Disney World hotels will soon be smoke-free! According to various media sources, visitors to Walt Disney World hotels will soon have to watch where they smoke. As of June 1, 2007 a new ban prohibits smoking in hotel rooms, balconies and all other public areas. Smokers may use special designated areas instead.
Will the move cause a drastic change? Not likely, according to an article in the Orlando Sentinel. Smokers comprise only four percent of Disney’s booked rooms. In fact, Disney is implementing the ban based on feedback from their customers.
Guests who try to sneak in a cigarette will find a cleaning fee of $250 - $500 USD tacked on to their bill to cover deep cleaning services and the replacement of items such as curtains and bedding. The article notes that it is unclear if smoking customers may gravitate towards other hotels on Disney property, such as the Hilton, which permit smoking.
May 31, 2007
May 28, 2007
A New King for Wallis? Don’t ask.
If you’re travelling to Wallis and Futuna before October, don’t ask the locals for information about their new ruler. Tomasi Kulimoetoke died in May after a long illness, prompting the Wallis’s chief minister to declare a six month period of mourning for the late monarch. According to Radio New Zealand International the topic of choosing a successor is considered to be off-limits during this period.
Tomasi Kulimoetoke signed a pact in 1961 to make Wallis and Futuna a French Overseas Territory. He ruled for over 35 years before passing away at the age of 88 years.
Tomasi Kulimoetoke signed a pact in 1961 to make Wallis and Futuna a French Overseas Territory. He ruled for over 35 years before passing away at the age of 88 years.
Pirates: Not just in the movies
Piracy is still a problem along coastlines around the world. How can you find out more information?
The International Chamber of Commerce’s Commercial Crime Services division publishes a Weekly Piracy Report that summarizes incidents reported to the International Marine Bureau (IMB). The IMB also publishes an online live piracy map that shows where attacks and attempted attacks have happened.
An interesting note: Piracy occurs more often in Indonesia and Somalia than in the Caribbean.
The International Chamber of Commerce’s Commercial Crime Services division publishes a Weekly Piracy Report that summarizes incidents reported to the International Marine Bureau (IMB). The IMB also publishes an online live piracy map that shows where attacks and attempted attacks have happened.
An interesting note: Piracy occurs more often in Indonesia and Somalia than in the Caribbean.
May 24, 2007
Who are the best tourists in the world?
Results of a survey conducted on behalf of Expedia point to some interesting trends in how tourists are perceived. Japanese tourists were elected the best tourists for being polite and tidy. The Swiss, praised for being quiet and considerate followed Americans who placed second.
The worst tourists? According to the survey, France tops the list followed by India, China and Russia. British tourists were elected the fifth worst due to their rude behaviour and noise. They were also voted the second worst dressed, topped only by the Americans in that category.
The survey reflects the opinions of 15,000 hoteliers in Europe, and the results are bound to ruffle a few international feathers.
The worst tourists? According to the survey, France tops the list followed by India, China and Russia. British tourists were elected the fifth worst due to their rude behaviour and noise. They were also voted the second worst dressed, topped only by the Americans in that category.
The survey reflects the opinions of 15,000 hoteliers in Europe, and the results are bound to ruffle a few international feathers.
May 22, 2007
No man’s island?
An island entirely free of men will soon be a reality in Iran.
Iran is looking to boost tourism in the Tehran-e Emrouz province. How? By banning men from Arezou (Wish) Island.
According to an article on Yahoo! News, officials plan to create a “female-only” island. The strict Islamic law in Iran forbids women and men mixing in public – segregation which officials argue protects rather than restricts women. The man-free island will be tourist destination for women, similar to the parks and sections of beaches reserved for their use only.
In addition, the article reports that all public transportation, restaurant and tourist facilities on the island will be staffed entirely by women.
Iran is looking to boost tourism in the Tehran-e Emrouz province. How? By banning men from Arezou (Wish) Island.
According to an article on Yahoo! News, officials plan to create a “female-only” island. The strict Islamic law in Iran forbids women and men mixing in public – segregation which officials argue protects rather than restricts women. The man-free island will be tourist destination for women, similar to the parks and sections of beaches reserved for their use only.
In addition, the article reports that all public transportation, restaurant and tourist facilities on the island will be staffed entirely by women.
May 18, 2007
A new tongue for Madagascar
Madagascar’s constitution and official languages are changing. According to a recent article in the Independent Online, Madagascar’s new constitution will bring many changes to the country. The six provinces will soon be abolished and replaced by twenty-two regions.
The new constitutional amendments will also affect the language in which government communications are carried out. English will be added as the third official language, alongside French and Malagasy
The new constitutional amendments will also affect the language in which government communications are carried out. English will be added as the third official language, alongside French and Malagasy
May 16, 2007
High stakes for gambling income
Who has usurped Las Vegas as the world’s top casino draw?
The numbers are in: the famous Las Vegas strip has some serious competition for international gambling income. According to NEWS.au.net, Macau (a Special Administrative Region of China) has now over taken the American city when it comes to gambling revenue.
The article reports that the 22 casinos is Macau generated more than USD$7 billion in revenue in 2006. The 40 casinos in Las Vegas fell short at USD$6.6 billion dollars.
Macau has been enjoying an increase in revenue since 2001 when the government ended the monopoly on casinos in the area and allowed foreign operators to set up shop. Relaxed travel restrictions since 1999 have also contributed to the area’s success.
But don’t feel too sorry for Vegas – the Las Vegas Sands company was one of the first to set up a casino in Macau (The Macau Sands), and they plan to open a new casino this year, the Venetian, which includes a 3000 room hotel.
The numbers are in: the famous Las Vegas strip has some serious competition for international gambling income. According to NEWS.au.net, Macau (a Special Administrative Region of China) has now over taken the American city when it comes to gambling revenue.
The article reports that the 22 casinos is Macau generated more than USD$7 billion in revenue in 2006. The 40 casinos in Las Vegas fell short at USD$6.6 billion dollars.
Macau has been enjoying an increase in revenue since 2001 when the government ended the monopoly on casinos in the area and allowed foreign operators to set up shop. Relaxed travel restrictions since 1999 have also contributed to the area’s success.
But don’t feel too sorry for Vegas – the Las Vegas Sands company was one of the first to set up a casino in Macau (The Macau Sands), and they plan to open a new casino this year, the Venetian, which includes a 3000 room hotel.
May 14, 2007
Stay off your cell phone – for now
Traveling in the U.S.? Don’t plan on making any calls during your flight.
Despite other airlines such as Qantas and Emirates Airlines lifting their bans on cellular phone use, travellers on U.S. airlines will still have to keep their mobile devices turned off. According to NEWS.com.au, the U.S. Federal Communication Commission (FCC) announced in April that it will not be lifting its ban anytime soon.
The reason: Lack of research and technical information to prove whether or not cell phones and other personal electronic devices have an affect on communications and navigational systems.
The article reports than while many travellers are frustrated with the news, others oppose lifting the ban because cell phone users could disturb other passengers.
Despite other airlines such as Qantas and Emirates Airlines lifting their bans on cellular phone use, travellers on U.S. airlines will still have to keep their mobile devices turned off. According to NEWS.com.au, the U.S. Federal Communication Commission (FCC) announced in April that it will not be lifting its ban anytime soon.
The reason: Lack of research and technical information to prove whether or not cell phones and other personal electronic devices have an affect on communications and navigational systems.
The article reports than while many travellers are frustrated with the news, others oppose lifting the ban because cell phone users could disturb other passengers.
May 7, 2007
Keep your shirt on in "the drawing room of Europe"
This year six stewards will be deployed to help improve the cleanliness and decorum in the Venice's famous St. Mark’s Square, according to an article in the New Zealand Herald. The stewards will “explain” to visitors why certain behaviours are not allowed rather than doling out fines.
The list of “don’ts” include taking off one’s shirt, eating, littering and taking a nap. Officials also hope to ban the sale of fast food to limit garbage and littering. Camping out on the steps of the basilica is already prohibited.
According the article, St. Mark’s Square is one of the world’s biggest tourist attractions Dubbed the “drawing room of Europe” by Napoleon, the square is bordered by the Grand Canal, St. Mark’s Basilica and Clocktower and the Doge’s Palace.
The list of “don’ts” include taking off one’s shirt, eating, littering and taking a nap. Officials also hope to ban the sale of fast food to limit garbage and littering. Camping out on the steps of the basilica is already prohibited.
According the article, St. Mark’s Square is one of the world’s biggest tourist attractions Dubbed the “drawing room of Europe” by Napoleon, the square is bordered by the Grand Canal, St. Mark’s Basilica and Clocktower and the Doge’s Palace.
The cost of a good night’s sleep
Where do you think the most expensive hotels in the world are located?
According to a recent article in the New Zealand Herald London, England is the most expensive place to spend the night in Europe. The July 2005 bombings and competitive rates offered through online booking websites can’t counteract the chronic shortage of beds and easy accessibility by air.
So just how expensive are the rooms? The article reports that rates for double rooms can get as high as 400 or 500 pounds, but the average cost is about 98 pounds (that’s almost $200 USD).
According the article, the world’s cheapest city for classy hotels is Bangkok. In Europe, the best rates can be found in Talinn, Estonia where travellers can spend up to ten nights for the price of one night in England.
According to a recent article in the New Zealand Herald London, England is the most expensive place to spend the night in Europe. The July 2005 bombings and competitive rates offered through online booking websites can’t counteract the chronic shortage of beds and easy accessibility by air.
So just how expensive are the rooms? The article reports that rates for double rooms can get as high as 400 or 500 pounds, but the average cost is about 98 pounds (that’s almost $200 USD).
According the article, the world’s cheapest city for classy hotels is Bangkok. In Europe, the best rates can be found in Talinn, Estonia where travellers can spend up to ten nights for the price of one night in England.
May 3, 2007
Party like it’s 1999… again
Is Ethiopia behind the times? It may appear that way to some people when they hear that the country is still counting down the days to the 21st century. However, according to an article from IOL Africa the country uses a variation of the old Julian calendar rather than the Gregorian calendar used in the West. By their reckoning, the new millennium will start on September 12, 2007.
Ethiopia plans to mark the occasion, and improve its international image, with large celebrations and events, including the opening of an academy for impoverished students.
Ethiopia plans to mark the occasion, and improve its international image, with large celebrations and events, including the opening of an academy for impoverished students.
Be self-sufficient parents in Cuba
Make sure your baby’s diaper bag is full before you travel to this popular vacation spot.
United Kingdom Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advice recommends parents make sure they are fully stocked with baby supplies before they leave for Cuba. The advice warns that essentials such as baby food and disposable diapers are hard to find in Havana and are usually unavailable in the rest of the country.
United Kingdom Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advice recommends parents make sure they are fully stocked with baby supplies before they leave for Cuba. The advice warns that essentials such as baby food and disposable diapers are hard to find in Havana and are usually unavailable in the rest of the country.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
