Get steamed up in Queensland

THE future is looking bright for one of Queensland’s most -loved tourism attractions, with the steam and diesel engines of the Mary Valley Rattler again chugging their way through some of the Sunshine Coast hinterland’s most picturesque countryside. 

After many years of extensive upgrades to existing track work and improvements to its fleet of historic steam and diesel locomotives and carriages – each with their own unique story – the heritage railway experience has been relaunched after an almost seven-year hiatus. 

At its peak, the Valley Rattler, as it was then known, played host to upwards of 30,000 passengers annually. Morning and afternoon services on the Mary Valley Rattler will now run three days per week on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays for a return journey from the historic Gympie or Amamoor stations via Dagun. 

Reputed to be the largest timber railway building owned by Queensland Rail during the 20th century, the historic Gympie station is the headquarters of the Mary Valley Rattler and arguably one of the most stylish and elaborate in the context of timber railway architecture.   


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Picture Credit: By Sue Allen, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org 51488514

Best online travel deals provider

TRAVELZOO, a global publisher of exclusive offers and experiences for members, has been named "Best Online Travel Deals Provider" by the prestigious British Travel Awards organisation for the 7th year in a row.

Just a few weeks previously, Travelzoo won another award in the UK. Travolution named Travelzoo "Best Travel Deals Publisher" at the 2018 Travolution Awards. Travolution is the UK's leading digital publication for the online travel industry. The Travolution Awards are decided by a panel of industry experts. This is the 4th consecutive year in which Travelzoo has been recognised with this award.

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The Gold Coast: A Lifesaver

THE Gold Coast will host lifesaving’s most prestigious event for the first time in 35 years – this week securing the rights to the 2024 Lifesaving World Championships. Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said the event would bring more than 5000 competitors from 50 countries to the Gold Coast over 17 days of competition.

Lifesaving World Championships – Fast Facts: 

- The Lifesaving World Championships were last held in Queensland in 1988,  

   hosted by the Gold Coast.
- The Championships are expected to attract more than 5,000 competitors from 

   approximately 50 countries.
- In addition, roughly 450 technical officials and 300 volunteers will be involved.
- More than 12,000 spectators and supporters are also anticipated to converge 

  on the Gold Coast across the duration of the event.
- The economic impact is estimated to exceed copy5 million.
- Competition will be split between Kurrawa Beach and the Gold Coast Aquatic 

  Centre.
- World Championship events include pool rescue, surf boats, inflatable rescue 

  boats, surf ski, board, surf swims, team events, beach sprints and flags, and 

  the ironman/woman.
- Age groups include Masters (30+ years), Open (19+ years) and Youth (15-18 

  years).

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Sail for Free

BOOK any seven-night Fiji cruise and receive three nights free with small ship cruise specialists, Captain Cook Cruises Fiji’s, annual ‘Three Nights Free Sail’. Offering savings of up to AUD$2100 per person this deal is on sale until 28 February 2019 with travel valid until 31 March 2020 including school holidays. 

Captain Cook Cruises Fiji’s seven-night itineraries include the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands cruise which departs every Tuesday and Saturday and the 4 Cultures Discovery cruise and Colonial Discovery cruise which depart once a month on alternate months.

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Counting the costs

INSURING a trip can save travelers from huge financial losses when the unexpected happens, but many take the risk rather than adding the expense of an insurance policy. Travel insurance comparison site, Squaremouth, shares 3 hacks to save money on a travel insurance policy, proving coverage doesn't need to come at a huge cost.

Insure Only Non-Refundable Trip Costs - Travelers insuring the cost of a trip can expect to spend 4-10% of their trip cost on a travel insurance policy, so it is important to remember: the lower the trip cost, the lower the premium.

To save from spending too much on a policy, travelers should only insure expenses they would lose if they are unable to travel as planned, such as airfare and hotel costs. For example, if a hotel requires travelers to pay a 50% penalty to cancel a hotel reservation, they should insure just that amount, rather than the full cost of the hotel.

Skip Cancel For Any Reason Coverage - While the Cancel For Any Reason upgrade can offer greater flexibility if a traveler needs to cancel their trip, it typically increases the cost of a policy by as much as 40% and only reimburses a portion of the trip cost. Since most common Trip Cancellation concerns are covered by standard cancellation policies, there is no reason for travelers to pay more for the benefit unless they have a unique concern that isn't otherwise covered.

Compare Your Options - The best way for travelers to find the least expensive policy that fits their needs is by shopping around and using a third-party comparison site, such as Squaremouth.com, to compare premiums and coverages. While policies typically have similar benefits, premiums vary widely depending on the insurance provider. Travelers who are offered a policy through their cruise line, airline, or credit card should compare it with other policies on the market to make sure they are getting the coverage they need at the lowest cost.


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Vienna at your fingertips

VISITORS to Vienna can now gain access to more than 60 of the city's most popular attractions, tours and museums directly via their smartphones with the newly launched mobile version of the popular #Vienna PASS sightseeing card (www.viennapass.com).

The mobile Vienna PASS places the best of the city at the visitor's fingertips and makes it possible to use the pass within seconds of purchase. An email booking confirmation contains a link to the free Vienna Guide app for iOS or Android devices, which acts as a platform to download the mobile pass. The Vienna PASS customer then simply scans the app's barcode straight from their smartphone to gain entry at a featured attraction.

The app also acts as a digital guidebook, containing full details on all Vienna PASS attractions as well as maps of the city and essential tourist information. Once downloaded, all of the app content including the mobile Vienna PASS is available without an internet connection.

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Up in the air . . .

HAWAIIAN Airlines and JetBlue today announced an expanded codeshare agreement that allows travelers from dozens of cities, most of them in the eastern U.S., to easily connect to the Hawaiian Islands via Boston's Logan International Airport (BOS) starting in April. 

A large number of Americans are using unsanctioned IDs to pass through airport security and board flights, according to survey of 1,000 Americans conducted by Wakefield Research for Acuant, a global provider of identity verification solutions.

Despite current security measures, 60 percent of Americans who have ever been to an airport report they have boarded a plane without proper identification. More than half (51 percent) passed through security using some form of ID that doesn't include a picture at all.

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Surprising and Inspiring Travel

THE publication of National Geographic Traveler magazines annual Best Trips issue, reveals its 28 must-see destinations and travel experiences for 2019. Together, Traveler editors and National Geographic Explorers have selected their top places to travel across four categories: Cities, Nature, Culture, and Adventure.

The year's Best Trips list is relevant, surprising and inspiring, highlighting a globe-spanning mix of destinations from the Peruvian Amazon to Kansas City, Missouri.

National Geographic's Best Trips destinations for 2019 are:

CITIES

Dakar, Senegal
Salvador, Brazil
Kansas City, Missouri
Toronto, Canada
Matera, Italy
Perth, Australia
Mexico City, Mexico

NATURE

Peruvian Amazon
Montenegro
Belize
Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique
South Walton County, Florida
Fanjingshan, China
Tahiti, French Polynesia

CULTURE

Cairo, Egypt
Hoang Lien Son, Vietnam
Galway, Ireland
Bauhaus Trail, Germany
Oakland, California
Vervey, Switzerland
Dordogne, France

ADVENTURE

Greenland
Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness, New Mexico
Isla de los Estados, Argentina
Macedonia
Canterbury Region, New Zealand
Caño Cristales River, Colombia
Oman

The December/January 2019 issue of Traveler magazine, is now available on newsstands and online at NatGeoTravel.com/BestTrips2019.


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10 Most Pet Friendly Airports in the US

FOR those who travel through airports with pets, finding terminals to accommodate these special travelers can be a stressful event. New federal regulations requires each airport that serves over 10,000 passengers a year must maintain pet relief stations, to provide for service animals of all types. The Upgraded Points study evaluated these larger airports and their current facilities.

1. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

2. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

3. Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)

4. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

5. Minneapolis St.Paul International Airport (MSP)

6. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)

7. Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO)

8. Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL)

9. Denver International Airport (DEN)

10. Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport (DFW)

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Farewell to Iconic Boeing 767

BRITISH Airways today bids farewell to one of the most iconic aircraft in its fleet, the Boeing 767. The airline’s final two 767s are being retired to St Athan in Wales after the last commercial flight – Larnaca in Cyprus to Heathrow – took place yesterday. 

Since British Airways operated its first 767 in February 1990 on a short hop to Paris, the fleet of aircraft have completed over 425,000 commercial flights. Frankfurt was the route where enthusiasts could spot the 767 most frequently, with the aircraft completing nearly 15,000 flights to and from the airport, but the aircraft has also been used to serve routes from Abu Dhabi, to Calgary and New York. While it was initially used for long-haul, in recent years it has been reconfigured for use on short-haul, including to Athens and Larnaca as well as on some domestic routes.

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Extending visa services for the Netherlands

THE Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands has awarded VFS Global the global tender to provide visa services in eight out of nine regions worldwide. Under this new mandate, VFS Global will significantly extend its operations on behalf of the Kingdom of the Netherlands across the world.

VFS Global will operate for the Netherlands government in Africa, North America, Central and South America, Asia and Pacific, Eastern Europe, in the Middle East, in Western Europe; and in India.

VFS Global has worked with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands since 2006 and under the new contract will provide Schengen visa services, Caribbean visa services, long stay national visas, Dutch Travel Documents and Civic Integration Exams.


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Gatwick to Budapest with Wizz Air

WIZZ Air has announced the launch of a new route from London Gatwick to Budapest.

This new Gatwick connection to Hungary’s capital will see Wizz Air increase its presence at London’s second busiest airport, where it already operates flights three times daily to the Romanian capital of Bucharest.

Beginning on March 31st, the new flights will run daily, bringing a low-fare travel option for passengers travelling from the south London hub.

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Solar Eclipse on Pitcairn Island

THE Pitcairn Islands are a group of four islands in the southern Pacific Ocean that comprise the last remaining British Overseas Territory in the Pacific. Only Pitcairn Island, the second largest, is inhabited. Located halfway between New Zealand and Peru, with a lush and fertile climate, Pitcairn has a colourful history. 

Following their application to be a Dark Sky Sanctuary and recently announced new shipping service, Pitcairn Islands Tourism has today launched an exclusive tour to celebrate the Total Solar Eclipse which will pass over the Pitcairn Islands in July 2019. 

The 18-night/19-day tour includes 11 days cruising around the remote Pitcairn Islands, the world’s 3rd largest marine reserve, visiting UNESCO World Heritage listed Henderson Island, Oeno Island to view the Solar Eclipse and a 4 day stay on Pitcairn Island, home of the descendants of the HMAV Bounty mutineers since 1790. Pre and post stopovers in Tahiti are also included. This once in a lifetime opportunity is only available to 10 guests and is being escorted by distinguished astronomer, Emeritus Professor John Hearnshaw from New Zealand’s University of Canterbury.

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Premium Line at the Top

HOLLAND America Line took home five Porthole Cruise Magazine's 2018 Readers' Choice Awards. Readers from Porthole, one of the world's leading consumer cruise travel publications, recognized Holland America Line in areas that covered everything from top shoreside experiences to onboard facilities.

Holland America Line won in the categories of Best Shore Excursions, Best Private Island for Half Moon Cay, Most Eco-Friendly Line, Best Medical Facilities and Best Facilities for Guests with Disabilities.

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Rising above Pulau Melaca

SITTING atop the 14th floor of a 30-story development, this first-of-its-kind waterpark combines ultramodern innovation on a new reclaimed foreshore of Melaca, a UNESCO city, which already makes the area a tourist draw with its rich heritage and cultural attractions currently with 16.5 million tourists per year..

Splash World Theme Park is part of an ambitious, US$198 million project being built off the coast of Pulau Melaka, Malaysia, by Hatten Group. Designed as a unique holiday destination for the entire family, Splash World comprises multiple entertainment options on a tropical, manmade island in a strategically located city just three hours' drive from Singapore and two hours from Kuala Lumpur. The building itself - shaped like a towering, giant cruise ship - pays homage to the area's historical beginnings as a port city.

Eleven of the rides at Splash World are extreme waterslides offering breathtaking speeds and sharp, sudden curves. The total length of all slides combined is more than 1 km with more than 2,000 square meters of leisure river alone that flow at 3 km per hour and include a wave ball and torrent river for added adrenaline excitement.

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Picture Credit: spettacolopuro 24113168@N03/3873746187 standing tall.. via photopin

Fly into Abu Dhabi F1 in style

WHY drive when you can fly in style to the Abu Dhabi F1 this weekend? Book your helicopter shuttle transfer between Dubai and Abu Dhabi from the 23rd till 25th November with FLYHIGH Dubai Helicopter Services by Alpha Destination Management. 

The service is available every hour from 8am till 2am. If travellers would like to fly to the heart of YAS Island to beat the traffic jams, then they can opt for the most exclusive and rapid helicopter service in the UAE: less than 30 minutes trip to reach the destination enjoying the stunning aerial views of Dubai.

Prices start at AED 2900 per person per way. Below are the rates per 1 way, inclusive of 5% VAT. All prices include free transfers from YAS Links to Yas Marina Circuit and free beverages at Atlantis The Palm Helipad.

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Dragoman Overland Guide wins top award!

A leader for Dragoman Overland since 2013, Julie Gabbott has received the top award at Wanderlust magazine's 13th World Guide Awards. 

Julie who guides for Dragoman in their iconic orange overland trucks which go all over the Americas, Africa and Asia; taking the road less travelled and getting away from the tourist trail share their mantra of "it's the journey, not just the destination".

Julie is planning on splitting her winning bursary of £5,000 between Zara Charity in Tanzania (which works towards powering schools for Maasai children) and a charity supporting female victims of genital mutilation in Sierra Leone.

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Visa related reforms welcomed for South Africa

A number of visa-related reforms which will make it easier for tourists, business people and academia to come to South Africa have recently been announced.

“It was agreed by Cabinet that visa requirements should be simplified for China and India. On 1 October 2018, #SouthAfrica will therefore implement an agreement on simplification of visa requirements with China in order to attract larger numbers of tourists, business people and family members from this country.” stated Minister Hanekom, The Minister of Home Affairs.

He also announced that negotiations for Visa Waiver Agreements are being finalised with a number of countries. These are mainly in Africa and the Middle East and include Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, São Tomé and Príncipe, Tunisia, Saharawi-Arab Democratic Republic, Ghana, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, State of Palestine, Iran, Lebanon, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Belarus, Georgia, and Cuba.

The move towards an e-visa system is at an advanced stage and it will be piloted in New Zealand by April 2019. This will significantly enhance efficiency in the issuing of visas to tourists and business people visiting South Africa. The New Zealand pilot will enable government to improve on any challenges so that it can be rolled out to other countries.

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Africa's Best New Hotel

LITTLE Machaba Camp has been voted Africa’s Best New Hotel , the winners of the Boutique Hotel Awards 2018 were announced on 8 November 2018 at a prestigious ceremony at the Merchant Taylors’ Hall, London, which brought together an array of boutique hotel owners, travel and lifestyle press and travel industry influencers from all four corners of the globe.

Little Machaba is an intimate camp in Botswana’s Okavango Delta with just 4 spacious safari tents overlooking the Khwai River and plains beyond which are frequented by elephants. Little Machaba is ideal for romantic travellers, honeymoon couples, or those who prefer a more private safari experience.


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The Great West Way

A new bookable, multi-modal touring route from London to Bristol, designed to bring more tourism to the region, has been declared open. The Great West Way was declared officially open November 5 at the world’s biggest travel trade show, World Travel Market.

Funded by the UK Government’s Discover England Fund, this new bookable touring route encompasses a 500-mile network of road, rail, river, canal and paths from London to Bristol and has been brought to market by over 300 local tourism businesses and 23 Official Tour Operators.

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Luxury hotel Shanghai Wonderland opens

SHANGHAI Wonderland is a luxury hotel masterfully built into the side wall of a formerly abandoned quarry in Southwestern Shanghai. Stretching 88 metres underground, the hotel was nominated as one of the architectural wonders of the world by the National Geographic Channel’s MegaStructures series due to its pioneering architectural design.

The new-build InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland combines the brand’s signature luxury with revolutionary design at a wonderfully unique location, creating an unprecedented experience. Located at Sheshan Mountain Range, this new hotel is mostly subterranean, with two floors above ground and 16 below ground, including two floors underwater. 

Individually designed to best reflect both modern elegance and the unique features of the quarry’s landscape, all 336 rooms and suites provide ample, luxury living spaces with spectacular views of waterfalls and the surrounding cliffs. 

The stunning underwater loft offers two awe-inspiring levels: the landing deck at water level houses the outdoor terrace and living room, whilst the underwater bedrooms are encased within a turquoise aquarium where guests will be surrounded by the schools of fish that swim by.

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A holiday tradition not to be missed

HAILED as a “venerable holiday tradition” performed with “an exultant spirit that came from the heart” by The Chicago Tribune, The Apollo Chorus' rendition of Händel’s Messiah has been performed every December since 1879—a track record unmatched by other choral organizations.

One of the most renowned musical organizations in the nation, The Apollo Chorus of Chicago, celebrates the 139th anniversary of its annual presentation of Händel’s Messiah with two performances on Saturday, December 15 at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, December 16 at 2:00 p.m. at the Harris Theater for Music & Dance, 205 E. Randolph Dr., #Chicago.



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Lucky Thirteen

THIRTEEN giraffes have been released in the Majete Wildlife Reserve in #Malawi, African Parks and Giraffe Conservation Foundation announced on Monday, 19 November. Nine are from South Africa and have traveled 2,500 km by road in one of the longest such transfers. These giraffes and four others already living in Malawi represent a new population for Majete and Malawi . The introduction boosts biodiversity on the reserve while helping tourism to strengthen the already emerging conservation-minded economy and support community development.

Although southern Africa has a strong giraffe population, there is little in Malawi; this transfer brings the number of national giraffes to just over 30. Overall, giraffe populations have fallen in recent decades, with habitat loss, civil unrest and illegal hunting reducing the animal population of the country. Africa with less than 100,000 animals. This introduction comes at a crucial time: November 14, the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) announced that several subspecies of giraffes are severely threatened. The transfer of the giraffe from South Africa to Majete aims to establish a viable population that will support giraffe conservation in the region.

It's also a new chapter in Majete's story. Since 2003, African Parks has been managing Majete in partnership with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife of Malawi (DNPW), whose collaborative efforts are a national achievement.


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Grab a travel bargain

TRAVEL site Expedia.com for the first time is offering up to 50 percent off flights in addition to amazing hotel coupons including an extra 75 percent off online and 90 percent off redeemable in the Expedia App, plus more great discounts on packages and activities during its annual Black Friday and Cyber Monday sale.

Expedia's biggest travel sale of the year officially kicks off Friday, November 23 at 9:00 a.m. PST and runs through 11:59 p.m. PST on Cyber Monday.

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New hotel brand targeting millennials

A leading Japanese hospitality company headquartered in Tokyo, has announced the launch of "Tavinos," a new hotel brand aimed at adventure-seeking millennials and like-minded travelers from around the world.

According to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), the number of international visitors to #Japan has increased in recent years, hitting a record high in 2017. Fujita Kanko is adding this brand to their portfolio of 70+ well-established properties to target international visitors and millennials, a fast-growing, yet relatively untapped segment for the company.

With a state-of-the-art blending of design, space, and technology, the company is positioning Tavinos as a sleek hub for international visitors to meet fellow travelers, gather local information, and have fun during their travels.

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Panoramic views from the heart of Bangkok

THAILAND'S highest 360-degree observation deck and rooftop bar at 314 meters high, offering spectacular panoramic views of the city from Thailand's tallest building. The new premium attraction opened its doors to the public on 16 November 2018. 

Located on the 74th, 75th and 78th floor of the King Power Mahanakhon Building, highlights of the indoor and outdoor observation deck include one of the world's largest glass tray floors, Thailand's highest Rooftop Bar, and Thailand's fastest video-themed elevators -- which allows visitors to ascend to the 74th floor in 50 seconds.

Situated in the heart of Bangkok's central business district and directly connected to Chong Nonsi BTS station, the attraction is to become a global landmark destination.

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Symphony of the Seas debuts at PortMiami

ROYAL Caribbean International’s Symphony of the Seas has made her highly anticipated debut to the cruise capital of the world, #Miami. Fresh from her inaugural Europe season, the world’s largest and most adventure-packed ship sailed into her permanent, year-round home at Royal Caribbean’s brand new, state-of-the-art Terminal A at PortMiami, the largest #cruise terminal in the U.S.

The ultimate family ship, Symphony of the Seas will sail year-round seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries from Miami beginning Nov. 17, and will add visits to the cruise line’s highly anticipated private island in The Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay, when it launches in May 2019.

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The NightGarden

THE first ever NightGarden makes its debut this holiday season to transform Miami's Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden into an illuminated wonderland at night. Locals, visitors and guests of all ages can journey through spectacular lighting displays, awe-inspiring special effects, motion-sensing technology, illuminated mazes, state-of-the-art outdoor holograms, sculptures and more unbelievable surprises around every corner. The experience opens to the public on Nov. 23 and runs through Jan. 6, 2019.

The captivating experience will span 23 acres at Fairchild, featuring a collection of highly-interactive landscapes augmented by spectacular 360-degree lighting, illusions and special effects. Highlights of The NightGarden include talking trees, illuminated mazes, engaging scavenger hunts, a whimsical fairyland and growing dandelion field, among other supernatural surprises.



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No hassles, no lay overs, direct to Kenya from the U.S.

KENYA'S National Airliner Kenya Airways launched its direct flights from Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on 28th October, 2018 to New York John F. Kennedy Airport. This new route is intended to open up the 2 vibrant economies.

Travel from the USA to #Kenya will only be 15 hours or there about with no connection hassles, no lay overs and stop overs. Trade and investment, Horticulture, Technology and Tourism are the most key sectors that are likely to benefit from the introduction of this route.

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The World's largest observation wheel

SINCE Ain Dubai, the world’s largest observation wheel, first made its appearance off the coast of #Dubai Marina, it has captured the imagination of the city. Making its presence felt, this new landmark-in-the-making has drawn attention to Bluewaters, the island #destination by Meraas that has opened its doors to visitors.

For visitors keen to get up-close to Ain Dubai and marvel at the spectacular engineering feat that forms the destination’s centrepiece, Bluewaters will provide access to awe-inspiring sights at its base. 

At 250 metres, it is taller than the 167-metre High Roller in Las Vegas and the 190-metre New York Wheel planned for Staten Island. Ain Dubai will carry up to 1,400 passengers at a time in its 48 double-glazed capsules, offering unforgettable 360-degree views of Dubai. Each leg of the observation wheel stands at a height of 126 metres and is long enough to fit 15 London buses.

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To go or not to go . . .

TRAVEL is more than movement, greater than sightseeing. It opens our minds and keeps us alive – through the good and the bad. The transformative power of travel is the main theme of the 2019 Go List and No List unveiled today by Fodor's Travel, the leading name in travel recommendations for over 80 years.

Together, the lists provide comprehensive expert travel guidance for 2019, highlighting can't-miss spots that should be on every traveler's radar while identifying places to skip in the upcoming year.

This year's Go List includes destinations to suit every taste, trip length and budget – from the natural peaks of Bears Ears National Monument to the manmade peaks of Kuala Lumpur; from the bustling metropolis of Lagos, Nigeria, to the quiet refuge of Japan's Seto Inland Sea. This year, Fodor's editors paid special attention to those destinations recovering from the hardship of hurricanes: Puerto Rico, Key West, and St. Martin.

Last year, Fodor's editors expanded the Go List to 52 destinations from its traditional list of 25 destinations. The change proved so popular with the Fodor's audience that Fodor's editors have made the change permanent, meaning the 2019 Go List again comprises 52 destinations – one for each week of the year. www.fodors.com/GoList2019 

The highly cited Fodor's Travel No List enters its third year of surfacing destinations that should be avoided due to political, environmental, or social concerns. Seven locations make up this year's 2019 No List, including Acapulco, Ibiza, and Thailand's Maya Beach. 

Subsets of this year's No List include "Places That Don't Want You To Visit," which includes destinations that are overwhelmed by their own tourism industry and hoping tourists stay away. www.fodors.com/NoList2019


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Up in the air . . .

IN October 2018, the Lufthansa Group airlines welcomed around 13.2 million passengers. This shows an increase of nine percent compared to the previous year’s month. The available seat kilometres were up 8.9 percent over the previous year, at the same time, sales increased by 9.4 percent.

The Network Airlines including Lufthansa German Airlines, SWISS and Austrian Airlines carried around 9.6 million passengers in October – 7.4 percent more than in the prior-year period. The strongest passenger growth of the network airlines was recorded at Vienna hub followed by Zurich.

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Hotel news from around the world

THE Ritz-Carlton, Bali has been honored with a prestigious World Luxury Hotel Award. The acclaimed beachfront luxury resort in #Bali was named as the Best Family Resort in the Region at a gala event in Bali on 10th November 2018.

Established in 2006, The World Luxury Hotel Awards are the pinnacle of achievement in the high-end hotel market, offering international recognition to hotels around the globe, as voted for by guests, travelers and industry players. Over 300,000 international travelers make their selection each year.

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Seven Reasons to go on a Blind Date with the World

THE world travel championship, known as The Global Scavenger Hunt, will take place between April 12 and May 4, 2019. It may be the best travel adventure of 2019. Here’s seven reasons why:

1. A $50,000 winner-take-all cash prize awaits the world travel championship winners.

2. Adventurous Indiana Jones-types will not only circumnavigate the globe but take A Blind Date with the World visiting 10 mysteriously secret far-flung exotic countries.

3. The Global Scavenger Hunt is all about authentic, participatory and challenging site-doing, not passive sight-seeing.

4. This travel adventure competition crowns The World’s Greatest Travelers.

5. For 23-days travelers escape their daily grinds, living outside their comfort zones learning to trust strangers in strange lands.

6. This “Amazing Race for real people” tests their mettle and travel IQ against other great international travelers in a real-life adventure.

7. Imagine…a daily series of micro-adventures, from sunrise to sunset, that checks off priceless bucket list-worthy experiences creating thrillionaires out of its participants on a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Event participation open—but limited; the $25,000 per team entry fee includes: all international airfare, First Class hotels, 40% of meals, and special event travel gear. All travelers are interviewed for suitability and single travelers are welcome to apply. 

GlobalScavengerHunt.com

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