Laura's Travel Blog

Via Carpatia – an ambitious highway project meant to connect Eastern European countries

lauratravel — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 17:45:14 +0000

For anyone criticizing Eastern European countries for their bad roads and infrastructure, time has come to join forces in an ambitious Highway project that will connect the Baltic countries with the Mediterranean beaches. The idea of such a highway is not new at all: it all started in 2006, and so far Poland has already invested millions of Euros in it. But this week it was Romania, Bulgaria and Greece joining in. It is estimated that the project will end sometime in 2020, but you shouldn’t imagine this as a singular initiative. All these recent members of the European Union have their own ambitions regarding the roads, so the project will more of less bring together their separate plans. Each of the countries have at least one highway in construction, which are expected to bring not only a considerable amount of tourists, but also ease traffic and stimulate commerce. The project will finally link Latvia, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria and Greece. Thus, everyone with a desire to embark an Eastern European road trip can wait the 10 years to do it alongside an ultra -modern highway, or just leave such pretensions behind and adventure inside these fascinating countries and experience their specific lifestyle and cultures.

Abu Dhabi gets ready to host world’s fastest roller-coaster

lauratravel — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 17:09:26 +0000

While Europe and North America seem to rely mostly on their history to attract tourists, fast growing economies like the UAE or China are looking forward onto the feature. The luxurious hotels of Dubai or its private islands have all the chances to become a wonder of the modern world, thus attracting millions of tourists in this small country which is the United Arab Emirates. Even though Dubai may be one step ahead in terms of number of tourists, Abu Dhabi, the country’s capital, is becoming more beautiful with every day. Under many aspects, this Arabic city is a pioneer for the Middle East. Not only in terms of culture and leisure, but also in terms of entertainment, Abu Dhabi announces o become a trend-setter (for more detailed info on the city’s attractions, check out this Abu Dhabi Sights guide). Few days ago, Ferrari announced that Abu Dhabi will be the home of an unprecedented project: the Italian car manufacturer intends to open here the first Ferrari theme park in the world. An this is not just another theme park: the company intends to provide it with a spectacular roller-coaster and many other unique rides, all resulted form the locals interests in sports cars. So even if Ferrari’s ambitions are derived from commercial purposes, we can only estimate that this park, first of its kind, will end up attracting thousands of adrenaline addicts form all over the world.

Sleeping contest in Madrid tries to revive siesta tradition

lauratravel — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 16:36:33 +0000

Undeniable, Spain in among the most visited countries world wide. And this is no wonder: with more beaches that one could visit in 10 years, picturesque historic villages and notorious nightlife, few countries could rival with Spain in terms of tourist attractions. Many people come here as tourists and decide to make Spain their home, attracted by the warm climate and what many see as a laid back lifestyle. If you ever heard the word siesta, then you should know that the concept originates from Spain and it usually designates a 2-hour break in the middle of the working day, during which employees are usually free to take lunch or a short nap. But Siesta, many Spaniards say, is slowly dying. Spain is among those countries that have been really affected by recession, and the foreign investors and fierce competition on the job market is tarting to affect traditions such as siesta, which is seen as ineffective and counter-productive be employers. There are, however, enterprising spirits who are now trying to revive siesta and organize siesta championships. Thus, a huge shopping center in Madrid has witnessed several contestants in attempt to get a nap despite the noise and agitation. A 60 and something man form Chile was the lucky winner, being able to snooze for about 17 minutes.

Luxury travel: let’s meet the new Savoy

lauratravel — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 20:08:07 +0000

For all luxury seekers out there, is is a good piece of news to start your week with (and maybe also some useful tip to consider fot your next trip): the Savoy Hotel is London has reopened its gates. The decision to close this historic hotel in the heart of London was taken in 2007, and even if the rich and famous have missed its remarkable presence, on this for sure is that now the Savoy looks better than ever. or at least, this is what we imagine, as we know numbers don’t lie. And with a refurbishment cost of 200 million pounds, the past glitter of Savoy seems to be back in business. And Savoy is not only about luxury and high prices, but mostly about prestige. In it’s more than 100 years of existance, it has served the most exquisite dishes, hosted famous business man, actors and aristocrets, and established trends. In London’s hotel Hall Of Fame, Savoy is up there on the first ranks and is the kind of location where innovation meets refinement and tradition at the highest level. In addition to restoring the Savoy to its former glamour, the investment was also meant to bring the hotel to the 21st century bu introducing envoironmentally friendly solutions, as well as an awquard, but just as useful tipe of service: a Green Butler, who is a living encyclopedia of everything green around the Capital.

Clubbing hotspots errata: Ibiza

lauratravel — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 19:48:49 +0000

Ok, so maybe I was a little unfair in the latest post when comparing Rimini with Ibiza. Waht I was actuallt trying to do is show that one can also find amazing beaches and epic parties in other parts of Europe. This doesn’t make Ibiza’s nightlife less interesting, and it is very likely that Ibiza will remain the mecca of DJ’s decades from now. So what is so special about it, after all. It all started with its scenic beaches and isolation, which determined Spain’s and Europe’s youth to find a refuge here. Of course, nightlife and coffee shops flourishes, and it only took a few years until famous bands came here to give live representations. But ever since the electro music became viral, Ibiza tranbsformed into the ultimate party scene. To such an amount that now European (and not only) DJ consider tha fact that they played in an Ibiza club like a turning point in their career. So in case you are wondering what are some of the most famous clubs in this ramarkable island, here are a few: Eden, Eclipse, Cafe del Mar, Space, Privilege. As for other places to see or do in Ibiza, you can use this Ibiza Travel Guide for detailed information, with the only mentioning that the island has several UNESCO World Heritage Sights.

Clubbing Hotspots: Rimini

lauratravel — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 19:31:08 +0000

When you think of Europe, hot beaches and crazy parties, you might already find yourself dreaming about Ibiza. But here I come with an offer you cannot refuse: why not ignore the Balearic islands all the way and fly a few hunderd miles East on the coast of Adratic sea, just to discover the posh Rimini. Rimini is long knows as the most luxoroius seaside resort in Italy, and, despite the fact that it is also an expensive and historic resort, still manages to concentrate some of the best night clubs in the country. So we could say that In terms od discos and clubs, Rimini is a strong competitor for Ibiza. But to Rimini’s advantage, the Italian resort benefits form both the incredible landscape and the abundance of historic sights (just consider the fact that Rimini history goies back to the 1st century AD, when the area was settled by the Romans). So maybe between a late breakfast Italian style and a party by the beach, you’ll spare a few hours just to visit Rimini and its century old churches and ruins, and maybe take a short hike through its foresty hills. In the less likelt scenario that you want to take a break from so much water and sun and explore the surroundings, Florence, San Marino or Venice are just in a few hours drive.

Boot vs Apple

lauratravel — Sun, 03 Oct 2010 19:58:31 +0000

Just like every other domain of human activity, the travel industry doesn’t lack scandals and tabloid-worthy events. Judging by the degree of popularity, I think this week’s most noticeable event form this viewpoint was represented by the Apple-Italy dispute. For those of you who have no idea of what I am talking about, I will explain in a few words. In its series of Travel Guides available for sale with the What Country Application, Apple describes Italy as “the country of pizza, the Mafia and scooters”. A characterization which outraged Italy’s Ministry of Tourism and determined them to ask Apple to remove the politically incorrect statement. Although it’s hard to judge here whether Italy has so sense of humor or Apple just defies the common sense, one thing is certain: Italy is far more than pasta, mobsters and scooters. I mean we are speaking of a country with an impossible number of beaches, with amazing museums, cities and architecture, with warm, clear sea and a world-famous cuisine. While most countries have 2-3 cities that can be considered world-class attraction, Italy has a handful: Rome, Venice, Florence, Milan, Verona, Naples to name only a few. There are just so many fabulous attractions in this boot-shaped peninsula, that this Italy Travel Guide can only encompass a few.

Google Street View reaches Antarctica but is banned form Czech Republic

lauratravel — Sat, 02 Oct 2010 21:17:52 +0000

While more and more people start to acknowledge that we live in an age of cheap traveling, some fear that technology might finally prevail the whole business and replace backpackers with virtual tourists. If you feel that you never have been and never will be such kind of a virtual traveler, than let me ask you this question: how often do you use Google Street View? Or Google Earth? Well, for those of you that are fans of such applications and are fascinated by the possibility to travel to the most inaccessible places with just one click, I have only good news: Google Street View is now showing captions of Antarctica. For the internet skeptics and the technophobics, the good piece of news is that there are many voices are protesting against Google photographing every single inch of a street. While many fear for their security, others take serious measures to provide what hey see as a violation of their privacy – take the Czech Republic for example, a whole county who has made it illegal for Google to take street images. While it is hard to guess who is right or wrong here, I have to remind you that such applications never show people’s faces, and that in Germany people have the legal right to have their home pixelated.

Footballer to become Uruguay’s travel ambassador

lauratravel — Sat, 02 Oct 2010 21:15:54 +0000

I think we had enough proofs so far on how football and tourism work together in bringing people and their passions together in some amazing places. Just a few months ago, the FIFA World Cup has revealed us the extraordinary richness of traditions, arts and natural beauties that lies at the southern extremity of Africa. It was also this specific edition of the World Cup where Uruguayan football player Diego Forlan had an outstanding evolution. Now a national hero, Diego Forlan is getting ready to promote his country at a whole new level. Thus, Forlan is now filming a video that will promote the country’s beauties. We can only judge this as a smart move made by the Uruguayan Ministry of Tourism, considering that the success of the national football team has somehow paved the way for a world wide country promotion campaign. Although Uruguay is just a tiny country squeezed between Brazil in Argentina, its endless woods and abundant watercourses make it a great destination for outdoor lovers. Even though, due to the predominance of Europeans, Uruguay may be seen as les exotic than other South-American countries, it still represents a unique experience. You can learn more about it from this comprehensive Uruguay Travel Guide.

2 in 1 fall escape

lauratravel — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 21:16:13 +0000

In case you are planning an autumn foliage break these upcoming weeks, I dare make a 2 in one kind of suggestion: head for the lovely Virginia, home to infinite woods and fascinating history. Admiring the change of colors is definitely a must, but let’s face it: just how much whoos, whaas and contemplation can one bare. What I mean is: considering that we are speaking of Virginia, woods will most probably come in your way – you will find spectacular views without too much effort, right along your way. This being said, It might be an inspired idea to give a secondary purpose to your trip, like, let’s say, the colonial Williamsburg. This 17th century relic represents a true centerpiece for the American history. Ok, maybe the word ‘relic’ wasn’t quite the right choice, as present day is bustling with life. In you ever tried to imagine how an urban national park looks like, then Colonial Williamsburg is what you get. The restaurateurs did their best to preserve as much as they could of the colonial time atmosphere, so Williamsburg is more of an open air museum than a real city. For any of you that have an interest in the whole Williamsburg experience, feel free to take a look at this comprehensive Williamsburg Travel Guide.