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Tagged With "Pigeon Point Lighthouse"

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Re: What's the Best City in the World to Eat in?

Paul Heymont ·
I won't claim any city to be the best in the world—at least not until I have time to visit them all! I'm always skeptical anyway about "the best" "the most" and so forth. That said, I'll also add that the best is not always the most expensive or famous. And I'm pleased to see that he's not pushing posh places, but rather inexpensive curry houses and a 24-hour cafe. His point seems to be that London is the best city to eat in because it is, his opinion, the best city to BE in. So, I'll...
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Re: Should Wi-Fi be free in all hotels?

Paul Heymont ·
Technically, it would be possible to create very large WiFi zones, whether free or paid. But since someone gets paid (either on the meter, or a fee for the project) and there is a cost to constructing/installing the equipment to broadcast that signal...it won't happen unless someone is paying. In the case of the hotel, picking up on rbciao's point about breakfast--have you noticed that the free WiFi and the free breakfast tend to come with the budget chains, while the high-end places charge...
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Re: Should Wi-Fi be free in all hotels?

Paul Heymont ·
Actually, privatized toll roads are the coming thing these days! Some states have sold off roads; others have allowed private companies to build from scratch. The road to Dulles Airport near Washington is a prime example. But the comparisons to WiFi here don't really work. No one charged extra for electric light in hotels when it was new; it simply replaced the gas lighting. It took 70 years of broadcasting to create a pay system. As for WiFi, or internet access in hotels generally, it's not...
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Re: Renting an apartment in Europe

Theodore Behr ·
Good tips about Google Maps street view. I guess I should have thought of it, like as a good way to scout out an area. But I guess I still don't know if that is a safe area. How can you see of a place is safe. PortMoresby has a good point. I like having space in a room and being able to spread out. That doesn't mean you have to cook.
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Re: Finishing college. Need help planning trip to U.K,

Hank ·
Hi guys, hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. It was good to be with my family again. Visiting and catching up with everyone took longer than I'd thought, but did do a little research into the trip and came out with this plan. Basically, with GarryRF's advice, I think I'll focus my time in the north to save money cause my budget is limited. After that I'll finish my vacation in London and Paris. I need to find places to stay but more important now just to frame the trip. The details I...
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Re: Whom did you say was flying this plane?

DrFumblefinger ·
GarryRF makes a great point. Computers are very sophisticated and can do a lot. But they lack "human judgement". Call me old fashioned, but I'm more comfortable with a human pilot flying my aircraft.
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Re: Best Outdoor Workout Spots?

Former Member ·
What, me, break a sweat ? No no. You will find me under the umbrella at the beach, sipping mai tais. I can watch you energetic people run in the surf or chase a Frisbee from my shady vantage point.
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Re: Photo sharing services

Paul Heymont ·
I've used Picasa Web Albums (linked with the Picasa desktop software, by the way) from Google for that; I upload the raw pictures as an archive (not shared) and then a selection of edited ones that are shared with whoever I give the link to. Free up to a point, and added storage is pretty cheap. the one downside is that you occasionally have to click some links to say that NO, you do not want it linked to Google+ The other reasonable choice is DropBox; once you've created a folder in your...
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Re: Air Miles vs Low Fare Airline

PortMoresby ·
Call it whatever you like, but I seem to have missed your point. But, no matter, MY point was simply that I see no excuse for charging astonishingly different prices for the same product, transportation from point A to point B, on partner airlines ostensibly selling the same thing.
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Re: Impression about Perth, Australia

DrFumblefinger ·
I've actually visited Perth, attending a medical meeting there some years back. I really enjoyed the city. Mostly modern, but with historic colonial era buildings. Very friendly people, especially considering they're all descended from convicts (a point of pride and good humor with them, I found). Perth was a good springboard for a road-trip around southwestern Australia, including a drive up to Shark's Bay, through the wildflower way (am I remember that name correctly), down to the large...
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Re: How loooong does it take to get to your airport?

TravelGirlJenn ·
Originally Posted by PHeymont You just have to conclude that all this planning is done by people who have chauffeurs or helicopters to get them to the plane on time... Or progress is blocked by some politician or lobbyist... ;-) I did just get a chance to read the blog you linked. While I agree that public transportation is much more available in Europe, and perhaps Asia, however with the few examples he sites, there really are few cities that have that 15-20 minute from "airport to...
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Re: How loooong does it take to get to your airport?

PortMoresby ·
Heathrow Express MAY take 15 minutes. The only time it was convenient for me and I decided to give it try, it stopped part-way to Heathrow and we just sat there. I'd have gotten to the airport faster and paid quite a bit less to take the slower train from Paddington, the Heathrow Connect. Since then I make a point to stay along the Piccadilly Line of the London tube and pay the least of all.
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Re: How to Irk the Brits

Paul Heymont ·
Like all myths exaggerated with a grain of truth or not, he lives on, along with his companions the Snobby Brit, the Nasty Frenchman, the Pushy German and all the rest. These days, it’s easy to find articles creating new misconceptions about Japanese and Chinese tourists. Point being, whatever these so-called “national characters” are, they are built on ignorance and prejudice; it is one of the great things about travel that they seldom survive actual experience.
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Re: Beating Jet Lag

Paul Heymont ·
I forgot that important point Garry makes...the watch. When you're dozing on the plane, in and out, you lose sense of the time...which makes it the ideal time to fool yourself onto destination time. Setting your watch ahead 6 hours when you're wide awake and just got off the plane doesn't really work.
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Re: Beating Jet Lag

DrFumblefinger ·
Some people claim the newer generations of jet-liners, like the Boeing 787, will reduce jet lag because they allow higher humidity in the cabin and higher air pressure (more oxygen). In fact that was discussed right here on a TravelGumbo during an interview with Norwegian Air . A few more points. I try not to have more than one or two connections on any flight, especially on overseas trips (for people traveling from small cities, this can be challenging). I find the fatigue factor clouds my...
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Re: Unusual Hotel Rooms

Travel Luver ·
I once stayed at the Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo, California. It has all kinds of unusual room designs. Believe ours was jungle themed, but it was unusual and made for a fun stay. It's a nice midway point between San Francisco and Los Angeles if you're driving along the PCH. Here's the link: http://www.madonnainn.com/
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Re: Has anyone used their Enhanced Drivers License to travel to Canada or Mexico?

DrFumblefinger ·
Most of the people I know who have this license are those who don't want to travel internationally and who live near the Canada-US border. There are a number of town literally split by the border and people migrate across daily to visit friends or work. I think these licenses are intended for them. Same for the Mexico USA border. If you travel internationally and have a passport, no point paying extra for the license for most folks. Passports have become more sophisticated and if you read...
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Re: How do you buy your travel?

Paul Heymont ·
A reminder I used to post on other sites...when you book through an agency, with OTA or brick-and-mortar, the next step is to ask them for the airline locator number (that 6-digit string that goes on your reservation). With that code, go to the airline's site and search for your reservation...doesn't matter if you didn't book it with them directly, you'll be able to find it with the code and your name. If not, call the airline! The reason for all this is to make sure that the agency did its...
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Re: How do you buy your travel?

Paul Heymont ·
Few more thoughts, following HistoryDigger and DrFumblefinger... 1. Definitely check all your affiliations on car rental; after years of getting better price through AAA than any other way I knew, I recently found that going to the same vendors through USAA (my car insurance) gets me even better. 2. Not only does Priceline have good pricing on cars, I've often found I can get 30-40% lower through their blind-bidding (Name Your Own Price) service. 3. RailEurope is something of a red flag for...
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Re: How do you buy your travel?

PortMoresby ·
There's been no mention, that I noticed, of consolidators for multi-segment air travel. I've had great success over the years using Airtreks and now, after a number of bookings, have a "relationship" with an agent there. The only job of a consolidator is to find their clients the cheapest fares point to point and string them together to make a unique personalized trip. They use airlines with which they have contracts for the lowest fares so, short of a spectacular sale, will, as far as I can...
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Re: A shout-out for Ryanair...no kidding!

PortMoresby ·
My reason for boycotting Ryanair is philosophical, rather than the practical considerations you mention and I'm sure I'm not alone. The few times I flew them I had no particular complaints. But at one point, after one more obnoxious attempt to get our attention by the CEO, I resolved that if Ryanair was the only way to get somewhere, I just wouldn't go there. I can only elaborate by comparing my feelings about the airline to those regarding some hotels. Under no circumstances would I stay in...
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Re: Need help planning Morocco trip

PortMoresby ·
I've traveled independently in Morocco a number of times now, it became my favorite destination from the first trip 15 years ago. You've made a good choice. Regarding your reading, literature aside, I have a number of guides and my first choice is still Lonely Planet, bought prior to my first visit and subsequent editions as the years have gone by. If you don't have one I suggest you get one. I won't suggest you not go in February but don't think because it's largely desert that it's...
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Re: I get to Boomerang to Spain ! Cheap !

Paul Heymont ·
Thanks for pointing this out! By the way, it is also possible to take a free stopover on the international end. For example, a couple of years ago, we flew from NYC to Copenhagen (the routing) but with a week stopover in Stockholm along the way. We've used that kind of routing a number of times. Adding to your point about Britain: Many of AA's European cities are actually served by their closely-tied partners, British Air and Iberia. With a little persistence, you can find flights that don't...
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Re: Planning a Road Trip

DrFumblefinger ·
That's an interesting tripod, TravelandNature, but you won't catch me on anything that potentially could launch me as a projectile at 60 mph. And, unless you're very macho, you'll not enjoy yourself in bad weather. So if you want to walk on the wild side, rent a convertible, or buy an older one, drive it for a month and sell it in Seattle (not exactly a city for convertibles, except on rare days). Regarding on where to go and how to plan the trip, I'd make a point of going by my local AAA...
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Re: ONE IN A MILLION – THE CAMPAIGN KEEPING RHINOS HORNY!

DrFumblefinger ·
I love rhinos and spotting one in the wild is a very special treat. I've only ever seen 3 wild rhinos, all in the Ngorongoro Crater (where poachers are killed by snipers -- no questions asked). Of the many senseless things happening in the world, their slaughter for just their horn makes about the least sense for me. It's sad that ancient pre-medieval traditions are driving these animals to the point of extinction. This seems like a very worthy cause, Tammy, and it's a small thing for us all...
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Re: Help with Provence Itinerary

Paul Heymont ·
Good point, and sent me scurrying back to the Airbnb details page—and fortunately, there's on-premise parking. That's good, because we're picking up the car at Avignon TGV at about 8:40. An earlier train would be more expensive and less pleasant... We're staying at a hotel in Marseille that's just at Gare St-Charles, and considered picking the car up there...but decided that leaving central Marseille in the rush hour might not be our favorite thing...and also adds about 54€ to the rental for...
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Re: May 31, An Epic Reenactment in France.

PortMoresby ·
I suspect not. There was a question, a few years back when Eurostar came into London's Waterloo Station from Paris, whether it was to make the point to every French person who bought a ticket.
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Re: Romania-top 10 destinations of 2014

DrFumblefinger ·
I'm not sure why more people aren't coming to Romania, but I think in the next decade you'll see that change. And alphabet is right. You might get tired of all these masses. Twenty years ago no one was in Prague and now millions visit it every year (to the point where the locals are definitely tired of us) The country certainly is lovely. I presume it's pretty safe for independent travelers to get around in. What would be the best season to travel, especially to enjoy the beautiful mountain ...
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Daily Mail Offers Review on Norwegian Air Shuttle. Share Yours?

Travel Rob ·
We've been publishing a lot of great sales over the past year on TG from Norwegian Airlines   The Daily Mail has reviewed what you get for those prices. To me the main selling point besides the low  price is getting to ride on  the...
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Vienna

rbciao ·
In July, 2015 we are thinking about flying into Vienna before moving onto Italy for my annual pilgrimage to the old country. We have never been to Vienna, but we are planning to spend five nights there. Is this too much, too little, or on-point? We...
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Are you a chatty seat-mate?

DrFumblefinger ·
Modern travel often makes complete strangers sit in close proximity for hours at a time.  This has the potential to be a very pleasant possibility, or very annoying.     So how likely are you to have a chatty seatmate?  Not very it...
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Five outdoor activities to enjoy in Rajasthan

Pratap Singh ·
The monotonous routine life is full of boredom and stress. Outdoor adventurous activities are ultimate stress busters and fill your life with fun and excitement. Just slather your skin with a suntan and enjoy the out life under the open sky and sun. Rajasthan is a popular outdoor activity destination, and the major attractions are hot air balloon rides, paragliding, water sports, desert and camel safari. A few favorite destinations are: Desert safari at the Thar Desert The sand dunes in...
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6 MOST AWESOME OFFBEAT PLACES TO VISIT IN INDIA!

indianeagle ·
Tired of traversing through the same old tourist trails? Tired of the insane crowds thronging every other tourist attraction in the country? Then maybe it’s time you considered visiting some of the most offbeat yet amazing places in India. This is one of the best ways to enjoy a trip to India as frankly, even the most scenic places in the country lose their charm when massive crowds throng them. Mercifully, India is a vast land that is blessed with plenty of awesome offbeat places as well...
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Top 10 Things to Do in Birmingham

Ruby Daub ·
Birmingham is the second largest city in the UK with a population of approximately 1,000,075 at the latest count. With a distinguished history based on its manufacturing heritage this proud city is now a magnet for tourists from all over the world and whether it is shopping you love, attractions or festivals and events, Birmingham and its surrounding area has everything you can think of. Murder Mystery Events If you are thinking of taking a weekend break in Birmingham why not try a Murder...
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5 Top Destinations to Check Out When Visiting Sydney

Candice Larson ·
Sydney is the oldest and biggest city of Australia. It lies in between the intermingling of land and sea. In 1788, commander of the First Fleet Captain Arthur Phillip established the first British colony in Sydney Cove of Australia. Tourists can no visit Sydney's fabled history in the narrow cobbled laneways and historic buildings surrounding the area. After booking your flight and choosing the best hotel such as Four Seasons and Holiday Inn accommodation , it is time to explore the various...
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Unmissable Sights in Budapest

NikOl-Bp ·
We often travel to other countries, other cities, but not always for sightseeing. Conference, meeting, maybe for some service. These trips sometimes takes several days, but we can also decide to connect the pleasant to the useful and look around the city. Here is a brief introduction for those, whose destination is Budapest. What is a must see, from the Hungarian capital. I recommend this article, which contains more than 100 sights, for those who want to spend more days in Budapest, or want...
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How To Plan Your Travel Systematically

Joseph Nicholls ·
Figure out how to design your excursion efficiently: Peruse your underlying considerations: Prompt plans don't permit heaps of pressing and arranging. In this way, begin gathering things once beginning arrangement hits your brain, and you began computing or realized where to go during the current end of the week. This will help you in understanding your get-away better and plan as indicated by the climate you are going in for the host nation. Beginning contemplations will help you in...
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A Morality Tale: An iPhone's Solo Excursion in Paris

PortMoresby ·
New York writer and Paris correspondent, Adam Gopnik, tells a tale of a missing iPhone, one I can identify with.  Not with the iPhone, I don't have one, but with our human natures that seem to have a need to have someone to blame and so often are...
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Places where nature has taken over

DrFumblefinger ·
Many of us think of man as "dominating and destroying the world", to the point where we forget how resilient nature is.  Came across this interesting photo essay from Telegraph Travel on places nature has come back.  Well worth a look, I...
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Going to Prague? You need new transit map

Paul Heymont ·
If you're on the way to Prague and you already have a map of the city's excellent tram and metro system...you should get a new one. And if you do get a new one, be sure it really IS new!   For a start, the Metro line A that connects to the #119...
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Luxury Train Trips are the Best Way to Explore India

Rajiv Varma ·
India is teeming with a plenitude of palaces, historical monuments, picturesque destinations and magnificent sites. The smooth flight connections make it hassle-free for the travelers to marvel all of them in less time. However, there are those wanderers who love the journey more than the destinations. If you too are a devotee of the scenes passing by in your journey, then manifold your experience by traveling in any of the luxury trains. Be it the Royal Rajasthan on Wheels or the Maharajas...
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Scuba Diving: Realties You Should Know

Pratima ·
Did you anytime made the request "What is Scuba Diving" We will try to answer this request in this post for you. Did you understand that scuba diving would one say one is of the snappiest creating over the top recreations on the planet today? Reliably, an expansive number of people go scuba diving, paying little mind to whether for a course, a beginning bounce, or in light of the way that they starting at now have their diving grant. What is Scuba Diving – The Attraction? Scuba diving is...
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Airlines m-a-y be improving their service in 2014

DrFumblefinger ·
I think most folks who have been flying for a number of decades would agree that airline service is at an all time low.  An article in USA Today by Chris Elliott makes the point that the airlines are tired of their poor service ratings and now...
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Airbnb raises $555 million in new funding- now it is worth for $30 billion

Anand Rajendran ·
Airbnb has raised $555 in order to reach the expected value of $850 million; this is a sign to show that the company is growing globally. A source which is close to the company confirms its earlier reports. The funding round is reported by the company named Alphabet, which is the parent company of Google. This $550 million has risen towards $850 million, and the field is about to rise, because of this act. The round valued Airbnb at $30 billion and it has become one of the biggest startups...
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Find The Most Romantic Boutique Hotel in Sydney

ArronHidd ·
There’s no better way of recharging your relationship and waking up those butterflies than going away for a little romantic getaway with your significant other. For trips like those, people often opt for some countryside family-owned bed and breakfast, but what if you want to make your romantic trip a city break as well? Let’s say you choose Sydney to be your destination. Where would you stay? Boutique hotels make the perfect choice since they’re petite, usually independent, and, therefore,...
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Getting travel insurance is really important

Jonathan L ·
I want to tell a tale about what happened on our recent cruise. On our first day at sea my wife developed a very bad case of diahrrea. It was very bad and by the time we went to the doctor on the following morning she was dehydrated. The medical service was very good. They gave her iv fluid to rehydrate and drew blood to make sure that it wasn't norovirus. They gave her antibiotics and anti diahrreal meds. They checked up her, and followed up the next day with a second iv. They even sent a...
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Getting Started with Long Distance Bicycle Travel

ArronHidd ·
It is no secret that bicycles are getting increasingly popular – in the beginning of the 21 st century, people finally realized exercise benefits health. An increasing number of people cycling to work nowadays can serve as a proof of this raised awareness. However, a real cycling enthusiast might crave a challenge – they might want to travel by their two-wheeled companion. If you are keen on giving this a go, but unsure whether you are ready, this guide will hopefully provide a list of...
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To make your vacation cool, try these Apps

AnandRajendran ·
Everyone is leading a stressful life, their work life demands a lot from them. A peaceful and happy life has become days of past. Most of us are living mechanical and sedentary lives. Once in a while, we feel like taking a break and go on a vacation. A long trip within India or foreign countries will help us to let loose and become stress free. Traveling and exploring is always an adventurous task. Going on trips with our family or friends is completely a different kind of experience. It is...
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Going on Winter Vacation with a 6-Month-Old – 7 Things You Need to Have

ArronHidd ·
Heading out on a winter vacation with your kid for the first time ever is always exciting. Still, this is going to be different from any other you took before. Going on a winter vacation with a 6-month-old requires a lot of thinking and prep work. For this reason, we have come up with a list that will help you pack for a trip like this. Here are 7 things you simply need to have on any winter vacation you take with your newborn. Sunscreen Even though this wouldn’t be your first pick when it...
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Best of Australia: Outdoor Activities to Do in Australian Summer

ArronHidd ·
When the western world is sitting quietly near its fireplace (or in the living room watching Netflix), the boiling-hot summer is booming Down Under. Filled with a ton of activities throughout the year, Australia outdoes even itself when the hot season arrives. Vast and beautiful, this continent has numerous outdoor activities to offer in the summer months, which is why we’ve come up with a quick guide for your holiday experience in the Outback and beyond! Adventures Australia is one of the...
 
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