Travel Centre

Archive for June, 2010

High spirits and vitality govern in abundance when in Barcelona. This infectious capital of Catalonia, and second largest city in Spain, exudes soul and energy, living life to the full. Barcelona’s verve is matched by its magnificent architecture, characterised by one man’s signature, Antonio Gaudi.

1. Las Ramblas

Running from seafront through to Placa de Catalunya, Las Ramblas is a fusion of market stalls and street entertainment. Watch out for the mime artists, though keep a hand on your wallet.

2. Sagrada Familia Church

In progress since 1882, La Sagrada Familia is perhaps Antonio Gaudi’s most magnificent achievement. As yet unfinished, the ongoing construction of this gothic masterpiece is financed through tourism.

3. Picasso Museum

Born in Malaga, Pablo Picasso moved to Barcelona during his teen years. Though many of his greatest works are in private hands, the Picasso Museum on the Carrer Moncada is well worth a visit.

4. Casa-Museu Gaudi

A pink, Alice-in-Wonderland house is the setting for the Gaudi museum. Gaudi lived in this surreal location between 1906 and 1926 with his niece. Exhibits in the museum include furniture, drawings and portraits designed by the great man himself.

5. The Poble Espanyol

Completed in 1929, the ‘Spanish Village’ is a compilation of buildings representing the collective architectural characteristics of Spain. A celebration of all things Spanish, the village has become a gathering place to dine and be entertained.

6. Bishop’s Palace

After being destroyed by fire, Bishop Juan Bautista Grau i Vallespinós commissioned Antonio Gaudi to design a new, more magnificent palace in 1887. Upon the bishop’s death, and consequent interference from the diocese, Gaudi abandoned the project. It was not inhabited until 1961.

7. Gothic Quarter

On the site of an ancient Roman village, the Gothic Quarter is a contrast of contemporary and medieval architecture, incorporating the magnificent 14th century cathedral.

8. Olympic Stadium

During 1992, the eyes of the world focused on the Olympic Stadium in Barcelona as they hosted the Olympic Games. Today a popular athletics facility, the stadium was a redesigned version of the original built in 1929.

9. Passeig de Gracia

As one of the major shopping areas of Barcelona, Passeig de Gracia caters for the modest, and also those who prefer the more sophisticated boutiques. Bars and restaurants also line the thoroughfare.

10. Lover’s Day

On behalf of those looking for romance, Barcelona obliges with its own version of St Valentines, known as Lover’s Day, celebrated every April 23rd.

Alaska is truly a special place, it has been said that the people that chose to live in Alaska are trying to run away from something and avoid it, or that these people are trying to get as far away from society as they possibly can. Alaska is still, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful states in the USA. The impressive mountains, the snow and ocean power make many people come visit Alaska to see and experience it first hand, you will be surprise to learn how many people choose Alaska as their vacation destination.

This place is chosen because of its difference form anything else, it is unlike any other state in the U.S., and in fact it is unique to anywhere else in the world.

Many people who experienced the close contact with the Alaska glacier will tell you that it is an experience unlike any other and that the visit to the glacier is a close look at something amazing, most of the people who just looked at a glacier form far away are not aware of this since they have not seen the glacier from that close, it is truly a once in a lifetime experience. The numbers talk for themselves, as many tourists to Alaska as flocking to the Alaska glacier cruise.

Unfortunately the weather conditions and some new threats are making the glaciers something that needs to be seen now, and not something that we can assume will always be there for us to visit, the global warming effect is just starting to claim it very high toll on the glaciers and because of its effect we know that many glaciers are losing great parts and melting into the ocean. Other problems that raise a serious concerned for the glaciers are new decisions by the U.S. congress makes difficult decisions about the right to drill in glaciers. This situation causes some people to go and see the wonder before it will be gone, or even out of a great concern to the environment.

The way to travel to the glacier by cursing next to it and slowly observing every activity that is happening around it or on it is just perfect, not only perfect it is the natural way to observe these giants since they also have a rhythm of their own, and not rushing to watch the whole glacier as fast as possible will provide you with a much more fulfillment than any other way. This travel method does cost a little more and demands more time, but it is certainly worth it.

There is a very good chance that in your cruise you will witness very special events that take place on the ground, Alaska has an abundance of wildlife and seeing the wild animals in their natural habitat, behaving as they would weather or not you would have been cruising in a considerable distance from them is something as unique as the glacier visits.

In conclusion, the Alaska glacier cruise has something unique to offer, it can be a special vacation for you and you family, the cruise itself is an experience and the glaciers are phenomenal, enjoy this remarkable way to travel and you will not forget it for the rest of your life.

Vacation house rentals are a relatively new concept to many people in the UK and the US, though the facility is highly popular in some parts of Europe. In fact, it would be no exaggeration to say that vacation house rentals are one of the best kept secrets of the travel industry in the US. So, let us take a quick look at what these are and how you can benefit from this facility.

Vacation house rentals are nothing but homes that can be rented. Many property owners in prime tourist destinations rent out their property to tourists. These owners generally depend on a manager to rent out their properties. Sometimes, they independently put up their rentals on search engines too. Vacationers can get the relevant information by contacting realtors in the area or through the Internet. Vacation house rentals fetch home owners a neat side income. But, what’s in it for the vacationers?

Imagine staying in a fully furnished home of your liking, with all the amenities and comforts you want, located in a convenient and accessible area of your choice, priced about 25-80% below the price of a hotel room! And the best part is the fact that vacation house rentals are available in the most unlikely of places, even in beautiful nooks and unexplored crannies where you wouldn’t find hotels and resorts.

These days, vacation house rentals are available in just about every touristy part of the US, UK and Europe. Whether you want a beachfront villa or a log cabin, a condo or a penthouse, you can easily find the accommodation of choice in your dream destination. So, you get more value for your money, more space, more amenities and ultimately, more satisfaction.

Depending on your budget, you can find vacation house rentals of your choice. From one room cabins to spacious beach villas and luxury ski slope condos, the choice is amazing. You can also decide on the accommodation based on the amenities that are offered. While some vacation house rentals provide only basic amenities like a usable kitchen and living space, others are much more lavish in their offerings. You can get anything ranging from high speed internet access, spa, Jacuzzi to designer gourmet kitchen, entertainment centers and regular maid services. So, you can choose the size and amenities depending on your budget and requirements.

Vacation house rentals are let out for a number of days or a week or even for a month. Most rentals offer you good discounts when you book for longer time slabs. You can also avail of attractive discounts when you book during the off season. So, there you have it, the skinny on vacation rentals.

Most travel enthusiasts cringe at the sheer discomfort caused by cramped hotel rooms. Even reputed hotels do not offer you the expected return on your investment. Vacation house rentals, on the other hand, bring you the best of both worlds. They allow you to visit new places and enjoy new experiences while adding that much needed warmth and joy of beautiful, spacious, homely living.

Crewed sailing charters are available to take you to sights you only dreamed about. These charters include staying on a yacht for a week at a time and dropping anchor in exotic ports of call. While at sea, you don’t need to lift a finger nor do you need to know how to handle as sailing yacht. This is what you hire the crew for – so you can sit back and relax. When you make the decision to book one of the many crewed sailing charters available, you have to decide where you want to go and what you want to see and do.

The fee you pay for crewed sailing charters may be different depending on the part of the world where you want to charter a sailing yacht. In North America, the cost includes the rent of the yacht, the fee for the captain and the crew, as well as insurance that you pay just in case of an accident. In addition to this cost, if you charter a crewed sailing yacht the cost of the provisions, berthing fees and fuel are extras and you do need to pay them when you arrive back at the starting port. In the Mediterranean, the cost of a crewed sailing charter also includes fuel, berthing charges and water that you need to have on board the yacht.

When you start looking at the types of charter yachts, you can choose either motor or sail crewed charters. If you choose crewed sailing charters, you will experience the thrill of sailing slowly along the ocean. This is often the choice of couples that want to experience the romance of the sea. The number of people that will be going with you on the crewed sailing yacht will also determine the type of boat you need to charter. A crewed yacht is generally available for charter for a week, but you can also book these charters on a daily basis. The length of time you choose for the charter will determine the number of places that you get to visit.

When you make up your budget for crewed yacht charters, you have to include the cost of return airfare to the destination where you will board the sailing yacht. Look at what the charter company includes in its costs and then make allowances for food, fuel, anchorage and of course shopping and entertainment in the various places you dock. Then when you total this list you can determine whether or not a crewed sailing yacht is within your budget. Usually people plan for this type of vacation several years in advance and save up the money they will need to book the charter.

Once you make the booking for crewed yacht charters, the company will send you a contract to sign. When you return the signed contract, you will also have to make a 25% – 50% deposit on the reservation or you may have to make this deposit even before you receive the contract. There will also be a detailed questionnaire for you to complete so that the crew will be able to provide you with the vacation you are looking for. You will have to pay the balance of the cost of crewed yacht charters one month prior to your departure date. This way the only extra money you have to take with you is what you plan to spend while on vacation.