars at the Virginia Capitol, the Confederate White House and the Dixie Restaurant in Petersburg, where the menu includes the ...

'Twilight' Tourism: 7 Awesome Places to Visit in the Real-Life Forks, Washington
Zimbio
The Twilight Saga ends its long and storied journey with the premiere of Breaking Dawn 2 this Friday, a bittersweet occasion for millions of Twilight fans across the globe. Though the billion-dollar franchise full of vampires, werewolves, and teen ...

Zimbio

Budget Travel Strategies To Ease Holiday Buying Pain
Gadling
Travel during the weeks that include Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Day, and New Years Eve and Day is traditionally priced higher than any other time of the year, and for good reason. More people travel during that time than almost any other weeks ...

Can You Travel Too Much?
Huffington Post
The irony of my predicament -- and, I would imagine, the predicament many long-term travelers who pay their own way into the nomadic lifestyle -- is that I don't travel for months at a time because I have endless supplies of money and nothing better to ...

United operations returning to normal after another computer problem
Examiner.com
Related topics. Travel · United Airlines · Airlines · flight delays. Advertisement. Chicago-based United Airlines was working to get flights back on schedule Thursday afternoon after a system-wide computer failure caused numerous flight delays in the ...

Examiner.com

Avoid Holiday Travel Headaches with These Tips from American Express
Chicagoist
Don't forget to firm up your holiday travel plans—or else you'll be stuck getting socks (again!) at your aunt's house. By making plans right away, you'll get the most out of your holidays and avoid stress during a time that 75% of Americans feel ...

Thanksgiving travel tips you'll be thankful for
Boston Herald
Whether you're getting to your Thanksgiving destination by air or driving this year, you're going to have plenty of company. More than 24 million people nationwide plan to go over the hills and through the woods — and on the Mass Pike and through the ...

TSA to hold PreCheck information sessions at John Wayne Airport
Los Angeles Times
Travelers with questions about the Transportation Security Administration's PreCheck program can get answers at three information sessions planned this month at John Wayne Airport (SNA). The agency announced Wednesday that it would roll out the ...

Travel tips for a joyful holiday season
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
(BPT) - You've managed to navigate the holiday crowds at the post office, the mall and the office party, but you still need to get over the river and through the woods to gatherings with family and friends. Before you hit the roads, rails or skies this ...

Thanksgiving Travel in All Modes Set to Rev Up
Design & Trend
AAA predicts that close to 43.6 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home over the holiday, a 0.7 percent increase from last year. This includes people who will opt to drive than fly, as budgets remain tight, according to reports. "Many ...

Design & Trend

James Bond, Travel Guide: A Luxurious 'Skyfall' Itinerary
By The Huffington Post News Editors
When it comes to your movie heroes, there aren't many whose shoes--when you really think about it--you'd actually want to fill. Indiana Jones? Ophidiophobic Nazi target. Batman? Schizophrenic loner. James Bond on the other hand?
The Huffington Post | Full News Feed

5 Tips For Holiday Travel With A Baby | Gadling.com
By Meg Nesterov
With Thanksgiving days away, 'tis the season for screaming infants and squirming toddlers packed onto planes, right? Flying with a baby doesn't have.
Gadling

Forecast: Even Busier Holiday Travel Season « CBS Detroit
By mfusinski
David Fishman with Cadillac Travel says many airlines have consolidated and merged, meaning there are fewer seats and flights available.
CBS Detroit

Travel Gadgets for the New Year - Articles - Departures
As 2013 approaches, new technology gadgets that can make travel easier and more enjoyable debut, from the iPad Mini to a cutting-edge Sony camcorder.
www.departures.com/articles/travel-gadgets-for-the-new-year
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island travel - Google News

ecotourism - Google News

travel - Google News

tourism - Google News

Travel - chicagotribune.com

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In Transit - NYTimes