Argophilia

Αργοφιλία: For the love of the journey.

Estonia Travel: Feeling the Gut Punch of Sanctions

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A poll taken last month in Estonia reveals the serious impact the Russia sanctions are having on tourism businesses there. According to the poll, the counter sanctions by Russia’s Putin have affected one in five businesses there. Russian tourists represent a big percentage of Estonia travelers, and many fear increased tensions will gut the travel trade there.

Argo Hotel Spotlight: Westin’s Astir Palace Near Athens

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This weeks resort spotlight shines on Westin’s Astir Palace in Athens. Sitting in the middle of 75 acres of lush gardens along a private peninsula, this resort offers endless vacationing possibilities for the Greece traveler. But the average traveler doing their discovery, just may not give this stunning resort a chance. Here’s the pro’s and con’s of this Athens hideaway.

5 Perfect Anniversary Destinations for Fall

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It’s time for that anniversary. You’ve thought about places to go for weeks and months. Special places like London, Paris, Shanghai, even Bali. But those places are become cliche, now haven’t they? Just what sort of place is special enough in the Fall?

“We Told You!” The Arrival of Your Mobile Guest

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Across the spectrum of travel businesses the paradigm shift to mobile now takes on acute significance. From online travel agencies, hoteliers, travel agents, and the business side of the travel industry, the inevitability of the mobile customer has arrived. Fortunately for a good many travel entities, preparations were made to adapt to this shift. However, the majority of businesses worldwide now find themselves behind the proverbial 8-ball. To all the businesses we’ve suggested convert, that milestone we predicted has arrived. Don’t say we didn’t tell you so.

Europe Tourism Being Body Slammed Over Ukraine

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The negative domino effects from the unrest in Ukraine are being felt all over Europe. In Slovenia hotels are reporting a 20% drop in numbers of Russian tourists already. This dramatic number, from Euronews, represents fully 6% of tourists to that country. But Slovenia is not the only European country being slammed.

Five of the Best Restaurant Views in Europe

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A culinary delight is always better when the ambiance of place meets the perfection of gastronomical intent. Dining overlooking awe inspiring scenery, what could be more important to accentuate food art? Here’s a list of restaurants you’ll have to add to your dining bucket list. Portugal to Mother Russia, there’s a foodie world out there where tasting can be a feast for the eyes too.

Dia Island: Ancient Atlantis Reemerges As a Resort?

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News Saudi Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal is interested in Crete as a touristic development bears mixed blessings. The prince, who’s transformed every place he’s invested in quite literally, says he wants to develop the island of Dia, just off Heraklion. But Crete is a special case study in protected antiquity, and Dia may hold secretes the Greeks don”t want destroyed by overzealous development.

President, or Not, Hillary Clinton Demands the Treatment

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If your business or organization plans on featuring former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton as a speaker, get ready for some steep demands. According to the New York Post, Clinton is not above demanding the Presidential Suite when she stays at hotels. The wife of former President Bill Clinton also demands to be ferried to the destination via private jet.

BUONGUSTO Ristorante Off the Hauptmarkt Trier

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Mihaela and I set out for downtown Trier for day two of our annual “birthday week” yesterday. Having plopped down in nearly every eatery in Germany’s oldest city these last 7 years, finding a new hidden gem was our mission on a perfect summer’s day. Relegated to the side alleys of the pedestrian zone, choosing from off the beaten path seemed logical. So confronted with the typical schnitzel garden, or a classy looking Italian cafe/restaurant, we gave Deutsche cuisine “the boot” on this cheery day.

Top 10 Chania “In and Out of Town” Attractions

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Crete’s second biggest city, is probably the most well know and picturesque. Chania, a Minoan settlement known to the Greeks as Kydonia, is famous for it’s Venetian Harbor photogenically. The capital of the provence of the same name, Chania is about as iconic a destination as you can imagine. Surrounded by a host of smaller villages and immeasurable natural beauty, the west of Crete’s gem of tourism deserves every accolade. Here’s a bucket list of things any visitor “must see” before leaving this magical Cretan getaway.