The Illusion of Tourism

So, I've been thinking recently about travel and some of the reasons behind it - why we actually do it at all.
People are always looking for the new 'what's next' - the latest gadget, the hottest fashion accessory, that million-dollar idea; even wanting to be amongst the first to set foot in uncharted lands: we are promiscuous, to say the least.

However, a new travel phenomenon has recently emerged, for which the term 'trophy tourist' has been coined, describing a new wave of holidaymakers who make it their business to venture to the farthest reaches of the globe in search of a relatively untouched experience. Apparently, for this type of traveller, it is largely so that they can 'tick it off' of a proverbial list of places that they can then say they have visited.

My thoughts then led me to the apparent human trend of choosing the illusory over the actual, merely so as to seem more impressive to those around us. People seem so much more willing to embellish, lie and construct their own reality for a particular purpose these days.

But why is this? Is it because there are now more opportunities to be someone else with the invention of remote communication; or is it that there is perceptively now more of a need to create alter egos so as to disguise any character flaws we feel we own?

A prime example of this is social networking - sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and Second Life allow a person to be anyone that they would choose to be, offering each the ability to iron out at least some of their less desirable personality curves, thus allowing them to converse less affected by the very human ailment that is the stereotype. We are free to assume the identity of anyone we want from the superstar football player at school, to the straight-A student, to the well-travelled entrepreneur just back from his (or her) most recent holiday to say... the moon (which apparently will be the new 'what's next' - so make space in your trophy cabinets).

But what effect is this having on us as individuals - is this relatively modern phenomenon of second-hand realities causing an epidemic of identity crises... all these untruths... all this creative embellishment? Are we such victims to social acceptance that we must acquire awards, not for pride, but for the illusion of pride?

Wouldn't our mantelpieces be better filled with actual photographs rather than empty accolades?

... Which brings me back to this idea of the 'trophy tourist'; people go to such lengths to impress that the line between truth and reality seems to be growing ever wider.

The irony of advancing communication technologies is that while we are ostensibly moving closer and closer to one another; in actual fact, we are growing farther and farther apart.

For whatever reason, if you are looking to book your next trip abroad, you'll no doubt need some inspiration, and the best place for that is online, where you'll find hundreds of holiday reviews to help you decide where to go.

What you should know about visiting Barcelona?

Have you ever considered visiting Barcelona? This is a great place for all those seeking for some genuine relaxation or for a discovery tour. With some wonderful hotels, great sightseeing spots and some great architecture you are sure going to love this place. In this article I will be providing some more information on Barcelona and how you can make the most of this trip.

The first thing that you will need to look for is your accommodation in Barcelona. Here also you will have trouble choosing the best possible option for you. If you are looking for a luxury vacation and money is not a problem then you should probably book one of the 4-5 stars hotels which will guarantee you a quality service. On the other hand if you are looking for a cheaper alternative there are some apartments that are available for rent and will surely help you to make some saving.

The following thing that you will need to do is to reserve your flight to Barcelona. There are various airlines that serve this city and you are certain to get direct flights from most leading European airports. There are also some inexpensive airlines that service Barcelona and should be worth having a look if you are visiting Barcelona on a budget. If you are flexible enough you can also take a late night flight as this is commonly the cheapest one. This French article on best luxury travel (croisiere seychelles) and vacation package has actually grabbed my attention and should be worth having a look.

Barcelona has a lot of places of interest that is surely going to please you. Whether it is shopping centers (there are plenty of shopping areas in Barcelona with some big brand names) or it is cultural tourism (Barcelona has a rich historic past as the central figure of Catalonia) Barcelona is sure going to please you. It is one of those rare destinations that has a wide appeal and should be really interesting for you to visit.

Barcelona is a great destination for every one seeking for a luxury travel. With some wonderful hotels and some great shopping centers you are sure going to love it. I hope that the small tips listed in this article will be helpful for you to prepare your visit in the best possible way.

10 Tips To Score a Cheap Honeymoon Vacation

In tough times couples spend more on memories and less on over the top abundance and what better way to start your marriage off right than with an unforgettable honeymoon? But that doesn’t come without a price tag. Even still, we’ve found ten easy ways to save in hopes that you can have your cake and eat it too.

Rent an apartment

If you know you want to spend several days in one location, look into short-term rentals. Often you can find fantastic furnished apartments that are available for rent by the week and are much cheaper than most hotels. As an added bonus you get to experience a more local feel and the culture since you are living where the locals do.

Don’t be shy – tell them it’s your honeymoon!

When you’re on your honeymoon, don’t be afraid to flaunt it! Everyone wants to celebrate with newlyweds, so make sure everyone knows from the beginning of the planning and booking process up to nights out at dinner on your special vacation. Simply by mentioning that you are newlyweds to an airline might get you an upgrade. You could find everything from hotel upgrades, special suites, perks like champagne and flowers in your room, discounts and romance packages to free drinks/desserts from random well-wishers!

Know your limits and set your priorities

When you start to plan, sit down together and make sure you’re on the same page. Discuss what your desires and goals are and what you must have and what you can live without. Make sure you know your budget and plan something within that so you feel comfortable and relaxed during your trip and not anxious about what the final bill will be.

Work with a travel agent

A travel agent is a great resource and can be a wonderful money-saving resource as well. Since they work in the industry, they can often get amazing deals to pass along to you and can create for you a customized romantic trip. Use an agent that specializes in the area you want to go to, an agency that works with cruises, one that has extensive knowledge of Italy, and of course, specializes in honeymoons.

Consider a honeymoon registry

A honeymoon registry is great for those looking to save. Some travel agencies and websites offer a registry service where guests can contribute to a honeymoon fund and travel expenses in lieu of wedding gifts. Guests can also pick a specific perk to give, like a spa treatment or romantic dinner away so they don’t just feel like they are giving you money.

Consider an all-inclusive tour, hotel, or cruise

If worry and hassle free travel is your top priority, this is a great way to make sure you know the exact costs of your trip before you go with no fear of going over. Most all-inclusive venues include meals, room, drinks, entertainment and activities, and taxes. Make sure you do know what they do and do not offer so you aren’t disappointed if, for example, if they don’t include alcohol.

Plan a few romantic nights in

If you book a place where there is a kitchenette, go to a local market and get fresh indigenous fare to cook an intimate dinner for two. Stop by a major store when you arrive and get basic necessities like snacks and easy things to make for breakfast, lunch, and drinks. That way the only meals you have to worry about are dinners out and you can easily make and pack sandwiches for a hike or quesadillas out by the pool.

Inquire about packages

Not only can you find amazing extras when you sign up for a package (which may have a romance, honeymoon, spa, or sport theme), but rates for these packages can include tips, airport transfers, and tax, which can end up saving you big money over the usual room-only rates -- even while you are getting all the perks! Don’t forget to ask wherever you go about specials for newlyweds.

Take advantage of off seasons

All destinations have high and low seasons that can have extreme variations in prices just weeks or even days apart from each other. Sometimes this is due to the weather, but in many tropical destinations there is great weather year-round and price fluctuations are due to an influx of people escaping cold weather at home. Even if there is a weather difference at your chosen location, the money saved might make up for a little bit of poor weather especially if you are going somewhere where your focus will be sightseeing and not just laying on a beach.

Research when booking your flights and book in advance

Often there are smaller airports to fly into that can be cheaper than using major hubs, and airlines run deals at different times of the year. Look into cashing those frequent flyer miles that you’ve been saving up, and check online discount websites for the cheapest flights. Also, check with your hotel to see if they offer complimentary airport pick up and drip off to start saving the moment you land! Plan well in advance and avoid those last minute fees and rate hikes.

Discount Hotels in London – Inexpensive Way to Visit Expensive London

One of the most expensive cities of the world, London is a hot tourist destination. Planning a holiday or vacation to the expensive city means lots of money. However, vacation to London is possible within limited budget as well. Every year London welcomes plethora of tourist who come here for different objectives. Whether you are business or pleasure travelers, London never fails to mesmerize.

While you are on short term or long term stay, a visit to London attractions are a must do. Explore Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, London Dungeon, London Eye, Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, Madame Tussaud’s, Trafalgar Square, Victoria and Albert Museum, Houses of Parliament and many more.

If you think it is beyond your means to visit London, then there is good news for you. Discounted hotels in London will take care of your accommodation without your need to shell out much. During your stay in discounted hotels in London, you can enjoy English hospitality and impeccable service. Discerning business and pleasure travelers to London can take advantage of modern facilities and amenities including direct-dial telephone, color TV, ironing facilities, 24 hours reception, internet access, wake-up service, satellite TV, lounge bar and many more. These discounted hotels in London offer spacious and comfortable bedrooms, thus making your stay truly home away from home.

If you want to avail of irresistible discounted hotels in London, spend some time in internet and search. Plan your business or leisure London trip much in advance and book discounted hotels in London. You will be surprise to know that London hotels provide significant discount rate in order to keep their rooms’ occupied throughout the year. During Christmas and New Year, visitors to London can avail of up to seventy percent discount in the best hotels of the London.

Choose your discounted London hotels carefully. If you are businessman, prefer discounted hotels in London that are located close to business establishments. In this way you can save time and money to getting to business centers. For those who are n pleasure trip, discounted London hotels near places of tourist interest, restaurants, cinemas, theaters and shopping will be advantageous. Explore the beauty of London by visiting attractions and sights, green parks, amazing aquariums, zoos, beautiful botanical gardens. To know more about the history and culture, visit London museums and galleries. The royal castles and historical sites are witness to London’s rich past.

Book now discounted hotels in London!!

8 Ways to Survive (and Maybe Even Enjoy) a Family Holiday with a Child with Autism

Work has become tedious. The walls of your home seem to be closing in. You NEED a vacation. But the thought of traveling with your children, especially your child with autism, is less than enticing.

Families need vacations: time to escape the regular chores, schedules and routines of home and family. Holidays mean a chance to break away from routine, a change of pace, new setting, different food, people and activities; not exactly autism friendly! Traveling with children is always more challenging, but planning a vacation with a child with autism can seem downright daunting.

There are ways to alleviate some of the stress and create an enjoyable getaway for every member of the family. Some simple guidelines and smart planning will make a big difference!

Start small

Children with autism do best with learning in small steps. If your child has never had time away from home it is wise to take a “mini vacation” for a few hours, build up to a whole day and soon after that a night away. The more familiar a child is with a new activity the less anxiety they will experience. A few hours spent in an activity close to home that is similar to what you plan to do on vacation, will be worth the time and energy. You may choose to visit a local museum, a nearby beach, a mall or spend some time on a boat. The closer the “mini holiday” matches the real thing, the better. The more practice a child has with an activity (given the proper strategies) the more they will be able to regulate emotions and enjoy the experience.

Take time to preview

Our anxiety levels typically increase when we have no clue what to expect about an upcoming event. Many people have a difficult time with the “unknown.” This is particularly true of kids with autism! As adults, we may choose to browse a travel guide, read rating scales and look at photo galleries of places where we plan to visit in order to preview where we are going and what we can expect. Our children who live with autism will benefit from these activities as well. Browse the Internet, peruse travel brochures and maybe even visit a bookstore and/or library to allow your child to read about a specific place that you plan to visit. There is an abundance of books about traveling on an airplane, visiting grandparents, ocean life or life in big cities. Whatever you decide to do with your family, reading about it is an awesome way to acquaint your children with the idea.

Don’t leave home without the visuals

Visual supports are an absolute necessity when traveling with children that have autism…even if you are away from home for a day! Pictures, calendars, maps, brochures and photos provide individuals with autism a priceless gift of predictability and order. Holidays can be filled with distractions, changes of plans, new events and unknown people. The potential for meltdowns is high when family members are tired, routines are off, and emotions and expectations are on overload and. Visual supports can act as an anxiety reducer and a welcome relief.

Individuals with autism gain a sense of calm from predictability and familiarity. When planning a trip, highlight the route on a map and if you know where you plan to stop, mark those spots on the map. Maps are often appealing to children with autism and they provide a visual tool that the child can hold and manipulate as they travel. For children that can read you may consider providing a list of some of the towns or cities through which you will travel. Children can check them off as they go or just use them as a reference when they want to know, where they are. Maps and trip itineraries are useful tools to reduce anxiety because they provide a tangible reference point and predictability. Route changes can also be made quickly on the map or just written on a piece of paper.

Not knowing how days will be filled and what will happen next is unnerving for individuals who live with autism (and for many non autistic people)! Many of us rely on electronic gadgets or day planners to keep us feeling directed, calm and in control. When planning your family trip, bring along a calendar or a day planner of some sort. Attach a strip of Velcro on each day of the trip and bring along pictures of activities or places that are associated with each day. Photographs, brochure cut outs, or homemade pictures will work. If the child is able to read, then writing on the calendar gives our children the opportunity to see what is coming and to organize the time in their minds. The Velcro offers us the flexibility of changing plans if necessary. It also demonstrates to our kids that events are not always fixed; plans change. The key is to teach the child to refer to the calendar when they are feeling uneasy. Reward them when they do so. The alternative is to listen to a constant barrage of questions.

Plan time fairly

Choose a few favorite activities rather than trying to cram everything into the day. A trip to Disneyland can be a sensory nightmare for a child with autism. Limiting the amount of activity done in a day will go a long way to making the trip more pleasant for the whole family. Do you really have to visit all of the theme parks? Is it necessary to shop in every mall? Must you participate in all of the resort activities? Your child with autism may not be capable of managing the sensory, emotional and social stimulation that more typical children are able to cope with.

Holidays by nature, tend to be very social, unpredictable and novel. Children with autism need “downtime” from the hustle uncertainty of holidays. This may mean allowing him to participate in a favorite activity for a portion of time; whatever activity he truly enjoys doing that helps him to unwind. It may mean that the child spins, jumps, twirls a sensory toy or just sits in a chair. Watching the history channel while the family is down at the beach may be just what the teen with autism needs. The activity is child driven and NOT the parent driven. Using a timer or visual clock helps to set parameters around the activity. Using cell phones or Walkie Talkies allow parents and kids to communicate when they are not in direct contact.

Plan for unstructured time

Children with autism may not be able to generate ideas to amuse themselves and parents shouldn’t have to be entertainment directors. Some simple tools will make unstructured times like travel time and waiting for flights much more bearable. Start with a written or picture menu of all of the available items to play with. Be sure to show only the choices that ARE available! Fidget toys, digital toys, magnetic travel games, ipods, handheld games, a whiteboard with markers and magnetic puzzles are invaluable when down time is non negotiable. “Wait cards” and “Unavailable cards” are invaluable when we need to let a child know that an activity or item is either delayed or not available. These cards must be part of the child’s daily life before the vacation so that they are tolerable for the child during the holiday. Pack a bag that contains all of the activities and be sure to have it handy when the waiting begins. Using a timer or a schedule helps the child know how long the activity will last.

Practice Social skills and expectations

As adults we may find ourselves assuming that a child knows how to act in various situations. Children with autism may have no idea what is expected in a certain setting and there is a good chance that they may not be concerned about what is expected! Different settings have unspoken conventions that maintain a sense of order. When visiting museums, churches, art galleries, public parks, zoos and amusement parks, think about the hidden rules that typical people just instinctively “know.” Avoid embarrassment and frustration by reviewing the “social rules” ahead of time; keep them short and sweet. Ask the child to repeat them back to you and be clear about a reward or reinforcement for abiding by the conventions.

A social script can be quickly written on paper or a whiteboard before the child is expected to participate in an unfamiliar social situation.

For example, the rules of hanging out on the beach could be written as a social script and reviewed each time a child goes to the beach:

People like to play on the beach and some people like to lie down on the beach.

We are careful not to kick sand on people when we walk in the sand.

We can lay our towels next to each other in the family.

We can lay our towels 1 or 2 big steps away from someone that we do not know.

When we lift our towels we are careful not to shake sand on other people.

The beach is fun.

Choose to have fun

The most important item to make sure you bring along on a vacation is the expectation to enjoy it. Our thoughts control much of what we experience so it is worthwhile to affirm in your own mind that this time away will be fun. Remind yourself to really watch your children as they experience new things; smile, breathe deeply and laugh often. When plans don’t quite work remind yourself that “it is what it is” and your reaction to a situation is really what determines the outcome. Choose to be cheerful and positive and your mood will likely rub off on the rest of your family.

Plopping your children in a car, driving for six hours and telling them to stop whining will not likely result in a great vacation! Planning ahead will play a huge role in creating a holiday that is fun filled. There are little things that we take for granted about traveling that we must be aware of so that we can create a great vacation. You need it. Your family needs it. Go ahead and have fun!

Vacation in Russia for the Active or PassiveTraveler

For all the millions of tourists each year, and for all the countless thousands of places they can visit, there really seems to be only two reasons people travel: We seek relaxation, or we seek experiences. People in the first group tend to vacation on beaches and at resorts. Think warm water, massages, lounge chairs and exotic drinks. But the second type of traveler, the one seeking novel experiences, he's more active. He rides a gondola in Venice, walks along China's Great Wall, and pays homage to the Mona Lisa in the Louvre. Whether you seek a passive vacation or an active one, you can meet either goal on a trip to Russia or Ukraine.

The Former Soviet Union is hardly the first place you'd think of when considering a beach vacation. But take out a map and have a look for yourself: Ukraine, for example, has a huge peninsula jutting into the Black Sea. It's called the Crimea, and its southern coast is nicknamed the Russian Riviera. Resorts abound in the Crimea, in coastal cities like Yalta, Alushta, Sudak and Sevastopol, and the Mediterranean climate brings a steady stream of tourists throughout the summer. Luxurious sandy beaches, though, are few and far between in this area. Instead, pebble-strewn beaches are the norm. But what you lose in comfort, you gain in the beauty of the terrain. Dramatic, rocky cliffs loom over these beach towns like ancient Gods of granite.

Not that Ukraine has a monopoly on Crimean resorts. If you're intent on visiting Russia, consider one of the resorts in Sochi. The future host of the 2014 Winter Olympics, Sochi has been getting its act together in the tourism industry. Like the resort cities of the southern Crimean, Sochi is also dominated by mountains which create an amazing backdrop. Sochi's beauty is further enhanced by a word-class botanical garden which itself is worth the trip.

For those travelers wanting a more active vacation, the F.S.U. is still an excellent choice, and off the thoroughly beaten path of central Europe. Take St. Petersburg, in the northwest of Russia. This city has as much to offer as any of the European giants, with the bonus of offering a far more interesting story to tell. Does anyone bat an eye anymore when you say you've been to Paris or London? But tell them you've just returned from Russia, and you're bound to raise some eyebrows.

In St. Petersburg, you'll probably start by exploring the water-lined streets which earned St. Petersburg the name "The Venice of the North," and then make your way along the along the shops of Nevsky Prospect to the city's grand jewel, The Hermitage. One of the largest museums in the world, The Hermitage is home to countless treasures, all housed in the spectacular Winter Palace. Palaces are everywhere in and around this former Russian capital, another of which is also an absolute must-see. Often called "The Russian Versailles," the grounds of the Peterhof palace are lined with incredible fountains. The interior is also a staggering display of wealth and design, making the palace as spectacular as any in the world.

An eight-hour train ride almost due south brings you to the current Russian capital, Moscow. With a population of nearly nine million people, Moscow can be overwhelming at first. Stay as close as you can to the Kremlin, the city's center, and you'll be fine. From there you can experience walking in Red Square, the staging ground for all those massive cold war demonstrations of Soviet power. Still in Red Square, be sure to have someone take your photo as you stand in front of the colorful, almost childlike St. Basil's cathedral - perhaps the ultimate icon of Russia. If you're standing with your back to St. Basil's cathedral, look to your right and you'll see a long decorative building which borders Red Square. It looks like yet another palace but is actually a grand shopping mall...though be warned: Its prices are as high as its arched glass ceiling. For a more affordable shopping experience in Moscow, make your way to the walking street of Novi Arbat. It's a great place to find souvenirs and do plenty of people watching. The truly adventurous should make their way around Moscow by subway, the stops of which themselves are considered a travel destination.

Some vacationers seek only to relax on a quiet beach, while others yearn for the excitement that only a new city can deliver. When it comes time for you to consider what you want out of your next vacation, consider the countries of Ukraine and Russia. They're only an hour or so further from Europe by plane, but they're a world away in beauty and adventure.

Tips for traveling with children

Air travel with children, particularly infants and toddlers, demands extra care and planning. It can be quite a challenge to make the trip run smoothly, and you don’t want to be the parent who elicits stares and grumblings from all the other passengers. Since you have the potential to run into problems anywhere along the way, from Heathrow airport parking to losing a toddler in a crowd to trying to stop a baby from crying or a toddler from fidgeting during flight delays, it’s best to be prepared with plenty of contingencies.

Step one: Plan ahead. Make sure you have the following items in your carryon: snacks, baby wipes, tissues, Children’s Tylenol and possibly Benadryl, more bottles and nappies than you think you’ll need, a change of clothes for both you and the children, and plenty of things to keep them entertained. Now is a great time to tantalize with new toys—quiet ones without small parts. Art supplies, like crayons or Play-Doh, can use up nice chunks of time. If the new toys are wrapped, that will enhance their appeal as well as use up extra time.

Step two: Time it right. If your children nap, take advantage of their natural schedules. For example, you might try to schedule a flight that coincides with nap time. Let them enjoy the car ride to Heathrow (or not, but at least if they’re fussing, it won’t be bothering strangers), stay awake through the unloading and check-in, and hopefully be well tuckered out by the time you board the flight.

Step three: Make it as easy on yourself as possible. It’s always preferable to have two adults along: one can handle the luggage and travel details while the other handles the young ones. Even with two of you, rather than dealing with lugging both children and suitcases from the Heathrow airport parking garage to the terminal, arrange for a “Meet and greet.” You can drive directly to the terminal, unload, and have a valet take your vehicle to inexpensive offsite parking. When boarding the flight, you might not want to take advantage of airlines that let families with young children board first, particularly if you have active toddlers in tow. Instead, let one adult board first with the carry-on luggage, while the children expend as much energy as possible in the boarding area. You’ll have a difficult enough time keeping them entertained while confined to their seats without extending that time.

Final tip: expect the unexpected. All the planning in the world cannot help you foresee every possible problem; it can simply make you more ready to deal with it. Be prepared to go with the flow and adjust as necessary, so that you all arrive at your destination ready to enjoy it.