It might sound quite threatening that taxi is one of the most dangerous means of transportation. The drivers of all countries are similar: they were cheated, deceived, and even rob, rape and kill their clients. What should we expect, stopping the car in a city of peace?

Thus when travelling you better understand all of the advantages and disadvantages of the cars offered by the specific country.

Mexico City, Mexico

At first glance, the problems with taxis in Mexico City there: visible green cars are omnipresent. However, the capital is full of frightening stories about taxis – about a quarter of the cars are  pirated. Their drivers have been working in the genre of “express kidnappings”: the client is brought to the ATM and at gunpoint forced to withdraw all funds from the plastic card.

Tip: It’s better to use only those taxis that are brought by a hotel employee. And before getting into a car, check the place- whether it’s normal and nobody’s inside the car.

Seoul, South Korea

It seems that taxi drivers can not get lost on the streets of Seoul, as their cars are equipped with GPS-navigators. However, some drivers are replacing them with mini TVs: much more interesting to watch movies than to track the satellite path. Last year, city officials have declared the practice to be illegal, and even impose a fine of 500 dollars, but the court overturned that decision. Local police believe that such fans of TV in 2008 became the perpetrators of 200 accidents that have affected 350 people.

Tip: A trip by a white car would be cheaper, but safer to choose the black taxis, which are usually waiting for customers at the door of the hotels. Much less can be seen the orange cars, but more likely it is that their drivers can speak in English, and, hence, they can  explain why they you should not watch soap operas at the wheel.

New Delhi, India

Market metropolitan taxi in India is divided between black and yellow Fiats and colorful moto-cars. They must use the meter and observe tariffs, but the trouble is that the drivers ignore the fact, and even more. Trip on a moto-car is more dangerous: in these small cars  there are no seat belts, or even doors. Tuk-tuki (namely the so-called in India) continually fall into the news reports: that drivers are robbing and raping the passengers, the carriages suddenly ignite spontaneously.

Tip: many shops offer special cards on which you can calculate the cost of  your travel. And to do your work well done when order a taxi, ask your hotel – they will certainly call into one of the two most reputable and reliable companies operating in India.

Johannesburg, South Africa

During the pre-revolutionary era minivans were rode to the workplace by the proletarians, and now these cars became  shuttle buses, which can be found almost everywhere. But they obviously should not be used for those who suffer from claustrophobia: a salon can fit up to 10 seats, stuffed usually by 20 people . However after all you should think before you sit in this kind of  wagon: drivers prefer not to think about the traffic rules and ride on a crazy speed.

Tip: on the black continent, existing customary law – addressed to the staff at the reception by the hotel – he will call a taxi for a solid company with the insured driver.

Lima, Peru

Yelling in the street, you are literally asking for  been robbed or raped so you better be careful when making any kind of noise. The U.S. State Department reported that in 2007, a taxi was robbed even belonging to the American Embassy. What is the reason? The fact is that in this country to become a taxi driver one needs to rent or buy a taxi-like car and put him on a plate. And many non-resident drivers know the city  much worse than the tourists. Thus the choice of the driver here is rather important task.

Tip: The hotel staff is there to ensure  solving the problem and will offer a reliable taxi. But do not forget to make sure that the driver locks the door, because armed robbers sometimes jump into the car, standing at the crossroads.

Cairo, Egypt

It’s scary to watch on one of these black Fiats , even when they are on the spot. A lot of old cars, no lights, some body parts replaced with “non-native” and unpainted ones. However, if you happen to go in this car, you probably will forget about such trifles. The drivers say the rules are unnecessary formalities, like to drive the car, casually holding the steering wheel with one hand, and even at night prefer not to turn on the lights.

Tip: You better stop the choice on the “yellow” taxi of one of three companies: working on such machines, drivers are trained better than their Fiat colleagues.

Bangkok, Thailand

Sitting in a three-wheeled tuk-tuk, it is hardly worth it to seek for safety belts. This transport is not for those having a weak heart: delicate moto-cars are moving at a great speed  into the dense flow of traffic, so that the passengers can  only hear the wind whistling in the ears (although the doors are also provided in this form of transport, they seem to be useless ). On the road the driver will try to make  you visit variety of shops, restaurants and massage parlors – from the owners of these establishments, he receives a commission for each customer.

Tip: To get a taxi in the heart of the Thailand- in its capital is easy when paying attention to its color. They say that the most multilingual drivers go in the green cars. North to the cabin, pay attention to the counter. If it does not work and the driver is not thinking about replacing it,you better look for another taxi.

Manila, Philippines

Sitting in a car with a stranger – a bad idea anywhere, but in this city it’s especially bad, because to rob those who sit in the back seat is one of the most common crimes in this country. First of all, do not sit in cars parked along the side of the streets.And even if you might not be attacked by your driver, it’s worth trying to get a normal taxi with an air conditioning as the climate here is too hot to left without it.

Tip: You refer to the hotel staff  not only to bring a car but a driver and  to check its number and license in advance.

Jakarta, Indonesia

Since in the 1990’s pedicabs were banned, the Indonesian usually use co-called mototaxis. Authorities are completely unable to regulate this minitransportation. And as a result – drivers are regularly robbing the passengers and most of the time suffer from the car-stealing themselves. Although the driver must wear a helmet and have a spare for the passengers, none of these items are being remembered.

Tip: Take care of your health! Use you our means of transportation- feet!

Oxford Tourist Office expects that the film Tim Burton’s “Alice in Wonderland” will attract the attention of travelers to the places where Lewis Carroll actually wrote his famous and all-favorite book.

The city representatives already managed to create a unique route called “Alice path”. The idea seems to be rather impressive. Wandering around not only gives a possible to revive in the memory all of the events taking place in the book, but also to become better acquainted with the famous sights of the ancient town Oxford.

“At the moment we sell a few tours in a month on ‘Alice in Wonderland’, and we hope that the interest in our tour packages will increase,” – told the tourism manager of the city council Joanne Butler, even before the movie was released.

Key landmarks of the two-hour tour are the church of Christ and the meadows belonging to her, and the Museum of Natural History, where you can learn more about the dodo, as it is believed by Daily Mail.

The College of the Church of Christ is not attracting the attention of the fans of cinema for the first time: it is also filmed in the Harry Potter films and even the fans of the book series about Harry Potter still come to Oxford to witness the legendary walls of it. This is quite reasonable as most of the time the fans are trying to feel themselves as the main heroes of the books.

Also recently, the National Foundation issued a study that the location in the historic parts of the country, although it is potentially dangerous for the old buildings, yet thoroughly helping to sustain the economy of the regions of Great Britain. This is quite important for the Britain as with the rest of the tourism attractions it’s not handling the competition.

Britain is quite wet and it’s often raining. This makes the tourists not to visit the place. Another important thing is that Britain has quite rural places for the tourists while the tourists prefer more active kind of resting. Thus the main attractions of the place remain the historical spots.

About 60 British sites annually attract attention of film crews, and then the tourists. Thanks to them, each of these places earns about 4.5 thousand euros per day. It feels out to be a fair balance- the places provides some income to the movie while the movie provides money for the place. Of course the fundraising of the movie is a lot more but as popular is the movie as many tourists come to visit the place.

Thus, “Alice in Wonderland” partly filmed in Antony House (Cornwall). According to the National Fund, about 3 crews work in the building and its surrounding gardens per day. This is – one of the most popular places for the movie fan visitors.

It is assumed that the shooting “Alice in Wonderland” in Antony House will increase the number of visitors this year from 25 to 65 thousand. Except that after the movie will go on for the renting, it will make even more tourist flows to the place.

Screen adaptation of Jane Austen’s novel “Pride and Prejudice” with Keira Knightley in the leading role helped to increase the number of visitors to Basildon Park in Berkshire on 75%. The movie was turned into a total hit and thus even the British were coming to visit the place from the rest of the British territories.

The movie “Miss Potter” with Renee Zellweger also drew the attention of the public to Hill Top, where they were most of the children’s stories written by Beatrix Potter, and to the farm house next door, where the picture was shot.

Also one of the latest series of James Bond “Die Another Day”, was filmed in the Bay area Holywell, which added to the economy of the region around 550 thousand euros. This was not the first movie about James Bond shot in Britain, but none of the rest of series was as popular as this one.

The participation of British tourist attractions in the national and Hollywood film thoroughly supports the villages, small towns and entire regions of the country.

Another great way of getting more tourist is the actual fact that some of the celebrities are staying in Britain. Among the most popular ones we can name Kate Beckinsale, Kate Winslet, Guy Ritchie, Liz Hurley and of course the British trio of the movie “Harry Potter”.

The fact that some of the other celebrities such as Madonna prefer to stay in Britain once in a while is also a fact that makes the tourists to find the place appealing.

In addition to walking the neighborhood, tourists reserve local hotels, shop from local artisans and farmers. However, when going on a trip to the cinematic places, tourists should bear in mind that in reality they often do not look so exciting, like in the movies.

During holidays and summer trips, most of us begin to worry about buying a tourist ticket or at least choosing a suitable hotel in advance. But how to choose a hotel there, where you go for the first time? This is when you better go to Internet! Anyways remember- it’s just not all sites are equally useful.

Rule #1. Money

In any case – whether you are going to travel abroad or thinking about a trip inside your country you should start counting your expanses – to determine in advance all of your requirements and compare them with the budget of your tour. It is understood that it’s too foolish to expect a stay in a five star hotel, if you have a modest sum.

In addition, calculate, whether you are planning to hold in the hotel all the time. It doesn’t make any sense to spend money on extra services and luxurious rooms, if you’re just sleeping in it? Anyways the choice of the hotel to needs to be discussed with a supreme seriousness, because it will save you from the rushing and will reduce the time spent at the search of a residence.

Rule #2. Hotel Brand

Remember that it’s better to consider the hotels in comparison. That is, the designation “five stars” still does not guarantee that your room will not encounter mosquitoes and ants, and cleaning will be done on a daily basis. Very often (this is especially typical for the bulk of such resorts as Egypt, Turkey, Bulgaria) we can see two five-star hotels in the neighborhood, but they differ as heaven and earth.

How not to be trapped? First of all, pay attention to the “brand” of the hotel. Of course names of Hilton, Sheraton, Marriott or the Ritz Carlton can offer something to oblige. And by the way these popular hotels are not always expensive (because they are designed for cheap resorts). On the contrary, they may have different levels in the management of hotels, but the quality of service certainly will not be non-satisfactory. Therefore, choosing the hotel through the Internet, navigating to the “global chain” still stands.

Rule #3. Friend Advice

When it’s possible guide yourself by the recommendations of friends. Especially,  if they have travelled abroad not long ago. Friends can tell everything to the smallest details and give its assessment of those hotels where they had rested. In most cases, you can go to the recommended hotel without fear and calmly book rooms via the Internet virtually blind.

But believe all the reviews on the sites of tourist travel agency is not worth it! First, the bad reviews about the hotel can keep competitors. Very often, these messages do not contain any specs, but only bad grade (sometimes in the form of obscene …). And secondly, there are people who do not like the service, even at the hotel, the permit in which costs $ 10-20 thousand. And thirdly, very often the tourists go to a three-star hotel and the service is expected to reach five stars! Then they leave on the websites of the tour operators angry reviews like “The waiter insisted to have a tip!” or “in my room there was no sea view, this is simply a nightmare !!!”. In most cases the situation is dramatized to the most extreme.

Rule #4. Hotel View

On what kind of feedback it is worth paying attention to? Compare the main characteristics of the hotel with the specific “evidence» of the seasoned travelers. Typical tricks “holiday sales”: to point out that the hotel is located on the seashore, it has a beautiful sandy beach, a set of services in the room – at the highest level. While it may be that the sea is 500 meters to go, if not more, beach entrance to the sea is not (for example, in Sharm el-Sheikh virtually you can access sea everywhere, but not from the shore, which is strewn with coral and requires special shoes), and the rooms may not be safe or dry enough, or you might need to pay an additional charge for it. All this may not mean that you have selected a bad hotel. You just need to keep in mind these nuances and to estimate how much may actually cost this holiday. Knowing the details, you will be able to not overpay for travel agency and find a more suitable option.

Rule #5. Hotel Photos

Be vigilant, watching the hotel sites yourself. All of them are presented very, very beautiful. And it is typical for sites of western hotels, and of course Russian. Now, in the age of information technologies, smart marketers realize that the site is the image of the hotel. An image which is not visual for the upcoming guest yet. In fact, it may be that the hotel has been modernized with the latest technologies only in the reception compartment, and the rooms have not seen repairs for 5-10 years. So focus on the “official” photos of the hotel makes no sense.

Rule #6. Hotel Website

Book directly! Hotel website can be used for its intended purpose – for booking rooms. If you are traveling without a specific plan of your tours this is often an ideal option. A confirmation of your reservation will come to e-mail and when settling for your book you would have to pay, and if for some reason you do not make it to this hotel no one will ask you to pay any kind of charges.

You can book both hotel rooms and hostels through the Internet! It’s true, you will be asked to give your credit card in advance. This is to ensure that the hotel will send a confirmation (the so-called voucher for settlement), which, inter alia, requires the consulate for visa.

Many of this method seems to be too strenuous, because everything can be entrusted when travelling by an agency. This is so, but in some cases, for example, when you need a hotel in a particular town, remote from the beaten tourist trail in crowds, booking through the Internet – is the most convenient way. This method is suitable for those who are able to plan for many months in advance and are used to save money and time.

For example, you now, you can book a room in some European town in the beginning of the month in advance, to celebrate here a holiday taking place mid-month. And the prices will be the most attractive ones as usually they go higher during the holiday times!

Rule #7. Travel Agency

Do not avoid travel agencies. It is believed that the travel agency “wounds” the cost of the permits, simply reselling services of tour operators. This is not so! It’s not a fact that buying directly from the tour operator will cost you less than the agency. This can be confirmed by the personal experience. In the agency it will be easier to meet your budget and needs.

However, it will cause no harm to read reviews of tour operators and compare their services: very often the tour operators sell permits in the same hotels at different prices, the cost can vary considerably! With such a “comparison of experiences” it is already possible to go to the travel agency and ask to pick up a tour to a specific hotel for a particular tour operator.

Rule #8. Relax

Relax and enjoy! Even if you’ve been reading the negative reviews of your future hotel, which has already paid for, just never mind! Some people just love to spoil the rest of themselves and for the others, focusing on small things that you probably will not even notice. Let’s just wish you a successful online diving and cloudless holiday!

Where to stay in? I bet this is the first question that comes to mind when travelling. Some of us prefer to stay in one of the major hotel chains in the world. The reason is rather simple.
If you regularly stay in hotels one of the major chains, you should not fear the unexpected, because all hotels are the same standards of quality and service. Also you can participate in bonus programs, earn points and use them later to pay for housing. And do you know what hotel chains own  the largest number of rooms?
If no check this out.

1. InterContinental Hotel Group

Since 2004, this hotel’s chain became the largest in the world. To date, it owns more than 600 thousand hotel rooms, scattered across the globe. Each year their number is being increased by 5,9%, mainly due to the expansion of Holiday Inn Express, but also because of the increasing number of hotels Crowne Plaza and the emergence in Europe, Staybridge Suites and Indigo boutique hotel.

2. Wyndham Hotel Group

This hotel chain has long been known mainly overseas. Then a few hotel brands Ramada and Super 8 has appeared in Portugal, the Netherlands, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Russia. After purchasing the Microtel Inns & Suites and a network of residences for an extended stay Hawthorn Suites (two brands previously owned by Global Hyatt), it added more, a total of 400 new assets (more than 29 thousand rooms) and went to the second place in world by the number of rooms.

3. Marriott International

The company claims that every year, growing by 4,7% and in the near future has plans to build 800 hotel and add to the existing 500 thousand rooms 125 thousand more. The Group also promises to invest a lot in pre-existing ones, including the Marriott floor, numerous brands, covering all niches of the hotel business from budget options for poor tourists to luxury hotels for the discerning VIP-persons.

4. Hilton Hotels

Ranking as the fourth largest chain, this brand is popular not only with luxury hotels, but also because of the scandalous Paris Hilton’s escapades, the former heir to the empire hotel room. The company is known propensity for innovations: the first one of its owners have introduced a system of “star” ratings, equipped hotel with Wi-Fi. However, the chain began to suffer losses, and in 2007 the former owners were forced to sell the hotel business group Blackstone. In 2008 net increased with 300 new sites, and the growth of the company was mainly due to expanses of the United States. But the emergence of the company’s portfolio of brands Doubletree, Homewood Suites, and especially the Hilton Garden Inn and Hampton Inn, as well as the construction of Hilton Hotel in provincial Russia say the desire to start taking over the world.

5. Accor Group

The Group has almost 500 thousand rooms which are growing at the rate of 3.7% per year. Jubilee, 800 th hotel under the brand Ibis opened not so long ago in Shanghai. Accor intends to continue the global expansion of its brands Sofitel, Novotel, Pullman, Mercure, Suite Hotel, All Seasons, Ibis, Etap, Motel 6, Formula 1 and plans to soon add to the stock around 105 thousand new rooms. This brand is rather popular with its rather expensive and luxurious services.

6. Choice Hotels
This American franchisor has about 4000 hotel brands- Quality Inn, Choice Hotels, Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, MainStay Suites, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel, Econo Lodge and Rodeway Inn, and every year the increase assets by 4,5% . These hotel brands are famous for the fact that in the middle of last century was the first to install telephones in the rooms and make hotel pools, introducing the all day round job placement service. It was also one of the first 80 to begin working with the global reservation systems. Today the owners are betting on the interests of each client and introduce new items such as, for example, environmental breakfasts. Now the company plans to better diversifying its business and thus the company is planning to bring in couple of new brands to the market.

7. Best Western

It is well known in Europe, particularly in France. Unfortunately, the hotel chain has recently slowed its development by 1%. Despite this, the company continues its expansion to the east, is building a facility in the UAE and China. It’s the only brand that has the largest number of hotels, united by one brand (in the world for more than 4 thousand hotels bear the name Best Western). In 2008 the company opened its first hotel category “5 stars” in the Czech capital – Prague. Seems like Europe will continue struggling to get more and more service from this hotel chains.

8. Starwood Hotels & Resorts

Hotels Corporation, under such famous brands as Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, Westin Hotels & Resorts, The Luxury Collection, St. Regis, W Hotel and Four Points Hotels by Sheraton, Le Meridien, Aloft, can be found on all continents except Australia. Despite the disappearance of the 20 hotels that are inconsistent with the new standards, this chain is firmly established on its spot. The main advantage of the hotel chain is that it’s putting more emphasize on the recreation planning and thus makes the guests to feel just like at home.

9. Carlson

Carlson Hotel chain has 150 thousand rooms and over the last year increased by 2%. It managed to carry out their plans for implementation in the Asia-Pacific region and now the attention of the company is focused on the development of Rezidor hotels in Europe. This hotel is more designed to fulfill the individual needs of the visitors rather than emphasizing the collective needs. This hotels is turned to be one of the best service providers overall. Except that the hotel is one of the hotels that got the smallest amount of claims during the entire time of functioning.

10. Global Hyatt

I guess this is the only hotel that actually stopped growth of the company related to its policy: Global Hyatt has concentrated on high-end segment, but nevertheless it is among the ten largest. In 2007, the chain launched an innovative hotel brand Hyatt Place, where everything is created based on the results of surveys carried out among the discerning tourists. The hotel is not only providing exclusive services but also tries to make the emphasize on its buildings and design.

The word “island” from the depths of consciousness emerges shared associations: Island of Dreams, Love Island, the island of desires. Even though “The Island of bad luck” from the Soviet movie “Diamond Hand”  is a strange misunderstanding. Such islands do not exist!.

But who dares to call such islands as Sardinia, Ischia unworthy ones, where you will feel like a fairy tale? What distinguishes the list of the islands from rest of the continent? There are some fundamental differences. First, on any island, as a rule, there’s no such an oppressive heat, that is typical for the most of the continental resorts.

Speaking of European islands, almost all of them have ECOLOGICAL flag of the EEC, which is awarded for the cleanest beaches, since the islands, as a rule, have no industrial production and  thus have ideally clean environment.

The third difference – tourism is the only source of income of the islanders, and so they try to move back and forth … and thus provide better service, and gracious attention, and hotels, and many more. Now more on the islands.

Ischia

This island is famous in Europe not only because of its beautiful scenery, famous beaches and azure sea. For the magnificent pine forests, vineyards and citrus plantations Ischia got its second name – “Green Island”. But the main wealth of this paradise of Italy – the world-famous thermal waters, providing the most favorable impact on the human body. Customer’s service, hundreds of hot thermal pools with water from 25 to 38 degrees, mud baths, and beauty centers. Do not think that, once on the island, you will find yourself in isolation. From the island can make a fascinating tour of ancient Pompeii, and cheerful Naplesl. Magnificent architecture, national color, hundreds of shops awaiting you in the capital of the South. A trip to the enchanting island of Capri will complement your impressions of this wonderful tour.

Sicily

I bet the first thing that comes to mind when talking about Sicily is mafia. Who does not remember the wonderful trilogy of the movies “The Godfather”. Except all of the rumors and the actual truths there are also a lot of other things that need to be taken into account when talking about Sicily. Located in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, this island for centuries served as a bridge between East and West, and Asia. It is preserving various remarkable monuments of the epochs of Greek, Arab, and Norman domination. As in Sardinia, there are many wonderful places untouched by modern civilization. It is no accident that Goethe called the landscapes of this island “the greatest work of art and nature”.

Cyprus

Holidays in Cyprus is suitable not only to married couples, but also for the single youth. The islanders can proudly state that the island is so diverse that it can satisfy even the pickiest visitors. You just need to know to what place to give preference. Ayia Napa is the place where you can enjoy the evenings when listening to the great music composed by young musicians. Protaras is popular for its great beaches and fluffy white sand and this is the place where your kids will just love to spend their vacation, Limassol is more of a private type of resort, preferring the calm and measured vacation – here are most expensive hotels and fine restaurants. No matter at what part of the island you stay, you can still feel the exciting spirit of the mixed culture gained from the neighboring countries and islands.

Corsica

This small island is the birthplace for the great Emperor Napoleon, who managed to conquer almost all of the Europe. It feels like this is the main invitation tip of the island. But actually it’s not. The thing is that the island is a rather popular place with a diverse sea world. A lot of tourists visit the island for the snorkeling. The island has a long list of different places to visit and to stay in. The option is left to the visitor: to choose a simple place to have a quite rest or to prefer one of the luxurious hotels where to feel yourself as just another emperor. The island is also quite popular among the European celebrities. You can find some celebrity having a sunbath or doing some shopping on the island’s boutique every single summer. This means that the place is worth of the attention and of course… the visit. Let’s leave the rest of the discovery possibilities to the island.

Canary

Some say that if there’s a paradise, then it’s exactly here. Six hours of flight, and you are on the islands of eternal spring.  It’s interesting to know that the temperature in winter drops below 22 degrees Celsius, while in the summer it does not rise above 30 degrees. The island offers fabulously low prices on entertainment, recreation and nutrition. Entrance to all of the disco is free, and the choice options are just enormous. In Los Americas, 2 times a week (Thursdays – near the hotel Arona Gran) fairs are held, with all of the possible sell-offs, where you can buy many kinds of consumer goods at affordable prices and not. Many booths will also offer you various jewelry and souvenirs.  In Tenerife  there is a large number of specialized parks: Loro Park – one of the world’s largest parrot parks, Tenerife Zoo – the zoo, showing rare species of exotic animals (predators, reptiles, herbivorous), Cactus Park – Park, cultivating various species of cacti from the most small to giant ones which cannot be seen anywhere else. So, let’s call this island an island of entertainments.

Crete

The largest Greek island that separates the Aegean and the Mediterranean Sea and is the boundary between Europe, Africa and Asia. This is one of the islands that experienced many events: the explosion of the volcano Santorini, which destroyed the Minoan civilization, the conquest by the Romans, Arabs, Byzantines, Venetians, and Turks. Each nation brought its own elements to the culture of the Cretan people. They build houses, fortresses, churches, which can be seen now, when traveling to the wonderful island of Crete. Choosing holiday on the island, you need to know the specifics of all its resorts. Heraklion is designed for the noisy youth. Han is more of a luxurious and aristocratic resort part. Hersonissos – the most popular among the tourists. Agios  is rather prestigious. Rethymno is the most picturesque when talking about the natural beauty.

Every single year a new concept of a luxurious hotel is visiting the offices of various designing companies. Now the victims of such a project is the London design bureau Seymourpowell , which submitted the hilarious design of a flying hotel Aircruise.

Great! Hopefully  though it will not turn into a graph on the paper and be overleft as some of the projects did.

The new draft of the hotel-flying airship design submitted by the London office Seymourpowell, becoming the most luxurious way to travel and this is awesome news. After the death of Zeppelin “Hindenburg” mankind for many years abandoned the cool idea of passenger traffic in leisurely, luxurious airship which is not comparable to the comfort of the cruise ships as it’s a lot more better. While the cruise is only organized to witness the beautiful sights only when having a physical visit to the place, the aircruise allows us to have a look at all of it from the glasses of your vehicle.

Here the passengers do not need to huddle in a narrow chair or uncomfortable seats, but can safely walk on the decks, looking at the bottom of the floating landscape. The emotions that might occur are simply indescribable and can not be provided in any other ways.

And then, finally, a new and fresh project – Aircruise, which brings back the era of luxury travel into its saddle, where you do not have to sacrifice comfort for speed as both of this features are being provided at once. The flying hotel has a vertical position, and in general the airship can not be called to have a classical presentation- simply said no similarities. Thus it is able to develop a cruising speed of 100-150 km / h. In such a situation journey from London to New York takes 37 hours, and from Los Angeles to Shanghai will be flown for 90. And this trip is not the usual torture with the unwanted airplane worries. But this is definitely designed for those who are planning to spend on the trip a bunch of free hours. Of course the compensation for the wasted hours seems to be more than paid off.

Aircruise, like any cruise ship, has a very spacious lounge, restaurant and bar and excellent viewing platform. All of the modern conveniences are present here- all of them are presented in a way so that we can call them truly modern ones. This means that you can feel free to enjoy the time in a way that you would do in a luxurious hotels spread all over the world.

The design of the inner part of the Aircruise is rather impressive. One needs to pay a lot of attention over how various themes are gathered together in a single space. The color schemes might be contrasting at the first glance but the reality is simply something rather harmonious and gorgeous.

Representatives of the company Seymourpowell reported that “the airship will be able to climb to a height of 3.6 thousand meters, and fly over the most interesting sights, allowing the visitors to have a significant opportunity to witness the sights from a rather high measure.” As Samsung is one of the organizers to initiate the project the technical parts seems to be even more promising and hopefully the company will be able to provide all of the technical support to make the project into a reality.

To do so the designers made a specific space. The floor of the hotel will be made by a special panoramic glass windows and tenants. Here the passengers will be able to enjoy the seas, oceans, forests and cities, which will float at the bottom. This makes the device to look even more attractive and appealing.

Overall the outer design and especially the form of the device seems to be interesting. The form of  the device reminds us of a twisted drop though the edges and the stripes are unique and allow to make it appear non-symmetric though the reality is exactly the opposite.

Maximum number of people that can be carried in the aircraft – 100 people, with 20 of them -  the staff. Which means that the first flight of  the aircraft will allow to carry about 80 passengers. Huh, I wonder does this apply to the passengers of all ages, who knows?

On board the designers supposed to place four standard rooms, five – smaller size, and one penthouse. And also a bar, a recreation area and an observation deck.

It should also be noted that the new product is completely environmentally friendly mode of transport. As an energy source it advocates hydrogen fuel cells, which also provide the hotel with clean water and solar panels. This means that a lot of attention is being paid to the recent improvements of the environment-safe means of transportation. Even though this is a new way of travelling we might believe that the solar energy usage in the new transportation mean is great way to replace the environment spoiler coming from the private airplanes.

The one thing that is still unclear is when will be the release of the first flight with this device. The thing is that the tragedy which occured not too long ago with the ancestor of  “Aircruise” still leaves a space to think over the fact where we are ready to trust our lives to the improved technologies or we would rather prefer to stay up with the classical aiplanes? Or the most important question that immediately comes to mind will be 90 hours to Hong Kong, huh, isn’t it too much to be spent on a simple trip?

There are some rumors and hopes that the release year of such a diamond will be in the close future- most likely believed by the designers of the new device it will be released in 2015. So let’s wait 5 more years and see if the technical giant will be implemented.

Well, I bet all of this vanishes aways right after you imagine how cute will be the to take part in this unforgettable adventure while enjoying all of the pleasure of the luxurious trip.

For men- journey  it is a great adventure. When traveling, sometimes you might need to coordinate everything by yourself. But these difficulties do not stop people. The motivations to leave their homes at everyone, but in any cases, holidays – is always an event and not spoil it, we starting each year in the same hotel. Yet to be realized in life, representatives of the stronger sex just need to travel. The reasons for this are many, but these are just the major ones.

Reason number 10. To meet new people

It does not matter who they are, these people – neighbors on the floor in a hotel or a couple of local office workers who log in a bar every evening. New acquaintances – an important reason to go away from home. You will be able to meet very different people and see a completely different life that you were not able to imagine. The new dating opportunities… Sometimes life can change greatly because of the chance encountered on the street of an unexplored city.

Reason number 9. To try new food

Most of us eat all the same food every day. Eggs for breakfast, a piece of meat with a side dish for lunch and a plate of dumplings for dinner. People are so conservative, that even in the most varied buffet people try to choose dishes, closest to what they eat at home. It is for this reason, it’s best book a hotel with only breakfast and every day to learn new and unusual tastes, perhaps even long-known products. For fruits and vegetables, which are eaten the place where they grow, differs greatly from the ones imported. Seafood caught in Northern pale in comparison with the frozen is something awesome. And this is not to mention the huge variety of alcohol, which is not always possible to try in your own country. And certainly, to drink beer in English pub is more proper than at home watching television.

Reason number 8. To learn flexibility

Travel always happens something that violates your plans. It can be forgotten in the last hotel your wallet and an unexpected pouring rain, while you were going to enjoy a walk in the fresh air. In any case, you have to urgently devise a way out of this situation. And  to do everything to get some  pleasure from your trip. For a man accustomed to ply on the route home-work-restaurant (bar)-home and will need a flexible working exclusively in solving problems.

Reason number 7. To buy new gadgets

Let’s be honest: men love shopping no less than women do. The only difference is that you do not prefer shoes and clothing shops, but visit places where they sell all sorts of gadgets, electronics or sports clothing and equipment. No real man would miss the opportunity, once in Japan, having a trip to Akihabara. And making a list of desired purchases when you travel to America or Europe, carries the stronger sex, no less than women’s choice of clothes. In addition, a separate pleasure is left for packaging (and sometimes pre-purchase) of all these high-tech stuff, ranging from digital cameras and ending with GPS-navigators, or watch for diving.

Reason number 6. To achieve goals

To visit an unknown place – not such a simple task as it might seem at first glance. Even if you buy ready-made tour via an agency (what self-respecting man should not do, if it is not a beach holiday in Turkey or Egypt), would still have to deal with the choice of the city or the hotel, preparing documents for visa application and the settlement of workers’ issues at the time of your absence. If the trip is organized completely independently and involves visits to several places, the very trip planning becomes extremely fascinating puzzle with many unknowns that need to be solved optimally.

Reason number 5. To test themselves

Even if in everyday life you have to avoid any complications and always have a careful planning, the journey always causes some contingencies. And this is good because teaching is one of the true masculine qualities: adventurous and enterprising. No matter what task you will solve for the first time: in any hotel stay or how to explain to a completely unfamiliar language. With each trip self-confidence will grow, and selected places will be increasingly elusive and interesting.

Reason number 4. To make yourself more interesting

The more you travel, the more interesting things are happening to you and all the more amusing things you can tell the others upon your arrival. And the stories will satisfy everybody’s taste- for severe male company, and for the enthusiastic girls that want to cheer. And besides, getting acquainted with the culture of different countries, you enhance your education and development, which also makes you much more interesting person. Agree that the phrase “Oh, dude, we had yesterday such a cool time to get drunk in …” and “Beer here is very similar to real English ale …” sound somewhat differently.

Reason number 3. To rate your hometown

Everything is better when in comparison. Admiring the most amazing and fascinating beauty of the world, you will sooner or later find yourself on that you are longing for the traditional snowdrift at the door. Spending time away from your native city, you’ll appreciate more what you have. And even a simple matter of talking “where you come from” will waft pleasant memories of home. And you will want to return. And if not, you will have the chance to find a better place to live.

Reason number 2. To gain self-confidence

There are many ways to do so, ranging from battle classes and ending with using all of the ways of earning large sums of money. But the best option – it is to put themselves in unusual situations, from which have come unscrewed. And the journey is the best opportunity to do this. Even a simple, to get oriented in one of the major international airports (take at least Bangkok), would require initially unlimited concentration. With experience, you can even travel alone through Japan by train or dare to go down to the most intricate subway in the world, the Tokyo one.

Reason number 1.  To ensure diversity of the world

One of the most pleasant moments of travelling is to return home. Recalling the trip, or looking at pictures of it, you begin to see the world differently, understanding that the place where you are, is just a tiny piece of a puzzle in a huge picture of the world. You may find that you enjoy the city, which, as you thought you hated in the beginning, or that a country in which you have always dreamed of visiting, disappointed you. Or you will miss formerly disgusting dishes. In any case, you will have a proper picture of the world, which does not depend on other people’s tastes and preferences. And you will gain the opportunity to choose.

Resourceful representatives of the aviation business are finding more invisible ways to save on the passengers to make them pay more. It is only at first glance it seems that, despite inflation, the crisis and change in the prices of airport services, air fare increased slightly. In fact, the flight  became much more expensive. To understand this, we need to only compare, as we flew about five years ago and how ascetic became avia service today.

For that there is a list of things that need to be taken into account to make the best comparison and not to forget the small tips that need to be paid for various services.

Baggage

Airlines seek to teach people to fly without baggage. Earlier in distant, for an overseas trip could take a couple of suitcases, but now we have to restrict ourselves. Many American companies does not accept baggage for free for domestic flights, and in Europe more and more airlines are inclined to model a new way of baggage payments, when you have to pay separately for every bag. The benefit is obvious: the lighter the aircraft, the less fuel it will spend. Knocked down by a decline and sports equipment: if last year you could bring skis free, then this season you can expect a nasty surprise. That’s why you better decide which is more proper from your point of view.

Meals onboard

The first place where the airplanes start to fulfill their budget is the food. Approximately two years ago, when jet fuel prices have shot up sharply upward, the carriers have significantly reduced the cost of the food: they reduced the number of dishes, replacing expensive foods with cheaper one, abandoned hot – once  familiar food with the traditional “meat-chicken-fish” service can be afforded only by few airlines today.

The others replace big boxes with a pair of pickle sandwiches in plastic wrap. A little earlier, referring to the misbehavior of drunken passengers, carriers guessed to  restrict or completely prohibit alcohol on board – it also proved to be quite profitable. In modern times it became difficult to obtain even an extra glass of soft drink – they supply less water and juices on board, often explaining it … total weight of the aircraft and, consequently, all the same fuel economy.

The popular companies appear to use more and more low-budget features: some have stopped free feeding tourist class passengers. Only recently some of the airlines made a decision that the passengers cannot take any kind of fluid with them and also a long list of items concerning the food and drinks, that’s why the choice of the passengers is small: to buy food at extortionate prices before leaving the sterile area of the airport or spend his daily bread onboard, where everything is more expensive, and the assortment is much poorer.

Of course there is also another option, which to starve while flying. Anyways this sounds a little bit mispromising.

Service at the airport

Well even those who had to pay a lot of money to receive a proper treatment are now being left without the proper attention. I’m talking about the  VIP-passengers. If they previously used business hall at the airport and some other bonuses which were usually included in the ticket price, now the trend of paying for them separately is  increasing. Carriers invent all sorts of sub-VIP-service, so if you care about, if you can calmly look through the magazine in the silence of the elite lounge, do not forget to ask about this when buying a ticket.

By the way, an assortment of free spirits in the business rooms also undergone some changes: they have decided that passengers should stump up just over half an hour to sit in an easy chair rather than on the hard metal chair in the drive.

Surcharges

The airline investors are not lazy to think of a list of things that will help them to gain aroud 5-10 euro from every passenger! It all starts with the purchase of ticket. This is the dawn of electronic technology customers attracted by lower “Internet tariffs”. Now for the purchase of the network often takes a special payment, though the airline saves money on such kind of  tickets when paying less to the staff.

Separately, they can offer you to pay for the choice of menu (whereas previously vegetarian, children’s, kosher and other non-traditional foods have been in a free range). Most inventive carriers have decided to make and location of seats: a few extra euros would cost to book seats near the emergency exit. There is much more space for legs, besides you will have the chance to escape the first time in an extraordinary situation (for some people it matters!).

Increasingly, applied a rigid segmentation of the passenger compartment. This is not about business class. If you bought a ticket on a low fare, you’ll have to sit at the very tail of the aircraft. Isn’t this unfair as at the beginning there was no such a discrimation for those who had to pay less?

Staff

Money-saving based on the airplane stuff cut was something very annoying- the firing of the stewards and stewardesses became a popular policy for some of the airlines. Of course, you cannot fire all the pilots and replace them with the autopilot but you can reduce the number of staff on board and in the terminals- it is quite realistic. And that’s why when using some of the services at the airport and the plane you are coming with a long list of problems. You do not have to wait for luggage for a few hours? Of course, new baggage systems make almost everything themselves and the people there are not needed. But since then,  in many airports of the world when the longshoremen are being fired, a small problem turns into a baggage collapse which will make you to wait for your baggage not for a single hour. That’s why it’s better to know that the machines cannot replace people everywhere.

Can you count how many times, arriving to a foreign country or just resting away from home, you wanted to find the best drink offered? When trying to order something familiar, the taste differs from what you had at home? And the local people around, laughing, drink something incomprehensible. What do they drink?

The hint here is over the fact that each region is specialized on a particular type of alcohol drink and that’s why the best of no-risking is to choose the most popular drinks of the region.

Black Sea coast of Caucasus

Firstly I would like to advise you not to buy the draft beer, which is being sold almost in every corner of the crossroads. It is mostly wretched, with lots of preservatives. You better go along the option of drinking the best homemade red wine, which is being sold in all of the resort areas. Here you can find the solutions for every taste – dry to sweet or something in between. However consider the fact that the one being sold in some streets might somehow be over-sugary and that’s why before buying, you can consult with the locals – where they are buying wine for themselves. Good wine at the Black Sea coast usually costs around 10-15 rubles per liter which is a lot more than in regular malls. Manufacturers of really good homemade wine can not raise their prices high due to the high competition.

Japan

Well, of course, sake. Just do not expect from a special strength from it as from vodka. Sake has only 20-degree strength, and it’s being served in special earthenware bottles with a capacity of a glass. That is, after returning home, we can safely tell your friends about how “we took another Yasubari half a dozen bottles of sake and even crushed them out but this it wasn’t enough”.  This might simply be true. However, if you drink in Japanese way -with tiny portions then it may well be enough. Drinking alcohol in small portions enhances intoxication that’s why you cannot drink too much. There is even an old student recipe: a bottle of beer can be spelt into a soup bowl and eaten as a soup with a spoon.

And that’s how you get drunk from a single bottle of beer. Speaking of beer. Those who can not live without it so much that even in Japan don’t want to drink sake – I can recommend the traditional Japanese beer with a quite good taste and gorgeous name “Ebusya”.

France

France and the wine are inseparable from each other. But everything depends on the place. Parisians themselves recommend that visitors drink Bordeaux or Champagne. And a word about that in order to drink champagne “from the plow” (more precisely, “from the vine”), you must, of course, go to the province of Champagne. If you find yourself in any of the Provence, we recommend to fulfill your wonderful meal drinking pink Cote de Provence or Bandol Rose. In the south-east of France it’s best to drink red wine from local vineyards. Here, literally, find out the name of yonder vineyard on the outskirts, and compare with the inscription on the bottle. They should be the same.

In addition to wine, France is great for drinking cocktails. In Paris – all the exotic: Long Island, Mai-Tai, Weng Weng. In Provinces the traditionally strong drink is pastis – 45-50 degrees, driven from anise. Locals normally dilute pastis 50/50 with water and drink with ice. The parts close to the shores are very popular for the perroke – pastis with mint syrup and ice. One of the symbols of France – Absinthe – is now banned in the country, but in the French Alps, as its replacements can be called chartreuse and Génépi – up to 50-60 degrees. They are served free, but they are strongly recommended to dilute. By the way, though illegally in Paris, absinthe is still selling.

Ireland

Guinness. A thousand times Guinness. Nowhere in the world has Guinness had such gentle creamy foam, nowhere it has such taste, as in Ireland – where it is invented. No, seriously. In pubs Guinness tastes different from what we can get in Germany – at home a taste of Guinness is softer and fuller. The best Guinness is served in Dublin, you can try at the brewery. You can drink something else besides the Guinness – it will be whiskey. Ireland and Scotland are still arguing about who invented whiskey. The official version – whiskey, like Christianity, first appeared (thanks to St Patrick) in Ireland. And almost immediately migrated across the strait to the friendly Scottish tribes. As a fact, the Irish whiskey tastes milder than the Scottish one, and besides it’s cheaper. Whiskey on the island is being added in literally everything. Including the coffee. Irish coffee – is the limit of tenderness. The best thing ever is the whipped milk, coffee and whiskey. This is a favorite drink of women.

Italy

“And goes back to his room aboard the ladder / lodger, carrying grappa in his pocket / committed by a man in a raincoat / son who lost memory, a country, / hump on his crying in the forests of aspen, / if someone is crying about it all. «This is not a non-sense but rather the lines from Brodsky, after which you usually open the bottle. Grappa is an abandoned drink. It is made from marc – the remnants of grapes after they took out all the juice into the wine. It turns out such thing is rather brandy despite the fact that sometimes it is with a strange aftertaste and a slight smell of booze. However, if you suddenly find yourself in Batallya, where you can get this charming golden liquid grappa is of very high quality. At the local, privately owned plantations, grapes are being crushed with a special soft press, and therefore the overflow for grappa is a lot of juice. Drink grappa, but only if the wonderful Italian wine no longer amuses you.

Czech Republic

Beer, beer and more beer again! Naturally, draft. A mug of beer in the Czech Republic is cheaper than in a lot of places, and the quality – excellent. If you want to fully enjoy your time- go to any restaurant, which has its own brewery. Distinguishing them is quite easy – in the first place, usually such things are advertised at the entrance, and secondly, inside there are two giant closed basins. That is, it’s a natural brewery, which is built directly into the restaurant. The quality of beer in the restaurant breweries is often higher than in ordinary factories of Czech beer. .

Finland

In addition to the standard vodka exotics, in Finland is absolutely popular for its wonderful liqueurs: cranberry, cloudberry (Lakka Liqueur) and sea buckthorn. You simply cannot find them anywhere else. That’s why it’s really worth a try. But be reasonable: Duty free shops at the border sell them for five dollars, and in most of Finland – almost fifteen. That’s why you should decide which option will be more convenient for you.

Do you think that it’s too hard to get to Brazil to participate in the annual carnival? Then consider this. There is another carnival which not that crowded and you won’t be ashamed to get there together with your teenage kids- Venice Carnevale.

Here you’ll find a long list of various people wearing extraordinary and interesting masks and a lot of entertainments which will keep you up until the morning.

Carnevale, which is also known as Mardi gras, is celebrated in Italy and many places around the world 40 days before Easter. It might be simply called a sequel to the Brazilian celebration.

How is Carnival Organized?

Despite the fact that the Carnevale is being celebrated in Italy during the winter time this doesn’t mean that the winter festival is somehow more boring or less interesting. The celebration includes parades, masquerade balls, music, dancing and parties.

As to the children  then they will definitely enjoy throwing home made confetti at each other.

Carnevale has a pagan basis but as usually it got adapted to the Catholic traditions and now no one can argue the true Catholic meaning of the festival. The most common place for the celebration of the festival is Venice where the presentation is taking place a single day while in the other places the celebration might start up to few weeks earlier.

The most outstanding part of the Carnevale is that everyone supposes to wear a  maschere, typical carnevale masks and Venice is considered to be the best place to purchase some of them.  If you are thinking that the only time that you can get such a mask you’re mistaken.

They are being sold year round and their prices vary from simply cheap ones up to rather exclusive and expensive models which are one of a kind. There are so many of them that while walking down the Venice streets you can enjoy them in the displays of the stores.

One cannot wear a mask without wearing a special costume. This is a must especially for the masquerade balls. Some people also organize private parties which are not accessible for a wide range of the public.

Dates of celebration

This year the Carnevale will be held on February 16 but celebrations in some parts of Italy will start from February 6 throughout February 16.

The all country celebrations are just amazing, but Venice, Viareggio, and Cento are the ones to  hold the biggest carnival festivals ever. Some of the other towns have unusual ways of celebrating this winter fest.

Carnevale in Venice

The actual beginning of the Carnival celebration is taking place at least 2 weeks earlier than the day of the big celebration. The joy of the upcoming festival is being spread throughout the whole city of Venice. At this time you can find a lot of people wondering in the streets dressed up as a masquerade visitors.

The most interesting things to participate are:
•    Gondola and boat parades along the Grand Canal
•    Mask parades in St. Mark’s Square
•    Carnival for Children in the Cannaregio district.
•    Grand fireworks show on the final day to end the carnival celebration.

Viareggio Carnevale

Viareggio as mentioned above has one of the biggest celebrations of the Italian Carnival. Vaireggio Carival is popular for its massive, symbolic paper maché floats used in parades not only on Shrove Tuesday but also the three Sundays before and the Sunday following the day. Admission is charged to view the parades as this is considered to be one of the best ways of entertaining the guests. Festivals, cultural events, concerts, and masked balls take place throughout the carnival season both in Viareggio and nearby towns. The fest time is also influencing the restaurants- which are offering special carnival menus.

Orange Throwing Carnevale

The town of Ivrea, located in the Piedmont region, has a unique carnival celebration with medieval roots. The carnival includes a colorful parade as in the rest of the country. The only exception is that it is followed by orange-throwing battles in the center of town. The farm carts are being carried to the town a month prior to the Carnevale. The orange battles usually take place on Sunday through the Tuesday of Carnevale. The concluding event of the fest  is the burning of the scarli (big poles, erected in the middle of each district’s square, covered with dry bushes) on the evening of February 16 to end the carnival season.

Equestrian Carnival

The  small town located in the heart of the popular island- Oristano celebrates Carnevale with a costumed parade, horse races, and a re-enactment of a medieval jousting tournament in a festival called La Sartigilia.

Roman Carnevale in Pont St. Martin
If you see traditional Roman nymphs and people dressed in togas then there is no doubt that you are in Pont St. Martin in the Val d’Aosta –a  northwestern region of  Italy. This place also saved some of the older traditions such as burning the devil and so on.

Brazilian Carnival in Italy

No, this is not a joke, but something to be watched. In some parts of the Italy people organize a Brazilian type carnival where you can participate in dancing contests and fill the rhythm of the Brazilian musicians and get involved in popular samba.

The best thing about is that the masks and the costumes of this kind of carnival fests are rather attractive especially for the male.

Alps Fest

Livigno which is right in the board of the Switzerland has a bit different celebration of the  Carnival with a procession of downhill skiers, followed by an obstacle race, fancy dress ball, and traditional parade in the streets.

Albanian Carnival

This Italian region is famous for its Albanian settlements. No surprise that the traditional Italian costumes here are being replaced with Albanian ones. Here the main trends of the celebration are the men dressed in women clothes and the wine which is always filling the cups of the visitors and the locals.

Southern Italian Celebration
Here the celebration of various carnivals is almost year round. The best place to witness the festival is the island of Sicily. Here everything is more of a local style and everybody seems to be so mysterious especially if thinking about the mafia origin of the population.
Sardinia Carnevale in Barbagia Mountain Villages
The island of Sardinia which is just another popular island following the sample of Sicily is steeped in tradition and that’s especially true in the Barbagia villages outside Nuoro. Tradition is powerfully reflected in their unique carenvale festivals, influenced by ancient cults and rites.