Travelling to Jamaica? Confirm your costs before you go.
Planning a trip to Jamaica this winter to beat the cold? It may cost more than you think. According to recent travel advice and media reports, hotels in Jamaica will be adding an “occupancy surcharge” of USD$10 per night per room. Following suit with many cruise companies and other travel service providers, hotels are implementing the surcharge to cover the rising costs of fuel.
What can you do about it? Unfortunately, not much – The Jamaica Hotels and Tourist Association (JHTA) supports the move. Currently, organizations such as the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) are warning hotels against the surcharge on the grounds it could damage tourism.
What do to if you’ve planned a trip: A recent article on TravelMole notes that not all hotels and resorts will implement the surcharge and will instead focus on energy conservation. A recent update to the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advice for Jamaica recommends that travellers confirm the costs of their accommodations ahead of time to avoid any misunderstandings.
For the latest news and advice, see our Jamaica Travel Advisory page.
Showing posts with label destinations. Show all posts
Showing posts with label destinations. Show all posts
December 13, 2007
November 8, 2007
Tibet: Getting there is half the battle
Why are tourists flocking to Tibet in record numbers? More than three millions people have visited Tibet – setting new records and drastically increasing the influx of tourist dollars, according to a recent article on Australia news source news.com.au.
The reason? A new railway and airport. The Qinghai-Tibet Railway opened in July 2006, bringing with it more international visitors as well as domestic travellers. The area now has three airports – soon be four – with flights rising by 20% over the summer.
However, not everyone is happy about this new influx of people. Activists worry that tourism and new businesses could affect Tibet’s distinctive Buddhist culture.
China expects visitors to Tibet to increase to six million per year by 2010.
The reason? A new railway and airport. The Qinghai-Tibet Railway opened in July 2006, bringing with it more international visitors as well as domestic travellers. The area now has three airports – soon be four – with flights rising by 20% over the summer.
However, not everyone is happy about this new influx of people. Activists worry that tourism and new businesses could affect Tibet’s distinctive Buddhist culture.
China expects visitors to Tibet to increase to six million per year by 2010.
November 5, 2007
City set in stone to be first new wonder
Following its election to the New Seven Wonders of the World, Jordan’s Petra was chosen as the first to be officially inaugurated, according to an article on People’s Daily Online. The city, carved into sandstone and dating back over 2000 years, was once the capital of the Nabataean Arabs who controlled trade routes spanning parts of the Middle East.
The title means more to Jordan than just a plaque. Officials are committed to the preservation and promotion of the site. The honour will boost awareness and help to combat negative perceptions of the country and area.
The official inauguration will take place during a ceremony this coming December.
The title means more to Jordan than just a plaque. Officials are committed to the preservation and promotion of the site. The honour will boost awareness and help to combat negative perceptions of the country and area.
The official inauguration will take place during a ceremony this coming December.
October 25, 2007
Get a little French culture – for free?
A new pilot program may be a hit with budget-minded travellers.
According to an article on Expatica.com, starting January 1, 2008 fourteen museums and chateaux -- including the Cluny Museum of Mediaeval Art and Guimet Museum of Asian Arts – will offer free entry for a period of six months. The pilot project aims to make museums and cultural treasures more accessible to the public.
The article also notes that cultural heavy-weights like the Louvre, the Musee d'Orsay and the Pompidou modern art museum will participate – offering free admission to 18 to 25 year olds one night of the week.
While the article doesn’t specifically address whether the offer is open to tourists, the prospect of free admission is certainly worth a look for budget travellers.
According to an article on Expatica.com, starting January 1, 2008 fourteen museums and chateaux -- including the Cluny Museum of Mediaeval Art and Guimet Museum of Asian Arts – will offer free entry for a period of six months. The pilot project aims to make museums and cultural treasures more accessible to the public.
The article also notes that cultural heavy-weights like the Louvre, the Musee d'Orsay and the Pompidou modern art museum will participate – offering free admission to 18 to 25 year olds one night of the week.
While the article doesn’t specifically address whether the offer is open to tourists, the prospect of free admission is certainly worth a look for budget travellers.
October 22, 2007
Feasts, festivities and death
Mexico’s Dia de los Muertos differs from its counterparts Halloween and All Souls’ Day.
Unlike the more sombre All Souls’ Day – a Christian holiday to commemorate the dead –Mexico’s La Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a joyous celebration of death and rebirth. Many people build altars to deceased loved ones, featuring flowers, bright coloured streamers and offerings of food, as well as tending to and decorating the graves. While many of the themes are the same as Halloween – featuring costumes, skulls, bones and sweets – this holiday is a combination of Christian and indigenous (rather than Pagan).
If you’re in Mexico for this holiday, look for special treats such as sugar skulls and pan de muerto (bread of the dead) – but remember the spirits get first choice of the feast.
For more information and photos, see Mary J. Andrade’s website Dave of the Dead in Mexico at www.dayofthedead.com.
Unlike the more sombre All Souls’ Day – a Christian holiday to commemorate the dead –Mexico’s La Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a joyous celebration of death and rebirth. Many people build altars to deceased loved ones, featuring flowers, bright coloured streamers and offerings of food, as well as tending to and decorating the graves. While many of the themes are the same as Halloween – featuring costumes, skulls, bones and sweets – this holiday is a combination of Christian and indigenous (rather than Pagan).
If you’re in Mexico for this holiday, look for special treats such as sugar skulls and pan de muerto (bread of the dead) – but remember the spirits get first choice of the feast.
For more information and photos, see Mary J. Andrade’s website Dave of the Dead in Mexico at www.dayofthedead.com.
July 26, 2007
Hey, where is everyone?
In France, the locals take holidays in August. How can this affect your plans?
Traditionally, August is the time of year when the French take their vacations. In fact, some people even take the entire month off, leaving businesses and government offices running with a small staff.
If you’re willing to brave the heat and expensive airfare and lodging costs, there can be many benefits to traveling in France this time of year. There are numerous festivals and events occurring, and some attractions may be less busy and stay open for longer hours. However, some areas may be even more crowded with domestic tourists, and closures can leave you disappointed.
Do a little research when planning your trip to compensate for the pitfalls and take advantage of interesting opportunities. About.com has a section specifically on France and Paris Travel in August.
Traditionally, August is the time of year when the French take their vacations. In fact, some people even take the entire month off, leaving businesses and government offices running with a small staff.
If you’re willing to brave the heat and expensive airfare and lodging costs, there can be many benefits to traveling in France this time of year. There are numerous festivals and events occurring, and some attractions may be less busy and stay open for longer hours. However, some areas may be even more crowded with domestic tourists, and closures can leave you disappointed.
Do a little research when planning your trip to compensate for the pitfalls and take advantage of interesting opportunities. About.com has a section specifically on France and Paris Travel in August.
July 7, 2007
New 7 Wonders -- as voted by you
Who made the final cut?
After a lengthy international competition, the New7Wonders foundation announced voters' choices for the New 7 Wonders of the World. From 77 nominees, 21 finalists were chosen through an international vote via the phone, the website and SMS messaging. The results were announced on July 7, 2007.
The New 7 Wonders are:
After a lengthy international competition, the New7Wonders foundation announced voters' choices for the New 7 Wonders of the World. From 77 nominees, 21 finalists were chosen through an international vote via the phone, the website and SMS messaging. The results were announced on July 7, 2007.
The New 7 Wonders are:
- Chichén Itzá, Mexico
- Christ Redeemer, Brazil
- The Great Wall, China
- Machu Picchu, Peru
- Petra, Jordan
- The Roman Colloseum, Italy
- The Taj Mahal, Indi
The Pyramids of Giza, the only surviving structure from the original Seven Wonders of the World, was not elected. Other finalists included the Acropolis, the Statues of Easter Island, Hagia Sophia, Timbuktu and Stonehenge.
The New7Wonders Foundation was created in 2001 with the goal to preserve, maintain and restore world heritage. However, some sites have recently expressed concern that if chosen, the consequent rise in tourism could be detrimental.
June 10, 2007
Special status for Easter Islands
New changes to “Rapa Nui” could make a difference to tourists.
According to an article from MercoPress, constitution reform this week will grant Easter Island (also known by its Polynesian name of Rapa Nui) and the Juan Fernández archipelago new status as “special territories.” The territories will still be associated with their administrative body in Chile, but will be able to establish their own laws and government positions (and potentially new public holidays).
Easter Island is home to the famous Moai statues, and is currently part of the administrative region Valparaiso in Chile.
According to an article from MercoPress, constitution reform this week will grant Easter Island (also known by its Polynesian name of Rapa Nui) and the Juan Fernández archipelago new status as “special territories.” The territories will still be associated with their administrative body in Chile, but will be able to establish their own laws and government positions (and potentially new public holidays).
Easter Island is home to the famous Moai statues, and is currently part of the administrative region Valparaiso in Chile.
June 7, 2007
Ski the slopes… of an active volcano?
Could New Zealand’s largest ski area blow its top?
Whakapapa and Turoa, New Zealand’s largest ski fields, are located on active volcano Mt. Ruapehu. During the ski season from late June to mid November skiers of all levels visit the slopes and nearby resorts to take advantage of the scenic views and vertical drop of up to 722 metres. Visitors can even ski around the famous Crater Lake.
But is it safe? As with any other sport or travel, preparation is essential. The Mt. Ruapehu Safety Services Team publishes a website with useful mountain safety advice. In addition to the usual concerns that all slopes face, such as avalanches and weather, there is a section on volcanic hazards. An early warning system and designated safe areas are in place to protect visitors in the event of an eruption or lahar (volcanic mudflow). According to an article on NEWS.com.au, visitors kept on skiing during a 1995 eruption, and no one has died in modern times.
More information about Mt. Ruapehu, including lift prices and accommodations, can be found at mtruapehu.com.
Whakapapa and Turoa, New Zealand’s largest ski fields, are located on active volcano Mt. Ruapehu. During the ski season from late June to mid November skiers of all levels visit the slopes and nearby resorts to take advantage of the scenic views and vertical drop of up to 722 metres. Visitors can even ski around the famous Crater Lake.
But is it safe? As with any other sport or travel, preparation is essential. The Mt. Ruapehu Safety Services Team publishes a website with useful mountain safety advice. In addition to the usual concerns that all slopes face, such as avalanches and weather, there is a section on volcanic hazards. An early warning system and designated safe areas are in place to protect visitors in the event of an eruption or lahar (volcanic mudflow). According to an article on NEWS.com.au, visitors kept on skiing during a 1995 eruption, and no one has died in modern times.
More information about Mt. Ruapehu, including lift prices and accommodations, can be found at mtruapehu.com.
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 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.
March 22, 2007
Las Vegas comes to Britain?
Where is Britain’s first Vegas-style super-casino is planning to be opened?
According to ABC News, Manchester was chosen as the site for the first supercasino built in Britain.Manchester beat out other popular sites such as London and Blackpool. The reason: The advisory panel cited economic development reasons. Twenty percent of Manchester residents currently receive income support. It is hoped that the new casino will boost the local economy and attract more visitors to the area.
According to ABC News, Manchester was chosen as the site for the first supercasino built in Britain.Manchester beat out other popular sites such as London and Blackpool. The reason: The advisory panel cited economic development reasons. Twenty percent of Manchester residents currently receive income support. It is hoped that the new casino will boost the local economy and attract more visitors to the area.
February 26, 2007
Do look down!
Sight-seers may not be able to walk on air over the Grand Canyon, but now they can walk on glass.
The Grand Canyon Skywalk will allow visitors to literally walk out over the Grand Canyon and look down at the river below. The Skywalk will be located at Grand Canyon West’s Eagle Point.
This open-air, horse-shoe shaped structure has a floor of tempered glass. The walkway extends 70 feet out over the canyon, and hovers at an elevation of 4,000 feet – more than four times the height of the Eiffel Tower.
March 28, 2007 will mark the official opening of the Skywalk. A three-floor visitors center, complete with museum, movie theater and events facilities, will open soon afterwards.
The Grand Canyon Skywalk will allow visitors to literally walk out over the Grand Canyon and look down at the river below. The Skywalk will be located at Grand Canyon West’s Eagle Point.
This open-air, horse-shoe shaped structure has a floor of tempered glass. The walkway extends 70 feet out over the canyon, and hovers at an elevation of 4,000 feet – more than four times the height of the Eiffel Tower.
March 28, 2007 will mark the official opening of the Skywalk. A three-floor visitors center, complete with museum, movie theater and events facilities, will open soon afterwards.
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