Monday, May 21, 2012

Welcome to our new Blog
Feel free to post your travel experiences.http://www.mountkiscotravel.com/travel@bestweb.net

106 comments:

  1. New Zealand is simply beautiful. This country of two islands with a population of only about 4.5 million has it all……volcanoes, lush rainforests, beaches with golden sand (there are black sand beaches too!), mountains surrounded by glaciers, charming fiords, thermal hot springs and mud pools, and not to mention, all those lovely creatures that I like---sheeps and penguins!! Before coming here, I knew that this country is pretty from pictures that I have seen, but now having seen it with my own eyes and having been immersed by the stunning landscapes, I have to say that this is the prettiest country that I have ever visited.

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  2. Camera & Video Travel Accessories

    Traveling with expensive items such as electronic goods always requires special care and protection. Finding that such items have been damaged can become a really frustrating situation and once it is done, there is nothing much to do to solve it. We can assure you that taking care of such products will only take a couple of minutes and the results will definitely be satisfying. In order to fulfill different needs, the market has developed several types of accessories which only have one objective and that is to protect your cameras and video items when you travel.

    Posted by Honeymoon Up Comments (0) Send a Friend Honeymoon & Romantic - A Cruise in Hawaii

    As you can imagine, starting a trip always requires some sort of basic information to begin with. This is why we want to give you some basic Hawaii honeymoon directions for you to know it better. The archipelago of Hawaii is nowadays considered to be an American state, the southernmost and the only one that is completely surrounded by the sea. These islands are also among the ones that are the furthest from mainland and this is what makes them so paradisiacal.

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    Americans in Paris
    By: Tony Perrottet and Globus

    Paris in the 1920s was a golden age for financially challenged American writers who flocked to the City of Light for the excellent exchange rate for the dollar, the liberated lifestyle, and the hottest art scene in the world. Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald and his flamboyant wife Zelda, Ford Madox Ford, Gertrude Stein, T.S. Eliot, Ezra Pound, and E. E. Cummings all staked a claim in the capital of Jazz Age Europe (and were joined by Irishman James Joyce, Brit George Orwell, and a bevy of Russian and Eastern European geniuses).

    Hemingway in particular captured the frenzied party atmosphere after the sacrifices of World War I. The members of his so-called “Lost Generation” would hang out on the “terrasses” of boulevard cafés, listen to African-American musicians in the smoky jazz bars, and enjoy bargain meals in the louche back streets of Montparnasse. At that time, Hemingway lived as an unknown writer with his wife, Hadley, in a tiny, sunny flat (74 Rue du Cardinal Lemoine, near the Place de la Contrescarpe), where he recalled in later books like A Moveable Feast the classic ambiance of cheery drunkards, street urchins, hard-working flower-sellers, and prostitutes with hearts of gold. Their apartment on the top floor cost only 60 francs per month—a few American dollars at the time—and Hemingway wrote his first short stories while looking out over the poetic rooftops of the city. Of course, the writer’s diet of bread and cheese was tempered by the occasional martini at the Hotel Ritz (on the Place Vendôme) with F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Hemingway retained a lasting fondness for the place.

    When Hemingway returned to Paris in 1944 as a war correspondent with the American troops, he headed straight to the Ritz to “liberate” its ancient wine cellar after the German occupation—and stayed for weeks in Room 31. In the 1950s, the hotel named the Hemingway Bar in his honor and installed a marble bust of the great writer there.

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  4. On a peninsula, jutting into the harbour rests the gleaming white curves of the iconic Sydney Opera House, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

    This amazing structure, designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon, has been described by UNESCO as a “masterpiece of 20th century architecture.”

    After an earlier behind-the-scenes look at this acoustic marvel, you already know why the Opera House remains the busiest performing arts venue in the world.

    Now see it in all its glory as you cruise spectacular Sydney Harbour.

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    Freuds Fans
    By: Globus

    The inner city of Vienna is overflowing with superbly decorated historical architecture, but for decades its most famous address was actually an unassuming apartment building in a middle-class suburb—Berggasse 19. From 1891 to 1938, this was the home of Sigmund Freud, the brilliant thinker who invented psychoanalysis and discovered the power of dreams and the subconscious, changing the way we think about the human mind forever.

    Today, the apartment, situated on a street sloping down to the Danube Canal, is the Sigmund Freud Museum, and it continues to lure streams of admirers from around the world, just as it did in the great man’s own lifetime. Each of the dozen rooms is filled with memorabilia: Freud’s birth certificate (born to a Jewish family, he changed his first name from Sigismund), his walking cane, battered travel bag with the initials S.F., his hat and sports cap hanging on hooks by the door—all give the impression that the pioneer shrink might be about to stroll back from a nearby coffee house for a session of “talk therapy” (as psychoanalysis was first called) with a patient.

    Also on display are rare original books, including a first edition of “The Interpretation of Dreams,” published in Vienna in 1900, which was ignored for years but eventually became an international bestseller. On the walls are classic photographs of the bearded, avuncular Freud holding his ubiquitous cigar. When friends joked that, according to Freud’s own theories of sexuality, the cigar should be interpreted as a phallic symbol, he famously remarked, “Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar.”

    By 1938, at the age of 82, Freud was one of Austria‘s most famous and respected figures when Nazi Germany annexed the country and Gestapo officers began harassing Jewish residents. Soldiers visited Berggasse 19 and searched the offices, confiscating about $1,500 in cash. Freud at first refused to admit the danger, but he was finally convinced to emigrate, with an exit visa arranged by U.S. President Roosevelt himself and facilitated by a sympathetic German officer. He moved to England, where he died of cancer the following year, which is why Freud’s famous couch resides today in a small London museum rather than its long-time home in Vienna.

    We design our journeys around the stories they will tell. What story might you discover next with Globus and Mt Kisco Travel N Tours

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    60 Second Geography - United Kingdom
    Few places cram in as much scenery, history and culture as the United Kingdom. England's southwest is dominated by a rugged shoreline and ancient history, the uber hip and metropolitan capital, London, sits amid the rolling hills of the southeast. The people of northern England are among the friendliest; while the scenery of the Northumberland coast, Peak District and Lake District are all incredible sights to behold.

    But to experience the true wilderness of the United Kingdom, travel to the Scottish Highlands where you will discover that it can be harsh, snow capped and often inaccessible. Art-drenched Edinburgh is a stunning city to explore (especially if you are a JK Rowling or Harry Potter fan), and the larger islands of the Hebrides attract walkers and whiskey lovers.

    Across the water, sharing land with Ireland, Northern Ireland is a stylish and modern area anchored by Belfast. Outside of the city, the countryside is every bit as intriguing as the United Kingdom's.

    Wales features the vibrant Cardiff and industrial Swansea to the south, and craggy peaks of the Snowdon Massif to the north.

    •England is the biggest country in the U.K., and is home to the largest city in Europe - London. It's also home to over 600 miles of beautiful coastline and some of the world's top tourist attractions. England is divided into 9 distinct regions, each with its own unique personality, history and culture - from the rolling hills of the Cotswolds and charming Cornish villages to the bustling city life of London and the dramatic coastlines of the North East. So no matter what kind of experience you want, you'll find the perfect destination in England.
    •Northern Ireland is the smallest country in the U.K., and is situated in the northeast corner of Ireland. Northern Ireland's size makes it easy to navigate. Once you've settled into your hotel, you can easily visit the country's main attractions on short day trips. The country offers a variety of landscapes from breathtaking mountains and glens, World Heritage Sites to an inland sea.
    •Scotland is a diverse and extraordinary country, with a rich and fascinating history. The country has nearly 800 islands, only 300 of which are inhabited, and these islands are home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. It is a photographer's paradise. In Scotland you will find vibrant and exciting cities, breathtaking lochs, mountains and coastlines. Scotland shares its Southern border with England and is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on the west and the North Sea on the east.
    •Wales is bordered by England on the east and is a small country with a rich history and spectacular landscapes, including three national parks and five "Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty." Due to its size (170 miles tall by 60 miles wide) you're never far from a mountain or a sea. But Wales is also home to vibrant cities, traditional villages and great tourist attractions. Welsh - the native language - is spoken by many people in Wales, and is one of the oldest (and some say most difficult to understand) languages in the world.
    What are you waiting for? Contact Mt Kisco Travel N Tours and explore the United Kingdom.

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  7. FAQ


    The Mysteries of Machu Picchu
    By: Globus

    It now seems straight out of Indiana Jones. In the summer of 1911, a dashing American explorer named Hiram Bingham led a Yale University expedition through the jungles near Cuzco to discover an unknown ruin perched on a spectacular Andean crag: the “lost city of the Incas.” Adventurers had been searching for the site for centuries, although nobody had been sure of its existence. News of the romantic find spread around the world, and Bingham would go on to become a U.S. Senator. But the 1911 “discovery” was actually less heroic than it sounds.

    Bingham had actually been led to the site by a local farmer named Melchor Arteaga, whom he had met while camping on the Urubamba River. Far from being “lost,” the Peruvian peasants of the area had always known about the site—and gave it its name, Machu Picchu, which means Ancient Peak. Still, to modern archaeologists, Machu Picchu raises more questions than it answers. About 1,000 people once lived there, in around 200 structures, but why was the spectacular citadel built? Bingham himself threw out wild theories. At first, he thought he had found the last refuge of the Incas who held out against the Spanish, Vilcabamba. (In fact, he had already come across the real ruins of Vilcabamba, which lay 60 miles to the west, and he had found them unimpressive). He then decided that Machu Picchu was the last holdout of Cuzco’s sacred Virgins of the Sun, who had fled the marauding conquistadors. For want of another theory, this has certainly held the popular imagination.

    A century later, archaeologists are still arguing about the city’s true purpose. Most agree that it was a religious center for the Incas. Beyond that, speculation reigns. Was it part of a province wiped out in a rebellion? Or a royal estate supplying Cuzco with coca leaves? One thing hasn’t changed since 1911: everyone’s first glimpse of the city poised high above the jungle-covered ravines is one of the most majestic images in South America.

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  8. Destination Weddings
    A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person. And a successful destination wedding requires planning and attention to detail. That is where Honeymoons and Get-A-Ways comes in. We have traveled the globe visiting destinations and venues enabling us to plan the perfect destination wedding for you. We will do all of this for you so you can concentrate on the important things, like planning on spending the rest of your life together.
    At Honeymoons and Get-A-Way's, a Destination Wedding is not just an event; it is an experience your guests will be talking about for years to come. Our passion for planning Destination Weddings is evident by the responsibility we take from the beginning to the end and our preferred relations with resorts’ management enable us to provide you with an "extra something" just for you and your guests.
    We understand the stress that comes with planning a wedding, let alone a Destination Wedding. We eliminate that anxiety with our expertise, knowledge and understanding of different cultures.
    Honeymoons and Get-A-Ways certified wedding specialists have traveled the globe visiting locations in search for the best venues. Honeymoons and Get-A-Way are recognized leaders in planning Destination Weddings.
    At Honeymoons and Get-A-Ways, you will receive the best, one of a kind wedding based on our 40 years experience of planning Destination Weddings. You are unique and deserve to have your wedding to be unlike any other!
    Once you decide a destination wedding is right for you, then say "I do" to Honeymoons and Get-A-Ways. We excel at planning Destination Weddings; no one will work harder and plan a unique, one of a kind destination wedding for you than the specialists at Honeymoons and Get-A-Ways!
    “A journey is like marriage. The certain way to be wrong is to think you control it.” – John Steinbeck

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  10. things I would definitely fit into an Anchorage itinerary.


    A Northern Lights Late Night Special trip with Salmon Berry Tours. This evening tour not only takes participants on a snowshoeing expedition in search of the famous Northern Lights, but it also includes a delicious dinner of house-made soups, breads and desserts. This company also offers dogsledding tours.


    A halibut sandwich and a frothy beer in a Mason jar at F Street Station. This is a popular local watering hole with delicious food and a communal block of cheese at the bar that patrons can nibble from. (I find the hygiene of this suspect, but if it's high-quality cheese, I'm not going to turn it down!)


    Dining with a view at the Crow's Nest. On the 20th floor of the Hotel Captain Cook, this fine restaurant's windows showcase stunning views of the surrounding city as well as Mount McKinley. The award-winning menu features Alaskan seafood, and there's a 10,000-bottle wine cellar. On second thought, I may just spend my entire Alaskan vacation in this restaurant.


    A cup of soup and a sandwich on fresh bread at Europa Bakery. This bakery is touted as one of Alaska's best, but I think I'll need to stop in and sample the breads and coffee (all of them) before I give my personal opinion. Apparently it serves a great latte!


    Indulging in chocolate from all over the world at Modern Dwellers Chocolate Lounge. This place sells chocolate bars from various countries, and it serves house-made truffles and espresso. This would be a great spot to warm up with dessert and a good book.


    Enjoying a local festival, such as the Make it Alaskan Festival in November. This festival highlights local arts and crafts, but if that's not your cup of tea, Anchorage puts on an annual film festival, a beer festival, its unique Fur Rondy Festival and plenty of hockey games. There's certainly something for everyone!



    I think this trip would be complemented by a trip to Denali National Park. That way, you achieve a balance of outdoor activities and relaxing experiences within Anchorage. Where would you like to go in and around Anchorage?

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  11. Florence Must See Sites
    By: Globus

    When traveling through Europe, you won’t want to miss these captivating spots in Florence, Italy.

    Piazzale Michelangelo and San Miniato a Monte
    Enjoy a sensational view over the “cradle of the Renaissance” from Florence’s most panoramic square. Climb to one of the highest points of the city, where the Benedictines erected a church in honor of St. Mennas.

    Piazza della Repubblica and Ponte Vecchio
    Walk through the commercial heart of town—from the elegant and lively cafés of Piazza della Repubblica to the picturesque Old Bridge which crosses the narrowest point of the river Arno. Admire the patient and precious work of the local artisans and goldsmiths. Ask your Local Host about this and other walks to see the best of Florence.

    Cathedral Dome and Museum
    Climb the interior staircase of the city’s most dominant architectural feature—constructed between 1418 and 1436 on a base of approximately 150 feet in diameter and 330 feet high—by the genius of Filippo Brunelleschi. The Cathedral museum contains the major original artifacts and the original panels of the Baptistery, known as the “Gates of Paradise.”

    Church of San Lorenzo
    See Brunelleschi’s early-Renaissance masterpiece and the mausoleum of the Medici family, built by Michelangelo, in the New Sacristy.

    Central Market
    Florence’s best food market is located in the middle of the picturesque street market of San Lorenzo; see displays of olive oil, pastas, herbs, and red wine.

    Church of Santa Croce
    Erected towards the end of the 13th century by the great architect Arnolfo di Cambio, this Franciscan basilica is a highlight of the specifically Italian architecture of the Gothic style. Wander along the three wide naves enriched by Galileo’s and Michelangelo’s tombs, and admire works of the Early Florentine School from Giotto and his followers in the transept chapels.

    Santa Maria Novella
    Enjoy the harmony of this medieval architectural jewel. Built in 1246 by the Dominicans, its beautiful arcades and its incredible vaults preserve works by many Renaissance artists.

    Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella
    The pharmacy displays the results of more than 800 years of work by Dominican monks. Following centuries-old formulas, the officina sells ancient remedies and tonics alongside hand-molded soaps and perfumed powders.

    Florentine Fashion and Shopping
    If you love Italian fashion, a visit to the designer houses of Gucci, Roberto Cavalli, or Ferragamo will make your day. Florentine leatherwork, gold jewelry, Italian craftwork, and art books are also good buys and great presents to take home.

    Tuscan Food Specialties
    Specialties to try include succulent ‘bistecca fiorentina,’ Florentine steaks; ‘pappa al pomodoro,’ a local bread and tomato soup; ribollita, a cabbage and bean soup; and ‘biscottini di Prato con vin Santo,’ the special biscuit and wine tradition to finish off a meal. Sip Chianti wine, Brunello di Montepulciano, or the Super Tuscans.

    Let Globus and Mt Kisco Travel N Tours help you build the perfect vacation to Florence!

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    Unplug and Unwind in Eight Remote Destinations
    By: Abercrombie & Kent

    Venture off the grid with Abercrombie & Kent's eight recommended Unplugged journeys in destinations far from wireless access. Delve into the heart of the Sahara desert — 400 miles from Marrakech — on Splendors of Morocco or journey to the ends of the earth, the White Continent, on Antarctica, South Georgia & the Falkland Islands.

    Here are a few more options from Abercrombie & Kent to help you find your the perfect place completely off the grid.

    •Desolation Canyon, Utah: Majestic Canyons River Rafting
    •Galápagos Islands: Wonders of the Galápagos
    •Kakadu National Park, Northern Territories, Australia: Tailor Made Journey
    •Los Glaciares, Argentina: Tailor Made Journey
    •South Luangwa National Park, Zambia: Wings Over Zambia

    Contact Mt Kisco Travel N Tours for more information

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    A Taste of South Africa
    By: Silversea

    The sweet aroma of barbecue (or braai, as it's called in Afrikaans) permeated the outdoor air as Silver Whisper, sailing on her 115-day World Cruise, hosted a special poolside lunch on Wednesday that gave guests a chance to sample authentic South African cuisine before the ship departed East London.

    The culinary tradition of South Africa is rich and varied, and reflects not only its African roots, but its historical connection with Dutch, British, Malaysian, Indian and other cultures, resulting in uniquely flavourful delicacies.

    As it so happens, Silver Whisper's very own executive chef, Anne-Mari Cornelius (pictured above), hails from South Africa and was delighted to personally introduce our guests to the fascinating cuisine of her homeland.

    Presiding over the barbecue, Chef Anne-Mari skillfully cooked up such local delicacies as boerewors (pronounced bor-eh-vors ). This homemade sausage — whether served with a traditional porridge called pap (pronounced pop), or a sweet and spicy chakalaka sauce, or placed in a bun in the style of a hot dog — is a signature food cherished throughout the African nation.

    Of course, it doesn't hurt to have a few bottles of Mrs H.S. Ball's Original Chutney on hand, also a popular accompaniment for boerewors, or any braai. Probably the most famous South African chutney, it's made in Johannesburg using a 19th-century recipe of dried fruits and spices. A favourite among South Africans living abroad and looking for a taste of home, it's exported to England, Germany, Britain, New Zealand and Australia.

    And what South African barbecue would be complete without a few handcrafted ritual dolls to adorn the table? The ones pictured above are from the Ndebele tribe. Their presence created an atmosphere of authenticity and a connection with Africa's spiritual heritage that we hope resulted in a culinary experience that was not just culturally enriching for our World Cruise guests, but maybe a bit enchanting.

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    Look at New Entertainment with Silversea
    By: Silversea

    Our totally revamped entertainment programme, created exclusively for Silversea by Choozi Entertainment. The programme will also be rolled out to Silver Spirit in March 2012.

    In a move away from traditional production shows, the new concert-style concept features an outstanding cast of classically trained vocalists and musicians performing a lively celebration of music from Motown to opera to pop and rock. The star-studded cast and production team are headed by visionary director and choreographer Christopher Childers and his sister, Suzanne Childers.

    The new shows feature a unique blend of music that follows the decades and offers Silversea guests distinct choices in their entertainment options. Here's a snapshot of the shows and their venues:

    SHOW LOUNGE
    Signed, Sealed, Delivered — A musical journey through Motown's prolific songbook. Capturing the essence of this musical genre, the cast recreates the iconic choreography with a contemporary feel, taking the audience back to a time when America captured the world's imagination with this fabulous music.
    High C's — Classical music and well-known arias take the stage to enchant and delight. From Puccini to Verdi to the most popular songwriters of today, Hi C's takes the classics and gives them a fresh twist, in the same manner as Il Divo, Josh Groban, and Sarah Brightman.
    Fabbalicious — The music of ABBA comes alive as the cast faithfully recreates the original sound and iconic look of the legendary '70s Swedish pop group. Designed to get the audience on their feet, singing and dancing along with the cast, this show celebrates what is arguably the most infectious and fun music of our time.
    POOL DECK
    Decades — From Madonna to Lady Gaga, and almost everyone in between, this fun-filled deck party is a tongue-in-cheek look at pop music through the decades … from glam rock, to electronica, to dance pop. Famous stars come to life as costumes are pulled from a trunk and the performers become one music legend after the next.
    PANORAMA LOUNGE
    In addition to headlining shows, performers on each ship will showcase the songbook of different composers or musicals in intimate, club-like settings, such as the Panorama Lounge. The musical selections currently planned are Lennon and McCartney, on Silver Cloud; Boublil and Schönberg, the creators of Miss Saigon and Les Misérables, on Silver Whisper; Billy Joel's songbook from the Tony Award-winning show Movin' Out, on Silver Wind; and today's newest musicals … from the West End to Broadway, on Silver Shadow.
    Christopher Childers, who toured with Madonna, Michael Jackson and Cirque du Soleil, has assembled an impressive team to create these shows. Michael Brennan, whose Broadway credits include Avenue Q, Mamma Mia!, and The Lion King, is serving as musical director. His current role as musical director for Le Rêve at Wynn Las Vegas has allowed him to work closely with Childers, who is the artistic coordinator for Le Rêve. Scott Phillips, noted lighting designer from the mega hit Human Nature is another integral part of the creative team and Suzanne Childers has designed and fashioned the costuming inspired by haute couture

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  19. The 15th century Castello Aragonese in Ischia Ponte
    The first time I went to an Italian thermal springs spa, it was the renowned Terme di Saturnia. I had just consumed an enormous meal in Tuscany, driven the winding, hilly roads in Tuscany’s Maremma and faced with the sulphur smell emanating from the springs like a tidal wave upon my arrival, nearly fainted. But my most vivid memory was of the glamorous guests, decked out in designer sunglasses and diamonds accessorizing terry robes. I’m not sure any of them actually went into the water. My next experience was another very famous Tuscan spa hotel, o I didn’t know what to expect from the island of Ischia, known for its thermal springs, except that my seatmate, an Ischia native, raved about it on a flight to Rome last year, about its beauty, natural state, the quality of the waters, the exceptional food. As it turned out, he was right. The island 28 miles off the coast of Naples, a 45 minute ferry ride, a favorite of Europeans and much lower profile than its glamorous neighbor Capri, does have an intact culture, bountiful agriculture providing full-flavor ingredients for luscious, rustic meals, and natural springs so revitalizing from volcanic activity that Julius Caesar supposedly ordered his troops to cut a path through the foliage so that he could bathe in Cavascura,natural thermal springs running through a grotto tucked into a canyon and open to visitors today. ( And very atmospheric, if completely no-frills.)


    The multicolored buildings on the harbor on the nearby island of Procida
    The best place to take in the full effect of the waters is Giardino Poseidon Terme, a complex with 20 thermal pools of various temperatures, set on different levels and in man made or stone cave locations and recommended to help everything from arthritis to digestive diseases. German-owned, it has scrupulous cleanliness standards (don’t even think of going into the pools without at least a baseball cap on to catch any stray locks of hair that might fall into the water),and a full medical facility . But set on an Italian island, it also has terrific food.

    Thermal treatments are also available indoors, more privately, in the spa attached to Terme Manzi, a Relais & Chateaux hotel in the town of Casamiccola that derives its waters from the Gurgitello springs, famous for cell regeneration properties. Lovers of minimalist design will have to take a deep breath when they enter the hotel, however: its décor is opulent to the point of excess and seems to have been furnished by buying the entire contents of an antique dealer’s barn and moving them in en masse. Its restaurant, Il Mosaico,a Michelin two star, bucks the trend of simple, rustic food on the island by offering up intricate presentations that could double as modern sculpture. Nothing is simple in appearance here except for the spa which is truly a soothing respite especially when one is slathered with their specialty mud.


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  20. Vuyani exceeded our expectations with the exception of the broken jacuzzi in the Honeymoon Suite. They made attempts to fix it but to no avail. It is our understanding that they plan to remove them shortly due to many problems they have had with them. We arrived on the day that Quinton and Yolande (managers) were saying goodbye to the lodge. The rest of the staff did not miss a beat. We were treated so well and ate like kings. We were surprised one night with our bath filled with candles all around as well as a bottle of Champagne. The rangers were great. They spotted so many animals on the reserve. We didn't see as much wildlife in Modilto as we did in Kruger but overall the private reserve offered a much better experience and truly tested the ranger's abilities. Jacques, in particular, was amazing. The lodge is small with only 5 rooms and a lot of time is spent with the other guests. Hopefully you'll have a good mix of people when you decide to visit.

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  21. Garden

    If you love flowers and greenery, see if your resort has a garden wedding option. You can still feel the warm sun and cool breezes of the beach, but have your wedding ceremony in a beautiful, unique location. You could also save some money on floral decorations by holding your wedding ceremony surrounded by nature’s finest blooms! Don’t forget to tell your guests to bring the bug spray!



    We know you’ve dreamed of this day for a long time. Few things in life are as important as this day and few options as romantic as a Destination Wedding. When properly planned, a Destination Wedding can actually save you a lot of money…but most Brides and Grooms don’t know where to start. That’s where we come in. Apple Vacations will not only help you find the perfect destination; we’ll make your wedding easy and affordable for friends and family too!



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  22. FAQ



    Myanmar the History and Mystery that is Burma
    By: Voyages to Antiquity

    In the autumn of 2012, Aegean Odyssey will embark on her first season in the Far East. She will take our guests to the mystical countries of India , Sri Lanka, and then onto Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia and Myanmar, the last ‘closed’ country in the Far East. All cruises have been meticulously planned to highlight the most important historical and cultural aspects of the places we visit.

    For our Southeast Asia itineraries, we have selected a number of new lecturers who will be travelling with us including Colonel Gerry McCormack, a military historian. Take a look at his overview on the highlights of Myanmar explaining the changes going on in the country also known as Burma. This amazing part of the world is already proving to be a big attraction for many of our past passengers, who are eager to visit a country so incredibly rich in history.

    “You have probably noticed that Myanmar is back in the headlines again because change is in the air. Whilst for the hardy travellers it has always been possible to have a safe and enjoyable holiday there, some people were a little wary. It was a regime that harshly kept its citizens on a tight leash, its currency was suspect and there were horror stories of how it dealt with dissention.

    With elections two years ago and recently in the beginning of April this year, at which the mystical Aung San Suu Kyi won, there is clearly a mood of relaxation in the halls of power. More and more visitors will be applying for visas. Burma is already a highlight of many travel journalists with many predicting the country will be the ‘hot’ destination of 2013.

    In spite of their travails, the people of Burma are cheerful, want to practise their English -most are very fluent – and the food is Asian with a Burmese twitch. Even for a simple meal the side dishes seem to swamp the area set aside for the main dish. Their drinks, cold and tasty are refreshing and welcome. The alcoholic drink most available will be one of their many beers. Breweries reflect the care with which the British passed on the noble art of brewing!

    For many who visit Burma there is a constant need to pack and unpack but I’m sure that those passengers lucky enough to travel later this year will appreciate using the Aegean Odyssey as comfortable base from which to move around. Once the ship is tied up in the heart of Yangon, (formally known as Rangoon) a simple stroll from the ship or a more organised tour are easily achievable. Yangon itself brings together all of the key elements of life in Myanmar. Ancient pagodas, gold covered spires, university grounds, parks, lakes, market squares and even a hotel to rival Raffles for its intimate colonial atmosphere on the river bank.

    Many guests on our Burma cruises may choose the optional tour inland to follow the ‘The Road to Mandalay’ on the banks of the mighty Irrawaddy River. The old palace grounds and Mandalay Hill, made famous in the reports from the 1800’s are still in situ and well worth a visit. Similarly, another optional tour is to the thousands of temples in Bagan, another short flight away, which will take you back to a time when Personal Ritual in your own temple was all the rage.

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  23. Few places cram in as much scenery, history and culture as the United Kingdom. England's southwest is dominated by a rugged shoreline and ancient history, the uber hip and metropolitan capital, London, sits amid the rolling hills of the southeast. The people of northern England are among the friendliest; while the scenery of the Northumberland coast, Peak District and Lake District are all incredible sights to behold.

    But to experience the true wilderness of the United Kingdom, travel to the Scottish Highlands where you will discover that it can be harsh, snow capped and often inaccessible. Art-drenched Edinburgh is a stunning city to explore (especially if you are a JK Rowling or Harry Potter fan), and the larger islands of the Hebrides attract walkers and whiskey lovers.

    Across the water, sharing land with Ireland, Northern Ireland is a stylish and modern area anchored by Belfast. Outside of the city, the countryside is every bit as intriguing as the United Kingdom's.

    Wales features the vibrant Cardiff and industrial Swansea to the south, and craggy peaks of the Snowdon Massif to the north.

    England is the biggest country in the U.K., and is home to the largest city in Europe - London. It's also home to over 600 miles of beautiful coastline and some of the world's top tourist attractions. England is divided into 9 distinct regions, each with its own unique personality, history and culture - from the rolling hills of the Cotswolds and charming Cornish villages to the bustling city life of London and the dramatic coastlines of the North East. So no matter what kind of experience you want, you'll find the perfect destination in England.
    Northern Ireland is the smallest country in the U.K., and is situated in the northeast corner of Ireland. Northern Ireland's size makes it easy to navigate. Once you've settled into your hotel, you can easily visit the country's main attractions on short day trips. The country offers a variety of landscapes from breathtaking mountains and glens, World Heritage Sites to an inland sea.
    Scotland is a diverse and extraordinary country, with a rich and fascinating history. The country has nearly 800 islands, only 300 of which are inhabited, and these islands are home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. It is a photographer's paradise. In Scotland you will find vibrant and exciting cities, breathtaking lochs, mountains and coastlines. Scotland shares its Southern border with England and is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on the west and the North Sea on the east.
    Wales is bordered by England on the east and is a small country with a rich history and spectacular landscapes, including three national parks and five "Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty." Due to its size (170 miles tall by 60 miles wide) you're never far from a mountain or a sea. But Wales is also home to vibrant cities, traditional villages and great tourist attractions. Welsh - the native language - is spoken by many people in Wales, and is one of the oldest (and some say most difficult to understand) languages in the world.
    What are you waiting for? Contact Mt Kisco Travel N Tours and explore

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  24. The Yucatán coast has been a staple of travelers from the United States for forty years or more. The rapid development in and around Cancun became a model for the best and the worst in the ways in which tourism could enrich a population. This area was largely isolated from the rest of Mexico until the Mexican government selected the region for development.

    The Yucatán's Caribbean coast is more than 236 miles and stretches from Cancún in the north all the way to Chetumal, on the border with the nation of Belize.
    The northern half of the Yucatán's coast is known as the "Maya Riviera" to the south, the "Costa Maya." Between the two is the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve.
    South of Cancun development along the Mayan Riviera is on a smaller scale, with a greater understanding for the principles of sustainable tourism and a respect for native cultures.
    The second longest reef system in the world runs much of the length of the coast. Playa del Carmen, Xpu-Ha, Tulum and the other magnificent beaches occur where there are gaps in the reef and the tidal action of the ocean's waves pounds the reef into fine sand.
    The reef provides great snorkeling and diving and the beaches are some of the world's finest.
    Ancient Mayan ruins dot the coast and are easily accessible from the resort communities along the coast
    Inland, vast caves are present and under ground rivers run where travelers can explore with experienced guides.
    The choice of accommodations is large and varied from cabins to all inclusive resorts or boutique hotels.
    The ancient Mayan cities of Uxmal and Chichen Itza remain some of the best examples of the mysterious cultures, the vestages of which exist to this day in the native populations.
    Ready to go to the Yucatán coast? Contact Mt Kisco Travel N Tours and get started planning your trip.

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    Home | More Travel Topics | Custom Blogs | Supplier Guest Blogs | Destination Content & Videos | Support | FAQ



    The Golem Of Prague
    By: Globus

    Prague boasts one of the world’s more peculiar city mascots: a lumbering clay monster known as the Golem. The creature is ubiquitous in the Czech capital, endlessly cloned into cute souvenir figurines, while Golem lends his name to local hotels, clothing boutiques, hairdressers, and even rock bands. Oddly, few Czechs remember that the Golem originated as a dark legend, born of the violence of the late Middle Ages.

    In the 1500s, the Christians of Prague began a series of murderous rampages (pogroms) against the Jews in the city’s Ghetto. Later, when remembering that bleak era, the beleaguered Jewish Czechs began telling the story of the magical Golem that came to their aid. It was said that a learned rabbi named Judah Loew ben Bezalel (who was a real historical figure) fashioned a towering, man-like figure from the mud of the River Vltava, and used his knowledge of the kabalah to animate it with life. EMET, the Hebrew word for truth, was engraved upon the Golem’s forehead, and it would patrol the Ghetto and protect its inhabitants from mobs at night. But with no mind of its own, the Golem was over-literal in interpreting orders and went on its own murderous rampage against innocent citizens, both Christians and Jews. The rabbi was forced to erase the letter E from its forehead, replacing it with MET, the Hebrew word for “death,” thus, breaking the spell. He then interred the Golem’s remains in the attic of the oddly named Old-New Synagogue.

    Today, the synagogue still stands in the Ghetto, and the current chief rabbi of the Czech Republic says that he has never dared enter its sealed-off attic. Meanwhile, the grave of Rabbi Judah Loew ben Bezalel, who died in 1610 at the age of 100, is still a revered pilgrimage spot in Prague’s Jewish Cemetery.

    Don’t just bring home stories. Bring home unforgettable memories. Book your trip to Prague with Globus and Mt Kisco Travel N Tours today and get ready to see first-hand the most diverse architecture the world has to offer.

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  27. 3 Tips for Hassle-Free Travel
    By: Collette Vacations

    The travel experience isn’t always perfect. But with the right attitude and these tips you can simplify your trip and avoid any hang-ups at the airport.

    De-clutter your carry-on bag ahead of time. Make it easy for the transportation security officers. Uncomplicated works for you and them.
    Stay within the baggage allowance. Those rules change. Do yourself a favor and check ahead.
    Give yourself plenty of time. Whether it’s getting to the airport, visiting a museum on a free day during an escorted tour or grabbing a meal, I swear by this bit of advice.

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  28. http://members.travelresearchonline.com/live/rl/videos/view_video_client.aspx?v=6&a=

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  29. If you are ready to experience some of the most mind blowing scenery in the world, then it is time for you to visit Iceland on The Wonders of Iceland tour. Travel to an island of dramatic contrasts with landscape forged by fire and ice. Witness steaming lava fields and hot pools that reflect its volcanic nature while massive glaciers continue to sculpt the mountains and valleys.

    After touring the fascinating city of Reykjavik filled with shops and museums, venture to the Golden circle, 190 miles of land that include the hot springs of Geysir, fertile pastures and glacial rivers of Thingvellir National Park, and the hammering Gullfoss waterfall.

    During the trip, your eyes will feast upon numerous geographical wonders ranging from floating icebergs to lava fields. There will never be a dull moment as you gaze upon the wildlife such as the Puffins and horses that descended from those brought by the Vikings.

    Enjoy the shores of the peninsula while visiting the charming fishing villages and if given the opportunity, going on a whale watching cruise. Ultimately you will not regret your decision to vacation to this geologically brilliant location.

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  30. They may not have the same wacky wit as Johnny Depp’s Captain Jack Sparrow, but the pirates of the Galapagos had their share of adventures among the otherwise pristine islands. During the 1500s and 1600s – as Spain was busy collecting the wealth of the Incas and shipping it home – the pirates (or buccaneers, depending on whose side you were on) would attack the Spanish treasure ships and steal riches for their own country... or themselves. The Galapagos became a favorite hangout for these pirates who would retreat onto their private coasts, stock up on water and meat (tortoise meat, that is) and, occasionally, stash their goods among the volcanic caves. The spot just north of James Bay on Santiago, in particular, is still known today as Buccaneer’s Cove. The pirates were also seen as a beneficial part of the economy during ancient times. Settlers could trade and barter goods at a much cheaper rate with the pirates. At “pirate prices,” merchandise could be had more reasonably than what the Spanish charged. As a result, the fledging communities viewed the pirates as well-endowed trading partners as well as high-spending tourists who would arrive in town with plenty of money to squander and could be counted on for repeat business. In addition, with the pirates around, their ports were temporarily safe from Spanish incursions. So who knows what your next trip to the islands with Globus and Mt Kisco Travel N Tours will unearth! ... Arrr!

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  31. The Royal Hawaiian shares a few of its features with the Sheraton Waikiki such as its Helumoa Keiki Pool and its Heluma Playground. The pool has a children’s pool and also offers waterways, slides, and two ocean front Jacuzzis. The Heluma Playground offers two freshwater swimming pools and two large whirlpools with breathtaking views of the beach and a fountain area for the children. The pool that differentiates it from the Sheraton is the Royal Beach Tower Pool. It offers a quiet oasis which fronts the beautiful Waikiki Beach and the Pacific Ocean. Allow yourself to relax in the lounge chairs on the stone pool deck or in one of the cabanas and allow the attendants to take care of every need you have.


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  32. Silversea guests dining at Le Champagne, the only Relais & Châteaux restaurant at sea, should feel like royalty. They have the opportunity to enjoy an over-the-top ingredient that is more expensive than the finest white truffles or caviar. At an estimated selling price of USD $15,000 per pound, edible gold leaf is the world's most expensive food, according to a list compiled by CNNMoney.

    At Le Champagne, our master chef applies the Midas touch to create what may well be the most decadent dish of risotto served anywhere on Earth. When gold leaf is added as an adornment, this simple, smooth and creamy Italian rice dish becomes an exquisite culinary indulgence — following a tradition that dates back to the 16th century, when Italian dukes and earls decorated their risotto with gold leaves.

    Apparently, gourmets and noblemen alike have known for a long time that gold not only dazzles the eye, but like calcium and iron, it is completely digestible.

    Reservations are required at Le Champagne, and while there are some pricey items on the menu, the dining fee is only $30

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  33. | More Travel Topics | Custom Blogs | Supplier Guest Blogs | Destination Content & Videos | Support | FAQ



    60 Second Geography - Beijing
    Shopping is one of the most popular endeavors in Beijing, with the heart of it lying on Jinbao Street and Jinbao Place. Revolving around luxury, international brands are featured in clothing, watches, jewelry and accessories. Duty-free stores can also be found, saving you a little bit of money from the national tax.

    After several years of having its doors closed for renovations, the National Museum of China recently reopened to the public. The 600,000 square foot complex is home to over a million cultural and historic artifacts spanning over three floors, all contained in 49 rooms.
    Finding an aquatic paradise near Beijing isn't a difficult task - roughly 23 miles from Tiananmen Square lies the Qinglong, or Green Dragon, Watertop Paradise. The park offers visitors the ability to para-glide, ride in high-speed motorboats, yacht, captain their own boats or take a break in a rowboat or a pedaled boat.

    For the authentic Chinese nature experience, be sure to check out Yuyuantan Park in the Haidian District. Over 300-acres, this region is home to lakes and gardens that were once considering imperial fishing ground to the Liao Dynasty. It also boasts a marvelous cherry blossom garden, one of the biggest in China.
    When it comes to dining, Beijing offers a cultivated array of food. Some meals that you would otherwise rarely try are offered - duck, anyone? Similar to any other modernized country, though, Beijing caters to international flavors, too, predominately featuring American, European, Arabic, and other Asian dishes.
    Beijing's after hours scene is a great place for those who thrive when the sun sets, offering the best venues for those who love hip hop, dance, or just being out and seen about with friends. Some of the most populated clubs have been compared to those in Los Angeles and San Francisco, but offer a twist.
    Getting around Beijing, like any other major city in the world, can be done in a multitude of ways - taxi, subway, bus, bicycle, airports, trains, and of course, renting a car. Transportation, while hectic at times, is extremely sophisticated, and you will have no problem getting to and from your destination.
    What are you waiting for? Contact Mt Kisco Travel N Tours and explore Beijing.

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  34. The Popes of Avignon certainly knew how to throw a party. When Clement VI celebrated his ascension to the Pontiff’s office in 1342, the surrounding farms were decimated for the feast. Records show that for this single-day extravaganza, the kitchens prepared 118 roast oxen, 1,023 sheep, 914 lambs, 7,428 chickens, 1,195 geese, 3,043 fowl, 39,980 eggs, 6,000 pounds of almonds, 50,000 tarts, and 90,000 loaves of bread. Several hundred of the most important guests gathered in the Banquet Hall for this most elaborate meal.

    Naturally, the medieval dining arrangements were far different from today’s. Food did not arrive in courses. The dishes were laid out on trestle tables before the guests arrived for an impressive visual effect, and diners had to choose from whatever they could reach from their assigned seat. Medieval cooks loved to make the food itself brightly colorful and even patterned, using contrasting dyes made from herbs, flowers, saffron, and gold leaf, and finishing with pomegranate seeds to resemble rubies. The meal was a carnivore’s paradise, with beast after beast arriving from the kitchen. The meat-carving was a prestigious, noble skill, and was often performed by the Pope himself, using an ivory-handled knife. The Pope’s own portion would then be passed under a narwhal’s horn, which was thought to detect poison.

    There were no individual plates at that time. Each guest lay his meat on a thick slice of bread called a trench, which soaked up the juices and would be devoured in turn. The only eating utensil was a knife, so well-mannered diners used only their thumb and two first fingers to eat, with the pinky kept clean to dip into the salt. And there were no napkins. Guests would wipe their hands on the table cloths. The Papal feast ended with desserts highly prized in the Middle Ages: wafers, marzipan treats, jams, and candied fruit, all prepared within the palace itself.

    Destinations have stories. We bring them to life. What Globus story might you discover next with Mt Kisco Travel N Tours?


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  36. Discover The Mysteries of Machu Picchu on a Monograms Independent Vacation
    By: Monograms

    It now seems straight out of Indiana Jones. In the summer of 1911, a dashing American explorer named Hiram Bingham led a Yale University expedition through the jungles near Cuzco to discover an unknown ruin perched on a spectacular Andean crag — the “lost city of the Incas.”

    Adventurers had been searching for the site for centuries, although nobody had been sure of its existence. News of the romantic find spread around the world, and Bingham would go on to become a US Senator. But the 1911 “discovery” was actually less heroic than it sounds: Bingham had actually been led there by a local farmer named Melchor Arteaga, whom he had met while camping on the Urubamba River.

    Far from being “lost,” the Peruvian peasants of the area had always known about the site, and gave it its name, Machu Picchu, which means Ancient Peak. Still, to modern archaeologists, Machu Picchu raises more questions than it answers. About 1000 people once lived there, in around 200 structures – but why was the spectacular citadel built?

    Bingham himself threw out wild theories: At first, he thought he had found the last refuge of the Incas who held out against the Spanish, Vilcabamba. (In fact, he had already come across the real ruins of Vilcabamba, which lay 60 miles to the west, and he had found them unimpressive). He then decided that Machu Picchu was the last holdout of Cuzco’s sacred Virgins of the Sun, who had fled the marauding conquistadors – and for want of another theory, this has certainly held the popular imagination.

    A century later, archaeologists are still arguing about the city’s true purpose. Most agree that it was an religious center for the Incas. Beyond that, speculation reigns. Was it part of a province wiped out in a rebellion? Or a royal estate supplying Cuzco with coca leaves? One thing hasn’t changed since 1911: Everyone’s first glimpse of the city poised high above the jungle-covered ravines is one of the most majestic images in South America.

    Set your own course for adventure when you take a Monograms vacation to South America. Contact Mt Kisco Travel
    WWW.mountkiscotravel.com
    travel@bestweb.net

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  37. Aruba is a relatively small island. it is only 20 miles long and slightly less than 6 miles across at its widest point. It is one of the Dutch "ABC islands" consisting of Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao and only 19 miles off the north shore of Venezuela. It's easy to get around in Aruba. The public bus is efficient and runs through the hotel zone. Taxis, cars, motorcycles and bicycles are also available for rent.

    Anguilla is more than a destination. Anguilla is an experience, a special feeling found nowhere else. Anguilla represents the ultimate in escape from the ordinary, the opportunity to leave behind the busy everyday to wrap oneself in the very essence of relaxation. Visitors come from all over the world to Anguilla to rejuvenate the mind, body and spirit. As they say in Anguilla "Feeling is believing."

    They must do something right in Aruba. It has the highest hotel occupancy rates and the highest rate of return visitors of any destination in the Caribbean.
    Aruba's leading industry is relaxation. Over 500,000 people visit each year, bringing a lot of money to the island. As a result, Aruba is quite prosperous by Caribbean standards. The locals have good housing, healthcare and education. There is very little history of racial or social strife, so the inhabitants are friendly, warm and open with travelers.
    The city of Oranjested is the capital and was named after the first king of the Dutch Royal Family, Willem van Orange-Nassau, in 1824. Today it is known as the House of Orange. In Oranjested you'll find the Aruba Historical Museum and the oldest building in Aruba, Fort Zoutman (1796).
    One of the real graces of Aruba is its near-perfect weather - a nearly constant phenomenon of sunny skies, warm temperatures, and cool breezes driven off the Caribbean. This island's low humidity and desert like terrain is likewise nearly a full-time affair as it almost never rains and the island is far below the hurricane belt of the Caribbean.

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  38. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Npf4HmbsReQ&feature=youtu.be

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  39. In a gorgeous setting on a calm, secluded stretch of golden sand, 15 minutes north of Castries and 90 minutes northwest of Hewanorra International Airport, this sprawling complex of hotel rooms and Mediterranean-style villas is nestled on a lush hillside facing the sea.

    Sporting pickled woods and Spanish tile, the expansive lobby opens to a Casablanca-style lounge with chic rattan furniture, beam ceilings and banks of slow-spinning fans.

    Five restaurants range from a thatched multitiered dining deck on the waterfront to a hillside tavern and a poolside spot serving snacks and pizza. The Mediterranean Papa Don's tavern is a great spot for fresh pasta or its signature Moroccan couscous dish with lime honey yogurt. Embers and Jammers by the beach dish up jerked meats in a come-as-you-are setting, whereas the Upper Deck is a more formal atmosphere for prime cuts of beef and fresh seafood. Chefs whip up meals in the villas on request, and four bars quench tropical thirsts by the pool or under swaying palms on the beach. Guests also have the option of catamaran dinner cruises. Themed dinners include barbecue, as well as Caribbean and Creole selections certain nights of the week. All-inclusive meal plans are ideal for those that do not plan to leave the resort.

    From the lobby, steps descend to a large bilevel freshwater pool (one of five—two are for kids) with a waterfall and a sundeck. With the exception of diving, nonmotorized watersports at the beach are complimentary, as is use of the fitness center.

    Families, couples and singles flock here thanks to its ability to cater to a multitude of audiences without excluding another. Guests can withdraw and self-cater in the privacy of panoramic villas or revel in the resort's excellent dining and recreational amenities.

    The Serenity Spa features a steam room, a whirlpool and a roster of treatments such as massages, facials and wraps. These indulgences can be enjoyed in villas, in the spa, on the beach or poolside.

    Other popular diversions include volleyball, tennis on two floodlit grass courts, beach table tennis, golf at a nearby club, and shopping at three boutiques and a minimart.

    Little ones frolic at the children's club with supervised activities each day, and a teens' club entertains the older kids.

    Those who must do business have use of conference space seating 100 people theater-style. The Internet can be accessed in the small business center, and Wi-Fi is available in the lobby, pool areas and estate rooms without charge. The resort offers babysitting, laundry, car rental and concierge services.

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  40. 1500 miles of undiluted history of art, architecture and above all, human endeavour. A cross section of 3000 years of history, beautifully displayed, tangibly visible and also “exhausting”.

    Every moment of this tour is a constant reminder of human ingenuity and fallibility. An exhaustive trip to the roots of western civilisation. A trip of a lifetime.

    From the primordial and indigenous tribes of the Italian Peninsula, to the nomadic tribes of Asia Minor, the exciting Greek influence, the glories of the Roman empire, the gloom of the dark ages and the Barbaric hords, the Arab and Norman invasions, the sophistication of the Swabe dynasty, the apotheosis of the Italian Renaissance, the gradual decline, the Spanish and French invasions and finally the utopic dream come true, the unity of Italy in 1861.

    Italy is not only a beautiful and fascinating country, it is also a beautiful way of life. Every facet of this country is to be experienced, understood and frequently pardoned. It is sometimes confusing and yet proud, chaotic and efficient at the same time, a world-leading industrial and financial reality and yet politically a banana republic. A country of extreme contradictions. A country of sailors and poets, a country of frustrations and indifference.

    Every moment of the “Best of Italy” is aimed to share with you a whirlwind experience of a country worthy of many repeat visits, a taste of (always) better things to come, never a dull moment. You leave with a lingering feeling of enrichment and an extraordinary feeling of humility. You will leave with a sense of achievement.

    For all the above reasons and many more, you have to experience the truly Best of Italy.

    Contact Mt Kisco Travel N Tours and get ready for the Best of Italy.

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  41. Secrets of the Ponte Vecchio
    By: Globus

    As the Nazis retreated from Florence during World War II, they blew up all of the bridges across the River Arno, except one: the Ponte Vecchio, which was evidently saved on Hitler’s personal orders. This was where he had met the Italian dictator Benito Mussolini in 1938, cementing the “pact of steel” alliance. The Führer had been so impressed by the elegant “Old Bridge,” which had graced the spot since being built in stone in 1345, that he decided to save it. Instead, the German army blew up all of the ancient buildings on either side, so that the bridge could not be used by the Allies, but the Ponte Vecchio itself was salvaged for posterity.

    Today, thousands flock to this glorious arched edifice to buy gold and silver from local vendors, much as they have since 1593, when the Grand Duke Ferdinando Medici ordered that metalworkers and jewelers replace the butchers and tanners who worked there. He wanted a more pleasant walkway and was offended by the stench of rotting meat and the pungent odors of hides that were cured in horse urine and washed in the river. A bust of Benevento Cellini, the most accomplished of all Renaissance goldsmiths, stands as a reminder of this great tradition.

    In its heyday, like all bridges of the period, the Ponte Vecchio was bustling with merchants and crowded with domestic residences, taverns, and shops. Today, if you visit the bridge in the early morning or at night, when the vendors’ stone-walled stalls are closed, you can see city’s ancient symbol, a stylized lily (not unlike the fleur de lis), used as a decorative pattern on the metal hinges of all the wooden shutters.

    But at any time of day, make sure you look up and spot the barred round windows in the top level of the bridge. Unbeknownst to most visitors, a secret passage runs above the Ponte Vecchio. It was added by the Medici family in 1565 so that they could get from the Uffizi to the Palazzo Pitti without having to weave through the crowds and risk assassination. It is known as the Vasari Corridor after its designer, Giorgio Vasari, and its circular windows are called “the eyes of Florence.” Through them, the Medicis could spy on their subjects and even eavesdrop on conversations. It was actually in this passageway that Adolf met Benito back in 1938, in order to hatch their plans in privacy.

    Let Globus and Mt Kisco Travel N Tours help you build the perfect vacation to Florence!


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  42. Capri II: The Villa San Michele
    By: Globus

    Capri has recently become a paradise for megalomaniac architects: One multi-million dollar villa after another has made inventive use of the island’s deliriously steep landscape. The most beautiful villa on the island is actually one of the oldest, the Villa San Michele – a virtual Temple to Art build by a Swedish doctor, Axel Munthe, in the early 1900s. One famous visitor, the novelist Henry James, called it “a creation of the most fantastic beauty, poetry and inutility that I have ever seen clustered together.” Today, operated as a Swedish cultural center and including a serene bird sanctuary, this lovely, eccentric property can be visited on private tours. Dr. Munthe had survived throughout bloody European wars and dreadful plagues in Naples before he moved to Capri in 1887. He was instantly bewitched by the island and decided to build his dream home on a cliff-side in the village of Anacapri (Upper Capri). At the time, this settlement could only be visited by climbing a rugged track that had been carved by ancient Phoenician sailors. The building materials, along with the artworks he had acquired over the years, had to be lugged up on mule-back. By 1910, the mansion had taken shape in the form seen it today, a magnificent structure perched on the edge of a cliff. The lush, secluded garden is decorated with an astonishing collection of stone Sphinxes, bronze nymphs and gargoyles, and its balconies offer the most incredible views on an island already famous for them. From its high parapets, one can spend hours watching vessels carve long white wakes in the ocean, like delicate paint strokes on cobalt blue. In 1929, Munthe wrote a superb memoir about his experiences on Capri, The Story of San Michele (a prototype of modern classics like A Year in Provence and Under the Tuscan Sun). To Munthe’s astonishment, it became an instant bestseller. The book has since been translated into 45 languages and has inspired millions of people to visit Capri’s seductive shores, which remain a yardstick for natural beauty the world over. When you book a vacation with Globus, you’re not just seeing the world, you’re getting a behind-the-scenes look at the world’s most interesting places. Discover the stories of Capri with Globus and Mt Kisco Travel N Tours today.

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  43. 5 Unique Spring Events
    Queen’s Day
    Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands

    April 30th is the actual date of Queen’s Day which in Dutch is Koninginnedag, but the real festivities begin the night before on Queen’s Night. Starting the night of the 29th Amsterdam becomes a perfect celebration for all when all the clubs in the area prepare special festivities for anyone who would like to partake in them. Over 700,000 people flock to the streets of Amsterdam on Queen’s day for a day of partying and tradition. Queen’s Day is a city wide party which provides a unique, fun, and friendly environment for the locals and the visitors. Bring some change with you because one of the key aspects of the day is the Free Market. The Free Market encourages all of the locals to trade all in their house which is unnecessary with their neighbors and visitors. Be sure to bring comfortable shoes because you will be on your feet walking around all day.

    St. Patrick’s Festival
    Location: Dublin, Ireland

    The St. Patrick’s Festival is going to be held from March 17th to March 20th in Dublin. The St. Patrick’s Festival is a celebration for the patron saint of Ireland St. Patrick. There are events for the whole family including festivals, dances, comedy shows, and Irish music. Everyone knows though that Ireland is famous for its love of beer and there is no better time to celebrate that then during this wonderful festival. The greatest spectacle of the whole event is the St Patrick’s Day Parade on March 17th . Can we start planning now and help you truly celebrate the GREEN?

    Las Fallas
    Location: Valencia, Spain

    Las Fallas takes place from March 15th until March 19th in Valencia. During the preceding months Valencia is decorated with over 700 symbols and figures. The streets of Valencia are electrified by magnificent firework displays. One spectacle which takes place on the evenings of the 17th and the 18th is the “Ofrenda de Flores a la Virgen de los Desamparados” or “A floral offering to our Lady of the Forsaken.” This offering involves a large parade of Fallas members in decorative costumes offering flowers to the patron saint. The final and most extraordinary experience of Las Fallas is the closing on the 19th. The closing is a massive bonfire which brightens up the night and appears as if they are going to burn down the whole city.

    Kentucky Derby
    Location: Churchill Downs, Kentucky

    May 5th 2012 is the date for the “Greatest Two Minutes in Sports,” which is the Kentucky Derby. The first leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown is located at Churchill Downs and has a long and glorious history dating all the way back to 1875. It is a great place to visit for any sports fan. Winning the Triple Crown is seen as one of the most difficult feats in sports and has not been completed since Affirmed won in 1978. This makes the Derby the best of the three races to attend because it always gives fans, jockeys, and owners the chance to believe that this could be the year where it all started and they were lucky enough to experience the start of something great. This place is not only famous for its great two minute race but also for the people who attend and the fashion statements its attendees attempt to make. A-list celebrities flock to the Kentucky Derby for this see or be seen event. Let us plan your trip and you can start working on your outfit, and try to be the best dressed there.

    St. Lucia Jazz Festival
    Location: St. Lucia, Caribbean

    For a week spanning from the end of April into the first week of May, St. Lucia holds its world famous Jazz Festival. In 2011 this Jazz festival hosted its 20th anniversary which is extremely uncommon for festivals in the local area which tend to start failing by their 7th year of operation. The festival provides formal concert styles along with intimate performances with acts from all over the world such as John Legend, Trey Songz, and the local reggae group 4th World. This festival is ranked among the best festivals the Caribbean has to offer and even one of the best festival experiences in the world.

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  44. Capri II: The Villa San Michele
    By: Globus

    Capri has recently become a paradise for megalomaniac architects: One multi-million dollar villa after another has made inventive use of the island’s deliriously steep landscape. The most beautiful villa on the island is actually one of the oldest, the Villa San Michele – a virtual Temple to Art build by a Swedish doctor, Axel Munthe, in the early 1900s. One famous visitor, the novelist Henry James, called it “a creation of the most fantastic beauty, poetry and inutility that I have ever seen clustered together.” Today, operated as a Swedish cultural center and including a serene bird sanctuary, this lovely, eccentric property can be visited on private tours. Dr. Munthe had survived throughout bloody European wars and dreadful plagues in Naples before he moved to Capri in 1887. He was instantly bewitched by the island and decided to build his dream home on a cliff-side in the village of Anacapri (Upper Capri). At the time, this settlement could only be visited by climbing a rugged track that had been carved by ancient Phoenician sailors. The building materials, along with the artworks he had acquired over the years, had to be lugged up on mule-back. By 1910, the mansion had taken shape in the form seen it today, a magnificent structure perched on the edge of a cliff. The lush, secluded garden is decorated with an astonishing collection of stone Sphinxes, bronze nymphs and gargoyles, and its balconies offer the most incredible views on an island already famous for them. From its high parapets, one can spend hours watching vessels carve long white wakes in the ocean, like delicate paint strokes on cobalt blue. In 1929, Munthe wrote a superb memoir about his experiences on Capri, The Story of San Michele (a prototype of modern classics like A Year in Provence and Under the Tuscan Sun). To Munthe’s astonishment, it became an instant bestseller. The book has since been translated into 45 languages and has inspired millions of people to visit Capri’s seductive shores, which remain a yardstick for natural beauty the world over. When you book a vacation with Globus, you’re not just seeing the world, you’re getting a behind-the-scenes look at the world’s most interesting places. Discover the stories of Capri with Globus and Mt Kisco Travel N Tours today.

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  45. Maybe this coming spring is truly your time to SPRING into action.

    5 Unique Spring Events
    because you will be on your feet walking around all day.

    St. Patrick’s Festival
    Location: Dublin, Ireland

    The St. Patrick’s Festival is going to be held from March 17th to March 20th in Dublin. The St. Patrick’s Festival is a celebration for the patron saint of Ireland St. Patrick. There are events for the whole family including festivals, dances, comedy shows, and Irish music. Everyone knows though that Ireland is famous for its love of beer and there is no better time to celebrate that then during this wonderful festival. The greatest spectacle of the whole event is the St Patrick’s Day Parade on March 17th . Can we start planning now and help you truly celebrate the GREEN?

    Las Fallas
    Location: Valencia, Spain

    Las Fallas takes place from March 15th until March 19th in Valencia. During the preceding months Valencia is decorated with over 700 symbols and figures. The streets of Valencia are electrified by magnificent firework displays. One spectacle which takes place on the evenings of the 17th and the 18th is the “Ofrenda de Flores a la Virgen de los Desamparados” or “A floral offering to our Lady of the Forsaken.” This offering involves a large parade of Fallas members in decorative costumes offering flowers to the patron saint. The final and most extraordinary experience of Las Fallas is the closing on the 19th. The closing is a massive bonfire which brightens up the night and appears as if they are going to burn down the whole city.

    Kentucky Derby
    Location: Churchill Downs, Kentucky

    May 5th 2012 is the date for the “Greatest Two Minutes in Sports,” which is the Kentucky Derby. The first leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown is located at Churchill Downs and has a long and glorious history dating all the way back to 1875. It is a great place to visit for any sports fan. Winning the Triple Crown is seen as one of the most difficult feats in sports and has not been completed since Affirmed won in 1978. This makes the Derby the best of the three races to attend because it always gives fans, jockeys, and owners the chance to believe that this could be the year where it all started and they were lucky enough to experience the start of something great. This place is not only famous for its great two minute race but also for the people who attend and the fashion statements its attendees attempt to make. A-list celebrities flock to the Kentucky Derby for this see or be seen event. Let us plan your trip and you can start working on your outfit, and try to be the best dressed there.

    St. Lucia Jazz Festival
    Location: St. Lucia, Caribbean

    For a week spanning from the end of April into the first week of May, St. Lucia holds its world famous Jazz Festival. In 2011 this Jazz festival hosted its 20th anniversary which is extremely uncommon for festivals in the local area which tend to start failing by their 7th year of operation. The festival provides formal concert styles along with intimate performances with acts from all over the world such as John Legend, Trey Songz, and the local reggae group 4th World. This festival is ranked among the best festivals the Caribbean has to offer and even one of the best festival experiences in the world.

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  46. Historic First for Silversea in Corfu
    By: Silversea

    For the first time in the 18-year history of Silversea Cruises, three of our ultra-luxury ships — Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, and Silver Spirit — called in the same port on the same day. The historic convergence of the three ships took place in beautiful Corfu, a Greek island renowned for its lush green hills and pure white beaches.

    Surrounded by the sparkling turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea, Silver Cloud, Silver Wind and Silver Spirit greeted each other by sounding their whistles as they sailed into this charming and sophisticated port.

    Corfu (or Kérkyra in Greek) is the second largest of the Ionian islands, and a land rich in history and myth. It was likely the last stop for Homer's Odysseus on his fabled journey back to his homeland of Ithaca. For Silversea, Corfu will always carry special significance as the port that hosted an important milestone in our company's own

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  47. South Africa - The Zulu Wars
    By: Globus

    The late 1800s saw the so-called “scramble for Africa,” as various European armies equipped with the latest military hardware seized enormous parcels of the continent from villagers who could only defend themselves with spears and daggers. The most heroic resistance came from the kingdom of the Zulus, a warrior culture in the spectacular eastern coast of South Africa (now the province of Kwazulu-Natal), which in 1879 inflicted on the British Empire a shattering defeat. In January of that year, a five-pronged redcoat army invaded Zululand to oust its king Cetshwayo. But the commanding general, Lord Chelmsford, an arrogant and smug aristocrat, radically underestimated his enemy. The Zulu warriors, called impis, were actually an organized and disciplined force, who could cover huge distances on foot and wield their assegais (short stabbing spears) to deadly effect. On the morning of January 22nd, British scouts at one of the main British camps at Isandlwana were horrified to see a force of 20,000 Zulus gathering in the traditional “buffalo horn” formation used to outflank defenders. The battle raged all day, ending in fierce hand-to-hand fighting. By dusk, the British camp had been wiped out, with over 1,300 redcoats dead, many gathered in a series of desperate “last stands.” Days later, another army of 4,000 Zulus surrounded a mission station at Rorke’s Drift, where a mere 139 soldiers were holed up. This time, the British were able to stave off the attack. But the larger invasion had been defeated, and the British withdrew. The news was greeted in London with shock and horror. Sadly for the Zulus, the British Empire could not allow such a humiliation to stand, and soldiers returned the next year with a much larger force, capturing King Cetshwayo. The Zulu king was exiled to London for several years, where he became a minor celebrity and met with Queen Victoria. He returned to his home in 1883 as a puppet leader, but died soon after.

    Destinations have stories. We bring them to life. What Globus story might you discover next with Mt Kisco Travel N Tours?

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  48. don't think Barry Manilow had this in mind when he wrote "Copacabana."

    Looming above Rio de Janeiro’s most famous beach, the Copacabana Palace would have to be one of the world’s most infamous celebrity hotels. Modeled on the glamorous resorts of the Riviera, it opened in 1923 and soon became the place to stay for Hollywood stars and European aristocrats during Rio’s “golden age.” When Orson Welles took a suite here in 1942 with the Mexican actress Dolores del Rio while filming a documentary on Brazil, It’s All True, high drama ensued on and off the set. The couple fought constantly, and Welles drunkenly threw the room’s entire furnishings from the window into the swimming pool below. Fifteen years later, in 1957, another room in the Palace was trashed by a movie star, this time Ava Gardner, who was heart-broken by the break-up of her marriage to Frank Sinatra. (No doubt her mood was not improved when, at one ball, an over-enthusiastic Brazilian admirer came up behind her and tore the back off her dress; when she checked out, her room was found to be strewn with whiskey bottles, the mirrors were broken and furniture slashed). By this point, staff at the Palace had become accustomed to volatile scenes from its upper crust clientele. The newly-divorced Prince of Wales also became so drunk that he went fishing in the fountain, and Lana Turner was at the Copa when she heard that Howard Hughes had dumped her to marry Jean Peters, pushing her to a nervous breakdown. Today, the Copacabana Palace still dominates the city’s iconic beach. Visitors can still stroll into the splendid lobby and ask to see the “golden book,” a guest register filled with famous names from the glorious past: Errol Flynn, Margot Fontayn, Douglas Fairbanks Jr., Clark Gable, Marlene Dietrich, Anita Ekburg, Brigitte Bardot and Brazil’s first international sex symbol, Carmen Miranda. Carrying on that grand tradition, Copacabana Beach remains an exhibitionist’s paradise – the spot to flaunt your latest eye-popping thong and then samba all night while sipping caiparinhas (a potent mix of lemon, sugar and cane brandy called caxaça). But be careful. As Orson Welles would tell you, they really pack a punch.

    The world is a library. What story might you discover on a Globus vacation at the Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro with Mt Kisco Travel N Tours?

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  49. My recent stay at Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora was everything I had
    imagined. We arrived at Bora Bora airport and were welcomed with a fresh
    lei greeting by the staff. After our bags got tagged, we were escorted on
    board the Four Seasons navigator catamaran. Check in was done in less than
    10 minutes. Our Bungalow was 419 on East Pontoon with magnificent views of
    Mt Otemanu. The staff was at a ratio of 5 per guest and there was always
    one person asking you if you need anything and always greeting you with La
    Orana.more »

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  50. Discover Amazing Africa
    By: Silversea

    Are you among the many been-there, done-that travellers yearning to explore some of the world's more exotic destinations? Then you need look no further than the enchanting African continent to satisfy your quest.

    From the awe-inspiring drama of the world's oldest desert to the humbling beauty of the Big Five, journeys to Africa speak to your soul. It's a place where you can track zebra and gazelle across expansive plains, dine in the Namib Desert under towering dunes and brilliant stars, or visit verdant vineyards at the Cape where history lives alongside nature's most dramatic landscapes.

    Plan your amazing discovery with Silversea and Mt Kisco Travel N Tours.

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  51. The world’s most poetically-named bridge, Il Ponte dei Sospiri, the Bridge of Sighs, was built in 1614 so that prisoners of the Venetian state could be transferred in secret from the Doge’s Palace to the so-called Nuovi Prigioni, or New Prisons. The wistful name was actually conceived by the English poet Lord Byron in the early 1800s that imagined the horror of prisoners taking their last glimpse of Venice before going underground to captivity. Although Venice in the 1600s was a famously permissive society, it was overseen by shadowy oligarchy through their omnipresent secret police that sniffed out any hint of political treachery against the all-powerful Republic. The slightest suspicion could lead to a midnight arrest and secret trial; prisoners would be tortured and convicted without being told the charge or the length of their sentence. The cells for new prisoners were located around the torture room so they could hear the victims’ screams, designed to wear them down psychologically in advance. Today, this new Prison is part of the standard tour of the Doge’s Palace. One can follow the route of the prisoners across the covered bridge, which was divided for two-way traffic, and peer through the grille to the sparkling Lagoon as gondolas pass underneath. Visitors should also keep an eye out for the more recent graffiti – the cells were still in use for political prisoners in the 1930s for victims of Mussolini’s fascist regime. Don’t just bring home stories. Bring home unforgettable memories. Book your trip to Venice, Italy with Globus and Mt Kisco Travel N Tours today and get ready to see first-hand the most diverse architecture the world has to offer.

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  52. Pirates of the Galapagos
    By: Globus

    They may not have the same wacky wit as Johnny Depp’s Captain Jack Sparrow, but the pirates of the Galapagos had their share of adventures among the otherwise pristine islands. During the 1500s and 1600s – as Spain was busy collecting the wealth of the Incas and shipping it home – the pirates (or buccaneers, depending on whose side you were on) would attack the Spanish treasure ships and steal riches for their own country... or themselves. The Galapagos became a favorite hangout for these pirates who would retreat onto their private coasts, stock up on water and meat (tortoise meat, that is) and, occasionally, stash their goods among the volcanic caves. The spot just north of James Bay on Santiago, in particular, is still known today as Buccaneer’s Cove. The pirates were also seen as a beneficial part of the economy during ancient times. Settlers could trade and barter goods at a much cheaper rate with the pirates. At “pirate prices,” merchandise could be had more reasonably than what the Spanish charged. As a result, the fledging communities viewed the pirates as well-endowed trading partners as well as high-spending tourists who would arrive in town with plenty of money to squander and could be counted on for repeat business. In addition, with the pirates around, their ports were temporarily safe from Spanish incursions. So who knows what your next trip to the islands with Globus and Mt Kisco Travel N Tours will unearth! ...

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  53. Dear Mal,

    I just returned from London. It was a whirlwind trip, but a wonderful one. Along with the usual rainy March weather, I experienced some great new sites. Here is a summary:




    Wimbledon
    The Home of Tennis

    I have always watched the tennis championships at Wimbeldon in late June/early July, but have never seen Wimbledon in person. It is pretty easy to reach by train from city center. You can tour of the museum and the grounds. At the Wimbledon Museum, treasures from the first Championship in 1877 to the most recent are on display, including equipment, clothing, and mementos belonging to the greatest players to set foot on Center Court. This is a fantastic opportunity to experience the home of The Championships and see the facilities used during the London 2012 Olympics. The food in the café was fresh and varied from Indian specialties to British traditional options.


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  55. Eat, Drink and Be Merry with Oceania Cruises
    Wine & Food Celebrations Aboard Marina and Riviera
    Epicureans onboard two Wine & Food Celebration voyages will enjoy presentations from celebrated chefs and wine connoisseurs, culinary demonstrations, wine tastings and more.
    On Marina’s May 6th Wine and Food Celebration cruise, South American wine expert Daniel Soto will host wine lectures and tastings ...featuring the best of South American wines. Soto will be joined by chef and culinary author Paulette Mitchell, who will demonstrate classic South American dishes.
    During the Caribbean segment of the cruise, Bacardi Rum’s Brand Ambassador Kate Dahlen will be onboard to host a tasting of Bacardi’s best and share the rich history of rum in the Caribbean. The executive culinary team from Grand Cayman’s Ritz Carlton will join Marina’s onboard team to demonstrate some favorite Caribbean dishes. Guests will also have the opportunity to attend wine lectures, tastings and pairing presentations featuring flavors of America with wine expert Karen King and the executive chef of the Bon Appétit Culinary Center, Kathryn Kelly."

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  56. Florence Must See Sites
    By: Globus

    When traveling through Europe, you won’t want to miss these captivating spots in Florence, Italy.

    Piazzale Michelangelo and San Miniato a Monte
    Enjoy a sensational view over the “cradle of the Renaissance” from Florence’s most panoramic square. Climb to one of the highest points of the city, where the Benedictines erected a church in honor of St. Mennas.

    Piazza della Repubblica and Ponte Vecchio
    Walk through the commercial heart of town—from the elegant and lively cafés of Piazza della Repubblica to the picturesque Old Bridge which crosses the narrowest point of the river Arno. Admire the patient and precious work of the local artisans and goldsmiths. Ask your Local Host about this and other walks to see the best of Florence.

    Cathedral Dome and Museum
    Climb the interior staircase of the city’s most dominant architectural feature—constructed between 1418 and 1436 on a base of approximately 150 feet in diameter and 330 feet high—by the genius of Filippo Brunelleschi. The Cathedral museum contains the major original artifacts and the original panels of the Baptistery, known as the “Gates of Paradise.”

    Church of San Lorenzo
    See Brunelleschi’s early-Renaissance masterpiece and the mausoleum of the Medici family, built by Michelangelo, in the New Sacristy.

    Central Market
    Florence’s best food market is located in the middle of the picturesque street market of San Lorenzo; see displays of olive oil, pastas, herbs, and red wine.

    Church of Santa Croce
    Erected towards the end of the 13th century by the great architect Arnolfo di Cambio, this Franciscan basilica is a highlight of the specifically Italian architecture of the Gothic style. Wander along the three wide naves enriched by Galileo’s and Michelangelo’s tombs, and admire works of the Early Florentine School from Giotto and his followers in the transept chapels.

    Santa Maria Novella
    Enjoy the harmony of this medieval architectural jewel. Built in 1246 by the Dominicans, its beautiful arcades and its incredible vaults preserve works by many Renaissance artists.

    Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella
    The pharmacy displays the results of more than 800 years of work by Dominican monks. Following centuries-old formulas, the officina sells ancient remedies and tonics alongside hand-molded soaps and perfumed powders.

    Florentine Fashion and Shopping
    If you love Italian fashion, a visit to the designer houses of Gucci, Roberto Cavalli, or Ferragamo will make your day. Florentine leatherwork, gold jewelry, Italian craftwork, and art books are also good buys and great presents to take home.

    Tuscan Food Specialties
    Specialties to try include succulent ‘bistecca fiorentina,’ Florentine steaks; ‘pappa al pomodoro,’ a local bread and tomato soup; ribollita, a cabbage and bean soup; and ‘biscottini di Prato con vin Santo,’ the special biscuit and wine tradition to finish off a meal. Sip Chianti wine, Brunello di Montepulciano, or the Super Tuscans.

    Let Globus and Mt Kisco Travel N Tours help you build the perfect vacation to Florence!

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  58. Myanmar the History and Mystery that is Burma
    By: Voyages to Antiquity

    In the autumn of 2012, Aegean Odyssey will embark on her first season in the Far East. She will take our guests to the mystical countries of India , Sri Lanka, and then onto Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia and Myanmar, the last ‘closed’ country in the Far East. All cruises have been meticulously planned to highlight the most important historical and cultural aspects of the places we visit.

    For our Southeast Asia itineraries, we have selected a number of new lecturers who will be travelling with us including Colonel Gerry McCormack, a military historian. Take a look at his overview on the highlights of Myanmar explaining the changes going on in the country also known as Burma. This amazing part of the world is already proving to be a big attraction for many of our past passengers, who are eager to visit a country so incredibly rich in history.

    “You have probably noticed that Myanmar is back in the headlines again because change is in the air. Whilst for the hardy travellers it has always been possible to have a safe and enjoyable holiday there, some people were a little wary. It was a regime that harshly kept its citizens on a tight leash, its currency was suspect and there were horror stories of how it dealt with dissention.

    With elections two years ago and recently in the beginning of April this year, at which the mystical Aung San Suu Kyi won, there is clearly a mood of relaxation in the halls of power. More and more visitors will be applying for visas. Burma is already a highlight of many travel journalists with many predicting the country will be the ‘hot’ destination of 2013.

    In spite of their travails, the people of Burma are cheerful, want to practise their English -most are very fluent – and the food is Asian with a Burmese twitch. Even for a simple meal the side dishes seem to swamp the area set aside for the main dish. Their drinks, cold and tasty are refreshing and welcome. The alcoholic drink most available will be one of their many beers. Breweries reflect the care with which the British passed on the noble art of brewing!

    For many who visit Burma there is a constant need to pack and unpack but I’m sure that those passengers lucky enough to travel later this year will appreciate using the Aegean Odyssey as comfortable base from which to move around. Once the ship is tied up in the heart of Yangon, (formally known as Rangoon) a simple stroll from the ship or a more organised tour are easily achievable. Yangon itself brings together all of the key elements of life in Myanmar. Ancient pagodas, gold covered spires, university grounds, parks, lakes, market squares and even a hotel to rival Raffles for its intimate colonial atmosphere on the river bank.

    Many guests on our Burma cruises may choose the optional tour inland to follow the ‘The Road to Mandalay’ on the banks of the mighty Irrawaddy River. The old palace grounds and Mandalay Hill, made famous in the reports from the 1800’s are still in situ and well worth a visit. Similarly, another optional tour is to the thousands of temples in Bagan, another short flight away, which will take you back to a time when Personal Ritual in your own temple was all the rage.

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  60. Perhaps the most influential expedition is the least known today.

    The first great wildlife-watching expedition in Africa was made by a British amateur naturalist named Cornwallis Harris, who crossed the Transvaal of South Africa in 1836 in an ox-wagon, sketching gemsbok and stalking kudu. But the word “safari” only appeared in the English language in the late 19th century. Its origins were Arabic: safara, to unveil or discover, before becoming safari, the Swahili noun for any journey, which was adopted in English for any long ‘sporting expedition’ in Africa. Many of the first safaris were actually conducted by professional ivory hunters, mostly English upper crust residents of Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, who collected thousands of elephant tusks to be turned into piano keys and billiard balls in Europe. The most famous was Frederick Selous, who became the model for Allan Quartermain, the hero in H. Rider Haggard’s adventure story, King Solomon’s Mines. (In the Hollywood version, he is played by the stalwart Stewart Granger). Leisure travelers soon followed. In 1892, the British aristocrats Lord Randolph Churchill went on safari and brought with him 20 tons of baggage, including a piano and a dozen crates of Bollinger champagne. A few years later, former US president Teddy Roosevelt stalked East Africa for nine months accompanied by 500 Swahili porters, shooting some 4,900 mammals, 4,000 birds and 2,000 reptiles for the Smithsonian Museum. But perhaps the most influential expedition is the least known today. In 1903, an obsessive young German named C.G. Schillings led the first ‘photo-safari’ in history. Instead of high-powered rifles, Schilling’s porters lugged enormous crates full of unwieldy camera equipment and glass plate negatives (some of which were 16x20 inches). The low-tech photo shoot was not entirely a success. Kilos of magnesium powder were needed for the flashes that would illuminate each photo, even during the day. Schillings’ camera lenses were so short that he had to use live cows as bait, to attract lions within shooting range. But he started a trend. While hunting safaris continued to be popular even into the 1960s, wildlife is now protected in East Africa. Visitors now roar along the dirt trails in 4WD jeeps, wielding 200 mm Nikon lenses instead of Winchester rifles. Even the most amateur shutterbug can capture better photos than poor Herr Schillings – although perhaps with less of a story to tell.

    Destinations have stories. We bring them to life. What Globus story might you discover next with Mt Kisco Travel N Tours?

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  62. Greece, the birthplace of civilization and democracy, a land full of culture and rich in historical influence, beauty and warmth offers travelers a great variety of vacation options. From the mainland with its archaeological sites, to it’s glorious islands with their unique cultures and topography, Greece’s history and geography provide the ultimate vacation setting for all types of travelers. If you have the time, we recommend experiencing both the mainland and the islands of this incredible destination. For the islands, we recommend you spend a few nights at each island to ensure you’re able to fully absorb the culture and experience unique to each island. In addition to Athens on the mainland, be sure to experience some of the classical sites, especially Delphi

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  63. While this can be a real challenge for independent travellers, Trafalgar has an established network of friendly faces around the world that welcome guests into their homes – and lives – as part of our exclusive Be My Guest dining experiences. “The host families love having our guests at their homes and we know them so well now it feels just like friends visiting friends,” Trafalgar Contracts Manager, Christine Upton says. Christine travels throughout Europe establishing relationships with Be My Guest hosts who have the means to welcome guests in their own environment, rather than simply finding a restaurant in the area. She uses a balance of word of mouth, personal experience and sometimes a bit of luck

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  64. Your questions answered! Thank you, I love all the fantastic questions people send me*. Here’s a great one from Caroline that just came in…

    “Hi Carolyn! How does one stay ‘fresh’ when traveling long hours on a plane over a short weekend? I am flying to France today (Friday) and coming back on Monday! Lots of hours on the plane – not so many on the ground. One does not even have time to adjust to the local time! However, I think flight crews do this all the time and they always look so fresh! … Tips?!” – Caroline A. Cleveland, Ohio

    Caroline, this is an excellent question and one that I am often asked. This is pretty much the schedule of a crew member, lots of time in-flight. When you land you want to be as fresh and awake as possible so that you can enjoy your limited time at your destination. In my experience, the most strategic way to combat fatigue from a hectic travel schedule is to do the following 5 things.

    1.Change your watch. It’s essential that you mentally get in sync with the local time at your destination. As soon as you take off, change your watch to the time it is where you are going to land. Yes, you are going to be tired… but what makes the difference is having the right “mind over matter” attitude. Don’t remind yourself or think about when you would be sleeping/eating/working if you were at home.
    2.Stop Jet Belly! Have you ever noticed that your clothes feel tighter during and after a flight? To avoid the uncomfortable feeling of “jet-belly” I recommend that you don’t drink anything with bubbles because all gasses expand during flight. And try eating a bit less in-flight because the cabin pressure puts an extra strain on the digestive process
    3.Sleep! Traveling can be exhausting, that’s not a big new flash. But in this compelling article by Tony Schwatrz for the Harvard Business Review “Six Ways to Supercharge Your Productivity” Tony explains why its essential for you to make sufficient sleep a top priority.4.Avoid Alcohol* and Hydrate. Being hydrated is absolutely imperative for you to feel good. And drinking water will not only hydrate your body, but most importantly your brain so you will feel less mental fatigue and more alert for landing. If you don’t like water, bring a couple of bags of your favorite herbal teas (without caffeine) or water flavoring like “Real Lemon” – its delicious and sugar-free. *If you do drink alcohol, make sure you increase your water consumption considerably.
    5.Vitamins & beauty products. I’m a big believer in applying skin serum during the flight and prior to landing to instantly revive and hydrate your parched skin from the zero humidity flight (yes, men can use serum too). For years I’ve carried lots of vitamins to combat jet lag (Omega 3-6-9, Vitamin C, Calcium, and a good Multi), and especially like the ones that you can easily add to water for a quick pick-me-up.
    I have learned that it comes down to some pretty simple do’s, and some don’ts, that

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  65. Discover the treasures of the Mediterranean with Europe Double Bonus Days. For 3 days only, get up to $400 to spend on board ($200 more than our regular Bonus Days), plus up to $1,000 in air credits when you book select Europe sailings. Pack up the family and cruise with Norwegian, "Europe's Leading Cruise Line," voted five years in a row by World Travel Awards

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  66. Paris Must See Sites

    Paris is a city full of sites to see. Make your European trip one to remember by checking out these exciting Parisian destinations.

    Montmartre, Latin Quarter
    Try a walking tour of the Montmartre district, where artists such as Picasso, Monet, and Van Gogh worked. Your Local Host can suggest other intriguing walking tours of areas such as the Latin Quarter, the fashion district, or where to find the graves of Jim Morrison and Chopin in the Père Lachaise Cemetery.

    Sacré-Coeur
    While in Montmartre, visit the Sacré-Coeur (Sacred Heart). This pristine, white-stone church was proposed as a memorial to the soldiers killed in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870, but it was not completed until the end of World War I. The church features one of the world’s largest mosaics, which depicts Christ with outstretched arms, and a massive 19-ton church bell. Enjoy wonderful views of Paris from the Sacré-Coeur steps.

    Musée d’Orsay
    Stroll through centuries of artwork at the Musée d’Orsay, which houses an extensive collection of impressionist masterpieces by Monet, Degas, Renoir, and Cezanne. You can also admire Rodin’s statues, and do not miss the spectacular reception room.

    Sainte-Chapelle
    Fifteen intricately designed panels of stained glass—commissioned by Louis IX— depict 1,100 story-telling scenes.

    Jardin du Luxembourg, Parc du Champ de Mars
    Families may like to take a stroll in one of the famous parks and take a whirl on their charming carousels. You can also see the “pétanque” players, or sit on one of the “so typical” Parisian green chairs.

    Seine Bridges
    Find your favorite bridge. There are 37, and they are all different—from plain to gilded and from new to over 400 years old. The special atmosphere they create across the Seine River helps to make Paris one of the most romantic cities.

    Shakespeare and Company Bookstore
    In the Roaring 20s, this quirky bookstore on the Bohemian Left Bank was the meeting place for some of literature’s greats—like Hemingway, Fitzgerald, and Joyce to name a few. It continues to serve as a cultural magnet for struggling writers and visitors alike.

    Markets
    Ask your Local Host how to get to the flea market for affordable objects d’art, or visit one of the food markets. The French know how to turn food display into an art form. See rainbows of fresh fruit and vegetables, soft palettes of bread, and colossal wheels of cheese—France has over 400 varieties of cheese. And when you’re ready for dessert, specialty stores abound—from tarts and pastries to crêpes and pains au chocolat. Other specialties to try include onion soup with a fresh baguette, coq au vin (a classic chicken dish), croquet monsieur, quiche Lorraine, escargot, steak-frites, and famous French wines and champagne.

    Champs-Elysées, Shopping
    Shop at haute couture boutiques by the Champs-Elysées. Perfumes and scarves are classic gifts, as well as French berets, lace, collection dolls, and pottery. Use your included specially arranged discounts at the famous Galeries Lafayette, or check out the Printemps department store.

    Cafés
    When you’re ready for a break, join the locals at one of the cafés, sip a glass of wine or a café au lait (hot milk coffee), and watch the world go by in true Parisian style.

    What story might you discover next with Globus and Mt Kisco Travel N Tours?

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  67. With its exceptional Mykonian architecture, Kouros Hotel & Suites, located at the entrance of Mykonos Town, is nestled into the Tagoo’s beach rock that faces the sea and offers its guests an amazing Mykonos town view. You may find it difficult to choose between gazing the dreamy island sunset over Mykonos’ windmills from you Suites’ balcony and enjoying a night out in Mykonos Town, one of the most cosmopolitan Cyclades Islands

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  68. Whether it's a flight, a cruise, or a stay at a resort, when do you need a travel agent? And when can you make plans alone?
    First, there's the misconception that a travel agent always costs more. Mal said, "We get our commission from tour operators, hotels, cruise lines or some agents might charge a small fee upfront."

    So, does that mean you only steer people to the places who pay you the mos...t and limit our choices? Mal said agents want customers for life, so it's in their best interest to match people with a cruise or vacation property that best suits those people's needs.

    "Plus you we can actually get prices below what you find online. And sometimes we can make our own deals. We know the hotel managers. We track pricing, and if your room or package price goes down, we get that savings for you."

    Nobody likes to think it's going to happen, but things can go wrong when on vacation. Troubleshooting is something agents can help with. Whether it's something small. "If there's a problem with your room, we can get it straightened out. We've got more clout."

    If something bigger disrupts your vacation, like a hurricane in Mexico, agents can help then too. Mal had that happen to two of his clients recently. "All the guests were in a school basement. Each person was allowed to make one phone call. Everyone else called their parents or Expedia. My folks called me. I called their parents and kept them up-to-date. And the tour operators. Once the hurricane passed, I had them new hotels booked and flights out. Everyone else was stuck."

    The best ways to find a a good travel agent include referrals from friends and checking with the Better Business Bureau.

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  69. 60 Second Geography - Buenos Aires
    No time like the present to visit Buenos Aires, the Paris of South America. Still recovering from the 2001 peso crisis, the city is not the expensive destination of the late 1990’s. With the strong US dollar and a very cheap peso, Buenos Aires is an unheard of bargain.

    •Buenos Aires is home to more than 40 percent of the population of Argentina. This South American metropolis has a rich, passionate history that is inseperable from its character.
    •Buenos Aires resonates as an almost European city. The colonial architecture was built by French, Italian and Spanish immigrants echoes of its European culture are distinct and everywhere.
    •The moment you set down in the airport, the energy of Buenos Aires is evident. The rich and alluring architecture goes on forever and from the Plaza de Mayo to residential neighborhoods such as La Boca and San Telmo you will find a vibration that is unique to this South American capital. Excellent public transportation is available to carry you from neighborhood to neighborhood.
    •La Boca, on the banks of the Río Riachuelo, was originally a merchantile shipyard. The neighborhood is most famous the early origins of the tango which found its genesis in the quilombos (bordellos) that were plentiful in the early years of the city.
    •The tango has its origin in Buenos Aires. Each year in February and March the annual Tango Festival holds sway for 6 days. Tango lovers from all over the world mix with locals. Both experts and beginners are in attendance at the many dance salons.
    •La Recoleta is the city's most exclusive residential area and has a very European ambiance. Visit during the weekends to experience the many street performances, art fairs, and events.
    •La Recoleta Cemetery, burial place of Evita Peron, is a tourist attraction of note. The monuments of Argentina's ruling class are visited daily by thousands of travelers who leave flowers at Peron's grave.
    Ready to explore Buenos Aires? Contact Mt Kisco Travel N Tours and get started planning your trip.

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  70. The Cycladic island of Mykonos may be the most famous of the Greek Islands. A beautiful bay, gentle sun and gorgeous Greek vistas surround the striking cosmopolitan lifestyle of Mykonos. The luxury hotels, and fabulous nightlife keeps travelers coming for a first look and then returning for more.

    Mykonos has long been the playground of the rich and famous, with the international jet set playing on its streets and creating its nightlife. But if your tastes trend more to lovely beaches, Greek village architecture and an activity level that buzzes rather than roars, you will find everything you are looking for in Mykonos.

    •Mykonos received over a million visitors each year, and the high season is mid-July and August when the rest of Europe decides to pay the island a visit. Early July is an ideal time to travel to Mykonos. The island is hopping but it's still possible to get a seat at a good restaurant and a room without paying premium prices.
    •Visiting in September or October is a smart way to travel as well. The island's activity has slowed down and the streets are easier to navigate with fewer people in the shops and restaurants.
    •During the winter the island is the setting for several cultural events, and with the island's excellent museums makes the off season very attractive to those who prefer a quieter, more cultural visit.
    •The beaches of Mykonos are pristine and popular with travelers from all over Europe. But it's the towns that many come for. There's romance in the air everywhere and strolling along the streets, sipping coffee and dining at a taverna is enough activity to fill anyone's "to do" list.
    •The town of Hora is glows with a warm, Cycladic glow. Bordered on two sides by the bay, the main squares Plateia Mantos Mavroyenous, Plateia Tria Pigadia, and Plateia Laka are the village's meeting places and center of town life. The old fortress on the island and the church known as the Lady of the Postern Gate are two of the most famous buildings on the island. Most travelers immediately recognize the windmills of Kata Myli.
    •"Little Venice" is the small group of homes that hang over the water's edge and look out over the bay.
    Contact Mt Kisco Travel N Tours and start planning your vacation

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  71. Australia - A Short Introduction
    Australia is a hot destination for travelers from North America and will continue to be for quite some time. With landscape that varies from parched red desert to Mediterranean vistas, golden beaches to tropical green rainforests, snow capped mountains to untouched islands, Australia sometimes seems like a microcosm of the entire world.

    The past and future come together in the great coastal cities, with a forward-looking attitude that embraces Australia's Pacific Rim location. This gives a decided contrast to a country that is so rich with remnants of its past. Australia has a wealth of prehistoric Aboriginal art that paints telling pictures of a distant time gone by and the fabled "Dream time". Colonists have added tales of early prison settlements which have been replaced by Victorian Architecture that adds a distinctly European feel to the cities.

    Australia's beaches and surfing are legendary around the world and bordered by resorts and cosmopolitan cities. The country's largest and best-known city, Sydney, is a more fashionable and cosmopolitan than many people think. Melbourne, historically the great rival to Sydney, has a more European ambience of sidewalk cafés, parks, and a more temperate climate.

    Brisbane, Australia's third largest city is the capital of Queensland and sits upon the Gold Coast, a seemingly endless stretch of beautiful beaches. The other coastal cities of Adelaide, Darwin, Perth and Cairns offer other experiences and individual character - each with much to see and do.

    But of course, in a country whose size rivals the eastern United States, the cities are only the tip of the iceberg. Once you leave the cities and head into the outback, Australia is open and almost empty. There is a great sense of openness that people may never have experienced even in the more remote part of the U.S. It is entirely possible to not see a person as you travel from horizon to horizon. The centerpiece (figuratively and literally, if you will) of the country is the great monolith of Uluru (Ayers Rock) which rises some 1400 feet from the desert and has a circumference over 5 miles. The rock is considered sacred and spiritually significant to the Aboriginal people. The amazing red sandstone takes on various hues depending on the position of the sun.

    But no guide book, narrative, or Internet photographs can do Australia the justice it deserves. For that, you will just have to visit yourself! Contact Mt Kisco Travel N Tours and get started!

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  72. Mt Kisco Travel "N" Tours Splendors of Italy - 13 Days
    Venice to Rome
    Sun-drenched vineyards, the poetry of Dante, gondolas on the canals of Venice, and Romeo and Juliet—Italy is a spectacular destination offering something for everyone.

    Cruise/tour features Uniworld’s new
    TRUE ALL-INCLUSIVE BOUTIQUE RIVER CRUISING™

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  73. Following we offer some helpful tips about using ATMs on your international journeys:


    Notify your card-issuing institution prior to your travels: Contact your financial institution's customer service department to make them aware of your itinerary and avoid the risk of them suspecting fraudulent card usage and placing a block on your debit card.


    Check availability of ATMS in your travel destinations: VISA and MasterCard have online ATM locators that enable you to determine international ATM locations.


    Know your numeric debit card PIN: Many ATMs abroad do not have letters on the keypad so if you have an alphanumeric PIN ask your financial institution for its numeric equivalent before traveling.


    Prepare for withdrawal fees: With the exception of Charles Schwab and E*TRADE® Bank debit cards which include reimbursement of all international ATM fees, ATM withdrawals incur various fees depending on the card-issuing institution and the ATM operator. ATM usage fees typically range from $2-$5 and foreign transaction fees comprise 1%-3% of the transaction amount.


    Know your withdrawal limits: Check with your financial institution about your daily withdrawal limit (but keep in mind that ATM operators abroad may impose lower limits).


    Have a contingency plan for loss of your card: As a precaution against your debit card being lost or stolen, keep a copy of the front and back of your card in a safe place and know your financial institution's applicable phone number.


    Always keep transaction slips: Collect all your receipts in case you encounter any issues with an ATM or need to dispute a transaction.


    Carry backup currency: Always travel with a multiple forms of payment - credit card(s), cash, traveler's checks - in the event that you can't use your debit card.


    I hope these tips help make your travel experience an enjoyable one.

    Sincerely,

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  74. Perhaps the most influential expedition is the least known today.

    The first great wildlife-watching expedition in Africa was made by a British amateur naturalist named Cornwallis Harris, who crossed the Transvaal of South Africa in 1836 in an ox-wagon, sketching gemsbok and stalking kudu. But the word “safari” only appeared in the English language in the late 19th century. Its origins were Arabic: safara, to unveil or discover, before becoming safari, the Swahili noun for any journey, which was adopted in English for any long ‘sporting expedition’ in Africa. Many of the first safaris were actually conducted by professional ivory hunters, mostly English upper crust residents of Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, who collected thousands of elephant tusks to be turned into piano keys and billiard balls in Europe. The most famous was Frederick Selous, who became the model for Allan Quartermain, the hero in H. Rider Haggard’s adventure story, King Solomon’s Mines. (In the Hollywood version, he is played by the stalwart Stewart Granger). Leisure travelers soon followed. In 1892, the British aristocrats Lord Randolph Churchill went on safari and brought with him 20 tons of baggage, including a piano and a dozen crates of Bollinger champagne. A few years later, former US president Teddy Roosevelt stalked East Africa for nine months accompanied by 500 Swahili porters, shooting some 4,900 mammals, 4,000 birds and 2,000 reptiles for the Smithsonian Museum. But perhaps the most influential expedition is the least known today. In 1903, an obsessive young German named C.G. Schillings led the first ‘photo-safari’ in history. Instead of high-powered rifles, Schilling’s porters lugged enormous crates full of unwieldy camera equipment and glass plate negatives (some of which were 16x20 inches). The low-tech photo shoot was not entirely a success. Kilos of magnesium powder were needed for the flashes that would illuminate each photo, even during the day. Schillings’ camera lenses were so short that he had to use live cows as bait, to attract lions within shooting range. But he started a trend. While hunting safaris continued to be popular even into the 1960s, wildlife is now protected in East Africa. Visitors now roar along the dirt trails in 4WD jeeps, wielding 200 mm Nikon lenses instead of Winchester rifles. Even the most amateur shutterbug can capture better photos than poor Herr Schillings – although perhaps with less of a story to tell.

    Destinations have stories. We bring them to life. What Globus story might you discover next with Mt Kisco Travel N Tours?

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  75. If you've been planning family getaways for the same clients for years, we've got an Ireland tour product that will be sure to impress them! This new adventure from Sceptre Tours is a perfect way for families of all ages to visit three of Ireland's great cities (Dublin, Galway, and Killarney) without the hassles of worrying how to get from place to place. In fact, while heading from Galway to Killarney, travelers will enjoy a full 8 hours of sightseeing with an expert chauffeur/guide! And Sceptre Tours' destination experts can customize this package for any number of travelers, so why not bring the whole family!

    Ireland by Rail and Private Chauffeur vacation for travel in the fall includes:

    Accommodations
    - 2 nights Brooks Hotel, Dublin (4-star)
    - 2 nights Hotel Meyrick, Galway (4-star)
    - 2 nights Malton Hotel, Killarney(4-star)
    - 1 night Westbury Hotel, Dublin (5-star)

    Transportation
    - Roundtrip economy class airfare New York (JFK) to Dublin
    - Private arrival and departure airport transfers from Dublin airport to hotel
    - First class rail transportation from Dublin to Galway and Killarney to Dublin
    - Private chauffeur with sightseeing from Hotel Meyrick in Galway to Malton Hotel in Killarney

    Other Inclusions
    - Breakfast daily (except day of arrival)
    - All local taxes, hotel services charges, government taxes/fees/facility charges on airfare


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  76. 1. Plan your flights, not your schedule – Everyone always seems to want to find the best last minute deal, confident that they’ll discover the sale of the century. Well that’s not usually how it goes and instead of finding that dream flight to Paris for $400, they’re stuck at home wishing they’d planned ahead. This is especially true if you want to cash out those hard-earned miles for flights. Over the years I have accumulated and redeemed hundreds of thousands of miles and have always had great luck. I’ve been able to score those free business class seats to Asia not because I know some secret, but because I planned ahead. When redeeming miles, it’s best to start the process of trying to use them as far in advance of the desired travel dates as possible. It takes persistence and yes, even luck, but with planning you can get those dream flights. The same is true when buying tickets outright. As soon as you know your travel dates, start researching and monitoring prices. Set a target price and as soon as the flights hit it, then it’s time to book. However this travel planning should not carry over to other parts of your trip. Give yourself flexibility when you travel and allow for the wonderful spontaneity of the travel experience to take over the reins.



    2. Be nice to everyone all the time – I love travel and I believe that it is an immensely positive experience, but like anything else in life bad things of course happen while on the road. This, combined with the stress of travel, makes people cranky, sometimes very cranky. No matter what though, it’s important to remember to always be as nice to everyone as you possibly can when traveling, no matter how you feel. You never know what a kind word or a simple smile will do or what doors they will open. When I was traveling solo in Jerusalem I said hi to the people at the table next to mine and before I knew it, I had joined them for a wonderful evening of stories, conversation and food. This would never have happened if I hadn’t been courteous. I know it’s not always easy and believe me, I have lashed out at people when I never should have, but on the whole if you can keep up a good attitude, your experience will be made all the better for it.



    3. Travel Power Strip – I wish I had thought of this, but like most great travel tips there is nothing new under the sun. This tip I picked up from fellow travel blogger Gary Arndt of Everything-Everywhere. It was such a simple idea I was shocked I hadn’t thought of it before. For many of us finding places to plug in all of our various gadgets can be a problem, especially if you’re traveling with a significant other or children. Hotels frankly don’t provide many outlets and it can be a huge problem. That’s why the travel power strip is such an amazing gadget. It comes in a variety of sizes and options, but I have a small, compact three-plug version that includes two USB connections. With just one wall plug I can charge five gadgets and better yet, I don’t have to worry about hogging the outlets when I travel. This has quickly become indispensable for me and I suspect it will be for you as well. I use the Monster Power Outlets To Go Power Strip with USB and strongly recommend it.



    4. Ziploc Bags – Another very simple item, but one that I don’t travel without. Packing can be a chore, but so can traveling with a disorganized suitcase. Using a variety of different plastic bag sizes you can keep separate underwear, socks and even clean and dirty clothes. They also help in reducing the size of your clothes and make unpacking a breeze. At the end of the trip, instead of rooting through my suitcase to find the dirty items I just unload the Ziploc bags directly into the washing machine. The usefulness of plastic bags doesn’t stop with clothes, I use them to organize almost everything, from ‘extra’ items to ties, toiletries and carry on items. There’s a certain peace of mind when things are organized and when traveling this isn’t just a nice luxury but an important way to improve the overall experience.



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  77. Home > EuroCheapo Blog > Free cinema by the sea in Barcelona Free cinema by the sea in Barcelona
    Regina W BryanAugust 12, 2013


    Free movies on the beach? That should make trip planning easy. Photo: UrbanrulesBCN02Summer in Barcelona is amazing, but it can also be very difficult—if you’re an indecisive traveler. The city simply has too much to offer. Do you head straight for Barcelona’s beautiful beaches? Or do you take advantage of the many free summer activities the Catalan capital has to offer?

    Luckily, Barcelona has an event that’s perfect for wafflers, flip-floppers and decision-allergic among us. The Cinema Lliure a la Platja is an annual summer film festival that shows movies right on the sand at La Barceloneta beach. It’s free to attend and open to all, from children to adults and even pets!

    Beach-/movie-goers are treated to a short and feature-length film every Thursday evening. All shows start at 9 pm, but come early to get a square of sand to spread your picnic out on. The screenings are very popular, and feature a nice line-up of creative films shown in their original language, with English subtitles.

    The program this year began in July, but there are still three events left (including a screening of the American indie drama, Another Earth, on August 22nd). Check out the Cinema Lliure schedule to see what else will be playing.

    To make your decision even easier, La Barceloneta beach is a metro ride and short walk away from the center. In fact, if you’re staying close by in the Born area you can walk to the event in 15 minutes.


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  78. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  79. At some point all of us board a flight and realize we forgot something at home, and it is too late to turn back for it. We all know how expensive things can be at the airport.

    Here are some things you do not want to forget!

    5 Things You Must Have For Flights

    1. Snacks- While you can’t take any liquids over 3 ounces, you can take solid foods. Packing your own snacks will help you save money at the airport as well as keep your tummy full during the flight. This can help your budget since many airlines charge big bucks for food during flights.



    2. Headphones- Whether they are for your phone, your iPod or for the movie playing during the flight, bringing a set of headphones with you is always a good idea! I’d rather have a set of headphones with me and not need them, then want them and not have them.

    3. Magazines/Books – Bring reading materials with you to the airport! It will be cheaper and make the flight go by much faster if you have something to entertain yourself with. Plus you will not have to worry about scavenging through the airport shops just for something you will enjoy reading.



    4. iPod- During your flight or while waiting in the airport, time can seem to move incredibly slow. I have found if I have some source of music, something to listen to it helps time pass a little bit faster!



    5. Jacket – It never fails, I always seem to get the window seat every time I forget to pack a jacket in my carry-on suitcase. By the time I get off the plane I am as frozen as a Popsicle. I have decided it is always nice to have a small jacket around, even if you do not use it to keep warm it can make a nice pillow also.

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  80. India is such a massive, varied country that no one can see it all in one trip; you have to see it in stages. As with any country, you see the largest cities and have the best known experiences first. But if you go back, you can go farther afield and deeper into the culture.

    1) Go West to remote villages. It’s typical on a first trip to India to hit the major stops in Rajasthan–Jaipur and Jodhpur, along eith Agra for the Taj Mahal, Mumbai, etc. But if you venture to the western part of Rajasthan past the tourist cities into the Thar desert, you’ll see small villages of the Bishnoi sect where traditions and the social structure haven’t changed in centuries and modern conveniences like electricity haven’t entered the picture.

    If you stay at Mihir Garh, an intricate mud fort with nine spacious suites decorated with stunning bespoke artisan craft furniture and richly colored silk fabrics, plus plunge pools overlooking the desert, they’ll take you on a village safari. Just over an hour from Jodhpur but in another world, the villagers welcome you into their houses and invariably offer you an opium ceremony in which cubes of opium are mixed with water in an elaborate ritual watched over by statues of the god Shiva. (Even though opium isn’t legal in India, authorities let the ascetic, ecology minded Bishnoi use opium freely. Shiva was apparently a fan of it too.) You don’t have to accept–they’ll indulge for you and show you how it’s done.

    2) Step Back into the Days of the Raj. Reggie Singh, a descendant of the Maharajas of Jodhpur, has been operating his camel camp in the village of Osian for a number of years—you sleep in upscale tents and tour villages by camel. Last year, he expanded his offerings by opening The Mountbatten Lodge, an impressive stone complex decorated with marble and antiques and adorned with pre-War World II photos of his illustrious relatives. It’s the most deluxe property near the intricate, famous Ranakpur Temple and is the final stop of a tour that Reggie puts together in either a three or five night arrangement,The Marwar Safari Experience. Among the highlights: a mobile tent experience in the desert, an evening leopard spotting safari , a night at the Maharaja’s epic Umaid Bhawan Palace, an elephant ride to watch the sun set and listening to Reggie’s stories while his turbaned staff mix cocktails at Mountbatten Lodge.

    3) Stay in an 18th century palace fort, every inch of which is worth a magazine layout. Once home to the rulers of Delwara, Devi Garh, a monumental palace turned hotel and recently taken over for management by the Thai company Lebua, has striking contemporary décor accented with Indian fabrics and silver that shouldn’t fit so well with an historic structure but does. Every inch of it is worth photographing, which you see guests doing in every room.

    One of the pleasures of staying here, though, is much simpler: walking through the village of Delwara with a local who works with the hotel and hearing all the gossip. Also visiting the temples of the various religions and seeing what draws parishioners (in one case, as a priest showed us, surprisingly, marijuana which he gives to his flock…)

    Since Delwara is just 45 minutes from Udaipur, a fairy tale lakefront city with a golden City Palace on a hill overlooking the lake and the iconic white Lake Palace floating in the middle, any visitor should also go there. The Leela Palace, the newest of the major hotels fronting the lake and the one with the best overall panorama of the lake and palaces, has décor that can best be described as out of control opulence—but it’s fun to examine. And those views will soothe anyone.

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  81. These graceful cats are normally hard to spot, but in Sabi Sands you can get nice and close without having them run for cover at the sound of an engine.


    A female leopard cleans her cub (Photograph by Marcus Westberg)
    It all started in the late 1970s, when Londolozi co-founder John Varty and naturalist Elmon Mhlongo encountered a young female leopard that was remarkably unfazed by their battered Land Rover. As the years passed and their relationship grew, she opened a door into the hitherto secret world of these wild cats.

    Over time “Mother Leopard” passed on her relaxed attitude to nine litters of cubs. Today, more than 30 years since that first meeting, her offspring seemed content to ignore us and our cameras — at least as long we stayed inside our vehicle.

    Each leopard is known intimately and the “Leopards of Londolozi” now have their own website, complete with range maps and information about their behavior and lineage.

    African Wild Dogs

    African wild dogs are one of a number of endangered species that finds refuge in the Sabi Sand Reserve. These opportunistic canids are the most efficient predators of all Africa’s large carnivores, and there is something almost mystical about seeing them running though the bush.


    These days, Sabi Sands is one of the few places left in Africa where you can watch wild dogs bringing down prey. (Photograph by Marcus Westberg)
    These so-called painted dogs were hunted mercilessly across most of the continent, and Kruger National Park harbors the only viable population in South Africa. As the border between the park and Sabi Sands is unfenced, the dogs cross between the properties, covering long distances in the heat of the hunt — which makes them far more difficult to spot than leopards.

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  82. From Shanghai to Hong Kong, and Bangkok to Jakarta ... the wonders of Asia beckon. Who can resist the chance to explore the ancient cultures that lie along Vietnam's famous Perfume River? Or take a stroll among the temples and shrines in Bali? And yes, China's Great Wall does impress. But our #1 top reason why you should visit the Far East this year is … simply … our beautiful, newly renovated Silver Shadow.

    There's no better way to savour a journey up the legendary Yangtze River than to be relaxing on your own private veranda, sipping an exquisite champagne, nestled in the pampering comfort and luxury of a floating boutique hotel. With a butler at your beck and call, world-class gourmet cuisine and an open bar throughout the ship, all that's left to do is sit back and let the world come to you.

    The advantages of small-ship cruising are many. But don't take our word for it. The editors of CruiseReport.com recently spent 10 days aboard Silver Shadow, sailing from Shanghai to Incheon, and just published an insightful and comprehensive review of their travels

    Let the Far East tempt you

    ReplyDelete
  83. All lines that be­long to the Cruise Line In­ter­na­tion­al As­so­ci­ation ad­here to the med­ical guide­lines es­tab­lished by the Amer­ican Col­lege of Emer­gen­cy Physi­cians, no mat­ter what coun­try their ships are reg­is­tered in. Most ships have a doc­tor and a nurse or two on­board (some­times even two doc­tors and more nurs­es) to han­dle any med­ical emer­gen­cies. You might think their role is just to ban­dage a cut fin­ger, dis­pense as­pirin, or wrap a sprained an­kle. But ship­board med­ical cen­ters are ac­tu­al­ly equipped for much more. Re­mem­ber, pas­sen­gers may come and go, but the crew lives on these ships for months at a time. Stuff hap­pens (ev­ery­thing from bro­ken bones to sea­sick­ness — see be­low for more on the lat­ter).

    Ship­board med­ical pro­fes­sion­als have the ways and means to deal with lab tests, per­form mi­nor surgery (with anes­the­sia), and to sta­bi­lize pa­tients in life-threat­en­ing sit­ua­tions. While fa­cil­ities are com­pact, equip­ment is like­ly to in­clude de­fib­ril­la­tors, EKG and X-ray ma­chines (in some cas­es dig­ital), and may in­clude ven­ti­la­tors. Cab­inets are stocked with com­mon med­ica­tions, in­clud­ing an­tibi­otics, and at least small sup­plies of med­ica­tions pas­sen­gers may have for­got­ten at home.

    New­er ships even have telemedicine se­tups that al­low ship­board doc­tors to get sec­ond opin­ions from their peers at land-based hos­pi­tals, say to re­view an X-ray or help an­alyze a rash.

    Who are the Doc­tors?

    Cruise ship doc­tors are li­censed physi­cians, typ­ical­ly with at least three years of post-grad­uate clin­ical prac­tice in gen­er­al and emer­gen­cy medicine, or board cer­ti­fi­ca­tion in emer­gen­cy medicine, fam­ily prac­tice, or in­ter­nal medicine. Some lines re­quire cer­ti­fi­ca­tion as well in ad­vanced car­diac life sup­port.

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  84. Airlines promise a return to civility, for a fee

    NEW YORK (AP) — Airlines are introducing a new bevy of fees, but this time passengers might actually like them.

    Unlike the first generation of charges which dinged fliers for once-free services like checking a bag, these new fees promise a taste of the good life, or at least a more civil flight.

    Extra legroom, early boarding and access to quiet lounges were just the beginning. Airlines are now renting Apple iPads preloaded with movies, selling hot first class meals in coach and letting passengers pay to have an empty seat next to them. Once on the ground, they can skip baggage claim, having their luggage delivered directly to their home or office.
    "We've moved from takeaways to enhancements," says John F. Thomas of L.E.K. Consulting. "It's all about personalizing the travel experience."

    Carriers have struggled to raise airfares enough to cover costs. Fees bring in more than $15 billion a year and are the reason the airlines are profitable. But the amount of money coming in from older charges like baggage and reservation change fees has plateaued. So the airlines are selling new extras and copying marketing methods honed by retailers.

    Other airlines are experimenting with tracking passengers throughout the airport. In the future, if somebody clears security hours before their flight, they might be offered a discounted day pass to the airline's lounge on their phone.
    "We want to get back to a point where people feel like travel isn't something to endure, but something they can enjoy," says Bob Kupbens, a former Target executive and Delta's current vice president of marketing and digital commerce.


    When airlines try to raise fares, they are met with resistance.

    "Customers are very quick to either change travel plans, or use another carrier or not travel at all," says Jim Corridore, an airline analyst with Standard & Poor's Capital IQ.

    In the past three years, airlines have tried to hike fares 48 times, according to FareCompare.com. During 29 of those attempts, bookings fell enough that airlines abandoned the increase.

    Most fares today don't cover the cost of flying. While the average domestic roundtrip base fare has climbed 3 percent over the past decade to $361.95, when adjusted for inflation, the price of jet fuel has nearly tripled.

    When oil prices spiked in 2008, airlines added checked baggage fees. Passengers still bought tickets on the base price and didn't think about the extra expense until the day of travel.

    Now airlines are recasting fees as trip enhancements.

    .

    "That was a very reasonable price to pay," Angress says. "It's making your life easier."

    U.S. airlines collect more than $6 billion a year in baggage and reservation change fees. They also collect $9 billion more from selling extras like frequent flier miles, early boarding and seat upgrades. Together, the fees account for 10 percent U.S. airlines' revenue.
    "You're either going to go out of business or find a way to cover" your costs, says Robert E. Jordan, Southwest Airlines' executive vice president and chief commercial officer.

    Southwest has held off charging for most checked bags. But it sells plenty of other add-ons.

    Recently, it introduced a way for people at the back of the boarding line on some flights to cut to the front for $40. It's not a blockbuster seller — one person pays up every two flights — but with 3,600 daily flights, that nets $70,000 in extra daily revenue or $25 million a year.

    Airlines now alter fees based on demand. United Airlines used to sell its Economy Plus extra legroom seats for one price per route. Today, aisle seats cost more than middle seats; prices are higher on popular flights.

    That change in thinking has helped United increase fee revenue by 13 percent this year to more than $20 per one-way passenger.

    ReplyDelete
  85. The World’s Best Bread
    Buried deep under Paris’ ancient streets, you’ll find the baking and proofing rooms of Poilâne Bakery. Since opening in 1932, this place has become a staple in the city and beyond, known for their incredible pain au levain. Frank Sinatra and Lauren Bacall were huge fans in their day, and Salvador Dali once summoned Lionel Poilâne himself to create sculptures using bread as a medium. To say people are evangelical about this bread is an understatement. It’s a must-stop experience in Paris—whether you’re a croissant freak, a pain au chocolat lover or a straight-up baguette dude, a taste of Poilâne might ruin all other bakeries in comparison. It’s worth it.

    ReplyDelete
  86. Luggage … It accompanies us on every trip and always factors into our travel planning; the right luggage can make the difference between help and hindrance. When selecting luggage, we always consider our destination, what we intend to pack, and our itinerary. But, choices abound – technical and material innovations have resulted in a wide array of selections from luggage manufacturers. Following we offer some tips for choosing luggage appropriate for your travels:

    •Sizing is everything: Check the website(s) of the airline(s) you will be flying for specific size and weight requirements so you can avoid excess baggage fees and ensure your intended carry-on bag meets the airline’s criteria. Generally, U.S. carriers allow bags of up to 45 linear inches (determined by adding the bag’s length plus width plus height – wheels included) for a carry-on bag and 62 linear inches for a checked piece of luggage. Airlines can impose weight limits on carry-on bags as low as 11 lbs.; while checked baggage exceeding 50 lbs. on international flights typically incurs fees. If your trip includes domestic flights within a foreign country, often times the restrictions are different (and the weight limitations may be less). Using lighter luggage enables you to pack more: the brand IT Luggage offers ultra-lightweight checked luggage weighing as little as 4 lbs. empty.
    •Hard-sided versus soft-sided: Technological advances have made hard-sided luggage – typically wheeled uprights – comparable in weight, and in some cases price, to soft-sided options. If you frequently travel with fragile items, a hard thermoplastic case better protects contents from breakage and seals out water and dust without sacrificing additional pounds. Cons: hard-sided luggage is subject to scratches and dents, doesn’t squeeze into overhead bins, and doesn’t offer outside pockets. Additionally, hard-sided luggage may be inappropriate for certain types of trips such as those utilizing safari vehicles and/or small ships (where space is at a premium).
    •Durability: Though more costly than other plastics, 100% polycarbonate (also used for bulletproof glass) offers the best ratio of strength to lightness for hard-sided luggage. Experts recommend industrial Cordura or ballistic nylon for soft-sided luggage. Look for screw-mounted wheels made of polyurethane with protectors if situated in the bag’s corners. Upright handles should utilize the sturdier two-bar design and lock in both the extended and retracted positions. Zippers should have large teeth and should not be installed on the corners of luggage; YKK zippers are considered the highest quality brand on the market. And a warranty can give you some reassurance about your luggage – typically an expensive purchase: Briggs & Riley and Eagle Creek offer the most comprehensive warranties.
    •Portability: Ifyou’re partial to wheeled uprights, consider four-wheeled luggage with 360-degree “spinners” for increased maneuverability. Or, with their lightness and compactness, traditional duffel bags make great carry-ons for exotic destinations and safaris, while travel duffels with wheels by companies like Travelpro, eBags, Thule, Victorinox, L.L. Bean, and REI can relieve arm strain for trips where you’ll need to carry your bag often. Shoulder bags such as those made by Red Oxx, Timbuk2, Jansport, and Patagonia offer another lightweight carry-on option. Gaining in popularity, travel packs convert from backpacks to wheeled luggage giving you versatility when your travels have you on the move often. Some well-known brands: Red Oxx, Tom Bihn, eBags, L.L.Bean, Patagonia, Rick Steves, Eagle

    ReplyDelete
  87. don flippers and a life vest, leave my goggles, smartphone, and camera behind, and line up to dive into the waters off the coast of Mexico’s Marieta Islands.

    Clusters of people jump off ahead of me — couples, friends, families, all bobbing in the water like Halloween apples. I survey the landscape ahead of me, a flat island with rock formations springing up from patches of light green grass, before I launch toward a horseshoe-shaped opening in the middle.


    Kayakers off the coast of the Marieta Islands (Photograph by Annie Fitzsimmons)
    When I reach the arch, the water rushes past my ears, carrying with it “organic trash” — a medley of natural debris that has washed off the island. I paddle through the sludge, duck into a low cave, and hold on to the rocks above as I push through the water like a salmon swimming upstream.

    Finally, I can see my target in front of me — a place they call Hidden Beach. I’m floored. Picture being in an inner tube of sorts with a ring of “island’ encircling you.

    The Marietas were formed by volcanic activity and I was told this one-of-a-kind beach was formed by erosion. Formerly known as the Beach of Love (I can only imagine why), Hidden Beach is the closest we will get to being ashore on these islands (it’s been outlawed to conserve the fragile ecosystem there).


    A blue-footed booby (Photograph by ehoyer, Flickr)
    We’re just an hour’s boat ride from Puerto Vallarta, but these mysterious islands — a protected paradise that’s home to more than 90 species — make you feel like you’ve traveled a great distance. There are two islands — a larger one, aptly called Larga, and an almost perfectly round one known, with equal aptness, as Redondo.

    This is primo snorkeling territory — with more than a dozen kinds of coral in every color you can imagine and an amazing array of fish, big and small. If you’re lucky, you might even spot the islands’ most famous resident: the blue-footed booby, darling of the Galapagos Islands.

    The legendary Jacques Cousteau spent time here observing the humpback whale migration (he was also the first to identify the birds on the islands) and felt so strongly that the islands needed protection that he started a movement to make the Marietas a national park. His efforts paid off in 2005, eight years after his death.

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  88. Here are five layover-worthy airports in cities around the world, along with tips on what to see while you’re making the most of extended down time between destinations:

    > Singapore

    Shake off jet lag at Changi‘s butterfly garden (terminal 3, departure transit lounge, level 2), where a thousand tropical lepidoptera–including 30 species native to Singapore and Malaysia–flit around 100 carnivorous and insectivorous pitcher plants. More local flora, including Dendrobium Changi Airport–a delicate yellow hybrid named for the airport–brighten the orchid garden (terminal 2, transit mall, level 2).

    Stretch out and relax at JFK Airport (Photograph by wallyg, Flickr)
    Stretch out and relax at JFK. (Photograph by wallyg, Flickr)

    Once refreshed, head to the Xperience Zone (terminal 2, transit mall, level 2), an entertainment and gaming area, or take a dip in the Balinese-style swimming pool (departure transit lounge east, level 3). Kids can let loose down the four-story slide (terminal 3, arrivals hall), then try their hand at a wood-blocking station (terminals 1-3), where they can rub their own geometric patterns from Southeast Asian cultures, like the Peranakan. Prima Taste serves Singaporean signature dishes such as chili crab and laksa, a spicy noodle soup (terminal 2).

    > New York City

    Not unlike the Big Apple itself, John F. Kennedy Airport is a patchwork of the fabulous and the prosaic. Hungry fliers who land in JetBlue’s terminal 5 are in luck: Deep Blue Sushi and tapas winner Piquillo far outshine the food court options. Delta has kicked it up a notch in its new terminal 4, with restaurants from star Manhattan chefs like Marcus Samuelsson‘s Uptown Brasserie and Danny Meyer‘s Shake Shack–without the line snaking through Madison Square Park.

    Inside Munich Airport (Photograph by mekiaries, Flickr)
    Inside Munich Airport (Photograph by mekiaries, Flickr)

    If you’re not a Delta Sky CLub member, $50 will buy you a respite at the lounge, fresh air on the rooftop observation deck included. Or hit 10 Minute Manicure (terminals 3 and 8) for a $15 nail treatment (add $5 for a foot massage). Shoppers who wade through the standard mall shops find such enticements as the Metropolitan Museum of Art Store and Japanese home cult favorite Muji To Go (both terminal 5). American Airlines treats lucky summer travelers to live Broadway teasers (terminal 8). Note that cruising between terminals may require passing through security.

    > Dubai

    DXB, the busiest airport of the United Arab Emirates, has become synonymous with glitzy shopping, matching the city it serves. Here’s an opportunity to puck up that Rolex watch or Bulgari handbag, or at least gawk at the jet-setters in the duty-free luxury emporium (terminal 2). Looking for something a little less pricey? Zidan carries kitschy souvenirs galore, including a T-shirt emblazoned with “Dubai, the city that never sleeps” in LED and a crystalline replica of the city’s superlative-topping skyscraper Burj Khalifa.

    Once you’re tire of people-watching–or the airport’s free Wi-Fi–collect yourself at one of two palm-shaded Zen Gardens on either end of concourse B (terminal 3), where the spa and health club are open to nonguests.


    This article, written by National Geographic Traveler contributing editor Margaret Loftus, appeared in the November 2013 issue of the magazine.

    Related:
    The Layover Makeover
    7 Routes to Extended-Layover Bliss


    Keywords: Airbrau Bon Bibimbap Bonjuk Changi Danny Meyer Deep Blue Sushi dubai DXB extended layovers Incheon iPilot John F. Kennedy Airport layover lepidoptera Marcus Samuelsson Margaret Loftus Munich Airport Piquillo Prima Taste Shake Shack Singapore Uptown Brasserie Xperience Zone



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  89. Thanks to the response Avalon Waterways' Suites Ships have received, next year the river cruise ship company will unveil two additional Suite Ships: The Avalon Tranquility II and Avalon Tapestry II.

    The addition of these ships, plus three new Suite Ships scheduled to be unveiled this spring (Avalon Impression and Avalon Poetry II - March; Avalon Illumination – June), will bring the fleet’s Suite Ship total to 10. As a result, in 2015, 66 percent of Avalon’s European fleet will be Suite Ships.

    Each suite on all 10 Suite Ships an open air balcony, and two decks of suites are available.

    Avalon Waterways also begun previewing the line's cruises, which range from five to 24 days, in Europe and Southeast Asia, for 2015, with a series of special offers

    ReplyDelete
  90. The Newest & Largest Ship Embarking from NYC

    Norwegian Breakaway is ready to whisk you away to the tropics. Whether it’s the pink-sand beaches of Bermuda in the spring and summer or the warm waters of the Southern Caribbean and Bahamas and Florida in the fall and winter, you’re in for an unforgettable experience. Named Best New Ship by Cruise Critic editors, Norwegian Breakaway combines the best of New York City with the most magnificent amenities at sea. Breathe in the fresh ocean air and connect with the sea like never before along The Waterfront, a quarter-mile oceanfront promenade lined with restaurants, bars and spectacular views. Indulge in 29 dining experiences, including three new, dedicated seafood venues by celebrity chef Geoffrey Zakarian. And enjoy dazzling Broadway performances - Rock of Ages, Burn the Floor and Cirque Dreams & Dinner Jungle Fantasy.

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  91. Insider Tip

    Florence’s Giardino dell’iris is a stunning garden of irises that is only open four weeks a year between April and May.
    After spending time admiring the art and cultural attractions of Florence, spend some downtime in the city’s top five parks and gardens to enjoy nature, stretch your legs, and discover hidden treasures.

    Boboli Gardens: One of the most well-known outdoor spaces in Florence, the Boboli Gardens extend between the Pitti Palace, home to several museums and galleries, and the 16th-century fortress of Forte Belvedere. Built in the mid 1500s, the Gardens are full of statues, grottoes and fountains, making it a must-visit site in the area.

    Giardino dei Semplici: This botanical garden, located in Via P.A. Micheli, is one of the oldest in the world. The garden was established by Cosimo dei Medici in 1545 and serves as a center for the study of medicinal plants. Be sure to visit the collection of carnivorous plants – but keep your hands to yourself!

    Giardino dell’iris: Located in the Piazzale Michelangelo, this garden is dedicated to the flower of Florence, the iris. Only open four weeks a year between April and May, lucky visitors to this garden will be rewarded with an iris oasis, featuring 3,000 varieties of the flower in a stunning panorama.

    Park of the Stibbert Musuem: This park is a good spot for families, as picnicking is allowed in the shade of a variety of trees. Take a walk through the park’s classical sculptures and ruins, making sure to find the pond with an Egyptian temple rising mysteriously out of its middle.

    Villa Medicea di Castello: The gardens of the Villa di Castello are famously filled with fountains, sculptures, and a grotto. Original sculptures dating back to 1537 are a must-see, including the Fountain of Hercules and Antaeus, animated by playful waterworks. The grotto of animals features walls covered in colorful mosaics, shells and stones, making it another notable site in the gardens. Those interested in the Medici legacy can also visit the park of Villa di Petraia, where the gardens were created by the Medici family with three staggered terraces and an area for dwarf fruit trees.





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  92. Florence’s Giardino dell’iris is a stunning garden of irises that is only open four weeks a year between April and May.
    After spending time admiring the art and cultural attractions of Florence, spend some downtime in the city’s top five parks and gardens to enjoy nature, stretch your legs, and discover hidden treasures.

    Boboli Gardens: One of the most well-known outdoor spaces in Florence, the Boboli Gardens extend between the Pitti Palace, home to several museums and galleries, and the 16th-century fortress of Forte Belvedere. Built in the mid 1500s, the Gardens are full of statues, grottoes and fountains, making it a must-visit site in the area.

    Giardino dei Semplici: This botanical garden, located in Via P.A. Micheli, is one of the oldest in the world. The garden was established by Cosimo dei Medici in 1545 and serves as a center for the study of medicinal plants. Be sure to visit the collection of carnivorous plants – but keep your hands to yourself!

    Giardino dell’iris: Located in the Piazzale Michelangelo, this garden is dedicated to the flower of Florence, the iris. Only open four weeks a year between April and May, lucky visitors to this garden will be rewarded with an iris oasis, featuring 3,000 varieties of the flower in a stunning panorama.

    Park of the Stibbert Musuem: This park is a good spot for families, as picnicking is allowed in the shade of a variety of trees. Take a walk through the park’s classical sculptures and ruins, making sure to find the pond with an Egyptian temple rising mysteriously out of its middle.

    Villa Medicea di Castello: The gardens of the Villa di Castello are famously filled with fountains, sculptures, and a grotto. Original sculptures dating back to 1537 are a must-see, including the Fountain of Hercules and Antaeus, animated by playful waterworks. The grotto of animals features walls covered in colorful mosaics, shells and stones, making it another notable site in the gardens. Those interested in the Medici legacy can also visit the park of Villa di Petraia, where the gardens were created by the Medici family with three staggered terraces and an area for dwarf fruit trees.


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  93. 60 Second Geography - Tuscany

    Visitors to Tuscany come for many reasons. Many come in search of fine art, others to explore the extraordinary countryside. Gourmets and wine buffs descend on Tuscany to enjoy the simple yet wonderful cuisine and wine. Walkers enjoy the mountain paths, cyclists the rolling hills, summer vacationers the sea coast and islands. Students come to learn the beautiful Italian language and culture.

    There is a lot to see and do in Tuscany, the difficulty is really where to start. Certainly most should start with Florence and continue on to Siena and Pisa (a tourist trap, but one worth the hassle). The cities of Arezzo, Cortona, San Gimignano and Lucca are all a very worthwhile use of your travel time. One of the beauties of the region is that it is dynamic and ever changing which begs one to return again and again.
    •See the Masters in Florence museums. The Uffizi Gallery is a world famous art museum. Here you can feast your eyes on hundreds of paintings by Renaissance masters. Artists include Giotto, Botticelli, Raphael, Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. Then head over to the Accademia where you'll find Michelangelo's statue of David - one of the most famous sculptures in the world.
    •Go wine tasting in Chianti. Just about everyone has heard of Chianti wine, and now you can taste the red wine for yourself from the local vineyards in the region. Even if you're not so keen on wine, it's a gorgeous area to explore.
    •Stroll around Siena. Siena is a well known town dating from medieval times. One of its most popular piazzas is the Piazza del Campo where you can sit down, relax, and enjoy a glass of wine or cup of coffee and indulge in people watching. If you feel energetic, you can climb to the top of the bell tower for breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
    •Visit Lucca. Lucca is a Tuscan town dating from 180BC. Founded by the Romans, there's a 1900 year old amphitheater to explore and a sixteenth century brick wall that encloses the city center. If you are looking to work up a sweat, you can walk along the 2.5 mile long brick wall.
    •Take a Tuscan cooking class. If you'd like to know how to make authentic Tuscan dishes, then why not take a cooking class in Tuscany? There are quite a few different cooking schools in the region that offer anything from one day courses to intense week long courses.
    •Count the tower houses at San Gimignano. This town is 1,000 years old and is perched on a hill. Only 14 tower houses are left standing today which were a sign of wealth in ancient times. San Gimignano features churches and museums, as well as the Fortress of Montestaffoli.
    •Visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The town of Pisa is approximately 50 miles from Florence and is easily reached by train. In recent years the tower has been under renovations to shore up the lean. It is a bit of a tourist mecca, but still worth the trip.
    •Explore the Maremma region. The Maremma region is located in south-western Tuscany. This region boasts hills, mountains and the ocean. You can indulge in pleasures such as eating simple Italian food and tasting the wines of this region. Or if you feel like taking a dip, the thermal baths of Saturnia have the cure for what ails you.
    •Take an art class. Be inspired by the same landscapes as the Italian masters. Not only can you take a class in painting, but lessons in pottery, sculpture, drawing, ceramics and mosaics are also offered at the various art schools in the region.
    •Explore Cortona. If you've read Under the Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes, then you may be familiar with Cortona. The Etruscans first lived here centuries ago and today it's a town that offers visitors a feast of history and art.

    What are you waiting for? Contact Mt Kisco Travel N Tours and get ready to go.

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  94. DOT reveals complaint files to ASTA

    By Bill Poling

    To prepare its response to the Transportation Department’s proposal to impose new regulations on travel agents, ASTA filed a freedom of information act request in July seeking information on complaints filed by consumers about travel agents.

    Last week, the DOT delivered a 275-page response.

    The package contains copies of approximately 110 consumer complaints to the DOT, mostly involving cancellation, rerouting and refund issues related to bookings on high-volume online agencies such as Expedia and Orbitz.

    About a dozen of the complaints appear to concern smaller websites or brick-and-mortar agents.

    ASTA had asked for consumer complaints filed between August 2011 and the end of 2013 relating to six specific allegations, all of which relate to pending rules at the DOT:

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  95. The Beauty of Mexico



    It’s time to rediscover Mexico! Here are a few of our favorite destinations where you’ll fall in love with the country’s warmth and magic…

    Baja California Wine Country

    Located to the northwest of mainland Mexico, the Baja California peninsula is home to beautiful and diverse landscapes and endless beaches. The region’s warm Mediterranean climate makes for the perfect getaway where spectacular vineyards and wines await. A great starting point for exploring Baja California and its many other wonders is along the Wine Route. Beginning in Ensenada, the Wine Route takes visitors close to small family-owned wineries and large-scale producers and exporters. Along the way visitors will also discover elegant high-end restaurants, museums, art galleries, and much more.

    Romantic San Miguel de Allende

    A unique colonial town with a vibrant multi-cultural artistic community, San Miguel de Allende amazes visitors with its explosion of baroque and neoclassic architecture surrounding its gothic cathedral, which made the city a UNESCO´s World Heritage site. San Miguel comes alive at night in a unique way, with an unusual supply of high quality restaurants and bars with a constant flow of musicians from diverse parts of the world. The large expatriate community and welcoming locals make every visitor feel simultaneously relaxed and enchanted with the life style of San Miguel.

    The Sparkling Riviera Maya

    The Riviera Maya region, located on the eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, offers the very best of high-end luxury resorts, fine dining, nightlife, spa retreats, shopping and golf in Mexico. Here you can spend the day at a luxury beach club where you can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, aquatic sports, spa services and a variety of modern amenities. The Riviera Maya is one of the world’s top destinations for scuba diving and snorkeling. An expansive coral reef system extending just off the coast is home to a dizzying array of marine life including colorful tropical fish, manta rays, dolphins and whale sharks.











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  96. The Top 5 Most Unique Museums

    By Joseph Boone


    From eerie to creepy to just plain bazaar, man has been fascinated with the strange, the unusual and the unexplainable since time began. In an effort to satisfy our never ending quest for more, below is a list of five of the most unique museums in the world.

    5. The Mütter Museum
    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

    The Mütter Museum is the finest museum of medical history in North America and the vision of Thomas Dent Mütter, MD, who donated 17,000 objects and $30,000 to the College of Physicians of Philadelphia in the late 1850’s. Now featuring over 25,000 objects including Albert Einstein’s brain, this 19th century “cabinet museum” houses a beautifully preserved collection of more than 1,800 wet specimens of human body parts, thousands of skeletal parts including several hundred human skulls; oddities like a 7’6” tall skeleton, and more. Not for the faint of heart, you’ll love it if you have a medical background, an interest in forensics, or are just plain curious.

    19 S. 22nd Street
    Philadelphia, PA 19108
    www.muttermuseum.org

    4. Vancouver Police Museum
    Vancouver, Canada

    Featuring over 20,000 artifacts, photos and archived documents, it’s the oldest police museum in North America and is located in a former city morgue, autopsy facility and city crime lab. The self-guided tour includes a large collection of police weaponry, uniforms and equipment, historical recollections, as well as confiscated weapons and drug paraphernalia. Permanent and special exhibits offer a unique perspective of police work from traffic squads to mounted patrol, and SW AT teams to criminal investigation. Take their 90 minute Sins of the City walking tour, a 1920’s look at Vancouver’s seedy side.

    240 East Cordova Street
    Vancouver, BC V6A 1L3
    www.vancouverpolicemuseum.ca

    3. Paris Sewer Museum
    Paris, France

    After you’ve seen the best that Paris has to offer, venture off the beaten path to take a look at its underbelly. This odoriferous underground tour is open to the public year round and is entered through a rectangular maintenance hole. The bulk of Paris’ nearly 1,500 miles of tunnels were built in the mid to late 1800’s. The one hour guided tour includes an overview of its 700+ year old history, displays of sewer related machinery including a sewer boat, and a walk through some of its tunnels. Be sure to check out the gift shop after your tour!

    93 Quai d’Orsay
    75007 Paris, France

    2. The Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garrett
    London, England

    One of London’s most unusual museums and the oldest operating theater in Europe. Part of the old St. Thomas Hospital, the operating theatre was installed in the 1820’s in the herb garret of St. Thomas Church which was used by the hospitals apothecary to store and cure herbs. The operating theater provided spectators, including students of medicine, with a birds-eye view of surgeries including amputations in the days before anesthetics and antiseptic surgery. Collections of surgical tools on hand reveal the horrors of medicine before the age of science. A surgical demonstration takes place each and every Saturday showcasing 19th century speed surgery.

    9a St. Thomas Street
    London SE1 9RY

    1.The Museum of Bad Art (MOBA)
    Needham, Massachusetts

    Welcome to the world’s only museum dedicated to the collection, preservation, exhibition and celebration of bad art in all its forms and all its glory. MOBA opened in 1993 in the basement of a private home featuring one work of bad art — an oil painting discovered in someone’s trash. As its popularity grew, the museum relocated to the basement of the Dedham Community Theater, fittingly next to the entry to the men’s bathroom. MOBA’s collection has grown to more than 600 pieces, although only 25 to 30 are exhibited at any given time. Admission is free.

    Dedham Community Theatre Basement
    580 High Street
    Dedham MA 02026
    *There are also locations in the basement of the Somerville Theatre and the lobby of Brookline Access Television.











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  97. Looking to cross off some bucket list sites while traveling across Britain, globetrotter Kathy Bunbury discovers there are endless wonders just waiting to be uncovered

    It was a week into our vacation, sitting on a steam train, enjoying Welsh beers, traveling through some of the most beautiful countryside we could ever have imagined, that my husband Duncan and I decided that this had been one of our best trips ever. Because we had already traveled to London a couple times before, we opted for Insight Vacations’ Scenic Britain 11-day escorted tour as it checked all of our “must see” boxes, as well as several of my bucket list items.

    Britain is such an iconic country that I thought I already knew everything I was going to see, but there is so much more to experience and learn, especially in the hands of talented and knowledgeable tour guides. It’s incredible to walk in the footsteps of royalty and experience the joy of visiting historic places that you have only read about or seen on television.

    Our royal experience began with a tour of Buckingham Palace on our free afternoon. Duncan and I were in awe walking through the elaborate staterooms and the Mews, with the royal coaches. We were also able to get up close to the Royal Horse Guards and take pictures, both en route to the changing of the guard and at the parade grounds in Whitehall during our half-day tour of the city.

    Early Sunday morning we met Rory, our Tour Director, along with the interesting group of 27 fellow travelers that we would be touring with for the next seven days. Our group was comprised of people from across the world – Aussies, Canadians, Malaysians, South Africans and of course a few from the U.S., with a range of ages from 17 years to early eighties. The lively discussions of the group helped to pass a lot of the time as we journeyed between each of our stops. Under Rory’s direction, our luggage handling and hotel check-ins were a seamless process, leaving us ample time to enjoy each destination.

    Some of my biggest discoveries came in some of the most unsuspecting places. York was a fascinating medieval town proudly displaying Roman walls and Norman battlements. Walking through the shambles was like taking a step back in time with the ancient stores, pubs and homes, many now housing now modern shops. On the other hand, I thought Liverpool would be a more modern industrial city – instead it’s a beautiful city dating back to the 1200’s! There we were all given a close-up look at why the Fab Four wrote and sang about this cosmopolitan city by an inspired Liverpudlian host who gave us a close-up tour of the Beatles old stomping ground.

    Standing in the courtyard of Edinburgh Castle I could conger up images of Scottish royalty of old and of battles fought within those gates. The old section of the city was perfect for walking tours and book-lovers looked forward to seeing sites that inspired authors like Sir Walter Scott, J. K. Rowling and Robert Burns, while the more adventurous braved the ghostly underground at night.

    After seeing delightful towns like Stratford upon Avon, the Roman ruins in Chester and Bath and the delightful Lake District, we have already started a list of places we would like to return to and spend even more time exploring.

    At most of our stops we sampled some of the local beers and ales, as well as local dishes and treats. Besides cream teas and Yorkshire puddings, we tried shortbread and haggis in Scotland, Cornish pasties, cottage and shepherd’s pies in many English towns, and faggots (large lamb meatballs) in Ludlow. One of the best dining experiences was at a Food Center near Conway in Wales, where we were treated to a locally grown and prepared three-course dinner.

    One special place that had been on my bucket list for years was Stonehenge. Walking around the circle, communing with the Druids and pondering the mystery that these ancient stones have held for thousands of years was awe-inspiring and a wonderful way to end a fantastic week of touring scenic Britain.

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  98. Africa Answers, and its travel agent clients, don't always know when travelers are under the age of 18 , so please forward this information to any and all clients who have booked South Africa with you.



    South Africa is revising its rules on minors entering the country as of June 1, 2015.

    Parents traveling with children under 18 years old will now be required to provide an unabridged birth certificate of all traveling children. This applies even when both parents are traveling with their children. When children are traveling with guardians, these adults are required to produce affidavits from parents proving permission for the children to travel.



    Please ensure that all your departing clients after May 31, 2015, arriving into South Africa on June 1, 2015 and onwards are aware

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  101. 10 Outstanding Food and Wine Experiences May 2015

    Indulge your passion for great food and wine.

    There’s no better place than the Mediterranean to indulge your passion for great food and wine. Here food is lovingly prepared and savored as an important part of la dolce vita while wine has its origins in the region. Take a look at 10 outstanding culinary adventures that await you in the Med, from East to West.


    1.Barcelona’s 40 lively food markets are a delight for gourmands! Colorful stalls, deli counters and tapas bars introduce you to local produce, fish, meat, fruit and sweets. La Boqueria, one of the largest, is conveniently situated right on La Rambla.
    2.Spain’s Cava caves, where the refreshing sparkling wine is produced, offer guided tours of the cellars and production process, tastings and sometimes the chance to create your own signature Cava! In the Penedès region of Catalonia, near Barcelona.
    3.Attend a cooking class in Provence to uncover the secrets of the delectable Provençal cuisine. After the morning tour of the market to collect the fresh produce, small-group classes may take place in an unusual setting like the vegetable garden or a wine cellar!
    4.Dining at its finest : Le Chantecler Restaurant, Nice. The two Michelin star restaurant showcases the cuisine of Provence by Master Chef Jean-Denis Rieubland. The restaurant is housed in the famous and historic Le Negresco Hotel, featuring elegant Louis XIII style combined with modern elements. This will be an evening you’ll never forget!
    5.Be immersed in the Slow Food movement of Tuscany and Umbria on special culinary tours of the region. In addition to participating in cooking classes, you’ll visit cheese producers, balsamic vinegar makers, prosciutto factories, wineries and even join a truffle hunt. Enjoy tastings and special meals in unique locations along the way.
    6.Naples; where Pizza was first created - so this is the place to enjoy the internationally famous dish. There are many courses in pizza around the city and surrounding area for those wanting to perfect the skill.
    7.Palermo’s Capo food market and history tour is led by noted food historian and author, Mary Taylor Simeti, who explains the history of Sicily through its food. A unique and inspirational market tour.
    8.Malta farm visits introduce you to Maltese wine, olive oil and cheese production. Get to know the unique produce of Malta while combining your culinary interests with vacation time on this magnificent island, steeped in history.
    9.Santorini’s wines and signature dishes enhance any visit to this spectacular Greek island. Visit the vineyards and learn about centuries-old production methods for Assyritko, Nykteri and Vinsanto wine. Savor a Santorini-style meal of Greek salad, an appetizer of tomato fritters and main course of pork chops on sweet Vinsanto wine sauce.
    10. Istanbul’s Egyptian or Spice Bazaar is a delight for the senses with its stalls of colorful, aromatic products. The bustling covered market dating from 1664 has 88 vaulted rooms where, in addition to spice, you’ll find a superb selection of nuts, honeycomb, dried figs, caviar, herbal teas, cheese, Turkish delight and much more.

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  102. While some travelers happily leave their mobile phones at home, many of us must remain connected when abroad. However, considering the often staggering call and data expenses, coverage issues, and the fact that some phones won’t function in other countries, international phone usage poses challenges for even the savviest of travelers. Here are some tips for maintaining phone access on your journey at a reasonable cost and without excessive hassles. Please note that we are not recommending any particular option; please consult directly with your cellular provider for the best solution for your needs.

    Use internet telephone service: If you can access Wi-Fi and you are traveling with a smartphone, tablet, or laptop, this is the best value for international calls. You can make free calls via an internet telephone service such as Skype, Google Hangouts, Viber, or Truphone to other users of the service (calls to non-users have per-minute costs under 50¢ for most countries).
    Get an international plan: A simple option – though the most expensive – is expanding your existing phone plan into an international one with discounted overseas calling rates through your cellular provider prior to your trip. Your phone must be a quad-band GSM model; check with your provider to ensure it is (note that Verizon and Sprint only offer a limited number of global-ready phones that support GSM).
    Buy a prepaid SIM card: This is a cost-effective option, as most providers offer free incoming international calls (dependent on the country/s) and texts. Contact your cellular provider to determine whether you have a quad-band GSM phone, and if so, can it be “unlocked” for use with other networks. Once your phone is unlocked, simply swap out its existing SIM card with a local SIM card from your destination country or purchased from a company such as OneSimCard or Cellular Abroad then purchase additional minutes as necessary. KnowRoaming offers a SIM card that sticks on your existing SIM card so you can use your phone with overseas carriers and pay as you go. (Frequent travelers who do not own a quad-band GSM phone may wish to purchase one online – cheaper models, already unlocked, are available for under $100 on Amazon.)
    Rent a travel phone: While phone rentals cost more than SIM cards, they likewise eliminate costly roaming charges and other service fees and typically provide free incoming calls (dependent on the country/s) and texts. As with SIM cards, both country-specific phones and phones for multiple-country trips are available; companies offer prepaid and pay-per-call options. Mobal, and Cellular Abroad are among the reputable companies offering travel phone rentals. Also, Sprint and Verizon offer their customers such rentals.
    Utilize a calling card: The simplest way to make international calls is purchasing a calling card when you arrive in-country and using it with your hotel phone (or a pay phone). A significant disadvantage of calling cards is the inability to receive international phone calls. Also, some calling card companies round up call minutes by increments and add other fees, and many hotels charge for local and toll-free calls; check before you dial.
    Switch your smartphone into Airplane Mode: If you are traveling with your smartphone and you are not using a prepaid SIM card, activate your phone’s Airplane Mode or turn off data roaming. By doing so you will prevent potentially high data roaming charges for internet usage that many travelers only learn about upon returning home. Also, this setting still enables your phone to access Wi-Fi when available (note that some establishments impose a charge for Wi-Fi access).
    I hope these tips help make your travel experience an enjoyable one.

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  105. http://www.aluxurytravelblog.com/2014/06/18/5-of-the-best-paris-restaurants-and-eateries-for-lunch-or-dinner/?utm_content=buffer7a7d6&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer

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