CultureCrossing.net
September 5, 2008 on 8:51 am | In Adventure Travel, Africa, Airlines, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Brazil, California, Canada, Caribbean, Central America, Chicago, Cruise Boats, East Coast, Europe, Florida, Great Lakes, Hawaiian Islands, Las Vegas, London, Los Angeles, Mexico, Miami, Middle East, Midwest, New England, New South Wales, New York City, Orlando, Pacific Islands, Pacific Northwest, Plains States, Rockies, San Diego, San Francisco, South America, Southwest, Sydney, Texas, The South, Toronto, USA | Comments Off
A new site to help travelers cross the cultural divide
Announcing the launch of www.CultureCrossing.net;a user-built guide to cross cultural etiquette and understandingfor traveling, living, working, and studying in the global community.
Wondering if you should bow or shake hands with your Chinese colleague? Worried that you might have offended your Moroccan hosts by declining that second cup of tea? Want to know the best time to arrive at a Brazilian party? Look no further than CultureCrossing.net; an evolving database of cross-cultural information about every country in the world.
This free, user-built reference guide allows people from around the globe to access and share essential tips about how to navigate the world with savvy and sensitivity. An invaluable resource for travelers, businesses, students and anyone living and working in a multicultural community, CultureCrossing.net offers its users an opportunity to:
* Access information for more than 200 countries (with new information added daily)
* Add knowledge to the country guides*
Ask questions and chat directly with other users and experts from around the world
• Explore global resources to facilitate any cross-cultural experience
According to CultureCrossing.net founder Michael Landers, “There are many sites that tell you how to book a trip and what to pack, but very few sites offer crucial information about the intangibles like appropriate greetings, gestures, and taboo behavior- tips that will help you stay out of trouble when crossing cultures.
Ours is the only site providing free access to this kind of knowledge for every country in the world.”
The resources available at CultureCrossing.net are free to use, easy to navigate and simply organized by country and divided into three distinct categories of information: the basics, business essentials, and student life.
Topics covered include greetings, gestures, taboos, dress, negotiations, meeting etiquette, school rules, gift giving, communication styles, eye contact, and more. Besides being an indispensable reference guide, the site also offers a variety of additional features such as interviews with culturally conscious celebrities, a humorous blog where you can learn from others’ cross-cultural faux pas, tools to help you explore your own “cultural baggage”, and quizzes so you can test your cultural IQ. WHY
Adventure Travel Website ‘Off the Radar
September 4, 2008 on 7:31 pm | In Adventure Travel, Africa, Airlines, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Beachbooker, Belize, Brazil, Cabinweb, Cabo, California, Canada, Cancun Cozumel Yucatan, Caribbean, Central America, Chicago, Costa Rica, Cruise Boats, East Coast, Europe, Florida, Great Lakes, Hawaiian Islands, Hotels, Las Vegas, London, Los Angeles, Mexico, Miami, Middle East, Midwest, New England, New South Wales, New York City, New Zealand, Ontario, Orlando, Outdoors, Pacific Islands, Pacific Northwest, Plains States, Rail Tours, Road Trips, Rockies, Sailing, San Diego, San Francisco, Saudia Arabia, Scuba Diving, Skiing Snowboarding, South America, Southwest, Spa Resorts, Sports Travel, Spring Break, Surfing Resorts, Sydney, Tennis, Texas, The Keys, The South, Toronto, USA, United Kingdom | Comments Off
Off the Radar travels far and wide to bring readers information about unusual and difficult-to-find adventure destinations and tour operators. In three short years of operation, it has become an invaluable resource for adventure travelers, travel writers, and tour operators.
Off the Radar is establishing a reputation for “breaking” the news about emerging operators and destinations in the media - some examples include:
• In May 2008, Off the Radar featured a range of itineraries and operators in Assam, India; later this year this remote NE Indian state will likely be the subject of a PBS television show
• Protect the Earth, Protect Yourself (www.PEPYride.org) non-profit organization and adventure tour operator offering cycle trips and volunteering in Cambodia was featured in Off the Radar’s Aug 2006 issue; by April 2007 PEPY was gracing the pages of National Geographic Adventure magazine
Sample advertising opportunities with Off the Radar include: mention of the company and its product or service in the ‘Try This’ feature column, sponsorship of the monthly photo contest, banner ads, and sponsored ads in the Off the Radar newsletter which is sent to over 600 subscribers each month. Bundled advertising packages are available.
Please contact paigestringer@xolaconsulting.com for a full menu of options, rate cards and further details.
In 2005, Xola Consulting (www.xolaconsulting.com) launched Off the Radar (www.travelofftheradar.com) to bring passionate, independent travelers reliable information about entrepreneurial adventure companies around the world – those who provide guests with a genuine, personal experience; who believe in sustainable, environmentally sensitive travel; and who believe in incorporating the local people and traditions of the places where they operate.
Sunwear Sale Right Now
September 4, 2008 on 1:28 pm | In Adventure Travel, Africa, Alaska, Alberta, Antigua Barbuda Anquilla, Aruba Bonaire Curacao, Bahamas, Barbados, Beachbooker, Belize, Bermuda, British Columbia, California, Canada, Caribbean, Cayman Islands, Central America, Chicago, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East Coast, Florida, French West Indies, Great Lakes, Grenada, Haiti, Hawaiian Islands, Jamaica, Labrador, Los Angeles, Manitoba, Miami, Midwest, Montserrat, NWT, New Brunswick, New England, New York City, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Ontario, Orlando, PEI, Pacific Northwest, Plains States, Puerto Rico, Quebec, Rockies, Sailing, San Diego, San Francisco, Saskatchewan, Scuba Diving, Southwest, Spa Resorts, Sports Travel, Spring Break, St. Kitts Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Maarten, Surfing Resorts, Tennis, Texas, The Keys, The South, Toronto, Trinidad Tobago, Turks Caicos, USA, Virgin Islands, Yukon | Comments Off
Snowboards On Sale Right now
September 4, 2008 on 12:43 pm | In , Adventure Travel, Alaska, Alberta, British Columbia, Cabinweb, California, Canada, Chicago, East Coast, Great Lakes, Labrador, Los Angeles, Manitoba, Midwest, NWT, New Brunswick, New England, New York City, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Ontario, PEI, Pacific Northwest, Plains States, Quebec, Rockies, San Diego, San Francisco, Saskatchewan, Skiing Snowboarding, Southwest, Texas, The South, Toronto, USA, Yukon | Comments Off
Outdoor Gear Autumn Garage Sale
September 4, 2008 on 12:04 pm | In Adventure Travel, Alaska, Alberta, Beachbooker, British Columbia, Cabinweb, California, Canada, Caribbean, Central America, Chicago, East Coast, Florida, Great Lakes, Hawaiian Islands, Labrador, Los Angeles, Manitoba, Miami, Midwest, NWT, New Brunswick, New England, New York City, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Ontario, Orlando, Outdoors, PEI, Pacific Northwest, Plains States, Quebec, Road Trips, Rockies, Sailing, San Diego, San Francisco, Saskatchewan, Scuba Diving, Southwest, Sports Travel, Surfing Resorts, Texas, The Keys, The South, Toronto, USA, Yukon | Comments Off
Tourist Guide Booking Tool
September 4, 2008 on 9:40 am | In Adventure Travel, Afghanistan, Africa, Alaska, Albania, Alberta, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua Barbuda Anquilla, Argentina, Aruba Bonaire Curacao, Asia, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Bahrain, Baja, Barbados, Beachbooker, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bermuda, Bhutan, Bolivia, Borneo, Bosnia, Botswana, Brazil, British Columbia, Brunei, Bulgaria, Cabinweb, Cabo, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cancun Cozumel Yucatan, Caribbean, Cayman Islands, Central America, Chad, Chicago, Chile, China, Colombia, Comores, Congo, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Crete, Croatia, Cruise Boats, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Dubai, East Coast, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Estonia, Ethiopia, Europe, Fiji Islands, Finland, Florida, France, French West Indies, Gabon, Gambia, Germany, Ghana, Great Lakes, Greece, Grenada, Guam, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Hawaiian Islands, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Korea, Kuwait, Labrador, Laos, Las Vegas, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Lichtenstein, Lithuania, London, Los Angeles, Luxwmbourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Manitoba, Marianas, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Melanesia, Mexico, Miami, Micronesia, Middle East, Midwest, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Montserrat, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, NWT, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Brunswick, New Caledonia, New England, New South Wales, New York City, New Zealand, Newfoundland, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Northern, Norway, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Oman, Ontario, Orlando, Outdoors, PEI, Pacific Islands, Pacific Northwest, Pakistan, Palestine, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Paris, Peru, Philippines, Plains States, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Quebec, Queensland, Reunion, Road Trips, Rockies, Romania, Rome, Russia, Rwanda, Samoa, San Diego, San Francisco, Saskatchewan, Saudia Arabia, Scotland, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sharjah, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, South America, South Australia, Southwest, Spain, Sri Lanka, St. Kitts Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Maarten, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Sydney, Syria, Tahiti, Taiwan, Tanzania, Tasmania, Texas, Thailand, The Keys, The South, Togo, Tonga, Toronto, Trinidad Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turks Caicos, Uganda, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Victoria, Vietnam, Virgin Islands, Wales, Western, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Yukon, Zaire, Zambia, Zanzibar, Zimbabwe | Comments Off
Explore Egypt with a tourist guide
Hailed as “the travel service innovation of 2008″ by the Irish Times
OurExplorer facilitates with ease the on-line booking of professional tourist guides from all over the world. Save time and money while you explore your next destination with the wisdom and guidance of a local.
Have you ever thought whilst visiting a new destination, “I wonder where the locals eat, drink, fish, ski, shop or party?” OurExplorer suggests its time for us all to stop simply sight-seeing but rather start exploring with the local wisdom and knowledge of a professional tourist guide.
OurExplorer has launched a new travel concept in BETA, a user-rated tourist guide booking tool created exclusively for your personal travel needs.
As the global financial crisis still looms, OurExplorer can save travellers hassle and money by getting the maximum out of their overseas adventure with a private tourist guide.
Enjoy the insight of the best shopping and value for money dining experiences in a city, directly from a native. Some tourist guides are currently offering special discounted rates and free tour hours on OurExplorer.
OurExplorer promote professional tourist guides only. Pre booking, the traveller can view their experience, license, past client testimonials or even chat with the tourist guide.
OurExplorer launched in July 2008 with now over 400 private tourist guides covering more than 80 countries worldwide — making it the biggest professional tourist guide directory in the world and growing all the time!
Make your trip overseas unique and full of adventure.
You book your flight and accommodation on-line, why not your tourist guide?
Get a tourist guide for land (city guide, mountain guide) or sea (diving guide).
Purpose of OurExplorer:
1. To help tourist guides increase their income thereby benefiting the local community - especially those in poor countries e.g. Kenya, Mexico and Cambodia.
2. Increase cross cultural awareness and acceptance via direct connection with locals e.g. people in USA get the chance to understand those in Pakistan and Israel
“Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry but it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends,” said Mahatma Gandhi.
“Less than 9.7% of overseas travelers interact in meaningful discussion with a local,” according to the Tourism 2020 Vision reported by WTO.
The IMF concluded in March 2007 that “direct support of independent local businesses when you travel has the most positive results on local economy”.
“Rather than just donating money, OurExplorer is a sustainable long term solution to help low income families globally,” said David Cunningham (Chief Exploring Officer).
Silversea 2009 Silver Sailings Savings
September 2, 2008 on 10:57 am | In Alaska, Antigua Barbuda Anquilla, Aruba Bonaire Curacao, Asia, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Beachbooker, Belize, Bermuda, Cabo, California, Canada, Cancun Cozumel Yucatan, Caribbean, Cayman Islands, Central America, Chicago, Costa Rica, Cruise Boats, Cuba, Denmark, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East Coast, Europe, Finland, Florida, France, French West Indies, Germany, Great Lakes, Greece, Grenada, Haiti, Hawaiian Islands, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, London, Los Angeles, Malta, Mexico, Middle East, Monaco, Montenegro, Montserrat, Netherlands, New South Wales, New York City, Norway, Paris, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Rome, Russia, San Diego, San Francisco, Saudia Arabia, Scotland, South America, Spain, St. Kitts Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Maarten, Sweden, Sydney, Tahiti, Texas, The Keys, The South, Toronto, Trinidad Tobago, Turks Caicos, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Virgin Islands, Wales | Comments Off
Ultra luxury Silversea Cruises has launched its Silver Sailings Savings programme for 2009, offering special savings of up to 50 per cent for a limited time on selected 7-18 day all-inclusive voyages including some sailings during Prince Albert II’s inaugural season in Polynesia.. From South America, Alaska, the South Pacific and the Caribbean to Northern Europe, the Mediterranean and the Far East, sailings onboard Silversea’s intimate, all-suite vessels offer the very best in ocean travel.
Cruise in pampered Silversea luxury aboard Silver Shadow on an 18 day voyage departing 11 April 2009 from Sydney to Singapore via Hayman Island, Komodo Island, Bali, Semarang and Karimunjawa Archipelago, enjoying a saving of 30 per cent. All-inclusive cruise-only fares start from US$$10,496* per person, double occupancy.
Be one of the first to experience a South Pacific sailing onboard world-class expedition ship Prince Albert II. Savings of up to 40 per cent are available across all accommodation categories on a series of 10-15 day Polynesian voyages between March and September 2009. All-inclusive cruise-only fares start from US$3537* per person, double occupancy, for ten day Papeete to Papeete sailings departing 31 March, 5 May, 3 August, 7 and 28 September, via Raiatea, Maupihaa and Huahine in the Society Islands and Tikihau, Rangiroa, Apataki, Arutua and Fakarava in the Tuamotu Archipelago.
Experience the best of the Mediterranean by taking advantage of a 50 per cent saving on a 7 day cruise on Silver Whisper departing Rome on 6 June 2009 for Monte Carlo, with calls in Portovenere, Barcelona and Cannes. All-inclusive cruise-only fares start from US$$3,247* per person, double occupancy. Alternatively combine three consecutive 7 days voyages departing from Barcelona to Athens on 20 June and enjoy a spectacular 21 day voyage through the Mediterranean US$13,339* per person, double occupancy.
On 1 March 2009, sail in a luxurious Vista Suite aboard Silver Cloud for 15 days from Rio de Janeiro to Barbados via Grenada and French Guiana and enjoy a saving of 50 per cent. All-inclusive cruise-only fares start from US$$5,497* per person, double occupancy.
Kick off 2009 in style with a 10 day cruise between Port Louis and Cape Town via Madagascar departing 3 January 2009 on Silver Wind. All-inclusive cruise-only fares start from US$$4,917* per person, double occupancy – a saving of 40 per cent.
The Silversea fleet offers the luxury and elegance of a private yacht and the services of a five-star hotel, with distinctive European styling and a convivial atmosphere amongst well-travelled, international guests. Fares are all inclusive with all ocean-view suite accommodation, complimentary wines, champagnes and spirits, and guests can dine at their leisure in a choice of four gourmet restaurants. The friendly Silversea service is renowned and all gratuities are included.
*Port charges, government fees and taxes are additional. All costs are based on per person, double occupancy. Subject to availability. Savings are available for a limited time only.
Silversea Cruises is recognized as an innovator in the luxury segment, offering guests large-ship amenities aboard four intimate vessels, Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, and Silver Whisper, all designed to offer an atmosphere of all inclusive conviviality and casual elegance. With the addition of the regal expedition ship Prince Albert II in 2008, the company’s itineraries encompass all seven continents.
Silversea Cruises has announced major dry-dock refurbishments are planned for its 296-guest sister ships Silver Cloud and Silver Wind to bring their interiors in line with the style of its newest ship, the 540-guest Silver Spirit (scheduled for delivery in December 2009). For Silver Wind , the month-long refurbishment will take place this November and Silver Cloud’s in May 2009.
Silversea has for the past four consecutive years been named Best Cruise Line by readers of Australia’s Luxury Travel and Style magazine. For nine consecutive years, Silversea has been named “Number One Small Ship Line” in the Readers’ Choice survey conducted by Conde Nast Traveler magazine in the USA and in 2007 was the only cruise line named in the UK edition of Condé Nast Traveller’s “Top 100 Luxury Travel Experiences” at the same time topping the Small Cruise Line award for the eighth time. Silversea has been selected as “World’s Best Small Ship Line” in the US Travel + Leisure readers’ poll for the past eight years, and “Best Luxury Cruise Operator” twice in the TravelWeekly Asia Industry Awards, 2007 and 2008.
Fresh New Look For Family Skiing
September 2, 2008 on 10:05 am | In Austria, Cabinweb, East Coast, Europe, France, Germany, Italy, Lichtenstein, London, Luxwmbourg, Midwest, New England, New York City, Pacific Northwest, Paris, Plains States, Rockies, Rome, Scotland, Skiing Snowboarding, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Wales | Comments Off
The Ski Famille winter 2008/09 brochure is out now. A clear magazine style format enables families to quickly get to grips with what’s on offer from the leading family ski specialist.
Managing Director Chris Thompson explains the new approach “Brochures are often dragged down by page after page of descriptive text, small images, confusing price panels and boring small print. We wanted to create a crisp design that quickly gives readers a feel for what our holidays are all about. To get to the nitty gritty they can then visit our website or pick up the phone and speak to our expert team.”
To download a copy of the brochure (.pdf approx 2MB) visit: THIS LINK.
The 2008/09 season also sees the introduction of a stunning new flagship chalet for Ski Famille in Les Gets, France. Chalet Les Chats Bleus offers up to 13 guests luxurious all en-suite accommodation beside the piste. Visitors will enjoy modern design, stunning views and little indulgences like an outdoor hot tub.
The property was designed for Ski Famille and includes family suites, as first seen in the firm’s Chalet Le Marjorie, also in Les Gets.
Family skiing holidays with Ski Famille start from £495 per adult and £430 per child. Infants are £395 on all dates. All holidays are in well located catered chalets in the heart of the French Alps and include 5 days of free childcare. Packages include either Channel crossings or Geneva airport transfers.
For more details visit www.skifamille.co.uk or call 0845 64 437 64