Zlatibor Mountain Serbia – exciting activities

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October 18, 2021 – Welcome to Zlatibor Mountain

Situated at an elevation of just over 1,000 metres, Zlatibor is a climatic resort, characterized by a cool alpine climate, clean air, long periods of sunshine during the summer and a heavy snow cover in winter. Tourist facilities include modern hotels, holiday centers and cottages, sports grounds and skiing tracks.
 
 
Thanks to the geographic configuration and favorable microclimate, which includes temperate wind intensity, Zlatibor is one of the most suitable paragliding locations in Serbia.
 
 
On 14 January 2021, the longest panoramic gondola lift in the world became operational. It connects the center of Zlatibor with the Tornik peak, via the Ribnica Lake. It is 8.95 km (5.56 mi) long, has 55 gondolas with 10 seats each and is designed to transport 600 passengers in one hour.
 
 
 
Zlatibor as conference destination
 
One of the most popular conference halls in Zlatibor region is The Koledo Congress Center. With its 500 seats is located near the main entrance to the Mona hotel, and it is connected to the hotel lobby bar and restaurant. If necessary, this multifunctional room can be divided into 2 or 3 independent units, which can be designed according to the needs of all types of events.

The congress center ceiling height is 5 m, which makes it ideal for holding all types of conferences, seminars and celebrations. The room is equipped with the state-of-the-art technology, air conditioning, sound system, lighting, and optical internet access.

For the purpose of organizing large gatherings, the congress area offers the possibility of setting up an exhibition area in the foyers of the congress center, at the front desk and in the summer garden.

Plenty of sunshine at the Koledo Congress Centre guarantees pleasant and comfortable work.
 
Cycling Experience in Belgrade
 
 
If you’re passing through Belgrade and you want to take most out of your time here, we recommend you Belgrade Experience on bike. Belgrade is a city unlike other. As we take you deep into Belgrade – you will feel as if you’re biking through multiple cities. The different architectural styles, historical remnants of Austrian, Roman and Ottoman Empire each tell their own version of what Belgrade was in their time.

We will take you through a time traveling journey, retell how it is that a city that was conquered over forty times is still standing today before your eyes.

Ride pass the rivers Danube and Sava and see impressive buildings of the socialist era of Yugoslavia, the old village of Zemun, the green and beautiful island of Ada with its beach and most importantly the key highlights of Belgrade’s center.
 

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The Hudson in New York – a fabulous boat trip

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October 15, 2021 – THE HUDSON ON A CLEAR AFTERNOON

Imagine yourself cruising along the Hudson River towards New York Harbor in a beautiful 80-foot schooner. You’re lying back, enjoying the impressive Manhattan skyline, while enjoying a glass of champagne! This is truly a unique way to experience New York and an opportunity most people are not afforded.  We can assist with a sailing charter for you group for a simple afternoon cruise or perhaps a sunset sail.  The beautiful Schooner can accommodate up to 40 guests.

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Santa Cruz de la Sierra – a tropical adventure in Bolivia

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October 15, 2021 – Santa Cruz de la Sierra, the amazing tropical area of Bolivia, offers unlimited possibilities and fabulous hotels. Experience direct contact with nature, whilst visiting orchids and the Butterfly Park or the Jesuit Mission where Glaa Baroque concerts are preformed.

Be part of Bolivia country life and enjoy horse back riding, swimming, fishing and a delicious local parrillada (barbecue). Tropical sunsets and romantic music form the perfect frame for this exotic adventure

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Tourists in Romania preferred outdoor tours this Summer

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Figures from Romanian tourism website Romanian Friend show interesting changes in the way foreign tourists visiting Romania spent their holiday this Summer during the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite lower numbers, clear trends can be seen such as a surprising preference for tours in nature as well as a – predictable – reluctance to travel in larger groups.

Before Covid, foreign tourists were usually interested in visiting our country’s top attractions such as Bran (Dracula Castle, Peles and Corvin Castle, Sighisoara Citadel and Transfagarasan Highway. The Old Towns of Brasov, Sibiu and Bucharest for its nightlife were top – crowded – destinations.” says Marius Iliescu, tour guide and founder of Romanian Friend.

But now figures from the booking website for tours in Romania showed travellers from all over the world, particularly from Europe and the US, had a clear preference for trips in nature, outside major cities or crowded hotspots. Hiking tours in the Carpathian Mountains, multi-day trips to experience village life in the regions of Transylvania and Maramures and wildlife watching trips saw a significant increase. It seems tourists visiting Romania became weary of visiting ‘tight’ attractions and crowded places like they used to in the past.

Of a total of 9,673 tours booked by international tourists totalling 18,472 people (38% less than in 2019) for June – September, 61% were for tours in nature such as hiking compared to 39% in 2019 and 36% in 2018. We were anticipating this trend after the Coronavirus lockdowns, but weren’t expecting these kind of numbers. This shift was more noticeable with tourists from the UK, US and Belgium for example, but less so with those from Germany, Netherlands or the Nordic countries.”

Travel industry research show that international flights to European destinations in July and August reached only 40% of pre-pandemic levels. Changing travel or entry conditions likely contributed to low demand. Until 1 June, Romania was open for tourism only for European Union residents which discouraged overseas travellers from the US, Canada or Asian countries from making holiday plans months in advance like they used to. Luckily, vaccinated travellers and those unvaccinated coming from a yellow-list country but with a negative PCR test were not required to quarantine upon entering Romania.

The uncertainty regarding conditions of travel had a significant impact on the average number of days in advance tourists booked their tours. In 2019 the average was 18 days in advance, going as high as 20 for US tourists. In 2021 this number was down to only 6 days, with numerous tours booked 1-2 days in advance.

The combination of Covid safety rules, travel uncertainty, private tours and short notice bookings was a major challenge this season. “Despite our efforts to encourage advance bookings and having a very friendly cancelation policy of 1 day advance notice, most tourists were reluctant to commit until the very last minute. Besides the expected cancelation and rescheduling requests, we also had to decline a significant number of booking requests because all our guides were already booked. So lots of people who contacted us missed having the experiences they wanted on their holiday in Romania – which was very unfortunate for everyone.” adds Iliescu.

Another trend that emerged this year was that people preferred to travel in smaller groups. In 2019, 31% of all bookings were for groups of 4 or more (families, friends, etc.) while in 2021 this number was down to only 12%. People who knew each other no longer travelled together like they used to. The flipside of this was a 34% increase in solo travellers asking to join existing tours which created delicate situations. “Even if most of our clients informed us they’re vaccinated, they were weary of mixing with strangers and preferred private trips” adds the founder.

Despite all these challenges, the Romanian company was happy to see their eco-friendly and responsible tours getting a much needed boost after last year’s shock. ”Supporting local communities through an inclusive, vertical model of tourism has been our mission since we started in 2017. We’re happy to see one positive side-effect from this whole Covid situation especially small businesses were the hardest hit. And I think people also realized the beneficial impact spending time in nature has after being deprived of it. So we’re happy to help them discover Romania’s natural beauty – our country is known as Europe’s last wilderness reserve for good reason!” says the founder who is also a wellbeing and mindfulness coach.

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Ho Chi Minh City: Team Building and Lunch at the “Ao Dai Museum”

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A land of diverse landscapes and heroic history, Vietnam compels travelers with its beauty and charm. Thanks to its well-preserved heritage and ancestral beliefs, the country shines best and serves as a dream destination worth exploring. Phoenix Voyages offers a program for groups in the Ao Dai Museum, offering a scenic and pleasant encounter of the nation’s bountiful culture.

A land of diverse landscapes and heroic history, Vietnam compels travelers with its beauty and charm. Thanks to its well-preserved heritage and ancestral beliefs, the country shines best and serves as a dream destination worth exploring. Phoenix Voyages offers a program for groups in the Ao Dai Museum, offering a scenic and pleasant encounter of the nation’s bountiful culture.

 

Opened in 2014, The Ao Dai Museum displays an elegant collection of over a hundred Ao Dai tunics, a symbol of Vietnamese culture, and the country’s national costume (Ao = dress, Dai = long). This tunic is still widely worn today by women at important events. The exhibition was put together by the famous Vietnamese fashion designer Si Hoang, perfectly honoring its value and heritage. The abundant greenery surrounding the museum contrasts the city’s dynamism, with beautiful gardens, a lotus pond, bamboo bridges, and traditional houses that complement its tranquil ambiance. 

Inside the exhibition, visitors will admire the Ao Dai showcased in each historical period, from ancient to modern times. The oldest costume dates back to the 17th century. Worn by royal members, famous artists, and actresses, clients can immerse themselves in the stories surrounding these tunics and their owners. 
The allure of this program is not just limited to its Ao Dai collection but also the beauty and serenity of the grounds. We plan team-building activities in the tranquil gardens around the pond. In addition, we can organize a lunch inside the gardens, with separate tables, arranged for a maximum of about 60 people. 
The Ao Dai Museum is an ideal setting for a unique cultural MICE activity. It allows a discovery of the rich heritage of Vietnam in a peaceful atmosphere.  

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Bajos del Toro local community in Costa Rica

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October 12, 2021 – Bajos del Toro is a thriving rural community with rich traditions. We will pay a visit to local orchid enthusiast Don Martin Porras and his private garden, featuring more than 400 orchid species.

His collection features more than 400 orchid species, from fun shoe-shaped specimens to tiny varieties of Lilliputian beauty. A magnifying glass is provided for a unique micro-safari.
After a visit to the local school, church, and soccer field, we will meet Doña Olga, the tortilla master! Born and raised in Bajos del Toro, she will teach us her skills for traditional tortilla making.

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The ‘Accessible French Way of the Camino de Santiago’

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October 11, 2021 Turismo de Navarra and the ONCE Foundation present the Accessible Camino de Santiago Francés in Navarra. Its objective is to improve the experience of those with disabilities who wish to do the route by making it more accessible.

The ‘Accessible French Way of the Camino de Santiago’ will feature geolocation technology which will allow pilgrims with disabilities, especially blind people, to guide themselves along the entire Camino and locate different hostels to stay. The initiative will also evaluate the accessibility of accommodation options along the route. The project has been launched now as Spain is celebrating Xacobeo 2021, the Compostela Holy Year when pilgrims are most inclined to make the pilgrimage, and has received recognition from the Xacobean Council as part of the official programme. The ground-breaking project will make the Camino de Santiago accessible and provide equal opportunity for those with disabilities that wish to tick off a true bucket-list item.

The Director of Tourism of the Government of Navarra explained that “the Camino de Santiago is a fundamental element of Navarra’s heritage, and also a priceless tourist resource that offers many different route options for people making the journey. However, the most important thing is not just completing the Camino de Santaigo walk, but also the experience along the way.  So it should be universally accesible so that everyone can partake in the experience given its suitable routes, accommodation and services. The walker has to be able to travel, take in their surroundings and discover the Camino de Santiago without limitations. It is also a fantastic trip to reactivate tourism in a safe, sustainable, inclusive and innovative manner.”

For more information on Spain as a visitor destination, please visit www.spain.info or contact Spain@wearelotus.co.uk.
picture courtesy of www.spain.info

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Ile des Deux Cocos – a private island off Mauritius is reopening again

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October 11, 2021 – Private Island off the south east coast of Mauritius in Blue Bay, is officially open since July 1st 2021 in Mauritius.

Ile Deux Cocos means the ‘Island of Coconuts’, is jewelled pendant that lies in a turquoise ocean, just off the south east coast of Mauritius. It’s amidst the Blue Bay Marine Park.

It lends itself beautifully for all kinds of activities and a sumptuous lunch is one of them. The private island has activities like snorkeling, scuba diving and you can also tour the stunning Blue Bay in a glass-bottom boat. The island is also home to the Blue Bay Maritime Reserve, an underwater reserve where you can get some fantastic view of the lovely corals and colorful marine species.

All the team members have been receiving ongoing healthy-specific guidance and training to enhance the sanitary and hygiene protocols even more rigorous and are eager to welcome the first visitors in a safe and trustworthy environment, for a day or an overnight stay.
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The most cycle friendly locations to book a city break

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October 8, 2021 – The most affordable destinations to rent a traditional bicycle are the Swiss city of Zurich, and Cluj-Napoca în România, where visitors can explore the sights without spending a thing.

Tourists in The Hague (Netherlands), Madison (USA), and the Australian city of Brisbane can take advantage of the cheapest e-bike rental costs 

Luxembourg city and Chiang Mai in Thailand leads the way when it comes to the highest proportion of cycle repair shops per 10,000; while Singapore, Switzerland, and Norway emerged as the safest countries, experiencing the fewest annual road traffic fatalities 

After researching a cross-section of cycling-related elements across 40 global cities  – bicycle and e-bike rental costs, cycling laws, number of mapped bike paths per resident, pollution levels and average annual temperatures/rainfall levels – a ranking score was assigned to each location out of a possible 280. 

The 10 cities emerging as the most friendly for bikes emerged as follows:

 

City

Total Score /280

1

Copenhagen, Denmark

216

2

Tallinn, Estonia

210

3

Amsterdam, Netherlands

209

4

Helsinki, Finland

201

5

Tel Aviv, Israel

192

6

Oslo, Norway

185

7

Adelaide, Australia

185

8

Perth, Australia

183

9

Canberra, Australia

177

10

Valencia, Spain

173

Source: money.co.uk 

Alongside the average cost of hiring a bicycle and e-bike for 24 hours within each city, researchers also factored in other elements that would all contribute towards tourists enjoying a safe and enjoyable city cycling experience. 

Cities with the most KM of mapped bike paths per resident are Timisoara (0.89km), Geneva (0.86km) and Tallinn (0.86km).

Of the locations analysed, Chiang Mai in Thailand and Haifa in Israel emerged as the two cities with the highest pollution levels, with both cities standing to benefit enormously from an increase of tourists and residents switching to bike travel where possible. At the other end of the scale, the Finnish capital of Helsinki – one of the most affordable cities to rent a bike in – was revealed as the city with the lowest pollution levels. 

Taking the average temperatures for each city throughout the year, the top 10 cities to visit per season were also determined based on the locations that would provide the most comfortable temperature to ride in. 

The Slovenian capital of Llublijana emerged as having the most comfortable average temperatures during the Autumn and Spring months, while Limassol in Cyprus creates the ideal Winter conditions for cycling tourists. Finally, bikers looking to avoid overheating are advised to head to Vilnius in Lithuania during the Summer months, where temperatures average a comfortable 17.7°C.

Of the destinations researched for the report, the 10 cities that emerged as the least accommodating for cyclists based on all the criteria analysed were:

 

City

Total score / 280

1

Ljubljana, Slovenia

116

2

Barcelona, Spain

118

3

Madrid, Spain

126

4

Lisbon, Portugal

128

5

Bursa, Turkey

130

6

Cluj-Napoca, Romania

131

7

Haifa, Israel

134

8

Sydney, Australia

136

9

Izmir, Turkey

137

10

Chiang Mai, Thailand

141

Source: money.co.uk 

Salman Haqqi, personal finance expert at money.co.uk, offers some guidance for any travellers wanting to sight-see from the perspective of two wheels: 

Whether you’re an experienced cyclist who feels more at comfortable on two wheels than by any other means of transportation, or you struggle to remember the last time you sat on a bike, it’s worth researching how to ensure your cycling plans are as affordable, safe and straightforward as possible ahead of your trip: 

“Firstly, if a bike rental is a definite part of your itinerary, make sure you purchase the correct type of travel insurance. Some insurance companies may classify cycling as a dangerous activity, so it’s worth checking if your policy covers any injuries that may occur so you’re not left out of pocket. 

“Next, bear in mind that cycling under the influence of alcohol in certain countries can result in a financial fine. The most commonly agreed limit amongst cities researched for the report is that cyclists cannot have a blood alcohol limit greater than 0.5 grams per litre.  

“Despite the fact that some, less experienced, cyclists might feel more comfortable staying clear of the road and riding along pavements, many cities also consider this disruption to foot traffic a finable offence. 

“Finally, make sure that once you’re on your bike, that you don’t check your mobile phone or any other handheld device unless in a stationary position. Many countries class texting while cycling to be as dangerous as doing so behind the wheel of a car. Officials in Singapore are known to hand out three month jail sentences for rule-breaking bike riders in some extreme cases.”

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Cycle Travel around the world

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Where to go to travel like James Bond

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October 8, 2021 – The world’s most famous secret agent is back. Celebrating its 25th edition, and after being postponed for over a year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, ‘No Time to Die’, features some of the world’s most spectacular and remarkable destinations.

From the quaint English countryside to the vibrant streets of Istanbul, previous movies of this franchise have been careered through iconic locations all over the globe, making this agent one of the most frequent travellers in the secret agent industry.

With a mission to make it easier for everyone to experience the world, Booking.com has delved into its more than 28 million listings across over 1,52,000 destinations to inspire fans of the movie to experience a slice of the secret agent life themselves with a stay in one of these famous filming locations. Here are some travel ideas:

 

Taj Lake Palace – Udaipur, India

 

A stay at the Taj Lake Palace, also known as the floating palace, is a once in a lifetime travel experience. Situated in the middle of Lake Pichola, this luxury hotel was one of the filming locations for the secret agent movie in the 80s. The property is built with marble and features majestic architecture.

Guests can only reach the hotel by boat, which makes the property even more unique. But no worries, the city centre is still within walking distance, so guests can easily make a day trip to Udaipur as the city is surrounded by the serene waters of Lake Pichola. After a short boat ride, travellers can explore the beautiful architecture, temples and Indian cuisine the city has to offer.

Canary Riverside Plaza Hotel-London, United Kingdom

In 2012, the secret agent famously took a swim in the rooftop pool of the Canary Riverside Plaza Hotel. With views over the River Thames and London city, the Canary Riverside Plaza Hotel boasts elegant rooms that will make any agency feel at home during their time in the city.

The hotel is a short walk from the Tube station and Canary Wharf Pier, which offers links to the Thames Clipper Boat, giving access to London’s most popular attractions. For the biggest fans of the film franchise, London even offers secret agent guided tours that will introduce fans to other filming locations in the city.

 

Fontainebleau Miami Beach – Miami, USA

Miami was the backdrop for multiple movies in this famous film franchise. For travellers who not only want to experience movie magic for themselves but also want to soak up the sun, a stay at Fontainebleau Miami Beach is a must. Parts of the third edition from the secret agent series were filmed in this enormous beachfront resort that offers scenic ocean views and six outdoor swimming pools.

The resort is an ideal stay for travellers who like to relax. For those who want to explore, the resort has a nightclub, nine restaurants and a spa. Guests can enjoy their Martini, shaken not stirred, in one of the resort’s lounge bars, while enjoying the stunning Miami beach views.

 

Grandhotel Pupp- Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic

In 2006, the secret agent played Russian Roulette at an impressive casino which in real life is Grandhotel Pupp. Located in the historical centre of Karlovy Vary in the Czech Republic, just a two-hour drive from Prague, this hotel has a tradition dating back to 1701.

The hotel offers spacious rooms and suites, a restaurant and an exclusive spa. Karlovy Vary is not only famous for its scene in a spy movie, the Czech city is also famous for its amazing thermal springs discovered in the 14th century. It is a must-go destination for travellers who enjoy relaxation and wellness during their travels to return back home completely zen.

Gran Hotel Ciudad de Mexico- Mexico City, Mexico

The opening scene of the twenty-fourth edition of the popular secret agent movie started with the ‘Day of the Dead’ parade in the streets of Mexico City where the unrecognisable agent casually strolls through the street in a skull mask.

It was Gran Hotel Ciudad de Mexico where the secret agent walked, changing into a suit and kicking off the action. The hotel features historic architecture and is a great place to stay for those who enjoy exploring the city and local culture during their trip as it’s located within walking distance to main attractions such as the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Presidential Palace, which can also be explored by joining a full-day tour of the city.

GoldenEye- Oracabessa, Jamaica

Right under the Jamaican sun is where this now-famous spy franchise all started. The original writer of the secret agent novel series wrote all 14 novels about the world-famous secret agent at the tropical property GoldenEye.

This property features private beaches, hidden coves and a saltwater lagoon, a perfect retreat for travellers (or spies in training) who prefer privacy while enjoying a relaxing beach vacation. And for fans of the blockbuster movies, it’s a must-visit destination since multiple movies from the franchise were also filmed in Jamaica.

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Amazing Travel Facts UK

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England

Did you know that there is a palace in the world, that has its own ATM machine? Not only that, it also has a post office, a cafeteria, a movie theatre and 78 bathrooms.
 
Amazing, right?
 
Queen Elizabeth’s home is like a town! Equipped with a chapel, a post office, a staff cafeteria, a doctor’s office (outfitted for surgical procedures) and a movie theater, it doesn’t seem like the royals ever have to leave. The palace also has an indoor swimming pool, of course. The pool house is said to be seen to the left in the photo of the back of Buckingham.
 
The Palace has its own ATM
Cash money! In 2001, now-former head of Coutts bank, Gordon Pell, confirmed to The Standard that there is indeed an ATM inside Buckingham Palace. It is tucked away in the Palace basement and reserved for the royal family.
 
The Queen’s corgis have free reign of the place
Who let the dogs out? In Brian Hoey’s 2011 tell-all book Not In Front of the Corgis, a royal footman told the author that Queen Elizabeth’s beloved canines “are allowed unrestricted access to any part of any royal residence; nowhere is off-limits.” As they’re not completely house-trained, the pups sometimes relieve themselves inside the Palace and footmen have to clean up after them.
 
Most massive garden in all of London
A British quiz show in the vein of Jeopardy! touts that the Palace is home to the largest private garden in all of London. The well-manicured greenery encompasses 40 acres – four times the size of Wembley Stadiums, where major soccer matches (and the occasional football game) take place.
 
It has an underground tunnel system
While there is no secret underground Tube station, as many have speculated, the Palace does have secret tunnels that connect it to Clarence House and the House of Parliament.
 
 

Visit Portugal launches new wine focus

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Visit Portugal has launched a new digital platform focused on the wine industry.

The website which aims to position Portugal as a world leading wine tourism destination.

It provides a unique way to discover Portugal through its wines and embrace the culture of the country.

The new campaign – ‘Portugal Pairs with Wine’ – is an initiative under a wine tourism action plan created to boost awareness of the outstanding wine sector, attract visitors to rural areas year-round and build bridges between the different economic sectors.

The new digital platform means visitors can access and experience the excitement and history of winemaking in Portugal through numerous wine pairing tourism experiences throughout the country.

Featured activities include carriage rides with wine pairing, a bicycle tour in the Vinho Verde region, grape harvesting in Alentejo and a hiking trail along the Caminhos de Santa Luzia – Pico, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

From the charming province of Minho where the vinho verde grapes grow in abundance on trellises to the rolling historic terraces of the Douro River Valley, Portugal offers beautiful, verdant landscapes of the wine-making regions.

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Amazing Travel Facts Ecuador

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Ecuador

Did you know that there is a group of islands, on which Darwin’s famous book “The origin of the Species” was based? He noticed that the animals were similar from island to island, but perfectly adapted to their surroundings. His book in 1859 completely changed people’s views on the origins of life.
 
Amazing, right?
 
Darwin’s visit to the Galapagos Islands had a resounding impact on the formation of his Theory of Natural Selection.
 
A rather unmotivated and failing medical scholar, Charles Darwin accompanied Captain Robert Fitzroy as a travel companion and naturalist on the HMS Beagle.
 
His book the Voyage of the Beagle is an account of his worldwide journey.
 
When setting off from England in 1831 for a five-year voyage, Darwin had little ambitions for ground-breaking scientific research.
 
After surveying the coasts of South America, the ship stopped over in the Galapagos Islands.
 
During his visit to the islands, Darwin noted that the unique creatures were similar from island to island, but perfectly adapted to their environments which led him to ponder the origin of the islands’ inhabitants.
 
Among those that struck Darwin so greatly were the finches that are now named in his honour. Darwin would later base some of his thought from the supposing that these finches were all descendants of the same lineage.
 
Years later in 1859, Darwin finally consolidated all of his observations into his famous book On The Origin of Species, drastically and controversially altering the scientific view on the biological origins of life.
 
 

Small Luxury Hotels of the World launches Considerate Collection

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Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) has launched Considerate Collection.

A release described the new venture as a “community of actively sustainable luxury hotels going the extra eco-mile, proving that luxury is compatible with longevity”.

From the biodiversity-promoting Keemala in Thailand to the culture-preserving Gangtey Lodge in carbon-negative Bhutan, Considerate Collection debuts with 26 pioneering hotels in 16 countries.

SLH has collaborated with the most respectable sustainable travel and luxury hospitality players to create a trusted and transparent framework. 

These include Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) – the international, independent, not-for-profit body established by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO); and Greenview, whose platform is the only GSTC-recognised sustainable tourism management tool.

“Staying in small, independent hotels goes hand in hand with travelling sustainably and all SLH hotels are already steeped in the many facets of sustainable hospitality, so we haven’t had to look far outside of our portfolio for the launch collection.

“We also have an exciting pipeline of new hotels to add in the coming months.”

He added: “This is not about creating a new brand, but rather building on the strong brand values that have existed within SLH since inception – independent spirits, community-centric, questioners, storytellers and the ultimate belief that Small is beautiful and a better way to travel.”

Currently, with a luxury hotel portfolio of over 520 hotels in 90 countries, SLH has taken a holistic approach to sustainability to complement its long-term brand vision – a future where people explore the world with intention, experience its intensity, and protect its integrity.

Randy Durband, chief executive of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, said: “SLH has impressed us with their dedicated support of their member hotels, and we are delighted to collaborate with them to devise a robust framework, consistent with GSTC measures but uniquely matched for all luxury boutique hotels. 

“We are sure it will be a huge success.”

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Disney World Is Celebrating Its 50th Anniversary

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On Oct. 1, 1971, Walt Disney World Resort welcomed guests to “The Most Magical Place on Earth” for the first time; 50 years later, “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” commemorates the decades of memories and ushers in a future of continued excitement with a spectacular combination of Disney nostalgia and new, over-the-top experiences. For five decades, millions of guests have visited the theme park resort to ride iconic attractions, see their favourite characters, and feel that unparalleled Disney magic.

Disney is celebrating its anniversary with an 18-month-long event, which kicked off this week with the grand opening of new night time spectaculars, restaurants, and a “Ratatouille”-themed ride. At Epcot, a recently expanded France pavilion offers a new, family-friendly attraction, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, and a tasty restaurant, La Crêperie de Paris. Also at Epcot, a new night time spectacular, “Harmonious,” celebrates the unifying power of Disney music and storytelling by highlighting beloved films that take place around the globe. The show uses fireworks, massive LED panels, choreographed fountains, and much more to breathe new life into the songs Disney fans know and love.

At Magic Kingdom Park, another incredible night time spectacular debuted on Oct. 1. “Disney Enchantment” takes guests on an inspiring and moving adventure featuring favourite stories through fireworks, music, lighting, and projections on Cinderella Castle and Main Street, U.S.A.. Over at Animal Kingdom, guests can find new daytime entertainment — “Disney KiteTails” — with flying windcatchers and kites depicting animals from Disney movies.
 
In all four theme parks, guests can spot the golden sculptures that make up the Disney Fab 50 Character Collection. And at night, each park’s icon transforms into a “Beacon of Magic,” illuminated in the “EARidescent” glow that’s shining on decorations, merchandise, Mickey and pals’ new celebratory outfits, and even food and beverage offerings during the event.
Speaking of food and beverage, there are plenty of delicious and delightful options across the resort, ranging from retro-inspired theme park classics to tasty new cocktails. At Magic Kingdom Park, guests can find treats influenced by 1970s attractions, like The Toad Burger inspired by Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, the Happy Haunts Milkshake inspired by the Haunted Mansion, and Squids Revenge inspired by 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. Other 50th anniversary treats are also available across the theme parks, hotels, and Disney Springs. There’s even a new Magical Beacon Cocktail served at locations throughout Walt Disney World — the perfect drink to mark the occasion. Out-of-this-world Space 220 restaurant opened this month in Epcot, offering a stellar experience aboard the Centauri Space Station, and at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, guests can find the new Steakhouse 71 restaurant.
 
And there’s even more magic to come. Throughout the 50th anniversary celebration, guests can look forward to more exciting openings, including the highly-anticipated Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, set to open on March 1, 2022, and the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind indoor coaster, set to open at Epcot some point in 2022.

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Bungee jumping in Chile

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September 30, 2021 – Did you know that you can bungee jump from a helicopter into an active volcano? You nearly touch the bubbling lava. Amazing, right?

Absolutely not for the faint-hearted: You can leap into an active volcano in Chile with a specialist operator Bungee.

A helicopter will fly you into the caldera of the Villarrica Volcano, where you’ll bungee jump 400 ft into the abyss, coming close to bubbling lava.

 The Villarrica Volcano is one of Chile’s most active volcanoes, rising above the lake and town of the same name, 750 km (470 miles) south of Santiago.

It is also known as Rucapillán, a Mapuche word meaning “great spirit’s house”.

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Abu Dhabi to open new marine protected sites to public

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September 30, 2021 –

Abu Dhabi has significantly expanded its eco-tourism offerings with the announcement that new marine protected sites across the emirate have now been made accessible to the public. 
 
The newly unveiled areas will give residents and visitors a host of new options for exploring the emirate’s coastline and waterways, with the initiative also supporting the emirate’s maritime industry.  
 
The announcement was made at the Monaco Yacht Show by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), in partnership with the Environmental Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), Abu Dhabi Maritime and Abu Dhabi Ship Building. 
 
The Monaco Yacht Show, the annual luxury trade show specialising in the maritime industry, took place from September 22 to 25. It was attended by hundreds of yachting enthusiasts and professionals, including captains and crews, as well as yacht management companies, yacht agents and owners. 
 
A new marine reserves map of the capital and its waters, which outlines the new areas open to the public, is the latest addition to the emirate’s growing portfolio of tourism offerings. Known for its pristine beaches and islands, the UAE capital used the Monaco event to demonstrate its capabilities as a superyacht destination by showcasing its offerings and plans for the marine industry. 
 
“Abu Dhabi’s marine sites are a significant part of our tourism sector,” said Ali Hassan Al Shaiba, Executive Director of Tourism and Marketing at DCT Abu Dhabi. “Our strategy involves expanding our tourism offerings in a sustainable manner that caters to the growing demand for more activities across the destination. The newly announced marine protected sites will not only support the growth and success of yacht management companies in Abu Dhabi but will also provide their customers with a new and breath-taking way to explore the capital.”
 
Currently, the EAD manages six marine reserves, including the Marawah Biosphere, the region’s largest and first UNESCO-designated marine reserve.
 
“Despite harsh conditions, we host abundant marine life, which has the highest tolerance threshold in the world,” said Ahmed Al Hashmi, Acting Executive Director – Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Sector at the EAD. “We host the largest Indian Ocean humpback dolphin population and the densest dugong population, and the second largest population for dugongs in the world. That is why we are pleased to partner with DCT Abu Dhabi on the selection of marine protected areas that will help boost eco-tourism in Abu Dhabi.” 
 
“Abu Dhabi Maritime was honoured to join DCT Abu Dhabi and the Environmental Agency – Abu Dhabi in promoting our Emirate as a premiere maritime destination at such a prestigious gathering,” said Captain Saif Al Mheiri, Managing Director of Abu Dhabi Maritime. “As the custodian of our Emirate’s waterways, we are working closely with our partners to expand our infrastructure and services and open up our pristine marine areas to the world. We look forward to engaging with the global maritime community to unlock the full potential of what Abu Dhabi has to offer.”
 
David Massey, CEO of Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB), said: “We are honoured to be able to participate in Monaco Yacht Show 2021 in partnership with DCT Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi Maritime to affirm our commitment to enhancing Abu Dhabi’s capabilities in offering luxury yacht services, facilities and refits. ADSB is also proud to showcase its design and construction skills including the Shadow Yacht ‘Safwa YS45’, designed in partnership with SNO YACHTS.”
 
One of DCT Abu Dhabi’s main remits is to support the development of tourism industry partners. The new marine offerings connect marine and yacht management companies with the emirate’s wider tourism strategy to ensure the continued growth of their businesses. 
 
Abu Dhabi has additional projects in the pipeline for the marine sector and will soon be launching Yas Bay on Yas Island, the emirate’s premier entertainment district. The new bay will feature new yacht berths, surrounded by a number of world-class hotels and entertainment activities, including the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. 

Spotted in: www.ttnworldwide.com

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Delicious Gastronomy in Azerbaijan

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September 30, 2021 – Having a unique geographical location and 9 climate zones out of 11, Azerbaijan enjoys an advantage to grow organic fruits, vegetables, nuts and grains as well as prepare some of the most delicious mouth-watering dishes. What’s interesting is how every region in Azerbaijan is famous for a particular type of produce. For example, the best potatoes come from Gadabay, the best pomegranates from Goychay, the best tomatoes from near Baku on the Absheron Peninsula, the best hazelnuts from Zagatala region and so on. And this produce is the foundation for the rich flavours of Azerbaijani cuisine, which itself differs in interesting ways from region to region. When you add in all the spices and multiculturalism brought centuries ago along the Silk Road, it makes for a surprisingly vibrant culinary scene.

One can indulge in best dining experiences in both the capital city, Baku and unique towns across different directions of the country thanks to the fact that each region has something special to offer the food enthusiasts. In Baku, travellers can find restaurants in the labyrinth-like, cobbled streets of Icherisheher – Old City where traditional dishes and local music accompany each other in a delicate way. An appetising breakfast with organic eggs, tomatoes, home-made jams, honey and crispy tandir bread following a beautiful sunrise in this authentic part of the city will certainly be a great way to start your morning. Food lovers can also choose to have a nice dinner where rich flavours and dishes like dolma – traditionally made of grape leaves stuffed with meat and rice, plov – prepared with rice mixed with herbs, dried fruits, meat or fish and other local ingredients, qutab – a sort of thin pancake stuffed with different fillings such as meat, spinach, cheese or pumpkin and cooked on an iron disk called a saj.

Considering the importance of the local gastronomy and cultural heritage, the EU-funded project -COVCHEG (“Community-based Value Chain Enhancement in the Greater Caucasus Mountains Area”) is also being implemented by Slow Food in partnership with the Azerbaijan Tourism Board. This project aims to foster economic regeneration and the well-being of rural communities, create sustainable livelihoods in the country with main focus on agriculture and gastronomic tourism.

Within the COVCHEG project, the Slow Food Travel concept has been prepared where travellers can get first-hand experience based on meetings local with farmers, shepherds, winemakers, butchers or bakers to learn more about local traditions and culinary culture first-hand. An online catalogue – the Ark of Taste – was also created to list some products that might actually disappear within a few generations, such as grape, rice, nut and other food ingredients. The catalogue invites everyone to rediscover these products and put back on the table or consume less of endangered wild species in order to increase their rate of reproduction.

Another related initiative was the establishment of 5 Slow Food Presidia in different regions to gather small-scale producers willing to cooperate, preserve their knowledge and stimulate sustainable practices. Local chefs were also considered as an integral part of the project, and the Slow Food Azerbaijan Cooks’ Alliance was created. Chefs included in the alliance are requested to add the names of the producers to their menus, give visibility to their work. They are also in constant communication and brought together in different events to raise awareness about different Ark of Taste products and how to best use or reproduce them.

Overall reflecting Azerbaijani culture, the cuisine offers a spectacular fusion of delicacies, from fruity sauces to juicy mutton-based meals and more. With a variety of dishes to suit all dietary preferences and lifestyles, tourists can have lots of fun exploring and tasting the country’s flavours. – Advertorial

Spotted in: www.ttnworldwide.com

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Absolutely cool entertainment Dream Island complex for adults and children in Moscow!

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September 29, 2021 – Dream Island is the largest indoor all-season amusement park in Europe with breathtaking rides and different characters welcoming you there. You will be immersed to 9 fabulous worlds with more than 20 attractions, will enjoy the vibrant show programs, interactive entertainment, themed cafes and shops!

 

Even in summer, you can take super photos in the Snow Queen’s castle from non-melting artificial ice, which looks like real! And more – you can have a lunch or dinner there! You will soar like a bird, flying at a height of 22 meters, independently choosing a trajectory using your wings. Thanks to VR technologies you will visit the world of the future and take part in futuristic race. Endless number of attractions & activities!

For those who would like to relax after the active pastime there is an indoor promenade in the style of the architecture of the different countries with shops, cafes and restaurants. During the summer time you can walk in the enormous landscape park along a linden alley, planted in the middle of 20 century.

More info: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dream_Island_(amusement_park)

Video: https://youtu.be/peQxW5jqWWE

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The Maldives Is Getting Another Stunning Hotel on a Private Island

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The rebranding of the Kanuhara resort will be complete in 2022.

Six Senses is known for bringing upscale amenities, exclusive experiences, and a relaxing atmosphere everywhere it opens a new hotel. And since few places exude more luxury than the Maldives, the brand is getting ready to debut its second property in the idyllic destination.

Instead of building from the group up, however, Six Senses will work on its second collaboration with Singapore-based Hotel Properties Limited (HPL) to rebrand the already popular Kanuhura resort.

Encompassing three private islands — two deserted neighboring islands and Kanuhura itself — the property will offer the Maldives’ signature combination of white sands, turquoise waters, and lush greenery. Also synonymous with this archipelago nation? Luxurious accommodations with unbeatable views. And guests at the new property can expect nothing less.

The resort currently has 80 private villas, both on the beach and over the water. Throughout the rebranding process in the coming months, the accommodations will be upgraded to add private pools in the overwater villas and new family suites.

Other property enhancements will include fresh dining concepts, as well as new wellness programming. Meanwhile, those who prefer something more active will find water activities and high-performance equipment that allows for nearby turtle safaris, access to 40 dive sites, and more — all while learning about ocean conservation.

At the forefront of all the changes will be Six Senses’ unique ethos.

“Six Senses Kanuhura is a unique opportunity to combine our three best-loved ideals in life: sustainability, wellness, and locally themed experiences,” said Neil Jacobs, CEO of Six Senses, in a press release shared with Travel + Leisure. “By day, your feet will be sandy and your hair salty. By night, surrender to the spa and your skin will be smoothed, your soul will be soothed, and your mood will be as sparkling as your sundowner.”

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