Mar|08|2007
Discovering the World through Tours
Posted by Zahir as Adventure, Air Travel, Around The World, Cruises, Education, Getaways, Historical, Nature, News, People, Travelogger, Trends
The best way to discover the hidden treasures and beauties that each country is known for is to actually go there first hand. There will be the suitable and famous places such as the Eiffel Tower, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Pyramids and Niagara Falls. Most would be seen on the big screen of as reviewed by actual tourists themselves in magazines and tabloids.
But for an adventure to feel accomplished, being there and actually seeing them right in front of them is still something that any tourist who can spare time will surely venture out too. Not all people are blessed with time and the money to go on such …
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Feb|13|2007
A Valentines Cruise for Your Partner
Posted by Zahir as Air Travel, Americas, Around The World, Arts & Culture, Carribbean, Europe, Events, Festivals, Getaways, Luxurious, News, People, Romantic, Tips, United States
Classy, elegant and costly is what this type of Valentines gift would best be termed. But it is possible considering that people find it difficult when they think of a good valentines gift to give to their valued partner.
Valentines Day would always mark the spread of giving roses, chocolates and stuffed toys. To some, a simple dinner or a quiet place in town would be the resort for people who spend the day of the hearts as tradition provides. But to go on a cruise on the special day of the hearts has to be something that would top them all off!
Imagine couples scheduling their cruise in romantic places as Italy, Rome …
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Jan|20|2007
Virus Outbreak On Luxury Cruises
Posted by Zahir as Around The World, Cruises, Health, News, Warnings

Theres not much worse than falling ill while on holiday, so imagine what its like when 16% of the passengers aboard the QE2 (Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth 2) caught the norovirus not long after the luxury cruise liner set sail from Southhampton, England on January 2nd.
Norovirus, a gastrointestinal virus which can strike any person of any age, is characterized by a sudden and rather violent onset of symptoms - vomiting, nausea, diarrhea - of which just one or all may appear. Although the symptoms are downright dismal, the good news is that this virus’ only lasts from 1-3 days. However, the virus is extremely infectuous and carriers or those infected with it can still …
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Jan|18|2007
3-1-1 Tips
Posted by Zahir as News, Tips, Transport, Trends

For carry-on rules, there is a simple thing to remember. The “3-1-1″.
3 11 for carry-ons = 3 ounce bottle or less; 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin. One-quart bag per person limits the total liquid volume each traveler can bring. 3 oz. container size is a security measure.
Consolidate bottles into one bag and X-ray separately to speed screening.
Be prepared. Each time TSA searches a carry-on it slows down the line. Practicing 3-1-1 will ensure a faster and easier checkpoint experience.
3-1-1 is for short trips. If in doubt, put your liquids in checked luggage.
Declare larger liquids. Prescription medications, baby formula and milk are allowed in quantities exceeding three …
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Jan|14|2007
Air Travel Ban Adjustments: Part One
Posted by Zahir as News, Tips, Transport, Travelogger, United States

My, things certainly have changed since the days when air travel was more of a pleasure that a security risk. For your information, heres what you should know courtesy of the TSA (Transportation Security Association) of the US, which, mind you although mainly applies to US travel, is also being enforced by many other airports around the world, from London to Lahore for both international and domestic routes.
On Tuesday, September 26, TSA adjusted the ban on liquids, gels, and aerosols.
Air travelers may now carry liquids, gels and aerosols in their carry-on bag when going through security checkpoints.
With certain exceptions for prescription and over-the-counter medicines, baby formula and breast milk, and other essential …
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Nov|26|2006
Travel Warning To Fiji
Posted by Zahir as Australia NZ, News

The gorgeous islands of Fiji have now become a “no-no” as travellers are advised by their governments NOT to travel to the usually tranquil islands because of a possible imminent millitary coup.
The British Foreign Office previously adviced British citizens not to travel to Suva, but now this advisory has been extended to the whole of Fiji, saying that “all but essential travel” should be called off for the meantime due to the possible coup.
The events of the last few days have seen heated rallies and large public gatherings, which prompted the British Foreign Office to issue its warning. Heres what they stated:
“The Fiji military commander has issued a number of ultimatums demanding that the Government …
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Nov|04|2006
More Parents Are Traveling With Kids
Posted by Zahir as Air Travel, News, Trends

In my last trip abroad I noticed that there just seemed to be more children everywhere. In the plane, in the airport, and even in our hotel (the Four Seasons, Singapore), the lobby seemed to be full of little ones, running around the beautifully decorated rooms, and the staff actually seemed amused by their antics.
When I was growing up in the 70’s, children were more of the “seen and not heard” nature, not preferred guests at some of the world’s best hotels. I remember travelling around Europe at age 10. My sister and I were lucky if the hotel had a kiddie pool, forget about special kids menus or ‘welcome gifts’ with personalised giant …
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Oct|23|2006
Is It Safe To Travel To Sri Lanka?
Posted by Zahir as Asia, Cities, News

As you may know, a few months ago I visited Sri Lanka and blogged about it in previous posts. So you can imagine my surprise when I saw the Galle suicide bombings on CNN and BBC news. Shock, horror….and even more surprise when the correspondent interviewed Karl, the owner and manager from the Galle Fort Hotel, who had become a friend.
Galle, south of Sri Lanka, has never been attacked by the Tamil Tiger rebels before, and was considered by tourists to be a “safe” haven away from the attacks usually seen up north. But apparently, the rebels had a change in their tactics. The suicide bomb, which took place on the …
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Oct|21|2006
Eric Newby, The Original Travelogger
Posted by Zahir as Books, News, People, Reading Room

Eric Newby, the thinking man’s travel writer and perhaps one of the best of the 20th century had died at the age of 86. The British writer was known for his keen eye for detail and entertaining style of writing about his travels around the world, the most famous of which was “A Short Walk in The Hindu Kush”.
Prior to writing the 1958 classic in which he recounts his thrilling and funny journey while climbing Mir Samir in Afghatistan, Newby was in the fashion industry, with nearly no experience in mountaineering when set off on his Hindu Kush adventure.
Born and raised in Hammersmith, London, Newby’s first adventure in travel was in 1938 when he gave up his …
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Oct|19|2006
Staying Connected While Travelling
Posted by Zahir as Business, News, Tips

Connected in the internet sense, that is, and when it comes to staying online for business travellers, those in the know say that the only way to go is wireless.
Here are some useful tips to stay connected even in the most difficult places:
1. Know the Hotspots
Before you leave, visit websites which list down wi-fi access hotspots to know what you’re up against. Wifi Free Hotspot, Wifi Finder and Ji Wire are good sites to check out, having useful lists and/or search tools to find your location. Also including airports and hotels around the world.
2. Consider Hardware Aids
You can now find hardware tools that combine wireless scanners with network adapters enabling you to scan your …
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