World Travel Destinations

Asia Pacific web users increase web travel bookings in 2009

2009-11-01T21:58:00.001-08:00

Asia Pacific internet users are still placing travel-related services as their number one online spend category, and in the first quarter of this year was spending more than ever, says Visa.

With an average spend of US$3,743 per person over 12 months ending March 2009, internet consumers appeared to be buying up on the net more than ever, an increase of 20% when compared to the 12 months ending December 2008.

"Travel-related services remained the biggest online spend category," says Visa in its report.

"Respondents spent US$3,085 in the past 12 months on travel-related services, and the top three travel categories for e-commerce are airline/airline tickets (US$1,019), travel accommodation (US$841) and online travel agents (US$602)."

When comparing the 12 months ending March figures with the quarter prior to it, interestingly airline ticket and accommodation spend had grow, but the amount spent with online travel agents had actually dipped.

These figures appear to show a propensity for online shoppers to book directly with suppliers, and become more selective in terms of booking with online middle-men.

Source: http://www.etravelblackboardasia.com/

US issues fresh alert on travel to India

2009-11-01T21:12:00.001-08:00

New Delhi: With United States and Israeli intelligence warning of fresh terror strikes in India, the American government has warned its citizens travelling to the country to take safety precautions.

A travel advisory was initially issued ahead of the festive season in October, as intelligence reports came in about terror groups out to get maximum mileage from another Mumbai-like strike in major Indian cities.

The fresh travel alert was posted on the state department website on Friday, after the Federal Bureau of Investigation busted a plot involving American David Coleman Headley, and a Canadian national of Pakistan origin, Tahawar Hussain Rana, with links to the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), which has been blamed for several terror strikes.

"Terrorists and their sympathisers have demonstrated their willingness and capability to attack targets that Americans or westerners are known to congregate or visit," the state department alert said.

Many foreigners, including American citizens, were killed in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.
"US citizens are urged always to practice good security, maintain a heightened situational awareness and a low profile. Americans are advised to monitor local news reports and consider the level of security present when visiting public places, including religious sites, or choosing hotels, restaurants, entertainment and recreation venues," the alert said.

The state department said it continued to receive information that terror groups are planning fresh strikes in India.

Source: http://www.dnaindia.com/india/

Day 3: Olympic torch to travel by logging truck and surfboard on relay

2009-11-01T21:11:00.000-08:00

TOFINO — Hang 2010, dude.

The Olympic flame caught a wave late Sunday afternoon, just as the sun dipped into the Pacific Ocean at Pacific Rim National Park.

As a crowd of more than 200 people gathered on the sand at Long Beach, 72-year-old surfer Ruth Sadler waded into the waves with an Olympic torch and passed the flame to 34-year-old Raphael Bruhwiler as he glided by on a surfboard.

Bruhwiler, who grew up surfing with his two brothers and a sister on nearby Chesterman Beach, then paddled out and caught one more wave before gliding in to the beach, the torch held high above his head.

He was met there by his three-year-old daughter, Aqua, who tagged along beside him as he walked toward shore, torch in one hand, surfboard in the other.

“It was easy,” he said, grinning.

The event came toward the end of day three in the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay, a mammoth undertaking that is expected to cross the country twice, cover 45,000 kilometres and include 12,000 torchbearers.

Besides Pacific Rim, the flame will visit a total of 34 national historic sites and parks — including stops Saturday at Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse in Colwood, near Victoria.

Sadler moved to Tofino in 1967 with her husband, one of the region’s surfing pioneers and an avid athlete.

“I’m remembering him because it’s three years this month since he passed away,” she said. “It’s just a great honour to be part of this whole celebration.”

The Olympic flame started off the day in Nanaimo, where Scott Thomas, principal of Esquimalt’s Macaulay elementary school, was one of the proud torchbearers.

Thomas, 34, said in an interview prior to the relay that he still remembers touching the Olympic torch at age 14 when it passed through Langford in 1988 before the Calgary Games. He hopes that bringing the torch back to his inner-city school will inspire the children to pursue their goals.

“If you have something, never give up on it,” he said.

From Nanaimo, the torch passed through Lantzville, Nanoose Bay and Parksville, where a crowd of about 1,000 gathered for a pancake breakfast outside the local curling club. Long after the flame had come and gone, they stayed for kids’ races on the grass and more pancakes and coffee.

Parksville’s Doug Hodges held his granddaughter in his arms and said he dislikes the amount of money spent on the Olympics, but he wanted his grandchildren to see the torch.

“I still want them to respect the Olympics — the ideals and all the countries coming together to compete,” he said, but added the Games have been “ruined” by excess. “Have the Olympics by all means. But they’ve got totally out of hand.”

Later, the torch moved to Port Alberni, the little city with a big cheering section. Last year, it sent 64 people — the largest community contingent at the Beijing Games — to cheer on local wrestler Travis Cross.

And Sunday, several thousand Port Alberni residents packed Bob Dailey Stadium to watch Cross, 28, run past cheering school children to light a cauldron on the stage.

“I’m just so proud of this community,” said Cross, a local firefighter and father of two young boys. “Friends, family and other people in the community came to Beijing to cheer me on, and now the rest of the community that was cheering me on from home — they get to feel a piece of the Olympics.

“They should be proud of themselves today. They did a great job.”

The flame then travelled by logging truck and canoe on its way to the ocean and Bruhwiler’s surfboard.

Moving from one board to the next, the flame was also scheduled to take a brief spin through a Tofino skate park in the hands of skateboarder Scott Rae-Arthur, great-grandson of Ada Annie Rae-Arthur — better known as Cougar Annie.

Source: http://www.vancouversun.com/sports/

US extends India travel alert

2009-11-01T21:06:00.000-08:00

WASHINGTON: The US state department has issued yet another travel advisory on India, alerting its citizens to “continuing security concern’’ in the country and warning them that the US government “continues to receive information that terrorist groups may be planning attacks in India.’’

The alert, which echoes Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s own caution about the imminence of a terrorist attack, came even as former President Bush arrived in New Delhi to take part in a leadership summit, highlighting both the danger and normalcy which seem to run concurrently in India.

The travel alert also came days after US authorities arrested a Pakistani-American and Pakistani-Canadian for plotting terror attacks in Denmark and India. The plot has triggered alarm bells in the security establishment because of the military pedigree and diplomatic connections the two men, both in their late 40s had.

In a revised affidavit filed before a Chicago court, the FBI said Pakistan’s consul-general in Chicago personally knew both the accused David Headley alias Daood Gilani and Tawassur Rana, wire services reported.

‘’On or about September 25, 2009, Rana spoke by telephone with the consul general at the Pakistani consulate in Chicago in an effort to obtain a five-year visa for Headley to travel to Pakistan. It is clear from the email traffic unrelated to terrorist plotting that the consul general knows Rana and Headley personally as all three attended the same high school,’’ the FBI said.

However, the affidavit does not say if the consul general was aware of the alleged terror plans of Rana and Headley. In the earlier affidavit, the FBI described Headleys plans for a recce to India, at the prompting of a Pakistani handler who preferred targeting India rather than Denmark, to survey sites for a terrorist strike.

“Terrorists and their sympathizers have demonstrated their willingness and capability to attack targets where Americans or Westerners are known to congregate or visit the November 2008 attacks in Mumbai provided a vivid reminder that hotels and other public places are especially attractive targets for terrorist groups. US citizens are urged always to practice good security, maintain a heightened situational awareness and a low profile,’’ the advisory issued by the state department’s bureau of consular affairs said.

It advised Americans “to monitor local news reports and consider the level of security present when visiting public places, including religious sites, or choosing hotels, restaurants, entertainment and recreation venues.’’ The October 29 advisory replaced the travel alert dated September 12, 2009, and expires on January 28, 2010.

The “travel alert’’ is different from the “travel warning,’’ in that it describes short-term conditions. Travel warnings are issued to describe long-term, protracted conditions that make a country dangerous or unstable. A travel warning is also issued when the US government’s ability to assist American citizens is constrained due to the closure of an embassy or consulate or because of a drawdown of its staff.

India does not figure in the list of nearly 30 countries for which the state department has issued “travel warnings,’’ among them Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and Nepal in the neighborhood, and Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Somalia and Philippines beyond.

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/

Those attacking Indians will face law: Australian foreign minister

2009-10-14T05:32:00.000-07:00

Australia on Tuesday reiterated it was determined to look into concerns about the safety and security of Indian students and that those found attacking Indian nationals would face the “full force of law”.

Visiting Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith said this during the second foreign minister's framework dialogue with his Indian counterpart S M Krishna on Tuesday. The meeting marked the start of a five-day visit by Smith, the second within a year.

A joint statement released after the meeting said the Australian federal and provincial governments were "determined to address concerns about the safety and well-being of Indian students in Australia”.

He said Australia had a “zero tolerance approach towards violence and racial prejudice”. “People who had committed offences against Indian nationals would face the full force of law,” he said.

In the past six months, at least 30 people of Indian origin, most of them students, have been attacked Down Under.

Smith also pointed out that Australia had introduced a legislation which required all international education providers to re-register by the end of 2010.

India said it was committed to working with Australia to ensure that education links were “not compromised by poor quality education providers and unscrupulous education agent”.

Smith's visit will be the ninth to the country by an Australian minister since 2008 while during the same period, 10 Indian ministers have made similar trips to Australia.

In the last four months alone, there has been a visit by Victoria state premier John Brumby to give safety assurances after attacks on Indian students followed by similar high-profile trips by Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard, Immigration and Citizenship Minister Chris Evans, Treasurer Wayne Swan and education group manager Colin Walters.

In Tuesday's joint statement, the Australian foreign minister reaffirmed support for India's candidature for a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council and also for membership in the Asia-Pacific Economic cooperation.

On climate change, both ministers stressed the need for political will to reach a successful outcome at the Copenhagen summit on climate change.

Besides, India and Australia have agreed to step up cooperation in the energy sector. Both countries are also currently preparing a report on the feasibility of a Free Trade Agreement.

Smith will later travel to Mumbai, where he is expected to meet officials of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Indian business figures besides delivering an address to the Asia Society.

He will also attend a commemoration service for those who were killed in the Mumbai terror attacks in November last year, including two Australians.

"Australia expressed its solidarity with India at the time and we will continue to work with India and other countries to tackle terrorism and extremism," he said.

Ref: http://www.hindustantimes.com/

Thai Airways announces two per cent reduction to its base commission rate

2009-10-14T05:25:00.000-07:00

Revised standard base commission of five per cent on international travel to be effective from January 1, 2010

According to a report in etravelblackboard.com, Thai Airways has announced a two per cent reduction to its base commission rate paid on published fares. The revised standard base commission now is five per cent, reduced from seven per cent and will be applicable to all published fare types for international travel issued on or after January 1, 2010. Commission on domestic travel within Thailand will remain at five per cent. As per the company, the change was due to ‘continuing increased costs associated with distribution and operations’. However, a Thai Airways spokesperson said that the move will not have a major change on costs. The move was in line with other airlines, the reduction was to encourage agents to go through preferred distributors.

Ref: http://www.travelbizmonitor.com/

New 7 Wonders: What are the Seven Wonders of the World?

2009-10-13T02:09:00.000-07:00

Wonders of the world, there are so many of them. No list can comprehend everything. Some of the wonders are man-made and most of them are natural. And for reasons unknown, people love to club them in the groups of seven. Like me, are you wondering 'what are the seven wonders of the world?'? Let us learn together, what they are and what makes them qualify to the seven wonders' list.

Centuries ago one man dreamed, designed and constructed a breathtaking monument and then, it went on to become a wonder. Egyptian people building the pyramid, would have never imagined that their work will one day be studied and listed in the wonders of the world. Wonders that people will keep wondering about. Funny? May be, but it is a fact. It is tough to imagine how people with minimum tools and equipments could build a pyramid of such a size or a complete village at the height of 8000 ft. Yes, everyone is wondering, that is why may be, man decided to make a list of seven wonders, so that, there is something common to wonder about. The history of making lists of 7 wonders of the world goes back to the times of Herodotus (a Greek historian who lived in 5th century BC) and Callimachus (another Greek scholar who lived in or around 3rd century BC). They were the first people, known to have made a list of the wonders, of which, only one remains and that is the Great Pyramid of Giza. Rest of them were destroyed due to natural calamities or some other reasons.

There are a number of lists in which man has categorized the seven wonders of the world. The categorizing criteria these days is different for every one of them. Like, there is a list of ancient world, one other list is dedicated to seven wonders of industrial world and so on. Like I said, there are so many wonders around us and hence, there has to be so many lists, so as to have some systematic arrangement. Here in this article, let us have a brief look at some of them and a detailed look at 'what are the new seven wonders of the world?'.

New Seven Wonders

The list of New 7 Wonders consists of man-made monuments from all over the world. It is a list compiled by a Swiss-based company called 'The New Open World Corporation'. These seven wonders of the world are spread across continents and were selected by people throughout the world using a voting method. The organizers thought that this will promote global harmony, along with increasing people's knowledge about these historical monuments some of which are not in their own continent. The answer to 'what are the 7 wonders of the world?' is the list given below:

Chichen Itza
The name 'Chichen Itza' means 'At the mouth of the well of Itza'. Here, Itza refers to a political clan of people, who were at their political and economical best in the northern peninsula. Chichen Itza was the political focal point for a long time in the Mayan history.This winner of the seven wonders list is located in Yucatan, Mexico. The historical site consists of many stone buildings which are connected by a network of paved roads called Sacbeob. Most of these buildings have been restored and some are still under the process. These buildings have been grouped into sets of architectonic series (based on their architecture). And these sets are believed to be once separated by walls. The three famous sets out of them are, Great North Platform, the Osaario Group and the Central Group. These sets individually consist of various buildings, which are wonders in themselves. Chichen Itza consists of numerous temples, pyramids, and some interesting monuments like Steam Bath and the Great Ball Court. Each of the building had its own importance and was used for some specific purpose. One particular area of Chechen Itza is open to archeologists only, in a way it is still under observation and research.

Christ the Redeemer
Christ the Redeemer is the statue of Jesus Christ, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It is situated at a height of 700 meters on the Carcovado mountain, in the Tijuca forest National Park. It weighs 635 tons and stands at a height of 39.6 meters. It is built of reinforced concrete and soapstone and is the symbol of Christianity, as well as Rio de Janeiro. The construction of a historical monument on Corcovado was suggested first in 1850, then again in 1921. A lot many designs were considered for the religious monument, which included, the representation of the Christian cross and the statue of Jesus with a globe in his hand. The Christ the Redeemer was finalized and the construction began in 1922 and continued till 1931. The cost of construction is estimated to be $250,000. The statue was opened to public on 12th of October, 1931 and in 2007 it became a part of the seven wonders of the world. In February 2008, the statue was struck by lightening, during a storm but was saved because of the outer layer made of soapstone, which acted as an insulator. This particular storm is known to have caused a lot of damage in the city of Rio, but the statue stood unhurt.

Colosseum
Colosseum, also known as the Roman Coliseum is situated in the city of Rome, Italy. coming from such a strong background, it was a really strong contender for a position in seven wonders of the world list. It is an elliptical amphitheater and was originally known as Flavian Amphitheater. It is said to be one of the largest buildings of the Roman empire. Construction of this amphitheater took around 10 years, starting from 70 AD and once ready the Colosseum was used for various public events and fights between gladiators. Gladiatorial fights were the major source of entertainment during those times and the public events consisted of mock sea battles, animal hunts, executions, reenactments of famous battles, etc. The amphitheater was capable of seating a total of 50,000 spectators. It is estimated that some 500,000 people and over a million animals died in the events held at Colosseum. In the early medieval era, the building was stopped being used as a place of entertainment and then on, it is believed to have been used for various other purposes. The ancient building now stands partially ruined by earthquakes. Read more for Roman Coliseum Facts.

Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China is a stone wall built from Shanhaiguan in the east to Lop Nur in the west of China and it stretches over a distance of 8,851.8 kms. This includes man-made walls as well as natural trenches and the natural defensive barriers such as hills and rivers. This wall was built between 5th century BC and 16th century BC, in order to protect the northern borders of the Chinese Empire from the nomadic tribes. This wall was not built by one particular dynasty. It is the result of the contribution of various dynasties, across various periods of time. Initially, the construction was done using locally available raw materials. That is, the section over the mountains was built using locally available stones. On land, the walls were made using earth or wood, but with the beginning of the Ming Dynasty, the walls were made using bricks. Other materials like lime, tiles and stones were also widely used. With the use of bricks the construction is believed to have fastened and the brick walls were more stronger. The wall is now in ruins at most of the places and only a few parts remain in good condition. Parts of it have sustained years of erosion, human attacks, modern day construction and even graffiti at a lot of places, in order to find a place in the 7 wonders of the world. Read more on Facts about the Great Wall of China and History and Timeline of the Great Wall of China.

Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is a pre Columbian Inca site in Cuzco, Peru. It is located at a height of 8000 feet above the sea level on the crest of the mountain Machu Picchu. The name Machu Picchu means 'Old Peak' and is often referred to as 'The Lost City of the Incas'. Its construction started in AD 1430 and the city was abandoned a 100 years later. It remained hidden from the outside world for hundreds of years, until it was discovered by Hiram Bingham, an American historian in the year 1911. Because of its location, Machu Picchu remained hidden from most of the world, including the Spanish conquerors. But now that it is in the seven wonders list, it is a famous tourist attraction and is visited by people from all across the world. Machu Picchu is believed to have been built at the peak of the Inca empire and is the proof of their royalty and religious beliefs. Incas were basically sun worshipers. Inti in Peruvian means the Sun and hence, it can be easily understood that one of its primary buildings is "The Temple of the Sun". The other main buildings are the Intihuatana and the Room of the Three Windows. Most of the buildings in Machu Picchu are in some or the other way related and dedicated to their God, 'The Sun'. Machu Picchu is on the list of endangered 'World Heritage Sites'. And that is why tourism in Machu Picchu is of great concern. Scientists believe that more the people, more will be the damage.

Petra
Petra is located in Arabah, Ma'an Governorate, Jordan, on the slope of Mount Hor. It was constructed by Nabataeans as their capital city and is well known for its rock cut architecture. It was constructed in 100 BC and surprisingly remained unknown till 1812, when it was discovered by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt. Petra was made a World Heritage Site in 1985 and in 2007 it qualified to the list of new seven wonders. It is believed that inhabitation of Petra began during the 18th dynasty of Egypt. It grew economically and politically because of its important location on the trade routes. Petra's geography gave it a fortress like protection and it remained protected for ages. The people of Petra are known to have conserved water using dams and hence, enabling the city to grow exponentially. It is believed that the people of Petra stored water for the droughts and had created an artificial oasis. The downfall of Petra began under the Roman empire. The basic reason being the change of trade routes. Most of the Petra was destroyed by earthquakes, which damaged buildings and fractured the lifeline of Petra; the water management system.

Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal famously known as the 'Symbol of Love' is a mausoleum, built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. It is located in Agra, India. Taj Mahal's construction began around 1632 and it took around 21 years to be completed. It was constructed according to the Mughal architecture, which is a combination of Persian, Indian and Islamic architectural styles. The mausoleum was built solely in marble, while other buildings in the complex were made of red stone. For the decoration purposes, 28 types of precious and semi precious stones were used and the raw material is believed to be ordered from as far as Afghanistan in the North and Sri Lanka in the South. It is said that nearly 20,000 workers were employed from all across the country for the construction work. These included, skilled artisans, carvers, sculptors and stone cutters of excellent rapport. All in all, 37 people formed the creative unit of the project. Some of them were from foreign countries too. The approximate cost of construction is estimated to some 32 million rupees (Indian currency). It is considered as one of the master pieces of Mughal Empire and attracts tourism from all over the world. Statistics suggest that approximately 2 to 4 million people visit Taj Mahal annually. Read more on Taj Mahal in Taj Mahal Facts, The Taj Mahal and The Story of the Taj Mahal.

These were the 'New 7 Wonders of the World'. Now, let us have a look at one other wonder that needs to be mentioned and has been included in the list of New Seven Wonders as the honorary candidate, just because it is the last surviving wonder of the list of ancient 7 wonders of the world. It has been chosen in order to honor its sustainability of natural and human tortures, equally.

Giza Pyramid Complex
Giza Pyramid Complex also known as Giza Necropolis, consists of three pyramids, which are known as the the Great pyramids and one huge sculpture called Sphynx. This is the last remaining monument of the list of ancient wonders. This complex is situated some 25 kms southwest to the city of Cairo and some 8 kms from the ancient city of Giza. The three pyramids found in this complex are of different sizes. The biggest of them is known as the Great Pyramid of Giza or the Pyramid of Chepos or the Pyramid of Khufu. The one smaller to this is called Pyramid of Khafre or the Pyramid of Chephren and the smallest is known as the Pyramid of Menkuare. These three pyramids are surrounded by some very smaller structures, which are known as queen pyramids, causeways or valley pyramids. The Sphinx is situated at the eastern side of the complex. These pyramids are believed to have been constructed in and around 25th century BC, by an army of some 35,000 skilled and non skilled laborers. It is said that the Pyramid Of Khufu itself took some 20 years to be built and its the tomb of the Fourth dynasty Egyptian King Khufu. The workers who worked night and day, were slaves or not, is still a debated concept. Most believe they were and many researchers believe they were not. Not going into this debate, one interesting thing to note is that the researchers/archeologists working on Egyptian history are known as Egyptologists and the study is known as Egyptology.

Ref:http://www.buzzle.com/

Where to Holiday in North Norfolk, East England

2009-10-12T23:44:00.000-07:00

The North Norfolk coast is one of the best holiday spots in East England, but towns like Cromer, Holt, Wells, Blakeney, Hunstanton and Cley are all very different.

The North Norfolk coast is one of the most magical parts of East England, stretching roughly from Cromer in the east to Hunstanton in the west. Both those are busy holiday resorts, popular with families and with plenty to do.

So too is Sheringham, and to a lesser extent Wells-next-the-Sea, but not all the North Norfolk towns are like that. Towns like Cley-next-the-Sea and Blakeney are much smaller and quieter, with a lot to attract birdwatchers and others interested in wildlife and walking.

Slightly inland from the North Norfolk coast are small but sophisticated towns like Burnham Market and Holt. Here are bookshops and upmarket shopping, delis and fine restaurants, and smart hotels like Byfords in Holt, which calls itself a 'posh b&b'.

Here are the main places to think about when planning where to holiday in North Norfolk:

Cromer in North Norfolk
Famous for its Cromer crabs and other seafood, here's the place to try fish and chips too. Cromer has an excellent beach and dramatic cliffs, and is the place to choose if you want a typically busy British seaside resort.

Ref:http://england-travel.suite101.com/

Top Ten US Travel Destinations List

2009-10-12T23:27:00.000-07:00

As you travel throughout the United States you will discover the diversity that exists here. Choose to stay in one place or pack up the car and go on an amazing road trip. You won't have to travel far before you come across the various customs, landscapes and accents. Explore the glamor of New York City, learn the nation's history in Washington, D.C. or see the cowboys in Texas. Your USA vacation will be filled with wonderful sites whether you sail past icebergs or enjoy the spectacular sunsets in Arizona.

Las Vegas

Las Vegas, one of the States most visited cities. There are the hopefuls in search of a big win and pool babes perfecting that desert tan. Perhaps you would rather go shopping, relax at a spa or bask in the glory of the neon lights. Vegas’ nightlife is legendary although you may find it surprising that family fun entertainment can be found. Las Vegas shows no signs of slowing down even though millions of guests have pounded its pavement...

New York City

We’d venture to say that if you would ask anyone outside of the US to name just one of its cities New York would be at the top of the list. It is famous for Broadway shows, world-class hotels and amazing restaurants. There are countless ways for you to fill your days – explore galleries, trendy boutiques or the legendary Times Square. However you spend your time you will understand why so many of New York’s visitors are repeat customers. You just might become one yourself.

Orlando

Famous for its animated citizens, Orlando is a fantastic place to rediscover your imagination. Walt Disney World is by far its biggest attraction and for good reason. It’s just plain fun. Although Disney is reason enough to come there is more to Orlando than Mickey Mouse. Close to beaches, fantastic golfing and outlet shopping the whole family will find something to do.

Austin

Don’t believe real cowboys still exist? Make your way to Austin and discover that manners haven’t become dust in the wind. As the capital of Texas, Austin is a cosmopolitan city filled with flavor and flair. Although skyscrapers and freeways exist in this sprawling city you will still come across lush trees and beautiful parks. Proud of their BBQs and musical heritage the locals are eager to show off their great city. Who knows, you just might come to love country music after your visit.

Tucson

Tucson is bursting with history and color. Once you’ve arrived you will be amazed at how beautiful this city is. The architecture begs you to learn more about its past while the scents of the local food creations beckon you to discover their flavor. Tucson also showcases the artistic styles of its close neighbor Mexico. There is a wide range of sites that will please even your fussiest traveling companion.

New Orleans

Nothing in New Orleans is basic and this city loves everything that stands out from the crowd. One of its most popular destinations is the historic French Quarter. Filled with unique sights you will discover a whole new side of the US. You could almost think of it as a distant third cousin. New Orleans is also famous for Jazz music and fabulous meals. Again, remember that nothing in the Big Easy is mundane. After spending your vacation here you just might find your foot tapping the whole way home.

Anaheim

When you first hear about Anaheim you probably think of Disneyland. True, it is home to this great family theme park but it can offer so much more. Shoppers will want to make time for the ‘Block at Orange’ and golfers will find a number of fantastic greens to perfect their swing. Plus the weather here is generally quite lovely throughout the year. Anaheim is also close to some of this state’s most visited attractions making it an ideal starting point to any California adventure.

Maui

As you arrive at this tropical paradise you notice the luxurious scents and the stunning natural beauty that surrounds you. As you explore the rain forests, parks, beaches and mountains you can see that Maui has protected its natural resources well. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the activities that await – snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, mountain biking and hiking are all in abundance. Those who prefer the indoors can also find great attractions as well as a number of shopping venues. Actually, the shopping here is quite fabulous.

Anchorage

Making your way to Anchorage may take some effort but the trek is worth it. The natural beauty that thrives here is so different from the typical that you won’t ever forget it. True, it can get quite cold here during the winter months but each season showcases a new side of Anchorage. Try your hand at gold panning or catch your supper in the lake. See a glacier up close or discover the hidden talents of the local artists. Dispel the myths of what you may think Anchorage has to offer and discover this beautiful city for yourself.

Washington

Last but certainly not least on our list is Washington, D.C. As the nation’s capital you can learn a lot about this country’s history. One of its most famous sites is the White House. Also popular is the impressive Smithsonian. This complex is absolutely amazing and a must see. Washington isn’t all about museums and history though. It has a fabulous nightlife and an impressive theatre selection. Even the country’s top leaders need to relax once in a while.

Ref: http://www.hotelsbycity.net/

Jet CEO resigns, old hand Kardassis back at the helm

2009-10-09T23:21:00.000-07:00

India’s largest private airline, Jet Airways, has undergone top-level changes with its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Wolfgang Prock-Schauer quitting the airline to join British Midland Plc (BMI) airline as its CEO.

Prock-Schauer who led Jet for nearly six years and helped in making it an international airline will be leaving the airline on October 15. Naresh Goyal, Jet’s chairman has appointed his old friend, advisor and Jet’s former CEO Nikos K Kardassis (52) as the acting CEO.

“We need to bring financial stability to the airline. In the coming months we will restructure the debt and increase the capital base by raising more funds. We have a good product and I need to continue what ever has been done in the past months,” Kardassis told Hindustan Times.

Kardassis was the airline’s CEO during its infancy, between 1994 and 1999. He had then left the organisation to be with his family. Kardassis, formerly with Merrill Lynch and General Electric joined back Jet 18 months ago and has been heading the Americas operations of the airline as senior vice-president. In addition, he has been advising Goyal on finance and strategy.

Kardassis takes over at a time when the 16-year-old airline is passing through a severe financial crisis amid a price war, a demand slump and a pilots’ unrest.

A confident Kardassis said that his immediate priority would be to bring financial stability and maintain continuity.

Ref: http://www.hindustantimes.com/

AI in talks with PSU banks for working capital loans

2009-10-09T23:12:00.000-07:00

National carrier Air India is understood be in negotiations with state-run banks to avail working capital loans at low interests, Air India sources said.

"We are talking to some banks to avail working capital loans in the range of Rs 1,500-2,000 crore," airline sources said in Mumbai today

Negotiations are on with public sector banks like the Syndicate Bank, the sources said, adding, the loans are being sought to carry out day-to-day operations of the carrier.

The cash-strapped carrier already has over Rs 16,000 crore working capital borrowings on its balance sheet, coupled with around Rs 7,200 crore expected losses for this year.

As part of its cost-cutting measures, the airline has been in talks with the banks to convert its high-cost debt into low-cost ones.

Meanwhile, Air India has released productivity-linked incentives (PLI) and flying allowances of its 31,000-staff including pilots for July.

The airline management in June had requested its senior officials over the rank of General Managers to forego their July salary, PLI and flying allowances in view of the financial crisis facing the company.

Besides it also proposed up to 50 per cent cut in PLI, flying allowances for its senior management, including executive pilots and engineers.

This move was aimed at saving around Rs 750 crore annually out of its total wage bill of over Rs 3,100 crore as part of the cost-cutting measures.

However, after the unions opposed the move and the executive pilots resorting to a five-day agitation, the management succumbed to their demands and kept the proposal in abeyance till a sub-committee of its board took a final call on the issue.

The pilots ended their stir, which lead to over Rs 100 crore loss to the airline, after Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel assured them that their PLI dues would be paid by October 7.

Ref: http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/

British Airways offers $40 round-trip US-India fare by mistake, cancels tickets

2009-10-09T23:05:00.000-07:00

Regulars on the US-India flight route erupted in joy last week when British Airways offered, erroneously as it turned out, a $40 round-trip fare (plus taxes, fees and surcharge) from any city in the US to any destination in India.

Scores of eager beaver flyers snagged the tickets in the two-hour window on October 2, before BA realized its error and shut down the offer, even as word about the Gandhi Jayanti gift sped through the desi bush telegraph.

Now BA says it cannot honor the tickets because it was a systems' glitch. The airline claims it was actually filing for a $40 increase in fares between US and India and somewhere down the line the plus sign got knocked off.

"As these fares were so clearly below the normal fare levels, British Airways is unable to honor these bookings," the airline said in an e-mail to travel agents. "We have cancelled all affected bookings made during this two-hour window, and will make a full refund for any paid for and issued ticket."

Not so fast, say furious customers. Many of them say they have made other onward bookings and plans. Some dumped other airlines and tickets, incurring a cancellation fee, to pile on the BA bonanza.

Besides, say some customers, the $40 fare tag is misleading. "What they're leaving out is that taxes and fees amount to $530+. So sure it is a good deal, but not a give-away by any means," one buyer wrote to the LA Times travel blog, which first broke the story. Others said they paid between $600 to $700 including taxes, fees, and surcharge, and insist BA should honor the deal.

On Friday, BA budged just a bit, offering a $ 300 discount on a future BA fare to India in addition to the full refund. In its e-mail to travel agents, the airline apologized for the error and said refunded customers could get an additional $300 off "any published retail World Traveller fare from the US to India when booked between now and Nov. 12, 2009." It said the offer was valid for travel through Sept. 30, 2010.

It remains to be seen if buyers are pacified.

The public relations fiasco underlines the steady decline of European airlines and against emerging Gulf and eastern carriers for the US-India market, even as state-owned Air India is flailing around.

For the longest time, European carriers such as BA, KLM, Air France and Lufthansa have had a run of the US-India route, especially from the East Coast, with transit through European hubs. But now gulf carriers such as Qatar Airways and Emirates are muscling into the market, enticing Indian flyers to fly through the Doha and Dubai, instead of through London, Paris, Amsterdam, Frankfurt etc.

Commencing Sunday, Qatar Airways will begin a direct service four times a week from its Doha base to Amritsar, allowing a wide base of Sikhs/Punjabi diaspora in North America (where it flies direct to Washington DC, Houston/Dallas among other cities), Europe, Africa and the Gulf/West Asia region to make their Golden Temple pilgrimage expeditiously.

The airline, which already flies from Doha to eight other cities in India, will also begin a Doha-Goa service on October 25, making it one of the "best spread" foreign airlines in India. Qatar flies directly non-stops from Doha to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Kozhikode. A Doha-Bangalore flight is next in line.

Likewise, its Gulf rival Emirates (over which Qatar brags a five-star rating) offers a several connections into Indian cities for Indian expats flying in from U.S. Many flyers from the US prefer a 13-hour first leg to Gulf hubs (allowing eight hours of sleep) which brings them within 3-4 hours to India, rather than the approximately 7 hour-9 hour split while flying from US to India via Europe.

Not surprisingly, all six airlines which have a Skytrax five-star rating (Qatar, Kingfisher, Cathay Pacific, Asiana, Singapore and Malaysia) are Asian, with no European or American airline making the grade.

Crisis ridden Air India meanwhile is trying to retrieve the situation in a U.S market where it has poor ratings. Starting December 1, India's sarkari airline is going to meet a long standing demand from passengers in the Washington DC region to connect directly to New Delhi.

"Direct" but not non-stop, since the flight will be a Washington DC--New York--New Delhi-Kolkata shuttle. The current New York-Delhi non-stop is just getting an extension at both ends. Still, it's the first step in directly linking the two capitals with the same aircraft. There are already Washington DC-Tokyo and Washington DC-Beijing direct non-stops.

Ref: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/

French travel company buying Gandhi home

2009-10-09T22:38:00.000-07:00

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, Oct. 9 (UPI) --

A French travel firm has agreed to buy a house in suburban Johannesburg, South Africa, where Mahatma Gandhi spent three years as a young lawyer, its owners say.

Jarrod and Nancy Ball told The Guardian they selected Voyageurs du Monde's offer because the company plans to maintain the heritage of the house, called The Kraal, where the Indian political and spiritual leader lived for three years. The company said it would convert the house into a museum on Gandhi "in line with its philosophy of investing in heritage properties worldwide."

Mohandas Gandhi, not yet known as Mahatma or "Great Soul," spent 21 years in South Africa as a lawyer and political activist, developing his concept of non-violent resistance there. Considered the father of India, the Hindu spiritual leader was assassinated in 1948 at age 78.

The Balls' decision to sell the house to Voyageurs du Monde has angered many Indian officials.

"I know India has responded not too happily but we think it went to the right people and we're delighted," Nancy Ball said. "One of our end-use conditions was that something be done to protect the heritage."

Nancy Ball said the house had been on the market for a year before a South African newspaper reported on its history. That sparked a bidding war with at least four offers, including one from Voyageurs du Monde for a reported $500,000.

Ref: http://www.timesoftheinternet.com/

Agents cheat foreigners by selling safari in Sept

2009-10-09T22:34:00.000-07:00

JAIPUR: A safari in Ranthambhore National Park in September officially is absolutely impossible. But tour operators know how to work their way
around and hoodwink the foreign travellers. But beyond that a lot of travel agents in Delhi create an impression of being associated with "Incredible India", the ministry of tourism's campaign by putting up "Incredible India" signboards outside their offices.

So when Goncalo Silva, a PhD student from Portugal, wanted an adventure holiday in India with his wife Gisela Dionmsio, a Delhi-based travel agency suggested a holiday and tiger safari in Ranthambhore National Park. "We thought that the national park was closed until October 1, although visiting Incredible India travel agency in Delhi, they told us that the park would be opened exclusively for some hotels. The package would include two nights in the Ankur Resort and a jeep safari. I thought that was normal and a nice strategy to maintain tourism all year around," wrote Goncalo.

Based on that, they flew down for a holiday from September 10-12, 2009. They were taken around the Kundal Range' of Sawai Man Singh Sanctuary, the area that is open to visitors year round with a Rajasthan Armed Constabulary (RAC) post there as anti-encroachment measure. "We went on a jeep safari in the morning of September 11 with a driver, a guide and a park ranger. We didn't enter the park through the main entrance next to the fort, but through the rear side. At the entrance there were several park rangers, some of them armed. Since we didn't know where the main entrance was, we thought that everything was normal, said Goncalo.

Though they did not spot tigers, the gypsy took them around the Park for about two hours where they crossed 3 or 4 gypsies with Indian tourists. During the safari, they found it very strange when the driver stopped the jeep and they got down and walked around.

"We know that it is not allowed to walk in natural parks, especially where big cats live. The guide told us that we went to a restricted area and nobody could go there. We thought it very strange. During the trip, the guide also went out of the jeep and got very close to an antelope. That was not a good ethic procedure and something was wrong with that safari. Later talking to people they were given to understand that there is a scheme to get tourists inside the parks even when it is supposed to be closed," said Goncalo.

Their suspicion was further aggravated when they requested to go again for the safari, and the hotel said only the agent would be able to do it. Two days later they flew back not very sure if they had not been cheated by the agent.

But Tiger Watch, the NGO swung into action when Goncalo wrote to them about the entire situation and threatened to, "Denounce this situation to Lonelyplanet, Roughguide, Le Guide du Routard and American Express guides, avoiding tourists to fall on these kinds of pitfalls. We also want to bring it to the notice of the Portuguese Embassy in Delhi," the mail to Dharmendra Khandal Tiger Watch read.

"The tourists certainly were cheated and wrong information was given by individual operators i.e. the lodge, the driver and the agent who calls himself Incredible India'." "I will definitely take this up on the google toft group and encourage everyone to use that portal with these types of situations," Abhishek Behl, director, Travel Operators for Tigers TOFT. Further TOFT is contemplating taking this issue forward with the secretary tourism, GoI.

Ref: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/

Air travel: Why it will get worse

2009-10-09T22:31:00.000-07:00

A new Brookings Institution study looks at the cause of flight delays and why they’re going to get worse

“If you think flying is a miserable experience now,” said Aaron Smith in CNNMoney.com, “just wait until 2010.” According to a report from the Brookings Institution (read the report), flight delays are actually down from recent levels, a “silver lining” of the recession-linked drop in air travel. But air travel will pick back up again next year—“the result: more delays.”

Even if arrival times are “above par” now, they’re still “far from stellar,” said Alex Altman in Time. Ten percent of flights are delayed two hours or more, with the average delay at 57 minutes in June. But flying has turned “from a luxury into an egalitarian necessity,” so we have to do something. The Brookings report has some “sensible suggestions,” including using high-speed rail as an alternative to short flights, privatizing airports, and runway congestion pricing.

“The last one probably won’t fly,” said Scott Jagow in Marketplace. The airlines hate the idea of higher rates for prime-time runway slots, “and besides, you know who will end up paying for it.”

American business will pay if we don’t “ease congestion,” said Charisse Jones in USA Today. The worst delays are at some of our most important business centers—New York (the worst), Philadelphia, Miami, Atlanta, Chicago, and San Francisco. So while none of us like sitting idle on the runway, it takes "a particularly heavy toll on business travelers and potentially the economy.”

Ref: http://www.theweek.com/article/

Adventure travel swings into scarred Sierra Leone

2009-10-09T06:11:00.000-07:00

"Their tourism infrastructure is shot to pieces but I really enjoyed my time. I thought: they've had a war and could probably do with a leg up."

President Ernest Bai Koroma has vowed to boost tourism.

The sector attracts around 4,000 people a year and accounts for only 1 percent of the fragile $1.7 billion economy, according to the National Tourist Board.

The World Travel and Tourism Council says the average in Africa is closer to 10 percent.

"It's a crime for Sierra Leone to be poor," said Bala Amarasekaran, who started the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary in 1995, soon after which missiles whistled overhead and repeatedly landed near the reserve.

Now the setting for $120-a-night eco-lodges built into the forest with hammocks overlooking mist-covered mountains, Tacugama is the type of attraction Sierra Leoneans hope will revive the tourism industry.

Ref: http://in.reuters.com/article/

U.S. airlines expand peak-travel day fee

2009-10-09T06:10:00.000-07:00

NEW YORK, Oct. 8 (UPI) -- A number of U.S. airlines said flying on peak travel days during the holidays would cost extra and tagged 13 days to add a fee of $10 per ticket.

The policy began in September with American Airlines announcing a surcharge for most domestic flights for three days during Thanksgiving and New Year's Eve, USA Today reported Thursday.

Soon the rout was on. American, Delta, Northwest, United, Continental, and US Airways are among the carriers that have added peak travel day fees with the number of applicable days growing from three to thirteen.

Airlines have added surcharges to flights before or after Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Eve, and busy days in March, April and May, the newspaper said.

"Never heard of such a surcharge," said Rick Seaney, chief executive officer of FareCompare.com.

Seemingly in disagreement, American Airlines spokesman Tim Smith said, it was "very common to charge more for fares on peak demand days."

Carol Powell of Sylvania, Ohio, said, "airlines have lost all respect for their customers."

"The new peak-travel surcharge certainly does not communicate 'happy holidays' to me," said Judy Bowers of Houston.

Ref: http://www.upi.com/Business_News/

Best and Worst Travel Cities

2009-10-09T06:05:00.000-07:00

The holiday travel season is just around the corner and a new survey shows more flight delays could be on the horizon.

The holiday travel season is just around the corner and a new survey shows more flight delays could be on the horizon.

A new report out Thursday from the Brookings Institution ranks the best and worst metro areas for air travel performance.

They found that pretty consistently across the board air travel is concentrated at about 26 metropolitan hubs.

"Now, of those many of them experience worse delays and it's many of the places most people travel New york, Chicago, Atlanta, San Francisco, these places experience worse than national average delays when it comes to arrivals and departures," says Adie Tomer, Brookings Institution.

Officials from Brookings also said they were surprised to see one of the best places was metropolitan Los Angeles.

They say this is partly due to the great weather and distant connections from some of its geographic partners on the west coast and it actually does great with on-time performance.

Ref : http://www.wbko.com/news/