Travel Tourist

Competitive Prices on Jet Plane Charter

admin — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 03:12:04 +0000

These days, different private services would be asked to improve their capability, in term of serving society. This utterance is includes the most essential feature for human being, that is, transportation. As you can see today, there are many form of transportation, each of which have brought an essence by way it can be recognized from a specific condition: deliver a person to particular destination as he wish. But the question is: what is the fastest form of transportation?

Well, the question can be answered by pointing a transportation service that provided by Viza Jet. The name bring out a consequence, especially considering the service that already provided by them. As we can recognize from its name, the main transportation form available to be obtained by clients is jet plane. The latter become one service that is recognized as the fastest form of transportation. And now, it appears in front of your eyes, and surely clients can choose any aircraft they want.

All jet planes of which can be hired from Viza is considered as alternative for those who seek for more value in term of economical prices. In this sense, the service able to offer private jet charter prices which are more competitive than the others. For the Citizen of UK, Viza is one that is too good to be denied.

Tourist Travel :Paris: 55 ways to save on your trip to Paris in 2012

admin — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 13:00:38 +0000

As we prepare for the summer travel season, we turn our attention to Paris, the world’s most visited city—and a city that remains quite Cheapo-friendly, if you follow some basic rules. Fortunately, EuroCheapo’s two fantastic Paris correspondents, Theadora Brack and Bryan

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As we prepare for the summer travel season, we turn our attention to Paris, the world’s most visited city—and a city that remains quite Cheapo-friendly, if you follow some basic rules. Fortunately, EuroCheapo’s two fantastic Paris correspondents, Theadora Brack and Bryan Pirolli, remind us of those rules in their weekly dispatches from the city.

We’ve just combed through their posts and have compiled this quick-and-easy guide to 55 ways to save euros in Paris this year. Enjoy the list—and add your own tips, comments and questions at the end!

How much will that second bag cost to check? Photo: Hoyasmeg

Getting There and Arriving

If you’re flying to France from the U.S. and haven’t bought your tickets yet, set up airfare alerts on Web sites like Airfarewatchdog.com. Let them “sniff out” airfare deals for your point of departure.

How many bags can you check on your flight without paying a fee? Two? One? The rules may have changed. Know your baggage allowance before you go.

Once you arrive in Paris, take the RER (regional train) or Roissybus from Charles de Gaulle to central Paris—never a taxi.

Free concerts are held most Sundays at the Eglise Saint-Merri. Photo: Spacejulien

Culture

Enjoy a free Sunday afternoon concert in churches around Paris. Pick up a Pariscope at any newsstand for listings.

During the summer, head to the 19th arrondissement to enjoy an open-air movie every night of the week (except Monday). You’ll get to hang out with locals AND it’s free! (Cinema en Plein Air)

Summertime classical and jazz concerts are only about €5 (or free) in the Bois de Vincennes during the “Classiques au Vert” series.

Score a last-minute ticket to the Comedie Francaise for less than €10. Just show up before showtime and see what’s left (and be flexible–your view may be partially obstructed).

Fill your bottles with spring water from a Wallace Fountain. Photo by Theadora Brack

Daily needs

Buy your water at the supermarket, never from a sidewalk vendor or the hotel.

When your water bottle runs out, fill it up with cool spring water at any of the city’s 108 historic “Wallace Fountains.”

Need to use the bathroom while out and about? Grab a coffee at a café’s counter and then head for the toilet. If the door is locked and it looks like it takes a token, ask at the bar for a “jeton.”

Day trips

Visiting Versailles? Get the “Passport” in advance and save money when visiting the palace, smaller buildings and the gardens. Plus, you get to jump the line, saving loads of time!

When visiting Versailles, pack a picnic lunch and enjoy it outside the gates, along the canal.

Consider other destinations for day trips, including Giverny, Rouen, Chartres and Reims—all reachable by train in under 1 hour 15 minutes and very affordable.

Grab a tasty (and cheap) baguette sandwich for lunch. Photo: Theadora Brack

Leaving Paris for another city several hours away? Choose wisely between trains and planes. Budget flights may look cheaper and faster, but extra charges can add up.

Food

Don’t get ripped off in touristy restaurants. Know what is “normal” to pay for everyday items, from coffee (€1-2) to a glass of wine (€4).

Don’t pay for “flat” water in restaurants. All restaurants are legally obliged to bring a carafe of water to your table.

When in a cafe, drink your coffee at the bar and pay about half what you’d be charged at a table.

Opt for Gérard Mulot over Ladurée macarons. They’re equally delicious and photogenic, and, according to many, tastier. Oh, and they’re quite a bit cheaper.

Grab a delicious, fresh and cheapo baguette sandwich for lunch at the boulangerie.

Enjoy a crepe as a snack or as a meal. Photo: Dream4akeem

Shop in Paris’ outdoor markets for fresh produce, snacks and lunch. Swing by before they close (usually in the afternoon) to find real deals.

For a cheap lunch, dinner, or late-night snack, grab a crêpe from one of these vendors—but make sure they make it on the spot.

For another cheap meal, eat a falafel, preferably from L’As du Falafel in the Marais.

Know—and love—Paris’ supermarkets. They’re a great resource for snacks, meals, and even souvenirs.

Cheap meals can also be had at flunch, a cafeteria-style restaurant with many locations in central Paris. (We concede, however, that not everyone loves a cafeteria as dearly as we do.)

Ask for a free map in the Metro. Photo: Anniemole

Getting around

Pick up a free Paris map at your hotel’s reception (usually sponsored by Galeries Lafayette or Printemps department stores).

Ask in the Metro for free Metro and bus maps.

When buying Metro tickets, buy a “carnet” of 10 tickets for €12.70, rather than single tickets for €1.70.

Step off the Metro and hop on a bike for (nearly) free using Paris’ Vélib’ bike-share program, now accessible to tourists with American credit cards. (If the machine won’t accept your card, book it online first.)

Taxis are a hassle: They’re expensive and can be very hard to hail at night. Be prepared to walk—or choose a central hotel. Never take a taxi from the airport.

Don’t rent a car in Paris. You’ll have to keep it parked, and garages are very expensive. Rent a car only for leaving town.

Health

Feeling sick? Before you go to a doctor, head into a pharmacy. They’re able to diagnose, prescribe and sell medication for minor illnesses, or point you to a nearby doctor.

Find a clean, central budget hotel, like the Hotel Saint-Andre-des-Arts, above.

Budget Hotels

Which kind of cheapo are you? Find a budget hotel that matches your personality (and budget).

Look for something central, compare rates, and choose your dates wisely. Here’s a list of our favorite cheap hotels.

For cheaper hotel rates, consider visiting Paris in August, when the business travelers are at the beach (along with the Parisians) and rates fall. June and July rates will be more expensive.

Don’t be confused by hotel star ratings—or think that more stars always means a “better” hotel. It could just mean that it doesn’t have an elevator.

Skip breakfast at the hotel—it’s probably overpriced and underwhelming. Head to a nearby cafe instead and enjoy a croissant and coffee at the bar. Or pick up something really fresh at a nearby bakery.

ATMs in Paris are convenient… and potentially really expensive. Photo: Nicolasnova

Money Matters

Know how much your bank will charge you to withdraw money from the ATM in Paris. It could be a flat fee (1-3%) a flat rate (-5), a combination, or nothing at all (rarely). Also ask your bank what you’ll be charged to use your debit and credit cards for purchases.

Don’t use currency desks to convert cash while traveling, except in emergencies. Even if they say “no fee,” you’ll be paying for it in really bad exchange rates.

Know when to leave a tip in Paris. No: Cafe, bar. Yes: Restaurant, taxi.

If you're serious about art, the Paris Museum Pass is a great deal.

Museums

Museums run by the city of Paris are free to visit and generally open every day except Monday. Here’s a list of free museums, plus some additional museums that offer discounts.

Buy a Paris Museum Pass and save on admission to 60 museums and monuments in and around Paris. Not only do you save on admission charges, but you’ll skip all those ticket lines. (2 days: €39; 4 days: €54; 6 days: €69)

Visit the Louvre at night on Wednesday and Fridays, when it’s cheaper, calmer and open until 10 p.m.

Safety

Avoid scams in Paris! Beware of bracelets at Sacre Coeur, dropped rings, and people asking you (and everyone else around) if you speak English.

Find unusual—and cheapo—souvenirs at a flea market. Photo: Theadora Brack

Shopping

Check out the high-end designers selling cheapo-friendly fashions at H&M and Monoprix.

Buy lingerie for bargain rates at the (sometimes hectic) Sympa stores in Montmartre.

To buy something memorable, head to the “friperies,” the second-hand shops selling amazing vintage clothing. It’s usually cheaper than new clothing and far more interesting.

Find a surprising souvenir at one of Paris’ flea-markets. Arrive early, go with a mission and carry cash.

Shop the “soldes”—the biannual sales held in almost every store in France. This summer’s “soldes” dates are June 27 – July 31, 2012.

It’s okay to buy wine at the supermarket.

Take a walking tour for the price of a tip. Photo: Wirewiping

Buy fun cheapo souvenirs, from vintage clothing to used books. For example, buy a bottle of Dijon mustard from the Maille store in the 8th arrondissement.

Sightseeing

Book your Eiffel Tower tickets in advance—and skip the ticket line. Book up to one day in advance of your trip. This may not save you any euros, but it will save you a lot of time!

Spend a summer afternoon leisurely sipping an aperitif at an outdoor café. It’s a cheapo-friendly way to pass the day.

Take a free walking tour given by knowledgeable guides who work only for a tip at the end.

Keep it in airplane mode! Photo: Jorge Quinteros

Staying in touch

Don’t pay for Wi-Fi anywhere. If your hotel doesn’t offer it for free, head to McDonald’s, Starbucks or any one of these places that offer free Wi-Fi in Paris.

If you’re visiting France from the U.S., put your iPhone or smartphone on “airplane mode.” Read our tips for how to set up your smartphone when you travel in Europe.

Your tips?

Do you have a tip to add to our list of ways to save money this summer in Paris? Share it with us in our comments section!

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Travel Tour :Madrid: Inexpensive and tasty restaurants in Chueca

admin — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 13:00:38 +0000

By Regina W Bryan— There’s a rivalry between Spain’s two largest cities, Barcelona and Madrid. From soccer—Real Madrid vs. Barça—to which city has better nightlife, there have been many a heated debate between locals from both sides. I live in Barcelona and love it here,

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By Regina W Bryan—

There’s a rivalry between Spain’s two largest cities, Barcelona and Madrid. From soccer—Real Madrid vs. Barça—to which city has better nightlife, there have been many a heated debate between locals from both sides.

I live in Barcelona and love it here, but I have to admit: Madrid is pretty cool! Every now and then I get over to Madrid and have a peek at its excellent museums and spirited nightlife. On a recent trip I took the AVE from Barcelona to Madrid, Spain’s fast train, and ended up eating some tasty meals in Chueca.

Here are a few of my favorites cheap eats in Madrid’s Chueca neighborhood:

Lunch Box Restaurant and Tiki Room
C/Barco 8 – Madrid
Tel: 915-233-364
Web site

Just around the corner from Madrid’s Gran Via metro stop in Chueca is this fun, creatively decorated, hip burger shack. I popped into Lunch Box with a couple friends who live in Madrid. We were one of two tables in there, but this was because of the time. By around 10:00 – 10:30 p.m. Lunch Box filled with locals who did not seem to mind that is was a “school night.”

Lunch Box does gourmet sandwiches and specialty burgers. Try the Eva Gardner veggie burger for €13 which is served on a sesame bun with a side of green salad and another side of fries. The portions at Lunch Box are big and toppings are bountiful. My friends had bacon burgers for about the same price and reported that they were toothsome. We also had the breaded, deep fried brie with jam as a starter for €7. Lunch Box is a good value for the quality and quantity of food.

Bufalino
C/ Puebla
28004 Madrid
Tel: 91-521-8031

Bufalino upholds the Spanish tradition of serving tapas with each drink you order. That is to say, if you order a beer the waiter will also bring you some chips or olives at no charge. I love this, and honestly who doesn’t appreciate a free snack? It’s very uncommon to get a free tapa in Barcelona, so Madrid gets some points in this category.

Anyhoo, Bufalino offers up a simple and inexpensive menu featuring large salads, baked goods, Spanish wines, pasta and other home-cooked dishes. What’s more the bartender/waitress was extremely friendly and accommodating, which goes a long way with me. This is the place to go for an easy lunch or dinner in Chueca.

Hanging out at El Apolo. Photo: El Apolo

El Apolo
C/ Barco 18
Web site

While in Madrid I roomed at the pocketbook-friendly Hostal Cibeles, which is probably one of the best deals for hotels in Madrid at the moment. The well-appointed, family-run hotel had it all, except for a restaurant.

Cibeles’ lack of food and beverage forced to El Apolo Cafe, directly across the street from the hotel. El Apolo Cafe is cozy and inexpensive and serves simple breakfast items in the morning (no eggs and bacon here) and cocktails in the evening. There’s a long bar and several mismatched tables around a eccentrically decorated living room where patrons sip cafes con leches over the paper. The front wall of windows looks out onto Calle Barco where I watched the world wake up while munching my morning croissant.

Is El Apolo a gay bar? Maybe. Certainly there are many gay bars in Chueca. But let me put it this way: whatever your persuasion, you’ll be happy at this friendly neighborhood bar. The only downside could be that it’s a small place and fills up quickly.

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Travel Tour :Paris: Shopping for vintage kitchenware at the Porte de Vanves flea market

admin — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 13:00:38 +0000

By Theadora Brack in Paris— Cuckoo for classic French dishes, pots and pans? Join the club! I, too, possess a mad penchant for collecting kitchenware from yesterday. Fret not, I’m okay! You’re okay! So where to find the beauties in Paris? I recommend trekking it to the Porte

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By Theadora Brack in Paris—

Cuckoo for classic French dishes, pots and pans? Join the club! I, too, possess a mad penchant for collecting kitchenware from yesterday. Fret not, I’m okay! You’re okay!

So where to find the beauties in Paris? I recommend trekking it to the Porte de Vanves flea market. I’ve been shopping here for over a decade because the wares are eclectic and the prices are affordable. Tip! Create a shopping wish list. Visualization will help you narrow your hunt while increasing your chances of finding the object of your cuisine dreams!

Setting the bar high.

Flashback!

Old French kitchenware has always been souvenir-worthy. In fact, an antique mortar and pestle was one of Julia Child’s first flea market purchases after she moved to Paris.

“The mortar was made of dark-gray marble, and was about the size and weight of a baptismal font,” she wrote. “One look at it, and I knew there was no question: I just had to have that set.” That very mortar and pestle, along with other kitchenware she brought back from France is now on display at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.

1. Vintage barware

Prepared to be bug-eyed at the market’s groovy mix of ice buckets, ashtrays, glasses, and bottle openers, all sporting logos of old-fashioned French bar favorites like Suze, Ricard, Pastis 51, and Picon.

Un peu de café?

Looking for something specific? I’d kick off the quest with dealers Danielle and Pierre Aurillon. They’re personable, and have been with the market for decades. Their booth is located just across from the soccer field. While browsing through their funky array of barware, don’t overlook the absinthe spoons, the tastevins (wine taster’s cups, recognizable by the bump in the middle) or the glazed wine pitchers.

2. Pots and Pans

Here at the flea market you’ll find a slew of Julia Child’s favorite (and highly coveted) Le Creuset cookware but drastically discounted compared to what it costs outside of France. Made to last forever, it hardly matters if it’s “used.” I’ve been able to find cast iron ovens, au gratin pans and chef skillets, along with enameled-iron sauce and sauté pans—all vintage and well loved.

Copper equipment will also seduce you. Feeling all Proustian, I’ve also picked up madeleine pans with their telltale shell-shaped molds. Is there such a thing as too many? Not in my book, and not in Proust’s either, apparently.

Le Creuset alert!

3. One dish, two dish

As you make your way through the flea market, keep your eyes peeled for classic crème brûlée ramekins, café au lait bowls, soup tureens (with handles) and escargot tongs, along with the little dimpled metal pans you cook the snails in. Quiche and soufflé dishes also rise to the top here. Don’t let minor chips and scratches keep you at bay. I firmly believe that yesteryear’s wear’n’tear adds value. “Everything has a history,” as Julia would say.

Currently I’m on the hunt for historical plates. Royally kitschy, they’re perfect for desert and salad, and they’ve never failed to ignite dinner party conversation. Collecting them like baseball cards, so far I’ve been able to find enough royals for everyone at a table of eight to have their own doppelganger from Versailles. Once I locate the Sun King, the world will be my oyster. Do let me know if you spot him!

Never too many Madeleine pans…

4. Flatware

If obsessively buying dozens of silver-plated knives, forks and spoons is wrong, I don’t want to be right. I’m hooked. Decked out in intricate Art Deco and Art Nouveau patterns, each one typically costs only one or two euros. Do they need to match? Not on my table. If you’re into a little tarnish and exquisite patina, well then, pull up a chair and start sorting. The “keepers” go to the left.

Tip: During your flea market jaunt, also keep your eyes open wide for other classic French table items like linens, breadbaskets cutting boards and cheese molds, not to mention pepper mills, candle stick holders, and wire baskets—the latter were once used for collecting (and rinsing) eggs or slinging salad lettuce dry. Soon you will be just a-swingin’, Cheapos!

Clipping from Julia, “Toujours Bon Appétit!” Happy hunting!

Elsewhere in our guide: If you’re also hunting for a great inexpensive place to stay during your trip to Paris, be sure to stop by our Paris hotel guide. You’ll find more than 100 recommended budget hotels, all visited, inspected and reviewed by our Paris-based correspondents. Read more in our Paris guide.

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Tourist Travel :Dublin: Tips for visiting the Dublin Zoo

admin — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 13:00:38 +0000

By Jessica Colley— You might not expect to see elephants, penguins, or giraffes during a trip to the Irish capital—but as it turns out, the zoo is one of Dublin’s most visited attractions. First opened in 1831, Dublin Zoo is one of the world’s oldest zoos and today is home

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By Jessica Colley—

You might not expect to see elephants, penguins, or giraffes during a trip to the Irish capital—but as it turns out, the zoo is one of Dublin’s most visited attractions.

First opened in 1831, Dublin Zoo is one of the world’s oldest zoos and today is home to over 600 animals, many of which are endangered. The zoo is located in Phoenix Park, outside of the city center, but is easily accessible by bus or the LUAS tram (plus a short walk).

The eyes have it… (Photo: Musical Photo Man)

Ready to see the African Savanna or witness a sea lion feeding? Here are some tips for visiting Dublin Zoo:

Planning a Visit
Web site

Dublin Zoo is open all year long, but opening hours vary depending on the season. Make the most of your admission ticket by arriving early—the zoo opens every day at 9:30 a.m. and the last admission is one hour before closing time.

Tickets can be booked in advance online (receive your e-ticket by e-mail and print it out). In advance of your visit, you might want to check the zoo’s Twitter feed for deals and current updates.

Who doesn't love an elephant? Photo: Sean MacEntee

Ticket costs

Adults: €15.50
Children age 3 – 16: €11
Children under 3: free
Family of 2 adults and 2 kids: €44.50

Daily talks and activities

Dublin Zoo is spread out over about 69 acres (28 hectares), a large enough size that a strategy for visiting is essential.

Begin with checking out the schedule for daily talks and feedings. You might only attend one or two of these daily talks, and looking at the schedule in advance will make sure you don’t miss the Chimpanzee Chat or Rhino feedings.

These daily activities can also help you map out your day at the zoo, directing what you see and when.

No vexing the animals! Photo: Mlle Peterson

Time for a snack

When it’s time to sit down for a snack, there are several options. One of the most fun is the Meerkat Restaurant, where inquisitive little meerkats watch your every bite.

For Cheapos who are pinching their euros, there are lawns and picnic tables where you can sit down for a picnic. On a sunny day, pick up some sandwiches or other picnic supplies while in the city center. The zoo map will easily direct you to picnic areas.

What to see

Every zoo visitor will have a list of favorite animals to see. From the baby piglets to the peacocks, the sea lions to the penguins, this zoo is full of interesting animals you can see up close and learn about too.

To help you narrow down what to see, check out the webcams on the zoo’s Web site prior to visiting.

Your zoo tips?

Do you have a tip for visiting the Dublin Zoo? Have you visited the Zoo? Tell us about your experience in the comments section.

Also in our guide: Planning a trip to Dublin and looking for an inexpensive place to sleep? Stop by our Dublin city guide, where you can read our reviews of the best affordable hotels in Dublin, all visited, inspected and reviewed by our editors.

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Travel Tour :Traditional music from Ireland

admin — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 13:00:38 +0000

I shot this video on Irish traditional music at the Brazen Head the oldest pub of Ireland. It is very good music.

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I shot this video on Irish traditional music at the Brazen Head the oldest pub of Ireland. It is very good music.

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Tourist Travel :Man Overboard on Gay Cruise Identified

admin — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 13:00:38 +0000

That man overboard, from the Atlantis Cruise, has now been identified as 30-year-old Kenneth John
Gemmell, a native of Bailieborough, Co Cavan, Ireland. Gemmell was a
flight attendant with UAE airlines stationed in Dubai.
In a statement, Royal Caribbean indicated that

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That man overboard, from the Atlantis Cruise, has now been identified as 30-year-old Kenneth John
Gemmell, a native of Bailieborough, Co Cavan, Ireland. Gemmell was a
flight attendant with UAE airlines stationed in Dubai.

In a statement, Royal Caribbean indicated that Gemmell was seen going overboard at 7:10 am local time and that fact was confirmed by surveillance cameras aboard the ship.

Edward Owen at The Examiner reports that the family is seeking information to bring some closure to their situation:

They are issuing an appeal to anyone on
board the ship who might have met Kenneth during the cruise, to touch
base with them. And they particularly would like to hear from the
person who witnessed him going overboard. The family has said they want
nothing more than to understand what drove their son, who had just
turned 30 last Tuesday, to this.

The family says that some
information has already come their way. One party told them that
Kenneth may have been arguing with a ship’s crew member (perhaps a
bartender) in one of the bars late Thursday night or early Friday
morning. They were also told that the crew member, a man they
understood was sharing a room with a Canadian citizen, left the ship in
Cozumel.

Because of the lack of information, a
family spokesman told examiner.com that some members of the family are
finding it hard to accept that Kenneth actually went overboard.

Anyone
who has information on this tragedy is asked to email Michael at
michael-at-mhynes.com. The family says they just want to know what
happened to their son.

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Tourist Travel :Finger Monkeys from The Rain Forest

admin — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 13:00:38 +0000

I just had a friend get back from a gay travel vacation to the Amazon rainforest by way of Brazil. A bit of geography trivia! The Amazon Rainforest also known in English as Amazonia or the Amazon Jungle, is a moist broadleaf forest that covers most of the Amazon

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I just had a friend get back from a gay travel vacation to the Amazon rainforest by way of Brazil. A bit of geography trivia! The Amazon Rainforest also known in English as Amazonia or the Amazon Jungle, is a moist broadleaf forest that covers most of the Amazon Basin of South America. It encompasses seven million square kilometers (1.7 billion acres), of which five and a half million square kilometers (1.4 billion acres) are covered by the rainforest. This region includes territory belonging to nine nations. The majority of the forest is contained within Brazil, with 60% of the rainforest, followed by Peru with 13%, Colombian Amazon with 10%, and with minor amounts in, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname and France (French Guiana). The Amazon represents over half of the planet’s remaining rainforests, and it comprises the largest and most species-rich tract of tropical rainforest in the world.My friend was telling my about these finger monkeys!! He took some photos – but his dud not turn out that great = so I found these to share. Finger monkeys are, as a matter of fact, pygmy marmosets.They are also known by the names “pocket monkey”and “tiny lion”.This cute little primate hugs and grips on to your finger so tight that it pulls your heartstrings andyou wish you could take it home with you.The finger monkey is the tiniest living primate in the world. It’s so small that it can hold on to your finger.These primates belong to the family Callitrichidae, species Cebuella and genus C. pygmaHow adorable?!

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Travel Tour :Berlin: 5 popular sights that can be tourist traps

admin — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 13:00:38 +0000

By Molly Hannon in Berlin— “A tourist trap is an establishment, or group of establishments, that has been created with the aim of attracting tourists and their money.” Wikipedia’s definition nails it on the head. Indeed, tourist traps aim to attract tourists—or

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By Molly Hannon in Berlin—

“A tourist trap is an establishment, or group of establishments, that has been created with the aim of attracting tourists and their money.” Wikipedia’s definition nails it on the head. Indeed, tourist traps aim to attract tourists—or to be exact, their wallets.

Although Berlin is renowned for its diversity, creativity, and rich (if complicated) history, there are a few places that can be worth skipping. Here are five places that are among the city’s most popular (and none of which was created as a “tourist trap”). However, each of these can also devolve into a waste of time. Know before you go—and spend your time (and euros) wisely!

Should you check out the Checkpoint? Photo: Poetwarrior2003

1. Alexanderplatz

Alexanderplatz might as well be called, “Anarchy Central.” Located in the city center, it is a tamer version of New York’s Time Square—minus the naked cowboy, but with bratwurst vendors and the Fernsehturm looming above instead. This part of Berlin is heavy with traffic, as it’s the main hub for the U-Bahn and buses shuttling to and from Tegel Airport.

Although it’s quite a sight, if you’re not keen on crowds nor a big shopper, skip the square (or “platz”) and head either to Mitte for some quality shopping, designer studios, and a row of great cafes and bars, or skip on over to Museum Island.

2. Checkpoint Charlie

Checkpoint Charlie, along with Glienicker Brücke (Glienicker Bridge), was the best-known border crossing during the Cold War. Today, the Checkpoint is more of symbol, an echo of the past whose historical and emotional resonance is its main appeal. The sight itself possesses little charm and is always crowded with the flashing of overzealous visitors’ cameras.

As it is one of the only border remnants of the pre-1988 days, history buffs may feel compelled to stop and pay homage to ole Charlie and its museum. Your history text book, however, could also suffice.

Professional posers at the Brandenburg Gate. Photo: Mark Turner

3. The characters around Brandenburger Tor

Brandenburg Gate is one of Berlin’s most important historical monuments and certainly deserves a visit. Visiting the Gate, along with the nearby embassies and the Adlon Kempinski Hotel, however, can be slightly disorientating. First there’s the Starbucks located across the street from it, the overeager cameramen “kindly” offering to take your picture, and the Mickey Mouse and Space Invader ready to pose with you. They all have one track minds focused on ripping you off.

If you can’t shake the hangers-on, seek solace in the Tiergarten (located across the street) or head to the nearby Holocaust Memorial—a sight well worth the visit.

4. East Side Gallery

History meets art at the East Side Gallery. One of Berlin’s most popular tourist attractions, the remaining panels of the Berlin Wall offers a 1.3 km-long outdoor gallery. However, it’s lost its luster in the past few years due to an expensive copyright controversy.

The art is nothing remarkable, although the gallery’s ability to blend art and history is still impressive. Either way, the canal is nearby and is a perfect spot for snagging a beer and enjoying a lazy Berlin day.

5. “Traditional” and “authentic” German meals

When it comes to food in Berlin these days, the words “authentic” and “traditional” are used so loosely that they have lost their real meaning. Keep this in mind when you are on the prowl for traditional German food. Berlin is home to people from 187 nations, giving it a unique international flavor of its own. Although currywurst is a true Berlin dish, a döner kebab is just as “authentic,” and I would say tastier and more filling.

The city does have, however, a heady mix of Bavarian-style restaurants and biergartens that do serve something close to authentic German food. Best to avoid the commercial ones near Alexanderplatz as they are overpriced and overcrowded, especially during the summer months. (Oddly, there is also an American-imported “Hooters” restaurant located inside the Tiegarten that I advise against.)

However, if you don’t mind paying a little extra cash for sub-par schnitzel and bratwursts stuffed in starchy rolls, then go for it. It may not be terribly authentic, but it can be tasty. Guten appetit!

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Travel Tourist :Columbus Ohio Celebrates 200 Years

admin — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 13:00:38 +0000

People who live in Columbus Ohio know it’s a great place to live! But the tourism board is working hard to prove to people it’s a great place to visit, too!We have done several articles on Columbus, since our visit last Spring. A new article in the Columbus Dispatch says what we discovered

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Article Content:
People who live in Columbus Ohio know it’s a great place to live! But the tourism board is working hard to prove to people it’s a great place to visit, too!We have done several articles on Columbus, since our visit last Spring. A new article in the Columbus Dispatch says what we discovered last Spring: During the past five years or so, Ohio’s capital city has been getting big props from major travel trendsetters.

“Lord knows, there are a million rankings, but we have been doing
really well with them lately,” said Scott Peacock, media-relations
manager at the Experience Columbus convention and visitors bureau. “I’d
say in the last two years, it’s really taken off.”

The high point was in August, when National Geographic’s
website named Columbus one of the 10 best fall destinations in the
world, alongside places such as Zanzibar and Dublin (the one in Ireland,
not the one along I-270).
Columbus turned the BIG 200 this year! There are events and happenings scheduled all year long!
You can also stop by their LGBT specific page for what to see and do.

Columbus Ohio is a highly recommended place to see and visit.

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