Archive for the ‘Travel’ Category

« Older Entries

New York Gimmicks

Monday, March 21st, 2011

It’s difficult to know when exactly Gypsy Rose Lee first said, ” You gotta have a gimmick .” It was almost certainly after she left her native Seattle, and it could have been in Los Angeles, although people like to think it was in New York. New Yorkers have certainly taken the phrase as something that speaks to a local street-smart wisdom. The truth, however, is always much more complex than first meets the eye, and the truth in this case is really rather elusive. The fact of the matter is that no one is entirely sure when she said it, or even if she said it, but the musical about her life, “Gypsy,” celebrates the phrase.

The burlesque haunts of Gypsy Rose Lee are definitely a thing of the past, and visitors to today’s city can only find some of the remnants, and some of the ghosts. But anyone who’s been in the city understands that some of these searches for a hidden past can reveal some extraordinary things. A New York CityPass can lead new guests to discover the most exciting present attractions, and buried in the moment are hints of a past that’s not at all out of reach. The most interesting new events, and rising stars, seem to understand that a gimmick is still necessary, and displaying the gimmick is to enter into a tradition of remixing that is inherently part of the city.

Tags:
Posted in Travel | No Comments »

Planning an International Trip

Monday, January 24th, 2011

Although people have a wide range of reasons for traveling overseas, they have common needs. As such, the process for planning an international trip will be very similar in each case.

After deciding on a destination, they will need to research travel and accommodations for each leg of their travel. Business and student travelers will have less control over these factors than someone on a world trip or family vacation. Likewise missionaries, sailors , and those on world cruises will have less say in their destination, schedule, and housing needs.

After those necessities have been handled, it’s important to get all documents in order. This definitely includes passports and other identification. However, it may also require visas for work, study, or even immigration. There may need to be special work permits or immunization records in order to enter some countries. Making sure that all the necessary documents are obtained and organized is a big part of the planning process.

Next up is insurance — a part many people want to skip. It is irresponsible to travel to a foreign country or multiple foreign countries without taking out some form of visitor health insurance as well as other types of travel insurance to help with stolen documents, travel delays, and other problems. It shouldn’t take too long to research and purchase the necessary insurance.

The last thing to do is to plan all the activities, attractions, and events that will fill the trip. Again, this will be different for a student as opposed to someone living on a cruise ship for months. It’s also different for business travelers versus someone sightseeing for two weeks.

Tags:
Posted in Travel | No Comments »

Escape to Maui

Friday, December 3rd, 2010

It’s the time of year when snow begins to fall in the Northern United States, reminding residents of cold, snow, and dreary months ahead. While it’s possible to enjoy snow in small doses, week after week of shoveling out cars and walkways and trudging through snow drifts and then gray slush can be disheartening. Knowing that it’s only the start of the season and there are three or four or even five months of this weather ahead can be quite depressing.

That’s what makes now the best time to plan a trip to a warmer climate . Instead of splurging on holiday gifts, pool that money to take an end-of-winter trip to Maui. Having a Hawaiian vacation to look ahead to will make it easier to keep sane while shoveling out of the umpteenth snowfall in January and February.

Planning can also make the interim months more bearable. Investigate options for excursions, tours, and even where to get equipment, such as bike rentals. maui has so much to offer, there’s no way to see it all in one vacation. Helicopter tours, whale watching, scuba diving, touring volcano craters and even days spent doing nothing but lying on a beach are all options. By imagining it all before the actual trip, the escape from the cold can actually begin months ahead of time.

Tags:
Posted in Travel | No Comments »

Boston’s Emerald Necklace

Wednesday, October 6th, 2010

Most cities have their own system of parks and gardens to preserve native plants and provide greenspace in the midst of urban growth. Half of Boston’s parks make up what is known as the Emerald Necklace , a designed chain of parks that are linked by waterways and parkways and wind through both the city of Boston and neighboring Brookline.

The Necklace was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted in the 1860s. Olmsted is also responsible for designing New York’s Central Park and other parks and public spaces around the country. It comprises 1100 acres of parks and a direct path through all the parks in the Emerald Necklace is approximately seven miles in length.

The centerpiece of the Emerald Necklace is Boston Common. Centrally located and near several good Boston hotels , Boston Common is home to gardens, ponds, sporting fields, swan boats, and hosts many events and festivals throughout the year. Another featured park in the Necklace is the Esplanade, located on the banks of the Charles River. In addition to a front row seat to events such as the Head of the Charles Regatta, the Esplanade is home of the The Hatch Shell, where the annual Pop! Goes the Fourth concert is held. It’s also a great place for watching the fireworks on the Charles on Independence Day and New Year’s.

Other parks in the Necklace include Jamaica Pond, Olmsted Park, Boston Public Garden, The Riverwary, Franklin Park, the Arnold Arboretum, Back Bay Fens, and the Commonwealth Avenue Mall. Attractions located along or near the Emerald Necklace include Symphony Hall, the Museum of Fine Arts, Fenway Park, the Franklin Park Zoo, the Massachusetts State House, Saint Clement’s Eucharistic Shrine, and over half a dozen colleges and universities.

Tags:
Posted in Travel | No Comments »

New York’s Newest Tower

Sunday, October 3rd, 2010

Currently under construction, One World Trade Center is scheduled to open in 2013 on the site of the former World Trade Center. Once known as Freedom Tower, the new Trade Center will be the tallest US building, rising 1776 feet above the street. The project is estimated to cost $3.1 billion and will use 50,000 tons of steel.

Following the destruction of the previous World Trade Center complex on September 11, 2001, a number of proposals were considered on how best to both replace and honor the historic buildings. The Port Authority broke ground in 2009 for One World Trade Center. The new complex will include the main tower, three high-rise offer buildings and the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. There will be easy access to nearby New York City hotels .

The Tower will draw on inspirations such as the Chrysler Building and Empire State Building and feature a central spire and more traditional design than some of the original concepts offered during the 2002 design competition. In addition to an observation deck and restaurant, One World Trade Center will include 2.6 million sq ft of office space. There will also be shopping spaces, access to NYC public transportation and storage and parking.

Tags:
Posted in Travel | No Comments »

Way Too Much Fun in Vancouver

Saturday, September 25th, 2010

Five great things to do while visiting Vancouver are:

The Klahowya Aboriginal Village; this attraction is brand new to the city and is within walking distance from the Vancouver hotels near English Bay. The attraction allows visitors to experience an authentic aboriginal native lifestyle. The Village is located in Stanley Park where original native inhabitants occupied the land. There is a cultural mini train ride, and native songs and dances performed daily.

The Vancouver Lookout gives visitors a 360 degree view of the city and is truly a breathtaking experience. The glass elevator ride to the top of the tower is not for anyone with vertigo. The Lookout is impressive, exciting and gives a great birds-eye view.

Grouse Mountain, which locals call the Peak of Vancouver, not only gives tourist another breathtaking view of the city, but they’ll be entertained by Grizzly Bears, Timber Wolves, a Lumber Jack show and much more.

The Vancouver Aquarium will let visitors dive into some of the most fascinating sea life as well as experience 4D entertainment. Capilano Suspension Bridge is another well-known tourist attraction that is sure to make their hearts beat faster. The suspension bridge offers exclusive ‘Tree-Top’ adventure where guests are guided through rope bridges high up in the trees.

Tags:
Posted in Travel | No Comments »

Hawkers: Singapore Style

Saturday, September 18th, 2010

Besides being essential to life, food preparation and consumption is ingrained in the social construct and traditions of most societies. Whether sitting down to a family holiday meal with multiple generations and seasonal recipes or sitting down with friends at a favorite restaurant for a weekly meal, food is social and communal. Nowhere is this more evident than in the consumption of street food the world over. All big cities have their own version of street food : hot dog vendors, burrito stands, falafel carts.

In Singapore, street food means hawker centres. These are usually the cheapest eateries in the city, and often are the most popular as well. Singapore used to have pushcart food vendors, but has redirected them to giant complexes of food stalls. Each is required to display health certificates, so tourists don’t need to worry about hygiene or sanitation and can venture outside the restaurants in Singapore hotels to sample this unique culture. Dishes usually run $2-5 with residential areas tending to be cheaper than the retail and business area hawker centres. The further out from the city center you go, the less expense the food gets.

The noise and crowds can be disorienting, especially during regular meal times, but the process is simple. Pick a table and “chope” (reserve) it — leave one of your party sitting there. When you place your order at a hawker stall , give the table’s number and the food will be delivered to you there, at which time you pay. Some stalls are “self-service” meaning you pay and pick up your own food. When you’re done eating, you leave you trash as the centre has table cleaners on staff. You can also order “packet” food to take away. Packets usually come with disposable utensils. You’ll want to bring your own napkins or a few extra dollars to buy tissues as stalls don’t provide them.

Tags:
Posted in Travel | 1 Comment »

Dynamic History of Vienna

Saturday, September 4th, 2010

Vienna is recognized on international levels for a variety of its cultural and artistic establishments. Some of its contemporary organizations are acclaimed throughout the world and the city maintains an extremely significant standing. Meanwhile, its history is also extremely impressive and the city has seen more than its fair share of turbulence and chaos, though it has endured, survived and continues to thrive. The city itself dates back to its original founding in approximately 500 BCE. And interestingly, it has origins as a Celtic settlement. In 15 BCE it transitioned into a Roman frontier city and was essential in protecting the Roman Empire.

By the medieval period, Vienna was coming under threat of the Mongolian Empire, though the Empire was never fully able to establish control of the city and by the late middle ages it was free of the threat. During much of this time it was the home of the Babenberg Dynasty. By the middle of the fifteenth century, Vienna was the centralized residence of the entire Hapsburg Dynasties . Eventually the city became the capital of the Holy Roman Empire and was the center of culture for the Western world. Finally, after years of repeated siege attempts and a brief occupation by Hungary , in 1804 Vienna became the capital of the Austrian Empire. It has continued to play an essential role in politics and world culture throughout the centuries. And while all of this is interesting to readers, the tourists in a Vienna hotel are able to view some of the architectural remains from these periods.

Tags:
Posted in Travel | No Comments »

Dance the Night Away in Atlanta

Saturday, August 28th, 2010

If it’s your first time to Atlanta, you’ll need to check out Atlanta’s nightlife scene. There’s a club that will meet any visitors taste in music, from salsa to hip-hop and almost all of the clubs are open every night of the week. Here are a few night clubs that are located next to the best Atlanta hotels , making it easy for you to get to by foot and not have to worry about clubbing it too hard or dancing the night away.

Halo , located at 817 W. Peachtree Street, is an upscale, trendsetting club that provides the best DJs in town who spin a mix of current and classic club tunes. Halo, is a step above when it comes to fun and excitement in the Atlanta nightlife scene. The club is open Monday through Saturday from 9pm to 3am. There is a cover charge after 10pm. The dress-code is business casual and fashionable attire.

Sanctuary Night Club , located at 3209 Paces Ferry PI NW, has been a part of the Atlanta nightlife scene for almost 17 years. The music caters to Salsa dancers with the hottest Latin music produced from around the world. This club is elegant, classy and has an ambiance of anticipation throughout the night. There are 2 levels for dancing and bars on each floor. Friday nights you’ll be dancing to Salsa, Merengue and Bachata. Saturdays is hip-hop, funk and techno. Cover starts at 10pm. Sanctuary is located by a budget hotel , a luxury hotel and several 5 star hotels.

Finally, the Opera Nightclub, located at 1150B Peachtree Street, is the premier dance club and very exclusive. Opera has a spacious dance floor and the dress-code is strictly fashionable. Opera does have an entry fee on Fridays and Saturdays.

Tags:
Posted in Travel | 1 Comment »

Pointe A Calliere of Montreal

Wednesday, August 25th, 2010

Some how you ended up in Montreal Canada. Maybe you had a conference or maybe you decided to take the family for a much needed break from normal everyday life. There are plenty of ways to enjoy the city and the neighboring areas. It is an old city with an interesting history.

For a great introduction to the city you may want to spend a couple of hours at the Pointe A Calliere where you will have a chance to catch up with the cities history. This museum has a permanent exhibit that takes visitors through six centuries of Montreal history. As with many modern city sites, there is always the story of the natives that lived there before us. Then you see how other cultures came and started to blend in with the natives of the land.

You can learn more about the discoveries of archaeological digs such as the old Catholic cemetery that dates back to the mid 1600s. It is the oldest structure created by man that is a significant landmark to modern Montreal.

Near many of the Montreal hotels throughout the city there are marketplaces. These marketplaces are major attractions in the city and the museum has a wonderful interactive installation showing what the marketplaces were like in the mid 1700s. All of which can be found, along with other traveling exhibits, at the Pointe A Calliere.

Tags:
Posted in Travel | No Comments »

« Older Entries