Argophilia

Αργοφιλία: For the love of the journey.

Russian Bulgaria Sinking Reveals Systemic Problem

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The sinking of a Russian Federation tourist boat in the Volga is the second transportation catastrophe there in as many days. The death of at least 24, with more than 100 still missing, prompted President Medvedev to begin a wide scale safety blitz.

Crystal Cruises – Best Large Cruise Line 2011

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For those dreaming of a cruise aboard a fabulous floating city this Summer, Crystal Cruises may just be the safest bet there is. The company has just been named Travel + Leisure’s “Best Large-Ship Cruise Line” for 2011.

GetYourGuide: Swiss Movement for Tours

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Travel and tourism in the digital world is branching out in “pioneer” fashion more and more these days. One startup we took a look at today, GetYourGuide, illustrates vividly what is possible with the right people behind an endeavor. GetYourGuide, founded in 2008, is a development that has been hard at work becoming the digital world’s tour and specialty activity “go to” platform.

White Line Hotels – There In Black and White

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Paris, London, New York, or even a Caribbean cruise, what’s the one thing all vacations have in common? The place a traveler stays after arrival, for one. Argo Travel News went far afield today in search of the extraordinary. After all, while we seek pattern and commonality in travel, many times – isn’t it the “unique” that is so often missing?

Will Google Launch Their ITA Travel Weapon?

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According to TechCrunch’s reliable network of source, Google may well roll out an integrated ITA search platform within days. A report by TC’s Leena Rao 16 hours ago suggests Google’s recent acquisition may in fact be the forboding nightmare Microsoft, Expedia, and others feared.

Style T&E Hotels’ 2011-2012 Hotel Lineup

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In hotel news, Style Trendy & Elegant Hotels’ recent launch of their luxury hotel lineup for 2011-1012, reveals a menu of 80 select accommodations in 12 countries. The Hotusa Hotels brand represents hotels around the world offer impressive locations, extraordinary architecture, and meticulous guest services.

Not Just Rotten in Denmark – Nationalism Surfacing

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The news that the Danish parliament moved on Friday to reintroduce limited border controls, should not really come as any surprise. With one segment of the EU pushing hard for austerity measures on the other side, and the Russian Federation being nixed at every turn on free visa travel, and general upheaval increasing overall, isn’t it clear more than one border crossing is at risk?

Russian Billionaires, Finnair, airBaltic – Which Way Is Up?

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Troubled Latvian airline, airBaltic, is in the news accusing Finnair’s Estravel of attacking the carrier. airBaltic is all in the news with both positive, negative, and conflicting news of late. With staggering losses so far this year, can the Latvian carrier weather such a storm?

Sea Island Resort Names Scott Steilen President

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In news from Sea Island, Georgia, Sea Island Acquisition, LLC announced the appointment of Scott Steilen as President of the Sea Island Resort. Steilen will oversee the company’s operations including Sea Island Golf Club, the Cloister at Sea Island, and world famous lodge there.

Peninsula Festival in Târgu Mureş Rocks Transylvania

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The Peninsula Music Festival 2011, comes to the Transylvania city of Târgu Mureş (below) August 25th through 28th, promising yet another music experience of a lifetime. Known in Romania as Sziget (peninsula) Festival, and in Hungarian as Félsziget Festival, the music event has grown to become one of the most anticipated in all Europe. No matter who calls the event what, Transylvania is about to rock.

GBTA Announces “Travel Value Chain” Panel

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Today, the Global Business Travel Association (GTBA) announced a new Travel Value Chain panel comprised of noted industry CEO’s at major travel providers.

Strikes Across Europe – Some Travel Grinds to Halt

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Just when you’d think European travelers may have had their fill of airline delays and disruptions, industry workers in the UK, Greece, and France decide it’s time to strike some more. A walk out by taxi drivers in Paris, striking air traffic controllers in Greece, and UK border officials demonstrating, these latest upheavals cannot help Europe travel.

VacationRoost Launches Vacation Portal – Barbados Anyone?

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Vacation home rental innovators, VacationRoost, launched their new website today. The new rental portal features some 150,000 plus managed vacation rentals from North America, to Mexico and the Caribbean, and beyond. Argo takes a look at the new site, and at least one deal for a great summer vacation; “Barbados anyone?”

Cruising the Med in Style with Sea Cloud Cruises: Summer 2011

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Argophilia is all about the love of the journey, and what journey imaginary or real could be more poignant than a Mediterranean cruise? And since we are destined for dreams, what about a cruise aboard a real ship, a legend, the 80+ year old windjammer Sea Cloud. Talk about a journey, Jason of Argonaut fame himself would fight for the chance.

Boingo Takes Off with Gogo in an Airplane Under You

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Yes, you read this title correctly. In mobile connectivity news today, leading edge Wi-Fi provider Boingo has penned a deal with industry leader Gogo, to provide digital services above 10,000 feet. Like most readers, scanning the first couple of lines of this press release made me wonder if some time off might be the best […]

Via Michelin: Can Bibendum Fix Blowout?

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In news from one of the world’s best known names in hospitality, Michelin, celebrating the company’s 10 year anniversary online come with revamped Via Michelin website. Argo Travel News takes a look at Michelin’s entry into the competitive realm of online travel guides.

Just How Unwired Is the European Travel Commission?

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The European Travel Commission recently announced a travel contest via their Facebook engagement to attract US tourists to the continent. In what could be classified as either symbolic, or simply Europe’s latest and greatest online misfire, the pronounced Facebook engagement is nowhere to be found. The so called “I Wish I Were There” contest, is so far only a dream?