Argophilia

Αργοφιλία: For the love of the journey.

Serbian Treasures Including: Katarina Stefanovic

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Argophilia Travel News intends to literally astound its readers with the most breathtaking places, people, and hidden treasures anyone can imagine. In keeping with this our goal, we will showcase the photography so generously contributed to our Eastern European travel endeavor for our readers. This week, the almost unearthly art of Katarina Stefanovi – and Serbia.

Microsoft Piggybacks On FairSearch Whining

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In a transparent move to block yet another Google business move, Microsoft joins the scaredy cats at FairSearch. Like a ravenous whining hyena, Microsoft once again nips at the heels of the Internet’s most profitable and powerful company.

Ukraine Fulfilling Euro 2012 Promises

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With Euro 2012 just around the corner Ukraine’s leaders have reshuffled the administrative deck and come out with new vigor to make the country a vision for visitors. New tourism initiative, infrastructure improvements, and online travel assistance and portals should help make 2012 a huge success for the country. That is if everything can be pulled off in a year. President Viktor Yanukovich seems determined to make it so.

Poland for Christmas, Not Just a Novel Idea

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Eastern Europe, like so many places, has its distinctive traditions. For Polish people the Wigilia Christmas Eve supper is one of the most important celebrations. For foreigners visiting Poland, Christmas Eve there will be familiar, and a bit extraordinary too. A look at the Wigilia traditional Polish Christmas Eve reveals something of the heart of Poland too.

Welcome to Russia Really Does Welcome Tourists

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Argophilia Travel News continues coverage of the Russian Federation’s initiatives to expand their travel and tourism industry. An interview with a top travel business executive reveals much about Russia’s road to parity in travel, as well as the nature of Russia’s industry. Expanded travel choices within Russia appear to be right around the corner.

Chennai Rain Spells Disaster for Locals

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Near record rainfall in India has already caused the deaths of over 170 and thousands have been affected. Homes flooded or underwater, and contaminated food and water supplied top the list of government concerns. The torrential rainfall is expected to continue into today, and officials expect the death toll to continue to rise. Crop failures have already caused commodities to climb in price.

Gunfight At the Google Travel Corral

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Recent developments in online travel highlight the immense power the Internet has on traditional structures. Google’s ITA software deal is now the subject or power strokes in Washington. As Microsoft, Kayak, and Sabre vie for Senatorial support, Obama’s Attorney General select focus scrutiny on the deal.

Rezidor Hotel Group Adds Another Baltic Sea Hotel

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Swedish hoteliers Rezidor Hotel Group announced their taking over of one of Poland’s top Baltic Sea resort accommodations Hotel Rezydent in Sopot. This fine accommodation in the heart of Poland’s Baltic Sea spa resort is a sure bet for Summer sandlappers.

Move Over TripIt Movolo Is On the Move

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A Latvian travel startup called Movolo may have hit on the future of online travel booking. Simplicity on top of trust will soon enable online travel companies to greatly simplify travel booking selections. With Google’s imminent entry into the online travel space, anyone should be asking; “How do we do this?” One answer may be to follow Movolo.

Eastern Europe Digital Engagement 2010 – Lithuania

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If you surf to Lithuania’s online country portal you will be enthralled with just how pretty and refined that country’s online presence is. As websites go, their portal is nearly perfect for engaging visitors and imparting crucial information. However, closer scrutiny reveals an all too common missing link between the tools of engagement, and the actual commitment needed.

Cyber Booking Travel Deals to Die For

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If you thought Cyber Monday deals were just for online retails shops you were wrong. The online travel industry has hopped on the Cyber Monday bandwagon big time this year. Early bookings and other special arrangements equal huge savings for the cyber savvy traveler.

Albania’s National Day and UNWTO News

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On Albania’s National Day news of last week’s UNWTO Conference provides a positive backdrop for one of Eastern Europe’s most interesting emerging economies. The culture and beauty of Albania and her neighbors have for too long been missed amid the world’s most visited places. The UNWTO findings and initiatives last week may lead Albania and her neighbors into a more cooperative and positive economic future.

Diana Group Unveils Travel’s Friendliest Website

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Diana Group Hotels just launched their new online portal for travelers to the Greek Islands. A decades old traditional family business reveals how keeping up with the times, and their clientèle, is one and the same. If more businesses engaged their customers like Diana Group, their competition would quickly melt away.

Fraser Residence Opens In Heart of Budapest

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Frasers Hospitality announces the opening of their latest residences in Budapest. In what is a massive expansion initiative by the Singapore company, Eastern Europe becomes one focus of a global hospitality company’s outreach. Fraser Residences Budapest puts business and transient professionals in the heart of what is one of Europe’s biggest emerging economies.

2010 Best Family Skiing in Eastern Europe

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The 2010 Post Office Family Ski Report shows prices for ski vacations around the globe much higher in many instances. But for the savvy ski enthusiast Eastern Europe now represents and even more attractive value for family Winter fun. The Bulgarian and Slovenian ski resorts offer 5 star accommodations at half the price.

Dalmatia’s Wines Finally Get Their Due

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Croatia’s Dubrovnik-Neretva County may soon appear on the map of Europe’s finest wine regions. Long an historically significant wine region, Dalmatia has perhaps been overlooked as a prime region by some experts. However unnoticed the area has been, inclusion onto Europe’s wine destination maps will certainly benefit the superb wine makers of Croatia.

Croatia and the Speleologist’s Wish List

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Croatia is a wonderful destination for cultural treasures, historical adventures, culinary and even outdoor tourism, but not many people realize the subterranean wonders Croatia has to offer. Yes, caving is one of the most intriguing and popular touristic activities in the fantastic Eastern European country.

Inchon – Asia Games and Russia Ties Progress

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In news from Inchon, South Korea, the Asia Games of 2014 mascots are announced. Also, a relic of the Russo-Japanese War ends up being the tie that may bind Russia and the Korean peninsula.