Tuesday, November 3, 2015

TripAdvisor's 10 most incredible places in the Dominican Republic


Here are 10 of the best places to go in the Dominican Republic, as recommended by TripAdvisor users. Traveler floyd1976 from New Jersey thinks Punta Cana's Bavaro is "by far the most beautiful beach in the Dominican Republic," with its "pure white sand" and "crystal blue water as warm as a bath."




Travel trends come and go but sitting on white sandy beaches, staring at sparkling turquoise seas and drinking rum cocktails in the shade of a coconut tree just doesn't get old.

And it's something the Dominican Republic excels at.
Don't take our word for it.

There are nearly 600,000 reviews on TripAdvisor of Dominican Republic attractions, restaurants and other sites.
Here are 10 of the best places their users think you should check out -- with tips on what to do when you get there.

27 Charcos de Damajagua

Puerto Plata, Puerto Plata
There's not just one, but 27 spectacular waterfalls to enjoy at Damajagua, around 30 minutes' drive from Puerto Plata.
"You have to hike up one side of the mountain so you can jump into the waterfalls on the other side," explains Steffanie R from Dallas.
Leaping off a cliff outside your comfort zone?
The "friendly and helpful" guides offer "options for everyone."
"Make sure you have a waterproof camera" and are "ready to hike," says Carl J.

Bavaro Beach

Punta Cana, La Altagracia
Traveler floyd1976 from New Jersey thinks Punta Cana's Bavaro is "by far the most beautiful beach in the Dominican Republic," with "pure white sand" and "crystal blue water as warm as a bath."
Other travelers love the "huge palm trees."

W333Jul from Scotland says it's "a great resort for a winter break" thanks to "plenty of sun" and "loads of watersports."

Bavaro is a "Gorgeous beach! So relaxing and beautiful water," says Sue B from Florida.

Macao Beach

Punta Cana, La Altagracia
Punta Cana's Macao Beach is a locals' favorite with a "laid back ambiance" and "great waves," according to Mexican reviewer Flower XV.
Rory m was "blown away" by Macao Beach's "crystal-clear sea and golden sands." 

Hart789 from Georgetown agrees, but warns: "Be careful of the high tide and extremely strong rip current!"
Vwats4231 notes there are a lot of beach vendors "offering island delicacies, interesting animal pictures, beverages and sunglasses" although many users, like Bob K from Canada, find them "a little relentless."

Isla Saona

Punta Cana, La Altagracia
Saona ticks all the paradise island boxes: white sandy beaches and teal-blue sea; palm trees, coconuts and starfish.
This government-protected nature reserve sees hundreds of visitors arriving each day and for many TripAdvisor users, the "music, dancing and rum" of the Catamaran trip is half the fun.
Kaki from Canada warns other tourists not to remove starfish from the sea for photo opportunities. 

Starfish can "survive only 10 seconds out of the water" and, with the sea being so clear, "we don't need to remove them at all."

Playa Bonita

Las Terrenas, Samana
Samana province is celebrated for its green fertile mountains and pristine white sands. 

Playa Bonita, near las Terrenas, has "beautiful virgin beaches with magnificent views!! Could walk and walk and not see anyone!" says DVTLO from NYC.
There's "plenty of space to relax under the palm trees" says Joan L from Maryland, while R L from North Carolina enjoyed the "small little huts along the beach to purchase fresh cocktails." 

Aside from paddle boarding and kayaking, you can go horseback riding along the beach ($20 an hour, says Fernando R) and, with a grassy strip running right alongside the sand, you can even sunbathe on the green and avoid the hassle of shaking off sand. 

Playa Bonita is an "amazing place for relaxation" says MR F from Puerto Rico.

Punta Cana, La Altagracia 

The startling blue waters of Hoyo Azul lagoon -- otherwise known as "the Blue Hole" -- took many TripAdvisor users' breath away.
Brian S has "never seen water so pretty."
Matthew C from West Virginia tells you to expect it be "cold, but exhilarating!"
"Our skin was totally soft after, with the calcium carbonate salts," declares Canada's luv2cruise535. 

The lagoon is reached by a hike through Scape Park.
"The tour guide was very helpful and pointed out all different kinds of plants and wildlife," says Cameron 88 from California.
Other activities on offer include horseback riding and zip-lining.

Catedral Primada de America

Santo Domingo
The first stone in this cathedral -- the oldest still in use in the Americas -- was set in 1514 by Christopher Columbus's son Diego.
"It is amazing what the Spaniards accomplished in the 1500s," says Rick S.
"An absolutely beautiful building. The skilled masons and craftsmen did an amazing job."
"This church combines elements of both Gothic and Baroque," says Maria B.
"There is also an excellent art collection containing retablos, paintings, old woodwork, furniture, sculptures and tombstone."
Rlynnprince from Arizona reminds fellow visitors to dress respectfully: "We were asked to wear a pashmina around our waists in order to have our legs covered."

Paradise Island and the Mangroves

Punta Rucia, Puerto Plata
When you hop on a day excursion to Paradise Island, says Adi2011 from England, the party begins "the moment you set foot on the boat."
Snorkeling is the main attraction here.
"The display of marine life below the surface is mindblowing," says Adi2011.
Suzanne K from Arizona was wowed by the "beautiful, colorful fish that eat right out of your hands." 

England's BedfordshireJon took it easy, resting on floats in the Caribbean Sea and "enjoying a drink from the floating bar."
The trip back often involves a speedboat trip around the mangroves.
"Recommended 100%!" says Sharon S. 

554dianel from Canada sums up Paradise Island as "corals, colorful fish, white sand."

source: http://goo.gl/C7pHN3

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

The 9 best water park hotels for your next holiday

SEE PHOTOS: The team from Trivago have put together some of the best hotels with fabulous water park facilities from around the world for your next fun-focused holiday


Hotel water parks have grown in popularity in recent years, allowing guests to enjoy all the thrills and amusement of a water park without leaving the comfort and security of their hotel and accomodation comparison website www.trivago.sg has selected nine hotels from around the world boasting the best water slides onsite.

TRIVAGO 9 best water park hotels for your next holiday DECOR

Ideal for children and adults alike, these water slides boast picturesque views over beaches and oceans and even through aquariums full of sharks, rays and other marine life. From Bali to Hawaii, speed down a reconstructed Mayan temple or enjoy twists and turns through tropical landscaped gardens.
ATLANTIS, THE PALM, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

TRIVAGO 9 best water park hotels for your next holiday DECOR atlantis slide 3

Atlantis, The Palm is a sprawling 110-acre five-star resort located on Dubai’s artificial island of Palm Jumeirah. Since opening in 2008, this unique hotel has captured the world’s imagination with its scale and ingenuity, boasting underwater suites, helicopter tours, pristine white beaches, over 20 world-class restaurants and unique marine habitats in the Lost Chambers Aquarium. The incorporated 42-acre Aquaventure Waterpark is renowned as the Middle East and Europe’s best water park. Its most celebrated feature is the Ziggurat-shaped Tower of Neptune, where those brave enough can fall over 9 stories in one second before speeding through a tube surrounded by sharks, rays and other marine life.
Atlantis, The Palm, is located at Crescent Road, Palm Jumeirah PO Box 211, Jumeirah, United Arab Emirates. For more information, go to www.trivago.sg/jumeirah/atlantis-the-palm

HARD ROCK BALI, Kuta, Bali

TRIVAGO 9 best water park hotels for your next holiday DECOR hardrock slides

Hard Rock Bali is Asia’s first Hard Rock hotel, appropriately located in the heart of Bali’s entertainment and shopping district on the shores of the picturesque Kuta beach. The 418 tribute rooms and suites are fit for a rock star, adorned with guitars, posters and other memorabilia celebrating everything rock and roll from the 50s to late 90s. The hotel boasts the largest free-form swimming pool in Bali, complete with a unique Sand Island, 22 poolside cabanas, a stage for outdoor performances and ample sunbathing space. Families will love the complex of new water slides, which are enough to keep the most active of kids occupied.
Hard Rock Bali is located at Jalan Pantai, Banjar Pande Mas, Kuta, Bali, 80361, Indonesia. For more information, go to www.trivago.sg/kuta/hard-rock-bali

ERSAN RESORT & SPA, Bodrum, Turkey

TRIVAGO 9 best water park hotels for your next holiday DECOR ersan beach 2

Ersan Resort & Spa is a five-star complex located in a secluded cove just four kilometres from the popular Turkish tourist resort of Bodrum. This all-inclusive hotel boasts no less than ten bars and restaurants, offering a range of Turkish, Italian and Mexican cuisine. Onsite are 395 guest rooms with private balconies, three swimming pools and a private Blue Flag beach equipped with a wooden sunbathing platform. Water-lovers can choose between nine different water slides, including two bowl slides and one half pipe slide. Guests can catch glimpses of the azure Aegean ocean and green pine-covered hills whilst sliding.
Ersan Resort & Spa is located at PK 3357, Icmeler, Bodrum, 48400 Turkey. For more information, go to www.trivago.sg/bodrum/ersan-resort

ORLANDO WORLD CENTER MARRIOTT, Florida, USA

TRIVAGO 9 best water park hotels for your next holiday DECOR world center slide

Orlando is home to some of the world’s most popular water parks, including Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach, Aquatica and Wet ‘n Wild. The Orlando World Center Marriott is a leading resort dedicated to families and businessmen alike, boasting ten restaurants and lounges, an 18-hole championship golf course, a rejuvenating Spa and over 40,000 square metres of meeting and event space. The iconic pool complex has been newly renovated to include poolside dining and an expanded pool deck and lawn surrounded by lush tropical gardens. The new slide tower features two 60-metre winding water slides and one exhilarating 27-metre high-speed slide.
Orlando World Center Marriott is located at 8701 World Center Drive, 32821 Orlando, USA. For more information, go to www.trivago.sg/orlando/marriott-orlando-world-center

THE REEF ATLANTIS, Paradise Island City, Bahamas

TRIVAGO 9 best water park hotels for your next holiday DECOR paradise temple
Run by the same corporation as Dubai’s Atlantis The Palm, Atlantis Paradise Island is a mind-boggling complex of over 3,400 guest rooms and suites, an impressive 40 restaurants, bars and lounges and numerous entertainment options, including an onsite casino, nightclub, live music venue, theatre and comedy club. The resort boasts an impressive five different hotel buildings, including one of the most expensive hotel suites in the world and newest addition The Reef Atlantis, offering luxurious residential-style studios. The astounding 141-acre Aquaventure water park consists of 11 swimming pools and the iconic Mayan temple water slide feature, where guests can race each other on the Challenger Slide.
The Reef Atlantis is located at One Casino Drive 33324 Paradise Island City, Bahamas. For more information, go to www.trivago.sg/paradise-island/the-reef-atlantis

FODELE BEACH & WATER PARK HOLIDAY RESORT, Crete, Greece

TRIVAGO 9 best water park hotels for your next holiday DECOR fodele slides 2
Fodele Beach & Water Park Holiday Resort boasts a unique beachside location in the quaint and picturesque village of Fodele, on the popular Greek island of Crete. This all-inclusive resort contains 412 spacious rooms and suites, uniquely decorated in a Mediterranean style and featuring either garden or ocean views. Each of the three restaurants offer alfresco dining on their adjoining terraces and a selection of inspired Greek, French and Italian cuisine. The water park is set against a picturesque backdrop of the blue Crete Sea and boasts a variety of slides for adults and children alike.
Fodele Beach & Water Park Holiday Resort is located at Fodele, Malevizi, 71500 Greece. For more information, go to www.trivago.sg/fodele/fodele-beach

GREAT WOLF LODGE, Niagara Falls, Canada

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Great Wolf Resorts are the world’s largest chain of indoor water parks and hotels, with 11 resorts throughout the USA and Canada offering water slides, speciality restaurants, arcades and spas. Great Wolf Lodge Niagara Falls is no exception, boasting over 9000 square metres of eight slides, a lazy river, whirlpool hot spas and an indoor wave pool. Guests can choose between tube slides, a water roller coaster big enough for all the family, a bowl slide and two slides descending from the tree house. The hotel offers a variety of spacious and comfortable themed suites, some come complete with fireplaces and private hot tubs.
Great Wolf Lodge Niagara Falls is located at 3950 Victoria Avenue, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 7M8 Canada. For more information, go to www.trivago.sg/niagara-falls/great-wolf-lodge

HILTON HAWAIIAN VILLAGE, Honolulu, Hawaii

TRIVAGO 9 best water park hotels for your next holiday DECOR hawaiian slides

Hilton Hawaiian Village is the only resort destination on the popular Waikiki beach, recently voted the second best beach in America for its wide stretches of white sands and turquoise waters. This 22-acre resort features 22 acres of lush tropical gardens, waterfalls, exotic wildlife, priceless artwork, firework displays and cultural activities such as lei-making and ukulele lessons. Swimmers are spoilt for choice with the unique Duke Kahanamoku saltwater lagoon or one of the hotel’s five pools, including an exquisite fourth four mosaic-tiled infinity pool. The Paradise Pool boasts waterfalls, hot tubs, lava rock formations and four water slides, including the longest slide in Waikiki.
Hilton Hawaiian Village is located at 2005 Kalia Road, 96815 Honolulu, USA. For more information, go to www.trivago.sg/honolulu/hilton-hawaiian-village-waikiki-beach-resort

RAMADA RESORT AQUAWORLD BUDAPEST, Hungary

TRIVAGO 9 best water park hotels for your next holiday DECOR aquaworld slides

Ramada Resort Budapest incorporates Aquaworld, one of Europe’s largest and grandest indoor water theme parks based on a replica of Cambodia’s iconic Angkor Wat temple. The 73-metre wide glass dome encloses 11 water slides reaching a total length of almost one kilometre. The tropical atmosphere, suspension bridges and palm trees will make visitors feel like they have been transported to another world. Elsewhere in the resort, the four-star hotel consists of 309 guest rooms and apartments, an Oriental-themed wellness-fitness centre and a choice of elegant buffet and a la carte restaurants and al fresco terraces.
resource:http://www.herworldplus.com/lifestyle/travel/9-best-water-park-hotels-your-next-holiday

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Negombo completes the Sri Lankan experience

Negombo completes the Sri Lankan experience
Negombo completes the Sri Lankan experience (Photos: Anwesha Mittra)
The cobalt blue of the sea in the travel magazine I held matched exactly with that of the one below us as our flight edged over the vast Indian Ocean past a meandering coastline stretching like a long white ribbon, towards the tropical paradise of Sri Lanka.
After bobbing in and out of large puffs of clouds we finally touched down at Bandaranaike International Airport, eager to begin our 'honeymoon', eager to get an eyeful of the sea. Sri Lanka, it was decided a month prior to our wedding for its idyllic beaches and bias for good food, and my bias for the sun and sand. As we made our way to the exit gate post a swift customs clearance, I made another attempt to gather my thoughts on the impending holiday and my new husband, who looked more at ease now than I was scanning the placards every visitor held.
Mr Razi our chauffeur-cum-guide was quick to spot us and apologised for not getting the placard ready on time, blaming our flight's over-punctuality. Soon we were making good time down palm-lined lanes away from the bustling streets towards the seaside fishermen town of Negombo (approx. 7 kilometers from the airport), lowly preferred by the touristy type. Your guidebook will tell you that it was the erstwhile trading port for the Portuguese and Dutch with an old Dutch fort gate and prison dating back to the 17th century, but for its status as the 'Rome of Sri Lanka' with a beautiful church tossed around every bend, and inside every cranny. With the sea not yet in sight, it was still wonderful driving around Nogombo's old world by-lanes dotted with quaint tiled houses painted pristine white complete with their little porches, driveways and gardens overflowing with pink bougainvillea creepers. Breaking through my train of thoughts was my partner's voice surveying property prices in Sri Lanka with Mr Razi, who came across as extremely-knowing in the brief time we spent together. Driving over a wooden bridge straddling an emerald lagoon and past bake and gem shops, we arrived at our hotel of stay for the next two days, Club Dolphin.
An abode of Sri Lankan hospitality, I was struck by the ethnic wooden architecture of the resort. A very atmospheric foyer built in gazebo style with a lounge area interspersed withlotus ponds and mini fountains, it was a visual treat all the way to our cottage tucked away at a far end of the property overlooking a sparkling blue pool and further overlooking a grey-blue sea. To my relief, it was an uninterrupted view all the way from the room to the sea. By the time we got to our little sit-out balcony sipping coffee, the light outside was slowly fading, the palms swaying merrily in the breeze, and the activity in the pool area gaining steam. Next moment, I was rigging my camera to get the best of a breathtakingSri Lankan sunset. There was romance in every moment of the indolent twilight hours, and a quiet rhythm in the crashing of the waves on the darkening sands. Sitting on a fallen log of coconut palm feeling the wind in our faces and a roaring sea before us, we let a few hours slip in quiet contemplation.

Unlike our fellow vacationers, we were unexpectedly early to leave the bed and race down the beach to an inviting sea, fresh and white in the morning sun. The garden and pool lights glowing from the previous night lend the scenery a monochromatic blue tinge, and I found myself clicking away without really training my lens. We soaked up everything about the brilliant sunrise including the way the ebbing waves left puncture holes on the virgin sand for the baby crabs to crawl out and catch their breath. Post a quick shower, we were back in the dining room for breakfast. And like every meal at the resort, this too was a large one complete with a selection of fresh fruit juices and cup desserts.

Day two was about taking in the local sights and sounds of Negombo, to be fair, from Mr Razi's perspective. A proud Sri Lankan, he showed us around his school, the local fish market, the estuary where the fishing catamarans were moored, churches with stained glass windows, the old Dutch prison still in use, sprawling gardens, quaint craft shops, coffee houses and what have you. While travelling in the island country, one all but notices its narrow roads that are mostly two-way, and wonders how the locals manage a pleasant disposition, let one another pass, never litter and follow traffic rules to the 'T'. We spent the evening sauntering down the beach, watching the sun sink into the sea and collecting seashells until moonrise. We could tell it was full moon without actually looking into the sky as the sea was drawing closer bringing in walls of noisy water. A small drink at the sea-facing bar and we were ready to retire for the day with the sound of the waves in our ears.

Next morning we tucked into an early breakfast, breaking our ritual of first heading to the beach, in preparation for a 5-hour-long drive to the hill station of Kandy. During our drive to Kandy we realised just how lush Sri Lanka was with the emerald fields and coconut groves spilling onto the road from either side. En route Mr Razi took us over for a cup of tea to his house, excited for us to meet his family and see the little house he painstakingly built. A truly gracious host Mr Razi and his family, the water too tasted unusually sweet over there.
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage was our next stopover where we'd get to see elephants with their herds in their natural habitat going through their daily routine. After an obscene entrance fee of one thousand Sri Lankan Rupees, we get into the abode of elephants where they stood mucking around or gobbling cartons of fruits. It cost to so much as stroke an elephant's ear, far less trailing them to the river bank across the road and watching them take a bath with their young ones.

In Kandy, we decided to give the iconic 'Temple of Tooth Relic' a miss and watch a cultural show instead. That too didn't live up to my expectations as both the provincial dances and the fire acrobatics lacked the spirit Sri Lanka is known for. Strolling down the streets we could see glimpses from the colonial era in the architecture of the buildings and the wrought iron street lamps. We were halting for the night at Tree of Life, an eco-resort in the middle of dense wilderness with views of hills, rivers and splendid flowers every side you turned. On arriving, a lovely candlelight dinner was awaiting us at the restaurant facing the pool where live musicians crooned the classics to a gang of merry diners.

We had very little time next morning to explore the ecology of Kandy and regretted for not being on time for the bird watching trek. Nonetheless, we set out on our own trek up and down the jungle slopes, into the marigold garden, over the 'honeymoon bridge' where lovers fastened locks with their names on it, around the rundown children's park and the water lily pond. Soon, we were headed to Colombo for a spot of shopping. Turned out we splurged on everything from handicrafts, souvenirs, bags, clothes, footwear to brownies and cupcakes, ostensibly making several rounds of the currency exchange counter.
Resource:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/travel/Negombo-completes-the-Sri-Lankan-experience/articleshow/12730890.cms

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

What's the Deal? The week's best travel bargains around the globe

LAND
Ski Salt Lake is offering hotel discounts of up to 30 percent off and free-night deals at Alta, Brighton, Snowbird and Solitude resorts in Utah. For example, Snowbird has a Ski Free and Stay 5th Night Free offer through April 2: Pay for four nights and stay the fifth night free, plus get two free lift tickets for each night's stay (normally $74 for each ticket). With the deal, a Feb. 18-23 stay at the Cliff Lodge, with lift tickets for two people, would cost $1,813 (normally $2,809), including all taxes - a 35 percent savings (Snowbird reservations: 800-354-6092). Book by March 15. Info: 801-534-4900.

The Caribbean island of Barbados has discounts on hotel stays, attractions, shopping and dining. With the Take Me to Barbados package, get a fifth hotel night free (two nights free on a seven-night stay), free breakfast daily, free room and board for children younger than 16 at participating hotels (up to two kids per family) and a coupon book valued at $150. For example, at the Time Out resort in St. Lawrence Gap, the nightly rate is $110, including all taxes, for a savings of either $110 for a five-night stay or $220 for a seven-night stay. Book through a travel agent by March 25; travel April 25-Dec. 15. Info: 800-221-9831.

New York City's tourism office has several winter deals, including two-for-one tickets for select Broadway and off-Broadway shows (through Feb. 10 and 13, respectively) and third-night-free offers at participating luxury hotels (through March 7). For example, an orchestra ticket to "Avenue Q" at New World Stages costs $45.50 with the On the House promotion (normally $89.50, two-ticket minimum, Saturday nights excluded). And three nights at the Carlyle Hotel, normally $1,844, go for $1,229, including all fees and taxes - a savings of $615.

SEA
Maple Leaf Adventures, a Canada-based cruise company, is offering half off the cost for the ninth and 10th passengers on its charter cruises for small groups. The nature-focused schooner trips, timed for spring break and summer holidays, feature hands-on sailing, whale-watching, glaciers, rain forest hikes and coastal town visits. Trips range from six to nine days and from $2,183 to $4,570 per person, not including fees and taxes. For example, on the six-day British Columbia's Gulf Islands round trip from Victoria, B.C., a group of up to eight people can charter the ship for $17,464, or $2,183 per person; up to two additional passengers then pay $1,100 each. Add $374 per person in taxes ($244 each for the two additional passengers). Cost includes all food and drinks, admissions and guides, but not air to and from Victoria. Info: 888-599-5323.

Windstar Cruises is offering up to $1,000 per couple in on-board credit for select European sailings. For example, on the May 7 one-week voyage of the Wind Spirit from Rome to Athens, get $600 credit per couple when you book a cabin at $2,299 per person double. Add $85 per person in fees and taxes. Book by Feb. 28. Info: 800-258-7245.

AIR

American Airlines has sale fares for winter and spring travel to Brussels, London, Paris, Rome and many other European cities, with one-way fares starting at $199, not including taxes. Sample round-trip fares, including all taxes: New York JFK to London Heathrow, $587; Reagan National to London Heathrow, $626. Book by Feb. 10; travel through April 17. Other airlines are matching. Info: 800-433-7300.

PACKAGE

Sceptre Tours has a six-night Explore Scotland in Spring package for $948 per person double, including all taxes. The cost includes round-trip air from BWI (flying into Edinburgh and returning from Glasgow), six nights' hotel accommodations, daily breakfast and a standard manual rental car. Book by Feb. 4; travel by March 31. Booked separately, air would run about $650 per person, hotel $500 and rental car $85. Info: 800-221-0924.

2013's best Oscar-inspired destinations

Can't get enough of Les Mis or Lincoln? Then these are Oscar-inspired travel stops that you must visit


Philadelphia, Washington DC and Paris are expected to reap the benefits of playing supporting roles to some of this year’s Oscar-nominated films, as they welcome tourists whose visits are inspired by their favorite movie.
In advance of the biggest televised red carpet event of the year on Sunday, Hotels.com picked the trio of cities as the season’s best “destination-centric” movie sites.
The online reservations site predicts interest in Philadelphia, the setting for Silver Linings Playbook, Lincoln's Washington DC, and Paris for Les Misérables, will experience a spike in interest.

2013's best Oscar-inspired destinations
The 2012 film adaptation of Les Misérables makes Paris an even hotter movie-centric destination

Visit Philly, for example, has created a Silver Linings Playbook itinerary that includes a buffet lunch at Ballroom at the Ben, where Bradley Cooper (Patrick) and Jennifer Lawrence’s (Tiffany) characters perform in the dance competition, and a performance by the Philadenco dance troupe, which appears on a poster in Tiffany’s dance studio.
While Paris has never had problems attracting tourists, Les Misérables is poised to spark even higher interest in the City of Light, says Hotels.com.
It’s the same prediction from LateRooms.com, which reported last month a 366 per cent spike in hotel bookings for the town of Montreuil-Sur-Mer in northern France, where part of Victor Hugo’s story unfolds.
And given the Oscar buzz of Lincoln, interest in the US capital is also expected to rise particularly with visits to historical sites and exhibits such as The Smithsonian Institute’s Civil War 150 expo, or Civil War battlefields 65 km outside the city in Manassas, Virginia and Frederick, Maryland.
Similarly, the release of the latest James Bond installment, Skyfall, last year coincided with an increase in searches for Istanbul and Shanghai – both key filming locations for the movie – by 114 per cent and 59 per cent respectively, says Hotels.com.
The Oscars air February 24.
resource:http://www.herworldplus.com/travel/updates/2013s-best-oscar-inspired-destinations

What's the biggest pet peeve among air travellers?

Uncomfortable seats and limited legroom are the top complaints when it comes to air travel


What's the biggest pet peeve among air travellers?Uncomfortable seats and sky-high airline fees are among the top complaints among air travel passengers, according to the results of a consumer survey.
In TripAdvisor’s annual air travel poll, in addition to limited legroom and exorbitant ticket prices, 2,000 respondents in the US also named unpredictable flight delays, long security lines and “other passengers” -- notably loud, crying children -- the top five pet peeves about air travel.
The survey also found that more US passengers will be flying the global skies this year, with 67 percent of respondents indicating they plan to take an international flight this year, compared to 56 percent in 2012.
The same is true of domestic fights, with 91 percent of respondents saying they plan to board a flight within the US -- up from 86 percent last year.
Having to pay extra fees for checked baggage, carry-on bags, seat selection, printed boarding passes and in-flight amenities were also identified as among the top five most annoying airline fees.
And when it came down to choosing between airlines, a quarter of respondents said they would choose the one that offered Wi-Fi, while 37 percent said they consider their iPad or tablet a carry-on essential, up five percent from 2012.
resource:http://www.herworldplus.com/travel/updates/whats-biggest-pet-peeve-among-air-travellers

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