Posts Tagged ‘travel’

.Beautiful city of Barcelona, capital of Catalonia (a Spain’s province), is situated on the shore of the Mediterranean Sea and bordered at either end by 2 river deltas. Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain after its capital city Madrid. Barcelona has a population of 1.5 million, over 4 million including suburbs. The varied, eventful history of the city dates back 4,000 years to the first settlements by ancient farmers. Later it became a Roman colony, the Visigoth’s capital city, and then it came under Moorish rule. It went through sieges, destructions and occupations, finally to become an autonomous democracy 1975. The city has always played an important role in political and cultural life of Spain and it is well reflected in the variety and quality of historical buildings, museums, many other tourist attractions. Today Barcelona is one of the most diverse European cities with unique culture and rich traditions. You can find here a formidable balance of the traditional things and the avant-garde. A cosmopolitan metropolis, Barcelona affords visitors a warm and sincere welcome, being acknowledged worldwide as one of the best tourist-friendly cities in Europe. Barcelona’s organization of the 1992 Olympics provided regeneration of this dynamic city, gave a fresh start to its infrastructure development. WHAT TO SEE AND WHERE: POINTS OF INTEREST – La Ramble is a tree-lined pedestrian boulevard packed with buckers, living statues, mimes and itinerant salespeople selling everything from lottery tickets to jeweler. Pavement cafes and stands selling craftwork, street performers surrounded by curious onlookers, a noisy bird market, Palau de la Virreina, a grand 18th-century rococo mansion, the Gran Teeter del Liceu, the famous 19th-century opera house- these are all colorful parts of La Rambla’s mosaic. La Rambla ends at the lofty Monument a Colom (Monument to Columbus) and the harbour. Barri Gotic – also known as Gothic Quarter, it is the old part of the city. Picasso lived and worked in Barri Gotic from 1895 to 1904 and Joan Miro was born and lived here during his youth. Gothic Quarter is situated on the right hand side of the La Rambla, it contains a concentration of medieval tall Gothic buildings (14-15th century) on narrow cobbled streets and now is home to much of the city’s nightlife. La Sagrada Familia – La Sagrada Familia is one of the most famous and magnificent among Barcelona’s landmarks. The life’s work of Barcelona’s famous architect, Antoni Gaudi, the magnificent spires of the unfinished cathedral imprint themselves boldly against the sky with swelling outlines inspired by the holy mountain Montserrat. Above each facade there are four towers, 12 in total, which are dedicated to the Apostles. The tower in the center, the tallest of all at 170 m., is dedicated to Jesus Christ. Around these there are the towers of the four Evangelists, and the tower over the apse is dedicated to the Virgin. They are encrusted with a tangle of sculptures that seem to breathe life into the stone. Gaudi died in 1926 before his masterwork was completed, and since then, controversy has continually dogged the building program. Nevertheless, the southwestern (Passion) facade, is almost done, and the nave, begun in 1978, is progressing. La Pedrera – Casa Mila (Mila House) is an apartment building, the last example of Gaudi’s civil architecture.It is one of his finest and most ambitious creations, extraordinarily innovative in its functional, constructive, and ornamental aspects. Visitors can tour the building and go up to the roof, where they can see spectacular views of Barcelona. One floor below the roof is a modest museum dedicated to Gaudi’s work. Montjuic – the largest open space in the city, its main attractions are the Olympic installations, the Spanish Village and the hilltop fortress. Montjuic, the hill overlooking the city centre from the southwest, is home to some fine art galleries, leisure attractions, soothing parks and the main group of 1992 Olympic sites. Montjuic is covered in ornamental gardens with water features and is the most popular destination in Barcelona on Sundays. Tibidabo – is the highest hill in the wooded range that forms the backdrop to Barcelona. It has amazing views of the whole of Barcelona, a stunning cathedral, and a family fun park Parc d’Atraccions with old-style rides offering breathtaking views. A glass lift at the park goes 115m (383 ft) up to a visitors’ observation area at Torre de Collserola telecommunications tower. Modernisme – spectacular modernista architectural creations dotted around the city by famous Antoni Gaudi and his contemporaries. Camp Nou – home of F.C. Barcelona, one of Europe’s leading soccer teams, with capacity of almost 100,000 spectators. The Seu Cathedral – Built in medieval times on the site of a Roman temple, La Seu is one of the great Gothic buildings in Spain. Parc de la Ciutadella – Barcelona’s favorite park and a Sunday afternoon rendezvous for families, friends and ducks The Sardana – traditional Catalan dance, performed outside the cathedral and at national festivals, with everyone encouraged to join in.

MUSEUMS – The Barbier-Mueller Museum of Pre-Columbian Art -the only museum in Europe devoted exclusively to Pre-Columbian cultures. Housed in a gothic palace, its collection is one of the finest of its kind and gives visitors an insight into the rich world of the earliest cultures on the American continent. This tiny museum contains one hundred pieces, including wood and stone sculptures, ceramics, tapestries, jade, often found in international exhibitions and prestige publications. The exhibits represented the Olmec, Maya, Aztec, Chavin, Mochica and Inca civilisations. Palau de la Musica Catalana – one of the world’s most extraordinary music halls, it is a Barcelona landmark. From its polychrome ceramic ticket windows on the Carrer de Sant Pere Mes Alt side to its overhead busts of Palestrina, Bach, Beethoven, and Wagner, the Palau is the flagship of Barcelona’s Moderniste architecture. Museu Picasso – is Barcelona’s most visited museum. 3,500 exhibits make up the permanent collection. Picasso spent several years (1901-06) in Barcelona, and this collection, is particularly strong on his early work. Displays include childhood sketches, pictures from the beautiful Rose and Blue periods, and the famous 1950s Cubist variations on Velazquez’s Las Meninas (Ladies-in-Waiting). Gaudi Casa-Museu – Gaudi lived in this pink, Alice-in-Wonderland house from 1906 to 1926, which now houses a museum of Gaudi-designed furniture, decorations, drawings, and portraits and busts of the architect. Fundacio Miro – it was a gift from the famous artist Joan Miro to his native city. The museum opened in 1975, and now it is one of Barcelona’s most exciting showcases of contemporary art.

BEACHES – One of Barcelona’s greatest draws is undeniably its beautiful beaches. Beside world-famous Costa Brava and Costa Dorada which are within 1-hr drive time from Barcelona, there are also several nice beaches over 4 km long within the city boundaries, we will list just several of them here: Nova Icaria- Closest to the Olympic marina, always crowded, this wide swathe of rough golden sand is great for food goers. There are three perfect beach bars and two very popular restaurants on the promenade (Mango and Chiringuito de Moncho) and countless bars and restaurants are just a short stroll away. Bogatell- This beach is twice the length of adjoining Nova Icaria and fringed by a stretch of stone walkway perfect for jogging, roller blading and cycling. Three large informal restaurants on the promenade. Mar Bella (Metro Ciutadella Vila Olimpica, plus 20-minute walk)- Barcelona’s only naturist beach close to a peaceful park – good for a picnic or siesta under the trees. Barceloneta- wide and long, a traditional and popular stretch with locals, crowded, noisy and very jolly.

WHEN TO GO, WEATHER: The best times to visit Barcelona are late spring and early autumn, when the weather is still comfortably warm, around 21-25°C. Summers are usually hot and humid, with temperatures averaging +30 (+ 86 Fahrenheit). Especially avoid the “dead” month of August, when many shops, bars and restaurants close for the month as many local inhabitants head out of the city. Winters are cool with average daytime temperatures around +12 C (+59 Fahrenheit), occasionally rainy.

GETTING THERE AND AROUND: By a direct flight to Barcelona, or through Madrid or via another large European city from almost any major airports in the world. The highest fares are from May to September, the lowest in March-April, October-November and December to February (excluding Christmas and New Year when prices are hiked up). Note also that flying on weekends may increase your ticket cost. If traveling to Barcelona from within Europe you can also chose train, bus or car, though these take much longer than a plane and often work out no cheaper. Many Mediterranean cruises include Barcelona as a port of call.

ACCOMODATIONS: We can offer you a range of choices. You can choose vacation rentals in Barcelona starting from $ 125 USD for a double room in a 4-star apartment hotel. Or you can opt for hotels from $ 65 USD for a double room in a 3-star hotel. Accomodation prices do not change much throughout the year due to the steady all-season flow of visitors to this extremely popular tourist city and surrounding resorts.

DINING: Besides restaurants you can eat at bars where you would have a succession of tapas (small snacks- three or four chunks of fish, meat or vegetables, or salad, which traditionally used to be served up free with a drink) or raciones (larger ones). The bar option can be a lot more interesting, allowing you to do the rounds and sample local specialities. Generally, the average cost for a meal consisting of two dishes and dessert would come to about 25 Euros. Travellers on an extremely limited budget can do well for themselves by using the excellent markets, bakeries and delis and filling up on sandwiches and snacks. Decent restaurants and cafes are easily found all over the city, though you’ll probably do most of your eating where you do most of your sightseeing, in the old town, particularly around La Rambla and in the Barri Gotic. Look for the best and most authentic seafood restaurants in Barceloneta, a seaside neighbourhood. Gothic Quarter neighbourhood is home to some of the oldest and most traditional restaurants in the city. Gracia is a very popular area among young people during the weekend, it leads the way in terms of exotic restaurants (Lebanese, Egyptian, Thai etc.).

TRANSPORT: Barcelona has excellent transport system comprising the metro (subway), buses, trains and a network of funiculars and cable cars. You can find a link to transport maps at the end of our guide. On all the city’s public transport you can buy a single ticket every time you ride, but even over only a couple of days it’s cheaper to buy a targeta – a discount ticket strip. The T-10 targeta is valid for ten separate journeys on the metro, buses and trains. These tickets can be used by more than one person at a time. The metro is the quickest way of getting around Barcelona. For black-and-yellow taxis there is a minimum charge of $ 2 euro. You’ll obviously have a great deal more freedom if you rent a car . Major roads throughout the city are generally good, and traffic is generally well behaved, though Spain does have one of the highest incidences of traffic accidents in Europe. It also has some of the lowest fuel prices on the continent.

SHOPPING: Barcelona, one of the most stylish cities in Europe offers great shopping, from designer clothes and accessories to household items. You will find the city to be quite cheap for a lot of items, especially if you coincide with the annual sales ( rebaixes in Spanish) lasting from mid-January until the end of February, and throughout July and August. The best shopping areas in Barcelona are the old streets off the upper part of the Ramblas. Souvenirs include ceramics, which are widely sold in the streets around the cathedral; leather goods; city’s delicatessens, particularly cooked Catalan meats and sausages; a porron (the long-spouted glass drinking jar); CDs and tapes of Catalan rock and pop, sardana music, Spanish rock or flamenco. If you’re looking for original gift ideas, some of the best hunting can be found in the shops of any of the city’s museums, where you’ll find reasonably priced and unique examples of Catalan disseny (graphic), and other original items ranging from postcards to replica works of art. We wish you a nice and safe trip!

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When planning your travels or buying your airline tickets, you have probably come across definitions and terms that might have seemed strange to you. Granted, many of the definitions and terms become more understandable as you become familiar with the industry as a frequent flier. While there are many terms for hotel room types, car types, and travel amenities, the area that we shall attempt to define would be tours.

Tour operators try to make their brochures and websites as attractive, informative and understandable as possible; however, in reading this information you will undoubtedly encounter some terminology that is new and unfamiliar. To assist you, here’s a glossary covering some of the terminology you will most frequently find in brochures, fliers, and on websites.

Accommodations:

* Single Room: A room with one bed for one person.

* Twin Room: A room with two beds for two people.

* Double Room: A room for two persons with a double bed.

* Triple Room: A room for three persons, usually consisting of twin beds (or double beds, plus a rollaway bed.

* Ocean Front: A room directly facing the ocean. Usually it is on the first floor with a door that exists onto the beach.

* Ocean View: A room from which it is possible to view the ocean, whether the room is on the first floor, the 12th floor, or on a hillside.

* Service Charges/Taxes: Service charges are a fixed percentage automatically added to room and meal charges. The city, state or federal government sets taxes.

Air Transportation:

* Add-on Fare: The cost of air travel from a domestic city to another domestic city from which the tour/vacation package originates and vice versa.

* Baggage Allowance: The weight or volume of baggage that may be carried by a passenger without additional charge.

* Connecting Flight: A segment of an ongoing trip, which requires a change of aircraft, but necessarily a change of airline.

* Direct Flight: A flight on which passengers do not have to change planes, but may involve one more stops enrooted.

* Non-stop Flight: Service between two points with no scheduled stop enrooted.

Car Rental:

* Drop-off Charge: Fee charged by a car rental company to defray the cost of returning the vehicle to its original location.

* Value Added Tax (VAT): Tax imposed by governmental authority.

Charter Travel:

Thanks to improved Federal regulations and a new generation of operators, air charters have become the preferred way to reach many of the world’s most popular vacation destinations for reasons of value and convenience. Here’s how they work: The tour operator rents an airplane and sells the seats, often in combination with a hotel package and perhaps other ground components. The result is a substantial savings.

Conditions:

* Force Majeure: An event or effect that cannot be reasonably anticipated or controlled (such as storms or war).

Consular Information Sheets: Governments issue Consular Information Sheets for every country of the world. They include such information as location of the U.S. embassy or consulate in the subject country, unusual immigration practices, health conditions, minor political disturbances, unusual currency and entry regulations, crime and security information, and drug penalties. If an unstable condition exists in a country that is not severe enough to warrant a Travel Warning, a description of the condition(s) may be included under an optional section entitled Safety/Security.

Documents:

* Passport: An official government document certifying identity and citizenship and granting permission to travel abroad (overseas).

* Visa: An official authorization appended to a passport permitting travel to and within a particular country.

Escorted Tours:

The most traditional tour product is also the most misunderstood. The options are so varied that it’s easiest to identify the few elements they share: Group travel, usually by motor coach but sometimes by ship, or train; a set itinerary, with lodging, activities, and most meals included and a tour director to coordinate, guide, and manage the trip. Traveling on an escorted tour provides a measure of security and peace of mind. And today, more tour operators build in free time on group tours, giving travelers the best of both worlds.

Independent Travel:

There’s no group on these trips, no guide and no fixed itinerary, unless the client wants one. The sole difference between this and fully independent travel is that by booking through a tour operator from its available inventory, your clients get the advantage of group buying power, without the group.

Package Travel:

Like group tours, packages tend to have fixed itineraries, with ground transportation and hotels booked in advance. But like independent travel, there’s no organized group; clients are on their own, free to do as they please at each destination, but they still have the convenience and reliability that come with booking through a tour operator.

Public Announcements:

Public announcements (PAs) are a means to disseminate information about terrorist threats and other relatively short-term and/or trans-national conditions posing significant risks to the security of American travelers. The PAs are made when there is a specific threat that cannot be countered. In the past, Public Announcements have been issued to deal with short-term coups, violence by terrorists and anniversary dates of specific terrorist events.

Tours:

A group of people traveling together who follow a pre-planned itinerary. Most tours include accommodations, a number of meals, sightseeing, land transportation, and/or other transportation, plus the services of a professional tour manager or escort who accompanies the group.

Travel Warnings:

Travel warnings are issued when the State Department decides, based on all relevant information, to recommend that Americans avoid travel to a certain country. Countries where avoidance of travel is recommended will have Travel Warnings as well as Consular Information Sheets. You may also want to review specific country Background Notes.

Vacation Packages:

Vacation packages are designed for those traveling independently. They include a combination of two or more travel services (e.g. hotel accommodations, car rental, air transportation) that are offered at a package price. Many vacation packages offer a choice of components and options, thereby enabling you to customize the package to your tastes, interests and/or budget.

Vouchers:

Documents issued by tour operators to be exchanged for accommodations, sightseeing and other services.

Panama It has been famed for it spectacular achievement in connecting the world’s largest oceans. But, there is so much more to see and experience in panama then just the canal. This country’s curvy narrow landmass serves as a cultural and physical land bridge between north and South America. Panama is largely overlooked by most globe trotters and they are missing out on a small but spectacular country.

Panama in general is a little bit more expensive then other Central American countries. But, it is worth the extra few dollars to experience a culture rich in historical traditional and the unsurpassed beauty of its lands. Imagine hundreds of idyllic, deserted islands scattered through the engrossing seas around panama. The densely wooded forest and wilderness full of extreme and exotic creatures of all shapes and sizes. Some of these creatures make Dr. Seuss even cry when he sees them. This country with the skinny isthmus land mass holds it all.

Panama where should I go?

The first place that you should entertain going to in panama is the central city of Panama City. It is one of culturally distinct and enjoyable capitols in Central America. It has a wide blend of modern building built in with the cobbled streets and Spanish colonial architecture of years gone by. West of the capitol of Panama City, the Panama Canal can be seen, one of the wonders of the world by connecting two of its largest oceans.

Another must see place in Panama is the popular Archipelago are on the islands of Bocas Del Toro and the San Blas just off the coast in the Caribbean.  Also off the pacific coast there is a wonderful natural island called pearl islands that is a must see if you have extra time. The pearl islands were originally seen on a popular T.V show in the U.S called survivor. The Other islands are important because they hold a part of panama’s original inhabitants called the Kuna Indians which have become renowned for their artistic talent. You can take a ship out on either coast and explore the hundreds of ecological and biodiversity these islands and inlets provide.

Other ecological and biodiversity explorations can be accomplished in Boguete in the Chiriqui Province. Each has lush and wonderful forest for any ecotourism dream to be fulfilled. Boguete features volcanoes, waterfalls, lush vegetation, and a quaint little town that inhabits the volcano and is known as the world’s largest on any volcano.

Panama traveling what will you see?

You will see a diverse and wonderful country made up of Volcanoes, oceans and forest. Along with them you will also see and experience some of the most original animal species available. In fact Panama has the most unique animal species in the world. 1000 different types of birds alone.. along with jags, pumas, a variety of other animals and of course mosquitoes. So don’t forget to bring some extra OFF . The best places to start would be in the national parks of panama. There are two major parks the Soberania national park just north of Panama City as well as The Bastimentos Marine National Park Both will Offer guest and visitors a wonderful experience in looking into the countries natural habitat.

There is one location in panama that I must warn you about and travel there is at your own risk. But, if you must go please bring an experienced guide with you that knows enough of the area to not get you lost. This is Darien it is one of the most dangerous areas in panama, but also the most fascinating. The pan American highway, which stretches through this are all the way from Alaska to Argentina, is broken only in one spot and this is it. It is called the Darien Gap. The rain forest in this part is completely impenetrable.

Panama Travel: How Do I Get There and Around?

Just like in every other Central American country the main form of transportation to and from the city is usually a bus. You can’t miss them being painted and garnished in multiple arrays of colors and confusion, plus they look like old American school buses. Major cities are more often than not also serviced by larger more comfortable buses then others. As well as taxies and of course the infamous chicken bus if you get really rural. But, if you are the real adventure and want to get to know the real panama then cross country would be the way to go. But there are not many paved roads or roads at all outside the city so plan on hiking.

Panama Travel: How Much Will I Pay?

Panama is a little more expensive then most central American countries but still far cheaper then the US. Mainly in part because the currency heavily used there is the American green back.  Rooms  at most moderate hotels or motels will run about 12-15 USD a person, but travelers can reduce or almost eliminate cost by taking advantage of local cafes, markets, and the occasional chicken bus. But for those that like to be pampered and have more money they also do have more affluent resorts and locations to attend.

Panama Travel: When Should I Go?

There are good times to go and bad times to go to panama the bad time to go are during panama’s rainy season. It usually kicks in about June and ends around November. Same as hurricane season hear in the southern US go figure. But, the majority of their rain fall is on the pacific side of the country during this season. But there is a good side to going during this time and it has to with the great deals you will find since most travelers stay away it’s a good time for the budget concise.

Also a good time to go to see some of the more traditional things people do in panama would be during Holy Week (Easter). With its wonderful colors and religious processions and festivals there is always something to see and experience during this time. In February and in later end of March panama also celebrates Carnaval . Basically it’s just a really big party imagine mardigras, only ten times larger than at its peak WOW! Also you can visit Kuna Yala in February to see the grand Independence Day celebration. But have to book early around these occasions for any hope of a room.

Panama Travel: How Safe Will I Be?

In the larger cities of Panama, such as Panama City and colon, you should take precautions at night time where a copy of your passport at all time s not the original. Keep valuables and large amounts of cash in the safe in your hotel room. There are also helpful tourist police with white arm bands you can talk to if you are lost.

Of course while traveling you always want to make sure you are up to date on all your shots including typhoid, help A and B and yellow fever. Also you resist your mosquito friends while roaming the lush jungles. Then of course there is always your friendly complain and mate when traveling. You all know what I’m talking about. Traveler’s diarrhea you can though reduce the risk by keeping hydrated and drinking bottled water as well as peeling your fruits.