Category Archives: Travel

Things to Do in Banff

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Most people head to banff canada to get a first hand look at the Canadian Rockies. They are drawn by the beautiful mountain views, lush valleys, and abundant wildlife in the area. Once there, they may experience a sort of paralysis due to the fact that they can’t figure out what to do first. There are several must dos for anyone traveling to the area.

First on most lists is riding the Gondola to the peak of Sulphur Mountain. The gondola ride itself offers amazing views of Banff National Park and the Bow Valley. The mountain sports an observation deck and restaurant with unparalleled panoramic views of the area. There are also walking and hiking trails that give visitors a chance enjoy the views and get a close up look at area plants, flowers, and small wildlife.

Lakes are a major attraction in the area. Lake Louise is known for its amazing turquoise color, its views of the Victoria Glacier as well as activities like hiking, canoeing, mountain biking and skiing. Other lakes in the area include Bow Lake, Lake Minnewanka and the Vermillion Lakes.

Cascade Mountain, the historic Cascade Gardens, and Sunshine Meadows are popular stops as is the Banff Springs Hotel, which is a National Historic Site. Visitors will also want to check out the Hoodoos (rock pillars on Tunnel Mountain) and the view from the Norquay Look Out.

Travel Insurance Comes with Many Options

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Traveling is a freedom that many people dream of. Even business travel carries with it a romantic notion of faraway places and exotic experiences. Whether it’s a one time trip or a regular business excursion, travelers need to take some time to consider the types of travel insurance they may need.

The most obvious insurance is travel itself. This is offered by airlines, cruise ships and even car rental companies. It protects the traveler and their belongings during transport. This is a key element of travel insurance, but it leaves a huge gap — all the time spent in the foreign country or countries.

Several international companies now offer comprehensive policies that combine medical coverage with travel needs such as replacing documents, travel delay insurance, and even liability insurance. Plans exist for every type of traveler, from sailors to students, from immigrants to families on long-term business assignments. There are even policies for global citizens who make travel a way of life.

Travelers should look into Bajaj Allianz travel insurance and other polices in order to find the exact policy that meets all of their travel needs so that they can focus on the travel and not worry about the potential problems.

Big Apple Landmarks

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One of the most fascinating cities in America, if not the world, is New York City. The Big Apple is tops with tourists, outranking all other cities in North America. They come for the food, for the energy, for the theater and performing arts. They come for the music, for the melting pot culture and for the exciting nightlife of the City that Never Sleeps. But more than that, they come for the many, many landmarks that mark the city’s — and the country’s — historical, societal, and cultural — milestones.

Oddly, a few of the city’s iconic landmarks are actually New York City hotels . The Plaza and the Waldorf Astoria have both played their role in symbolizing the uppercrust of New York. Today they stand as monuments to luxury and quality. The city is also home to several monuments to retail. Fifth Avenue is world famous for exclusive shopping. Tiffany’s, FAO Schwartz , and many other important merchants have their flagship stores in New York, many in Times Square.

Architectural landmarks in NYC range from the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building to Rockefeller Center , Madison Square Garden, and the under construction One World Trade Center. Other landmarks worth a stop during a trip to New York include the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, the United Nations, and Carnegie Hall.

Bright Nights in Vancouver

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Vancouver is a great place to visit, especially during the Holiday Season. Every year, millions of lights transform the city’s Stanley Park into a winter wonderland of light. While area families look forward to an annual trip to the event and some people even schedule their vacations to coincide with it, even business travelers staying in luxury Vancouver hotels can be transported back to childhood by a trip through the park on a crisp December night.

A holiday tradition for nearly twenty years, Bright Nights in Stanley Park runs from the day after Thanksgiving through New Year’s. This year’s official dates are November 26, 2010 to January 2, 2011. Access to Stanley Park is free and the Lights are on from 3pm – 10pm each night. Donations are accepted at the gate to benefit the BC Professional Fire Fighter’s Burn Fund .

The park’s miniature railway is decorated for the event and offers a unique ride through the lighted forest, an international village and Santa’s Workshop. Kids can also visit Santa’s Living Room, complete with Santa, at the Train Station. Purchasing a ticket for the train ride grants admission to the Children’s Farmyard, which is also brightly lit for the Season.

Oktoberfest Street Fair in Cambridge

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For 30 years residents, college students, and visitors from luxury hotels Boston have gathered in Harvard Square for the annual Oktoberfest Festival. The 31st Annual event will take place on Sunday, October 10th with a raindate of October 11th.

Organized by the Harvard Square Business Association this Oktoberfest street fair emphasizes culture, music, and food, rather than beer. Every year hundreds of vendors display artwork, vintage clothing, and jewelry from around the world as well as handcrafted local arts. Some booths resemble swap meets or yard sales which adds charm to the event. Area shops get into the act with sidewalk sales and special discounts and over thirty area restaurants set up stalls selling everything from fair food to international cuisines.

For the past few years Oktoberfest has paired with the HONK! Festival held the same weekend in nearby Davis Square. On Sunday, the HONK! bands parade to Harvard Square and then perform throughout the event. There are a total of six stages providing a variety of live entertainment in addition to HONK! acts.

Beaches and Theme Parks in San Diego

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San Diego is one of Southern California’s beautiful beach cities. And while there are certain stereotypical associations to beach towns, the main ones that are located along the coast in California also happen to be the state’s primary cultural centers. This is true for San Diego, and while there is definitely plenty of beautiful beaches and gorgeous Pacific Ocean waters there are also a tremendous amount of entertainment options, life performance venues and great cultural attractions. San Diego is also known for its commitment to the city’s professional sports teams. This is truly a California city that has it all, and the residents are more than willing to share their city’s beauty and cultural attractions with the guests in some of the best Sandiego hotels .

Sea World is one of the most popular places for tourists to visit while they’re in town, and this amazing marine park has a lot to offer children and adults alike. It is a great theme park that will introduce people to the dynamics of marine life. Boomer’s is another great place to take the entire family. There are numerous rides and games that will appeal to the child in all of us. From miniature race cars to miniature golf and water fun, the Boomer’s in San Diego is a favorite for residents and tourists alike. And while you’re visiting the great theme parks in San Diego you won’t want to miss Belmont Park , which is one of the best ways to have fun on the beach. Roller coasters and ice cream and entertainment are just a few aspects of this favorite park.

Haunted Historic Buildings in Boston

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With all of the historic landmarks and famous events that have occurred in Boston, it is really no wonder that some of these and other buildings have been reported to be haunted. Historical events and famous personalities are always a popular association to hauntings and Boston has more than its fair share of these. In fact, one of the popular city tours includes a walk through a haunted section of the city. The Haunted Boston Ghost Tours are a popular way to explore some of the landmarks and history of this city and regardless of your beliefs add an additional sense of thrill and wonder to the experience.

Some of the Boston hotels will make the list of haunted locations and a little bit of online research will help you to find them if that is your interest. Meanwhile, some of the more popular haunted sights in the city include The Berklee College of Music , which exists in a building that had at one time been a hotel that experienced a devastating fire. Many of the students report having seen images of some of the fire’s victims. The Pilot House on the Boston Waterfront served as a dormitory in the early 19th century. The first floor kitchen of this building is reported to be haunted by a woman. In addition strange noises of laughter and clinking glasses are frequently heard and doors will open and close on their own. These are just a few of the many places in Boston that have reported haunted occurrences.

New Opera in Vancouver

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Vancouver Opera proudly presents the world premiere of its new commissioned opera ‘Lillian Alling’ by Canada’s opera creation team: librettist John Murrell and composer John Estacio. Lillian Alling will run from October 16, 2010 to the 23rd. All performances are at 7:30pm at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre .

In 1927, a very young Lillian Alling arrives in New York City from Russia in a desperate search for a man named Jozef Penniless. Lillian walks across North America and into the wilds of Northwestern British Columbia, following Jozef’s elusive path. During her brave trek, she is embraced by a Norwegian farming community in North Dakota, she’s incarcerated in Oakalla Prison Farm near Vancouver, and loved by Scotty, a lineman along the British Columbia’s ‘telegraph trail’.

Lillian’s fierce determination and alluring mystery drives her into danger and forever changes the lives of everyone she meets. A cathartic scene on the banks of Skeena River reveals a shocking truth and brings Lillian face to face with her destiny. Her story will take you deep into the emotional heart of courage and love. The Vancouver Opera is based on a true story and legend.

If you’re planning a trip to Canada to see this world premiere, there are plenty of Vancouver hotels within walking distance from The Queen Elizabeth Theatre.

Beijing Turtles

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One of the best ways to someone’s heart is through the stomach, and one of the best ways into a culture is through its food. For some travelers, this can pose a bit of a dilemma, especially if there is a great curiosity for new things, but a squeamishness over the unknown. There are those who won’t try anything they don’t recognize, and for them, making choices is fairly easy. Those who like to dive into anything new will find a host of tasty adventures in Beijing.

Turtle soup, made from soft-shelled turtles , has been a favorite for many generations, but it’s also one to be a bit leery of, because the declining population suggests that this might be better left to swimming than eating. For those who are staying at a hotel in Beijing and really want to dip into the local culture, there are other forms where the turtle can be found.

In Chinese medicine, the turtle shell is used to nourish yin and subdue yang. It’s dried and ground up, and can be found as an herb in some of the local medicinal markets. These are fascinating places all on their own, and to truly understand the secrets here would take a few generations of travel, but well worth beginning.

The Gardens of Marrakech

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Marrakech is a city of wonders, just a few of these wonders come in the form of the beautiful botanical gardens that dot the city. These mini oasis are perfect for escaping the bustle of the market places and enjoying the temperate weather of the region. Even if you can’t make it to all of these marvels you should try to squeeze in time for a picnic at at least one of them. The fresh air in any of Marrakech Parks & Gardens make them the perfect place to visit whether you just want to walk among the plants for a few hours or spend the whole day.

In the city of Marrakech one of the most beautiful parks is Jardin Menara. This botanical wonderland is located near the airport and many Marrakech hotels making it easily accessible for both locals and visitors. Menara Gardens might just be be one of the most photographed monuments in whole Morocco.

The Jardin Majorelle is another superb garden; planned and laid out by the French painter Majorelle it is smaller but a popular tourist attraction due to the attached museum. Majorelle houses a stunning array of flora, from water gardens to a small bamboo forest. The Majorelle’s striking blue villa which is a museum of Islamic art.