Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Amazing Facts, Activity.
Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Amazing Facts, Activity.
Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Amazing Facts, Activity.
Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Amazing Facts.
Written by Traveltalksteam on . Posted in Destination news, Amazing Facts.
Did you know that there is a famous painting in the world that receives love letters daily? The painting has its own room and its own mailbox.
It is the Mona Lisa! Not only does the Mona Lisa receive love letters, there are also some other interesting facts:
She has her own room in the Louvre Museum in Paris.
After the Louvre launched a four-year, $6.3 million renovation in 2003, the painting now has its own room. A glass ceiling lets in natural light, a shatter-proof glass display case maintains a controlled temperature of 43 degrees F. and a little spotlight brings out the true colors of da Vinci’s original paints.
4. It is a painting but not a canvas.
Da Vinci’s famous masterpiece is painted on a poplar plank. Considering he was accustomed to painting larger works on wet plaster, a wood plank does not seem that outlandish. Canvas was available to artists since the 14th century, but many Renaissance masters preferred wood as a basis for their small artworks.
5. Jackie Kennedy invited her to visit.
Over the centuries, French officials have only rarely let the painting out of their sight. However, when first lady Jackie Kennedy asked if the painting could visit the U.S., French President de Gaulle agreed. “Mona Lisa” went on display at the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C. and then at the Metropolitan Museum of the Arts in New York City.
6. A thief made her famous.
Although in the art world, the painting had always been an acknowledged masterpiece, it wasn’t until it was stolen in the summer of 1911 that it would capture the attention of the general public. Newspapers spread the story of the crime worldwide. When the painting finally returned to the Louvre two years later, practically the whole world was cheering.
7. Picasso was under suspicion for the theft. During the investigation, the gendarmes went so far as to question known art dissidents such as Pablo Picasso about the theft. They briefly arrested poet Guillaume Apollinaire, who had once said the painting should be burned. Their suspicions proved to be unfounded.
Written by Traveltalksteam on . Posted in Destination news, Amazing Facts.
Did you know that at the most unusual post office in the world, all mail gathers in a wooden barrel? Started in the late 1700’s by whalers, this mailing system requires visitors to take a postcard with a local address and hand deliver it upon return to their own country. And there’s no facebook, texting or tweeting allowed. Amazing, right?
Started by whalers in the late 1700s, this mailing system – possibly the oldest in the world – requires visitors to take a postcard with a local address, and hand deliver it upon return to their own country.
The tradition has existed ever since tourism began on the islands in the 1960s and for over 200 years before. English whalers and seamen travelling through the bay would leave letters to family, then those travelling in the opposite direction would deliver them back in England.
And it is Galapagos where we find this post office.
Written by Traveltalksteam on . Posted in Amazing Facts.
Champagne pool
Did you know that there is a Champagne pool in the world? Don’t get too excited, it is named that way because it bubbles like champagne in a glass. But it is pretty special anyway: it has bubbles of colored water and coughing, spitting mud pools and not only that, its excess water feeds another pool called Artist’s Palette, which is colored yellow because of sulphur deposits. Amazing right?
Champagne Pool is a hot spring located within the Waiotapu geothermal area in North Island of New Zealand. The name Champagne Pool is derived from the constant efflux of carbon dioxide gas, similar to a glass of bubbling champagne. The vibrant colours come from a rich deposition of minerals and silicate. The silicate structures around the edge of the pool are teeming with microbial lives.
The hot spring was formed some 900 years ago by a hydrothermal eruption, resulting in a crater 62 m deep and 65 m in diameter. Coloured water percolates up from underground, full of carbon dioxide, which forms bubbles near the surface where the water temperature is 74°C. At the edges of the pool, silica is lined with bright orange from antimony rich deposits that solidify out of the cooler water. Mercury, thallium, gold and silver are also deposited in the rocks.
Named as “One of the 20 Most Surreal Places in the World” Thousands of years in the making, visitors can choose one or all of three walks which take between 45 and 90 minutes.
Unique features include the world famous Champagne Pool naturally coloured springs, bubbling mud, steaming ground, expansive vistas, huge volcanic craters and sinter terrace formations.
The natural bush setting adds another dimension to the experience as does the Lady Knox Geyser which erupts daily at 10.15 am to heights of up to 20 meters.
Written by Traveltalksteam on . Posted in Amazing Facts.
Did you know that there is a famous region which we know for its breathtaking landscape, but its name means “the land of beautiful horses”?
Horses were valued gifts to kings in ancient times and even used to pay as taxes. Amazing, right?
Whereas Cappadocia is famous today for its otherworldly topography and a strong connection to the past, the region was known for something else altogether in ancient times; horses. Even the name itself, Cappadocia, is derived from the Persian word “Katpatuka”, meaning the land of beautiful horses. Ancient sources mention gifts or tributes of horses from the region presented to ancient Assyrian and Persian kings. When Cappadocia was under Persian governance, horses were part of the taxes paid. The locals today still value horses, which sometimes offer visitors an alternative mode of transport. Thousands of other wild horses roam free on the mountains and plains of Turkey’s Anatolia region, the descendants of horses that were abandoned by farmers. … These days, they can be spotted roaming in herds in several Turkish provinces, including Manisa, Mus, Kayseri and Karaman
Written by Traveltalksteam on . Posted in Amazing Facts.
ATM in Latin- Amazing travel fact
The Vatican is the only country in the world to have ATM’s that speak Latin.
Latin is the official language of the Vatican and one can choose this option by simply pressing the button.
Rumor has it, that the former Pope Benedict XVI, loved his transactions done in Latin. The economy of Vatican City is supported financially by the sale of stamps, coins, medals, and tourist mementos as well as fees for admission to museums and publication sales.
The Vatican City state employed 4,822 people in 2016. The Vatican City issues its own coins and stamps. It has used the euro as its currency since 1 January 1999, owing to a special agreement with the European Union.
Euro coins and notes were introduced on 1 January 2002—the Vatican does not issue euro banknotes. Issuance of euro-denominated coins is strictly limited by treaty, though somewhat more than usual is allowed in a year in which there is a change in the papacy.
Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Destination news, Activity, Amazing Facts.
28 October 2021
Under normal circumstances, falling asleep during a paid tour is a waste of money at best or an offense to your guide at worst. But that’s not the case with this new experience coming out of Hong Kong. As its name suggests, the Sleeping Bus Tour is designed to help passengers catch some Zs, and rides are already selling out.
The five-hour bus ride takes passengers on an 83-kilometer (about 51.5 miles) journey aboard a regular double decker bus. Not only is the Sleeping Bus Tour the first of its kind, it’s also the longest bus route in Hong Kong, ensuring that fatigued passengers have plenty of time to enjoy some REM sleep.
The entire experience starts at a restaurant, where guests will be served a “2-course Western menu” or what the company describes as a “Food Coma Lunch” — an excellent head start in making passengers feel sleepy. Once they board the bus, passengers can get cozy for the ride, which includes a few stops for scenic photo ops and bathroom breaks. Passengers can also disembark the bus early at one of several drop-off points if they’d prefer to continue their sleep at home rather than complete the entire journey.
He said that the tour was a good idea and “more interesting” than he expected.
Tickets for the Sleeping Bus Tour are divided in four categories from the “Zero-decibel Sleeping Cabin” to the “VIP Panorama Cabin.” Prices range from about $17 USD to $115 USD per person.
Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Destination news, Amazing Facts.
28 October 2021
Valencia, Spain has been named European Capital of Smart Tourism 2022. The city’s candidacy has been chosen by a jury of the European Commission, specializing in accessibility, sustainability, digitization, cultural heritage and creativity. Valencia’s commitment to developing projects that promote smart tourism; networking and promoting the development of innovative, sustainable, and inclusive tourism, were recognized and cemented the jury’s decision.
The councilor for tourism of the Valencia City Council, Emiliano Garcia, said in a press statement that this distinction from the E.U. “represents recognition of the work on sustainability that the Valencia destination is developing, together with the business sector.”
“Valencia is positioning itself as a cosmopolitan, intelligent and sustainable tourist destination, at the level of large tourist cities and European capitals,” he added. “We are leading pioneering projects in terms of sustainability, such as the one relating to the calculation, certification and reduction of carbon and water footprints, or the development of a complete Tourist Intelligence System. We are positioning ourselves as a destination for international filming thanks to the constitution of the Film Office; we are the World Design Capital for 2022, and in parallel, we continue to maximize the value and visibility of our most traditional heritage, both tangible and intangible.”
Supported by a panel of experts in communication and brand development, Valencia will produce a promotional video, a large sculpture, including a hashtag that will be installed in a prominent place in the city and various promotional activities within the European Union to support visibility and awareness of the award in 2022.
Valencia has developed its tourism strategy on the pillar of sustainability, promoting projects that allow progress and meet the DMOs sustainable development goals. Among these projects and taking into consideration the city’s economic, social, and environmental impact is the recent audit of its carbon and water footprint of tourism activity. Through the reduction and compensation of tourism related activities, Valencia aims to be carbon-neutral by 2025.
Significant efforts have been made to increase the space dedicated to pedestrians. Showcasing Valencia’s commitment to mobility, more than 95 miles of bike lanes have been created in the city, the promotion of facilities with special equipment has increased, architectural barriers have been eliminated and multiple projects have been developed to adapt the tourist offer to ensure those with reduced mobility can enjoy everything the city has to offer.
Aimed at easing the decision-making process in the business sector, communication tools such as tourist chatbots, smart tourist information kiosks—which help travelers 24 hours a day, seven days a week—as well as geocaching experiences to discover the city’s attractions are some examples of the digital advances Valencia has taken to connect with visitors via tech.
A city full of cultural heritage, historical character, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Valencia is committed to the preservation of its key tourism offerings and attractions. In addition to the journey to declare paella as Intangible Heritage of Humanity, the candidacy also highlighted other international recognitions—such as the 2022 World Design Capital award—as well as the synergies created between the cultural, creative and tourism industries.
Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Destination news, Activity, Amazing Facts.
27 October 2021
The highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere is now allowing its visitors to scale the 1,131-foot skyscraper.
Today, New York City’s Edge at Hudson Yards announced that tickets would go on sale for City Climb, the highest external building climb in the world.
Opening on November 9, climbers can scale the outside of the Edge building and lean over the outdoor platform at the top.
Climbers will be fitted with specially designed safety harnesses secured by City Climb guides via two cables attached to a trolley. They will be able to lean out over the observation platform after arriving at The Apex, which stands at 1,271-feet.
Participants can also enjoy a view of Edge’s outdoor area on the 100th floor, which includes a champagne bar.
“The architectural details in New York City’s buildings make our skyline one of the most instantly recognizable in the world,” said Senior Vice President of Related Companies Michael Gilbane in Hudson Yards’ in an official press release obtained by PR Newswire.
“But until now, the views from these iconic capstones have been reserved for cinematic superheroes,” Gilbane continued.
“We are exceedingly proud of the team who master-minded this entertainment marvel offering the world an unparalleled perspective of the City,” Gilbane concluded in the release.
New guests will also get a customized video of their climb and a commemorative medal.
Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Amazing Facts, Activity.
Ecuador
Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Airline, Amazing Facts, Destination news.
October 21, 2021 –
When guests enter Golden Door, the San Marcos, California spa resort known worldwide for its “life-changing” wellness programming, the first scene they’ll encounter is a long wooden bridge under a canopy of leaves that runs straight and then makes a sharp left turn.
Guests are told that when they turn that corner, they’re leaving the stressors of the outside world behind.
While Frey grows his own ingredients in his fragrant on-site gardens, Singapore Airlines’ innovative use of aeroponic farming should leave little to be desired in the vegetable department. Using detoxifying combinations and anti-inflammatory ingredients such as turmeric, verbena, mint, and olive oil, the new wellness dishes are designed to satisfy but also pack in nutrients, helping ease the body into a long journey and new time zone.
Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Destination news, Activity, Amazing Facts, Hotel.
October 21, 2021
Moon Resorts Las Vegas is one of four lunar-themed properties planned to open around the world.
Space tourism is slowly becoming a reality with billionaires making seemingly regular visits to the stars and the world’s first space hotel planned to make its debut in 2027. Despite the promising progress, it may take a while before space tourism is available at a more accessible price point.
So what’s the next best thing in the meantime? Perhaps this new moon-shaped hotel coming to the Las Vegas Strip.
For entertainment, guests can look forward to a 2,500-seat theater, a planetarium, a 5,000-seat event center, a 10,000-seat arena, and, of course, a casino. Adding to the moon-theme will also be a nightclub that will be positioned directly under a “spaceship” and will beam lights down on guests, the Daily Mail reported.
Even just accessing this main attraction will be an adventure, with guests riding a rollercoaster-like “moon shuttle” that circles the exterior of the hotel suites on its way up to the lunar colony.
Moon Resorts Las Vegas will take about four years to build and is one of four lunar-themed properties planned to open around the world in 2026 or 2027. Beyond this Las Vegas property, others are planned for the Middle East, China, and Spain.
Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Destination news, Activity, Amazing Facts, Hotel.
October 21, 2021
While some travelers visit warm-weather destinations for their winter vacations, lounging in the sun and enjoying a break from chilly temperatures back home, others head straight for freezing locales to embrace the picturesque, snowy landscapes. Across North America and northern Europe, ice hotels provide the ultimate winter wonderland experience, with one-of-a-kind accommodations in stunning, remote places, like Swedish Lapland or Romania’s Carpathian Mountains. Although amenities, on-site activities, and room types vary by location, ice hotels generally have a few things in common. The hotels made of ice and snow are typically rebuilt every year during the winter, open for a limited season while weather permits. And don’t worry — even though some offer beds made of ice, guests usually sleep on top of a mattress or in sleeping bags, so they don’t shiver all night.
Here are five stunning ice hotels located in Canada, Sweden, Norway, Romania, and Finland.
This French Canadian palace located outside Quebec City is perhaps one of the best-known ice hotels in the world, and it’s the only hotel made of ice in North America. Opened in 2001, the resort changes its structure each year, offering 21 rooms and themed suites that come with arctic sleeping bags.
Exact opening dates change every year — in 2021, the ice hotel is open from Jan. 2 to March 13.
Located 125 miles north of the Arctic Circle in Swedish Lapland, Icehotel is situated in the tiny town of Jukkasjärvi. This retreat is made for the rugged traveler, and it’s open all year long. Icehotel Winter is rebuilt each year, offering ice rooms from December through April, while Icehotel 365 has ice rooms available year-round.
Located in northern Norway, Snowhotel Kirkenes is open 365 days a year. There are 14 rooms available — seven double rooms and seven family rooms with four beds. In the winter, available excursions include king crab winter safaris and northern lights tours, while summer guests can opt to hike with huskies or fish in the Barents Sea.
The Carpathian Mountains surround this high-altitude resort near the glacial Bâlea Lake. The hotel has been built from ice and snow every year since 2005, with double rooms and igloos available for travelers seeking a unique experience. The Ice Restaurant & Bar serves local dishes in a chilly setting — starters and desserts are even served on ice.
Located in Kemi in Finnish Lapland, SnowCastle Resort is open 365 days a year, but the SnowHotel is only open during the winter. Due to the pandemic, SnowHotel won’t reopen until 2022, but visitors can still check out ice sculptures and the ice bar at SnowExperience365. This year, guests can opt for a winter stay at the Seaside Glass Villas, which have glass roofs perfect for viewing the northern lights.
Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Destination news, Amazing Facts, Where in the world.
The Belfast Tourist Board recommends that visitors to the Northern Ireland city should try to see “the world’s largest Titanic visitor experience,” the century-old Belfast Cathedral, and The Big Fish, a 32-foot long ceramic statue of a salmon.
When officials in Xylofagou, a village in Cyprus, were trying to figure out what they could do to commemorate their most famous crop, they thought about Belfast’s Big Fish. But instead of a tiled mosaic covered with stories about their city — like that oversized salmon — Xylofagou ended up with, uh, a giant fiberglass potato on a stick.
The newly unveiled 16-foot-tall replica of the ‘spunta’ potato variety cost the village €8,000 ($9,300) to design, build, and install. “The Big Potato” has also been roundly mocked on social media for its unfortunate resemblance to, uh, a very personal body part. (No giggling, please!)
Tasou said that the Big Potato will soon be accompanied by more decorative elements and bench seating for people who want to be photographed near the giant spud. There is also a plan to add a “kiosk offering potatoes cooked in many different ways,” and the village may eventually build a potato museum that would show potato-growing tools and pictures of the different varieties of potatoes that are grown in the region. Next year, Xylophagou also wants to set a new Guinness World Record for frying the most French fries at one time; their goal is to cook around 1,760 pounds worth.
Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Activity, Amazing Facts, Destination news.
October 18, 2021 – Hiking, history, and howler monkeys are waiting at Costa Rica’s 30th national park.
Once the home of a wildlife refuge and a notoriously brutal prison, Costa Rica’s San Lucas Island now welcomes visitors to discover its new identity as the country’s 30th national park.
Located off the Pacific coast of the Gulf of Nicoya, San Lucas Island National Park is made up of both land and coastal areas that cover 1.8 square miles. With new purpose comes new features, so visitors can expect to find freshly minted hiking trails, toilets, 24-hour surveillance, and systems for electricity and water.
As reported by Lonely Planet, the wildlife that can be found on the island includes howler monkeys, spiders, snakes, deer, and pheasants. While in San Lucas, visitors can also explore the former prison buildings, which are now considered cultural heritage sites. Over 50 guides have been trained to help guests understand the history of the island and its former prison founded by the dictator Tomás Miguel Guardia Gutiérrez.
San Lucas Island National Park can be reached via a 40-minute boat ride from the city of Puntarenas, located 60 miles from San José. It is the second national park in the region of Puntarenas, following Coco Island National Park. According to Lonely Planet, the new park was created in hopes of encouraging visitors to discover the country’s hidden gems, while also developing sustainable tourism opportunities and contributing to the socioeconomic development of the area.
Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Amazing Facts, Activity.
England
Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Amazing Facts, Activity.
Ecuador
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