2010 February by Travelogger

Feb|28|2010

Aviation Safety and the Power Distance Index (PDI)

Posted by Noemi as Air Travel, Tips, Transport, Trivia

People often choose airlines based on ticket prices, service, perks and safety. When it comes to the first three factors people often base their decisions on research and actual experience. You can after all easily compare fares just by surfing online or asking your travel agency for quotations. Service and perks are also really easy to judge once you’ve flown in different airlines. What is harder to research though is safety records. Sure airlines have safety records that can be accessed publicly. Those with good safety records even advertise their record to encourage passengers to choose their airlines. However, what people don’t usually consider when choosing a flight is a factor called Power Distance Index (PDI).

Power Distance Index and its effect on aviation safety was discussed by Malcolm Gladwell in his book “Outliers“. There he explained why a plane manned by a …

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Feb|23|2010

2009: Second Safest Travel Year

Posted by Noemi as Air Travel, News, Trends

I guess that’s just a bit of information that is not really of much to use the average traveler today. Yeah, last year could very well be one of the safest years of traveling – we’re very much alive despite going on several trips last year, right?

Now, enough sarcasm. The data may seem trivial to me (and maybe some of you) but I am sure someone will make good use of it. According to the International Air Transport Association, or IATA, in the year 2009, there was only 1 accident for every 1.4 million flights. That’s an impressive figure, isn’t it? However, the numbers only take into account Western-built jets. Then again, I don’t think I’ve ever flown in a non-Western jet. Have you?

Here are more details from Reuters:

IATA said the 2009 …

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Feb|22|2010

Spend Your Holidays At Hogwarts

Posted by Noemi as Destinations, Family, Features, United States

I never really got into Harry Potter that much – I thought it too juvenile – but I have to admit that I read the first several books. Juvenile the series may be, but I simply cannot resist the idea of magic and all that. So when I heard about Universal in Orlando unveiling its very own Harry Potter theme park, I got quite interested. Walking through the halls of Hogwarts; strolling through the village of Hogsmeade; and sitting on a barstool at The Three Broomsticks – the thought of being able to do these (even if it’s really just all pretend if you think about it) is enough to excite any fantasy-loving person, don’t you think?

So anyway, the news is that The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – that’s the name of the theme park …

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Feb|21|2010

Syria Travel Warning Lifted By The US

Posted by Noemi as Asia, Warnings

The US State Department is known for issuing travel advisories to its citizens on a regular basis. While I understand the need for this and appreciate the rationale behind it, I am also iffy about their warnings, especially when it comes to The Philippines. I guess it’s because I am a local and I feel that I know more about the safety here than they do.

Anyway, I just read that the State Department has lifted the travel warning it issued on Syria. The New York Times reports:

The United States has lifted an advisory that warned American travelers about security concerns in Syria, officials said Saturday, as Washington tries to thaw relations with the Syrians, who are seen as crucial to peace in the region.

Syria’s foreign minister, Walid al-Moallem, welcomed the decision and said “both …

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Feb|16|2010

Some Vacation Photo Tips

Posted by Noemi as Tips, Travelogger

I just got back from a beach trip without my usual companion and I realized one thing: I am a really bad photographer. My camera’s a point and shoot and that is exactly what I do. Just point and shoot. Needless to say, I am looking up tips that can help enhance my meager photography skills. Let me share them with you – for those who are just like me.

Get close and personal. My camera only has 3x optical zoom – maybe that’s why. An expert photographer told me, though, that you should get as close to the subject as possible. And when you can, use your zoom lens. This will make the shot more striking.

Try going black and white or sepia. This is something I played around with two trips …

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Feb|06|2010

Best Places To Go For Thrills

Posted by Noemi as Adventure

I am a very mild mannered person who does not go out seeking adventure on a daily basis. Indeed, when I travel, I want to be as comfortable as I can afford to be. I do know, however, that there are a lot of people who can’t get enough of an adrenaline rush. If you are one of those people, then you better check out Lonely Planet’s new book – 1000 Ultimate Experiences. I haven’t had the chance to go through the whole thing but I have had a sneak preview of the thrills to be had, courtesy of Reuters. If I were to choose, here are the top 3 thrills I’d at least think of trying out.