Hail A Green Cab

The whole world is trying to go green and 'carbon footprint' is the new buzz word. Travel seems to be coping it heavily whether its its fuel or electricity watage in hotels. 

Well to ease your conscience next time your in New York you can hail Ozocar. The company offers only hybrid cars which use 70% less gas like the Toyota Prius to the larger Lexus hybrid SUV.

A trip from JFK to Manhattan runs around $US65. All cars come equipped with WiFi for checking emails and chargers for mobile phones. Check them out at www.ozocar.com

Leave The Baggage Behind

After the debacle of the opening of T5 in London and the increasing incidence of airlines losing passengers bags worldwide is it any wonder that door-to-door baggage delivery is hot. Already big in the USA & UK its gradually spreading to new territories like Australia & Asia. Companies like firstluggage.com , luggageforward.com and PersonalPorter.com.au have hit the sweet spot.

Guaranteeing no lost luggage,no heavy lifting and a breeze going through the airport at a cost that usually no greater than excess baggage costs it is become the 'norm' for a lot of travelers. The trick is having your bags packed a few days or a week before you go and then they will be waiting for you at the hotel when you arrive. Some companies even send you SMS updates so you can check on your bags progress as it travels. No thats cool!

Four Great Road Trips

If you love a driving holiday check these beauties out.

1. Montreal To Quebec City. Takes about 3 hours. Great for a Sunday afternoon drive and lunch.

2. New York City To Cooperstown. A four hour ride seeing the best of the East Coast from the Big Apple

3. Milan To Naples. Its a challenging 10 hour trip but worth every kilometre.

4. Paris To Amsterdam. Its about 7 hours of wonderful countryside.

Top 10 Vegas Shows

If your heading off to Vegas anytime soon here are currently the hottest tickets in town.

1. Celine Dion ,Caesars Palace. 5 days a week

2. Prince,Rio All Suites Hotel & Casino. Fridays and Saturdays only.

3. Dany Gans ,The Mirage. Never heard of him. Don't to worry this comedian singer is one of the hottest tickets in town right now.

4. "KA" MGM Grand. Acrobatic martial arts takes on a new twist.

5. "Love". Mirage. THE Beatles spectacular. You will come out speechless.

6. "Mamma Mia". Mandalay Bay. The longest running show on the strip keeps packing the punters in.

7. "The Producers". Paris Las Vegas. Mel Brooks super hit.

8. "The Pussycat Dolls". Caesars Palace. Good old fashioned Las Vegas singing and dancing - packing them in.

9. "Spamalot". Wynn Las Vegas. If you love Monty Python you cant miss this one.

10. "Donn Ardens's Jubilee!" Bally's Las Vegas. Huge sets and brilliant costumes. 100's of topless beauties ensures its a long runner !

Seven of The Best Above The Water

If your style is not just a holiday by the sea but right on or above the sea then this list is for you !

* Mandarin Oriental,Rivera Maya ,Mexico. Those that are in the know go for Room 613. This 680 sq ft two story sits above a mangrove- edged lagoon looking out to the Pacific Ocean

* Burg Al-Arab,Dubai. One of the most iconic hotels in the world. The 28 floor blade shaped building soars about the pristine waters of the Arabian Gulf on its own man made island.

* Soneva Gili,Maldives. 44 Room luxury resort in the Indian Ocean sits several feet above the ocean. Some say see it before global warming wipes the Maldives off the map !

* Trident Gurgaon,Delhi,India. Architect Lech Bunnag has produced a series of massive stone pools,lit at night by water set fire bowls,with stone buildings including 136 rooms nestled around. Calmness and chic everywhere.

* Hilton Auckland,New Zealand. Like a giant white cruise ship the Hilton juts out into the harbour offering spectacular views of the Hauraki Gulf

* Pan Pacific Hotel ,Vancouver,Canada. Like a cruise ship the 23 floors soar above the cruise terminal offering spectacul;ar views of Vancouver Harbour

* Four Seasons Hong Kong. Spread the curtains back at night and transport yourself to another world. The place to be seen in Hong Kong.

New York Wins Filthiest Hotels Award !

Some say the 'Big Apple' has always done it best so it probably comes as no surprise that a recent survey of the Top 10 US cities that had the filthiest hotels New York came out on top ! Of the Top ,10 filthiest hotels in the US, New York contained four of them.

Conducted by TripAdvisor the winners in "hotel hell" were:

1. Hotel Carter -New York

2. New York Inn - New York

3. Budget Inn - Knoxville TN

4. West End Studios - New York

5. Pickwick Hotel -San Diego

6. Days Inn Downtown - Miami

7. Tropicana Resort Hotel - Virginia Beach

8. The LeLand -Detroit

9. The West Park - New York

10. Regency Inn & Suites

Yoy can check out the video evidence by clicking here

Keep this list handy when next your traveling !

Best Paris Hotels

Industry hotel web site ehotelier has released its survey of what it regards as the best hotels in Paris. Dividing its list into the best Chic Hotels , Hip Hotels & Character Hotels heres a great list to keep in your travel diary.

Best Chic Hotels in Paris:

Meurice. The location alone ( See photo above) is superb as you enter from the arches of the rue de Rivoli and overlooking the Jardin des Tuileries. The interior glitters with gold,marble & glass and there is a Michelin starred restaurant. 

Lancaster. Dating back to 193o this Paris landmark has been completely refitted. Everyone famous from Coward to Dietrich has stayed here at some point in time. 

Verneuil. Its not cheap but this chic hotel on Saint-Germain is an address to be seen and seen at ! 

Therese. Near the Louvre a hotel in contemporary style with an eye for quality. Hotel attracts the publishing & fashion scene. 

Best Hip Hotels In Paris:

de Sers. Just 100 yards from the George V this is a smaller mansion turned hotel with a sense of zaniness. 

Costes.An oppulent faux Napoleon III cocoon which top decorator Jacques Garcia has taken to the plushest levels. 

Amour. Brainchild of graffiti artists and nightclub entrepreneur known as Andre this is extremely hip ! Bedrooms lead off black painted corridors with naked bulbs.

Murano Urban Resort. Hip in a fun way. The lift is lined in faux fur, the corridors feel like nightclubs and finger print scanners replace room keys.

Best Paris Hotel With Character:

Daniel. Turning its back on all white minimalism ,this newcomer puts Chinoiserie back in style with Khotan carpets,hand painted Chinese wallpaper and jewel coloured silk sofas. heaven.

Worlds Top 5 Bars

Stick this list up on your fridge so your seen in all the right places this year !

*The Big 4,Huntington Hotel,San Francisco. Seriously posh on top of Nob Hill.

*Centro,Kerry Centre Hotel,Beijing. The very edgy now bar in this hot city getting ready for the Olympics.

*Lobby Bar,One Aldwych Hotel,London. The hotel is hot and the bar is soooo stylish. Great for martinis.

* Sidebar,Four Seasons,Beverly Hills. A long bar ,long tables and backless stools is just the place to go star spotting in the City of Angels. Very cool.

* Peak Lounge,Park Hyatt,Tokyo. 11 floors up and quieter and more stylish than the Peak Lounge on the 41st Floor you feel like your in Blade Runner

The Top Hotels For Movie Buffs!

If your a serious movie buff here are a list of hotels that you should not miss. Lights! Camera! Action!

*Millennium Biltmore,Los Angeles. Opened in 1923 its ornate ballroom once played host to the Oscars. It was the hotel used in Beverly Hills Cop and Ghostbusters. Its where Michelle Pfeiffer also filmed The Fabulous Baker Boys.

*Hotel Alfonso XIII,Seville,Spain. The courtyard was used for a scene from Lawrence Of Arabia and the exterior doubled as the 'Naboo Palace' in Stars Wars II -Attack Of The Clones.

* York Hotel,San Francisco. Its where they film the ultimate Hitchcock classic - Vertigo.

* The Plaza, New York. From Crocodile Dundee to Arthur to North By North West and a host of others this grand old lady has hosted them all and now looking more spectacular with its recent reopening.

Four Sensational Places To Get Married!

Internet site wow.travel has just released their "Top  Places To Get Married". All of these stunning locations are situated within the grounds/precincts of luxury hotels. If your thinking about popping the question , get saving and get into these!

1. Grand Hyatt Tokyo Japan. Yep not just a wedding chapel in a hotel but a spectacular one with ceilings that soar 50 foot above your head and designed by hipster Peter Remedios.

2. Monasterio Del Cusco,Peru. Situated within the Orient Express Hotel the chapel dates to 1595 and feature amazing artworks inside.

3. One And Only Palmilla Resort,San Jose Del Carbo,Mexico. Get hitched in this little white building on a 250 acre peninsula overlooking the Sea of Cortez.

4. Pousada Sra Da Assuncao,Arraiolos,Portugal. A 16th century Monastery set in rolling pastures and less than 2 hours from Lisbon.

Airport Misery List Released !

American publisher US News has crunched US Govt. figures to release its Airport Misery Index. It was compiled from official US figures showing the airports that had the worst delayed flights and overbooked planes. Here are the Top 10 US Airports to avoid - if you can (good luck!).

1. Chicago O'Hare

2. San Francisco

3. Dallas Fort Worth

4. Miami International

5. Las Vegas

6. Charlotte NC

7. JFK

8. Atlanta Hartfield

9. Seattle Tacoma

And the #1 airport for least stress - San Jose in California

Top 10 Adrenalin Holidays

Adrenalin junkies who find an open top bus tour of London just does not cut it should keep this list handy. Men's web site askmen.com has come up with the ultimate Top 10 list of exhilarating activities for 2008.

1. Trekking to Everest's Base Camp in Nepal

2. Walking the Great wall of China

3. Hiking The Inca Trails in Peru

4. Camel trekking In Morocco

5. Tandem Sky Diving Anywhere.

6. Shark Cage Diving in South Africa

7. Bungee Jumping in Zimbabwe

8. Motor Cycle Trip On Highway 1 from LA to San Francisco

9. Running With The Bulls In Spain.

10. Ice Fishing In Canada

Right get packing!

Don't Try This At Home!

Lufthansa has to get the vote this week for roller coaster landings. We could not resist posting this amazing landing one more time ! Check out the video here

How To Travel Well & Pay Less!

The Times Of London recently released their "Scrimpers Guide To Travel". Basically the guide gives you hints on how to save money on things that you don't  really need to pay for which leaves you more money to spend on the things that your happy to pay for! We think there are some great tips here.

1. Smuggle Drinks & Snacks. How many times have you seen a hotel mini bar charging $10 for a Coke or $5 for a chocolate bar. Outrageous mark ups by hotels on their mini bars are the norm. So after you have checked in head to the nearest convenience store and stack up on your snacks and drinks and save heaps. If you check in late and you do need to use the mini bar just shoot out in the morning and  replace the expensive Coke you drank with the cheap one from the convenience store next door. Easy !

2. Get Takeaway. Most room service meals are pretty ordinary and heavily priced. Get around this by getting the concierge to recommend good local takeaways. The food will probably be better and it will certainly cost you less.

3. Get a Free Lunch From The Breakfast Buffet. Just take a brown bag with you to breakfast and nick a few rolls , some fruit,some cheese and ham and presto a free lunch !

4. Have Lunch Rather Than Dinner. Most good restaurants have lunch time specials. Its the same food they serve at dinner but half the price.

5. Rip Into It At Happy Hour.  You can watch the late edition of the nightly news later. Get down stairs and get into it!

6. Never Use A Hotel Transfer. They cost a kings ransom. The same for airport taxis. In Tokyo a cab fare from the airport can run you to $200 but the airport coach will run you about $30. Likewise the taxi from Newark runs to $55 and the train costs you $5. Go figure.

7. Never Use Roaming On Your Mobile Phone. You may have to sell the house when you get home to pay for it. Pick up prepaid Sim cards wherever you can and never never use the hotel in room phone for International calls.

8. I Do Like Mondays. That's the day when lots of museums,galleries and exhibitions offer free entry. You see the same stuff you see on Tuesday!

World's Whackiest Hotels!

Alternative travel site i-escape has just released the second Alternative Hotel Awards. The Awards voted on by past guests and users rates some of the whackiest and most unusual places on the planet to stay. If your looking for something different your sure to find it here !

* Perfect For Pillow Biters - Evason Ana Mandara Hotel, Vietnam. Check in here and you can choose from no less that 16 types of pillows. Everything from a traditional Vietnamese buck wheat filled pillow, a butterfly shaped pillow and scented pillows. Night Night.

*Out Of This World - Hotel Cocoon, Brazil. The building looks like a giant circa 1950's spaceship (see photo). The staff dress in space suit uniforms, the pool changes colour every 5 seconds and notices and menus are addressed to astronauts not guests. Er pass the drugs !

* The Dalia LLama of Hotels - Le Castel,France.The first thing you notice when you check in here at this historic Normandy chateau are a pair of llamas grazing on the lawns. Doctors say these creatures are the ultimate in stress reduction.

* Get Lost In Bed - Art Hotel Luise, Berlin. If you want to revert back to your childhood check in to Room 107 where the bed is 50% oversized in every dimension so when you climb in and get under the vast duvet you feel like a child again. Or if that does not work ask for Room 309 where a sloping bed suspended on chains,along with two aircraft seats and  a log book on the fold out table gives the impression of flying though the sky on a plane !

Stylish New Destinations For 2008

A New Year brings a rash of hot new hotels and destinations worldwide. Here are a few we really like that you might want to check out!

* Malawi. To open in July The Pumulani, on Lake Malawi adds new romance to your African safari. The 10 room lodge overlooks a pristine beach

* Madagascar. Discover the unbelievable vivid natural wonders like the lemurs, chameleons and bug eyed frogs. New luxury resorts are gradually replacing 'basic only'. Check out Mandrare River Camp situated in the forests in the deep south.

* The Maldives. Basically see it before it disappears under the ocean. Not only one of the most stunning beach vacations but one of its swankiest. Opening this month the Beach House at Manafaru offers sleek villas and a gentlemen's club (hmmmm what does that mean ???). July sees the arrival of 'Diva'. As well as spas and villas Diva will have no less than 12 bars and restaurants.

* Mykonos. Maybe the Greek Islands are becoming so so however if you love your clubbing this is still the hot place to go. To match the clubbing stay in the Mykonos Grace . See Photo above.

The Room Key Is Dead !

The good old fashioned room key is on the way out replaced by new super technology.

In New York the newly renovated Plaza Hotel will feature radio frequency cards that will open the door when swiped past the lock at close range. Paper cards,cellphones,finger print and iris scans are the new 'Matrix' of getting into your hoetl room.

And what's driving the change ? -cost of course. The standard magnetic cards cost about 10 cents each and while good for about 20 uses most guests take them with them and throw them away. Alternatives include paper cards like you use at the parking station, and Radio Frequency such as being used at the Plaza or a special code placed into your cell phone at reception.

Meanwhile the SoHo Loft Hotel in New York is the first hotel to begin trialing finger print scans on their locks. Feedback from guests has been positive with guests saying they love the technology because they dont have to worry about keys. Welcome to the New World !

Rest After a 'Hard Days Night' At Beatles Hotel !

Fans of the Fab Four can now rest up up the newly open Beatles Hotel in Liverpool !

The 'Hards Days Night' Hotel has 110 rooms and is situated close to the Cavern Club where the Beatles started out. 

The 4 star boutique hotel has two luxury "Lennon" and "McCartney" suites and has its own wedding chapel. Special paintings and pictures depict the history of the Beatles from the basement through to the roof top. Check it out here

America's Best Places To Propose !

If you live in the States or your thinking of 'dropping the question' on your next visit TripAdvisor have just released there survey on the hot places to propose in the US.

The Hot Ten is list is as follows:

1. Central Park New York. Whether its on the grass, on the ice rink or a horse drawn buggy this is the numero uno place to propose in the US !

2. Grand Canyon. Don't forget to watch your footing though !

3. Kapalua Bay, Maui. Nothing like those Hawaiian sunsets to get the heart strings going !

4. Napa Valley California. Just blame it on the wine the next morning !

5. Niagara Falls. An oldie but still a goodie.

6. Christmas Point,Twins Peaks,San Francisco. The spectacular views should do the trick !

7. Bellagio Fountains,Las Vegas. And of course then you can do the drive through wedding!

8. Empire State Building ,New York. Just make sure its a clear day!

9. Red Rocks ,Sedona , Arizona. Do it is a hot air balloon they say is the way to go.

10. Mount Aspen,Aspen. Grab your skiis and go ahead and ask her !

Favorite In Room Hotel Movies

NxTv a major provider of in-room moves to hotels has just released a nice little piece of trivia - the most watch in room movies for last year ! Now of course they don't mention the X rated stuff - nobody watches that - er right. 

OK here is the most watch in room movies of last year:

1. Borat

2. The Departed

3. Casino Royale

4. Knocked Up

5. Wild Hogs

6. 300

7. Spederman 3

8. Blades Of Glory

9. Night At the Museum

10. Bourne Ultimatum

Nice to see the culture of Borat is a solid # 1 !

Have Cruise Ships Lost The Art Of Cruising ?

It seems as cruise ships become more like floating shopping malls the very essence of cruising is being lost. Time to relax on the deck with a good book , good food and the smell of the sea.

This year new and large cruise ships being built will add a staggering 20,000 new berths a week or more than a million in the year. Travel pioneer and author Arthur Frommer says " they will be less like ships and more like amusement parks and shopping malls". 

The Queen Victoria for example will offer "bungee jumping" ,"clown acts" and "circus training programs". Add to this rock climbing walls,boxing rings,bowling alleys and spa cabins. Some of the ships are getting so big they are offering a 'ship within a ship" - an exclusive area where you will feel like you are on a small ship - go figure !

Its probably little wonder that while these massive monsters of the seas taking up to 5,000 passengers are being flocked to so too are the wonderful small cruise lines like Silverseas where a cruise is still a cruise !

Top 10 Places To Visit In 2008 For UK Travelers

Expedia has just released its survey taken in the UK where it asked its users to nominate the Top 10 places to visit in 2008. The list will surprise many with some fresh new names popping are. The Top 10 are:

1. New Zealand

2. Argentina

3. Cape Verde

4. Alaska

5. Reykjavik

6. Berlin

7. Boston

8. Liverpool

9. Abu Dhabi

10. China

Hottest Winter Beach Destinations For US Travelers

The hottest winter beach destinations for US travelers ? Maui ,  Hawaii hits # 1 spot in a recent US poll outpacing the ever popular Florida.

However with over 700 miles of sandy beaches Florida delivers 5 of the Top 10 beach destination spots.

The Big Island in Hawaii came in at # 3 with California beaches San Diego coming in at # 5 and Santa Monica # 9.

Outside the US, Cozumel,Mexico continues its run at the top for US beach travelers.

Majority Of Aussies Want To Be In 'Mile High' Club !

Nothing wrong with your average Aussie Traveller ! Research by local firm Total Travel just released shows a staggering 60% of Australians are either members of or want to join the 'mile high club' ! 

In case you dont know (please!) this Mile High Club means having sex on an aircraft.

Of the 1200 interviewed, half said they wanted to do it but had not yet. 12% proudly said they were already a member. I guess that includes British actor Ralph Fiennes and a female Qantas trolley dolley who had it off in the business class dunny. Popping up in the survey was the new Airbus 380 with its double beds on board . Nice but maybe not as fun as the washroom. That being said 42% said that getting hot and sweaty in a cramped aircraft toilet was not a turn on.

Where The Stars Vacation Secrets

While us mere mortals pack the bags and head to the same old same old for our hard earned vacation "A" list celebrities are on the constant look out  for the new "in" spot. Here are the current front runners:

Portofino, Italy.On the north west coast of the Italian Riviera. the former fishing village has played host to everyone from Elizabeth Taylor,Richard Burton & Sinatra  along with the new stars like Brad Pitt & Johnny Depp. Seriously upmarket.

I le de Ra , France. A favourite of Johnny Depp. the small island is connected by a bridge to La Rochelle and fronts the Atlantic Ocean.

The Fregate Island Private. No paparazzi allowed here ! One square mile Indian Ocean resort is a haven for honeymooners and "A" listers who do not want to be seen. A favourite of Pierce Brosnan and Michael Douglas.

Four Mile Beach Port Douglas,Australia. Gateway to the Barrier reef and Daintree Rainforest everyone from Bill Clinton to Kylie Minogue, Hugh Jackmann & Sean Penn have visited.

The Mystique, Carribean. 1400 acre island home to visits by the likes of Prince William & Kate Middleton. 12 tranquil white sand beaches, two hotels and 120 private villas await you !

The Worlds Best and Least Known Beaches

Serious beach vacationers are always on the look out for that 'undiscovered gem'. 'Hotel & Resort Insider' has just published their list of some of the sexiest but lesser known beaches that leave Bondi & Copa for dead !

Eleuthera - Bahamas. 100 mile ribbon of land adorned by lush pineapple plantations and stunning beaches. Situated a few km's east of Nassau.

The Pinneys Beach - Nevis. A 4 mile stretch of volcanic sand along the west coast of the egg shaped island. Lined by swaying coconut tress and features wonderful calm waters.

The Punta Cana. On the eastern most tip of the Dominican republic and known as the 'new Cancun'. Full of luxury resorts to take advantage of its pristine position.

The Caprera Island. One of 7 islands in the Maddalena archipelago with the beaches  kissed by the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Cousine Island,Seychelles. Small lodges and stunning beaches tucked into a National Park. No wonder George Harrison called the Seychelles home !

Hot New NYC Hotels For 2008 !

Trying to book a decent hotel in the Big Apple is sometimes like winning Lotto. The hotel you want is never available and you end up in some low rent dump at ball breaking prices !

2008 is set to see some glitzy new offerings coming to New York that will put some travel fun back into the city.

The big buzz is Robert De Niros new TriBeCa Hotel - the Greenwich Hotel. With its lantern lit swimming pool, a branch of LA's hot Ago restaurant,handcrafted bricks and stunning wood floors, this is the hot NYC place to be seen in 2008.

Also in TriBeCa is the Duane Street Hotel  (See Photo Above) while uptown is the stunning redo of the iconic Plaza Hotel complete with white gloved butlers and 24 carat taps.

Favorite UK hotel the Firmdale is also set to jump the Atlantic towards the end of 2008. It aims to be NYC's greenest hotel- with eco everything- as well as one NYC's finest !

Urban Airline Travel Myths Debunked

We came across a really interesting little story regarding Urban Airline Travel Myths. You know those little secrets claimed by well worn travellers to get them into places you never could ! Well turns out they are about as reliable as the old "crack the complete alphabet on the inside wrapper of Wrigley's chewing gum and win a life time supply" - remember that one as a kid !

Here are two airline urban travel myths that turn out to be ...er well crap actually !

The Airline Secret Code. You may have heard that when in trouble just utter the phrase Rule 240. Once said, so the myth goes, you will instantly go to the top of check in line and be placed on the next available flight with any airline. Er sorry folks there was such a rule in the US but it disappeared in 1978 when the airlines were deregulated. So next time you mumble Rule 240 don't been surprised if you get Rule 1 thrown at you - move to the back of the queue !

Dress Up And Get Upgraded. Gone are the days when you could recognise First Class passengers by their Armani suits. Now even A list celebs travel in track pants , sneakers and a 3 days growth ! With the airlines now recognizing who are the best passengers from frequent flyer profiles they are the ones likely to get any upgrade rather than your well dressed  hustler from the back of the bus. The golden rule - forget it. Just go comfortable - in coach !

Oh and while we are on the subject of well travelled travel myths here are a couple of more that are equally as dubious :

Crime Rings Stealing Kidneys. Yep we all know about that one when your in Vegas or New Orleans, drugged and wake up in the morning in the ice bath less your old kidneys....please. South of the border the myths goes that in Mexico they steal your testicles ! At least women travellers are safe there ! These myths probably are believed by people who always carry a clean hanky in their pocket !

Then there is the story of the kid that crashed the plane by playing his Game Boy. Rightoh then. Another popular one is the magnets in the tray tables on airplanes make your lap tops go crazy.

Happy travelling everyone !

Vegas Hotel Best Luxury Hotel In US

And the gong goes to.......The Signature At The MGM Grand.

Voted in the Travellers Choice Awards run by Trip Advisor the hotel was singled out for extraordinary service AND  extraordinary value !

And whats a #1 hotel give you for your buck ? All Valet parking ,balconies in most suites,flat screen TVs,oversized marble/granite bathrooms. a 30,000 sq foot fitness centre, five swimming pools and a full wedding chapel ! Oh theres also a lion habitat with 6 animals - hmmmmm.

The price is good too. Rates start at $US200 a night with two bedroom suites from a very reasonable $US510. Check it out next time your in Vegas !

Five Of The Worlds Most Unique Travel Experiences

Intrepid travellers are always on the look out for unique experiences. Here is our Top Five to check out in 2008.

* Your Own Private Tomb Tour. For just $US2,224 you can get a private tour of Setis Tomb in Egypt. Discovered in 1817 it has only been open to the public for 20 years. Considered to be one of the most beautiful and best preserved in the Valley of Kings it is the final home for Seti 1 who ruled in the 14 century BC. Further details at Cultural Crossroads.

* Live With A Real Tribe. For $US3,210 you can live for 3 days with the Antandroy tribe in Madagascar. Considered to be the most fiercest and tradition bound tribe in the country watch out your not on the menu ! During your stay you will meet with the local healer, learn how to use a sling shot for hunting,take a zebu cart to the local market and visit ancient tombs deep in the forest. Its the whole Raiders Of The Lost Ark experience ! For more information Absolute Travel.

* Go Hunting Dinosaur's. For a mere $US5,000you can go on a summertime dinosaur dig in Montana with Jack Horner (betcha his nick name was 'Little" !),world renowned paleontologist and technical advisor on Jurassic Park movie. Contact Off The Beaten Path.

* Sleep With Emperors. For $US500 you can take a private tour of Chonghuagong-Qing dynasty emperors Qianlong's private chambers in China. Normally closed to the public the Emperor ruled from 1735-1796. You'll see fine examples of jade,ceramics and rosewood furniture amongst other treasures. Contact Imperial Tours.

* Alone In The Basilica. For $US850 you can have your own private time and tour of Venices St Mark's Basilica. You'll also be shown the crypt which is off limits to the public and the foundations of the church built in the 1oth Century. 

Filthiest Hotels In The UK!

Hot on the heals of TripAdvisors list of the filthiest hotels in the US, the UK is not to be outdone with some real shockers ! The list of the ten dirtiest hotels in the UK saw no less than 6 repeat offenders with three from the same Britannia hotel group.

The #1 grot box  is the Nanford Guest House in Oxford (photo opposite)which has the dubious achievement of moving up from #2 place last year ! The Top Ten list of hotels to avoid in the UK are:

1. Nanford Guest House,Oxford.

2. Manor Court Hotel,London

3. Britannia Hotel, Stockport

4. Europa Gatwick Hotel

5. Whiteleaf Hotel , London

6. Park Hotel , London

7. County Hotel,Carlisle

8. Britannia Hotel Birmingham

9. Eden Plaza Hotel,London

10. Britannia Country House,Manchester

Hotels On Sale Announces Hot Rates For 2008

Hotels On Sale has just announced even greater price reductions for 2008 !

Click on now and save heaps !

Hotels On Sale Australia

Hotels On Sale New Zealand

Hotels On Sale UK

Hotels On Sale USA

Hotels On Sale Singapore

Hotels On Sale South Africa

Virgin Atlantic To Test Biofuel on 747!

In another sign of how serious we are all taking global warming a Virgin Atlantic 747 is using biofuel on a demonstration flight next  month.

Virgin claims it is the first time that a commercial aircraft has run on biofuel and it could be the way of the future. The 747 will fly from Heathrow to Amsterdam with no passengers on board (just in case it doesn't work !)

The Filthiest Hotels In The US

Well respected hotel and travel site TripAdvisor has revealed it dirtiest hotels in the US. They might be cheap folks but here are hotels to avoid if you are travelling to the States.

Described as "beyond scummy" the zero stars Hotel Carter in New York City came in first place. TripAdvisor said " On inspection the room was dirty,the sheets were not fresh,and there was obvious evidence of vermin. It was entering the bathroom that we decided to leave due to a filthy toilet and a dirty pair of ladies briefs hanging on the wall ". Wonderful !

Hotels to avoid are listed as follows:

Ramada Inn Niagara Falls , Days Inn Nashville ,Red Carpet Fort Lauderdale, Regency Inn & Suites New York,St Augustine Beachfront resort in St Augustine Florida,Travel Inn Inn , Miami,Eden Roc Motel in Wildwood New Jersey,Days Inn Lancaster and Pacific sands Motel in Santa Monica

Crusing Reigns King Of Vacations

No wonder cruise companies are building bigger and bigger ships. According to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) a whopping 12.6 million people went cruising in 2007 !

CLIA said that there surveys showed that "when compared to other types of vacations,cruising holds the highest percentage of particpants who express supreme satisfaction". Cruise guests also said that the 'all inclusive' fares made cruising great value where other vacations involved paying for meals,entertainment,beverage and transport.

Hot Tips For Hot Destinations in 2008

So your tired of the same old same old when it comes to your annual vacation. Here are some insider tips on some of the hot/best value destinations for 2008.

* Argentina. Its back ! This is the hot rediscovered destination for '08. Its great value to with the peso up from 1,3 to the pound in 2002 to 6 to the pound at the moment. Undiscovered northern regions like Salta & Jujuy are gaining momentum.

* China. Driven by the upcoming Olympics this will be one of the big destinations in '08. One of the hot new spots is the Nine Villages Valley in Sichuan now made more accessible with the recent opening of a new airport.

* Macau. The new 'Vegas Of The East' and many say a lot better.

* The Inca Trail,Peru. You can now do it in comfort with new lodges featuring en suite and hot showers.

Meanwhile iconic guide book Lonely Planet forecasts the the two big themes for travel in 2008 will be travelling to Muslim countries like Brunei,Mauritania,Tunisia,Turkey and Uzbekistan. The other 'hot ticket; is visiting countries to see endangered species whether it be Komodo dragons in Indonesia, Siamese crocodiles in Vietnam or giant armadillos in Bolivia.