Using a Travel Agent, in 2012?

Most people these days see travel agents as an anachronism, an unnecessary middleman in the process of planning a vacation or trip. Why, after all, would you pay someone a fee just to book your flights online for you? Of course anyone who has spent any time researching and booking flights online recently may just be tempted to pay a bit more to avoid it, as the sites, fees, restrictions, and widely variable prices can make for a less than pleasant experience. So of course they certainly would not mind paying less.

Travel agencies were at their height in the 1990s, with over 34,000 agencies in the US. Then the internet travel boom hit and devastated the industry with DIY trip planning for a much lower cost. The industry is now showing a bit of growth, although it is at only about half its peak levels. So why are people again turning to travel agents to plan their trips, and how do their prices compare to those to be found online?

Making travel plans online is an overwhelming hassle when compared to other online shopping experiences. There is no one site that can give you all of the fares, prices can swing wildly day to day, and even depending on which computer you are using, and you have to sort through endless conflicting user reviews. So until Amazon.com gets into the travel business, this will be the state of shopping for travel online. It is exactly these reasons that are turning people toward travel agents again. Why not have someone who books trips online all day plan your trip for you?

Travel agents can even often save you money, and at the very least some hassle. Agents are especially adept at savings on international travel plans. Beyond their expertise at booking online, many travel agents have actually stayed at the hotels they recommend and have relationships and connections in the locales the book for. They can often get you deals on local events, secure extra amenities, and bend the rules in your favor. Today’s travel agents are also tech savvy and can often offer round the clock communication in the case of flight delays or other issues. The best part is that you can still shop around without leaving your computer. Simply email the agent your travel needs and go about your day while you await a response. This sure beats spending hours searching online travel sites.

A travel agent’s knowledge can also be a benefit of going with an agency. Agents are knowledgeable of travel requirements such as visa applications, immunizations, and other issues such as travel insurance and places to avoid. Or course all of this information is probably available online, but not likely in a single place, and certainly not a phone call or email away.

So if you haven’t considered using a travel agent or are simply fed up with shopping online, give an agent a shot. Pick an agent who has been to the locale that you are travelling to and see what kind of price they can offer you. You might just be surprised at what you get.

Lydia B is a travel blogger who has a passion for visiting new places and meeting new people. She currently blogs about travel for http://londontravelhelp.com, a London travel blog.

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Visiting Roads Less Travelled By in France

If I were to choose a destination to spend the holidays, I would rather spend it in roads less travelled by. It must be because I was born an introvert or simply because I enjoy exploring the beauty of the place on my own, without the disturbance of strangers.

France: My Chosen DestinationIf you look at the images of France, then it will never fail to mesmerize you. I have fallen in love with its castles even if I haven’t seen these up close. I could smell the fragrance of the flowers in its park even if I haven’t touched it. I could feel the waves of the sea even if I haven’t touched the sand of its beaches. Nevertheless, the moment I have enough money saved then these are the top destinations I will surely visit in France.

Camp Sites in FranceThis is one of the best places to visit in France, especially if you are on a tight budget. You can make early reservations for a treat at the Loire Valley. To feel more comfortable, you may wish to deal with owners who know how to speak the English language; otherwise, you may easily get lost. Camping Le Moulin du Fort, a campsite near Chateau de Chenonceau, lies near the river Cher has English-speaking owners. John and Sarah Scarratt will assist you with your concerns and they will even provide you a few handful tips while traveling in France.

The Loire Valley Bicycle Tour

Ever since I have seen the beauty of Loire Valley, I have deeply wanted to feel its breeze run through my face. I thought that it would be best to enjoy it through a bicycle tour. I may need consider arriving at Nantes Airport, so I can still visit Jardin des Plantes and see the Magnolias it is famous for. I may also drop by several cathedrals and gaze upon the artistry of the medieval artists who gave their time, effort, and skills with the accomplishment of these beautiful edifices.

Glancing at the rate of a Loire Valley Bike Tour, it may cost you thousands of dollars if you will join a travel group because they will guide you through the best spots in the region. However, do not be disappointed if you have limited resources because you can still enjoy the Loire Valley even with a tight budget. Choose self-guided tours and rather than pay $350 to $550 per person a day, you will only need to pay $150 to $225 for the self-guided bicycle tour. You are free to choose the place where you wish to stay and linger in a particular place as long as you want. It is the perfect bicycle tour for me, since I would easily be irritated with illogical conversations shared by others. It is called the curse of the introvert personality, but I can easily adapt to others if it requires my survival in the bicycle tour.

About the Author:
Shaiya Ong is a freelance writer for www.frenchairportguide.com. She enjoys finding unique places to visit in France that will make your holiday stay more fun and convenient.

Image Source Courtesy of: http://www.diversedirections.net/education.html

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5 Things to Do During Dubai Shopping Festival

Dubai shopping festival is one of the largest festivals conducted in Dubai, earlier the only intention to conduct this festival was to promote trade however, as time passed by the festival became bigger and bigger. Thanks to the visitors who come from all over the world for shopping and experiencing a life time experience in this festival. As the name itself says suggests this dubai shopping festival sprees who want to shop till they drop millions of people come to witness the most extravagant affair. However, apart from shopping there are many more things that you can do in this Dubai shopping festival. Hook up with this article to check the most happening things in this Dubai shopping festival.

Shopping: for shopping freaks this and heaven you can buy anything and almost everything at extremely stunning cheaper rates. One reason that the price of branded goods is less is the import duty levied on goods is almost nil. From jewelry to electronic goods to cosmetic to clothes to household appliances one can find everything in this one festival. Shopping in Dubai is cheaper than expected so shop as the offers are tempting enough.

Music and performances: apart from shopping you can have a splendid time enjoying to the live music concerts performed by world famous artists. On the opening ceremony of this DSF one can see celebrity’s performances. Truly a spectacular event that one should not miss in this DSF.

Incredible fireworks: at the opening ceremony of this much awaited and much hyped DSF you can see music synchronized with colorful fireworks that is a wonderful treat to eyes.

Royal and long carnivals: out here in Dubai shopping festival one can see colorful long carnivals with lots of performers performing and you can enjoy this during your Dubai city tours. The carnival conducted in this DSF is famous worldwide for its beauty and royal experience. 

 Food festival: are you a foodie and love exploring great food and taste, then you are at right place in this DSF one can see loads of cuisines with thousands of new varieties to eat. Apart from this one can also, set up stalls to promote business at this DSF.

 

Fashion shows: DSF has given birth to many new designers who present their designer clothes and jewelry. You can see long beautiful models walking on the ramp, which is a beautiful sight. One can even buy these exclusive designer collections.

This DSF is one of its kinds where you can have multiple experiences just under one festival. This is one reason why millions of visitors are attracted to visit the best festival ever. So are you all set to witness a lifetime experience if yes make preparations ahead. Book a tour with your travel agent today so that you save on travelling expenses.

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Couscous and Coffee: the Foods of Morocco

Morocco is known for fez caps and espionage, but few people realize that it has some of the tastiest food on earth. The mixture of Arab, Mediterranean, and European tastes makes Morocco a hotspot for delicious international cuisine. It may even warrant a trip…but whether you ever go to Morocco or not, here are a few of the top Moroccan foods that you should be aware of, and should try to taste asap!

For starters, Moroccan food is generally incredibly healthy. With a wide array of Mediterranean and tropical fruits and vegetables, olive oil, and leaner meats such as chicken, fish, and lamb, you really can’t go wrong with anything. Salads are plentiful, and are covered with tomatoes and peppers. Here are a few main dishes to look out for:

Couscous is a type of balled and steamed semolina that comes out somewhat rice-like and is served with sautéed vegetables and meat, or can go great with raw tomatoes and cucumbers. In Morocco, this dish can be stewed in a broth with other things, sprinkled separately on top of stew, or blended with almonds, cinnamon, and sugar to make a delectable dessert.

Kofta is basically the Moroccan version of meatballs and is typically served as a main dish. Usually beef or lamb, these meatballs are saturated with spices and onions and served in a spicy sauce along with vegetables and bread. Moroccan flatbread, or khobz, is a Mediterranean delight and goes great with hummus or sauces.

A related meat dish is merguez. This spicy lamb sausage has become a hit, not only in Morocco and North Africa, but even in Europe and especially France. Merguez can be grilled, dried, or served with couscous, and can even be cooked in a tajine to add flavor to a stew.

The tajine (or, tagine) is perhaps the most characteristic Moroccan culinary spectacle. These cone-shaped, glazed, clay pots are used to cook a meat and vegetable stew in an aromatic sauce. The glory of the tajine is the way that it collects most of the condensation that would normally escape during cooking. This, along with the rich blend of spices and herbs in the tajine, makes for succulent and tender meat and vegetables that smell like heaven. Click here for some great tajine recipes!

Moroccans love their drinks as well. While alcoholic drinks are generally not consumed in Islamic nations, they do coffee and tea exceedingly well. Their coffee is typically made Turkish-style, with extremely finely ground beans being cooked in a metal pitcher. Turkish makes for strong and flavorful coffee! When mixed with cream and spices, Moroccans call their coffee “half and half”. This method of brewing is ideal for desert! Green tea is another delicacy in Morocco. They make their tea with mint and they love it hot! Moroccan mint tea can be acquired at any meal and from anywhere in the country.

So whether you ever go to Morocco or not, check out these foods at your local Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, or explicitly Moroccan restaurant; or check your local grocery store for ways to make it yourself!

Author Bio: Ethan Steadman writes for Morocco Tours .org, an outstanding website for any and all prospective visitors to North Africa!

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Top Reasons why the USA Needs More Railroads

Throughout much of the world, you can travel from one hotel to another through the railroad. The convenience and added sightseeing value of using railways is tremendous, making it one of the most popular forms of international transportation.

However, where railroads are truly missing is within the United States. Despite there being many U.S. railways that transport industrial material and goods across the country, there are relatively few people carrying railroads – particularly between major tourist spots. This can prove a major challenge for tourists, and especially for those who can’t afford pricey airplane tickets.

For example, tourists travelling from California to their hotels in Las Vegas may want to travel exclusively by rail, but at the present time, there is no way to go about it. The only options of getting to Las Vegas from California are to drive or fly, both of which can be pretty expensive options. This isn’t the only transportation corridor in the country missing a reliable railway, but it is just one example of a widespread problem with an easy fix; building more railroads!

Here are some of the main reasons how American tourism could benefit from adding more railroads:

It’s Cheaper

Travelling by rail is usually much cheaper than by car or plane. This price reduction in travel would allow tourists to have more spending money, which they can then pump into local American economies. Therefore, tourists travelling by rail could be beneficial to both their wallets and to the American economy.

It Provides More Sight Seeing Opportunities 

While driving or flying it’s hard to get a good feel for the surroundings. Travelling by rail provides the opportunity to look out of the window and admire the view. Tourists can also get off at stops and have a look around each town or historical spot they stop by, and then hop back on a later train to get to their final destination. Overall, tourists will likely be able to see much more of America by rail than by any other mode of transport. 

It’s More Environmentally Friendly 

For environmentally conscious tourists, rail is the way to go. Railways generally use significantly more fuel and cause much less pollution than cars and planes. Eco tourists might be more willing to tour America if they knew they had an environmentally friendly travel option. 

It’s a Less Stressful Way to Travel

Driving can cause stress about getting lost or running out of gas and travelling by plane can involve delays and overpriced taxi rides to your destination from the airport. However, travelling by rail can be a much more relaxing way to travel. Tourists can sit back and relax and take in the view or do relatively anything they want for that matter. 

The benefits of adding more railroads are virtually endless, with benefits for tourists, commuters and the national economy. A more organized, structured and larger railroad system will provide a cheaper, faster and more convenient option for people to get around, whether they decide to use it for business or pleasure.

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Five Tasty Dishes That Must Be Tried on Your Spanish Holiday

Spain is a country whose cuisine is as complex and mixed as its rich, long heritage and history.  It is very appropriately reflected in Spanish cooking.  Many dishes owe a lot to Spain being a Mediterranean country, but traditional Spanish cuisine also includes foods that have been imported to the country form former colonies of the Spanish Empire in the new world.  This includes beans, peppers, potatoes and tomatoes.  There is also a large Moorish as well as Jewish tradition infused in their cuisine.  Here are five traditional Spanish dishes that you simply have to try if you are there to truly experience what life in the Spanish countryside is all about.

The Spanish Omelette

One of the most popular as well as beloved traditional Spanish recipes is the recipe for a Spanish omelette.  One of the reasons it is so popular is because it is so amazingly versatile.  You can use a Spanish omelette for just about anything.  You can serve it either hot or cold, as a starter or as a snack – or of course a main course!  It goes very well with salads too.  Since it gets cut into wedges similar to cakes, this makes it ideal for packing away be it for a picnic or a packed lunch.

Pisto Manchego (Spanish Ratatouille)

Very similar to ratatouille, Pisto Manchego is a mix of tomato and vegetables that can be served up hot as a side accompaniment to a main dish, or served cold to be a starter dish or to go with a salad.  You can use pisto manchego as a filling as well for sandwiches, savoury crepes, and empanadas.  Another great thing about pisto manchego is that it freezes very well so you can make a lot of it and simply use it as required.  The dish originated in Castilla la Mancha, but today it is well loved and served throughout Spain.

Paella

Paella is quite possibly the most famous dish of all Spanish cuisine.  Paella is a rice dish that originated in Valencia in the mid-19th century.  Many people believe that Paella is the national dish of Spain, but most Spaniards think of it as a regional dish for Valencia.  There is a Moorish influence in Paella since they often made casseroles that contained rice, fish and spices during family gatherings.  This directly led to rice becoming a staple food of Spain by the 15th century.  Paella traditionally contains rice, green vegetables, meat, beans, and snails.  Seafood Paella will replace the meat with seafood while leaving out the beans and green vegetables.

Gazpacho

Gazpacho is a dish that many people are familiar with.  It is a tomato based soup that is typically served cold.  Gazpacho originated in the southern region of Spain called Andalucía, where it is widely consumed.  Gazpacho is also incredibly popular in Portugal.  It is primarily enjoyed the most during summer months due to the fact that it is served at a cold temperature and has refreshing qualities.

Pescado Frito

Literally translated, this means fried fish.  It is a very traditional dish in Spain, especially in Catalonia, Almeria, Cadiz, Malaga, and Valencia.  In the Spanish tradition, the fish, either a blue or white fish, is coated in flour and then deep fried in olive oil.  It is then sprinkled with salt as the sole seasoning used.  Typically, it is served hot and can be enjoyed as a starter dish with a beer or wine, or as a main course.  Traditionally, it is served with lemon wedges which are squeezed occasionally over the fish.  Because it is deep fried in olive oil, it is crisp and light even when cold, which makes it a traditional dish for Shabbat.

If you are staying in one of the La Manga rentals this summer make sure that you head into the towns and villages nearby and try one of the above dishes.  All are guaranteed to be delicious.

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Top 10 Holiday Destinations Near the W Hotel Hong Kong

Chic, luxurious and home to excellent amenities, the W Hotel Hong Kong is one of the city’s top boutique hotels. The perfect place to stay in comfort and luxury, the W Hotel Hong Kong offers close proximity to many of the city’s top attractions. While on holiday in Hong Kong, be sure to check out these top destinations. 

Victoria Peak

The iconic Victoria Peak offers splendid views of the Hong Kong skyline and Victoria Harbour. A ride on the Peak Tram to the summit offers brilliant vistas all around and should be considered a must for anyone on holiday to the city. 

Causeway Bay

A world-class shopping centre, Causeway Bay is packed with a plethora of fine shops and major retail stores alike. For everything from clothing to electronics to souvenirs, Causeway Bay is the place to go. 

Victoria Park

A lush and idyllic oasis of greenery, Victoria Park offers the perfect place to relax, have a picnic or take a leisurely stroll to enjoy the city’s sights. 

Mao Mo Temple

The majestic Man Mo Temple, built in the 1840s, still stands as Hong Kong’s oldest and most respected temple. A great place to learn about Hong Kong’s culture and heritage, a trip to the Man Mo Temple is always fun and fascinating. 

Hong Kong Maritime Museum

An interesting museum right in the heart of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Maritime Museum features exhibits on the history and heritage of seafaring in Hong Kong and proudly showcases the city’s maritime history. A must for those interested in Hong Kong’s history and seafaring past. 

Avenue of the Stars

The famed Avenue of the Stars celebrates Hong Kong’s rich history in cinema and filmmaking. Located in the bustling Kowloon district, the Avenue of the Stars features statues of Bruce Lee and other cinema legends from Hong Kong. 

Hong Kong Museum of Art

One of the largest and most renowned art museums in East Asia, the Hong Kong Museum of Art is a world-class gallery that boasts a broad collection of artwork from local, British and American artists. A polyglot of world-renowned art, the Hong Kong Museum of Art is not to be missed. 

Hong Kong Museum of History

This fascinating cultural institution explores Hong Kong’s rich history from ancient ages long past through its colonisation by the British to its modern day status as a global centre for commerce and finance. 

Lantau

This exotic, lush island offers a sense of serenity and natural beauty that is hard to find anywhere else in the city. Local attractions include Silver Mine Beach, Hong Kong Disneyland and the iconic Tian Tan Buddha, the world’s largest seated Buddha statue.

For further information on luxury holidays and hotels, visit the Virgin Holiday Group's fresh new site:

vhiphotels.co.uk

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Top 10 Attractions Near the Soho House New York

One of New York City’s finest boutique luxury hotels, the Soho House New York offers chic rooms, exceptional service and a prime location near many of the city’s top attractions. Amenities at the Soho House New York include a restaurant, spa, heated rooftop pool and much more. Here are just 10 of the top nearby attractions for holidaymakers to explore while staying at the luxurious Soho House New York. 

Times Square

World-famous for its brilliant lights, theatres and flagship stores, Times Square is just one of those places that no holiday to New York City is complete without seeing. Its digital billboards and relentless urban energy are best experienced at night, providing for an illuminated extravaganza like none other. 

Central Park

One of the world’s most famous parks, Central Park is the perfect place for sightseeing, picnicking or just a leisurely stroll. A great place to escape the organised chaos of the city, Central Park’s idyllic atmosphere and extensive greenery are not to be missed. 

Empire State Building

One of the world’s most celebrated skyscrapers, the Empire State Building’s observation decks afford breathtaking and unforgettable views of the city’s skyline, rivers and harbour. 

Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

This combined ferry tour offers the chance to see the famed statue up-close as well as explore Ellis Island, the arrival point for many European immigrants to the United States. 

Metropolitan Museum of Art

One of the world’s largest and most prestigious art museums, the Metropolitan Museum of Art offers a wealth of artwork, artefacts and cultural treasures to discover from all across the world. Conveniently located on the edge of Central Park, a trip to this museum is nothing short of incredible. 

Brooklyn Bridge

Located in Lower Manhattan, a walk across the famed Brooklyn Bridge is a great way to catch some brilliant views of the city’s skyline. For the best views, take the subway into Brooklyn and walk across towards Manhattan; the marvellous views of the city are simply astounding. 

Museum of Modern Art

One of the world’s foremost institutions of modern and contemporary art, the Museum of Modern Art features world-class artwork by artists like Van Gogh, Monet, Picasso and many others. 

Staten Island Ferry

A free ferry service that offers transport between Manhattan and Staten Island, the Staten Island Ferry is the perfect place to see the Lower Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty and New York Harbour. Boasting incomparable views all around, a ride on the Staten Island Ferry is a must for all holidaymakers in New York City. 

American Museum of Natural History

One of the world’s finest natural history museums, the American Museum of Natural History boasts everything from dinosaur skeletons to ancient relics to beautiful gems and minerals from across the world. 

High Line

One of New York City’s newest and most popular attractions, the High Line – a park built atop an abandoned, elevated freight line – offers stunning views and is the perfect place for sightseeing and photo opportunities.

For further information on luxury holidays and hotels, visit the Virgin Holiday Group's fresh new site: vhiphotels.co.uk

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Ek Tha Tiger Movie Wathch and Travel Shooting Destination and Filming Locations

Ek Tha Tiger Movie Travel Shooting Destination and Filming Locations

About Movie Ek Tha Tiger

Ek Tha Tiger is an upcoming 2012 Bollywood romantic and action thriller film directed by Kabir Khan and Produced by Aditya Chopra under the Yash Raj Films, The lead actors Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif, Ranvir Shorey.

Starring Salman Khan as Manish, The Indian government sends a secret agent, codenamed Tiger and Katrina Kaif as Zoya, professor's caretaker Zoya (Katrina Kaif) who is studying at a fictional dance academy located at TCD,

Ek Tha Tiger Filming Locations

Filming for Ek Tha Tiger began on 10 August 2011. Shooting locations have reportedly included 10 countries, including Ireland, Czech Republic, Turkey, Cuba, Egypt, Iraq, Russia and India,

First schedule was carried out in the Trinity College of Dublin. The lead actors shot in the get-up of students and the college was chosen as an alternative to the "usual" educational institutions. The second schedule took place in Istanbul, as insiders of the film considered it a "perfect backdrop" for the action sequences.[11] Salman did a commercial for Cuban Tourism with a local team while shooting a major portion of the film in Havana, the capital of Cuba. The same sets used in the film were featured in the ad. After shooting in Cuba, a schedule was opened up in Mumbai.

According to the film's spokesperson, "Salman shot at real bureaucratic colonies in Delhi. The producers (Yash and Aditya Chopra) had to seek permission from the government as such high security locations of India are kept out of bounds for being captured on camera."

Kabir Khan’s Ek Tha Tiger was shot in Ireland’s capital Dublin, The sad fact is that Ireland attracts just 15,000 Indian tourists a year, compared to neighbouring Great Britain that routinely draws around half a million desis annually. An Irish Tourism honcho reveals, “Bollywood is deep-rooted in the psyche of most Indians and the films have a considerable influence on Indian travellers when they are deciding on their holiday destination.

Ek Tha Tiger, to be Filmed at Trinity College Dublin (TCD)

Filming for the production has already taken place in India and Turkey. Over the course of three filming days scheduled to take place at Trinity College Dublin, the cast and crew will be working at numerous locations around the University which will include a large open-air dance sequences involving 50 dancers in Parliament Square, as well as scenes outside the Rubrics and at College Park.

Bollywood superstars Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif will play the lead roles of Tiger and Zoya, a secret agent and a dance student whose paths cross leading them on a rollercoaster journey that takes them from Dublin to Istanbul, Kazakhstan and Chile. The film will showcase Trinity College’s historic and picturesque campus as the protagonists lives become interlinked and romance blossoms around the University and Dublin city centre. - http://www.tcd.ie/Communications/bollywood/

The film is scheduled for theatrical release on 15 August 2012

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