Knowledge Wanders
Wandering the great places…

Archive for January, 2010

29
Jan

Luxury Hotels in Bath Prepare for Bumper Summer

Posted in Destinations  by dominicdonaldson on January 29th, 2010

So, what’s generating this activity? First and foremost we can blame Tony Robinson and his cronies from The Time Team. They made archaeology exciting. Every week this intrepid band of historians dive head first into our history unearthing ancient artefacts within an impossible time frame. It’s what Eddie Izzard once called ’speed archaeology’. At the time he was speaking in jest, but as they say in television, even jokes have a way of becoming new programmes.

The second factor is the growth in holidays within these shores. In part this is motivated by the credit crunch. Rather than lavish expense on a foreign trip, why not stay within these shores? However, the British tourist board has been pretty effective in repackaging the UK as a potential destination. Rather than compete with sunnier climes they instead focus on the core things Britain offers: namely our heritage. All this means is a surge in the number of luxury hotels in Bath and other historic cities.

Bath has plenty of that to go around. Rumour has it that the city was founded when Prince Bladud, father of King Lear, caught leprosy. He was banished from caught and forced to wallow in the mud with the pigs. Fortunately for him the mud, it seemed, had magical healing properties and he was cured. Later he became King and founded the ancient city of Bath.

In reality there’s probably not much truth in this story. The real origin lies buried in the dim and distant past, but why ruin a good story? Suffice to say that if you’re looking for history then you should look no further than Bath.

Many people are doing just that and a new and more affluent group of visitors are heading out west. They bring certain demands. They don’t want a simple B&B or Travel Lodge. What they want are genuine luxury hotels and Bath has plenty of them to go around. Depending on where you stay they serve as a perfect base to visit this beautiful and historic city.

What’s more there’s never been a better time to plan your visit. Even the luxury hotels of Bath are gearing up for extreme competition and there are some good deals available. Use the web wisely. Shop around to get the best deal.

Dom Donaldson is a travel expert.
Find out more about Luxury Hotels Bath at Luxury Hotels and the services offered from Harington’s Hotel.

Distributed by Content Crooner

29
Jan

The Secrets of Travel Training

Posted in Destinations  by dominicdonaldson on January 29th, 2010

Every wondered how your travel agent seems to accrue such an exhaustive knowledge of every destination in the world? It doesn’t matter where you want to go or what you want to see they will have been there and done it before - or at least they’ll say they have. The secret behind their apparent super human level of knowledge is the huge strides made recently in travel training.

Travel training is the process by which any professional within the industry quickly gains comprehensive knowledge of destinations and different parts of the business. They can choose from a range of different courses and modules to learn anything they need to know.

For example, let’s say you want to go to Australia. Depending on what you need you can find a course to suit you. It won’t just be a bland digest of basic information - the kind you can easily glean off the net. It’ll be specifically targeted at what they need. The course can tell them about the country, its nature, its people and attractions. It can help the agent convey to the customer the true experience of heading down under. It can offer business tips and advice on the best way to sell the destination.

The result is a win win for all concerned. The customer gets added service value, the agent received more commission and the travel training provider collects another cheque. Everyone’s happy.

But is this the kind of thing we really want to see in our world. We live in an age of instant information. Thanks to the marvel of Google and other search engines everyone can become an apparent expert on any subject in the world. Want to know about the riches of Egypt? Give me ten minutes and access to a computer and I can tell you everything you need to know.

The result is an end to learning replaced by the ability to parrot facts and figures. For instance, I recently spoke to a journalist who shall for his own sake remain nameless. He’d just written a detailed travel guide to Portugal. The only problem was he’d never been. No matter - a few quick scans of the web and he was up to speed. I wonder if I’ll ever trust a travel article again.

So travel training doesn’t give instant knowledge, but it offers enough for the agent to do his or her job more effectively and can you really quibble with that?

Dom Donaldson is a travel expert.
Find out more about Travel Training at Travel Training and the services offered from Online Travel Training.

Distributed by Content Crooner

29
Jan

How To Search For The Best UK Flights

Posted in Air Travel  by LanceThorington on January 29th, 2010

If you are looking for UK flights, there is a wealth of information available at your fingertips. The United Kingdom is ideally placed for visitors to Europe of course, and has two of the busiest airports in the world connecting with the continent and the world with ease. There are also a host of other regional airports; also flying internationally, so it really makes for an excellent base for the traveler.

Hunting for UK flights; into or out of the country could not really be simpler. Obviously, the best way to search these days is on the internet which not only presents the best available deals, but allows for the very latest information. There are a host of sites, and a host of comparison sites to ensure you get the very best deal for you.

For flights into the UK, many will arrive at the two major airports on the outskirts of London; Gatwick to the South, about thirty miles outside of the city centre and Heathrow, fifteen miles West. There are other international airports around London; Luton and Stansted which are becoming increasingly accessible from destinations across the world.

Other UK airports that cater for major international routes include Manchester and Liverpool in the North of England and Birmingham in the Midlands region. Of course, the UK, is split into four distinct areas; England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. For visitors to Wales, Cardiff is the best choice of airport, for Scotland, Glasgow will be the preferred arrival and in Northern Ireland, Belfast.

The network of airports across the entire country is well appointed, and there are many rail and road connections, so wherever the arrival point; it is not too arduous to get elsewhere. The cost of on carriage varies considerably, depending on the operator, the time of travel and other local constraints. When booking therefore, it is always advisable to check all details thoroughly.

You will also need to check the details as to what luggage you are allowed to take; which can change at any moment given the times we now live in. However, the UK is one of the safest countries to fly into and out off; and this is backed up by security measures which are in place to ensure problem free flying.

To make your UK flights as problem free as possible, it is always best to go with a reputable company to make your booking with of course. Ideally, you will be referred by a friend who has had a good experience; but even if this is the case, it is always worth doing some research of your own.

If you are looking for UK flights, there is a wealth of info available. The United Kingdom is ideally placed for visitors to Europe of course, and has two of the busiest airports in the world connecting with the continent and the world with ease including Flights to Alabama .

Distributed by Content Crooner

29
Jan

Traveling To China - Luxury Tours In China

Posted in Travel  by bestqual on January 29th, 2010

It is very common for first time travelers to be concerned with the cultural differences during their visit to China Prior to visiting the lovely country of China it is recommended that you do some research about the country - of course, not just China but any country you are planning to travel to. Make sure you take notes of the food, vaccination, transportation, and of course the visa requirement

China has an ancient history, appealing culture and amazing scenery; but it is also quite different from the western countries. “The ideal travel consultant should be someone that has good understanding of both western and eastern culture so that they can evaluate and plan a nice vacation on your behalf” Lin says.

As far as where to go, that is a difficult question to answer. If you enjoy adventure, a hiking to the remote area of Great Wall is a must, of you like art, visit all of the galleries and museums in Shanghai, Beijing. Food lovers should not miss Chengdu and Guangzhou and history buff should not miss Xi’an. Yunnan and Guizhou are fabulous places boasting great scenery and aboriginal tribal culture. If all you want is to relax and enjoy the sun and the sea, the you can find some of the most luxurious beach resorts in Hainan Island.

Another real treat of your China tour is to enjoy different Chinese gourmet. Different regions in China have different unique cooking styles. China is also actively developing their wine. There is no comparison to the variety of restaurants and selections of food, to those that love food that is a true luxury you must enjoy while you visit China. China is known all around the world.

Believe it or not, another event that you can pamper yourself is playing Golf in China. Many locals are enjoying golf outings daily. Some of the most beautiful golf courses in the world are here in China with a touch of an oriental feel to them. Among all, Beijing and Kunming offers the best luxury golfing experience. Kunming, the “Spring City” is a tourist hot spot for golf enthusiast.

China is a really an exciting place to visit. Because the cost of labor is relatively low while the facilities are world class, in China, you can enjoy a truly luxurious private tour that is designed for you. You have your personal driver, English guide and they will do their best to make sure you enjoy the tours.

“Choose the right travel consultant and they will take away your worries. A well planned China vacation will be an experience of a life time” says Michelle Lin of East Tours (http://www.chinaluxurytour.com).

Distributed by Content Crooner

29
Jan

Airport Transfer Services - Getting from One Location to Another

Posted in Travel  by homebizgears on January 29th, 2010

Many business men in the US depend on airport transfer on a daily basis. They must have the most time efficient method from one location to another in order to be successful. From past experiences, they have their stash of transfer services ready and on call to ensure for a smooth business day. Recently, most people who travel are requiring transfers as well. They look for a service with safe and up to date vehicles.

The vehicle should be fully insured and the company should have appropriate license. They are not afraid to ask questions about the training and screening of the drivers. The drivers should be familiar with the flight times and the airport layout. They should be personable yet professional. Many vacationing people are being lured to more secluded locations that require airport transfer services in order to reach the hotel. Some places are even including it as a part of their meet and greet service included in the package.

Some places will give a choice of transportation such as a van or a corporate limo bus. Their concern is to provide a worry free service anywhere you need to go. Some places specialize in wedding limousines or wedding party transportation to or from the airport. Some foreign countries will spoil you with a private limousine service with beautiful Mercedes Benz and an English speaking driver. Some cities do not have direct transportation from the airport to the city. A direct coach to the city is a super time and money saver. They are quite luxurious nowadays with comfortable seats, air conditioning, bathroom, TV and VCR. This is the most cost effective answer for someone who has to travel often and is on a budget.

The friends and family will appreciate not having to make the trek back and forth to the airport on a regular basis. Any holiday location provides an airport transfer with experienced drivers. The driver should be polite, help with the luggage and transfer you in the comfort of a clean car. These services build their businesses on affordable and quality service. There are many airport transfer services.

Some have unique specialties. In order to remain competitive, each one strives for total customer satisfaction by offering their best service. Look for the one who shines in every detail. Book the one that will give you peace of mind. Some will take your booking at the click of an email.

Looking for airport transfer service when you arrive in Singapore? MyBus provides punctual and convenient airport transfer service in Singapore. Get more information here.

Distributed by Content Crooner