Journeyetc

Journeyetc

Best spots for stunning city views

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 01:56 AM PDT

A spectacular city view from atop a building is something that appeals to most people. In hotels, the room with a view commands a higher rate and yet they still attract the attention of lots of travelers. Perhaps man's fascination with an aerial view of a city is brought about by one of the key aspects of life here on this planet: gravity.

We're perpetually anchored to the earth, and that means being used to seeing cities from the ground up. Turn your gaze to the left or the right and you'll see walls, buildings, trees, and other structures. But when you're hundreds of meters off the ground, suddenly it seems that the whole world has opened up. Before you is a sprawling city, without borders, and only endless stretches of land and water as far as the eye can see. Sometimes, the view really can take your breath away.

Here are a couple of places you should definitely check out for some amazing city panoramas.

WHAT: SYDNEY HARBOUR BRIDGE

WHERE: SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA

What's great about climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge is that not only do you get an amazing view of the city and the harbor, you experience the whole thing outdoors, with the wind blowing in your face and your toes tingling in anxiety. There are many climbs to choose from depending on your time frame and adventure level, but each one gives you a clear view of the opera house from on top, the ships coming in and leaving the harbor, and the busy streets in one of the prominent cities down under.

WHAT: SKY TOWER

WHERE: AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND

The island country of New Zealand is quite famous for its beautiful natural scenery. But make no mistake, New Zealand is also home to a modern, bustling city and there's no better way to appreciate the view than going up the Sky Tower in Auckland. Travelers visiting the Sky Tower can actually hit two birds with one stone: aside from being treated to picturesque scenery, you can also sit at a table in one of the highest casinos in the whole world. If you're looking for some adrenaline pumping activities, check out the Sky Jump and plummet a whopping 192 meters from above the ground.

WHAT: THE EIFFEL TOWER

WHERE: PARIS, FRANCE

Here's a fun fact for our dear readers: the Eiffel Tower is actually the very first structure in the world that was built for the purpose of viewing a city from an elevated area or sightseeing, if you will. When it was built, Tour Eiffel, as the French call it, held the title of being the tallest building in the world. This icon is the target of more than 6 million tourists each year, which in fact earns it more recognition by being the most popular monument across the globe. If you're ever in Paris, a trip to the Eiffel Tower is something that we think every traveler should take. From high up in the air you can see people in cafes, manicured lawns, couples engaged in an amorous embrace, and the City of Lights in all its splendor.

WHAT: TOP OF THE ROCK

WHERE: NEW YORK, USA

The city of New York is one of those places that has a surplus of skyscrapers. Granted, a lot of these places offer a scenic view of the city, but your best bet at getting a truly scenic view of Manhattan and the other boroughs would be a spot at the Top of the Rock located at the Rockefeller Center. This observation platform, situated a dizzying 259 meters off the ground reopened just a couple of years ago back in 2005 after being closed for renovation for almost two decades. The people behind the Top of the Rock spent US 75 million dollars to renovate the observation deck, and from the looks of things, we're giving it a two thumbs up.

WHAT: TAIPEI 101

WHERE: TAIPEI, TAIWAN

Another Asian destination makes it to our list. This time, we're taking you to Taipei 101 in Taiwan where only recently, it was knocked off the top of the world's tallest buildings list by the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. When the building was completed six years ago back in 2004, it stood 509 meters high, towering over all other skyscrapers across the world. But despite being knocked off the #1 position, you can't argue with the astonishing view of the city when you're standing at the observation platform located on the building's 91st floor. At this height, you'll feel like an ant on top of a bamboo tree staring at the vast expanse of the city around you. It is interesting to note that in 2004, Taipei 101 got the Guinness world record for having the fastest elevators (they better!).

WHAT: STRATOSPHERE TOWER

WHERE: LAS VEGAS, USA

There are a lot of attractions in Las Vegas that will definitely keep a person occupied and his thoughts from straying about. Casinos, hotels, bars, shows, restaurants—they're all part of the package when you visit this city. But in case you weren't aware of it, Sin City is home to the tallest freestanding observation tower that can be found in the entire United States. If you were mesmerized by the view from the ground, maybe it's time you check it out from the Stratosphere Tower. Take a break from the poker table and marvel at this thriving metropolis in the middle of Nevada's deserts. Look out over the blinking lights of the city and the sand dunes that surround it. If you're up for it, try going on some of the highest thrill rides in the whole world and get on Insanity: The Ride; Big Shot; or XSCREAM.

WHAT: ORIENTAL PEARL TV TOWER

WHERE: SHANGHAI, CHINA

China's efforts at keeping up with highly developed cities in other countries can be seen through the numerous buildings that are beginning to dominate the skyline of their major cities like Shanghai. In the city's Pudong District stands the Oriental Pearl TV Tower which is undoubtedly the most prominent structure in the area. The building measures about 460 meters high, and is a fitting edifice in Shanghai's business center. The modern design and funky colors give you an idea of the path that China is taking towards the future. Looking out the window, you can watch as the city buzzes around you; vessels ply the Huangpu River, cars go about the city streets, and somewhere nearby, construction for another building in the city is likely to start soon.

WHAT: SEARS TOWER

WHERE: CHICAGO, USA

The famous Sears Tower in Chicago, Illinois may not necessarily be famous for having a beautiful and dramatic appearance, but this prominent landmark makes up for its lack in cosmetics by giving visitors a clear view of The Windy City that you can't get anywhere else. When you visit the building, push the 103 button on the elevator to get to the SkyDeck and look out at the sprawling city before your eyes. Not only will visitors here be treated to a clear view of one of the most famous cities in all of United States, you can also see as far as Lake Michigan and out into Wisconsin and Indiana. Just think, somewhere out there, Oprah can be walking around with her best friend, Gayle.

WHAT: LONDON EYE

WHERE: LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM

The London Eye is currently one of the most popular attractions in the United Kingdom these days. For those who are wondering what in the world the London Eye is, it is actually a humongous ferris wheel smack in the heart of the city. It is also referred to as the Millennium Wheel. Every day, hordes of tourists and local residents line up to get on the wheel and take a 30 minute ride in the air as they name the prominent city landmarks that start cropping up around them. The brightly lit wheel measures 135 meters high and is located across the river Thames. From the passenger car, you can see the House of Parliament, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and St. Paul's Cathedral.

WHAT: SINGAPORE FLYER

WHERE: SINGAPORE

Despite occupying an area smaller than other cities in its neighboring countries, Singapore owns the bragging rights for having the biggest observation wheel in the world today. The Singapore Flyer is so large that it beat its contenders London and China. Its height measures around 165 meters which is about as high as a building with over 40 storeys; and travelers who dare to conquer their fear of heights will be rewarded with a view not only of Singapore's city proper, but also its neighbors specifically Malaysia to the north and Indonesia to the South East. The 360 view from atop the flyer is stunning during the day and even at night, when the city starts to turn on its lights and you look down on a glittering metropolis.


WHAT: CN TOWER

WHERE: TORONTO, CANADA

Back in the western hemisphere, we're naming another record holder—the CN Tower located in Toronto, Canada. The tower holds the record of being the highest completed freestanding structure built on land. Its height measures more than 553 meters which means that visitors can look forward to an unobstructed view of the city below. For a scenic dining experience you can have a meal at the revolving restaurant right inside tower. Because it's a popular destination for tourists, there are no less than three observation decks that you can check out. If you want to get that feeling of floating in the air, stare down at your feet and at the pavement hundreds of feet below while you're in the glass elevator.

WHAT: SPACE NEEDLE

WHERE: SEATTLE, USA

If you're in Seattle on the rare days that the skies are blue and it's not raining, head up to the observation deck on the Space Needle and treat yourself to a scenic view of Seattle and the natural wonders that surround this city. See the clear waters at Puget Sound, watch as the Mt. Rainier grows from a white speck to a massive snow cone, and take in the sparkling waters of Lake Union. If the extreme height is making it difficult for you to see the objects on the ground, use your complimentary Swarovski Telescopes to enhance your view.

WHAT: BURJ KHALIFA

WHERE: DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Now standing proud as the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa is located in one of the busiest cities in the United Arab Emirates, Dubai. If you want to talk numbers, here are some statistics that might blow you away: its height measures over 800 meters; there are more than 160 floors in the building, the observation deck located at level 124; there are 57 elevators plus eight escalators used to shuffle guests up and down the building. You can even take a tour around the observation deck, which usually lasts an hour. From there, take in the view of one of the up and coming cities in the world today.

WHAT: TOKYO TOWER

WHERE: TOKYO, JAPAN

If you've always wondered what Godzilla's view of Japan must be like, we suggest you make your way to the Tokyo Tower and check out their observation deck. If the day is clear, visitors can even see as far as the snow capped peaks of Mt. Fuji.

WHAT: INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION

WHERE: IN SPACE!

Okay, okay. This may not exactly be the most accessible place you can get to, but we just can't help putting it on our list because of the fact that from the station's observation deck, you get a panoramic view not just of a single city, but of Earth itself. If you want a view of the entire Sahara desert, just come aboard! (or maybe we'll just settle for a picture)

8 best places to plan a vacation if you’re going solo

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 12:56 AM PDT

These days, the onset of budget airlines and travel promos make people more inclined to travel abroad. Almost everywhere you look there are posters, advertisements, and even TV shows featuring exotic places, delicious food, and interesting people. It used to be that going on a trip abroad usually meant you're traveling with someone. But going solo can also mean lots of fun.

Setting off by oneself isn't so unusual for travelers these days for a number of reasons. Friends may have difficulty agreeing on a date when they can all take some time off at work; changing demographics can affect itineraries; and sometimes when the hectic work environment seems a bit too much to bear, we feel the need to take a step back and space out. However, there have been unfortunate stories from travelers on supplement fees being charged for solo travelers.

Today, we're sharing some pretty awesome destinations where you can have a fun time by yourself and not have to chuck out additional cash just because you're unaccompanied on your vacation. What's great about this is that you can take your pick from a number of scenarios from beach getaways to relaxing spa sessions, adventure trips and even cultural expeditions. Aside from that, we're happy to tell you that a lot of these places actually offer discounts to their guests who arrive solo.

If your bags are packed and you're ready to go, here are eight ideal destinations for the independent traveler:

WHERE: THE GREAT BARRIER REEF

PERFECT FOR: Deep sea divers

Seeing the world from under the waves is something that is best experienced through scuba diving. Fortunately for us, Australia is home to more than 2,100 reefs that occupy an area of around 135,000 square miles. Diving is another sport that's perfect for those who are looking for a bit of solitude. Well, there may not be a lot of people under the water, but there definitely will be lots of different sea creatures swimming about. Thanks to these rich waters, divers will be treated to colorful scenery of local wildlife including around 400 different types of live coral, and over 1,500 species of flippery fish in all shapes and sizes. If you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a green turtle or a sea cow also referred to as a dugong.

To join these marine creatures in their natural habitat, you can call up Contiki Tours and ask about their five day courses arranged especially for solo travelers. You need not worry about arranging for a dive boat to take you out to the open water because Contiki will set everything up for you. They will also take care of your day to day meals, scuba gear (because not everyone has a set of flippers and oxygen tanks at home), and diving tutorials. Frankly, all you need to get ready is your swimsuit or as the people down under like to say: cozzie.

WHERE: ASPEN

PERFECT FOR: Skillful skiers

Skiing may not exactly be the most budget friendly activity that you can participate in, but for those who can afford it, we recommend heading up to Aspen to have some winter wonderland fun amusement. After all, when you put on your skis and head down the slopes, you'll realize that it's one of the best sports that a solo traveler can engage in. As you glide your way past other skiers, take a deep breath and be grateful for the breathtaking mountain scenery all around you. One perk about going skiing by yourself is that you can have quicker access to the chairlift by joining other unaccompanied skiers at the single's line.

But here's where things get better: Aspen actually offers some pretty amazing bargains for guests who travel there alone. For example, you can get a whopping 50 percent off on the meals included in the dining room menus if you sit yourself down and consume your meal at the bar. For accommodation, you can check out the St. Moritz Lodge and get a single bunk at wallet friendly rates. This just goes to show that despite the uppity exterior, Aspen still has some affordable treats for the solo traveler who likes to ski.

WHERE: CHINA

PERFECT FOR: Navigators in search of a cultural expedition

There's no better way of learning a certain culture than visiting its home country and immersing yourself in the local scene. Think of it as parachuting yourself in the middle of a foreign country, getting lost, and finding your way out. We think there's no better place to get lost in than the giant of a country that is China; and yes, the language barrier may be an extra challenge that travelers have to overcome, but we think that simply adds to the beauty and adventure of taking this trip by yourself.

For those who don't know where to start, there are a couple of travel agencies that can set you up with a travel group. For a reasonable amount of money, you can bypass the difficult task of searching for places to live and managing to book a room in any of them, and arranging for transportation to take you to your desired destination. These packages usually include a two week trip that will take you from the modern city of Shanghai all the way to the country's capital of Beijing. This way, you get to see both the newer, cosmopolitan side of China, and also the country's historical sites that give you a glimpse of its past. During the trip, you will also meet the Shaolin monks and be introduced to their Buddhist practices, stare in awe at the life size Terracotta Warriors, encounter Xianhe's nomads, and step inside the Forbidden City in Beijing, which used to house China's royal families.

WHERE: SANTA MONICA

PERFECT FOR: Stressed out workaholics or confessed spa lovers

A lot of people generally go on vacations or holidays because they want to take a break and relax even for just a couple of days. At laid back Santa Monica, the Pacific Ocean is a welcome and complementary view to the busy streets of Los Angeles. The freeways may be filled with cars and other motorized vehicles but here in Santa Monica, it's customary for people who go around town to be on foot.

Walking is actually an excellent way of getting around here since the area is dotted with charming boutiques that sell an assortment of goods. Within the 3.8 square miles of this area, you will find around 400 different restaurants that serve international dishes, cafes that have really good coffee, and bars that offer lip smacking cocktails.

Located at the heart of Santa Monica is actually the main purpose of our trip to the area: the Fairmont Miramar Hotel. Once you enter the grounds, the gardens immediately provide a calm and serene atmosphere, much improved by the spectacular view of the beach. The hotel has an excellent spa where solo travelers looking to unwind and untie knotted muscles can seek refuge. Their services include relaxing massages, beautifying facials, pretty manicures and pedicures, yoga sessions, and even toning classes.

WHERE: ANGUILLA

PERFECT FOR: Swimmers and beach bums

Going to the beach doesn't always have to be a group activity. At the Anguilla Island located at the Lesser Antilles, pristine white beaches and cool, calm waters await the traveler who likes to sit back, relax, and listen to the waves crashing on the shore. For first time travelers to the island, you might like to try the Arawak Beach Inn where you can sign yourself up for the Me, Myself & I package. This package is offered to guests all year round and is perfect whatever time of the year it may be. You can look forward to peace and quiet at the charming inn which has only 17 rooms available for guests. The package includes a sumptuous lobster dinner that you won't have to bother sharing with someone else. It also includes a day trip to Scrub Island to visit some of the uninhabited beaches there.

At Anguilla, you can feel free to bask in the sun all day until you're fully satisfied with your tan. If during your vacation you want a bit of company, you can also visit a number of restaurants that serve international dishes, view beautiful art pieces at nearby galleries and take pictures of some historic sites in the area. If you want to have some fun in the water, you can also go snorkeling or go scuba diving and see what it's like beneath the waves.

WHERE: TURKS AND CAICOS

PERFECT FOR: Club Med patrons

If you're been a patron of Club Med for some time now, it might please you to know that they're not only offering packages for traveling families or couples on a romantic getaway; nowadays, solo travelers are the target of Club Med's travel bargains. If you opt to book a room at the Turkoise hotel located in Turks and Caicos, you can get as much as half off the price of the single supplement fee. You can also get access to the Sailing Academy located right at the resort, the Circus School where you can get on a trapeze or have trampoline lessons, and also the fitness center. Athletic travelers can also play tennis, shoot some hoops at the basketball court, or play some volleyball.

WHERE: NAPLES, FLORIDA

PERFECT FOR: Golfers and other Tiger Woods fans

If you like to hit the green, get ready to face the 1,600 holes over at Naples, Florida.

There's no need for competition here if you don't feel like it. At the Inn on Fifth, a dual night golf package includes a room in the Mediterranean inspired hotel. Whenever you're ready, you can play your two rounds at any two private golf courses in the area. You won't have to worry about the green fees or the cart fees because that's already accounted for in the package rates. Usually, the courses that players can check out are Hammock Bay or Tiburon which is more challenging.

After your round, you can head up to your room and hang out at your balcony. If your muscles are a bit sore, you can have a relaxing massage at the spa or take a nice long dip at the hot tub. There's also a swimming pool where you can chill out or do some laps, and a fully equipped fitness center for those who don't like missing a workout session. The resort has two restaurants, both of which serve delicious food.

Because the hotel is smack in the middle of downtown Naples, you're also surrounded by swanky shops, interesting art galleries, plus more gourmet restaurants that you can visit anytime.
WHERE: COSTA RICA

PERFECT FOR: City mice who are looking for a change in scenery

Nature lovers will definitely have the time of their lives at Costa Rica whether or not they're accompanied by friends or family. Here, the waves are always ready for the surfer who dares to conquer them, lush rainforests are always open for explorers, and volcanoes can be counted on to spew out steam 24/7. If you want to visit Costa Rica and have the whole nature experience, you can check out O Solo Mio Tours and view the itinerary for their solocations. As the name implies, these packages are meant for travelers with a single head count. These solocations usually include an eight day trip in the outback along with other solo adventurers.

If you try booking yourself for the Nature at its Best trip, you can count on seeing some of the best natural wonders that the country has to offer. The package includes a trip to the tortuguero National park where you can go on a canal ride; an exciting hike in the area surrounding the country's most active volcano–Volcan Arenal; Monteverde canopy tours; nature walks; plus a journey to the Manuel Antonio National Park where you can spend some time at the beach. The good thing about the whole arrangement is that everything is taken care of from the hotel accommodation to transportation on the ground, sightseeing trips, and also most of the meals that you'll be having there (and that includes a yummy farewell dinner, folks).

Destination B&B: 5 reasons why a bed and breakfast is the way to go

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 12:06 AM PDT

One of the most important things that travelers take into consideration when planning a trip is deciding where to stay. If you're the type who always goes for hotels and doesn't even bother checking out alternative accommodations, this is the perfect time to tap into your adventurous side and try mixing things up. For something a little different, why not try booking a room at a cozy bed and breakfast! Although relatively popular, not all B&Bs get as many guests as they might like because of numerous myths that actually have little basis. Some of the myths circulating around especially among the younger generation of travelers are that all B&Bs have shared bathrooms, or that people checking into B&Bs have to be willing to spend some time and socialize with the other guests.

Through the years, B&Bs have changed their layout and décor to keep up with the current trends in interior design. Innkeepers and owners of B&Bs nowadays are aware that a getting a modern look is the key to attracting a lot of young travelers; they also know that investing in new amenities that are also found in chic hotel rooms will mean big paybacks in the end. Based on some research, most B&Bs now feature guest rooms fitted with their own private bathroom. And if you're not up for chit chat during breakfast, you don't have to mingle with the other guests if you don't have to.

B&Bs are present in countries worldwide; from popular tourist destinations like Morocco, backpacker targets like Cambodia, and far flung places like the French Polynesia. They are called in various names, too. In other countries, they're referred to as guest houses while in others they're called pension houses; but these places are all run pretty much in the same fashion. In the United States, B&Bs can be found scattered in almost every state and offer accommodations that can fit different budgets. It doesn't matter whether you're loaded and ready to burn some cash on your romantic getaway, or if you're on a non-negotiable tight budget, staying in a B&B even for just a day or two is something that we recommend to all travelers. Who knows, you might like it so much you'll be inclined to go back!

In case you're still debating whether or not you should forego your hotel reservation and opt for a B&B instead, we've taken the liberty of enumerating the benefits that of staying in a bed and breakfast or any small inn.

Value

Here's something that might appeal to travelers on a budget: you can be sure that what little money you have will be stretched if you stay at a B&B. Compared to hotels, rates here are definitely cheaper, which means you'll be able to save more and spend your money on other necessities. As the name implies, all B&Bs serve their guests breakfast; and since B&Bs are usually mom and pop establishments or businesses run by a family, you can count on sitting down do a fresh, delicious, hearty home cooked meal in the morning.

Other B&Bs have extended their kitchen hours and now offer dinner. Unfortunately, you do have to sacrifice the luxury of room service when you're staying at a bed and breakfast, but for those who like to prepare their meals personally, a lot of B&Bs have a pantry where guests can get some snacks for free. If you're in luck, you can even enjoy some wine and cheese during happy hour at the inn, or perhaps some freshly baked scones that the landlady prepared herself.

If you're a sucker for freebies, you may be pleased to know that a lot of B&Bs don't charge fees for parking. A vast majority of these establishments also have free WiFi; between that, the free parking and the free food, we don't see why you have to debate this decision much longer.

Personality

Have you ever noticed that a lot of hotels have the same beige walls, brown carpets, floral paintings and marble sinks? Sure, it's sleek, modern and clean looking, but after looking at the same things over and over again, we won't be surprised if you get bored with the whole arrangement. For those who like staying in rooms that have a personal touch to them, then B&Bs are definitely the way to go. Peek into different rooms in a single bed and breakfast and you might notice that not all of them are decorated the same way, nor will they have the same amenities. If you're lucky and the inn isn't full, you can even choose which room tickles your fancy or fits your mood.

Some B&Bs have such unique rooms that instead of being assigned numbers, each one is given a special name. There are rooms bearing the name Lucky Dog, Blue Lady, Library Loft, The Winesap and even Jacob's Lair. There are also B&Bs that are designed in a specific theme where the designs for the individual guest rooms get their inspiration. Some B&Bs have literary themes which accounts for the rooms being names after some famous writers. Another B&B located in an orchard have their rooms named after different varieties of apples that best represent the feel of the room. And yet some B&Bs go the distance by constructing an establishment in the shape of a dog. Talk about being creative!

What's great about these rooms is that aside from having a catchy name, some of them are actually equipped with fireplaces and even modern whirlpools. Aside from having personalized rooms, some B&Bs get their unique persona for being built in a space that has served a different purpose in previous years. For example, there are old fire stations that have been transformed into cute two storey B&Bs. Even train cabooses have been renovated to accommodate guests who would like to stay the night.

Knowledgeable innkeepers

Guests who check into a hotel are all too familiar with the stack of brochures displayed at the front desk that are meant to give guidance to any wanderers in the lot. But if you're tired of leafing through brochures that all seem to direct you to tourist traps and other expensive destinations, that's when a knowledgeable innkeeper comes handy. Fortunately for those who are staying at a B&B, they can chat up their innkeeper at almost any time of the day. These people are dedicated to helping their business grow and keeping their guests happy and satisfied. Also, they love the local setting and have a special attachment to the area that they're currently living in, which means they know the inns and outs of the town or city that you won't find in a brochure. If you ask nicely, they might even call a restaurant of your choice and make a reservation.

There are a lot of stories going around that innkeepers at B&Bs tend to be nosy, and we'd like to think that they're only being friendly and trying to make you as comfortable as you can. That being said, a lot of innkeepers also know when their guests need some personal time alone either to unwind, relax, or simply enjoy the temporary solace that a holiday brings.

Interesting guests

Staying at a B&B does not come with a requirement that guests have to mingle with each other or eat at the same breakfast table and exchange pleasantries over meals. If you're not the sociable type, rest assured you can have your peace and quiet while staying at a bed and breakfast.

But while we're on the subject, it might be wise to get out of your shell and try starting a conversation with fellow travelers you're sharing the same roof with. A B&B is a great way to come across some pretty interesting characters from all walks of life and every corner of the world.

Modern facilities


If the reason you're hesitant to stay at a B&B is that you're afraid you'll be holed up in a TV-less room at night with nothing to do except count sheep, we're here to tell you that B&Bs now offer modern amenities that you can find in popular hotels.  B&B owners have taken the time to study what guests want and fortunately for us travelers, it means free WiFi, swimming pools where you can practice your laps, and even private spas right inside the premises. Who says you can't detox while staying at a B&B? Step inside the bathroom and you'll find soft robes and an array of toiletries for your personal use. There are even some B&Bs which give you access to their staff 24 hours a day. With all these amenities, you'll feel like you're staying in a hotel minus the big bill afterwards.
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