Travel Archives - Page 43 of 45

September 20, 2012 by Arlene

5 Luxurious Cruises For The Avid Traveler

Luxurious cruises are in demand all over the world because of the top-notch service provided, where each traveler present on the ship is treated as a royal individual and not just as a mere tourist. The staff appointed on these ships leave no stone unturned to exceed your expectations of spending a grand holiday on the high seas.

A few of the primary attractions you’ll find on such cruises are five-star accommodation, swimming pools, gyms, spas, elegant rooms with private balconies, 24-hour housekeeping and room service, free drinks, etc. Yup, no better way to feel like royalty than to book yourself on one of these bad boys for a week or two.

Cruises all over the world are famous and special but the ones covering the Caribbean and Mediterranean region are considered truly magical.

If you are a die-hard luxurious cruise traveler then try these five cruises at least once in your lifetime…

1. Costa Magica

Enjoy a spectacular holiday with this luxurious cruise that will cover the Mediterranean, starting from Italy, making stops at Malta, Greece and Turkey, before finally taking back you to Savona, Italy, all in just twelve days.

Give yourself a treat to see such interesting places by understanding their culture, cuisine and civilization. This cruise ship boasts of a swimming pool and two jacuzzis on the stern deck so that you can enjoy your dip irrespective of any weather conditions outside. The suites and stairways are designed around the theme of ‘Magic’ by the renowned Accademia di Brera in Milan.

Enjoy your drinks at the golden Gran Bar Salento that gives grand view of the water outside through the huge windows. And last but not the least, don’t forget to enjoy the Turkish baths while you are on this cruise 😉

2. Silver Whisper

This grand Caribbean voyage cruises for ten days, starting from New York in the USA and culminating at Bridgetown in Barbados.

The other ports visited during this cruise are St. George’s, Bermuda then Gustavia, St. Barts. After that it takes you to St. John’s, Antigua then Roseau, Dominica and then later Bequia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines before taking you to your final destination.

Silver Whisper offers you Bridge Sailings where guests can enjoy complimentary daily bridge sessions. There are also gentlemen hosts on board to accompany solo travelers as dance or dining partners.

3. Crystal Serenity

Hungry to enjoy paradise on earth? Then you must definitely travel on this cruise that takes you from Istanbul, Turkey to Lisbon Portugal in 23 days. You can enjoy daily dance classes on sea days and even learn the Italian language while traveling. You can also enjoy the exclusive Walk on Water program while your on this cruise.

4. Seabourn Quest

This ship takes you from Istanbul, Turkey to Piraeus (Athens), Greece in fifteen days. If you enjoy gambling, then the casinos on this ship are here to quest your thirst. The Veranda Suites available on this cruise will make your stay comfortable, royal and elegant.

5. Silver Explorer

Interested in traveling from Bridgetown, Barbados to Colon, Panama over the course of nine days? Then Silver Explorer is the right choice for you. Enjoy the Caribbean Sea adventure where you can snorkel and kayak amidst beautiful fish and coral. You will also have the lifetime experience of learning the cultural traditions of the Kuna.

Any other cruises to suggest?

Tell me about your favorite cruise experiences via the comments below.

September 17, 2012 by Arlene

Travel Bucket List: Europe’s Most Haunted

If you’re someone fascinated by the supernatural and you have the chance to visit haunted places in Europe, here’s a little guide to ensure you don’t miss out on your visit.

There are actually many reputedly haunted places all over Europe, but the most haunted places are usually in the British Isles. Let’s keep this list a little balanced though, so you’ll get to rack up some good mileage on your journey 😉

1. England – Perhaps the most haunted country on Earth

You can’t go wrong with a visit to London. The Tower of London is famous for ghost stories and hauntings.

Perhaps the most famous involves the two young princes, Edward and Richard. They were not even teens when they disappeared and presumed murdered. In 1674, two skeletons were found under a staircase and it’s presumed that they belonged to the two young princes. Their specters have not only been heard but seen as well.

Apparently, one of the victims of Jack the Ripper has been said to haunt the place where she was killed. There are Jack the Ripper tours which should not be missed.

Borley Rectory was well known as the most haunted place in England, but alas, it burned down in 1939.

2. The Haunted Leap Castle of Ireland

Leap Castle in County Offaly was built in the 15th century. One of the stories involves the O’Carroll family, of which one of the brothers was a priest. His brother took him by surprise while he was in the chapel and killed him with his sword.

There have been several reality television programs involving Leap Castle that you may have seen or heard about. The luck of the Irish just doesn’t hold water in this castle! It’s definitely one of the most haunted places in Europe.

3. The Catacombs of Paris

Do yourself a favor and skip this!

Yes, it’s pretty darn frightening and if you are claustrophobic, don’t even bother trying to see this! These endless tunnels run below the famous world capital. You will get lost, there’s no question about that. Perhaps you may not even make it out!

There are thousands of bones that litter the way, so much so that the place cannot help BUT be haunted. In fact, many scary images have actually been caught on tape and it’s truly considered one of the most haunted places in the world. If you’re not religious, you will be while you’re under ground. It’s so eerie you don’t stand a ghost of a chance.

4. Dragsholm Castle in Denmark

This castle is famous for three ghosts; the Grey Lady, the White Lady and James Hepburn, the 4th Earl of Bothwell.

The Grey Lady apparently returns to the castle every night. The White Lady was supposedly imprisoned by her own father in the castle walls. Years later in the 20th century, during some renovations, workers came across a skeleton wearing a white dress. The Earl of Bothwell, who was married to Mary, Queen of Scots, is said to ride on his horse in the courtyard. Not only has he been seen doing so, but horses hooves beating upon the cobbled courtyard have also been heard.

5. Babenhausen Barracks in Germany

This place is now a museum but it’s well-known for its hauntings. There have been many reports of apparitions of German soldiers in their World War 2 uniforms. Creepy footsteps are heard when nobody is thought to be there. Unexplained voices in the basement are often heard. Lights turn on and off by themselves. Legend says that a witch was burned at the stake in this town. Several German soldiers’ deaths have been directly attributed to her.

Though there are just too many haunted places in Europe to mention here, these are some places that, if you had the opportunity to explore and visit, (provided you can take it) you should not pass up the opportunity. Just don’t blame us if anything goes wrong!

September 13, 2012 by Arlene

Travel Bucket List: See These 5 Endangered Species While You Still Can

Endangered species can be defined as those populations of organisms facing the risk of extinction, mainly because of their reduction in numbers coupled with the changes in the environmental conditions.

Human beings have a direct influence in endangering the species. The World Wildlife Fund has been the most famous organization in the world, having had wide influence on the need to conserve nature. They have provided a list of the top five animals which face extinction if nothing is done to conserve them. If you’re an avid adventure traveler and animal lover, you may want to try visit these animals in their natural habitats before it’s too late.

1. Javan Rhino

At the moment, the Javan rhino population stands at 45 rhinos in the world, all located in Indonesia.

Their habitat in Ujung Kulon Park has been fenced all round. It is argued that volcanic eruptions and other natural disasters have driven them into extinction. Moreover, the efforts of poaching have greatly reduced their numbers. Some cultures still believe that the rhino horns have medicinal qualities, which is why poaching is so rampant.

To monitor and protect these creatures effectively, conservation groups have relocated them to other areas so as to diversify and strengthen the existing species.

2. Giant pandas

Giant pandas were mainly located in the Chinese mountain ranges, inhabiting the woodland areas. Due to extensive human degradation efforts, all their habitats were depleted and the species was pushed increasingly further into the mountain ranges.

Their population now stands at 1600, three hundred of which are in captivity. Their estimated live span is approximately thirty years. Females breed one cub every two years. To increase their numbers, conservation groups have devised programs to help them recover from their poaching and habitat loss.

3. Wild tigers

Statistics from the World Wildlife Fund show that 97% of tigers have perished and only three thousand now remain. Poaching has greatly contributed to the reduction in their numbers; many Chinese still believe that their bones have some medicinal value. Some Chinese cultures also use their skin and bones for decoration purposes.

As the human population continues to grow, the habitats of the wild tigers gets encroached upon by humans. Deforestation has also been prolific in many Chinese rural areas in preference for livestock keeping. It is estimated that by the year 2022, the Chinese year of tiger, tigers will have become extinct.

4. Elephants

Elephants were common in Africa and Asia in the past. The 19th century ivory trades have brought adverse effects leading to poaching in many African countries. In the Asian countries, elephant tusks are a lucrative market. Elephants have also posed conflicts with many people. This is because they end up destroying human farms while grazing, as they require a lot of food to support their heavy weight.

5. Addax

The addax, also known as the screwhorn antelope, is almost extinct. These animals are mostly found in the Caribbean countries where they are hunted manly for their meet. Most people in these countries also kill the addax to prevent them from grazing in their farmlands.

Their population has been drastically reduced by 80% within a period of thirty years. This necessitated many conservation groups to include them on the extinction list. Though it may take many years to restore their numbers, conservationists have initiated schemes to increase their breeding.

September 10, 2012 by Arlene

Lights, Camera, Travel: 5 Famous Movie Locations You Must Visit In New York

The Big Apple has played host to the filming of a number of Hollwwood blockbusters.

The raw energy on the streets, the melting pot of cultures, a junction of commerce, industry and entertainment, New york naturally tops the list for thrillers, action packed dramas and the more subtle, nouveau-riche social dramas on the lives of strugglers.

From musty film studios to malls and supermarkets, from bridges to the teetering highrises, from busy streets to parks, New York’s famous skyscape has been a staple to many legendary movies. Given here are the five must-see places in New York City where you could walk a few famous steps.

1. Times Square

A steady stream of yellow cabs and gigantic digital hoardings are the usual backdrop in most movies shot here. The unmistakable traffic and a discrete crowd more keen to get on with their tele-talk captures the essence of New York’s pace like no other.

Iconic movies like the Taxi Driver, Crocodile Dundee, Maid of Honor, Vanilla Sky, Last Action Hero, The Smurfs, Spiderman 3, I Am Legend, Shaft and a plethora of other films found Times Square to be the perfect back drop.

From Robert de Niro to Will Smith, from Tom Cruise to John Cusack, Hollywood hunks have blended into the real Big Apple with absolute ease!

2. Fifth Avenue

Ghost Busters, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, 13 going on 30, Arthur, Meet Joe black, Ransom and The Sorcerer’s Apprentice are only few of the mega movies featuring scenes shot here.

Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly stared into the window of Tifanny’s, wearing an evening gown with a take-away coffee in her hand, with a rather sleepy avenue as the backdrop (having been shot in the wee hours of the morning). This scene alone made Fifth Avenue a much sought after location for movie scenes.

One of the most expensive real estates anywhere in the world (according to Forbes), many renowned fashion and business houses operate from this midtown commercial district of Manhattan.

3. Grand Central Terminal

The imperious curved dome and the fabulous lighting spells instant drama to one who can weild a camera and if stars walk hurriedly down the polished floors, criss-crossed by busy commuters, instant energy vibrates throught the scene. That’s Grand Central for you!

The Hitchcock classic North by Northwest, Armageddon, Step up 3D, US Marshalls, Midnight Run, Taking of Pelham 123, and Extreme Measures all found this station the perfect nerve center for their action sequences.

Apart from being a celluloid favorite, it is also the world’s sixth most visited tourist location.

4. The Brooklyn Bridge

A national historic site with its neo-gothic columns and cabling in an intricate pattern, the Brooklyn Bridge is a visual treat and a perfect setting for movies. At 6016 feet and thousands of commuters moving across it, the bridge acquires a dramatic character with its fascinating illumination in the evenings.

Blowing up the bridge in I am Legend, to paying a backdrop for Godzilla, this icon of New York was also central to the scenes in the Fantastic four, Jungle 2 Jungle, Hudson Hawk, The Siege, Kate and Leopold, Enchanted, Two for the Money and many others.

5. The Waldorf Astoria Hotel

From Serendipty (where John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale ride the glass elevators) to Ginger Rogers and Lana Turner in Weekend at the Waldorf, this understated landmark has also been the location for roamntic flicks like Maid in Manhattan, Scent of a woman, Two Week’s Notice, as well as movies such as Crimes and Misdemeanors, Mr and Mrs Smith, and The Pink Panther Special edition.