RSSDec|30|2008
Why Travel For New Year’s Eve?
Posted by Noemi as Adventure, Getaways, Travelogger
I thought I’d put in one more post before the year ends – and before we hit the road, with no certainty of getting a good connection to the Internet on New Year’s Eve. I just realized that I am taking for granted that we SHOULD travel for New Year. It’s just that I don’t get that many days off at work and the last 2 weeks in December is usually the only free time that I have. So why travel for the New Year? Why not just stay at home, like some people do, and welcome the year ahead in one’s comfort zone?
Though I do not place much stock on superstition, I do believe that it would be a good thing to welcome the New Year with some new experience that will ...
Dec|30|2008
New Year Freebies
Posted by Noemi as Announcements, Food and Drink, Tips, United States
If you’re in the New York area and you are planning on doing some traveling on New Year’s Eve, here is some good news for you. Thruway Travel Plazas are offering free tea and coffee to all travelers! Don’t believe me? Here’s the announcement from Syracuse.com:
The New York State Thruway Authority announces that HMS Host Family Restaurants, Inc., McDonald’s Corporation and Delaware North Travel and Hospitality Services, the Thruway travel plaza food concessionaires, will once again offer free small coffee and tea to all motorists traveling during New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Thruway travelers have been offered this service for more than 40 years to help keep motorists warm and alert during late-night or early-morning travels.
The free beverages will be provided at all 27 travel plazas along the Thruway from 11:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December …
Dec|28|2008
Travel Opportunities In Troubled Times
Posted by Noemi as Air Travel, Backpacking & Budget, Tips
It is common knowledge that when economic troubles hit, travel and entertainment become one of the least of priorities. However, this does not mean that the opportunities are not there. In fact, a lot of opportunities have opened up because of the recession – official or otherwise.
I came across a new term today – “recession marketing” – in an article at The Star:
“Recession marketing” has hit the travel industry, with everyone from hotels to cruise lines jumping on the bandwagon. First up: Holland America Line and its Vacation Stimulus Plan, offering discounted fares, reduced deposits and insurance rate breaks.
“Our message is to buy low and live high,” says HAL executive Richard D. Meadows. Cruise fare values are available on HAL sailings worldwide, with prices starting at $499 (U.S.) for seven-day Alaska sailings, $549 for seven-day Caribbean sailings …
Dec|28|2008
Visit Singapore In 2009
Posted by Noemi as Announcements, Asia, Hotels
This year, Singapore experienced a boom in its travel industry, largely due to the fact that the first ever F1 night race was held in September. As you may know, if you actually tried booking hotel rooms around that time, accommodations became hard to find. And when you did find available rooms, the prices were astronomical! Though prices have dropped somewhat, the average price is still a bit steep, especially if you compare them to other Asian countries such as Thailand (which is always known for cheap accommodation anyway).
As the year 2008 ends, however, we might even have better reasons to visit Singapore. According to Channel News Asia, the year 2009 may prove to be a good time to book hotel rooms in the country as the number of tourists coming to Singapore have slowed down. …
Dec|22|2008
No New Year’s Party At Goa
Posted by Noemi as Announcements, Asia, Destinations, News, Tips, Warnings
Last year, my husband and I decided to break away from the tradition of spending New Year’s at home with the rest of the family. I do not know about you, but in my family, Christmas and New Year’s are supposed to be spent together. Last year, however, my sister decided to spend Christmas with her husband’s family. It got us thinking that perhaps, we could embark on our own adventure and start our own tradition – hence the destination New Year. This year, we are going to spend it with some friends in the city.
For those of you who like spending New Year’s some place else as well, you might want to decide not to go to Goa in India. If you have already made plans to go there, you might want to know …
Dec|21|2008
Bad Weather: Blessing In Disguise?
Posted by Noemi as Air Travel, Tips, Trends
If you are located in areas where the weather has been uncooperative or you are planning on traveling to these areas, you are probably cursing the weather as you read. Then again, have you heard that there is something good coming out of all these problems? Apparently, airlines are “relaxing” their fees in face of the bad weather. AP has this story:
Airlines are allowing customers affected by winter weather in parts of the Midwest and Northeast to change their travel schedule without being charged a fee.
It’s a common practice when there are big storms.
Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines Inc., Tempe, Ariz.-based US Airways Group Inc. and discount carrier AirTran Airways, a unit of Orlando, Fla.-based AirTran Holdings Inc., have issued statements in recent days making the offer to customers.
The offers are restricted to several cities …
Dec|20|2008
Cash Cards Can Save You Money
Posted by Noemi as Europe, Tips, Travelogger
Going on a trip outside of the country this holiday period? I am sure that you have calculated all the costs that you will have to deal with but have you thought about using cash cards? In the old days, traveler’s checks were the norm for overseas spending. When credit cards became popular, they became the norm. Then ATMs being used in partner banks became popular.
Today, though, we all know about the extra costs that are associated with the use of ATMs and credit cards in foreign countries. Sometimes, additional charges are tacked on to the purchases that we make, especially with certain banks and credit card companies. More so, the rate of currency exchange can also affect how much money you actually spend. Sometimes, you can lose money because of the …
Dec|13|2008
Free Travel On Christmas Eve In Australia
Posted by Noemi as Announcements, Australia NZ, Tips, Transport
I wonder if this kind of thing will ever happen in the United States? I read an article about Australians getting a special treat for the holidays. This is what the Herald Sun published today:
LONG-suffering commuters will get an early gift in 12 days – free public transport on Christmas Eve.
Public Transport Minister Lynne Kosky confirmed last night commuters would get free travel on trains, trams and buses as a goodwill gesture for the raft of cancellations this week. It’s on top of the free travel already confirmed for Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
The peak rail union late yesterday reached an agreement with Connex for a bonus to be paid to all staff in recognition of a smooth transition to the new timetable introduced last month. The bonus of about $1000 will be paid to 2700 staff …
Dec|07|2008
The Great Dickens Christmas Fair
Posted by Noemi as Arts & Culture, Destinations, Events, Family, Festivals, United States
Are you looking for something new to do this Christmas? Perhaps your circumstances might call for a change. Perhaps you are looking at not spending the holidays at home. Whatever reason you may have for wanting to do something different this Christmas, here is one good idea – visit The Great Dickens Christmas Fair.
It is being held in San Francisco so if you are near the area, you are in luck. The Great Dickens Fair brings the past to life:
The Great Dickens Christmas Fair: A holiday adventure into Victorian London, partying with hundreds of costumed players in 90,000+ square feet of theatrically-lit music halls, pubs, dance parties and Christmas shops on winding lanes. It’s a twilight evening in Charles Dickens’ London Town – a city filled with lively and colorful characters from both literature …
