Argophilia

Αργοφιλία: For the love of the journey.

Indochina – A Land of Contrasting Cultures

by

Indochina is a land of contrasts, where foreign cultures clash with ancient values and technological advancement goes hand in hand with a centuries old way of life. Rice paddy fields and buffalos meet bustling urban metropolises, where hand drawn carts jostle for space with motorbikes – nowhere else in the world quite exhibits the contrast […]

A Taste of South Africa

by

The South African wine tourism industry is about to take off big time – at least, if Minister for Tourism Marthinus van Schalkwyk gets his way. “The wine industry in South Africa plays a vital role in both job creation and rural economic growth,” said the minister while giving a talk during a workshop for […]

Creator of Travel iPhone App Says it Helped Find Bin Laden

by

The world is a safer place tonight, and that is partially due to an iPhone app for adventure travellers, according to the app’s creator.  Tactical NAV says its app may have been used to track down Osama bin Laden. Tnooz reports that when Navy SEALs successfully stormed Bin Laden’s house, they were using what Tactical […]

Gogobot Integrates Facebook and Foursquare Check-Ins

by

You have probably seen them on various websites and even found enjoyment clicking as many as you could, but after the thrill of clicking wears off, it is not exactly clear what purpose Facebook and Foursquare check-ins serve.  Gogobot hopes to change that with its check-in integration for user passport profiles. It works rather simply, […]

Smart Destinations Offers Printable Go Select Passes

by

Smart Destinations is preparing to launch Go Select, a new tool that will allow customers to choose the attractions they want to see, add them to their passes, and then print them.  The deal also includes a printable PDF guidebook.  It is currently in BETA for New York City only, but Smart Destinations will soon […]

BTC Offers Airlines Advice on Saving Money and Customers

by

The Business Travel Coalition has offered some helpful advice to airlines that find themselves struggling to pay fuel bills and also please their customers.  According to Kevin Mitchell, BTC Chairman, airlines are facing a potential backlash from angry customers who are fed up with increases in airfares and hidden ancillary fees. Airlines around the U.S. […]

When Does an Airplane Become “Too Old” to Fly?

by

Most fliers probably don’t think about it much during air travel, although it can be quite unsettling upon easing yourself into your economy class seat to discover the armrest is still equipped with an ashtray.

A Royal Date with Count Dracula?

by

It would be Romanian tourism’s biggest boost since Count Dracula. The tiny Transylvanian village of Viscri has surprisingly been mentioned as one of the potential honeymoon destinations for Prince William and soon-to-be Princess Kate.

Oyster.com Gets $10 million Boost from Travel Channel

by

The sun must seem a little brighter this week for folks at Oyster.com.  In its Series B funding round, Oyster raked in $10 million from the Travel Channel and Bain Capital, a previous investor. The Travel Channel chipped in $7.5 million of the funding, taking with them a minority stake in the hotel-booking website.  In […]

Rezidor Announce Plans for new Park Inn Hotel in Novosibirsk

by

Developed in conjunction with one of the groups’ most important Russian partners, the Regional Hotel Chain, the 150-room, mid-market property is scheduled to open up to guests for the first time in 2014. Located in the center of Novosibirsk, the hotel lies in immediate proximity to both a subway station and the main railroad terminal. Aside from its 150 guest rooms, Park Inn Novosibirsk is set to offer facilities including an all-day gourmet restaurant, a luxury spa and gym, lobby bar and five conference rooms.

South Africa Aims to Double Tourist Arrivals

by

South Africa is launching ambitious plans to open up the country as one of the world’s top holiday destinations. Last Wednesday in parliament, the country’s Minister for Tourism Marthinus van Schalkwyk, detailed his government’s plans to more than double the number of foreign visitors to the country over the next eleven years.

Introducing a New Tour on the Trans-Siberian Railway

by

A brand new tour on the famous Trans-Siberian Railway begins this summer – a new and improved, luxurious tourist trip will depart from Moscow this August, and promises to be a most unforgettable experience.

The Long Wall of Quang Ngai – Southeast Asia’s Newest Wonder

by

Deep in the remote jungles of central Vietnam, archaeologists have discovered what has been labeled as Southeast Asia’s “longest monument” – a solid stone wall stretching an astonishing 127.4 km, through pristine rain forest and remote hill tribe villages, all completely unspoiled before expected imminent arrival of busloads of tourists.

Delta Adds Online Checked Baggage Tracker

by

Delta Air Lines has introduced a baggage tracking system that provides a web-based interface for customers to track their checked baggage.  If you like doing your travel preparation, planning, and purchasing online, the ability to also track your bags is a nice addition. Passengers on Delta flights can track their bags using the bag tag […]

Guardian Leverages Google Power for Trip Advisory Map

by

The Guardian News Datablog has come up with an interesting way to display travel warnings issued by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), using Google’s Fusion Tables.  “The world according to Britain’s diplomats” gives you a visual picture of the world’s most troubling travel hotspots, at least according to the UK government. The most dangerous […]

DOT: Airlines Must Disclose Ancillary Fees

by

The Business Travel Coalition has expressed its enthusiasm over the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) decision to apply consumer airline protection.  The rule  would require airlines to declare any ancillary fees along with the standard information provided at all points of sale.  Some of the common added fees include checked baggage and ticketing fees.  Regarding […]

Holiday Disasters – When Things Go Seriously Wrong

by

Holidays are all about fun – and for the majority of us, indeed that’s just what they are, lots of fun.

But a number of events over the last year have reminded travelers that things do not always go according to plan. Floods, volcanic ash clouds and more in the past year have made a real mess of travel itineraries.