Tips for Visiting China
April 29, 2010 | Leave a Comment
Because of the introduction of capitalism in China, the country is changing and growing rapidly. China is quickly becoming a vacation hotspot rivaling Las Vegas, but China travel tips are essential for navigating China safely.
Although history and culture tends to vary considerably between Asian countries, it can be helpful to get some general Asia travel tips. However, China is unique in that it is the world’s most populous country and is under quasi-Communist rule. The government is under control of the Chinese Communist Party.
Many Asian countries are similar in that they show a high degree of respect for their elders and customs are very prevalent. There are also a number of items that are not allowed to be imported or exported from China. Prohibited items include guns, ammunition, explosives, certain radio parts, Chinese currency, media that is contrary to China’s politics, economy, culture, and ethics such as religious texts or pornography. One must take care even when bringing many magazines into China. The image and suggestions that appear in many magazine ads may be considered pornographic by Chinese officials although they are completely normal in many cultures. It is also illegal to export rare items, such as relics, some books, rare plants and animals, as well as precious metals or diamonds. As you find information on this topic, you may find many Asian travel tips that indicate that other countries have similar policies.
China is a very safe place to visit. There is hardly any crime in China and guns are completely outlawed, so incidents involving firearms are very rare. However, knives are frequently used in place of guns since they are much more accessible. Drug use and possession is also illegal and serious sentences can result for foreigners who are caught with drugs. Tourists are also occasionally questioned and fined in regards to improper sexual relations with citizens of China.
Another of the China travel tips that is likely to come in handy is to learn a few phrases in Mandarin, the official language of China. Although you do not need to be fluent, knowing how to find a bathroom and ask how much something costs will help immensely. Depending on how long you are in China, you may be present for one of their many holidays. If this is the case you should find some holiday tips, find out what is being celebrated, and join in on the festivities. Many times knowing the proper holiday tips and customs is enough for Chinese people to welcome you.
Even though it may sound like China is too serious about many issues, their rules and regulations ensure that China remains a safe place for its citizens and visitors. Tourism is emerging as a major industry in China and the laws will likely become more lax in the future. Be sure to search for you China travel tips before departing for your vacation.
Cruises in Europe For Less
April 2, 2010 | Leave a Comment
Large luxury liners feature Europe cruises that hit all the major cities and provide world-class dining and entertainment options that make you never want to get off the boat! Smaller ships will give you quicker loading times and adventures to off-the-beaten-path destinations, although the accommodations are more modest. The most difficult part of cruising is deciding which port stops to take part in. Sometimes you have to just say “no” and enjoy your pre-paid time on the boat, getting some rest and relaxation. Whether you choose Princess, Disney, Carnival Group or another major cruise line, you’ll be happy you decided to forgo the hustle and bustle of the airport for a swankier, more leisurely float.
First time travelers often choose the 12-Night Western Mediterranean cruise to get highlights of all the major cities. For instance, Carnival Group’s “Carnival Freedom” will sail you from Italian stops Civitavecchia (Rome’s port) to Naples (to visit Pompeii and Capri), Venice, Sicily and Livorno (to see Florence, Pisa and Cinque Terre). Next you’ll sail to Croatia (Dubrovnik), Spain (Barcelona) and France (Cannes). Princess Cruise’s “Ruby Princess” will also take you on a comprehensive 12-day Grand Mediterranean trip with cities like Barcelona, Florence, Rome, Venice, Athens and Istanbul starting at $3,200/person. These Europe cruises (sometimes called “highlights” tours) will let you experience some of the most exciting ports so you can decide where to take more intimate vacations later. The downside with choosing this type of excursion is that sometimes you’re surrounded by more tourists than you’d like and the experience may seem a little less magical on such a generic tour.
While the Western Mediterranean cruise takes you to Italy, France and Spain, the Eastern Mediterranean cruises have a charm of their own too. When you cruise Mediterranean’s eastern waters, you’ll come across Greece, Turkey and the opposite side of Italy. In 7-14 nights, Celebrity Mediterranean cruise lines will whisk you away to Italy (Rome/Civitavecchia and Naples), Greece (Mykonos, Rhodes, Santorini, Piraeus/Athens) and Turkey (Istanbul and Kusadasi/Ephesus). These Europe cruises are ideal for history lovers who would like to see historic sites, ancient ruins and the birthplace of democratic thought.
Experienced travelers are often looking for a bit of luxury and personalization on their Europe cruises, which is why an intimate mega-yacht like “Seabourn” is ideal. Not only will you have personal concierge at your beck and call, but you’ll also enjoy spacious cabins with large picture windows, marble bathrooms, flat screen TVs/DVD players and dinner served on expensive china. The ships fit 280 to 450 passengers, which is the perfect size to cruise Mediterranean ports like Cannes and Monte Carlo, but also fit into smaller spots like Bordeaux and the Kiel Canal. Prices for luxury of this magnitude can start at $14,000 per person, although you can get a 60% discount by booking early.
Baltic Cruises
April 2, 2010 | Leave a Comment
If you’re interested in Baltic cruises, then be sure to visit a new website, www.cruisebaltic.com. Ten countries have paired up to promote tourism in the Eastern European region. You can hop aboard a number of cruise lines, including Carnival, Fred Olsen, Holland America, MSC, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Oceania, P&O, Princess, Regent Seven Seas, Royal Caribbean International, Seabourn, Silversea Cruises and Swann Hellenic Cruises for your Baltic/Scandinavian cruises. The website provides you with all you need to know about Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Russia and Sweden so you can decide where you’d like to visit.
There are many Baltic cruises offered but here are some of the best itineraries. Regent Seven Seas Cruises offers a 7-night Russia and Baltic cruise leaving from Stockholm and wrapping up in Copenhagen (or vice versa) in July and August, spending three days in St. Petersburg. Prices start around $3,604 per person, including gratuities and drinks. The UK’s Fred Olsen Cruise Lines offers a 14-night “Treasures of the Baltic” adventure leaving from Southampton en route to Berlin, with three days in St. Petersburg starting at $2,266 per person for the cruise only. Costa Cruises’ “Baltic Discovery” offers 12 nights starting in Amsterdam on August 5th, calling at all major ports and spending two days in St. Petersburg for $1,970, including flights and transfers. Princess Cruises has great Russian and Scandinavian cruises that run 10 nights from May to September, departing from Copenhagen and stopping at Gdynia, as well as two days in St. Petersburg for $1,678 including flight. Lastly, Swan Hellenic’s 16-day “Journey to the Land of the Tsars” cruise departs from Dover in July, spends three days in St. Petersburg and tours the Kiel Canal starting at $3,975 per person, not including flight.
Baltic cruises are appealing because there is so much culture, history and world-class entertainment, all within reach of the other European countries. The downside is that not all the countries have opted for Euro currency, which means you’ll need krone in Norway, krona in Sweden, kroner in Denmark, zloty in Poland and rubles in Russia. The only places where you can use your Euros are Estonia and Finland. Yet on Scandinavian cruises, you can visit the balsa Kon-Tiki raft and Ra II reed ship used by Norwegian ethnographer Thor Heyerdahl at Oslo’s Kon-Tiki Museum. In Helsinki, Finland, you can shop at the esteemed local markets or visit the Church in the Rock. In St Petersburg, Russia, you can see the massive Hermitage art museum, catch a ballet or opera, visit the Peterhof summer palace or see where Raputin was poisoned at Yusupov Palace. Germany houses some of the world’s best food and music in Berlin, not to mention historical locations like Checkpoint Charlie, the Brandenburg Gates and the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church. In Poland, you can see where the first two shots of WWII were fired in Westerplatte and Stockholm invigorates with its tour through the archipelago.
Practically speaking, Baltic cruises are ideal for people who dislike those long treks from the ports to the epicenter of adventure. For instance, you’re dropped off right in the heart of Oslo, Norway. Tallinn is just a ten minute walk from the port and Stockholm offers a 20-minute walk or 15-minute taxi ride. In Helsinki, you’ll take a fifteen minute shuttle to all the action. Even though these tours are often overshadowed by the Eastern and Western Mediterranean cruises, you’ll find that the traffic isn’t as congested in Eastern Europe and you’re treated to more offbeat adventures.