RSSOct|08|2007
Share Your Story!
Posted by Jen as Announcements, Awards, Features, People, Travelogger
Remember that interesting dinner in China?
Or the time when Uncle Jack discovered that old barn?
Or that unplanned stop in Havana?
Well, whatever story you have under your sleeve, now is the time to pull it out and share it with everyone! This fall, Traveling Stories Magazine is hosting a travel writing contest for all those with wonderful and interesting stories to tell. The objective of TSM is to encourage travelers to write about their experiences and perhaps, serve as inspiration to others.
The prize at stake is a featured link on the TSM Web site and $125 (courtesy of the travel company, On the Beach Holidays) which will be sent through PayPal. Winners will be chosen by readers and voters through a 5-star scale. The article with the highest rating will be the winner!
However, all hope is not lost for the rest. All submissions automatically have …
Sep|19|2007
Shiver Me Timbers!
Posted by Jen as Adventure, Announcements, Cruises
In honor of today’s International Talk Like a Pirate Day (ITLAPD), here’s a tour suggestion you might not have tried. Buccaneer Queen Pirate Ship Cruises offers only the best pirate tour for kids of all ages. This also includes adults who are kids at heart! The Buccaneer Queen is a 96-foot long ship that has been used in movies and TV commercials. It currently takes people along for a ride around Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
The Whale Watching Tour will have you up very early in order to catch the beautiful gray whales of Cabo. These creatures migrate to the Sea of Cortez every winter in order to calve. You’d better get your cameras ready for this experience!
The Snorkeling Tour will have you cruising along the coastline of Los Cabos, passing by the famous landmark of El Arco and the sea lion-covered rocks surrounding Lover’s Beach. You will certainly be able …
Sep|18|2007
Meet the Twelve Apostles
Posted by Jen as Air Travel, Australia NZ, Destinations, Getaways, Travelogger
Mentioned in the Bible are the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. However, mentioned in Australian itinerary are twelve apostles of a different kind.
The Twelve Apostles of Australia are actually rock formations standing majestically on the coast of the Southern Ocean. They are a sight to behold especially during dusk and dawn when the rocks change colors from dark to yellow, depending on the angle the sun’s rays spread themselves. Couples would definitely enjoy the peace and serenity of this place. However, aside from basking in the scenic and romantic setting of the beach, there are many more activities in Twelve Apostles that are just waiting to be experienced.
A more striking view of the rock formations would be from the air. Camera shots will greatly benefit from this ride. Great Ocean Tour Helicopters, the largest aerial tour operator on the Shipwreck Coast, is the perfect place …
Sep|17|2007
Be a Festival Fan
Posted by Jen as Asia, Festivals, Travelogger
The good book of words defines a festival as
An occasion for feasting or celebration, especially a day or time of religious significance that recurs at regular intervals.
An often regularly recurring program of cultural performances, exhibitions, or competitions
Revelry; conviviality
Of course, all three definitions apply but in the mind of a traveler, a festival is an opportunity to learn more about the history and culture of the community he or she is in. While it has been a common trend to base travel decisions on weather (e.g. In the summer, tourists go to the beach. In winter, they flock to ski resorts) and and of course, the usual attractions; there is another way to make a choice.
How about planning a vacation entirely around festivals?
In Vientiane, Laos, there’s a water festival held during October 2 and 3. At dawn, people go around temples in the city to offer donations. By …
Sep|14|2007
The Golden Ring of Russia
Posted by Jen as Travelogger
Much is not known about Russia. While facts about their politics during the Soviet and post-Soviet times are recorded in history, Russia—the land itself—is bypassed. This is evident in the country’s tourism reports. People only seem to be interested in St. Petersburg and Moscow. Although it is understandable why tourists flock over to the said cities, what else is there to explore in Russia?
There are seven cities in Russia that make up what is called the Golden Ring. These towns serve as the actual artifacts of the rich and long history of Russia. In fact, they played quite an essential role during the time of ancient Russia. Have I gotten your attention yet?
The seven cities, located northeast of Moscow, are as follows: Vladimir, Suzdal, Ivanovo, Kostroma, Yaroslavl, Rostov and Pereslavl.
While Vladimir is not exactly the most environment-conscious of all the seven cities, it does emanate a charm of …
Sep|11|2007
Spa and Couples Do Mix
Posted by Jen as Getaways, Health & Wellness, Spa, Tips, Travelogger, Trends
Couples who stress together need spas together. Yes, you heard right. A spa isn’t just for women anymore. While guys who are reading this article may snort and mutter that they don’t need no girly treatment, think again. A spa is more than just bath oils and soft hands; it’s a rejuvenation formula, perfect for those wanting to make peace with their bodies. Besides, in this day and age, couples going on spa dates together are not unheard of. In fact, it’s becoming increasingly popular, helping save one stressed couple at a time.
But what exactly should a couple expect for a date at a spa?
Well, not all spas offer the same services. However, they do have one goal in mind: MAKING YOU FEEL LIKE HEAVEN
Spa Avania, for example, is more inclined on the rhythms of your bodies. They go by three simple mantras. Awaken in the …
Sep|06|2007
Everything Disney
Posted by Jen as Travelogger, United States
Orlando is best known for being the theme park capital of the world. In fact, one of the world’s most popular and most successful theme parks is located here.
I don’t know anybody who doesn’t know what Disney is. Generations of children, including myself, grew up with the name. Disney World in Orlando can be categorized into five namely: Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Epcot Center, Animal Kingdom Park, Disney MGM Studios and Downtown Disney. Each one offers something unique and inherently Disney all at the same time.
A trip to Disney’s Magic Kingdom includes a walk to Winnie the Pooh’s Hundred Acre Wood and an interactive journey with Buzz Lightyear in Tomorrowland. A huge parade takes place here with glittering, new, multi-color lights for parade units and costumes. Epcot Center is all about machines and futuristic orientations. There is a ride called Mission: Space which has been specially designed by Walt …
Sep|03|2007
Egypt at a Glance
Posted by Jen as Destinations, Travelogger
I’ve always been enchanted by Egypt. Always. I feel that among the arid sands, the blazing sun and the ancient pyramids, lies romance. This is entirely different from romance in Europe, of course. Instead of rose gardens, marble floors and royal issues, Egypt has pharaohs, Anubis and hieroglyphics. But these are all relics of the past and Egypt now is a lot different than what has been depicted in movies. Of course, the pyramids are still there. Museums provide excellent windows to the past and the culture is still alive.
Perhaps what excites me most, apart from visiting the pyramids and the ancient ruins and the museums, is the prospect of finding treasures in bazaars. I love bazaars and in such an exotic land as Egypt, you never know what you’ll find. From authentic belly dancing clothes to handmade perfume bottles, there will surely be something to delight your senses.
Egypt …
Aug|31|2007
Travel Like a Rock Star
Posted by Jen as Luxurious, Transport, Travelogger, United States
Not all of us can be rock stars. But that can’t stop us from traveling like one! This is where Rock Star Tour Bus comes in. Limos for rent are not at all uncommon but if you want to travel big and show up with a bang, you might want to consider renting a rock star tour bus. What exactly makes this different from an ordinary bus, you ask? Well, consider a rock star’s lifestyle. They don’t exactly go on tour in crappy buses, do they? No, they don’t. They travel with luxury.
Rock Star Tour Bus boasts of the same amenities as your favorite rock idol or even just your favorite big-time touring celebrity. A bus can carry about 28 partying passengers. You can hold bachelor/ bachelorette parties in there or you can bring guests or business clients to a wedding or to a round of …
Aug|20|2007
I Give You Six Stars!
Most hotels operate by the star system. A 3-star hotel is usually okay while a 5-star hotel is excellent. However, there are other hotels that claim or have been given the honor of a 6-star merit. While the additional star normally measures energy efficiency or water efficiency of electrical appliances, and in some fields of construction and engineering; this excess star is now being used to determine operations as well. And while there are hundreds of 5-star hotels around the world, only a few truly deserve one more star. Among these few is the St. Regis Shanghai Hotel in China.
Your wish is my command…
The hotel is exactly as its name implies. Elegant yet mixed with a little Shanghai spice. There are St. Regis butlers trained to attend to the needs and wants of guests and even an e-butler service that allows guests …
