‘Travel + Leisure’ announces World’s Top Hotels

four_seasons

Travel + Leisure announced its annual list of the world’s top 500 hotel properties chosen by the readers. And the top 25 in amongst these are undoubtedly the familiar names that include: Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton, Oberoi, and Taj. There are also other familiar places: former maharajah’s palaces in India, chic hotels in the U.S., and the game reserves in South Africa all making it to the top.

Along with these familiar hotels, the list also includes a couple newcomers: the luxury log-cabin retreat of Triple Creek Ranch, in Darby, Montana; and the rustic-yet-posh Treetops Lodge and Estate, set on the volcanic plateau of Rotorua, New Zealand. Others appearing in the list include; Singita Sabi Sand resort in Kruger National Park Area, South Africa; Domaine des Hauts de Loire, Loire Valley, France and Alvear Palace Hotel, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

See the Slideshow of Top 25

The Greatest New Year’s Celebrations on Earth

2009 is just round the corner and you have yet another excuse to party and dance all night away! Are you one of those fun loving party crazy folks looking forward to have the evening of a lifetime this New Year’s Eve? Make your December 31st a night to remember by taking a trip to the most exciting, lively, and fun places on the planet. Here is just a sampler of what’s going on in the world at the close of the year, from wild concerts to ethereal, moonlit retreats.

Las Vegas

new_year_vegasAny other day Las Vegas would be considered wild for most, but the evening of the 31st is like no other. Whether it’s the strip or downtown, every hotel and nightclub in Vegas is filled with celebration.  Over 400,000 people gather to celebrate, dance, the night away on the strip, including many celebrities. The culmination of the evening is best seen in front of Caesars Palace when a fantastic light and fireworks show explodes across the Nevada sky at the stroke of midnight.

Sydney, Australia

In Sydney, Australia, there really is only one thing to do on New Year’s Eve; watch the fireworks display over Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. Fortunately, the city plans the event so well, it is one of the most enjoyable times to be had anywhere on earth. People start gathering in the prime waterside viewing spots as early as 9 a.m., but there’s usually plenty of room for everyone. The whole day almost becomes a city-wide festival. When the main event approaches a countdown is projected against the bridge and then an enormously huge fireworks show that simply must be seen to be believed rips across the sky.

new_year_londonLondon, England

The London Parade, held New Year’s Day, attracts visitors from all over Europe. It is a fantastic celebration featuring local heroes, marching bands, clowns and more. Of course, London has a variety of events for you to enjoy the evening as well. Make your way to the London Eye for a spectacular fireworks display.

Bangkok

New Year’s Eve takes place not once, not twice, but three times in Thailand, and its capital Bangkok.  First New Year’s Eve extravaganza takes place alongside the rest of the Western World on Dec. 31. Head to Bangkok’s Central World Plaza, where you can dance the night away alongside watching spectacular fireworks. The second New Year’s Eve is in mid-January when the Chinese New Year is celebrated in Bangkok’s Chinatown. Finally, third New Year’s Eve festivities happen in April with the Songkran festival: celebrate the Thai calendar with more parades, costumes and water balloon-throwing festivities.

new_year_nycNew York City, New York

The epicenter of the jubilant event is the world-famous Times Square, a festival of lights, electric banners, and New York iconography in itself.  The main event, the famous New Year’s Eve Ball dropping from the flagpole on top of Number One, Times Square, is such an iconic heralding of the turning of the year that countries around the world tune in to watch NYC’s event any way they can. The symbolic act has been marking the New Year in New York for over a hundred years, and looks to be strong enough to last hundreds more.

Hopefully you’ll be inspired to seek out bigger and better parties, and welcome in the New Year with a bang. Have a promising and fulfilling New Year!!!

2009 Travel Trends and Predictions

CheapOair's Logo

The year 2008 has not been such a good year for travel. The slows and downs made travelers to rethink or scale down our vacation plans. But, what’s in store for 2009? Will traveling resume its earlier shape or its time for travelers to take an alternate route. What’s going to happen? Nobody really knows.  But, concluding all that what happened in 2008, traveling will be somewhat different next year. Here are some of the predicted travel trends for 2009:

Taking the Road Less Traveled

Visiting smaller, lesser-known destinations can be more affordable, though offering equally enriching, vacation experience. For instance, taking a trip to Birmingham, England instead of London; or vacationing in Calgary, Canada instead of Toronto.

Staying Closer to Home

With rising travel costs more travelers are expected to stay closer to home. This means that travel to domestic destinations is expected to increase in the upcoming year.

Package Travel Likely to Rise

It seems that package travel is undergoing a mini-renaissance, specially the all-inclusive category. More and more travelers want to cut back the risks involved with booking packages with additional taxes and don’t want the uncertainty of a mounting extras bill, not to mention meals and eating out. Cruises are likely to o well in such a situation.

Tried and Trusted Destinations

In the coming year, travelers are expected to return to destinations they had already enjoyed. Not only its risk free but will allow travelers to plan their trip more thoughtfully. In case of hotels too, loyalty will be the trend of the coming year.

Vacation Rentals and House Swaps

Vacation home rentals, villas and house swaps will continue to gain popularity in the coming year. These alternate lodging options offer a good value for money alongside making you feel more at home.

Solo Travel

Due to advantages of Solo travel, it is expected that solo travel will be another travel trend in the coming year.