RSSSep|14|2009
Places Every American Should Visit
Posted by Noemi as Destinations, Features, Historical, United States
We all have a list of destinations that we would like to go to “before we die.” This kind of list is quite popular, isn’t it? I do agree with Laura McNeil of Bing Travel, when she said that most people tend to identify locations outside of their native land. I suppose it is because far away lands are more attractive than the “ordinary-ness” of local destinations. There is no doubt, however, that there are destinations within your own country which are just as interesting and meaningful as foreign destinations.
Let’s take a look at the United States, McNeil identified 8 locations that every American should visit. Can you guess what they are?
1. Sears Tower (Willis Tower) – yeah, it has a new name, and it seems no one is used to it yet, but the fact …
Sep|11|2009
U.S. Senate Passes Travel Bill
Posted by Noemi as News, United States
Traveling to the United States has always been a somewhat difficult thing, especially for those who come from developing countries. I suppose that the restrictions that the US government has set in place is but understandable in light of how a lot of people try to enter and stay in the country illegally. Still, it can be quite a pain for those who are actually wanting to travel for the sole purpose of enjoying themselves and staying temporarily.
With the recent move of the U.S. Senate, people interested in traveling to the country just might find things a little bit easier. Dubbed the Travel Promotion Act of 2009, the bill is co-sponsored by Democrats Daniel Inouye and Daniel Akaka. It establishes a nonprofit corporation whose aim is to promote travel to the United States. Whether it is …
Aug|31|2009
US Travel Hotspots Have “Poorly Performing” Hospitals
Posted by Noemi as Destinations, Health, News, United States, Warnings, Website
When you plan your trips, do you take hospitals into consideration? Probably not. Most people do not really plan on getting sick or injured while on vacation, but it is comforting to know that there is a hospital nearby with competent staff and adequate facilities to treat you just in case something does happen.
According to a study done by USA Today, however, some of the most popular travel destinations in the United States have “poorly performing” hospitals. And how do they define “poorly performing?” How about having some of the worst death rates in the United States? To quote the report:
“…from the Central Valley in California to the East Coast, from the Outer Banks of North Carolina to Myrtle Beach, S.C., to the Florida beaches. Hospitals with high death rates for heart attack, heart …
Aug|19|2009
Cuba: Next Hot Travel Destination?
Posted by Noemi as Americas, Announcements, Cruises, Destinations, United States
When I hear talk of Cuba, I feel a strange emotion. I do not understand it because I have never been there, and I have no ties to the country whatsoever. But I do feel a strange sense of nostalgia. Maybe it’s because of the old movies and the books that I have been exposed to, but in any case, the recent news that President Obama is easing up the restrictions with regard to Cuba made me feel those weird feelings again.
Of course, this news means something else as well – travel to Cuba is in the horizon! Actually, I have been hearing about a lot of developments with regard to the travel sector in the US preparing for the opening of the doors, so to speak. Leisurely travel to Cuba may not be a reality …
Jul|31|2009
Getting Bumped From A Flight Is Not That Bad
Posted by Noemi as Air Travel, Features, Tips, Transport, United States
These days, not too many people are flying – at least not as much in the old days. This means that airlines are offering fewer and fewer flights, even in the peak of summer. As such, it is still possible that you get bumped off your flight. Alternatively, you can also have your flight canceled. Either way, you might find yourself grounded at the airport.
Some people do not mind being bumped from their flight or having their flight cancelled. This is especially true for those who are in no particular hurry. And why not? More often than not, people in this position find themselves getting a lot of freebies. But this is not always the case. And if ever you do find yourself out of a flight or your flight gets cancelled, …
Jul|30|2009
Take The Family To A Dude Ranch This Summer
Posted by Noemi as Family, Features, United States
You may not have considered this option for the family summer vacation but maybe you should. We all know how the economy has been affecting most every person out there, and naturally, vacations are one of the first to be crossed out of the list. If you do have some money to spend on your vacation this year, you might want to take the family to the nearest dude ranch.
Why? Simply because they are also feeling the effects of the economic times. According to a story recently published by the Associate Press, many dude ranches all over the West are experiencing a lack of clients. The main reason, they say, is that the fees for dude ranches can be quite high – up to almost $2000 for a week’s stay.
With the numbers of visitors reaching a …
Jun|27|2009
Prediction: July 4th Travel Low
Posted by Noemi as Air Travel, Features, News, Tips, Transport, United States
What are your plans for July 4 weekend? Year in and year out, this weekend is celebrated by all Americans with abandon. While some people opt to stay at home, many opt to travel and take advantage of the mid-year holiday.
According to auto club AAA, however, this year’s July 4th will not be focused on traveling. Their prediction is that, in spite of the fact that gas prices have gone down considerably and continue to do so, fewer people will be hitting the roads during the holiday period. The rationale behind this prediction is the fact that economic situation is still uncertain and a lot of people have become victims of it. Some may have recently lost employment while others may be in danger of finding themselves in the same boat.
However, AAA seems to be focusing …
Jun|01|2009
Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative Starts TODAY
Posted by Noemi as Air Travel, Americas, News, Tips, United States
In case you have not heard, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative takes effect today. If you are not an American or Canadian national, you would not have to worry about it as you already have other requirements that you need to meet. However, for Americans and Canadians seeking to enter or re-enter the United States, you now need to present valid travel documents. These include a U.S. Passport Book, a U.S. Passport Card, or any other documents approved by Homeland Security. Do take note that the requirements apply to people coming in from Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
Here is more information from the government’s web site:
AIR TRAVEL
• All U.S. citizens traveling by air are required to present a passport book to enter or re-enter the United States.
LAND AND SEA TRAVEL
On June 1, 2009, the U.S. government …
May|05|2009
Travel To Mexico: No Restrictions
Posted by Noemi as Americas, Health, News, United States, Warnings
Joe Biden may have announced his “fear” of traveling to the whole world during his interview in the Today Show, but travel and tourism authorities do not seem to share his opinion. While governments all over the world are telling everyone to be cautious and are taking precautions against the swine flu, they have not released statements to the effect that travel is to be restricted.
I think that this is an indication that the current problem of swine flu is very much under control. I was actually surprised to read that there are no travel restrictions to Mexico, but this is the case. In fact, Mexican travel authorities are going so far as to invite people over to their country, saying that there is no need for anyone to change their travel plans because of the swine …
May|03|2009
Biden Stirs Hornets Nest With Travel Comments
Posted by Noemi as Air Travel, Americas, Announcements, Health, News, People, Transport, United States, Warnings
A lot of people are on the edge these days. It’s not only due to the economic problems, but also other issues that crop up on a regular basis. The swine flu, for example; we know that this kind of occurrence will definitely affect the travel industry. This is even truer when people in authority release statements.
This is what VP Joe Biden did last week when he appeared on NBC’s Today Show. What might have been a personal opinion (I didn’t see the interview so I don’t know if he actually encouraged the nation to do as he said) has ruffled a lot of feathers. CBS News reports:
Transportation officials around the country found themselves scrambling this week to reassure worried commuters in the wake of Biden’s controversial comments Thursday on NBC’s “Today Show” that he …
