Tag: Travel

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Book, Beach & Boca Chica! Sun, Sand & Santo Domingo!

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Those of us who chose to make Canada our home, obviously love the snow! The world looks pretty! Even so, when it snows non-stop, for weeks, we seek the sun! Reading week for my university student was a perfect time to get warm and cozy. That’s when we landed in Punta Cana!

Since our preference was a not so touristy location, we chose an all-inclusive resort in a small village-town called Boca Chica. The bus journey from the airport to our resort was scenic, laden with hills and greenery! Arriving at our destination by night, our family, a hungry bunch headed straight for dinner! This beach resort, which was home for the next week had plenty to offer! Food, drinks, beach, nightly entertainment, easy access to the village……

On day two, we decided to visit Santo Domingo, the vibrant city that combines splendid centuries-old cathedrals and buildings with amazing parks, lakes and caves.

Travelling in a private car was a fun way to get around. Our enthusiastic driver, who spoke English was more than willing to be our tour guide. He brings us to gorgeous Zona Colonial, where the city’s oldest sights and trendiest shops co-exist adjacent to each other.

Although Santo Domingo’s Colonial Zone is small and walkable, the slow-moving Chu Chu Colonial train is an exotic way to explore the area’s treasure of antiquity. This 45-minute guided tour gives you a ride through cobblestone streets as you admire the historic monuments, cathedrals and archaeological ruins that have been there for centuries. Continue reading “Book, Beach & Boca Chica! Sun, Sand & Santo Domingo!”

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Mumbai Airport makes India proud @ ‘Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Travel Awards’

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Mumbai International Airport bags the runner up award in the Favourite Airport Category at The 8th Edition Of Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Travel Awards

Adding to its extensive list of laurels, Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) administered by GVK MIAL bagged the runner up award in the ‘Favourite Airport’ category at the prestigious ‘Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Travel Awards’.

The star-studded award ceremony, hoisted by bollywood diva Chitrangada Singh held at The Lodhi, New Delhi on 29th November, was attended by government officials, industry leaders, influencers and leaders from the travel and tourism fraternity. The annual Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Travel Awards has set the benchmarks in the hospitality and travel industry year on year, since its inception in 1989 in the United States of America.

Selected by thousands of readers in a survey carried out by Condé Nast Traveller, the award reflects Mumbai airport’s excellence in service parameters that go towards satisfying the needs of travellers.

The accolade is an acknowledgement of GVK MIAL’s continuous efforts towards setting quality benchmarks and implementing best practices for the airport industry across the globe. Continue reading “Mumbai Airport makes India proud @ ‘Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Travel Awards’”

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EXPLORE ‘SCOTLAND OF THE EAST’ – MEGHALAYA WITH EXCITING JETESCAPES

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’ HOLIDAYS FROM JET AIRWAYS

~ All-inclusive holiday packages starting at Rs. 34,160 from Bengaluru~

With the onset of the holiday season, JetEscapes Holidays from Jet Airways – India’s full-service, premier international airline is offering brand new, all-inclusive holiday packages to visit the ‘Scotland of the East’ – Meghalaya in the country’s north-eastern reaches from the Silicon Valley of India, Bengaluru.

With holidays starting at Rs.34160/- JetEscapes offers guests tailor-made travel packages which include a Jet Airways return economy airfare (inclusive of all taxes), airport transfers, three-star hotel accommodation with breakfast and sightseeing. Guests can also customise packages with accommodation in four or five-star properties for a luxurious experience.

The new packages will give guests the opportunity to take a trip to discover the less explored and increasingly popular Northeast India as part of a three-night/four-day Shillong-Guwahati holiday, or four-night/five-day visit and stay to savour the Northeast with Cherrapunjee – all this for an unforgettable experience, replete with

snow-clad Himalayan peaks, dense hilly jungles nestled in a cool and pleasant environment. Travel is easier and comfortable via direct daily connectivity between Bengaluru and Guwahati via Jet Airways’ 9W 659. Once in the Northeast, guests can experience the iconic confluence of many cultures, races and tribes together with a legendary visit to the Umiam Lake, Nohkalikai falls, Seven Sisters falls, Mawsmai caves and Elephanta falls. Continue reading “EXPLORE ‘SCOTLAND OF THE EAST’ – MEGHALAYA WITH EXCITING JETESCAPES”

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JET AIRWAYS’ COMMENCES INDIA’S FIRST NON-STOP SERVICE BETWEEN MUMBAI AND MANCHESTER

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~Manchester becomes the 21st international destination on the Jet Airways network~~New flight is the airline’s 5th direct service between India and the UK~ ~Student to benefit from the unique EduJetter programme~ ~Tailor made holiday options from JetEscapes~

Manchester, further expanding the airline’s connectivity in the United Kingdom (UK). This new service is the first non-stop service connecting India, via its economic capital with Manchester, the 3rd largest city in the UK.

With the launch of its 5th non-stop service to/from the UK, Jet Airways is now the largest carrier between Mumbai and the UK and Manchester, the 21st international destination on the carrier’s network. 

Ahead of the launch of its inaugural service from Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Jet Airways conducted a multi-faith prayer followed by ceremonial lamp lighting ceremony to mark the occasion of its inaugural flight. This inaugural function was led by Mr Raj Sivakumar – Senior Vice-President, Worldwide Sales & Distribution, Jet Airways. Continue reading “JET AIRWAYS’ COMMENCES INDIA’S FIRST NON-STOP SERVICE BETWEEN MUMBAI AND MANCHESTER”

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La La Way @ Las Vegas

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Vegas! We were  here for a good time, not a long time!

We were on a tight schedule, and wanted maximum fun with minimum days! Vegas was our answer! Considered as the world’s most favourite destination for providing non-stop entertainment, we decided to visit this city during Thanksgiving. We discover that there’s plenty of action on the Strip, even for teetotaler and vegetarians like us!

Being  non smokers, Planet Hollywood was an ideal choice for our stay, as this Casino has a great air vent system, to extract the smoke.The casino also has a mall in it, which is perfect for this tourist town, and shoppers really enjoy it. Just like the other hotels in Vegas, PH has several pools, workout area, spa etc. In terms of location on the Strip, it is next to Paris, and a short walk to Caesars, New York  and Aria. The view from our window was awesome, all the way to the boundary of mountains with tall palm trees!

Any visit to Vegas is incomplete if you don’t watch at least one of the amazing shows that they city puts up! So what do we do? Watch a show:))

So an evening was devoted to watching ‘LOVE’ by Cirque Du Soleil at the Mirage. It was well worth it!

The landscape of ‘LOVE’ is inhabited by fictional characters plucked from the Beatles’ lyrics. Sgt. Pepper, a central figure, encounters many familiar faces, including Lucy in the Sky, Eleanor Rigby, Lady Madonna and Mr. Kite. In an exception to this stylistic choice, the “Here Comes the Sun” scene features a character resembling Krishna. Similarly, several scenes include mop-topped, dark-haired figures in black suits who resemble the Beatles. Continue reading “La La Way @ Las Vegas”

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Summer In The City: New York City, Orlando and Chicago top travelers’ lists

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Marriott International Finds Cities Top The List For Vacation Plans

Marriott International’s newly released Second Annual U.S. Summer Travel Trends Report says that travelers are favoring cities over beaches in Summer 2018 and planning to take an average of two trips. And among families with children, it’s becoming more common for the kids to pick the destination, the report shows.

“Pack your walking shoes because for the second year in a row, city destinations are at the top of travelers’ lists,” said Brian King, Global Officer, Digital, Distribution & Global Sales, Marriott International.  “Travelers are heading to the cities to soak up the summer sun in urban destinations like New York City and Chicago which come alive in the summer with amazing food, festivals, and live outdoor concerts.”

So where are people going this summer? Here’s a peak at the top five destinations for vacations this summer’s most heavily traveled weekends, based on an analysis of over 1 million Marriott.com searches and bookings:

Memorial Day Weekend Travel

The first official holiday weekend of summer promises to be a busy one when it comes to weekend getaways. The top five most booked cities for Memorial Day Weekend travel topping the list: Continue reading “Summer In The City: New York City, Orlando and Chicago top travelers’ lists”

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Puerto Rico Is More Enchanting Than Ever

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 Discover a beautiful isle that is welcoming visitors with open arms

A certain magic permeates the air in La Isla del Encanto, or “The Enchanted Isle.” Puerto Rico’s charm blesses the island with incredible flavors, hypnotizing sounds, dazzling natural beauty, and extends to its warm, inviting people.

Puerto Ricans have done an incredible job restoring the island following Hurricane Maria, with craftsmen, artists, builders, and planners all contributing their knowledge, resources, and materials to ensure Puerto Rico remains one of the most welcoming destinations in the world.

Now is the time to take advantage of all that La Isla del Encanto offers. Here is just a sample of what you’ll discover:

ARRIVAL

Every day over 80 flights from different countries touch down on the island, which boasts six commercial airports. For most travelers, their Puerto Rican journey will begin in the island’s capital, San Juan.

There are countless stories locked away in the fortress that surrounds Old San Juan. Every corner of the city whispers tales of history. The Plaza de la Rogativa, for example, is home to a grandiose bronze sculpture depicting a religious procession surrounded by 180-degree views of the crystal blue San Juan bay. The sculpture memorializes a British led attack in 1797 against San Juan’s heavily outnumbered soldiers. In response, the citizens of Old San Juan raised their torches and gathered for a religious procession, an image that resembled a troop of Spanish reinforcements from a distance. The British, fearful of defeat at the hands of the Spanish army, immediately withdrew.

Approximately 20 minutes from the scenic Plaza de la Rogativa, you’ll find the AC Hotel San Juan Condado. Nestled in one of the capital’s most popular areas, guests will find themselves in walking distance of stunning beaches and lively entertainment. Continue reading “Puerto Rico Is More Enchanting Than Ever”
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PM to inaugurate new metro line on December 25, reducing travel time between Noida and South Delhi 

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The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, will inaugurate a stretch of the new Magenta line of the Delhi Metro on 25th December. The line connects Botanical Garden in Noida with Kalkaji Mandir in Delhi. It will significantly reduce travel time between Noida and South Delhi. On this occasion, the Prime Minister will also address a public meeting in Noida.

The new line represents one more link in the Union Government’s push to modernize urban transport in the country. It represents the drive towards technology-centric, and environment-friendly mass rapid urban transport systems.

This is the third metro line to be inaugurated by the Prime Minister in 2017. He had earlier dedicated the Kochi Metro to the nation in June, and the Hyderabad Metro in November. As on both those occasions, the Prime Minister will travel on a stretch of this new line, before arriving at the venue of the public meeting.

Shri Narendra Modi has often used the metro to travel for engagements in the National Capital Region. In January 2016, the Prime Minister, and the then French President Francois Hollande travelled from Delhi to Gurgaon, to jointly lay the foundation stone of the Headquarters of the International Solar Alliance. More recently, in April 2017, the Prime Minister, and the Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull travelled by metro to the Akshardham Temple. Continue reading “PM to inaugurate new metro line on December 25, reducing travel time between Noida and South Delhi “

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St. Louis Sends Love!

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Thanksgiving weekend is here- for the Americans I meant! We’re having our American family visit us and are excitedly looking forward to it!

Prior to that, we had other priorities –bring another family member back home! From the US of A! My mother-in-law who cannot travel alone but loves to visit her granddaughter in America, once every year!

On our weekend getaway with a mission/purpose we land in a very beautiful city, St. Louis in Missouri. This has been our tradition for the past decade or so, where we deplane at this city for our onward road journey to our family’s hometown.

St. Louis, one of the biggest city of Missouri is one of the finest cities to visit and well-known for its Gateway Arch, night life, botanical garden etc. The boat tour on Mississipi River is splendid and an experience we cherish. A visit to the Gateway Arch is essential, a must do for everyone visiting or passing by St. Louis — pictures do the astonishingly colossal monument no justice.

Like most Midwestern cities, the people here are very friendly and warm. The weather is slightly cold at this time of the year, but nothing to complain about. Really. There is an old joke: Question: “What is the hardest job in the world?” Answer: “Bank guard in Alaska…everyone is wearing ski masks!” The second hardest job in the world has to be forecasting the weather in St. Louis, since it’s pretty much the opposite of San Diego’s steadfast sunshine.

Having said that, other than Chicago, St. Louis is one of the nicest major cities to visit, especially enroute to where we want to go. The people are amazing, the food is great!

Continue reading “St. Louis Sends Love!”

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The Riu La Mola recognized as Top Producer of the year in Formentera by Expedia Inc.

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The Riu La Mola hotel has been chosen by Expedia Inc. as the Top Producer 2017 in Formentera, Balearic Islands, for its outstanding performance and amount of rooms generated on Expedia.com for 2017. Considered as one of the largest and most important travel companies in the world, Expedia Inc. awarded this resort located on Migjorn Beach during the last Expedia Partner Appreciation Event that took place in the Pueblo Español in Palma de Majorca. Nacho Alonso, Expedia Senior Market Manager in the Balearic Islands, was in charge of giving the prize to RIU Hotels & Resorts, represented by Sandra Rodón, Director of Global Distribution of this hotel chain.

Overlooking Migjorn Beach, the Hotel Riu La Mola offers guests the opportunity to enjoy a wonderful vacation at one of Formentera’s best hotels. The resort has 345 rooms equipped with Wi-Fi, satellite TV, air conditioning, a minibar and a balcony or terrace, as well as many other amenities. At this hotel on Migjorn Beach in Formentera, the guests can relax with the magnificent treatments offered by Renova Spa, workout at the hotel’s gym, or play sports such as tennis, volley ball or rent bikes.

The Hotel Riu La Mola’s facilities include a children’s pool, two pools for adults and a private beach access so all guests can head easily to the beach for a swim in the crystalline waters surrounding the hotel. On the other hand, the hotel offers exquisite food which stands out for its variety and the quality of its ingredients.The hotel’s restaurant has incredible buffets, show cooking areas and the best barbecue thanks to the restaurant located in the garden area. In addition, the Hotel Riu La Mola’s 3 bars offer the best beverages and appetizers all day long. Continue reading “The Riu La Mola recognized as Top Producer of the year in Formentera by Expedia Inc.”