RSSJun|28|2010
Paris Pour Les Enfants
Posted by Zahir as Cities, Europe, Family
The famed city of lights has always been the favourite of lovers from all around the world. In fact, few cities can beat Paris‘ incredibly romantic streets, cafes and gardens – so much so that even the locals here are seen smooching all around town. So what better place to bring two lovers fruits of love (the kids!)? If Paris has never crossed your mind as the next family holiday destination, think again. It’s the land of some of the most charming children’s books – of the precocious schoolgirl Madeline and the regal elephant Babar, and the colourful Barbapapa (translated as candy floss or cotton candy) family.
In Paris, there are playgrounds in nearly every block, and the larger ones come complete with, manege (carousel), guignol (marionette shows), even pony rides and snack carts. Little ones will also enjoy the street performers at Montmartre, and …
Sep|09|2009
The Rise Of The “Greycationers”
Posted by Noemi as Europe, Health & Wellness, Trends
I love language! It really is not a static thing, but it shifts and evolves with time. Take the word vacation; only recently, another word was created out of it – staycation, for vacations that are spent in the vicinity of a person’s hometown or city. Now, we have another word: greycationer. It does not take a rocket scientist to figure out that the word refers to people aged 50 and above, who spend a lot of time traveling.
The trend is actually gaining ground in Europe. Experts in the travel industry say that this greycationer trend is a result of the “massive influx of baby-boomers who grew up in the 1960s. After redefining youth culture, they are now making their mark on older age.”
Travel agencies and tour operators are now tweaking their offerings to cater to …
Aug|08|2009
Use European City Cards To Make Some Huge Savings
Posted by Noemi as Backpacking & Budget, Cities, Destinations, Europe, Features, Tips
Traveling in the summer may not be that appealing to some people. In spite of the excellent weather in many places, there are just too many other tourists who pack their bags and hit the roads at this time. Still, if you do not mind the crowds, then these next couple of months is the perfect time to go visit the continent across the ocean.
Carousing around Europe is part of every traveler’s dream. However, we all know just how heavy on the pockets this could be. One critical weapon in the traveler’s arsenal is the city card. Major European cities offer these cards to visitors and locals alike, in an effort to help them make some savings. Here are some city cards that you should take a look at.
Barcelona Card
If you’re heading …
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 …
Apr|04|2009
North Cyprus: Your Mediterranean Paradise
Posted by Noemi as Destinations, Europe, Features, Getaways, Islands
Through the years, I have come to the realization that I am very much partial to beaches. When planning a vacation, I would seek out a beautiful isolated beach. The wonderful thing about this is that there are so many of these in the world, and one destination that I have recently discovered is North Cyprus.
I am sure that the name is not unfamiliar to many of you. It is an island located at the northern part of Cyprus, shares the same name, but is an independent republic. It has so many things to offer the traveler, best of all its long stretches of sandy beaches.
Since the sun shines in this part of the world almost all year long, you can visit any time you want to. The beaches in North Cyprus are numerous, offering …
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 …
Nov|09|2008
Iceland: Best Bang For Your Buck
Posted by Noemi as Around The World, Backpacking & Budget, Europe
Every one has been going on about the devaluation of the US dollar (among many other currencies) in the past months. One currency that has suffered a major blow recently is the Icelandic krona. I don’t know if you have been following economic news from other parts of the world but Iceland recently filed for bankruptcy! I know – I was thinking the same thing when I heard of it: how can a country file for bankruptcy? But apparently, it happened to Iceland and now they are doing everything they can to get back on their feet.
What this means for people from other countries is that it is a very good time to go Iceland. And if you feel bad because it may seem that you are being opportunistic, don’t. Even the government …
Jun|28|2008
Making The Most Out Of Your Dollars In Europe (Part 2)
Posted by Noemi as Europe, Tips, Transport
Here are more tips from Charles Leocha.
Check into transportation passes for the city bus and subway systems.
Tourist passes are almost always a bargain. Take the train from the airport into the city if possible to save even more — these transfers are often included in the transportation pass. Some online travel sites sell these as an add-on to your package.
I think this is one thing that we should focus on. Many Americans are used to driving their own cars and thus go for rental cars when on vacation. European cities, though, normally have extensive public transportation systems. Not only would you save considerably on transportation costs but you’ll also have a better feel of the local culture if you take the buses and subways. Better yet, try walking if possible!
Do not exchange money …
Jun|28|2008
Making The Most Out Of Your Dollars In Europe
Posted by Noemi as Europe, Tips
This one is for those who are planning to go to Europe this summer. It used to be that people who had dollars never really worried about exchange rates when travelling. The dollar was a good currency to have on hand. Today, though, it is sad that this is no longer the case. We all know the value of the dollar is dipping while the euro continues to become stronger. Though this may be alarming to those who are traveling to Europe, do not despair. There are still many ways by which you can make the most out of your dollars while on vacation. Charles Leocha over at MSNBC gives us some tips.
Buy the daily specials.
Live like the locals and buy the Tagesmenu, Daily Menu or Menu del Dia. In France …
May|25|2008
Wake Up In A Different European City Everyday…
Posted by Noemi as Around The World, Cruises, Europe, Transport
Doesn’t that sound like a dream? I would surely want to have this experience at least once in my life. Well, alright, maybe more than once. Yet is it even possible? You bet! The only thing that I see that is hindering me (and many others, perhaps) from living this dream is the cost. Then again, that’s what savings are for. We just have to set this goal and start saving our way to a European cruise.
I actually saw this ad in Yahoo Travel for Norwegian Cruise Line and what they call “freestyle cruising.” So what is this all about?
The idea of freestyle cruising is to let you do whatever you want to do while on board. You know how, in some cruise ships, you have a schedule to follow while …
