Travelogger

We wander for distraction, but we travel for fulfillment.

The Maldives is the World’s Most Romantic Destination

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February is still several months away, but who says you can’t have a romantic vacation any time of the year? If you are looking for a destination that will ensure you of the most romantic time of your life, you can’t do any better than the Maldives. This popular travel destination was recently hailed as the most romantic place you can visit for a vacation by the World Travel Awards.

The World Travel Awards started 17 years ago, and has since then become a leader in acknowledging the best in the travel and hospitality industry. Their mission is summarized as:

Separating the good from the outstanding.
Identifying companies that consistently excel beyond expectation.
Taking customer expectations to a new, unparalleled high.

This year, the Maldives have impressed the guys behind the Awards. More than being listed as the destination of choice for a romantic getaway, it also received the distinction of being the Leading Cruise Destination and Honeymoon Destination in the Indian Ocean.

The Maldives has a lot to offer its visitors, not the least of which are the astounding beaches. The crystal clear water and powder soft sand that can be found in the beaches never fail to capture the hearts of travelers, not to mention the beauty that the underwater world offers.

More important for many travelers, though, is the level of service that one can expect in many of the resorts and hotels in the area. This is exactly why the WTA presented the award.

Come to think of it, even if you aren’t in for a romantic destination, the beaches alone are enough incentive to pack your bags and pamper yourself for a week or so!

The Sony World Photography Awards

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Do you have extraordinary photography skills? Do you have a passion for the environment – rain forests in general? If so, then you would want to know about The Sony World Photography Awards, which is going to be held from the 15th of April to the 19th of the same month in 2009. The main awards ceremony will be held on the 16th of April in Cannes, France.

What do you need to know in order to join the contest? Well, the organizers are looking for the best photos that will fit the two themes:

1. What the rainforest means to you – its splendour, animals and plants,
destruction and loss.

2. The enjoyment you get out of the forests where you live and the direct and indirect effects of deforestation on your life.

Though you may not be the best photographer in the world and you may not live in a rain forest or near one, if you are traveling to one in the next few months, you might want to take snapshots for the contest. They have a separate contest for those who are professional photographers so you do not have to worry about being out of your depth. If you think about it, amateur photographers who travel to different parts of the world on vacation sometimes take the best shots.

We have some rain forests where I live and perhaps, if I get the chance to visit one next month, I will try to go out there and take pictures. Who knows, I just might get the chance to win? More than the prestige, the whole concept behind the contest is a very good cause. It is one way by which we can join the effort in helping out Mother Nature.

First Class Lounges: Thai Airways

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In one of my last posts, I wrote about the new trend in luxury travel today: airport first class lounges. I said that I would write more about the different first class lounges and the amenities they offer. As promised, here’s the first of the series.

For my first post about first class lounges, I’m going to start with the one that was voted the best first class lounge for 2007 by Skytrax: the Thai Airways Royal First Lounge at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, Thailand. This ultimate status symbol of prestige and exclusivity caters primarily to first class passengers of Thai Airways flights or members of the international Star Alliance. It’s located at the Concourse D in Level 3 of the airport, with 1,400 square meters allocated to accommodate 174 first class passengers at one time.

For travelers on business, the lounge has a business center with services like phones, fax, wi-fi internet, printers, etc. Passengers will find themselves entertained with TVs, newspapers and magazines. Other special facilities include an exclusive music room, cigar and smoking rooms, a mini-library and private corners for those who want some privacy. And for the ultimate in relaxation, there are slumber rooms for those who want to catch a few winks before their flight. Restrooms are en suite, including four luxury shower rooms for travelers in need of freshening up.

Hungry? There’s an A la Carte dining room that serves a full range of meals and drinks. Even premium alcoholic drinks are free, such as cognac and whiskey. Probably the best pleaser, however, is the Royal Orchid Spa at the opposite end of the First Class Lounge. Again, the spa primarily caters to first class passengers, but Royal Silk passengers may avail of the facilities, subject to space availability, and with extra charges to be made. Here, passengers can have full use of the Gym room, and experience services like foot massages and traditional Thai massages (neck and shoulders only). A must to experience is the 3 Spa Suites, with Jacuzzi and tropical rain falls that enclose passengers in a tranquil atmosphere. Ahh, sheer bliss!

First Class Lounges

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The world is getting smaller, and more and more people are choosing to travel by flying. In this coming holiday season alone, the Air Transport Association is projecting that roughly 27 million passengers will be flown by domestic carriers worldwide over 12 days, beginning Nov. 16. Planes are expected to be about 90 percent full. With that many passengers waiting for their flight, airport lounges are bound to be one of the busiest and most crowded places around. Airport lounges used to be simple waiting areas, where passengers can get drinks, snacks or newspapers while waiting for their plane to arrive. But as airlines continue to strive to provide a better experience for their customers, airport lounges are beginning to evolve into travel experiences themselves. Some first class lounges have even started to offer the ultimate in luxurious living.

The survey organization, Skytrax, has even come out with their results of the Best First and Business Class Lounges around the world for 2007. Not surprisingly, the winners of this survey are the airlines that present the most extensive choice of options for passengers, ranging from the standards, such as internet facilities and dining options, to the sublime: sleeping rooms and spa services. The best performer for the first class lounge category, Thai Airways’ Royal First class lounge at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, offers an exclusive Spa facility with the full range of services.

For those who want to get a better idea of the amenities these airport lounges offer, I’m planning to post a series about the different first class lounges around the world. Who knows, the next time you travel, these first class lounges might have a factor in the airline you choose to travel with. After all, we’re talking a minimum of 2 hours you’ll be spending waiting for your flight. What better way to while away the time than to spend it being pampered and catered to?

Share Your Story!

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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 a chance for publication in the quarterly hard copy version of TSM which is to be released in January 2008.

Articles should be between 300-1000 words. They should be creatively written without having to be “destination-based.” Photographs can be included but proper caption and credit should be given. Submissions should also include a brief bio which will be included at the end of the article.

So, if you have something to tell, don’t hesitate to share it with TSM. Remember, all great stories come from the heart. Who knows, you might just be the undiscovered travel writer of the year! Besides, think of the wonderful memories you’ll be reliving as a result of your writing. It might even inspire you to take another trip.

Deadlines of submission is on November 15, 2007. Winners will be announced on November 25, 2007.

For more details, you can go here.

Best of luck, people!!!

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