Wednesday 28 February 2018

Bask in the Bahamas

THE Bahamas is already well known as a romantic getaway with beaches, restaurants and endless attractions. It is also a haven for all things water sports and unique experiences like the famous swimming with the pigs, wading with gentle yet playful nurse sharks, and seeing the Exumas coral and iguanas.

Worldwide Boat, a full-service yacht charter company, has announced that the number one destination #boat #charters will be setting for during spring 2018 is the #Bahamas. With other destinations, like the Caribbean, being severely impacted by hurricanes last year, the vessels that would typically travel there are instead routing to the Bahamas as a welcome alternate.

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State of the art arrivals at Dubai International

THE inauguration of the new experience at arrivals at Dubai International Airport coincided with UAE’s Month of Innovation. The roll out of the latest generation of Automated Border Control SmartGates has gone live this month as part of a transformation program which aims at offering passengers a state-of-the art Border Control experience as well as enhancing the immigration security process.

The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) from #Dubai awarded the challenge to Emaratech and partner Vision-Box. This ground-breaking project includes the development, delivery and maintenance of a new generation of multimodal biometric passenger flow solution comprising 122 #SmartGates, deployed across all three Dubai International Airport terminals.

The SmartGates are able to expedite passenger clearance at Dubai Airports’ borders, offering a speedy self-service transaction by way of multi-biometric verification, sustained by passport, Emirates ID and SmartGate cards authentication.


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New world-class sporting event for London

BRITISH Athletics has confirmed that eight of the worlds top athletics nations will compete in the Athletics World Cup London 2018 this summer.

Following on from the success of London 2017 which saw the capital become the first city ever to stage both the World Para Athletics and IAAF World Athletics Championships in the same year, fans of the sport will once again see the best countries competing in the UK, in the greatest athletics stadium in the world.

Athletes from USA, Great Britain & Northern Ireland, Poland, China, Germany, France, Jamaica and South Africa will compete in the ground-breaking two-day event on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 July at the London Stadium.


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Tuesday 27 February 2018

On the runway . . .

THE launch of a new service to Shannon this summer will take the number of flights between Bristol Airport and #Ireland to an all-time high. Ryanair’s twice-weekly service to Ireland’s third busiest airport takes the total number of flights per week to more than 100, including routes to Dublin, Cork and Knock.

#Dublin remains the most popular destination served from Bristol Airport, with more than 418,000 passengers using the route in the last 12 months. Up to seven departures a day are operated by Ryanair and Aer Lingus, providing flexible flight options for business and leisure passengers. Aer Lingus also serves Cork daily, while Ryanair operates three flights a week to Knock, in the west of Ireland.


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Tips for a yacht charter in Turkey

THE Turquoise Coast is one of the top sailing destinations in the world, known for the richly hued and crystal clear waters, smooth pebble and white sand beaches and interesting mix of lively resort towns and quiet fishing villages. If you’ve decided to take spend your holidays in #sailing along the Turkish coast this year then you’re sure to have a fantastic experience but there are a few thing to bear in mind to get the most out of your #holiday and here are the top 5 tips.

Consider Your Options - There are a lot of options from private yacht charter to cabin charter and many reputable agencies to choose from. Private charters are usually for one week or more are ideal for groups who desire the freedom to roam the Mediterranean and Aegean sea. 


All Inclusive or Self Catering - You should check with your specific yachting agency but usually food and drinks are not included in the standard charter fee. 

Research your Route
- It’s a good idea to have a little background information on the area you’re planning to be sailing through and while your yachting agency will have recommendations and can point out the ‘top spots’, it’s also worth doing a your own research. 



Choose the Right Yacht - If you’ve ever strolled along the promenade in the harbours of Fethiye, Marmaris or Kas then you will know that #Turkey has no shortage of gulet sailing boats. Most have berths for 12 to 16 passengers although smaller and larger are also available, most also have sun beds, sound system, deck shower as well as cabins with ensuite bathrooms and some yachts are also fitted with air conditioning and equipped with fishing and snorkelling kits to use at your leisure.

Disconnect - By far the best way to enjoy your yacht charter in Turkey is by disconnecting from the stress and hassles of everyday life and engaging with the magnificent scenery of the Turquoise coast as well as enjoying the company of your fellow crew mates. 




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Picture Credit: pintrest

Portugal re-discovered

PORTUGAL is being re-discovered. The country ended last year with more than 15 billion euros in tourism revenue, which represents an increase of 23.6 percent over 2016, and a daily expenditure of 41 million euros. Tourism and travel revenues currently account for 10 percent of Portugal’s gross domestic product (GDP).

Both Lisbon and Porto are expanding to meet the increased demand with 61 new hotels and 23 remodeled hotels to be launched in 2018. Overall, Portugal’s two largest cities are expecting 4,770 new rooms, according to Association of Hoteliers of Portugal (AHP). In 2017, 44 new hotels were built in #Portugal, with a further 20 remodeled.


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Monday 26 February 2018

3rd Best Hotel for families in the UAE

THE Coral Beach Resort Sharjah won the 3rd place among the top 10 hotels for families in UAE by TripAdvisor. The award falls under the “Traveler’s Choice Awards” carried by the leading travel and tourism platform for the year 2018.

The Coral Beach Resort Sharjah recently underwent a complete refurbishment of rooms and facilities that has given it a brand new appeal. The deluxe resort is located on one of the emirate’s principal sand beaches and features a range of leisure activities for all ages, including the Rimal Club, state-of-the-art fitness center, children’s pool, indoor playroom and complimentary Kid’s Club as well as tennis (By Clark Francis Tennis Academy), badminton, volleyball and two outdoor swimming pools.


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Feather filled vacation


IF you have a passion for bird watching, then South Africa is the place you need to be at. There are various places where you can be to have a closer look at birds while being surrounded by natural beauties all around. 

Absolute #Birding Tours and #Safaris make such tours possible one of which is Groot Karoo Birding Safari. The Karoo is a massive chunk of central #SouthAfrica that is characterized by a dry climate and harsh landscapes. Vegetation is sparse, but curiously still home to an abundance of life.

While at Karoo National Park with them you can expect to see about 238 species of birds. The park boasts at least 20 pairs of breeding Verreaux’s Eagle. Many mammal species have been re-introduced over the years, including African Lion and Brown Hyena. Many farms bordering the park have also been bought and consolidated into the park. The park has great bungalow accommodation, a pool, restaurant and bird hides.


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Singles golf week

THAILAND'S famed holiday playground of #Pattaya will host a week of #golf, fun and entertainment for singles from 16 to 22 September 2018. Open to all singles, you don’t have to be off single figures, you just have to be single!

Australian based Go Golfing started hosting golfing get-togethers for singles more than 10 years ago. Founder, Peter McCarthy, arranged the events as an alternative to online dating or trying your luck in clubs and bars. The events were fun, social and classy and typically the majority of the singles were aged 30 to 55.

Now singles can bring their sense of fun and adventure and passion for golf to Pattaya, just 90 minutes’ drive from Bangkok. Pattaya is known worldwide as a holiday destination of amazing beauty, with sandy beaches, water sports, world-class golf, tantalising Thai cuisine, rooftop bars and exotic nightlife.

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Sunday 25 February 2018

Happy Sunday where ever you are . . .



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Saturday 24 February 2018

Bournemouth rated best beach in UK

BOURNEMOUTH Beach in Dorset is named the best-rated beach in the UK in the Travellers’ Choice awards for Beaches, announced today by TripAdvisor, the site that helps you find the latest reviews and lowest prices.

Not just a favourite in the UK, #Bournemouth #beach also celebrates the title of fifth best-rated in Europe and 14th in the world, ranking above beaches in locations world famous for their miles of golden sands and crystal clear waters, including the Seychelles, Australia, Turkey and Sicily. 

Bournemouth’s seven mile stretch of sandy beach has something to offer everyone with its traditional seaside attractions, famous beach huts for hire, water sports and stunning views of the Isle of Wight and the Purbecks. The bay also boasts its own micro-climate, giving it some of the warmest sea temperatures in the UK.

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Elegance above the Spanish Steps


THIS year, the iconic five-star Hotel Hassler Roma, located above the Spanish Steps with incomparable views of the city, marks its 125th anniversary. 

Owned by President and General Manager Roberto E. Wirth, fifth generation of a famous Swiss hotelier dynasty, the Hassler has continued its legacy as Rome’s five-star lodging of choice for the world’s elite and discerning travelers since 1893, having played host to everyone from Charlie Chaplin to George Clooney. The hotel acted as Eisenhower’s HQ during the war, the place that Audrey Hepburn called home while filming Roman Holiday, and the honeymoon spot for Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier.


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South Australia shines at tourism awards

TWO of South Australia’s superior regional tourism experiences have been crowned best in their categories at the 2017 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards in Perth. 

For the second year in a row The Frames has been awarded Australia’s best Self Contained Accommodation. Situated in the Riverland, The Frames offers three opulent and private residences, each exquisitely tailored with magnificent views over the Murray River. 

Adelaide Hills Convention Centre has been named Australia’s best Business Event Venue. Surrounded by scenic views of the beautiful Adelaide Hills, Adelaide Hills Convention Centre provides unique, world class business event facilities and services. 

In addition, eight South Australian #tourism businesses were awarded silver and bronze medals, representing their commitment to delivering exceptional tourism experiences. 

Silver – Calypso Star Charters – Tourist Attractions 
Silver – Murray River Walk – Ecotourism 
Silver – Yondah Beach House – Deluxe Accommodation 
Bronze – Santos Tourism Down Under – Major Festivals and Events 
Bronze – Calypso Star Charters – Adventure Tourism 
Bronze – Mulberry Lodge Country Retreat – Hosted Accommodation 
Bronze – Marree Hotel – Standard Accommodation 
Bronze – Barossa Valley Cheese Company – Excellence in Food Tourism 


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Friday 23 February 2018

Hawaii cruising guide

NORWEGIAN Cruise Line (NCL) has recently released its 2018/21 #Hawaii #Cruising Guide, featuring their award winning seven-day roundtrip cruise from Honolulu – Voted Best Hawaii Itinerary 13 years in a row by Porthole Cruise Magazine. 

The brochure includes departure dates every Saturday year-round from February 2018 – April 2021. NCL’s Hawaii Cruising Guide is a must-read for anyone wanting to visit the Aloha State – from the white sands of Diamond Head Beach in Honolulu and the nature trails in ‘Heavenly Hana’, through to the ancient sites of the city of Kona – the best parts of Hawaii are all on offer. 

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Sound waves on the beach



FORT
Lauderdale continues to prove itself as one of South Florida’s top music destinations with the release of the 2018 Friday Night Sound Waves artist lineup. Filling the gap between the area’s largest music festivals, Tortuga Music Festival in April and Riptide Music Festival in December, the 8-month long series brings together a community of locals and visitors from around the globe, every Friday night. Now in its 3rd year, the free concert series, which takes place steps from the sand and under swaying palm leaves, returns to their home on March 16, 2018 at 6:00 pm, at the self-proclaimed “Fort Lauderdale Beach Hub,” at Las Olas Boulevard and A1A.

Widely recognized not only for the quality of artists performing, but also the wide variety of music genres, the series attracts an equally diverse audience at the family-friendly, weekend starting event. Filling beach chairs and blankets, and lining the beach’s landmark wave wall, the area comes alive with music, smiles and dancing as the day goes from sunshine to moonlight.

Friday Night Sound Waves takes place every Friday night, March 16 through November 2 from 6:00pm – 9:00pm. The family-friendly event, sponsored in major part by the beach business community, is free to the public and open to all ages.

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Perth first Australian city to be served by Singapore Airlines’ new 787-10s

PERTH will become the first Australian destination to be served by Singapore Airlines’ new Boeing 787-10 fleet , with flights expected to commence in May 2018, subject to regulatory approvals. 

Singapore Airlines currently operates four daily flights to Perth from their Singapore hub with a mix of Boeing 777-200 and Airbus A330 aircraft, with the 787-10 to replace one of these services. The 787-10s will feature Singapore Airlines’ new regional cabin products and will seat 337 customers in two classes, with 36 Business Class and 301 Economy Class seats.


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Thursday 22 February 2018

Enthusiasm for Amsterdam and Rotterdam

DESPITE the significant political turmoil and uncertainty of late, it’s apparent on the travelholidayamsterdam.com website that vacationers are as enthusiastic as ever to get back to Amsterdam and Rotterdam this year. 

Vacation home rental bookings are up 11.3% over last year in the early booking season. This number reflects the regions of #Amsterdam includes bookings for the “shoulder seasons” of spring and fall as well as the high season summer weeks.


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Top Trumps

TRUMP International Hotel Washington, D.C. and Trump International Hotel & Tower Vancouver have been designated as Forbes Five-Star Hotels. It is unusual for two new hotels to achieve this prestigious recognition just after their first year of operation.

The Hotel Group is honored that these latest properties join the portfolio’s other Forbes Five-Star Hotels — Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago; Trump International Hotel & Tower New York and Trump International Hotel Waikiki.

Forbes Travel Guide, the global authority on luxury travel, sends anonymous professional inspectors around the world to assess hotels, restaurants and spas against up to 800 objective standards focused on service and facilities.


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Maldives Magic

BAROS Maldives has been named the Top Luxury Hotel in the World 2018 by the world’s largest travel site, TripAdvisor, in their annual Travelers’ Choice Awards. The resort was also acclaimed as being among the Top 25 hotels in the world for service and for romance. In addition, Baros Maldives won several regional awards including Top for Romance in Maldives as well as the Top Luxury Hotel in Asia.

#Baros was one of the first island resorts in #Maldives which was opened in 1973, and continues to progress in setting the benchmark for a romantic, luxury holiday with genuine, heartfelt Maldivian hospitality.

This Maldivian-owned small, lushly landscaped, private tropical island of 75 overwater and beachside garden villas, some with pools, with white sand beaches and circled by a vibrant, colourful reef set in a turquoise lagoon, is just 25 minutes by speedboat from the Maldives International Airport.

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Picture Credit: pintrest, Baros Maldives 

Wednesday 21 February 2018

Puppets on a stage

PUPPETS of every kind will take over the town at the 1st Annual Santa Barbara International PuppetPalooza from March 1-4. This four-day family focused festival will feature some of the world’s best puppet talent from across the globe. From giant puppets and toy puppets to hand puppets, shadow puppets, micro puppets and more.Children, families, and performing arts fans from across the country will look forward to this first-of-its-kind festival on the West Coast.

Be sure not to miss the headline performance, “Meet The Muppets and the Performers Who Make Them Great!” The Muppets—and the remarkable performers who bring them to life – will enthrall audiences with an evening of story-telling, interviews, exclusive footage, musical puppetry madness and improvised mayhem.



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Retreat to Ireland and run wild

RUN Wild Retreats + Wellness, a travel company providing premier women’s trail running and wellness retreats in five countries, has added #Ireland to its roster of 2018 #retreats. Taking place September 16-22, 2018 founder Elinor Fish will be teaching #trailrunning skills and wellness workshops throughout the itinerary.

Modeled after its popular international retreats in Iceland, Spain, Italy and the U.S., the Ireland Trail Running + Wellness Retreat offers women a week-long immersion in healthy running techniques while exploring the Emerald Isle’s forests, national parks, famous cliffs and moors.

Starting in Dublin, the retreat begins in the trail-running hub of County Wicklow, where they will experience the famous “Wicklow Way” and scenic trails surrounding the town of Glendalough. From there, they head to west to run along the iconic Cliffs of Moher before heading south to County Clare to run trails through the many wonders of Killarney National Park, such as Torc Waterfall and Esknamucky Glen.


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Thailand monitoring visits to popular islands

DESPITE recent reports that Southern Thailand’s famous Maya Beach will close for three months this year, in fact no decision to this effect has been made by Thai authorities. 

As Thailand grows in popularity with international visitors, the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation is constantly looking at ways to improve management of the Kingdom’s natural resources. Measures have been made in some areas to limit the number of boats permitted to visit popular islands such as Koh Phi Phi, and the Similan and Surin Islands, and it is something that continues to be monitored. 

The Thai Government is committed to promoting sustainable tourism development, with a focus on quality over quantity.

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Tuesday 20 February 2018

Taste Santo Domingo

 THE Dominican Republic's capital city’s most important culinary event , “Taste Santo Domingo,” has announced the Festival will be held from March 16-18 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Convention Centre, sponsored by the Ministry of Tourism, the Association of Hotels and Tourism of the Dominican Republic (ASONAHORES) and the Association of Hotels of #SantoDomingo.

This time around the event will share the Festival platform with “Hub Santo Domingo,” an important multi-sectorial business fair organized by the Chamber of Commerce and Production of Santo Domingo.

This popular annual #food fair brings together national and international representatives from this very important sector. The program will include exhibits of goods and services linked to the food industry, food tasting events and workshops led by chefs and food experts.


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National Geographic welcomes Hotel Husafell

AMID the gentle hills of West Iceland's Highlands, Hotel Husafell is within easy reach of glaciers, lava caves and Snæfellsnes National Park. Built conscientiously from sustainable design the hotel celebrates the wild and creative essence of Iceland.  

Now Hotel Husafell in West #Iceland is a proud new member of National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World, a collection of 57 handpicked #lodges that invite guests to experience the world’s most spectacular places while helping to protect them for generations to come.

The only 4-star resort dramatically located just steps away from Langjokull Glacier in West Iceland and surrounded by the region’s renowned attractions, Saga sites, highlands and nature inspired adventure activities, the hotel appeals to outdoor loving travelers seeking elegant surroundings. The resort-style property features 48 design-centric guestrooms, gourmet restaurant with glacier views, thermal spa, GEO certified golf course and hiking trails. Fully self-sustainable, the resort is powered by 100% clean, renewable energy produced on site.

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UK holiday makers set to opt for all-inclusive

A new research study highlighting the key consumer trends in the UK holiday market has been added to the vast repository of Market Research Hub (MRH). The report offers holistic analysis on major factors that are shaping the holiday market in the UK.

On account of the growing inflationary pressures, UK consumers are likely to opt for those deals that offer all-inclusive packages. The preference for all-inclusive deals is likely to increase during the summers, as a high percentage of consumers are expected to focus on reducing expenditure on foreign travel. The pressures on consumer spending are also likely to result into a preference for those destinations that are cheaper to visit.



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Monday 19 February 2018

At the airport . . .

TRAVELLING is one of life's great adventures, but it can also bring its fair share of headaches. Like getting a taxi that can be counted on to be clean, driven competently and coming along with a fair price. In Birmingham, England, Beaufort Airport Taxis Birmingham have all those areas covered the company recently announced the launch of their new website, designed to be even easier to navigate, find out information and book Birmingham taxi appointments online. 

They even offer a professional “meet and greet” service, where the driver will wait for their passenger holding a sign with their name making finding them as easy as possible.

Taxi transfer service is available from Birmingham Airport to all UK airports including Heathrow Airport, East Midlands Airport, Gatwick Airport, Manchester Airport, Luton Airport, and Stansted Airport.


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Transformational Travel in Africa

THIS year we won’t just be looking to make more meaningful connections when we travel, we’ll be opting for mind-altering experiences which allow for a deeper sense of introspection. Transformational travel is expected to be one of the biggest trends of 2018. 




















Lesotho and Swaziland are excelling when it comes to fusing cultural heritage, remote backdrops and local community tourism to create life changing holidays. Relatively undiscovered, both kingdoms are ideal for adventurers concerned about over-tourism, #Lesotho recently securing a place on CNN’s list of places that deserved more travellers. Slowly creeping up the popularity polls, Acacia Africa reported a ten fold increase in bookings for its camping overland tours going via #Swaziland and Lesotho in 2017, since launching tours to the destinations mid 2016. 

So why not try Acacia Africa's 46 day Southern Africa Explorer tour?  The overland itinerary includes a village visit to meet local shepherds near the Sani Pass (the gateway to Lesotho) and seasonal opportunities to participate in sheep shearing; an optional horse riding trek with the Basotho Herdsmen to the Botsoela Waterfall in Malealea (an impressive insta-worthy site), mountain bike safaris in Swaziland’s Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary and an Umphakatsi Cultural Experience with a Swazi village chief near the royal enclosure. A great year to visit the Kingdom of Swaziland - King Mswati III will celebrate his 50th birthday and the country will mark its 50th year of independence in 2018.
 

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US visitor numbers to Portugal rise in record year

PORTUGAL started 2017 with Travel + Leisure naming it the Editors Pick Destination of the Year. Tourism growth is a huge boost to the Portuguese economy, with economic growth near the top of the European Union and unemployment at a 9 year low. 

According to data from the Bank of #Portugal, in September 2017, revenues generated by tourism jumped 21.3 percent in September, reaching 1.6 billion euros. Revenue from US visitors was up 34 percent or the month over 2016.

The numbers are impressive so far. If in 2016 the total number of American visitors in Portugal was 391,125 with overnights of 910,751, by October 1, 2017 they had already hit 522,653 visitors with 1,196,923 of overnights, which is 34 percent higher than last year’s results and four times higher than just 10 years ago. The number of US travelers for October 2017 was up 44.2 percent over the same month in 2016.   


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Sunday 18 February 2018

Creatures of habit

BRITS are creatures of habits when they travel, a study has found. Almost half of travellers admit they always go through the same habits and rituals to ensure their journey and holiday goes to plan.

Fliers also follow the same routines when it comes to the time they arrive at the airport, the food and drink they consume and even going to the toilet before boarding. It also emerged that 72 per cent of Brits believe they are an organised traveller, while 20 per cent admit that although they usually get everywhere on time, and with everything they need, it is a little haphazard.

Researchers also found many travellers follow a set routine when boarding the plane with 52 per cent always going to the toilet beforehand, even if they don’t need to.

Half of British fliers will head to the gate as soon as it is announced, while 40 per cent will hold back to miss the rush, without leaving it until the last minute.

A daring one in twenty admit they won’t make a move to the gate until the ‘final call’ message is flashing up on screens.


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San Antonio celebrates Tricentennial in 2018

SAN ANTONIO makes National Geographic Traveller Best of the World List - San Antonio, which draws more than 34 million visitors a year, was one of three U.S. destinations listed. Also honored were Cleveland, Ohio, and Oahu, Hawaii.



















#sanantonio will be celebrating its 300th birthday throughout 2018. It has recently enjoyed a string of notable accolades, including recognition from Conde Nast Traveler, Fodor’s and Frommer’s, all naming the city as a must-visit #destination. In October, Travel + Leisure named San Antonio one of the friendliest communities in the country.

Already home to the only World Heritage Site in Texas, San Antonio also was honored earlier this month when UNESCO named it a Creative City of Gastronomy for its mix of culinary cultures. San Antonio is only the second U.S. city to receive this recognition.


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Robot to guide passengers in Munich Airport

SHE is 120 centimeters tall, with sparkling, round eyes and a pleasant voice, “Josie Pepper” the robot will be answering questions for passengers in Terminal 2. Whether they need directions to their gate or want to stop at a certain restaurant or shop – #JosiePepper will look them in the eyes and give them a prompt answer.

With the rollout of Josie Pepper, Munich Airport and Lufthansa are breaking new ground: It is the first-ever test of a humanoid #robot equipped with artificial intelligence at a German airport. For the next few weeks, Josie Pepper will welcome travelers to the non-public area of Terminal 2, which is jointly operated by Munich Airport and Lufthansa. In her initial deployment, Josie Pepper, who speaks English, will await passengers at the top of the ramp leading to the shuttle connecting the main terminal to the satellite building. This test phase will be used to show whether Josie Pepper is accepted by passengers.

Pepper was developed by the French company SoftBank Robotics. The lady robot was given the name “Josie” by the staff of Munich Airport and Lufthansa when she arrived at the airport.


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Saturday 17 February 2018

A most delicious Spanish city

MIMO, the pioneering food and travel company, announces its latest opening: Mimo Sevilla Cooking School. Visitors to Sevilla will be able to participate in a cooking experience unlike any other, right in the center of one of Spain’s most delicious cities.

Mimo Sevilla Cooking School sits poolside in the gardens of Sevilla's landmark hotel, Hotel Alfonso XIII, A Luxury Collection Hotel. The daily classes encompass the local cuisines of Andalucía, presenting their techniques and dishes in hands-on cooking classes of three and a half hours. The seven classes on offer for the first season are:

Tapas Cooking Class : The Classics
Tapas Cooking Class : Modern Stars
Michelin Star Cooking Class
Spanish Cooking Class
The Cuisine of Andalucía : Sevilla, Cadiz & Huelva
The Cuisine of Andalucía : Málaga, Granada & Córdoba
Moorish & Arabic Cooking Class

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Indonesia's most exotic destination



LOCATED in the furthest reaches of Indonesia's exotic far east, in West Papua, Raja Ampat is a series of islands famed for their remoteness, tropical beauty and unparalleled biological diversity. A big part of these island's allure is also the difficulty in getting there. It has always been just far enough out of reach to ensure that only well-heeled explorers, scientists or divers could go there. But times are changing. After the introduction of the archipelago’s first direct commercial flights in December 2016, it has become more convenient than ever to get there, and for lovers of remote adventures and tropical places, there may be no better place in Asia.

EXO Travel has two tours that streamline the process of getting there while highlighting the island’s incredible wonders. Our Stint in Raja Ampat (4 days, 3 nights) is the perfect add-on to tours in Java or Bali while our Raja Ampat Expedition is an immersive (7 days, 6 nights) journey by luxurious cruise boat through the island’s most spectacular offerings.


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What are you waiting for?

ST BARTHS (St Barthélemyas) is located in the Caribbean archipelago in the part occasionally referred to as the Lesser Antilles between St Maarten and Guadaloupe. Measuring only 9 sq. miles, this stunning island is surrounded by crystal clear waters and 16 white sandy beaches. #StBarts is renowned for its exclusivity and beautiful scenery and attracts a wealth of visitors looking for paradise.

The world-class independent rental platform; Haute Retreats is thrilled to be  launching of its new collection of villa rentals in St. Barts, the best jetsetter destination.The new collection of villas in St Barts is developed in response to travelers' rising demand for privacy, luxury, and independence in their holiday accommodations. The villa options range from luxury beachfront residences, to exclusive homes with spectacular ocean views.


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Picture Credit: pintrest