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Florence

May 7th, 2010 | Comments Off | Posted in City Guides

Italy is a nation known for its contribution to European history from the era of the Roman Empire through the Renaissance and well into modern times. Florence, one of Italy’s most beautiful cities, is located in the region known as Tuscany, and has a total population of 1.5 million people in the metropolitan area. Located along the River Ano, this city was a crucial one during the Middle Ages, but it is perhaps during the Renaissance when it came to global prominence. To say that Florence is the art capital of Italy might be one of the biggest understatements one can make. This is home of such great classic art masters as Leonardo Da Vinci, Michaelangelo and Donatello. Great thinkers such as Dante and Machiavelli called this city home, among with luminaries such as Florence Nightengale and the fashion genius Guccio Gucci. The pulse of creativity which runs through this city continues to inspire those who come to take in the sights and sounds offered here since it is such fertile grounds for the emergence of any artistic vision.

Impressive architecture seems to be an Italian hallmark and Florence is no different in this regard. The heart of the city, Piazza della Signoria, is considered a world heritage landmark. It offers up such sights as stunning cathedrals, amazing Roman aqueducts which continue to function as they were designed to, and the sculpted marble majesty known as Fountain of Neptune created nearly 500 years ago. With so many museums, landmarks and theaters to explore the tradition of both drama and opera here, Florence is rich in activities to boost the spirits. However, for many, it is the rich foods and wines of this region along with the balmy Mediterranean weather that create the most delight. A visit to Florence is certainly a glimpse into a paradise preserved for centuries.

Rental Car Firm Hertz Buys Two Competitors to Expand Services

February 12th, 2010 | Comments Off | Posted in News

With travel by car on the rise around the world for tourists who prefer to get a more up close and personal look at the locales they plan to visit, rental car agencies have begun to strengthen their holdings, offering a variety of levels of car for hire programs to suit the needs of a range of travelers. Economy cars have been on the rise in recent years as more families have begun to opt for flying to a destination of choice, getting a hotel and touring by car instead of a guided tour. Hertz Global Holdings is following this trend by purchasing US based Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group for which they paid $1.27 billion in total. Dollar Thrifty is what industry analysts consider to be a mid level brand, the level aimed specifically to families and travelers who are on a budget. This deal means that Hertz Global will be adding both Dollar and Thrifty brands to its company holdings along with its current Advantage and Hertz brands in an effort to inch past Avis Budget Group Inc. their primary competitor in the US car rental market.

The move allows Hertz Global to expand its network of car rental locations to more than 9,800 and the 4 brand strategy allows them to operate at several different offerings levels in order to drive a wedge into the market, advance past their competition and offer consumers a wider array of choices for hiring a car. As further advances are made in low cost alternative energy vehicles, road travel is expected to increase worldwide and this would bode well for Hertz, analysts say.

Travelers Turning Increasingly to Products to Ensure Luggage Safety

November 6th, 2009 | Comments Off | Posted in News

One of the biggest concerns that travelers, especially those going anywhere by plane, have during their travels is the issue of losing their luggage or having items removed either accidentally or due to criminal intent. When this happens, there can be great losses and that has lead to the establishment of insurance products designed to protect travelers should they find themselves arriving at their destination with items missing from their luggage. These particular products are extremely hot for travelers right now who want to be able to have recourse in the event that something goes on. Although both airlines and travel industry experts have consistently advised against carrying valuables onto any aircraft due to routine issues that can arise in any industry which involves the transfer of personal goods, these specialty insurance products have begun to go a long way towards assuaging the worries of travelers.

While home owner’s insurance can sometimes cover the loss of such goods, most insiders now recommend specific travel insurance coverage, particularly those cover products which specialize in the type of travel. There are now packages for cruise voyages and general international travel to specific regions, as well. Credit cards companies have begun to offer cover, as well, which many analysts cite as a strong bargain for travelers. Many experts suggest carefully checking the fine print before a trip to make sure that no prohibited items are being brought along which the insurance product does not cover since finding out after the fact can be extremely upsetting. All in all, experts now suggest specific travel insurance cover as the best bargain.

Buenos Aires

October 13th, 2009 | Comments Off | Posted in City Guides

Located on the often overlooked continent of South America, the city of Buenos Aires is not only Argentina’s capital, it is its largest city, as well. Buenos Aires, a name that means Good Air, sits on the southeastern coast of Argentina and boasts a very mild climate that attracts many visitors since it is rarely ever cold. So heavily has this city been influenced by European elements that it is referred to around the world as the Paris of South America, providing a multitude of art and cultural attractions which tourists flock to. Not only are their an impressive number of book stores here, there are symphony orchestras, working artists of all types, a huge number of museums, more active theaters than anywhere else on the continent and a world class opera house known as Teatro Colon. With its incredible architectural sights and excellent zoo, this is the star city of Argentina when it comes to attractive vacation spots.

The city has begun to gear itself even more towards tourists recently, building upon its highly accessible transport network of buses and trains, by offering MP3 downloads which feature guided tours in audio format. This cutting edge technology allows visitors to wander at their leisure and get a good understanding of all they wish to see. Spanish lessons are readily available to guests who wish to experience the culture in a direct way or who are looking to attend the regular Antique Fairs in Dorrego Square, visit a local concert venue for a music festival or take in a tango show in the part of the world where it is still performed with authentic style. Shopping options are vast in Buenos Aires and with such an excellent exchange rate, this is one of the finest cities in the world to pick up something exotic to take back home.

New York

October 6th, 2009 | Comments Off | Posted in City Guides

As one of the largest and most powerful cities in the world, New York City is located on the East Coast of the United States, bordering the Atlantic Ocean. As one of the most famous cities on Earth, New York wields global influence in many sectors, including: business, art, music, fashion, media and education. There are such a huge variety cultures thriving in this single city that some say it is a literal sampling of the global population. No matter what sort of activity one enjoys, New York will have businesses that cater to it. From the scenic Central Park to the sports and music show stopping arena of Madison Square Garden to the Museum of Modern Art, there are thousands of unique attractions. For those who love to learn about history, New York offers plenty of it, boasting the Empire State Building, one of the tallest tourist attractions in the world, and the Statue of Liberty, given to the United States by the French centuries ago. From Staten Island to Manhattan to to such culturally powerful burroughs as Brooklyn, Harlem, Queens and the Bronx, this city creates experiences for every type of personality on the planet.

Those who wish to take in the arts and culture of this unique destination can tour art galleries, world renowned gourmet restaurants, impressive hotels, immense shopping districts, trendy nightclubs or even Broadway where some of the most famous plays in history are regularly performed. However, for those who want a sense of life in the Big Apple, getting a hot dog or taking in a baseball game are just as easily afforded. Bustling streets with plenty of taxi cabs and an advanced subway system keep New York moving day or night so this is truly the city that never sleeps. Anything a visitor could want to do is possible in New York City.

Wyoming Looking to Build a Tourism Industry

October 6th, 2009 | Comments Off | Posted in News

Out of the many states within the US which are well known as both domestic and foreign travel destinations of choice, Wyoming has not in the past been at the top of the list. However, the state is hoping to change this by investing in a plan to support the development of a tourism industry through its Wyoming Travel and Tourism Master Plan, an initiative to further the economic growth of tourism in the state and provide locals with a greater array of jobs. The purpose of the plan, which will work to develop destinations and associated projects throughout the state through the year 2020, is to expand the offerings for visitors by capitalizing on the unique history and natural beauty of the state as well as the fact that its large land area and comparatively small population mean it is able to offer a greater variety of peaceful escapes than competing states.

State legislators in Cheyenne will work to get budget initiatives passed to further the Master Plan and provide capital to specific tourist friendly locations where the projects can be developed. According to state officials, tourism is already the second biggest industry in the state’s economy, just behind the mineral resources in terms of bringing in revenue. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Historic Sites and Trails, State Parks and other local businesses have formed the plan by each contributing the budget for its development. Consultant firm Hank Todd Solutions Group out of US tourism star state Arizona has been called in to help form the plan which is an extension of 2007’s Project Front Door.

Cape Town

November 26th, 2008 | Comments Off | Posted in City Guides

Out of all the cities on the African continent, it is Cape Town that is most popular with tourists from around the globe. This city of 3.5 million people is in the country of South Africa, a former Dutch territory that mixes both European and African cultures to provide a truly unique experience for visitors that is rich in both history and culture. Cape Town is so named because it lies along the famed Cape of Good Hope which allows it to be home to a multitude of dazzling beaches, each with its own particular ambiance – something rarely found in a single city. Those who love outdoor activities will enjoy the tropical warmth of this seaside city, for it offers such amazing sights of interest to nature fans such as Table Mountain National Park, Signal Hill and the gorgeous Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. Surfing here is incredible, with waves so impressive that the annual Red Bull Big Wave Africa surf competition is held right off the shores of Cape Town, drawing in pros from across the globe. Whale watching, too, is a major activity for visitors with local sea mammals including rare creatures like Dusky dolphins, Bryde’s Whales and even the notorious Killer Whales.

For those who prefer that their activities be of a more indoor nature, plenty of the pursuits one expect at any other world class tourist destination are available in Cape Town, as well. In the Port of Cape Town, a great many shops offer unique products and gift items found only in South Africa and here there are a huge range of restaurants from quaint cafes to top tier gourmet restaurants. The Klaapse Klopse minstrel carnival serves up uniquely South African entertainment and the Artscape Theatre Centre offers performances nearly year round. All this, along with wine tasting tours at some of the world’s most respected vineyards makes Cape Town a destination not to be missed.

Bangkok

October 12th, 2008 | Comments Off | Posted in City Guides

There are few other cities with quite the same exotic allure for travelers who want to experience East Asia as Bangkok. This it not only the capital of Thailand, it is the largest city in this nation, as well. Having set a goal early to be truly independent of outside control despite its small size, Bangkok quickly became a center of power and economic influence in the Southeast Asian region. Today it continues this tradition, being a global city that is a financial power house with strong influence in fashion, entertainment and banking. Due to this, many on business trips visit Bangkok and it has a strong hospitality industry as a result. There are bars, nightclubs, hotels, restaurants of all types and plenty of amenities to keep even the most selective traveler pleased. A well developed transportation system gives visitors a chance to travel the city in comfort and safety, taking advantage of its many shopping opportunities, as well as culturally and historically significant temples of Vimanmek Palace Complex which celebrate the rich spiritual tradition of the Thai people.

While the city itself is home to 6 million people, more than 11 million visitors from around the world flow in each year to sample its delights. The highly modern city boasts not one, but two international airports which help to handle so much travel with ease. The collection of rivers around Bangkok have gained it the reputation of being Asia’s Answer to Venice, a tropical climate that features stunning and artistic building design similar to what one sees in Italy. With so many museums, traditional performance theaters, public parks and luxury accommodations, it is still advisable to make reservations well in advance if one wishes to get a full Bangkok experience. With so many visitors aware of what a gem this city is, there is a great demand for cruises and other touring packages that feature Bangkok.