Journeyetc |
- Surviving an Airline Strike
- Tourist Habits that Tick off the Locals: 20 Travel Tips you must not forget
- Top 10 Great Views You Should See in this Lifetime
- Abu Dhabi’s Ferrari World Opens this October
- Cunard Welcomes their New Ship Queen Elizabeth
- JW Marriott Marquis Miami Debuts this October
| Posted: 13 Oct 2010 11:42 AM PDT There's no knowing when an airline strike will hit you, and when you're one of the many who book their flights months up to a year in advance, you're probably going to be caught in the middle of the crossfire. That means you'll be stuck in the airport for at least a day trying to book a flight with another company. Below are tips on how to handle airline strikes. It's pretty obvious that if you want to survive this one, you can't do it alone. Befriending your travel agent wouldn't hurt a bit. Know how an airline strike works If you know how they work, you don't have to be stranded in the middle of nowhere with useless tickets in your hands. Days before your trip, read up on the corporate health of the airline you're flying with. If there have been threats of strikes and you're on your way to a wedding, it's much better if you cancel your ticket with the airline with a strike threat. Airline strikes occur when there has been a lapse in the agreement between the union and the airline. Before a strike is called, there's actually a 30-day breathing period which means that passengers can still take their flight. If your trip falls directly after this 30-day waiting period, then you must try to accomplish the following beforehand. Explore your options Unfortunately, no airline is obliged to arrange flight transfers for you if a strike does occur. However, you can ask your travel agent so s/he can look at other options for you. This is especially important if you're attending an important event and your flight simply can't be delayed. More freedom for refundable tickets If the ticket you're holding right now happens to be refundable, then you're in luck. All you have to do is book another flight with another airline. Go to the airline on strike and have your old ticket(s) refunded. Then, you can go back to your alternative airline to pay for the new tickets. These tickets may cost more, but at least you're no longer going to be hampered by the strike. Non-refundable tickets with stringent options Non-refundable tickets generally make sure that the money stays with the airline no matter what happens to your flight. At their kindest, the airline on strike can give you travel credits for the future. Of course, they will be deducting administrative fees for these as well. You might have to spend a few extra dollars just to book new seats with another airline. Consider purchasing an insurance policy Some insurance policies cover strikes. This means that in the event of flight cancelations during strikes, the expenses for the alternative seat with another airline will be covered by the insurance company. Of course, insurance policies for trips vary from one airline to another. Read the fine lines carefully and make sure that strikes are covered in your insurance. Keep in touch Make sure that you can be contacted by both your travel agent and your airline. In the event that there is a strike, airlines and travel agents are obliged to notify you days beforehand. Caught in the middle of a strike If you were traveling without the aid of an agent, chances are you'll be caught in the middle of a strike. (That is, unless you were extra religious about following things up with the airline on your own.) Don't worry because you can still survive it, as long as you follow the tips below. Carry a cell phone Two decades ago, flight cancelations would have meant having to rush to a public phone in the airport or lining up at the customer service kiosk. Now that cell phones are as important as one's internal organs, you can survive almost any situation as long as you have a signal and your battery pack is fully charged. Always keep your cell phone on hand and use it to ask for assistance. Pack a lot of snacks before the flight Sometimes, the system is pretty smooth in the airport. If you're with an airline that's reliable enough, you should be boarding your plane with less than 10 minutes' delay. However, you can never be too wary with the number of strikes happening today. Pack up snacks for that long trip ahead. You may be late for a business meeting but at least you're not hungry and late. Another carrier for special needs If you need oxygen, stretchers, or you're carrying pets, and now you're suddenly stuck in the middle of nowhere because you didn't know about the strike, the only thing for you to do is to book with another airline that can cater to your special needs. After the strike Without a doubt, there seems to be almost no protection given to passengers when it comes to airline strikes. You can help to change this by letting the US Congress know what you think. Write a letter, or take part in/start a signatory so that the congress will do something to protect consumer rights.
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| Tourist Habits that Tick off the Locals: 20 Travel Tips you must not forget Posted: 13 Oct 2010 10:53 AM PDT
The adage "when in Rome, do as the Romans do" applies to every single country in the world. You have to remember that not all cultures are open to the fact that you're a newcomer to their land and you know nothing about their customs. Having this list of taboos in hand when you travel may just save you from the embarrassment—if not a bar brawl. Read this list before your next flight out. Bow a lot in Japan Do you remember the Chinese kowtow story? While you don't need to touch your forehead to the ground, make sure that you get used to bowing whenever your greet anyone in Japan. This is a sign of courtesy. Even if we don't tell you to do it, once everyone is bowing, you probably will, too. Bowing is also used to thank people and to say goodbye. Finger exercises in Brazil Speaking of finger exercises, the "okay" sign is a taboo in another part of the world. In Brazil, the okay sign is actually very vulgar—so vulgar that it refers to fornication. When you make that sign while talking to a Brazilian woman, you could get slapped on the face. You might want to run, too, if that Brazilian woman was in the company of big Brazilian men. The Brazilian mafia won't consider you an uncouth, dirty scoundrel, though, if you express your approval another way. A thumbs up will do. Left-handed taboos
In India, Nepal, Africa, Turkey, and Morocco, the left hand is considered dirty. Because of this, the right hand is always used to wave to people, handing over money, shaking hands, eating, and so on. The left hand is used for toilet habits and anything that's just as base. You wouldn't want to be caught eating with your left hand or shaking someone's hand with it. This is a challenge for left-handed people, but it's also something that can be done with enough practice. If you do forget about this rule and you use your left hand while interacting with locals, don't worry, you won't go to jail. However, it's polite to smile and say sorry. They will understand. Nose picking is alright in Thailand Try not to look so surprised or disgusted when someone in Thailand just digs through their nostrils while talking to you. In this country, it's considered a natural thing. People need to pick their noses to keep themselves clean. You might even enjoy being allowed to pick your nose in public, too. Be modest in Muslim countries
Revealing dresses which show too much flesh will be looked down on in Islam countries. This is especially true when you're taking a motorcycle ride, or when you're going to a very public place. Read up on dress codes before visiting a Muslim country like Iran or UAE. While foreign women aren't expected to wear shawls over their heads, it may be courteous to cover up everything else from the neck down. Some Muslim countries like Syria even go so far as to consider a thin sliver of skin between an ankle sock and the edge of your pants vulgar. Dress as modestly as the local women and you should be fine. Do not flash your pearly whites in Japan We see a lot of Japanese girls flashing their pearly whites onscreen, but apparently, for their more formal parents, this is considered vulgar, especially if you're there for a business trip. Try not to smile open-mouthed. If you have to laugh, try to do it as subtly as possible and cover your mouth with your right hand. Vulgar, open-mouthed laughter might make you look very rude. At their kindest, they might just think you're not that intelligent. Do not order Cappuccino after 10AM in Italy
Cappuccinos should only be consumed during breakfast. You might be attracting contempt from Italians if you order it any later than that. When dining, getting a seat that's facing the door of the room is an honor. Make sure that you bow down to thank your hosts when you're given this seat. Just keep on waving
Japan has a lot of taboos, and I think we've settled that by now. Now, you'll totally win everyone in Japan over if you remember this last tip. When saying goodbye to your host, just keep on waving your right hand until you can't see them anymore. Don't worry because you won't look foolish. The host will keep on waving to you too. Apparently, it's bad manners to turn your back on them and to stop waving when you can still see them. It shows ungratefulness for their hospitality. Keep your feet off the seat in England It's also considered uncouth to stretch your legs out and put your feet on top of an empty seat. It doesn't matter if there are only five of you on a train car to a remote town. Unless you want the English folk to talk you down, sit like a proper lady. Feet on the seat are considered rude and vulgar. In Egypt, sit properly
It's considered very rude to have the bottom of your foot facing the person you're talking to. It's a Western habit for women to cross their legs while sitting down, but this also means letting the bottom of one foot face whoever is sitting beside you. This is very offending, especially if you're facing royalty. Sit down the queenly way, instead—with your ankles crossed, both knees together, and the feet tucked politely and the bottom of your feet facing the wall behind you. You'll save yourself from the embarrassment of having one of the royal guards slap your feet so you would sit properly. If there's someone behind you, it's even better to just keep the bottom of your feet rooted on the floor where it can't offend anyone. Finger exercises in the UK When you're in Britain, there's another version of the dirty finger, and it's so far from the American dirty finger that you can commit the mistake even if you're just innocently ordering two beers. So how does the Brit dirty finger look? Have your palm facing yourself and stick out your index and middle finger. It looks so very innocent, doesn't it? If you do this in a bar full of Brit men and they just happen to be buddies with the bartender, you're in big trouble. Instead, have your palm facing outward. When it's facing outward, the signal's different—you really are just ordering two beers. You could also be giving out the peace sign, but that's so much better than giving the bartender the dirty finger. Better yet, just "flag" him with all of your fingers sticking out and your palm facing outward. You may look like a kindergarten student trying to get the attention of your pretty teacher, but that's also innocent enough. Tell the bartender how many bottles of beer you want to order when he's within earshot.
Do not touch the produce in Italy
In the U.S. it's completely acceptable to poke your nose in the things you plan to buy. In Italy, you'll be considered rude by the grocers if you keep on pressing at the bread to see if it's soft, or if you touch the tomato and end up not buying it. It's polite to just ask the grocery owner to select goods for you. Speak in soft tones while you're in Europe Again, a very common mistake that most Americans make when traveling to Europe is to talk or laugh very loudly. You may have to hold back on your outward personality while you're in Europe unless you want to appear tacky. It's best to talk in modulated tones, especially when you're dining at a posh restaurant.
Finger exercises in Iran Never ever make the thumbs up sign in Iran. Iranians will think that you're giving them the dirty finger. You wouldn't want to get into trouble while you're in Iran. Never say the word "fanny" in England Always take note of discretions in the vocabulary between American English and British English. When looking for a Fanny Pack, ask for a bum bag instead. Never say the word "fanny" because for the Brits, it's equivalent to the word "vulva".3 Clean plates in China
Do not leave even a single grain of rice on your plate when you're eating in China. Doing so will offend the cook or your host because it means that you're not happy with the food. Men also need to be modest Women are not the only once accountable when traveling. In India, it would be considered very rude to be in a pair of shorts when visiting any of the temples. These are holy grounds for the locals, and if you can't wear your Sunday best in their temples, you'll be attracting a lot of contempt. Flower colors and their meanings
It's common for foreign guests to present their hosts with flowers. However, it's always advisable for you to know about the nuances of flower giving before giving flowers. In Italy, red flowers can be offensive unless you wish to convey romantic feeling for the recipient. White flowers may be a safe choice anywhere else except in countries like Korea and China where the color white connotes death. Eating rice in Vietnam When you're done eating in Vietnam, do not poke your chopsticks into the rice. It reminds locals of death, as this figure looks very much like the tools which are used to empty urns. Instead, place your chopsticks on top of the bowl.
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| Top 10 Great Views You Should See in this Lifetime Posted: 13 Oct 2010 09:06 AM PDT Some people live to travel the world over. If you were given the chance to pick ten destinations, these are definitely places you should consider. Below is a list of the ten most iconic destinations of the world and the best places from which to view them. Skyline Gondola's take on the Lake Wakatipu
This finger lake (or inland lake) in New Zealand is in itself a prime destination because of the great views around it. There's the view of the magnificent Remarkables mountain ranges, and the vibrant city of Queenstown. However, while you're sitting in a boat that's gliding across it, it's almost impossible to appreciate the wholeness of the lake itself. That is until you take the Skyline Gondola which actually lets you have an overview of the lake. The lake is 80 kilometers long and forms a graceful S shape with the Southern Alps as a backdrop. Lincoln Memorial's View of the National Mall
This particular Washington D.C. monument effortlessly towers over everything in the whole city, but when viewed from the west end of the park, at the Lincoln Memorial, the National Mall just seems to double in height. There's a reflecting pool which are glided over only by graceful swans which just seem to heighten the beauty of this architectural and historical landmark. While the Washington monument's reflection is a sight to behold, at the other end of the pool, you can also marvel at the reflection of the Lincoln memorial itself. While it's not as tall as the central tower, it's just as magnificent with its marble pillars which will remind you of an early Greek temple. At night fall, the view becomes even more impressive. The reflecting pool does wonders with the lights, the tall shadows of the monument, and that vast night sky. You'll forget that you were in Washington D.C. and not transported back in time in Athens. St. Peter's Basilica: Looking out to the Vatican City
To get a tour into the Vatican City is an experience on its own, but to view it from the St. Peter's Basilica is simply astonishing. From such a high vantage point, the Holy City just looks like a three-dimensional map. You'll feel like you're viewing something from the palm of God as you see tourists dot the center of the plaza while the white, larger than life statues look from their perches. The pillars may look stunning when viewed from up close but seen from this distance, you can appreciate the Vatican City as a whole. Aside from being a powerful seat of power for Catholicism, the city as a whole is an architectural masterpiece, reminiscent of the early ages of Greece when beauty and intellect held near-equal positions in society. Pão de Açúcar's View of the Rio de Janeiro
What's more spectacular than a view of Rio de Janeiro from Rio Janeiro itself? It's the view from either levels of the Sugarloaf Mountain. From here, you'll see the island in all its glory—with the mountains at their greenest and the sands at their whitest. Of course, it's nice to just plunge into Rio de Janeiro for the parties somewhere along the trip, but for now, hold your breath. You don't get to see something this pretty every day. Bird's Eye View of the Denali Peak
The only way you can ensure a clear view of the McKinley peak through all that thick Alaskan cloud is if you were riding a sightseeing plane. The bird's eye view just ensures you that there is a peak and that Mt. McKinley doesn't just pierce through oblivion. The highest peak of this mountain is 20,320 feet. Even if you're a skilled enough climber to reach it, you won't get as good a view as you will when you ride the aircraft. The Denali point is just more stunning when you're standing somewhere above it. You can book for a trip up there through a small private aircraft. Usually, bookings are available on the train ride to Denali National Park. Eiffel Tower's Angle from the Trocadero
The best photos taken of the Eiffel Tower was from the Trocadero. This is only because from this angle you can decide whether you want the tower looming over your camera or if you want it looking much smaller than it really is. The sunset is also spectacular from this vantage point. Take that one of a kind sunrise by the Eiffel shot and show it off to friends when you get home. Fez, Morocco from the Museum of Borj-Nord
While Fez Medina is no longer Morocco's political capital, it remains to be its spiritual and cultural center. It could be a challenge navigating through this thick, ancient city which dates back to the 9th Century, but when you view it as a whole from the Borj-Nord Museum, you would want to pursue the exploration. The Fez Medina is definitely a historical treasure, with so many palaces, mosques, fondouks and madrasas to explore. For a safe and hassle-free trip through it, though, we suggest that you take a local guide with you who knows the streets of this city like the back of his hand. Meanwhile, gaze upon the clay-colored maze of the city from the comfort of the museum. Hot Air Ballooning over Lake Tahoe Lake Tahoe is better known for its water sports. It's certainly a pretty sight when views from a boat. The lake is just serene and very blue, that it's especially impressive when you visit it on a crisp spring morning. What's better than a view from a fishing boat through is the view from a hot air balloon. Every spring and summer, families are exploring a totally different side of the lake as they look at it from up in the sky. Viewing the Crater of Ngorongoro from the Edges
Volcano craters generally trigger awe from people who see them. The Crater of Ngorongoro is one of the most spectacular craters you'll ever see in the world. It's a wonder how this thriving ecosystem can become the source of so much destruction once the volcano becomes active again. It reminds us, somehow, of the mortality of beauty. While the Ngorongoro is dormant, though, the crater remains an untouched paradise. To get the best view of this crater, stand from the rim. Take a quick pan and absorb the sheer freshness of everything in it. Bloubergstand's Vantage of the Tablet Mountain
You'll feel like you're in a totally different milieu as you look at the Tablet Mountain from the windy beach of Bloubergstand. In itself a plain beach, it does however give photographers what's possibly the only vantage point of this unique rock formation. If you're into interesting landscapes, include this on your list.
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| Abu Dhabi’s Ferrari World Opens this October Posted: 13 Oct 2010 04:24 AM PDT
Here are the two main features on Abu Dhabi's Ferrari World: The Formula Rossa Expect this to be the ride with the longest line as it is the Ferrari World's biggest attraction that claims to be the faster roller coaster in history. So maybe it's worth getting that Premium Ticket after all. The Formula Rossa accelerates the amazing speed of 125 and 150 mph and launches on a platform that is similar to the ones that military jets use. Those protective goggles they give you before the ride will protect your eyes from the fierce winds. The Fiorano GT Challenge This is probably as close as you can get to drive a real Ferrari without actually buying one. There are two tracks you can choose from to race with your friends. You group can choose from the variety of Italian cars that are imitations of the famed Ferrari F430 Spider, of course, the real deal engines are not included. The designers of the Fiorano GT Challenge even created a special launch pad that resembles the feel of a real race and you can even race up to 60 mph. You won't miss it, not with its 21-acre roofing that is painted in Ferrari red with the Ferrari emblem. Ferarri World will open its doors starting October 27 at 12nn with prices ranging from $61.25 and a $102 for a Premium Ticket that will allow you to bypass the crowds to the rides and an exclusive pass to the lounge with loads of guests' refreshments.
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| Cunard Welcomes their New Ship Queen Elizabeth Posted: 13 Oct 2010 04:12 AM PDT
Queen Elizabeth arrived in Southampton on October 8 and sailed on her maiden trip on October 12. The Queen Elizabeth has 16 decks in total. Twelve of the total 16 decks will serve as accommodations to about 2,000 cruise passengers. The theme of the Queen Elizabeth reeks of the 1930's original design of the Queen Elizabeth. The ballrooms boast of magnificent chandeliers and other sophisticated entertainments such as the Ivor Novello-inspired paino-playing evenings. Apart from the much loved golf sessions at sea, the cruise passengers can no play paddle tennis matches and croquet on the greens. The cruise company also offers a special promo where patrons can win a free posh cruise on board the new Queen Elizabeth by participating in the Grand Celebration Sweepstakes. Grand prize winners will get a five-day round trip cruise for two to Southampton, England. The contest deadline is on October 18, 2010. You may visit www.cunard.com/QEGrandSweepstakes to join the contest.
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| JW Marriott Marquis Miami Debuts this October Posted: 13 Oct 2010 04:02 AM PDT
The 313 guest rooms offer the latest technologies and wide, expansive, and utterly luxurious bathrooms that boast of modern and sleek design. Like all posh and sophisticated hotels, they also have full-day spas and swimming pools for the guests to enjoy. But of all the luxurious claims, the new JW Marriott Marquis Miami will be the home of the very first db Bistro Moderne in Florida, a first-class restaurant that features a fusion of French and American cuisines by the renowned Chef Daniel Boulud, who is the winner of the James Beard Foundation for three times. The hotel amenities will also include the Jim McLean Golf School that is famous in the world for its gold stimulators, Pro Shop, game instructions, and putting greens. The new JW Marriott Marquis Miami also carries the following hotel mandatory media room, virtual bowling, and fitness center and billiard room. But wait, they also have a 10,000 square foot basketball court that has been approved by no less than the National Basketball Association (NBA). So if you're traveling to Miami later this October, make sure to check out the new JW Marriott Marquis Miami. Incoming search terms:• tropicalsky ie
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