Jul 6 2010
Most people find it more comfortable to stay at home and would never even consider travelling to another country especially not in South America. Once you decide that you want to go on a cruise though you will not regret it. Galapagos Cruises are great for anyone feeling like they are ready to travel but dont want to just wing it. More →
Jul 5 2010
Emirates airlines will be using Manchester airport for their new A380 superjumbo service. The A380 aircraft will make daily flights from Manchester to Dubai.
It has been said that the Airbus A380 is the future of flying, but many have expressed concerns based upon reliability and economy issues. More →
Jul 3 2010
Even if Brazil isnt considered to be high risk, you still need to have travel insurance if you intend to go there. Travel insurance should be purchased wherever you go, but when traveling internationally travel insurance is really a necessity. There are many types of travel insurance plans available, including travel health insurance and adventure travel insurance. More →
Jul 3 2010
Several Strip hotels have carried out work to make the street a lot more pedestrian-friendly. New hotels structure their façades to entice walk-up clients, and numerous of these entrances have become sight-seeing opportunities themselves – the Fountains at Bellagio, the volcano at the Mirage, and the Sirens of TI pirate show at Treasure Island. Spectators amass on the sidewalks in front of the hotels to view these displays.
To relieve traffic issues at well-liked crossing points, numerous footbridges happen to be installed to assist pedestrians safely traverse the roads. The Tropicana – Las Vegas Boulevard footbridges were the first to be installed, and based on the success of this project more footbridges are already built on Las Vegas Boulevard at the Flamingo Road intersection; between The Mirage/Treasure Island as well as the Venetian; in the Las Vegas Boulevard-Spring Mountain and Sands Avenue intersection connecting the Wynn with the Fashion Display Mall and the Palazzo; along with the latest one being built to hook up Planet Hollywood with CityCenter.
Jul 3 2010
Mystic Seaport lies on the Mystic River near Long Island Sound.
If you like historic re-creations and you’re looking to spend the Fourth of July 1876-style…well then maybe you’re not into such newfangled things like the Internet and you’re not even reading this. But, if you want to spend the Fourth of July in 1876 and you are reading this, then Mystic Seaport in Mystic, Connecticut may be the place for you this holiday weekend.
Independence Day festivities begin at the Seaport at 11 a.m. on the Fourth with the 27th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry re-enacting Civil War military exercises. That’s followed by a family picnic at noon on the Seaport’s Village Green with hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, chowder (that’s “chowda” to us New Englanders), lobster rolls, desserts, soft drinks, beer and wine.
At 1 p.m., children are invited to participate in a parade wearing hats that they’ll make themselves. Immediately following that, an 1876 centennial ceremony on the Green will include a recitation of the Declaration of Independence, patriotic hymns, and a concert by the Silver Cornet Band.
Mystic Seaport is an authentic nineteenth-century village.
Along with the ceremonies, Seaport visitors can join 1876 roleplayers in wheelbarrow races, croquet, and other lawn games. For the kids, there’s ice cream churning and an “old-fashioned spelling bee” (you know, because kids love spelling bees in the summer).
Mystic Seaport is the country’s leading maritime museum. It contains a village of authentic nineteenty-century buildings, four landmarked vessels—including the last wooden whaleship in the world—and a large collection of maritime artifacts. There are also children’s exhibits, play areas and activities, a planetarium, and a collection of maritime art. Admission is $24 for adults, $15 for youth ages 6-17, and free for children ages 5 and under. Second-day admission is free after ticket validation. All Independence Day activities are included in Museum admission. Food costs are additional. For more information, visit www.mysticseaport.org.
The Charles W. Morgan is the last wooden whaling ship in the world.
If you’re going for a weekend or longer, also check out the Mystic Aquarium and downtown Mystic where you’ll find Mystic Pizza—wait that should be Mystic Pizza. My choice for a hotel is Mystic Marriott Hotel and Spa, which houses an excellent steakhouse and an Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa. Other hotels, dining and other area information can be found on the regional tourism website at www.mystic.org.
All photos in public domain.
Jul 3 2010
Hot time, Summer in the City! With a heatwave descending on New York City, things are getting sticky. As we’re all aware, urban summers can be the most uncomfortable kind but luckily the Big Apple is more than well equipped for cooling outdoor activity, or non-activity if you prefer.
If you’re hitting NYC this season, at some point you’ll want to swap skyscrapers for (actual) sky and shops for shade of a more natural kind. Here’s a little rundown of our favourite open-air spots.
It’s big, it’s obvious, it’s probably the world’s most famous and in the height of summer it’s going to be permanently packed, but Central Park, in its exquisitely landscaped glory, really is an amazing urban sanctuary and isn’t without hidden charms.
Harlem Meer in Central Park by sneakerdog on Flickr
Entering as many do from the southern end, it’s easy to miss out on some of Central Park’s uptown treats. If you’re with kids especially, it’s worth a trip to the very tip to check out the shady haven that is Harlem Meer and maybe even indulge in some catch-and-release fishing. If it’s more of a romantic rendezvous you’re after, The Pool is perfect for picnics and passion by the weeping willows.
Central Park Obelisk by doortoriver on Flickr
Back down the way around 79th St, just West of the (admittedly beautiful and worthwhile) tourist trap Belvedere Castle, lies Shakespeare Garden, whose flora consists only of plants mentioned in the bard’s plays. Again perfect for romance or solitary reading, if you’re after seclusion. Across the way, behind the Metropolitan Museum of Art the area around the impressive Egyptian Obelisk (Cleopatra’s Needle) which dates from 1450 BC is good stop for history lovers and anyone look for quiet contemplation.
The Loeb Boathouse on the eastern edge of the Lake is popular and its waterfront restaurant is perfect for al fresco evening dining. If you’re a casual daytime stroller though, this might seem a little fancy for a passing bite. If so, head round the side to the Loeb’s Express Café for great salads, burgers and chilli dishes you can enjoy on the go if you’re not stopping for a relaxing gondola ride.
Pier 1, Brooklyn Bridge Park by edenpictures on Flickr
Even the shortest NY trip should take in a stop in the city’s hippest borough, Brooklyn now home to Brooklyn Bridge Park. Still under construction, its two newly opened sections, Piers 1 and 6 are already proving popular waterfront hangouts for the cosmopolitan crowd.
Japanese Garden at Brooklyn Botanic Garden by annulla on Flickr
BK’s premier open-air attraction though, is Brooklyn Botanic Garden, which celebrates its centenary this year. 52 acres of gorgeous gardens within gardens, this is one you might want to make a day of during the heatwave. Though the magnificent cherry tree esplanade will be past its spring bloom state, the park’s Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden (America’s first) has plenty of calming capability with its zen-like bridges and winding walkways. For a different, more western vibe, we love the Cranford Rose Garden, but BBG’s delights are almost endless.
If you’re not averse to cemeteries, historic Green-Wood is as its website says “Peaceful oasis in the heart of Brooklyn” and has plenty of tours and events throughout summer.
Bench on The High Line by SpecialKRB on Flickr
Unique and quintessentially New York, The High Line on Manhattan’s Lower West Side brings new meaning to the idea of the urban park. A former elevated railway, whose future was uncertain for many years, the first section of what will be a mile-and-a-half long recreation area opened in 2009. This singular city space is where nature meets the old NY; currently running through the Meatpacking District up to 20th St, the park takes in modern landscape architecture, greenery and art installations along the way, with plenty of seating to watch the world go by from up high.
The High Line by David Berkowitz on Flickr
You might have seen its iconic space-age Unisphere in photos or films, but Flushing Meadows Corona Park isn’t always on the must-see list for many sightseers. It’s a shame, as Queens’ pride – previously site of two World’s Fairs, home to the US Open tennis tournament and the New York Mets baseball team – is even bigger than Central Park and has tons of playgrounds and playing fields spread over its 1,255 acres.
Unisphere, Flushing Meadows by Joe Shlabotnik on Flickr
For the summer visitor, a row round Meadow Lake is one of the best ways to while away the afternoon hours. If you’re a little more passive and happen to hit the lake in early August, you might catch the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival. As the park is home to the Queens Museum of Art and New York Hall of Science , there’s stuff to do inside if the sun does get too much.
If you want to get right out of the city and have a day to head all the way uptown and across, the Bronx’s Pelham Bay is New York’s largest public park and even has a beach. There’s a beach in The Bronx? Oh yes, and it’s a nice one, but it will be busy in a heatwave. However with 2,766 acres of islands, walking trails and cycling paths, playgrounds, wetlands, a horseriding centre and wildlife sanctuaries, it would be hard not to enjoy something at Pelham Bay Park.
Orchard Beach, Pelham Bay Park, Bronx by WalkingGeek on Flickr
Travelling with young ones? Check out our features 10 “Must See” Experiences for Kids and Teens in NYC and How to Choose A Family-Friendly Hotel in NYC
…and the best way to get to New York, Virgin Atlantic of course. Click here for flight info and to book online.
Photos by sneakerdog, doortoriver, edenpictures, annulla, SpecialKRB, David Berkowitz, Joe Shlabotnik and WalkingGeek from Flickr Creative Commons.
Visiting New York City or been there recently? Got any tips or favourite outdoor summers spots to share? Let us know in the comments below.
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Jul 1 2010
Americafest
1. Americafest: for $13 per ticket, you get a full day (2pm until end of fireworks at 9pm) of festivities which includes a drum corps performance, and a place to watch the fireworks under the clear skies above the Rose Bowl in Pasadena.
2. The Queen Mary: Two days of music, food, and access to the grandiose Queen Mary are capped off with an amazing fireworks show over Long Beach Harbor at 9pm on Sunday. Tickets start at $21.95 for adults.
3. The San Fernando Valley: The Valley Cultural Center’s show at Warner Park requires no ticketed admission, just some serious jockeying for position on the day’s crowded grounds. As part of the summer concert series, the July 4th event includes musical acts, food vendors, games and rides for the kids, and a safe pyrotechnics show right over the tree-tops. An alternative view in the area is at the top of the parking garage at the nearby mall. You can see shows all over the city from this point.
4. Marina del Rey: Fireworks are launched from a floating barge in the harbor, and can be seen from any clear spot along the shoreline. Parking fills up fast, but public transportation is available. As with any beach vantage point though, be forewarned that a foggy night can kill your view of the show.
5. Hollywood Bowl: fireworks! With bonus! Vince Gill! Tickets are still available.
Queen Mary
[photos from Rose Bowl and Queen Mary websites, respectively]
Jun 29 2010
Experience and explore Italy by yourself. These 3 elegant and intimate places to stay showcase the best of Italy in 3 very special settings; Lake Como, Rome and Capri.
On the Lake On the banks of Italys Lake Como, set into an expansive, quiet garden, lies the CastaDiva Resort with its fashionable accommodations in a number of unique mansions having names inspired by operatic singers. More →
Jun 29 2010
So you are looking for Cheap Holidays to Las Vegas? One of my favorite holiday destinations on planet Earth. Bright lights, beautiful and numerous hotels, friendly people, lots of activities for adults and the kids, and wonderful mountain views from the valley.
Cheap Holidays to Las Vegas are not actually that difficult to find. Most people want simplicity and book a package deal as you are then safe in the knowledge that if the company goes bust you are usually covered by ABTA, and that everything is organized for you. However you might not be getting the best deal, and you may find Cheap Holidays to Las Vegas are found when you book it separately yourself.
Please note, that when doing it this way ALWAYS use a credit card to ensure you are covered,
When booking flights it is always worth paying a little bit more if you need to change flights to keep the transfer time down to around 2hrs, some really cheap flights may be 5+hrs!! Also make sure you collect the air miles, most sites allow you to input your account number, if they don’t keep the boarding cards and claim them back on your return. You MUST collect air miles as you are paying for them, and I get a free Flight to Las Vegas for free every 2 years.
Best for air miles is Singapore Airlines (Krisflyer Membership). You do not need to fly with SIA, just open an account. You can then use air miles on all Star Alliance partners as well as Virgin, as well as flying with any of them you also get credit to your Krisflyer account.
To take care of your hotel for your Cheap Holidays to Las Vegas, check out numerous sites and compare them. Most places you have to pay extra for internet and breakfast, but Las Vegas Hotels like Hampton Inn, Microtel and La Quinta include them in the price. Once you have the best online price then phone/fax/email the hotel directly and ask for a better rate, or free upgrade, in most cases you will get one.
You also need travel insurance so shop around for this as well, if you have an illness use Flexicover to ensure your health condition is also insured.
Enjoy your holiday in Las Vegas.
