Travelogger

We wander for distraction, but we travel for fulfillment.

International Fashion Events Bloggers Should Not Miss

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Fashion events take place in the different parts of the world and many international cities have them every year. They feature runway shows and trade shows that showcase the latest collections of local and international fashion designers as well as new and veteran models.

But not every event gets wide coverage. There are the major ones that stand out, draw huge crowds and get more media exposure whether in broadcast, print or online.

Paris Fashion Week

The Paris Fashion Week’s pret-a-porter also known as the Ready to Wear shows are considered the most popular fashion events. It features the collections of notable designers such as Louis Vuitton, Balenciaga, Stella McCartney, Issey Miyake, Miu Miu, Givenchy, Emanuel Ungaro and Valentino among others. [Read more…]

Chinese Tourists Still Flocking to Japan Despite Tensions

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Tension may still be high between Japan and China as their diplomatic ties are challenged by the territorial disputes they’re involved in but when it comes to tourists, this issue does not matter. Proof of this is the rise in the number of Chinese tourists that visited Japan this year to experience the Cherry blossoms.

The Japan National Tourism Organization recently reported that in March alone, Chinese tourist arrivals went up 80 percent. This translates to a total of 184,200 people from China visiting Japan starting in January 2014. For that period, some 79,000 group visas and 30,000 individual visas were issued to the Chinese. These figures are said to be the highest number of visas ever issued since the start of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s administration in 2012.

Chinese tourists in Japan

Chinese Confidence in Japan

The rise in the number of people from China is clear proof that the Chinese still love Japan, its products and culture. This positive trend was noted in July 2013 when an estimated 60,000 visas were issued. [Read more…]

Positions You Can Apply for in the Travel Industry

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The travel industry worldwide continues to thrive. With people always on the move, traveling to the different parts of the globe, major players in this sector are enjoying better days despite the competition.

Employment is also steady in the travel industry. In fact, the U.S. Travel Association reported a significant increase in employment in the month of August this year considered to be the highest achieved so far since 2008.

Meanwhile, a study on the Asia Pacific trends showed that travel professionals are doing an important job of influencing business travel policy. The research done by the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) Foundation also said that employees in the industry are now equipped with various online tools as they work to provide consumers with cost-effective travel opportunities.
[Read more…]

Go On A Cruise ALONE!

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I wrote something about going as a solo traveler some time back, and I think it’s time to tackle this topic again. This is because I just found out something about cruise lines offering more solo travel deals these days. I have always wanted to go on a cruise but they’re just way too expensive for me. If this trend of lower prices for solos on cruises goes any further, then I just might find myself going on a cruise one of these days!

This is what I found out from Reuters:

“The tour industry is making way for the single traveler,” said Margie Jordan, spokesperson for the American Society of Travel Agents. “This is nothing that’s going to go away. The single traveler is going to have as many opportunities as anyone else.”

For years most travel deals were based on two people traveling together.

“Single travelers would see a price on line and we’ve had to break the news that if you’re going by yourself, it’s 150 to 200 percent more,” said Jordan, CEO of ASAP Travel. “They were left high and dry.”

But times are changing and Jordan said cruise lines in particular are stepping up. MSC Cruises is currently offering trips that waive the dreaded single supplement, which accounts for the price hike.

Norwegian Cruise Lines is one of the pioneers of this movement. While not every cruise line in the world is offering similar packages, I think that it is just a matter of time when other major lines will see the wisdom in doing so. Can’t wait!

Traveling Alone

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solo_travelI saw a quote the other. These may not be the exact words, but it went: “It’s better to travel alone than to travel with a bad companion.”

Traveling alone is not something that appeals to everyone. This is especially true for couples and people who are attached to their friends and family. Why should they travel alone? But what if you suddenly find yourself with idle time without anyone to spend it with? Should you stay at home and hole yourself up? I think it’s a better idea to make travel plans, even if you have to go at it alone.

Naturally, traveling alone might take a little bit more careful planning. The beauty of it, though, is that you do not have to consult anybody else with regard to what you want to do, when you want to do it.

One thing you might want to do is to get a guidebook that is geared towards solo travelers. You may not believe it, but there are LOTS of people who travel solo these days, and the guidebook writers are not ignoring this fact. From accommodations to restaurants to other hangouts – you will find practical information for the solo traveler.

Another good idea is to know exactly where you’re going and staying – at least for your first night. While adventure is exciting, it is safer to have set plans for your first night in a strange place. Give yourself time to get your bearings and then do whatever strikes your fancy.

Choose your destination wisely. If you are traveling alone because you are trying to get away from something unpleasant – say a failed relationship – then avoid destinations which are geared towards honeymooners! If you are traveling alone to meet new friends, choose a destination geared towards single travelers. If you just want to be alone, go to a remote beach island where no one will bother you.

At the end of the day, planning will get you a long long way.

Photo courtesy of smh.com.au