Posts from — December 2006
Spirit Air Specials
I just noticed this page on Spirit Air when checking into a flight I have tomorrow. The special they announced seemed to be popular because their site was down and they said it was due to the special. The special is good, particularly if you are traveling for the holidays and are still trying to find a ticket now. There’s $29 to $79 flight each way and plus tax, but still fairly decently priced for a short notice holiday ticket if you need one. Here’s the link.
December 21, 2006 No Comments
Save the Whales – Ecotourism Style!
Ecotourism is certainly not a new concept to the world. In case you’re not familiar with it, it’s simply an initiative taken by hotels, travel resorts, and other tourism related services that benefits local groups by using environmentally friendly measures, and helping build their community and economy while still allowing businesses to profit. As global awareness of environmental dangers and threats has increased over the past several years, ecotourism has been tremendously successful. However, here’s something I found that’s a bit unique.
Particularly in the chilly country of Iceland, ecotourism had been taking a unique turn for the better. Although everyone tends to joke about the classic cause of saving the whales, Iceland has turned the once intangible task of whale watching into a visually stunning phenomenon that tourists can view. Success has followed, resulting in $8.5 million in revenue, after 12 whale watching companies have been established.
Saddening, however, is a new development in Iceland. The government has implemented a new scientific research program in which already 38 minke whales were captured. Even worse, the government plans to permit full-scale commercial whaling, which could seriously cripple the already fragile population of whales.
The Greenpeace International Group has called activists to action, urging them to take part
in the pledge challenge, supporting them in their fight to disallow commercial whaling. Check out their website here, if you’re passionate!
Hopefully, their fight will not be in vain, and international travelers everywhere will be able to enjoy an amazing experience of whale-watching while supporting the growing ecotourism movement in the future.
December 8, 2006 No Comments
Travel to Europe for Christmas: Winter Wonderland
One of the most picturesque times of the year to be in Europe is during the pre-Christmas season; especially in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Many of these regions are snow-covered and lit brightly for the holidays.
Austria has some particular traditions around Christmas times. Advent wreaths are a very important one in the country. They are usually decorated with ribbons and four candles to signify the four weeks leading to Christmas Eve. Innsbruck, and old town in Austria bustles with busy Christmas markets and the “sound of music” fills the air in Salzburg and Vienna.
Around Christmas time, Switzerland is a fabulous place for children. Numerous markets open in the streets with handmade treasures and activities for little ones. On December 6, St. Nicolas day, children set out their shoes in hope that Santa Claus will fill them with nuts, chocolates, tangerines and homemade cookies. Swiss children also look forward to receiving a graetimaa — man-shaped bread decorated with raisins and spun sugar.
In Germany, Christmas markets reign throughout the country, in towns small and large. Lebkuchen (gingerbread) and Stollen breads are popular foods during the holiday season. Nurnberg, famous for packaging its delightful gingerbread in countless ways, has one of Germany’s best Christmas bazaars. Hand-carved wooden ornaments and nativity scenes, festive wreaths, and aromatic candles line the booths, when you stroll by cradling a cup of hot, spiced wine.
In the alpine areas of all three countries, winter festivals are spectacular. Running from November through February, these areas offer horse and carriage racing, hot air ballooning, ice-skating and more. This could make for a very romantic getaway or a family vacation. Germany’s “Viva winter Fun — Party at the Zugspitze” was one of last year’s most sensational.
December 6, 2006 3 Comments
Transportation: Top Cruise Lines and Car Rental Agencies
Continuing our list of popular transporation methods, we’re diving into less conventional ways of international travel.
Starting with cruise lines, Regent Seven Seas edged out nine-time winner Crystal Cruises and takes the top seat for the first time. With a fleet of several luxury ships, passengers can choose to travel anywhere from the Carribean to Antarctica or even set sail on a voyage around the world. Among smaller ships, five year old SeaDream Yacht Club also ranks at number one for the first time.
Large Ships*
- Regent Seven Seas 92.4
- Crystal Cruises 92.3
- Disney 85.5
- Oceania Cruises 85.4
- Celebrity 84.2
- Holland America 79.1
- Princess 77.7
- Cunard 77.1
- Royal Caribbean 71.9
- Costa Cruises 64.3
*At least 500 passengers
Small Ships
- SeaDream Yacht Club 92.6
- Grand Circle Cruise Line 91.9
- Regent Seven Seas 91.7
- Seabourn 90.3
- Silversea 89.8
- Windstar 83.2
- Peter Deilmann 82.5
- Lindblad Expeditions 82.0
- Celebrity 81.3
- Viking River Cruises 80.8
If you decide on driving to or renting a car once you arrive at your destination, consider one of the following rental agencies:
- Hertz 70.4
- Renault Eurodrive 69.6
- Avis 66.3
- Enterprise 63.7
- National 62.7
- Sixt 62.5
- Alamo 59.0
- Budget 58.3
- Europcar 56.2
- Thrifty 55.3
Cruise Lines are rated based on :
- Activities/Facilities
- Cabins
- Crew/Service
- Design/Layout
- Food/Dining
- Itineraries/Schedule
- Shore Excursions
Car Rental Agencies are rated based on:
- Locations
- Rates
- Reliability of Fleet
- Staff Efficiency
- Vehicle Selection/Options
December 5, 2006 1 Comment
Battle of the Year- The International Breakdance Competition
Every single year since 1990, the annual tradition of Battle of the Year has taken place. More familiarly called BOTY by breakdance and hip-hop enthusiasts, the competition is best explained as the “Olympics” of breakdancing.
Maintaining its international focus, each country that wishes to participate sends one crew to the competition. Certain countries that are known to be home to the best dancers in the world, such as Germany, France, and South Korea, have their own preliminaries in which battles are intense as well. In addition, the reigning champion crew from the prior year is invited back to the competition. The fifteen best crews are selected and invited (along with the past champion) to perform 8-10 minute intense, breakdancing shows.
The judges select the 4 best crews. These groups fight for 3rd/4th and 1st/2nd, in a traditional “battle” setting, similar to the street-style dance-offs that have characterized the dance since its conception.
BOTY attracts tens of thousands of breakdancers and tourists alike each year. Held in Germany every year, it provides a unique opportunity for anyone. A dance that is truly explosive, creative, and innovative as this is always worth watching!
BOTY 2006 just took place several weeks ago. In a spectacular showdown, France’s Vagabonds crew took back its crown from the various Korean crews, such as Gambler, Last for One, and Expression, who have dominated the competition since their first win in 2001.
If you’re interested in attending next year, check out the BOTY homepage! It usually takes place in late summer to mid-autumn. Don’t miss out on this great experience- you’ll surely have a lot more to talk about than art galleries and other potential tourist traps!
December 5, 2006 No Comments
Transportation: Top 20 Airlines for 2006
Now that we know the top hotels and airports from around the world, the next question is, “How do I get there?” Well, you have a couple different options: flying, boating, or for the more adventurous, driving to your destination. For most of us, flying is the primary choice as it is the quickest and most convenient way to travel. When it comes to airlines, the United States consistently fall behind their international counterparts in almost every category. This year’s airlines are rated by
- Cabin Comfort
- Cabin Service
- Entertainment Options
- Food/Beverages
- Ticketing/Ground Services
Singapore Airlines is the only carrier to earn a rating over 90, with high marks in Cabin Service (94.5) and Food (89.1). Domestically, JetBlue takes top seat for the fifth straight year boosted by high marks in entertainment (79.1).
Top 10 International Airlines
- Singapore Airlines 90.2
- Emirates 80.5
- Cathay Pacific 79.5
- Virgin Atlantic 75.3
- Air New Zealand 71.5
- Thai Airways 70.4
- Quantas 69.9
- Malaysia Airlines 69.0
- Eva Air 68.2
- ANA 64.8
Top 10 Domestic Airlines
- JetBlue 68.3
- Midwest 64.7
- Hawaiian 45.8
- Frontier 44.9
- Alaska Airlines 44.0
- Sun Country Airlines 40.7
- Aloha 40.3
- Continental 39.3
- American 33.4
- AirTran 33.3
December 4, 2006 No Comments
Using an American Cell Phone in Europe
Not all American phones get service in Europe and not all mobile providers offer plans that stretch beyond the Atlantic. The ones that do work are a bit pricey but can be effective.
The standard phone network in Europe is called GSM, or Global System for Mobile Communications. Nokia, Motorola, Samsung, and Sony Ericsson all produce GSM-enabled phones. Make sure your phone is “GSM-enabled.” If not, and you’re thinking of buying a new mobile phone that you can use in Europe, look for anything labeled “tri-band” or “quad-band” to get the “world phone” option. Dual-band doesn’t always work. My personal opinion is that Blackberry offers the best international communication hardware.
Once you have the right phone, next you need to purchase the right international calling plan. T-Mobile offers a very affordable option, if used sparingly ($1 to $2 a minute). What is especially good about this particular plan are no additional fees.
Lastly, before you go on your trip, stop in at your provider’s store and ask one of the customer service employees if your phone is cleared for use in Europe. Some phones you need to manually change the network while others do it automatically.
Just so you know it works; as you cross each border you’ll usually get a text message welcoming you to the new country’s network. Good luck and have a safe trip!
December 4, 2006 No Comments
Asian Airports – Best in the World
After surfing the web, I noticed that many travelers are turning to Asia upon late. This isn’t surprising, since the new emerging markets throughout China, Korea, and Singapore, just to mention a few, are booming. Along with their impressive economic growth, many tourist opportunities have opened up, and a lot of people are recognizing it, thinking of their exotic, Eastern appeal.
Something I found more interesting while searching, however, was the prominence of Asian airports. Nearly all of the airport rating groups, editorials, and related articles laude these cities as the best for travelers, both vacationers and businesspeople alike. They’re ranked in this order:
1. Hong Kong International – China
2. Singapore Changji International – Singapore
3. Incheon International – Korea
4. Kansai International – Japan
5. Kuala Lumpur International – Malaysia
All of these locations are praised for their modern, comfortable, plush, and accommodating features. Most have many activities for travelers to entertain themselves as they wait for their flights. Beyond large shopping complexes and luxurious restaurants and bars, some have pools, beauty salons, and attached five-star hotels.
Some of the other best airports include those at Copenhagen, Sydney, and Munich. These are also excellent and worth checking out!
December 1, 2006 No Comments
Make your Money Go Further
Our monthly reports tell you what countries and currencies offer the best deals. Travel and buy smart!