RSSJun|28|2009
Travel Tips From Twitter
Posted by Noemi as Tips, Trends
I would like to assume that you are using Twitter or at least have heard of it. In this world where social media is fast becoming mainstream, you can find all sorts of relevant information from all sorts of venues. But have you ever thought of using Twitter too feed your travel frenzy?
To be honest, the thought did not really occur to me until I read an article at SF Gate talking about this very topic. The article presents the case for using Twitter in the very manner that I described above. Even better, it lists down some of the best travel-related tweeters out there:
@elliottdotorg: Christopher Elliott (whose Travel Troubleshooter column appears in this section) is a frequent tweeter of problem-solving wisdom.
@BudTravel: Updates, tips and deal links from Budget Travel magazine.
@Vegas: The Las Vegas Convention and …
Jun|27|2009
Prediction: July 4th Travel Low
Posted by Noemi as Air Travel, Features, News, Tips, Transport, United States
What are your plans for July 4 weekend? Year in and year out, this weekend is celebrated by all Americans with abandon. While some people opt to stay at home, many opt to travel and take advantage of the mid-year holiday.
According to auto club AAA, however, this year’s July 4th will not be focused on traveling. Their prediction is that, in spite of the fact that gas prices have gone down considerably and continue to do so, fewer people will be hitting the roads during the holiday period. The rationale behind this prediction is the fact that economic situation is still uncertain and a lot of people have become victims of it. Some may have recently lost employment while others may be in danger of finding themselves in the same boat.
However, AAA seems to be focusing …
Jun|07|2009
The Techie Traveler
Posted by Noemi as Tips, Travelogger, Trends
Do you consider yourself a techie traveler? Maybe so; then again, maybe not. If you want to have a hassle-free vacation and have your fill of technology, then I suggest you get yourself an iPhone and lug it around with you. Here’s a sampling of how it can be your virtual travel assistant.
You can download applications that you will find very useful. Allow me to quote Phil Karren, who has had firsthand experience:
Every iPhone comes with Google Maps built in, making it easy to get directions, whether walking, driving or using public transit. The map is also great for finding the closest Chinese restaurant, hotel or any other local business. The built-in GPS gives you an up-to-date “you are here” indicator.
A built-in weather tool gives you the five-day forecast whether you’re headed to Beaver or Bratislava. …
Jun|01|2009
Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative Starts TODAY
Posted by Noemi as Air Travel, Americas, News, Tips, United States
In case you have not heard, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative takes effect today. If you are not an American or Canadian national, you would not have to worry about it as you already have other requirements that you need to meet. However, for Americans and Canadians seeking to enter or re-enter the United States, you now need to present valid travel documents. These include a U.S. Passport Book, a U.S. Passport Card, or any other documents approved by Homeland Security. Do take note that the requirements apply to people coming in from Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
Here is more information from the government’s web site:
AIR TRAVEL
• All U.S. citizens traveling by air are required to present a passport book to enter or re-enter the United States.
LAND AND SEA TRAVEL
On June 1, 2009, the U.S. government …
May|25|2009
Destination Norway: Family Fun And More
Posted by Noemi as Cities, Destinations, Europe, Family
When I have free time, I like to go on trips. Obviously, I cannot go on as many trips as I would want to so in between them, I do a lot of reading (and watching) in order to get ideas for possible destinations. Recently, I discovered a section in The Independent where they feature various destinations, and I liked what I read about Norway.
Dubbed as the most family-friendly destination in the world, Oslo is Norway’s capital. Siobhan Mulholland, the travel writer, states that she has strong reason to believe that the city just might live up to that tagline. She writes:
Foreign capitals and young children don’t always go together. Schlepping around crowded streets tends to be more a task in herding recalcitrant cats than mutual enjoyment. So to find a city that caters brilliantly for …
May|07|2009
Give Your Mother The Gift Of Travel
Posted by Noemi as Tips
Mother’s Day is around the corner. Have you gotten your mother a gift yet? Year in and year out, we celebrate this event to pay tribute to the woman who gave us life. Year in and year out, I hear, read, and see people trying to do their best to show just how much they love and appreciate their mothers. This year, what are you going to give your mom?
One of the best gifts in my eyes is the gift of travel. My mother has been retired for the longest time, but I will never forget just how hard she worked to raise my sister and I. Now that I am able, I try to give her the chance to visit places that she has never been to before.
This year, my sister and I decided …
May|05|2009
Travel To Mexico: No Restrictions
Posted by Noemi as Americas, Health, News, United States, Warnings
Joe Biden may have announced his “fear” of traveling to the whole world during his interview in the Today Show, but travel and tourism authorities do not seem to share his opinion. While governments all over the world are telling everyone to be cautious and are taking precautions against the swine flu, they have not released statements to the effect that travel is to be restricted.
I think that this is an indication that the current problem of swine flu is very much under control. I was actually surprised to read that there are no travel restrictions to Mexico, but this is the case. In fact, Mexican travel authorities are going so far as to invite people over to their country, saying that there is no need for anyone to change their travel plans because of the swine …
May|03|2009
Biden Stirs Hornets Nest With Travel Comments
Posted by Noemi as Air Travel, Americas, Announcements, Health, News, People, Transport, United States, Warnings
A lot of people are on the edge these days. It’s not only due to the economic problems, but also other issues that crop up on a regular basis. The swine flu, for example; we know that this kind of occurrence will definitely affect the travel industry. This is even truer when people in authority release statements.
This is what VP Joe Biden did last week when he appeared on NBC’s Today Show. What might have been a personal opinion (I didn’t see the interview so I don’t know if he actually encouraged the nation to do as he said) has ruffled a lot of feathers. CBS News reports:
Transportation officials around the country found themselves scrambling this week to reassure worried commuters in the wake of Biden’s controversial comments Thursday on NBC’s “Today Show” that he …
May|01|2009
Travel Despite Of Swine Flu?
Posted by Noemi as Announcements, Health, News, Travelogger, Warnings
Why not? Just because there is a growing concern over swine flu does not mean that you should cancel your travel plans. After all, you probably spent a lot of time planning this trip and it would be such a pity if you had to scrap all your hard work because of this unforeseen event, right?
If you want to go ahead and take the risk, I won’t be one to urge to think otherwise. However, I would have to go ahead and tell you to make sure that you are well protected; and I mean this in terms of health and financial protection. I just read an article of travel insurance and here are some snippets of useful info:
With swine flu dominating the headlines, planning a trip — especially an international one — may feel less …
Apr|22|2009
Melt Your Blues Away In Japanese Gardens
Posted by Noemi as Asia, Getaways
Spring is here and perhaps the winter blues have come and gone for many of you. I do know, however, that there are still a lot of people yearning for a break from the drudgery of their daily lives. Well, if you are one of them and you want to have the ultimate relaxing experience, I have a suggestion for you: go to Japan and visit some of their gardens.
You might think it strange that I just suddenly came up with this idea. Truth be told, a friend of mine has just arrived from a trip to Japan and has been raving about the gardens. Apparently, there are countless gardens all throughout the country, and each one of them is a sight to behold.
Obviously, you might not be able to visit all of these gardens in …
