Travelrific®
A blog for travel enthusiasts. Listen to our podcast at Travelrific® Radio, and visit our Wanderful Places® Travel Shop!Archive for international travel
Geoparks Celebrate Geological Diversity
By Linda Tancs
Shetland is, as its website says, an area where Scotland meets Scandinavia and the North Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean. Given this description, you would imagine there’s a fair degree of diversity in the landscape. Indeed, the region boasts a geological bonanza of newly-birthed mountains, ancient rivers, tropical seas and deserts. No wonder that Shetland has recently been designated a European Geopark. Simply put, a European Geopark is an area with a unique geological heritage that fosters the development of geotourism. There are currently 34 geoparks among 13 European countries. Learn more here.
DISCLOSURE OF NO MATERIAL CONNECTION
The author has not received any compensation for writing this content and has no material connection to the brands, topics, products and/or services that are mentioned herein.
Gifts That Travel
By Linda Tancs
Humans and their furry companions aren’t the only things traveling. During the holiday season in particular, gifts travel too. For those traveling into the U.S. bearing gifts, you might be interested in knowing the Customs and Border Patrol regulations on the subject. As a nonresident, you are allowed up to $100 worth of merchandise, free of duty and internal revenue tax, as gifts for other people. To claim this exemption, you must remain in the U.S. for at least 72 hours, and the gifts must accompany you. This $100 gift exemption, or any part of it, can be claimed only once every six months. U.S. residents returning to the U.S. from a foreign country with gifts must declare them on a Customs declaration form along with items purchased or received. The goods may be eligible for an exemption or reduced duty rate depending on the total amount of goods involved. If you’re sending goods not exceeding $100 via mail, put the words “Unsolicited Gift” on the outside wrapping. Gift packages should also indicate the donor’s name, the nature of the gifts in the consolidated package (e.g., to or sweater), each gift’s accurate, fair retail value and the name of each recipient. Now make like Santa and let the gift giving begin.
DISCLOSURE OF NO MATERIAL CONNECTION
The author has not received any compensation for writing this content and has no material connection to the brands, topics, products and/or services that are mentioned herein.
The Cognac of Napoleon
By Linda Tancs
In the vineyard-embellished countryside of Jarnac in western France stands the house that Courvoisier built. That is, Maison Courvoisier, a refurbished warehouse of brandy barrels overlooking the Charente River. The story goes that Napoleon sailed away to oblivion with several barrels of Courvoisier’s doubly distilled elixir. Enough to forget one’s troubles, I suppose. No wonder this house markets its drink as the cognac of Napoleon. Just a three hour train ride from Paris, this region is the homeland of cognac. Nearby you’ll find Hennessy, Martel and Rémy Martin.
DISCLOSURE OF NO MATERIAL CONNECTION
The author has not received any compensation for writing this content and has no material connection to the brands, topics, products and/or services that are mentioned herein.
Tattoo You
By Linda Tancs
The 19th International Tattoo Convention gets underway in Berlin at Arena Berlin from 4 to 6 December. Here’s where you’ll find Isobel Varley, the most tattooed senior woman in the world, as indicated in the Guinness Book of World Records. Also appearing are legendary tattoo artist Herbert Hoffman and well-known illustrator Sarah Horwath. Will Elaine Davidson of Brazil, the most pierced woman on Earth with 6000 body piercings, make a return appearance? Some things really must be seen to be believed.
DISCLOSURE OF NO MATERIAL CONNECTION
The author has not received any compensation for writing this content and has no material connection to the brands, topics, products and/or services that are mentioned herein.
Book Now for Shroud Viewing
By Linda Tancs
The Shroud of Turin will be available for viewing after a ten year break from 10 April to 23 May 2010. Revered by many as the burial cloth of Jesus Christ, it underwent restoration in 2002 and will be available for viewing at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Torino, Italy. You can now book your ticket online. Without a ticket, you can still enter the central nave of the Cathedral but access to the shroud will be foreclosed.
DISCLOSURE OF NO MATERIAL CONNECTION
The author has not received any compensation for writing this content and has no material connection to the brands, topics, products and/or services that are mentioned herein.
Vampire Tales and Tourism
By Linda Tancs
Dracula is just so yesterday, as any adolescent movie goer today would likely tell you (think: ”Twilight” and “New Moon”). I wonder what they’d think of Grando, though. Legend has it that Jure Grando, a farmer in the tiny village of Kringa, Croatia, died in 1656 and came back to life in 1672 to wreak havoc on his former neighbors until a stake through the heart ended the bedlam. Over 300 years later, however, the vampire mystique remains in full throttle in this hamlet of 400 souls in the Istrian peninsula, a Tuscany-inspired vacation destination. In fact, there’s now a Caffe Bar Vampire in honor of its earlier inhabitant, one of the first bloodsuckers ever to be documented. Point of interest on the vampire tourism trail to be sure.
Art and Life
By Linda Tancs
You’ve heard the expression: which came first, the chicken or the egg? In a similar vein, does art imitate life or does life imitate art? Well, at Monet’s home and gardens at Giverny in France, the line between art and life is more like a blur. In fact, when you view the master impressionist’s abode in this village northwest of Paris, you’re likely to feel like you stumbled into one of his paintings. You won’t find any of his originals on the premises; you’ll need to visit d’Orsay, Marmottan or de l’Orangerie to see those. But you will find in his garden oasis the blooming water lillies he made so famous. The house will reopen in April for tours. From then until 1 November you can observe the changing cascade of color–from springlike pastels to the deep brilliant hues of autumn–that makes his artwork come to life. Less than an hour away from Paris, buy a packaged tour, drive or take the train to Vernon and then a bus or taxi ride will have you there in 10 minutes or so. No doubt the still beauty of the place will leave a lasting impression on you.
Summer on the Coromandel
By Linda Tancs
They’re getting ready for summer in the Southern Hemisphere. From 20 November to 6 December comes the Pohutukawa Festival in New Zealand, timed to coincide with the flowering of the Pohutukawa trees. Taking place all around the Coromandel Peninsula (a mecca for vacationing New Zealanders), highlights include the Whangamata Jazz, Art and Blues Festival, celebrating the country’s jazz and blues musicians as well as contemporary artwork. Also occurring throughout the festival calendar on weekends are dive-related activities for everyone from the novice to the experienced. Better book now for the best accommodation. If hotels are sold out, don’t despair. You can always rent a camper.
Past the Duchy
By Linda Tancs
Quiz: Which of the following is associated with Luxembourg? Tax-free banking or Villeroy & Boch? Both, actually. But there are other items of interest in this tiny country bordered by Belgium, France and Germany–the world’s only Grand Duchy (meaning its ruler is a Grand Duke). In fact, the tourism board lists six great reasons to visit, to wit: panoramic views at Chemin de la Corniche, a walk through the old quarters, wine tasting in the Moselle Valley, military history, Michelin dining and biking in the Ardennes region. Worried about getting around? Take the hop on, hop off bus. There’s also a miniature train from May to October. In short, something for everyone.
Food and Fast Cars in Macau
By Linda Tancs
The lure of good food and fast cars isn’t lost on the organizers of November’s events in Macau. Beginning on 13 November, Macau launches its international food festival at Sai Van Lake Square. Highlights include delicacies zones comprising Asian, European and local cuisines. On 19 November, sports enthusiasts will gather for The Windsor Arch 56th Macau Grand Prix, headlined by the official FIA Formula 3 Intercontinental Cup. One of only a few locales authorized to carry the FIA World Championship title, many top drivers annually converge on Macau from around the world. The Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix, now in its 43rd year, is likewise considered one of the most challenging road races in the world.
