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The Spice Girls play on stage in London

February 3, 2010 //
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London is famous for its West End musicals, and over the past years their subject matter or theme has become more and more left-of- centre. We have seen ones based on spelling bees (The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee), one on a chat show host (Jerry Springer: The Opera), the only American ever to be convicted of cannibalism (Cannibal! The Musical) and another with nuns in drag (Nunsense A-Men!).

So it shouldn’t come as a surprise then that The Spice Girls, the all-girl, super-group of the nineties will also feature in a

London threatre

London threatre

musical. The show is being created by Mamma Mia! producer Judy Craymer who hopes to do the same with the Spice Girl’s catchy tunes as she did with those of ABBA; concoct a plot and put it to their music. You can see it working.

The West End theatre district of London is one of the city’s biggest attractions, and I would recommend booking well ahead for one of the newer shows. Saturday and Sunday matinees can often be cheaper and many restaurants in buzzing Soho, the neighborhood next to the theatre district, offer early, pre-theatre meals at great prices. Websites such as lastminute.com and www.discounttheatre.com are also a good resource for tickets. Whatever you do, never buy them from the ticket touts that often huddle outside the main entrance of the theatres.

Heading to London. Find London travel insurance to make your trip smooth.

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Categories Culture, Dance, London, Travel

5 Travel products for Xmas presents

November 9, 2009 //
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Yes, I know it it still only November. The thing is that in reality we are only 7 weeks from Christmas and before you know it, it will be time for buying those gifts. 5 ideas I have below:

1. Travel scales – might seem an odd gift. Many people though are finding that the excess charges airlines especially in Europe are now charing, mens that travel scales are worth buying. Lightweight ones specially designed can weigh tup to 30kg.

Xmas travel ideas

Xmas travel ideas

2. Travel: Where to Go When (Eyewitness Travel – is an excellent book and available from amazon.co.uk and amazon.com. Some great travel ideas and well written and a classic stocking filler.

3. Thermos Steel Travel Mug – One of these mugs can be incredibly handy and if you travel you can pack them filled with socks for example, to save space. Also great to have one in the car.

4. Travel Hair Dryer – If you are buying a gift for a lady, a travel hair dryer could be a great idea. Not every hotel has a hair dryer but just about every girl needs to use one.

5. Walletsafe – one of the nifty hich has many compartments and can be easily hidden as you travel is useful for all travellers.

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Categories Christmas, Shopping, Travel

Internet Travel Awards 2009

July 23, 2009 //
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It has been another fascinating year already in the travel industry with the recession, Ryanair thinking about adding standing room on their airplanes and with general travel trends such as the increasing influence of boutique hotels and vacation apartments. Several countries have also seen a rise in domestic tourism because of the recession.

With a very powerful and record breaking week though on UK and U.S. stock markets, all signs are positive for the economy.  Will there be a double-dip in the economy brought on by factors such as the bird flu? Will Ryanair start

Online Travel Awards

Online Travel Awards

offering passengers the choice to fly on the outside wings for a reduced fee and to save cabin space. A lot more could yet happen in the travel industry this year.

One thing which is now underway and is for sure for 2009 is the start of the annual Internet Travel Awards – known as ROWA (Rental Owner Website Awards). Accredited to the well known ‘Travel Guru’ Vanessa de Souza Lage (follow Vanessa online) the Awards are designed to reward excellence in the Travel Industry. You can learn more via the Travel Awards page online.

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Categories Travel, Uncategorized

Celebrate Buddha’s Birthday in Koh Samui Thailand

April 20, 2009 //
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Buddha’s Birthday is a major annual event which is held in Koh Samui Thailand. This festival is celebrated in more Buddhist countries such as Japan, Hong Kong and South Korea. It is an annual event which is held in May. This birthday is very important for the Thai people and is celebrated to commemorate the birthday of Buddha.

 

This massive birthday festival is also known as Vesak or Visakah Puja and is named after a month in the calendar of India. The Thai people celebrate this day on the first full moon in May. Besides the

Buddha attractions in Thailand.

Buddha attractions in Thailand.

commemoration of his birth, also the enlightenment and the death of this great saint will be celebrated. People make a lot of preparations to be able to celebrate this gala event. The Buddhist monasteries will be decorated with colorful flowers and bright lights. There are also special prayers and sermons where people discuss the life and teaching of saint Buddha.

 

Buddha’s Birthday is observed on the 15th of May. This day is used for processions which are held all over the island. These processions are mainly held at and around local temples. During this procession, people carry three incense sticks, flowers and a lighted candle. One person is required to walk in a clockwise direction around the temple. After that, the sermons will begin. Offices and schools are closed on this day because it is a major public holiday.

 

Tourists can participate this festival, so if you are planning to visit Koh Samui in May, this festival is a recommendation! There is no entrance price for this event!

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Categories Culture, Festivals, Thailand, Travel

Tuk Tuk Barcelona

February 28, 2009 //
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In Thailand you see them everywhere, these three wheel scooters but now they are also in Barcelona. The Dutch Joey Buter recently imported the Tuk Tuks straight from Thailand and finally got an approval from the Catalonian Government to drive around in these vehicles and transport tourists from one place to another.

So besides the traditional forms of transportation for tourists, like the tourist bus or the taxi, you can now also go by Tuk Tuk. For now the company only offers a city tour, Gaudi tour and a return to Tibidabo. If you are in Barcelona in March and decide to take the Tuk Tuk, there is a 15% discount for a ride.

You can learn more online from Tuk-Tuk.

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Categories Barcelona, Budget Travel, Culture, Spain, Travel

Travel tips for Domestic US

November 17, 2008 //
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If you are planning a trip to the US and feeling a bit overwhelmed with all the travel options once you arrive – here´s a few tips:

Air: If you are looking to cover a lot of ground in a hurry, then flying is the best bet. There are numerous low-budget carriers that cover a majority of the major hot-spots.

USA Train Travel

USA Train Travel

Train: Although the train networks are not nearly up to par as in Europe, the US system still provides a comfortable, affordable option for those with a bit more time. The popular routes are on the eastern corridor: Washington D.C. – Philadelphia – New York – Boston.
Amtrax.com

Car Rental: The epitome of the ´American experience´, driving a car across the US is like no other place. In this car-loving society, having a vehicle gives you tremendous freedom and ability to explore the heart of the country. Rates are available on a daily/weekly basis and many of the agents will drop the car off at your U.S. apartment rental.

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  • dollar.com
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Categories Budget Airlines, Budget Travel, Travel, US Budget flights, USA

Christmas activities in Berlin

November 4, 2008 //
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From the end of November until the end of December there are loads of Christmas activities in Berlin. Here is a short overview:

Weinachtsmarkt Mitte – This Weinachtsmarkt in Mitte is small, but very cozy. The Christmas stalls are built around a carousel and a Ferris wheel, so it seems more like you are in a cozy village located in gigantic Berlin. A train paves its way through the magical forest and along the giant Christmas tree.

Weinachtsmarkt Spandauer Altstadt – From cookware to homemade candles, you can find it all here! With around 150 stalls during the week and 450 during the weekend the emphasis lies on handmade

Potsdamer Platz

Potsdamer Platz

products. Also for children there are special events. They may, for example, pass on their Christmas wish list to Father Christmas.

Fairytale forest  on Alexander Platz – Especially for the young visitors to the Christmas market, there are 6 fairytale rooms and a 15 x 30 meter long ice-skating lane where you can rent skates.

Christmas Surprise on Potsdamer Platz – Of course an ice skating lane can’t be missing between all the Christmas markets. That is why the largest mobile ice lane in Berlin can be found on the Potsdamer Platz. Along the Potsdamer Strasse, near the ice skating lane are the traditional Christmas markets.

There are many more Christmas markets and activities all over  Berlin during this period.

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Categories Culture, Germany, Shopping, Travel

Surf, Sand and Souks in Essaouira, Morrocco

September 29, 2008 //
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“Ahhhh no….you just stepped right in it!“ Sure enough, I had planted my foot right in camel dung on the half-moon beach in Essaouria – giving my mate much laughter. The 5km beach located outside the ancient city walls, has activities for all sorts – from kite/wind/surfing, kayaking, horseback riding and yes…..camel rides.

I visited the wild and windy town on my visit to Morocco in July. After flying into Marrakech, we hired a car

Marrakech rentals

Marrakech rentals

and drove west for the coast through the barren desert until reaching the town along the Atlantic coast. The town was occupied by the Portuguese and still has traces of their architecture and design. The city is perched right along the rugged coastline and is walled by 10m ancient walls. Inside, the pedestrian-only streets come to life with numerous restaurants, shops, mosques and souks. Souks are the Moroccan´s version of the flea-market – heaps of vendors and buyers clustered in a small enclosed area offering anything one can imagine.

Our sole purpose for the visit was to go somewhere new and enjoy the sea. My mate, an avid surfer and myself a novice kiter; wanted a place where both of our interests could be satisfied. The long beach offers an array of surf breaks that kept my friend busy all day. There are numerous surf centers that give lessons, rent boards and all the above for windsurfing and kiting. I gave the kiting a try with mixed success. Much of the challenge was controlling the kite while avoiding the roaming camels along the beach. Quite a site!

In the late afternoon, the beaches fill with local families looking for a little relief from the extreme heat. The seductive vibes of the Gnawa music fills the air. Afterwards, looking for some relief, we went for a hamman bath where you come out never feeling so clean.

There are numerous holiday apartment located within the city for affordable rates. If you go during high season be sure to book well in advance.

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Categories Africa, Festivals, Morocco, Shopping, Travel

Flamenco in Seville

August 9, 2008 //
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Who doesn’t get overwhelmed by the Spanish temperament, and one of most passionate dance know to the world; Flamenco. It was last year during the summer when I went travelling to the south of Spain and made a visit to Seville where I saw for the first time Flamenco danced by true professionals. It is debated to what place may actually call themselves the birthplace of Flamenco, between Seville or Jerez. One thing is certain however, the roots originate from western Adalucia.

Flamenco as a wide range of styles and influenced by many music styles over the years. While some modern ones are: “Flamenco-Fusion” and “Flamenco Rock”, I will always prefer some of the traditional like: Alegrías, Bulerías, Malagueña and Sevillanas.

I decided to see my first flamenco show in the Tablao (Location where you can see a professional and choreographed flamenco shows) in El Arenal. The locations is a beautiful 17th century building, renovated, cozy, and a perfect place to enjoy the show while you are having dinner and/or drinks. I recommend it to everyone, as it will always be a great first impression.

Although the Flamenco history can be traced back hundreds of years, one thing is certain about its original form. The first form of Flamenco was only the voice, a primitive cry or chant to be accompanied by a rhythm that was beaten on the floor by a wooden staff or cane. Probably the oldest style knows is the Toña, what represent a family song. Later the flamenco can be made up in four elements: Voice, Dance, Guitar and the Jaleo which is hard to translate but it sort of means “hell raising”. With this is refered to the intense handclapping, foot stomping and the shouts during the dance. While I was watching the show everyone in the audience got really into it and began clapping along on the beat of the palmeros ( the professional that were clapping during the dance), and truly creates an amazing ambience and spectacle. One thing is for sure, I have to go back once to that wonderful and passionate place.

For vacation rentals in Spain you can try Holiday Velvet.

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Categories Barcelona, Culture, Dance, Spain, Travel

Honeymoon in the Bahamas

July 28, 2008 //
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After a wedding, once when finally the stressing kinship is gone and a lot of money was spend for a wedding party, hopefully considered as the best ever, there is nothing that the fresh married couple needs more than Holidays! So we too!

But where? For us it was not a hard decision. We wanted sun, beach, cocktails and did I mention SUN? ;)
“Vamos a las Bahamas!” We decided to start our 14 – day honeymoon in Harbour Island, continue with Long Island, Hope Town and fly back from Grand Bahama. It was a great time in which we could collect a lot of nice memories. Here some examples:

Weddings in Bahamas

The people there are predictably friendly and very religious: the Bahamas are full of churches, with Baptists being the largest single group. But this devotion does not prohibit the activities of visitors nor is it intended to. The inhabitants are influenced by a very “libertarian” attitude about personal morals.

One of the biggest events in the Bahamian calendar is the so called “Junkanoo”. It is a street carnival held on Boxing Day (December 26) and New Year’s Day (January 1). The Junkanoo communities are “rushing” through the streets of the cities, especially Nassau, wearing spectacular costumes of crepe paper and playing Junkanoo music, which combines African rhythms with loud brass and cowbells. Together it is like a medley that veers on cacophony but is perfectly dancable. The costumes, made from scratch every year, are laid down on the streets when the party ends as a present and a free souvenir to bring home!

To the beaches and the opportunity to get a nice sunburn I do not have much to explain. It is like it is: P-E-R-F-E-C-T! For Bahamas wedding accommodation there are many excellent venues available.

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Categories Bahamas, Travel, Tropical, Weddings
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