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Travel BUZZ
October 15, 2008
September 10, 2008
July 31, 2008
Adventure travel is the hottest trend right now! Travelers are looking for the ultimate adventure to add to their growing list of life experiences. Anywhere that you travel has some type of soft adventure to experience however, the ultimate adventure is with Linblad Expeditions. They have partnered up with National Geographic to give their guests up close and personal experiences with nature. They offer the world's most interesting destinations, engaging experts and fine food and accomodations all in a relaxed and informal atmosphere. If you are thinking about what your next adventure should be contact Option One Travel. We are dedicated in finding that perfect adventure for you that will give you a lifetime of memories. Adventure travel is the hottest trend right now! Travelers are looking for the ultimate adventure to add to their growing list of life experiences. Anywhere that you travel has some type of soft adventure to experience however, the ultimate adventure is with Linblad Expeditions. They have partnered up with National Geographic to give their guests up close and personal experiences with nature. They offer the world's most interesting destinations, engaging experts and fine food and accomodations all in a relaxed and informal atmosphere. If you are thinking about what your next adventure should be contact Option One Travel. We are dedicated in finding that perfect adventure for you that will give you a lifetime of memories.
July 22, 2008 - Associated Press
Rome Bans Snacking Near Famous Monuments
Arrivederci, chow! Roman officials want to preserve monuments and decorum in the city’s historic center.
By Alessandra Rizzo, AP
Don't chow, bella! At least not on the steps of Roman monuments.
City Hall is banning all those enjoying a Roman holiday this summer from snacking near the sights in Rome's historical center with fines up to $80.
Officials say they want to preserve artistic treasures and decorum in a city that has millions of visitors every year.
The ordinance also bans the homeless from setting up makeshift beds and cracks down on drunks, litterbugs and nighttime revelers loitering in central areas.
It says unless the situation is "kept under control" misbehaving visitors will "irreparably damage the preservation of historical and art areas and monuments and the possibility to enjoy them."
The ban is in effect until the end of October.
Rome — which also passed a crackdown on street vendors — is the latest Italian city to take steps to protect its monuments and limit the effects of mass tourism.
Venice banned picnics in public places and bare torsos in St. Mark's Square; Florence is clamping down on squeegee men who wash the windshields of idling cars and demand payment.
Some tourists lamented that the Roman ban had not been posted and pointed out that there should be viable alternatives for tourists who want to avoid the expensive cafes that tack on a surcharge for their outdoor tables.
"You don't want to sit at that place," said Kristin Benner, pointing at one of the expensive cafes near the Pantheon "And if you have signs, police and benches, isn't that taking away from the monuments more than drinking near them?"
"It's just another way to rip tourists off," said the 22-year-old student from Annapolis, Md.
Bruce Armstrong, a 50-year-old architect from Chicago who was traveling to the Italian capital with his wife and three children, said the emphasis should be on preventing litter, with stiff fines for offenders and more trash cans.
"But if they don't allow tourists to have, say, a cappuccino, a gelato or a sandwich near a monument, that's unfortunate," Armstrong said.
It was still unclear whether Rome police will be able to enforce the anti-snack measure, given the abundance of artistic sites in the city and its summer influx of tourists. In the first five months this year, at least 7.6 million people visited Rome.
City official Davide Bordoni said police will have to use their judgment in deciding when to intervene. "It is obvious that some situations must be tolerated," he told AP Television News.
So far, police have patrolled sites such as the Spanish Steps, preventing tourists from sipping drinks while sitting on the 18th-century stairway that is a symbol of the city. Other areas in the center of Rome seemed largely unpatrolled.
According to the Corriere della Sera daily, three Tunisian men eating and drinking beer on the Spanish Steps were among the first to be fined.
A Family Vacation is a time to celebrate the real you! Everyday you work hard at keeping your family well taken care of, making sure your kids are responsible, respectible and that their world is as perfect as can be all the while you are being supportive of your spouse who is your partner in crime! We all live busy lives and need to sit back relax and really reflect of your everyday successes. Taking an annual family vacation is just what the doctor ordered! It gives your entire family a chance to re-connect with each other and to experience new and exciting adventures that will last a lifetime!
September 10, 2008
Friendship Getaways are a GREAT way to reconnect with your circle of friends. It is proven that when a group of good friends get together your daily grind disappears and your soul rejuvenates giving you a whole new outlook on life! What makes the perfect friendship getaway? First you will need your BFF entourage. Second you will need to decide on a destination that will have lots of FUN activities for all to enjoy! Does everyone like to golf? Plan a world class golf trip to
July 31, 2008
Adventure travel is the hottest trend right now! Travelers are looking for the ultimate adventure to add to their growing list of life experiences. Anywhere that you travel has some type of soft adventure to experience however, the ultimate adventure is with Linblad Expeditions. They have partnered up with National Geographic to give their guests up close and personal experiences with nature. They offer the world's most interesting destinations, engaging experts and fine food and accomodations all in a relaxed and informal atmosphere. If you are thinking about what your next adventure should be contact Option One Travel. We are dedicated in finding that perfect adventure for you that will give you a lifetime of memories. Adventure travel is the hottest trend right now! Travelers are looking for the ultimate adventure to add to their growing list of life experiences. Anywhere that you travel has some type of soft adventure to experience however, the ultimate adventure is with Linblad Expeditions. They have partnered up with National Geographic to give their guests up close and personal experiences with nature. They offer the world's most interesting destinations, engaging experts and fine food and accomodations all in a relaxed and informal atmosphere. If you are thinking about what your next adventure should be contact Option One Travel. We are dedicated in finding that perfect adventure for you that will give you a lifetime of memories.
July 22, 2008 - Associated Press
Rome Bans Snacking Near Famous Monuments
Arrivederci, chow! Roman officials want to preserve monuments and decorum in the city’s historic center.
By Alessandra Rizzo, AP
Don't chow, bella! At least not on the steps of Roman monuments.
City Hall is banning all those enjoying a Roman holiday this summer from snacking near the sights in Rome's historical center with fines up to $80.
Officials say they want to preserve artistic treasures and decorum in a city that has millions of visitors every year.
The ordinance also bans the homeless from setting up makeshift beds and cracks down on drunks, litterbugs and nighttime revelers loitering in central areas.
It says unless the situation is "kept under control" misbehaving visitors will "irreparably damage the preservation of historical and art areas and monuments and the possibility to enjoy them."
The ban is in effect until the end of October.
Rome — which also passed a crackdown on street vendors — is the latest Italian city to take steps to protect its monuments and limit the effects of mass tourism.
Venice banned picnics in public places and bare torsos in St. Mark's Square; Florence is clamping down on squeegee men who wash the windshields of idling cars and demand payment.
Some tourists lamented that the Roman ban had not been posted and pointed out that there should be viable alternatives for tourists who want to avoid the expensive cafes that tack on a surcharge for their outdoor tables.
"You don't want to sit at that place," said Kristin Benner, pointing at one of the expensive cafes near the Pantheon "And if you have signs, police and benches, isn't that taking away from the monuments more than drinking near them?"
"It's just another way to rip tourists off," said the 22-year-old student from Annapolis, Md.
Bruce Armstrong, a 50-year-old architect from Chicago who was traveling to the Italian capital with his wife and three children, said the emphasis should be on preventing litter, with stiff fines for offenders and more trash cans.
"But if they don't allow tourists to have, say, a cappuccino, a gelato or a sandwich near a monument, that's unfortunate," Armstrong said.
It was still unclear whether Rome police will be able to enforce the anti-snack measure, given the abundance of artistic sites in the city and its summer influx of tourists. In the first five months this year, at least 7.6 million people visited Rome.
City official Davide Bordoni said police will have to use their judgment in deciding when to intervene. "It is obvious that some situations must be tolerated," he told AP Television News.
So far, police have patrolled sites such as the Spanish Steps, preventing tourists from sipping drinks while sitting on the 18th-century stairway that is a symbol of the city. Other areas in the center of Rome seemed largely unpatrolled.
According to the Corriere della Sera daily, three Tunisian men eating and drinking beer on the Spanish Steps were among the first to be fined.
"One of the top reasons cruises are so popular is the outstanding value they represent. And, because of the incredible variety of cruises, cruise ships, itineraries and destinations available, consumers can find even greater value and stretch their vacation dollar further by choosing the right cruise for their budget,” said Terry L. Dale, president and CEO of CLIA.
Here are some tips for planning a value-added cruise vacation:
- CLIA member cruise lines offer inclusive pricing. Accommodations, meals, entertainment, use of most ship’s facilities, and transportation from destination to destination are all included in the cruise price; this means the consumer is already off to a great start in realizing value for money spent.
- Cruises are offered in every possible price category. Spend a little or spend a lot; it’s easy to pick the line that matches your budget.
- Cruises come in every length, from three days to three months. If budget is a high priority, pick a shorter cruise.
- CLIA member cruise lines operate all over the world. By picking an "off season” destination – the Caribbean this summer, for example – travelers can often save money without losing any of the fun, excitement and pleasure of vacationing in the tropics.
- With a weak U.S. dollar, planning a European cruise and paying in advance, in dollars, often represents added value compared to a European vacation paid in local currencies.
- On most ships, the price of your cruise is based on your choice of accommodations, nothing else. Most ships offer a wide choice of inside and oceanview staterooms, staterooms with balconies, even suites. If budget is a consideration, choose an inexpensive inside stateroom and enjoy the same dining, entertainment and use of ship’s facilities as everyone else.
- Most CLIA member ships offer a wide variety of accommodations. If spacious, luxurious accommodations are your top priority, choose a cruise line whose suites match your budget.
- Cruises are an ideal choice for families, extended families and friends who want to share a memorable vacation. Put together your own group of cruisers and ask for a group rate.
- There are more than 30 homeports for cruise ships in the
United States. Wherever you live, pick a cruise you can drive to in order to save on the cost of airfare. - Most important, take advantage of the expertise, experience and knowledge of a CLIA-certified travel agent. No type of vacation offers more variety than cruising; you’ll enjoy extra satisfaction – and that, after all, is what value really means – by matching your cruise with your tastes, interests and budget.
