Train Travel In USA » Tours

See America First Series: #8 – Richmond and Salem

admin — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 13:11:52 +0000

Thinking about those pristine lakes in Richmond, Australia, where the trout run freely, and experienced and trusted fishing guides teach you no-fail tips and centuries-old fishing secrets? …or, for the kids, the “Zoodoo Park, where alpacas, bison, camels, llamas and miniature horses roam? Empty pockets right now? Why not visit Richmond, Virginia while you’re waiting. There you can feel the presence of Patrick Henry’s famous words, “Give me liberty or give me death,” at St. John’s Church.
Also, as the former capitol of the confederate states, Richmond is home to many museums and battlefields, including The Museum of the Confederacy, which once serve as the White House of the Confederacy.
Richmond’s neoclassical Union Station is a popular spot for visitors because of its beautiful architecture. It was designed by Beaux-Arts-trained John Russell Pope in 1919 and houses the Science Museum of Virginia.
For mystery buffs, Edgar Allen Poe wrote some of his works while he lived in the area, and many of his writings and other things from his life are in the museum bearing his name.
It is an experience, too, to stroll down “Monument Avenue”, where monuments include the Christopher Columbus monument and the Bill “Bojangles” Robinson monument as well as one honoring Virginians who died in World War II, along with several other war memorials. There is much to be seen along the riverfront, too, including a former Slave Trail.
For a peek into the theatrical past, you can visit the Byrd Theatre, a classical movie theater from the 1920’s era that now features second-run movies on a regular basis.
That legendary “southern hospitality” comes into play whenever visitors “stop by for a spell”.
Or perhaps you heard about the Yercaud Hills of Salem, India. The word “Salem” literally means “surrounded by hills”, and visitors won’t be disappointed. On the descent from the top of Yercaud, which is 1,600 feet high, many picturesque sights await the traveler, such as Kiliyur Falls. Can’t go right now? Why not visit Salem, Oregon, which has been designated “Tree City, USA” 30 years running by the National Arbor Day Foundation.
Salem’s dedication to urban forestry includes a major display of flowering cherry trees throughout the city as well as around the capitol – favorite spots for visitors seeking photographic mementos of their visits…
People from all over the world flock to Salem’s World Beat Festival, sponsored by the Salem Multicultural Institute, which features international crafts, music, dance, food and folklore from every continent and a traditional “Dragon Race”.
Also, Salem has 42 city parks, the largest having 898.9 acres, and one of the smallest in the world having a single Sequoia tree. For the kids, there is a toy museum and “discovery house”. There is so much more awaiting visitors – including a huge welcome.

Travel guide for Chicago, Illinois

admin — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 16:28:41 +0000

Chicago is famous for the Chicago Cubs; the Chicago Bears, Super Bowl Champs; the “EL,” fast transit elevated trains; the Art Institute; Lakeshore Drive, the Lake Michigan Shoreline Park and the Chicago Zoo. In addition, Chicago is home to Oprah Winfrey, Dr. Phil and President Barack Obama and his family. Perhaps you will be among those whose Activity Holidays will include the 2016 Olympic Games in Chicago.Chicago claims the title as the city with the best restaurant food in the land. It has always had the best ballpark hot dogs and is fast becoming the city with the best gourmet hot dogs. You can find great hot dogs at stands in downtown Chicago, the ballpark and local restaurants.Chicago has two main airports, O’Hare International Airport one the world’s busiest and Midway International Airport serving mainly domestic destinations. The Chicago Transit Authority provides buses, El trains, diesel electric buses, trolley cars, taxis and rental carsMaking travel arrangements Direct through Local Tour Operators, assures you get low airfares, accommodations and entrance tickets to events. Local Tour Operators plan Tours through groups and agencies charged with Direct planning of main events in the city. For travel arrangements contact Local Tour Operators. A 15.4%, hotel tax on accommodations maintains parks and public buildings while causing exorbitant prices in comparison to the rest of the country. Chicago is a convention town and convention goers receive reimbursement for expenses. There are owners in Chicago’s hospitality industry who believe cost is not important to visitors.Among the main attractions in Chicago are Sears Tower, the highest building in the world; Millennium Park; the Shedd Aquarium from 1930; Adler Planetarium; Astronomy Museum and Navy Pier. A Chicago CityPass lets you visit five different attractions including the Tommy Guns Garage Dinner, (a musical comedy including Gangsters, Flappers and you as participants); The Medieval Times Dinner with knights and a four- course meal; several bicycle Tours and trolley Hop on/Hop off Tours. You can attend the Oprah Winfrey show or visit Magnificent Mile, the high-end shopping district. Chicago offers Kid Friendly museums, Lincoln Park Zoo, Guy Getaways, festivals, parades, concerts and special events. Other attractions include Shoreline Drive; Boat Tours; Lakefront Cruises, the Wrigley Building, Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs and Harpo Studios. Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art; River North Gallery District; Oak Street Beach; The Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum and more. Restaurants abound in Chicago and there is more than one to suit everyone’s taste. Fast food restaurants and sit down restaurants offering Mexican, Italian, French, Chinese, Cuban, American cuisine and more. Whether you want casual, romantic or elegance personified, you will find it all in Chicago. Economy Tours can be fun-filled Activity Holidays. Travel savings add up when booking Activity Holidays through Local Tour Operators. Some Worldwide travelers suggest it is cheaper to book Tours through Local Tour Operators. Packaged Tours include the lowest airfares and accommodations for Activity Holidays. Chicago Tours offer fun-filled Activity Holidays visiting main attractions and events in Chicago.

UxÂ® Reinforces Position as Luxury Global Travel Brand

admin — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 14:32:09 +0000

LUXÂ® reinforces position as luxury global travel brand

LUXÂ® Travel is the first luxury travel brand in Vietnam, has announced plans for its first global marketing and expansion campaign.

The activity is part of plans to modernize the tour operator’s branding and ensure a consistent appearance in its marketing both online and offline. The forthcoming campaign will highlight LUXÂ®’s bespoke, luxury product offers and services.

LuxÂ® Vietnam(www.luxurytravelvietnam.com) targets the Australia and New NZ markets for this summer and a long run and dominates this luxury segment in these keys markets.

âVietnam remains a new destination for Aussies travelers, Lux aims to be the first tour operator promote luxury tourism to Australians holidaying in Vietnam and Indochina in the lap of luxuryâ said Pham Ha, Founder and CEO of Luxury Travel Company.

Luxury Travel Co., Ltd. (Vietnam) is a 100% fully registered and privately-owned Vietnamese company. It was founded by luxury travel specialists since the 1990s when Vietnam had just opened its doors to worldwide tourism.

The Luxury Travel Company is Vietnamâs first luxury tour company and full travel service agency. Luxury Travel is experienced in providing special services and unique tourism products to luxury global travelers.Â The companyâs depth of experience and large infrastructure enable it to create unique itineraries with the operational confidence to fulfill client expectations.

Luxury Travel Companyâs main business activities – luxury inbound/outbound operator, luxury adventures, custom tours, romance, wellness and spa, MICE, family travel and private travel arrangements for VIP stars, celebrities, Royal and Government clientele, private jet and yacht cruisesâ¦nothing is impossible in the whole luxury meaning.

Last year, the company served 10,000 satisfied customers. Among Luxury Travelâs clients are ambassadors, senators, Russian millionaires, CEOs and presidents of Oman Oil Company, royalty and Oman Royal Government ministers, French ministers, Deputy Prime Minister of Canadaâ¦and others.Â

LuxÂ® will open representative offices in Australia, the UK and USA this year added to its global campaign.

Travel,Study,Job Placement and Visa Services

admin — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 19:19:43 +0000

Travel,Study,Job Placement and Visa Services.Virginfield Tourism is a complete Travel & Tourism, Education, Human Resources Solutions,Job Placement, Visa and Immigration service-providing outfit headquartered in Portsmouth, United Kingdom. We are based in UK, South Africa, USA, Canada, Botswana and having overseas partners.Our services are below:Study AbroadFlight TrainingInternational Job PlacementVisa & Immigration ServicesCustomized Travel/Tour PackagesWe assure you 100 % assistance. For more information, visit www.virginfieldtourism.comVirginfield Tourism UK (A division of York Holdings Ltd)Durham Street, Portsmouth, WL4 1XB, EnglandTel: +44 703 174 7502 Tel: +44 703 174 7281 Fax: +44 700 609 1535Web: www.virginfieldtourism.com Email:info@virginfieldtourism.com

Where to Travel With Kids on a Budget

admin — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 12:19:23 +0000

Of course you can travel just about anywhere with your kids on a budget. Like any travel experience on a budget you need to research and plan well to make the most of your travel dollar. Many places, however, are family or kid friendly and will throw in added extras for the children. So whether you intend traveling at home or abroad, look for places that will cater to your family’s needs.

RV trips are a great way to travel on a budget. In fact, traveling with a car is almost essential for families. It is usually cheaper than buying rail passes or catching taxis everywhere. But more importantly, it gives you that ‘door to door’ freedom that is necessary when traveling with kids.

If you are traveling overseas, have you considered staying in a hostel with your family? This is a much cheaper option than staying in hotels and many hostels are family friendly and have no age limit (except in Bavaria where you can’t be older than twenty six). You can request a room with enough bunk beds to accommodate your family and you can cook your meals in the communal kitchen. Huge savings to be made!

In the USA there are many places to travel with your family on a budget. Consider these options:

1. Camping. The cheapest option around for any travel adventure. Many campsites have activities for kids and if you don’t like the idea of staying in a tent, many places have cabins to rent that are still cheaper than a hotel room. Camping gets you up close and personal with nature and gets the kids outside and running around.

2. What about spending some time at a Working Farm or Dude Ranch? Look around for reasonably priced holidays at these destinations and you will find plenty of activities and atmosphere for kids and adults alike.

3. Head to Disneyland in off peak season for big savings.

4. The same can be said for traveling to Hawaii. Check the packages available in low season and see how affordable it is.

5. You’ll also find some excellent deals in traveling to Mexico. Go for all-inclusive resorts, especially in the low season.

What about if you want to travel overseas? Where are some good places to take the kids on a budget?

* Although Australia is a long way away and can be a bit pricey to get there, it is a very child-friendly place with lots of cost saving adventures to be had for the kids. Australian off peak is different from North America so do some research.

* Europe can be done on a budget with kids. Pick your destinations with the kids in mind. Get them involved in your itinerary. Stay in hostels and travel by car. You’ll be amazed at how much you save and how much you see.

* Some island resorts are very child friendly. In Fiji there are resorts where children under twelve stay and eat for free. Do your research!

* How about a family cruise? Cruises are great because they are all-inclusive, cater for families and you get to explore lots of places. There are some good family package deals to be found with most cruise companies.

So get planning and get packed. Plan your family vacation and check out the deals available. Going off peak is the best way to save money. If you are going to take the kids out of school buy them a journal so they can record their experiences. It’s amazing how much they’ll learn by traveling with their family.

This article is brought to you by: Stuart S. Travel – Your Online Travel Guru

www.stuartstravel.com