Archive for January, 2009

 
Friday, January 30th, 2009
by Chris Linch

You know ten years ago you would have never heard this complaint. “The hotel is horrible, the staff was so rude when I asked the hotel why their internet was down for four hours, which is the reason I stayed here.” I guess I just can’t believe this is the sole reason someone would book a hotel.

I guess I jsut feel like there are many other things that you can do at a hotel besides surf the web. I like to go to hotel bars, meet new people, chat it up. I usually could care less about the internet in a hotel, and I am a guru. I like to find hotels that are close to things to do, or have a spa, or are on the beach. I really could care less about spending my time on the internet.

On our site we just got a review from a guy who rated a four star property 1 out of 5 points because their internet was not working. Can someone really stay that a hotel was a 20% rating because the internet was out? Here is the best part the client listed these all as positive things, but still didn’t like the hotel. “They had great food, great prices and the room was large. I loved that I could park on the same floor as my room, and the security system added to the stay.” The only bad point was that the internet did not work.

If this is a reason to take points away from a hotel then I am a little disturbed. Now I understand people who are on business need the internet, so dont take this wrong. What I dont understand is these people were going on a cruise. If you are going on a cruise give up the internet for a night. I wonder if they will rate the cruise bad because they couldnt get internet in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.

I guess my point is the internet and travel are almost scary. People travel miles away from home and they have to have the internet or the hotel is no good. I am just the opposite. I like the hotel not to have internet so I can enjoy my time there without wasting it doing internet things. Maybe I am becoming the minority.

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Thursday, January 29th, 2009
by Alison Addy

An Exciting Tour of Spain

Anyone that’s ever traveled will tell you that Europe is one of the most beautiful countries, with Spain being a very popular vacation and tourist destination. People from all over the world tour to Spain to see the sites. While there are many activities to do and things to see in Spain, there are some special highlights you can’t miss. Whether you’re walking, renting a car or part of a bicycle tour, make the most of the sites here.

Barcelona

Travelers that have already been on a tour of Spain all agree that every tour should include a trip to Barcelona. You won’t want to miss walking down La Rambla, the mile-long boulevard, known as the center of the city. It’s like an outdoor street festival with vendors, shops, restaurants and street performers. Whether you’re enjoying tapas while you walk or getting a snack from the Boqueria food market, you’ll love this section of town. The beautiful architecture in the buildings is every one’s dream. Speaking of architecture, some of their most eye-catching landmarks are the Cathedral La Sagrada Familia or the Paseo de Gracia’s house, Manzana del la Discordia. This is also the home of the 1992 Olympic stadium.

Madrid

Madrid is another amazing and gorgeous city you won’t want to miss on your tour in Spain. Some of the best museums in the world can be found in Madrid. If you are an art lover, you won’t want to miss seeing this city and all it has to offer. Centro de Arte Reina Sofia, Museo del Prado and the Museuo Thyssen-Bornemisza are all places you must insist on seeing while in Madrid. The Plaza Mayor, which is the square located on the center of Madrid, was the life of the city in the 17th century. Today you will find this section full of cafes, shops and festivals. You’ll also get to see the Royal Palace, which was build for King Philip V in 1724.

Besides The Major Cities…

Besides the main cities of Madrid and Barcelona, you’ll find other interesting sections of Spain. Pamplona, home of the famous Running of the Bulls is worth seeing. You can actually watch the running as well as participate in the yearly festival if you make it there in July. If there is one important thing you can’t miss while in Spain, it’s the Spanish food. Many of the locals go from caf to caf sampling as they go, which is known as “tapas crawl”. You’ll find plenty to do while touring Spain, whether it’s eating, strolling down the boulevard or soaking up the sun and learning the language and culture.

Walking tours and bicycle tours are very popular in Italy, Spain and Europe. Cycling tours are a great way to spend family time while on vacation as well as getting some sightseeing in at the same time.

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