Argophilia

Αργοφιλία: For the love of the journey.

travel

TravelRent – Underwhelming Russian Socialismness

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A startup from Russia called TravelRent just launched aiming at the short term private accommodation niche that is so huge in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and elsewhere in the Russian Federation. We took a look at the new site, which ended up being a mix of good and bad features – but at least an improvement over previous Russian websites.

Russia – EU Tourism Glee: Has the Boat Sailed

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Russian Federation Prime Minister Vladimir Putin is all over the news of late. First running for the Presidency again, and today talking about something termed a “Eurasian Union”-or as some proclaim – a soviet bloc party renewed. But, Putin’s ideas could well solve any number of points of pain for his people.

Orbitz May Finally Be A Best Buy

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Orbitz announcements of deals and personnel changes, like most such corporate news fodder, would not ordinarly be a sign of anything big in the offing. However, with a closing price of $2.40 on Friday, and the inherent value underneath, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure this stock is on the way up.

Sweet Days at Buda Castle

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For a taste of Budapest you’ll truly never forget, this month’s “Sweet Days” festival at Buda Castle will supply a gastro-cultural memory to last. September 16 to 18, a world of European sweets and other rarities will be offered up to locals and visitors to Budapest.

WTTC: Tourism for Tomorrow 2012 Kick Off

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Every year the World Travel & Tourism Council invites tourism businesses, organizations, and even destinations to apply for the worldwide Tourism for Tomorrow Awards. The council just announced this year’s competition for gaining recognition via best practices in sustainable tourism.

Travel Dot Brands and the New ICANN gTLDs

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When the new ICANN Dot Branded gTLDs hit the web, some feel larger corporations will further distance themselves from the little guy in online business. Expensive, highly targeted and branded domains like dot apple and dot hilton may in fact shove out competition online.

TripAdvisor Acquires Where I’ve Been

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TripAdvisor, the online world’s most popular travel website, has reportedly purchased Where I’ve Been, the once popular Facebook application. The map oriented platform allows users to display where they have visited or lived, and places they would like to visit. Once a “viral” application with something over a million monthly users, the app now sees only a fraction of that number.

BioJet Offers Aviation Industry Cheap Alternative Fuel

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According to news from BioJet International Ltd., the innovative jet fuel company has released 1 billion gallons of bio-derived fuel for commercial use. The offer to the commercial aviation industry will be at a fixed rate of $2.97 per gallon.

Albania Expands Free Visa Privileges

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In news from Albania, the government there has temporarily lifted all visa requirements for travelers from Azerbaijan. For visits of up to 90 days, citizens there can travel to Albania at their leisure. This follows news that Albania allowed similar privileges to other countries.

Seamlessly Topguest Hypes Best Western Union

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Okay, I have finally had enough. Looking into the travel tech footlocker of startups out there, potential is about all there is out there at the moment. And for Best Western and a company called TopGuest, a bit of scornful ranting due from a Web 2.0 evangelist from the early days. The reason, someone out there in PR land still thinks everything needs to be “seamless” in its integration. BS

India Celebrates Mahashivratri 2011

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Visitors to India will have a rare treat in store with Mahashivratri being celebrated across the country. Millions of followers, and their visiting guests from other countries, will be on the march to see some of the tallest Shiva statues, giant wonders that not only honor Shiva, but leave onlookers entranced.

TUI Travel Gains Confidence and Russian Investment

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Russian billionaire steel tycoon Alexei Mordashov has increased his stake in German tourism group TUI. Mordashov raised his stake to above 20 percent from just above 15%. The transaction was made via his S-Group holding company. In TUI’s latest corporate documents, it is clear the company intends massive expansion into the Russian Federation.

Happy Birthday to Singapore’s Jurong Bird Park

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Singapore’s Jurong Bird Park celebrates its 40th Anniversary this year with special prices and gifts for guests. The largest bird park in the world, Jurong is home to thousands of rare birds, and some of the world’s most fascinating exhibitions. Visitors this year are in for a rare treat indeed.

TripIt Cashes In Big Time

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Travel startup TripIt cashes in for an estimated $120 million after only 5 years of development and customer building. Concur is said to have acquired the Web’s most utilized business travel planning tool for cash and stocks. As for the future of TripIt, Concur has not released a statement as of yet.

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.

Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina Get Free Visa Privileges

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The EU has now granted fee visa privileges to Albania and Bosnia-Herzegovina in an effort to spur democratic reforms and progress. These two Balkan republics’ citizens can now travel freely within the Schengen area, basically all of the EU. Officials warn of a withdrawal of privileges should serious problems with immigration ensue.