NEALTOWEY

Archive for June, 2011

The association “Safety without boundaries” (SSF) at the beginning of every month publishes a list of 12 countries with the highest level of danger for tourists for the previous month.

This rating is composed on the base of the alerts received from these countries from tourists and immigrants living there.

The SSF has already published the list of 12 major countries (excluding such countries as Iraq, Afghanistan and Somali) from which the biggest amount of recourses was received.

The force-majeur situations such as epidemiological threats and natural disasters were not included. The danger mostly was determined by the acts of terrorism, widespread social disorders, anti-Semitic conflicts and repressions.

Here is the list of 12 most unsafe countries for tourism:

* Algeria

* Colombia

* Egypt

* India

* Israel

* Kenya

* Lebanon

* Nigeria

* Pakistan

* Russia

* Sri Lanka

* Turkey

This is not the first rating of such a kind performed by the various publications and analytical agencies. Recently there was another rating of the most dangerous countries in the world. Actually, countries and their governments that are located at the tops of such ratings are doing their best to get rid of these. Mozambique has become one of the most attractive places for tourists when only 15 years ago a severe civil war was tearing the country apart.

And of course, the positive ratings that include the most attractive and secure countries of the world are the target of the touristic marketing departments of the governments of many countries. There are ratings of the most attractive countries, best cities, the title of the world cultural capital and many others. There are also amusing ratings that include various funny incidents that happened in the countries of the world.

European countries remain some of the most loved travel destinations in the world today, as they are home to many notable landmarks and attractions that draw many millions of international visitors every year. If a European vacation happens to catch your fancy, you probably have several popular European tourist spots in mind. But what if you’re a returning traveller or someone who prefers to explore the hidden travel gems of Europe instead of visiting the usual attractions?

Forget the Eiffel Tower in France, the Colosseum in Rome, or the Grand Canal of Venice in Italy. There are actually many unexplored corners in Europe that can interest more adventurous visitors. A bit of research will open doors to plenty of interesting options. Here are just a few:

Kronborg Castle in Denmark

Travellers well-read in classics will definitely be delighted by a visit to Kronborg Castle, a large stronghold situated near the town of Helsingor. This town is most likely familiar to readers who loved Elsinore in William Shakespeare’s Hamlet.

Kronborg Castle is also popular for housing a statue of Holger Danske or Ogier the Dane, as it is more popularly known. The legendary character is Read the rest of this entry »

Every summer, it seems like there are several new lists of must-see travel destinations. The problem with this is, those destinations are usually exotic, expensive places that are spread out all over the world. That may be fine if you are someone with loads of cash who is not affected by the sagging global economy.

However, if you are one of the tens of thousands of average consumers who are really feeling the crunch, then you need a list of suggestions for fun, inexpensive travel destinations – after all, everyone deserves a vacation! This list will reveal the top ten must-see travel destinations all across the United States for summer 2009. These getaways will not break the bank, yet they have a lot of excitement to offer. Who knows, you might not need to look any further than your own proverbial back yard to have a good adventure!

1.) Orlando, Florida – Yes, it’s the home of Disney World. Who can resist the big ears of Mickey Mouse, visiting with Cinderella, or going on a boat ride with the Pirates of the Caribbean? It’s not surprising that Orlando is the top family travel destination, with its low prices and wide array of world-class entertainment. Even if you aren’t interested in going to Disney World, or maybe you’re a couple with no children, or a single person traveling with friends – there is something fun in Orlando for everyone. Cruise down to Old Town Orlando on Saturday night, take in a rock concert, tour the Daytona Speedway, or visit one of the nearby beaches.

2.) Atlanta, Georgia – It’s another family-friendly vacation spot, with sights such as the Coca-Cola Museum (they offer free tours on certain days, and you can get free Coke!) and Six Flags over Georgia. Go for a Read the rest of this entry »

The majority of travel departments/managers are only empowered, authorized or capable of looking at travel management from a cost perspective exclusively. However, to truly ensure that the process of travel is efficient, profitable and safe; a much wider focus is required-predominantly in the areas of cost, productivity and safety. When such a wider and more comprehensive perspective is engaged, most organizations will discover that business class flights are in reality much cheaper than economy class for the majority of their executives and traveling talent.

Consider a short-haul flight of under four hours. For an executive this will typically translate to an eight-hour working day. If traveling in economy class they will typically need to be at the airport nearly 2 hours before departure. Even with privileged frequent-flier status they will need to be checked in much earlier than their business class counterparts. Without such privileges, the time required maybe even longer as check-in queues and airline efficiency lengthen and decline respectively. The immigration processing will potentially be lengthened also as many airlines now have preferential immigration processing of business travelers. The traveller in economy will now be left to fend for themselves in the public seating/WiFi/meals environment of economy class travel. Boarding time will be lengthened and carry-on luggage will be reduced which again will have added to the overall pre-departure time. Regardless of the physical size of the traveller, their work laptop, the airline or the seating space; very few people get anything close to productive work conducted whilst in economy. Not to mention, when corners have been cut, everyone within proximity of a business laptop user can often see the entire content and context of business presentations, e-mails, discussions and intellectual property. The arrival stage will also entail longer immigration processing times, time lost awaiting baggage and jostling within the bulk of the flights travelers. If after all this, on a short-haul flight you expect the traveller to bring their A game or deliver pivotal business results, you should prepare yourself for disappointment now.

Conversely, a journey that has been considered in a whole of risk manner will play out significantly different. First, the traveller will have the time and flight best suited to the work productivity objectives and reduced commute, check-in and processing times. Utilization of the business lounge will ensure productivity and access to information and systems prior before departure. Overall fatigue and affect on the individual will also be reduced. Whilst not entirely risk free, the threat to personal belongings, company information or other valuables will also be reduced. Productivity (best calculated by adding the per hour cost to the company for the executive and the per hour revenue potential of the trip or executive) will also be enhanced by a compact yet usable mobile workspace. Even if the individual is not conducting work on a computer platform, the demands to the individual are also diminished. It is also almost ensured that the executive will hit the ground running and clear the aircraft, immigrations and baggage claim much faster, leaving only the commute from the airport to the place of business. This streamlining and efficiency is also replicable for multiple travelers or trips.

When analyzing all of these factors (even in a developed country) the hundreds or even thousands of dollars between economy class and business class travel is often much cheaper than the thousands or tens of thousands of Read the rest of this entry »

When Southern Californians have a small budget and a desire to see the exotic sights and sounds of another country, American Express Travel agents suggest one of numerous destinations in beautiful Mexico. Mexico is a great vacation spot for several reasons. Mexico is in America’s backyard, making it reasonably safer for US citizens than other areas of the globe. This also means that depending on where you’re departing from; the actual travel time is more appealing and manageable than some other international destinations. Besides being easily accessible, Mexico has a wide variety of sights to entertain American travelers. From the beautiful beaches, to historical cities, to the archaeological sites of cultures such as the Maya, Olmeca and Azteca, plus incredible deserts, mountains, forests and the most modern of cities, Mexico, has something to offer everyone.

Relaxation, Entertainment and Ancient Ruins

For the traveler who enjoys urban sights and spirited nightlife, consider visiting some of the popular Mexican cities, such as the capital city of Mexico City, Tijuana or Guadalajara. But if you really want to visit the active Mexican party scene, book a trip Cancun, Cozumel, or the Riviera Maya. These destinations have some of the most spectacular and unspoiled beaches and some have all-inclusive resorts. One price covers food, entertainment and drinks allowing you to put one price on your entire vacation.

One of the best places to travel is the Yucatan. Yucatan offers an ideal mix of Maya culture. Great weather and some of Read the rest of this entry »

Tourists that come to Southern California often visit Los Angeles and Orange County, yet over look the city that sits right between the two. If you’re looking for entertainment, then you don’t want to miss the Long Beach attractions.

Situated just outside of L.A., the waterfront community prides itself on tourism and it’s ability to show visitors a good time. There are so many different Long Beach attractions that you could never see them all — unless you’ve got a couple weeks to spare. Some of the most popular attractions include the following:

Aquarium of the Pacific: The aquarium features three galleries highlighting different regions of the Pacific ocean. In Shark Lagoon, you can come face to face with the deep-ocean predators. Outside there is an aviary where visitors can interact with a beautiful flock of Lorikeets.

Shoreline Village: This shopping Mecca for tourists provides eclectic kiosks, specialty shops, and water attractions. This is one of the most popular Long Beach attractions, and draws crowds of locals and tourists every day. Shoreline Village offers several family-friendly activities including a merry-go-round. At night, the restaurants are the perfect place to enjoy a romantic dinners and walk on the boardwalk.

Queen Mary: The WWII vessel is docked in Long Beach, and has been since 1967. Take a tour and learn about its rich history. If you have the time, you can even stay overnight aboard the luxury liner and enjoy Sunday brunch in the ship’s renowned dining room.

Rubber Duck Tours: This tour takes visitors on a guided excursion throughout the downtown area and then continues into the ocean without ever changing vehicles. The distinctive vehicle can travel on land and water – a novelty that young and old alike find fascinating.

There is so much more to see and do in this modern seaside town. Whether you’re into shopping, water sports, art events, theatre, or fine dining, you can be sure that one of the many Long Beach attractions will fit the bill. Visit Long Beach and you’ll learn what the locals already know, there’s always something to do in this town.

Believe it or not, our life revolves around travel everyday! When we think of the word “travel,” we would normally think about exotic vacations, airplanes, road trips, our dream travel destinations, all inclusive hotels on a tropical island, you name it! Travelling is simply moving from point A to point B. This includes but not limited to travelling to work, travelling to school or even travelling to a destinations a few blocks away from our home.

Humans and animals travel for various reasons. During the winter time, some birds such as the Canadian geese, travel south to far as Mexico to escape the cold (humans do that too!), we as humans travel to work in order to make ends meet and the list can go on forever. Not to mention, we travel to other places on this planet to temporarily escape our chaotic environments, then we come back to it rejuvenated. Sometimes we even travel permanently to other destinations for various reasons such as seeking a “better life,” reuniting with family and taking up a new job offer.

Just about everyone has their own dream travel destination. Many people in developing countries dream about travelling to the USA to taste the American dream; many people from developed cold countries dream about travelling to tropical countries such as Jamaica to taste at least two weeks of sunshine and many others from various regions around the globe dream about exploring other countries that are known to have extraordinary sceneries.

Now unfortunately, many of us don’t get a chance to fulfill our travel dreams in our life time for various reasons such as lack of finances, can’t get the time off from work or just simply having to Read the rest of this entry »

Planning ahead for a summer trip to Michigan? Here are our top beach choices for a great vacation every time.

1. Traverse City

Whether you are looking for a remote romantic beach or a great family-friendly getaway, Traverse City has got the beaches for you. With Jet Boat and Sea Do rentals right on the beach, you will have a variety of beach activities to choose from. If you have never been there, you are missing out on a cool little town and some fantastic beaches!

2. Grand Haven

With its’ dunes, cool clear waters and breathtaking sunsets, Grand Haven is a ideal travel location. In fact, Good Morning America crowned Grand Haven one of the top five family beaches in America in 2005.

3. P.J. Hoffmaster State Park, Muskegon

If you want Michigan camping on your beach vacation, P.J. Hoffmaster State Park is the top choice! Camping sites are in forest-covered dunes just steps away from three miles of gorgeous Lake Michigan beach. It is almost like being on your own secluded beach with nature’s most awesome landscape surrounding you.

4. Silver Lake Sand Dunes

Want adventure at the beach? Then grab your 4-wheeler or rent a jeep, because Silver Lake Sand Dunes are the one and only place to Read the rest of this entry »

As a frequent business traveler, you must stay abreast of the latest business travel news. For example, a new flight company may have entered your area and may be offering attractive travel packages with cheaper airfares or better travel facilities. If you do not know about this new travel service, you may be losing a lot in terms of airfares and travel facilities. Perhaps the pilots of the airline you are traveling by go on strike the very day you have planned to board the plane. How you wish you had known it beforehand!

Business travel news also includes your awareness of the geographical situation and latest weather report of Read the rest of this entry »

The first things one thinks of when someone says Florida is sunshine. Florida has a mild climate for most of the year and this makes it the ideal place to get out and have some fun in the sun. The best place to soak up some rays is at the beach and with over 1,000 miles of coastline Florida is the perfect place to grab a beach towel, some sunscreen and hit the sand. So you go to the beach and get your tan, but what about all those pesky tan lines? Well, good news, should you choose to go ‘au naturel’ at the beach here are a few things you should know.

Nude tanning is really ‘taking off’, pardon the pun, in Florida according to James Thorner of the St. Petersburg Times, one Florida county is gaining “status as the North American Capital of Nudism.” That county – Pasco – just north of Tampa does have more than its share of residents and visitors willing expose themselves. Another popular place on the east coast is Playalinda Beach it is in the Cape Canaveral National Seashore and is a federally owned beach. Whether by word of mouth or force of habit, this remote stretch of beach is commonly to be a nude beach. Feel free to visit but be warned, according to FloridaNaturist.org, “inappropriate” dress is a crime in Brevard County due to a swimwear ordinance. As a matter of fact, at the out-of-the-way, but traditionally nude Federal Beach, a South American tourist was arrested for wearing a French-cut bikini. Yet, along the same coastline two hundred miles to the south, Miami-Dade County operates a legal clothing-optional beach, where any given weekend, a thousand or more totally nude men and women frolic in the surf and sun.

So what’s a body to do? While there is no Federal law against nudity it is not a guaranteed right. This means that state, county and local laws can take precedence.

That still begs the question: Is it legal to sunbathe in the nude at a Florida beach? Like many legal questions, the answer is “it depends”, in this case it depends on where you are, so your best bet is to check the local laws and be sure you know what they are, both county and local.

Ok, you’ve decided to go, you’ve decided to get a tan without tan lines here are a few tips, especially if you’ve never been to a nudist beach before, here are some common guidelines:
First of all remember what your Momma always said “It’s impolite to stare” this is probably more true at a nude than anywhere. There are some people won’t mind if you take their picture but you always need to ask. Bring what you think you’ll need for the day with you like food, water, a towel, sunscreen and maybe a radio. Be friendly, but not too friendly. Be respectful of others’ rights to privacy, unwelcome advances are rude anywhere but especially at a nudist beach. While sunbathing nude in a secluded area, it’s customary to leave a bathing suit on a rock so others know there is a nude person nearby, if you don’t want to leave the one you were wearing, bring a spare. If you’re on a wide open beach, position yourself where you can see people coming and grab something to put on before they get to you if you need to. Avoid sexual activity on the beach. “Sex on the Beach” is a great drink but it’s illegal and offensive on the real beach. Of course you need to get dressed before you leave the nudist beach and when you do leave take whatever brought with you but that’s just common courtesy on any beach.

So if you’re still in the mood for goin’ nude here are some places around Florida you might ant to check out:
Air Force Beach, Palm Beach County Apollo Beach, Volusia County Haulover Beach Sunny Isles, Miami-Dade County Hobe Sound Jupiter Island, Martin County Blind Creek Beach Hutchinson Island, Martin County Playalinda Beach, Brevard County St. Lucie Inlet St. Lucie State Reserve, Martin County