Argophilia

Αργοφιλία: For the love of the journey.

Europeans Proclaim: “Central America or Bust This Summer”

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As far as world beaches go, apparently many out there choose Cancun as the choice of beach getaways for Summer 2013. According to Orbitz the No. 1 international Summer beach hotspot is the legendary Spring Break destination in Mexico. Mexico and Central America are not only heating up temperature wise this Summer, but visitation wise.

Travel in Europe: Don’t Be Caught Dead Migrating

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Two news bits today concerning Germany’s disposition toward migrants and visitors draw further attention to key Schengen and visa discussion. A report via EurActiv speaks to one side of the German and EU PR aspect, the Roma people being the subject on the one hand. At the other end of Germany’s public relations woes, news that second generation Turks in Germany are headed home suggest the German state is in an exclusivity mood toward some.

Putin’s Russia Vision Continues: The New Mariinsky Theatre

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Visitors to St. Petersburg interested in the arts will now be able to enjoy a fabulous new Mariinsky Theatre, a showplace reminiscent of the golden age of Russian arts. Opened last week by President Vladimir Putin at a star studded gala, the new building of the theater is considered by many a symbol of Russia’s re-emergence as a cultural and economic giant. Under the personal patronage of Putin, the Imperial wealth of Russia is somehow rejuvenated.

Euros Left in the Vapor Trail: Plight of the Single European Sky

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With 27 separate bits of airspace connecting European countries, is it any wonder the the old continent still seems fragmented and inefficient? Well, back in 1999 the European Commission launched a plan termed Single European Sky (SES), aimed at uniting all the airspace to fuel a more efficient air travel industry. The big question today it; “What happened to the plan?”

Beach Tomato Unleashes New Villas Site for Summer

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For the bored or down and out traveler out there, how about “inspirational travel” this Summer season? You don’t know what inspirational travel is, you say? Well, a company called Beach Tomato has launched a new online portal to inspire, and to help satisfy your wanderlust for sandy, seashore, and sunshine bliss this year. BeachTomatoVillas.com is a wide eyed beach stay showcase. Let’s look.

Saving Our Seas for Tomorrow: The Baltic

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A recent conference in St. Petersburg, Russia saw the heads of the Baltic Sea States meet up to discuss protecting the already heavily polluted Baltic, and each country’s responsibility for the task. With environmental sustainability on every leaders lips these days, we thought we would take a look at the ups and downs of one of the world’s most fascinating seas.

Putin Discusses Rebuilding Moscow Museum of New Western Art

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Russian President Vladimir Putin has instructed his cabinet and the government of the Russian Ferderation to evaluate whether or not to re-establish the Moscow Museum of New Western / modern / art. Putin’s recent “Direct Line” conversations are said to be the stimulus for this move apparently aimed at reclaiming for Moscow elements of Russia’s glorious past form the Hermitage in St. Petersburg.

#Travel Tuesday Tips on Travel Tech: Don’t Cry for Expedia

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Reading news in travel technology this morning any interested party might be a bit confused over all the smoke signals going out from online players. The New York Times suggests simply “Fewer, Bigger Travel Sites”, Expedia stocks are down on the one hand, and their mobile app is revamped a superhuman helper on the other. Meanwhile a startup called Bookt LLC takes a shot at Airbnb.com and vacations. I guess the good news is, travel technology is really still alive and doing well.

European Commission Turns Cold Shoulder to More Exlusionism

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Last week the European Commission turned a cold shoulder to ideas of permanently banning certain EU nationals entry, and the subsequent negative impact certain rules might have on overall tourism. A Commission spokesman reportedly accused ministers of misrepresenting figures showing immigration problems.

Accor Axes Hennequin – Stocks Reactive

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French hotel conglomerate Accor has had bad economic news for some time now, and 2013 first quarter results are blamed for the Europe hotel giant having fired CEO Denis Hennequin. According to news from Accor, the board voted to terminate Hennequin effective yesterday.

Northern Cyprus Tourism: Not at All Gloom and Doom

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Recent news of banking system problems on the Island of Cyprus have already had further negative impact on Cyprus where inbound tourism is concerned. And, considering the impact tourism has on the overall Cyprus economy, this is maybe the worst sort of news. However, not so many travelers might know that travel to Northern Cyprus shows no such real or percieved banking or other difficulty. You see, Northen Cyprus (officially the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus) is in many ways a wholly separate system.

Five for Five Star Stays in Budapest

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Budapest is one of those places everyone should see once, and when your chance arrives to visit what better way to stay than in the veritable lap of luxury. Argo Travel suggestions for either side of the Danube there in Hungary include some names you all know, and a few you may never have heard of. Famous for you, or not, your luxuriant time in this capital of culture will be none-the-less unforgettable.

Romania’s People’s Cathedral: For Salvation or Resurrecting Greatness?

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Travelers to Romania may some day in the near future view the marvel Romanian Orthodox People’s Salvation Cathedral (Catedrala Mântuirii Neamului Românesc), the infrastructure of which is now completed. Located on Calea 13 Septembrie in Bucharest, the cathedral will stands 120 feet tall, able to accommodate 5,000 of the faithful at once.

Hotel V Nesplein – The Amsterdam Stay You Need

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Situated in a completely transformed historic building, the 43 room luxury hotel also boasts of trans-formative owners too. With Amsterdam in a bit of need of a PR boost, this chic and starches new hotel is just the ticket. One of Hotel V’s visionaries, Jan Stuurman, believes showing people the real Amsterdam, rather than the perceived haven for prostitution and illicit marijuana use, is simply part of the hotel’s mission.