RSSSep|21|2009
India’s Festival Season Begins: Good Travel Deals On Offer!
Posted by Noemi as Asia, Destinations, Festivals, Tips, Trends
India is home to some of the best attractions in the world. Some of the world’s nicest beaches, the Taj Mahal, and of course, their numerous festivals attract countless visitors year in and year out. And speaking of festivals, this season is right around the corner. As such, this is one of the best times to travel to India!
Contrary to what you might expect, there are actually good deals to be found during this season. More often than not, you would expect hotels to jack up their prices during peak season, right? The good news is that many hotels in the country are actually offering lower prices, especially for package deals. The Hindu Business Online reports:
“Average room rates have declined by approximately 30 per cent. However, the decline at leisure hotels has not been that …
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 …
Jun|28|2009
Travel Tips From Twitter
Posted by Noemi as Tips, Trends
I would like to assume that you are using Twitter or at least have heard of it. In this world where social media is fast becoming mainstream, you can find all sorts of relevant information from all sorts of venues. But have you ever thought of using Twitter too feed your travel frenzy?
To be honest, the thought did not really occur to me until I read an article at SF Gate talking about this very topic. The article presents the case for using Twitter in the very manner that I described above. Even better, it lists down some of the best travel-related tweeters out there:
@elliottdotorg: Christopher Elliott (whose Travel Troubleshooter column appears in this section) is a frequent tweeter of problem-solving wisdom.
@BudTravel: Updates, tips and deal links from Budget Travel magazine.
@Vegas: The Las Vegas Convention and …
Jun|07|2009
The Techie Traveler
Posted by Noemi as Tips, Travelogger, Trends
Do you consider yourself a techie traveler? Maybe so; then again, maybe not. If you want to have a hassle-free vacation and have your fill of technology, then I suggest you get yourself an iPhone and lug it around with you. Here’s a sampling of how it can be your virtual travel assistant.
You can download applications that you will find very useful. Allow me to quote Phil Karren, who has had firsthand experience:
Every iPhone comes with Google Maps built in, making it easy to get directions, whether walking, driving or using public transit. The map is also great for finding the closest Chinese restaurant, hotel or any other local business. The built-in GPS gives you an up-to-date “you are here” indicator.
A built-in weather tool gives you the five-day forecast whether you’re headed to Beaver or Bratislava. …
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 …
Nov|29|2008
Layaway Travel Soon To Be Available
Posted by Noemi as News, Trends, Website
Not too many people are aware of layaway plans these days. It used to be that layaway was the main means by which many Americans made huge purchases. When credit cards became so prevalent, however, layaway plans suddenly didn’t seem that attractive. With the current downturn in global economics, however, layaway plans are suddenly making a comeback. You can see this in the move being made by big companies such as Sears, wherein customers can pay a mere $15 and then pay off the rest in installments.
As for the travel sector, it seems that they are seeing the immense possibilities that will be opened up if they offer layaway packages as well. Based on a report published by Mercury News, big names in the travel industry are joining the layaway bandwagon. Hyatt …
Nov|21|2008
Thanksgiving Travel: Yes or No?
Posted by Noemi as Tips, Transport, Trends, United States
Less than a week and it’s time to carve the turkey again! People have their own favorite holidays and I know several who prefer Thanksgiving over the other holidays of the year. Maybe it’s the turkey or maybe it’s the company – whatever the reason, Thanksgiving is indeed a reason to celebrate.
This year, it seems that more than staying within the vicinity of one’s home, it would be a good idea to travel. According to The Houston Business Journal, gas prices are looking good this Thanksgiving:
Retail gasoline prices continued to fall this week, and that may encourage last-minute holiday travel, according to AAA Texas.
The price of a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline fell 12 cents across the state to $1.88, while the nationwide average dropped 15 cents to $2.02 a gallon. In …
Sep|20|2008
Why You Should Travel In Winter
Posted by Noemi as Air Travel, Carribbean, Tips, Trends, United States
Practically every travel site will tell you NOT to travel during the holiday period, especially in winter during Christmas. It is common sense, really. This is considered peak season and most everywhere you go, peak season means two things:
-everyone else is traveling
-all the prices go up.
So why am I suddenly proposing that you travel this winter? Am I going nuts? Not really. I recently read an article by Christopher Elliot and I find myself agreeing with some of what he talked about.
First, for those in the United States, things are bound to get better once the elections are over with. I believe that I am not being over optimistic about things. It is just that Americans – and the world, perhaps – have had it with the current administration. The goal of …
Nov|07|2007
Traveling with Grandkids (Part 2)
Posted by Noemi as Family, People, Tips, Travelogger, Trends
Start with short trips
Before going on a multi-day trip, it would be a good idea to first conduct a test run. A day trip to the museum or a theme park would be good. You can also go to a neighboring city for a day. The idea is for you to bond with your grandchildren and see how being together (alone, without the parents) is going to work.
Involve the children in planning
This idea is suggested not only for grandparent and grandchildren trips but for family trips in general. Considering the children’s input towards the travel plans will not only ensure that you will be giving them a good time, but will also give them a sense of achievement. It is also important to explain to the children your limitations. You …
Nov|05|2007
Traveling with Grandkids
Posted by Noemi as Family, People, Tips, Travelogger, Trends
Did you know that multigenerational travel is one of the fastest growing trends in the word of travel and leisure? Nowadays, more and more seniors are continuing to lead active lives. They play sports, they live independently, and they want to travel with their grandchildren.
From the other end of the spectrum, it is not surprising that children actually express a strong desire to travel with their grandparents also. Why wouldn’t they? Grandparents are known to be fun and indulging when it comes to their grandkids! I wouldn’t have minded going on a trip with my grandfather when I was a kid…
Anyhow, are you a grandparent who is considering going on a trip with your grandchild? Here are some tips for you to make it smoother sailing.
Talk to your kids – their parents.
This is the …
