Travel Off The Cuff Popular News

Syria's crusade for tourism

Mark Wolinski — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 20:22:11 +0100

Our Middle East editor reports on an ambitious campaign to double visitor numbers to the country by 2012
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In Napa, Even Embassy Suites Goes Gourmet

Mark Wolinski — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 20:22:00 +0100

Travelers to Napa Valley are used to the finest wines and freshest foods around, so in order to keep up with the gourmet competition and cater to its demanding guests, even the Embassy Suites (which in the town of Napa itself) is taking its food and beverage operation upscale.
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Lawmaker pushes National Scenic Area designation for Sedona

Mark Wolinski — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 19:22:12 +0100

U.S. Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick has drafted legislation to designate Sedona as a National Scenic Area, a title supporters say could further boost tourism in the area.
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Google Chicago Headquarters Tour

Mark Wolinski — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 19:22:01 +0100

You probably knew that Google was a California-based technology company, but did you know they have 67 locations across the world, one right here in Chicago? Their local headquarters at 20 W. Kinzie employs about 450 engineers, sales people, creative developers, team leaders and more. They took me on a tour of the very colorful facility, and rubbed in some of their employee perks. The best part - they told me they're hiring.
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Laguna's Casa del Camino Just Got a Whole Lot Cooler

Mark Wolinski — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 18:22:11 +0100

On what ended up being a sunny, yet slightly overcast day in Laguna Beach, we had the opportunity to check out ten recently overhauled rooms at La Casa del Camino, a comfortable boutique hotel that lies just above the city's famed shoreline. And just in case you're wondering, no, we didn't run into any ex-cast member of a certain O.C. reality television show.
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Family Eco-Travel: A Trio of Awesome Aquariums

Mark Wolinski — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 18:22:01 +0100

Our fascination with the undersea world is nothing less than primal. The chance to enter into a world at once mysterious and familiar—populated by creatures that would make Maurice Sendak proud.
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British Airways reduces cabin crew

Mark Wolinski — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 17:22:12 +0100

British Airways cabin crew will "unwillingly" accept changes to work rotas later this month, according to the airline's largest trade union, after the high court failed to grant an injunction against cost-cutting measures.
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World’s largest cruise ship sets sail

Mark Wolinski — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 17:22:01 +0100

The world's largest cruise liner began its maiden voyage on Friday, gliding out from a shipyard in Finland and heading to Florida, with an amphitheater, basketball courts and an ice rink on board.
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Follow 10 famous figures in Kansas City

Mark Wolinski — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 16:22:11 +0100

The Kansas City metro region has been home to some of the nation's most recognizable names. Visitors can experience the lives of these famous figures at several attractions throughout the area.
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Viceroy Santa Monica Will Be Getting a Renovation

Mark Wolinski — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 16:22:00 +0100

The other day we took a look at What's on The Block at the Viceroy Santa Monica, a happening hotel near the beach that is always giving us good enough excuses to get drunk on a random weekday.
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At Some Libraries, Savoring Rare Books Is a Tactile Experience

Mark Wolinski — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 15:22:11 +0100

Dozens of libraries across the United States house dazzling collections, but largely remain unfamiliar to the public.
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Oasis of the Seas – the most luxurious cruise ship ever!

smarttravelguide — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 15:22:01 +0100

Oasis of the Seas, the biggest and most expensive cruise ship built till our days, will be made public today, in the Finnish Harbour Turku, from Baltic Sea, having its destination USA. Its contruction started in Finnland in 2006, the ship is five times the size of the Titanic. Oasis of the Seas is a real ‘floating city’, that cost 900 million euro, 360 metres length, 47 metres width and is 220,000 gross tons.
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Inside the Intercontinental San Francisco

Mark Wolinski — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:22:12 +0100

Last week, we told you about the Michelin-starred grub at Luce, the restaurant at the Intercontinental San Francisco, but today, we’re going to take you on a video walkthrough of a standard guestroom there so you can get a feel for the entire hotel experience.
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Never mind Napa, come to the Finger Lakes

Mark Wolinski — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:22:01 +0100

The rain stopped during the night and by Saturday morning the sky was bright and clear. Before the others were up, I walked from the hotel down to the shore of Lake Seneca, the largest of New York State's 11 Finger Lakes.
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Berlin's Literary Lesungen

Mark Wolinski — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 13:22:12 +0100

Berlin's literary scene can be broken down into three categories: The kind of "establishment" readings common throughout Europe and America, generally organized by publishers and/or large book chains to promote an author and push sales. Another facet of the Berlin literary scene are the festivals and events spearheaded not only by publishers but also literary organizations and/or booksellers large and small.
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A Scottish monastery retreat

Mark Wolinski — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 13:22:01 +0100

After renouncing the pleasures (and stresses) of modern life, a week of silent contemplation cured our man
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Going Our Way: Five days in Egypt

Mark Wolinski — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 12:22:11 +0100

Take two young American sisters on a trip to Tel Aviv who are determined to do a full-throttle side trip to Egypt, and create one recipe for adventure mixed with satisfied exhaustion. We put the challenge to our friend and expert in Cairo, Anjana Das, a travel writer and consultant. And she came up with a game plan that covers it all, but doesn't leave much time for sleeping.
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Marietta, Ohio, Where the West Began

Mark Wolinski — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 12:22:01 +0100

As the birthplace of governors, senators and even a vice president, Marietta has had a historic impact on its state and nation that transcends its small size.
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Hotel Review - 3+1 Bedrooms

Mark Wolinski — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 11:22:11 +0100

Set in the heart of old Beijing, this hotel offers excellent service and stylish design.
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This Halloween, Get Spooked Then Sloshed with Omni Hotels

Mark Wolinski — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 11:22:01 +0100

We have to admit, we’re total suckers for a good haunted hotel tale. As such, we may just have to check in to an Omni hotel this month. In addition to offering spooky signature cocktails, the chain has a “ghost-folio” of spirited suites. And if that pun isn't enough to make you gag, perhaps a spooky stay might.
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How to avoid a customer service nightmare: 5 tips

Mark Wolinski — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 10:22:12 +0100

Ask Bonnie Friedman about her worst customer service experience, and she won’t hesitate to tell you about the time she checked in for her flight from Venice to Frankfurt. An agent at the counter, who appeared to be on a personal phone call, ordered Friedman to return 15 minutes later.
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Over the Top with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey®

Wandering Educators — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 10:22:01 +0100

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® returns to the Palace of Auburn Hills Nov. 18 – 22 with its newest show, Over The Top.
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Book Review: Scenic Driving Florida

Wandering Educators — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 09:22:11 +0100

Book review of Jan Annino Godown's book, Scenic Driving Florida. Great Maps, off the beaten path, and resources.
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10 great places to let your imagination fly

Mark Wolinski — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 09:22:01 +0100

Fasten your seat belts and get ready to soar in November for Aviation History Month.
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A slow, ponderous journey up the Mekong

Mark Wolinski — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 08:22:11 +0100

With its haunting light and primeval landscapes, the Mother River in Laos takes you on a journey of dark dreams
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Explore five cities with a "bad rap"

Mark Wolinski — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 08:22:01 +0100

I grew up in Detroit. I love my city and will be the first tell anyone who thinks it's nothing but a boarded up hellhole just how wrong they are. But I know Detroit's bad rap comes not only from suburb-dwellers and business travelers who just breezed through, but also from the media that portrays it as a city with nothing to offer other than casinos and a punchline. But maybe the tide is changing. Anthony Bourdain went to Detroit - and liked it!
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Five tips for booking holiday travel

Mark Wolinski — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 07:22:11 +0100

If you're planning to fly home for the holidays this year, it's time to start booking your flight. Even though fares are cheaper than they were last year, prices have been going up over the fast few weeks, according to a report in USA Today. Thanksgiving prices are down around 7%, with the Christmas/New Year's season down 12% from last year. Since the travel market is still limping along, you may be able to pick up some deals.
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Ten hot Europe vacation deals available right now

Mark Wolinski — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 07:22:00 +0100

Fall in Europe brings comfortable weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices, not to mention the opportunity to stroll through the streets unencumbered by throngs of tourists.
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Bypass hotels for Italy's real charm

Mark Wolinski — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 06:22:11 +0100

Ancient castles and trulli offer authentic and unforgettable accommodation
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A Relaxed Visit to the World's Smallest Nation, Niue

Mark Wolinski — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 06:22:00 +0100

In April 2000, husband and wife Neville and Catherine Hockley fell head-over-heels for the sailboat Dream Time in a Long Island parking lot. In June 2007, they packed up their stationary lives in New York and set sail for an eight- to ten-year adventure on the water.
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