Couldn't pass up posting this latest airline information for those planning on traveling in the future. Thought you had it bad now?
By Rob Lovitt, msnbc.com contributor
If you’ve been feeling cramped on some of your recent flights, hold on to your armrests.
Several airlines are currently considering aircraft that will hold 900 to 1,000 passengers, according to a report in Australian Business Traveller (ABT).
The "super sardine cans," as ABT dubs them, represent the latest variations on the Airbus A380. Already the world’s largest commercial airplane, the double-decker plane carries 525 people in a typical, three-class configuration.
But in the fractured world of air travel, individual airlines are ordering planes with different configurations to suit their specific needs. This week, Korean Air became the sixth carrier to take delivery of an A380, a surprisingly spacious model with just 407 seats. Amenities include an upper-deck-spanning business class and the world’s first onboard duty-free shop with actual products on display.
Compare that to the two A380s on order for French carrier Air Austral. Forgoing first- and business-class sections, the carrier plans to squeeze in 840 passengers in a cheek-by-jowl, all-economy configuration. They’re set to go into service on the carrier’s La Reunion–Paris route in 2014.
But even those winged whoppers are expected to lose their XXL status if Airbus starts producing its proposed A380-900. Featuring 650 seats in three classes and around 900 in an all-economy set-up, the plane has garnered interest from several airlines, including Emirates, Cathay Pacific and others.
Still not big enough for you? ABT goes on to say that Lufthansa and Air France "are already eyeing an enhanced 1,000-seat version that's also on the drawing board called — you guessed it — the A380-1000."
Sharon Oberritter
Premier Aussie Specialist
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
A Taste of a Kenya Walking Safari
I ran across this article and thought I'd share it with my readers. It was originally written by Janelle Cook
The Thrill of a Safari by Janelle Cook of Africa Answers.
As we trekked, enjoying our walking safari, we joked about how we had been advised to wear only beige and olive colored clothing so as not to alert the wildlife of our presence, while our Maasai guide wore brilliant crimson and red, and sparkling metallic jewelry. We'd be lucky to see a warthog with this much bling out in front.
The guide abruptly stopped and signaled the rest of us to do likewise. What? A lone buffalo had appeared over a ridge 50 feet away. Oh. No. For days we had heard that the most dangerous animal in Africa is not the lion, nor the crocodile, nor the rhino, but a lone buffalo. Nicknamed ‘Retired Generals' these buffalo have been forced from the herd by younger buffalo. Alone, they become insecure and aggressive, going on the attack without warning. Once in charge mode, there is no diversion, only a bullet can stop them. What to do? No tall trees to climb, no deep ditches to dive in. The guide raised his rifle while motioning us to retreat quietly. Gored by one of the Big Five in Kenya; what an epitaph. 60 feet…65 feet, we inched away, exchanging looks, our tension palpable.
Behind, a flock of birds flew out of a bush, startling us. We clamped hands over our mouths, suppressing shouts and nervous laughter. Busted. The General now knew we were there. He raised his nose and sniffed the wind. He peered toward us myopically. The stand-off seemed interminable. He became bigger, and bigger. Huh? He grew another head, then another, then another. Oh! Yes! He was not alone; his herd had been behind the ridge and now emerged behind him, one by beautiful one.
Were you afraid, we asked our guide, later. Yes, he said, very afraid; but not for you who wear the colors the buffalo cannot see. I was afraid I might not be a good enough shot when the General came for me.
Janelle Cook is a Product Contractor at Africa Answers, a division of Down Under Answers, and recently participated in a familiarization trip to Kenya.
The Thrill of a Safari by Janelle Cook of Africa Answers.
As we trekked, enjoying our walking safari, we joked about how we had been advised to wear only beige and olive colored clothing so as not to alert the wildlife of our presence, while our Maasai guide wore brilliant crimson and red, and sparkling metallic jewelry. We'd be lucky to see a warthog with this much bling out in front.
The guide abruptly stopped and signaled the rest of us to do likewise. What? A lone buffalo had appeared over a ridge 50 feet away. Oh. No. For days we had heard that the most dangerous animal in Africa is not the lion, nor the crocodile, nor the rhino, but a lone buffalo. Nicknamed ‘Retired Generals' these buffalo have been forced from the herd by younger buffalo. Alone, they become insecure and aggressive, going on the attack without warning. Once in charge mode, there is no diversion, only a bullet can stop them. What to do? No tall trees to climb, no deep ditches to dive in. The guide raised his rifle while motioning us to retreat quietly. Gored by one of the Big Five in Kenya; what an epitaph. 60 feet…65 feet, we inched away, exchanging looks, our tension palpable.
Behind, a flock of birds flew out of a bush, startling us. We clamped hands over our mouths, suppressing shouts and nervous laughter. Busted. The General now knew we were there. He raised his nose and sniffed the wind. He peered toward us myopically. The stand-off seemed interminable. He became bigger, and bigger. Huh? He grew another head, then another, then another. Oh! Yes! He was not alone; his herd had been behind the ridge and now emerged behind him, one by beautiful one.
Were you afraid, we asked our guide, later. Yes, he said, very afraid; but not for you who wear the colors the buffalo cannot see. I was afraid I might not be a good enough shot when the General came for me.
Janelle Cook is a Product Contractor at Africa Answers, a division of Down Under Answers, and recently participated in a familiarization trip to Kenya.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Go Ahead, Buy Some Happiness
Found this great blog by Katherine Lonsdorf and thought it was interesting enough to pass along.
Anyone who tells you money can’t buy happiness is wrong. What they mean to say is possessions can’t buy you happiness. Money, on the other hand, can buy you plane tickets and visas and bottles of foreign wine to be uncorked while gazing out over a perfect beachside sunset. Money can take you out to dinner with friends, or buy an espresso at that tiny corner café in Italy, or tickets to the Berlin Philharmonic. Money buys boat rides and train rides and camel rides. The secret to happiness will never be that fast new Ferrari convertible you think you need. Happiness, instead, comes from experiences.
There have been numerous studies over the past few years about money and happiness, searching for a connection. Researchers have found that up to a certain amount, money actually can make one happier: Having enough money to buy daily essentials, pay bills, and otherwise live a satisfactory day-to-day existence is key to a person’s sense of well being. But after that, it’s been argued that buying material goods doesn’t actually make a person more content over an extended period of time. In fact, the initial happiness you seem to have after purchasing that new iPad or custom-made couch will probably wear off within two or three weeks, leaving you searching for the next retail high.
On the other hand, current studies suggest that spending extra money on experiences rather than goods—after you’ve purchased life’s essentials—will actually make a person happier throughout life. Experiences, since they tend to be social activities, build stronger relationships, which is one of the key essentials to happiness. They also aren’t easily comparable to any one else. You will most likely think your trip to Rome was the “best ever,” despite the millions of other people who have also taken trips to Rome, so there won’t be any buyer’s remorse after the fact.
Finally, people tend to reminisce on experiences like travel for years, reliving the adventure over and over, often forgetting any negative aspects of the trip altogether. That fight you had with your spouse? Gone. The bad sunburn you had after a day of hiking? Gone. All that’s left are rose-colored memories of a happy and exciting time, revisited much more often than that pair of boots you bought right around the same time.
For all these reasons, I’ve decided to start living my life with a new motto: Travel before shoes. As a not-so-wealthy waitress/bartender living in an overpriced apartment in Hollywood, my extra funds are limited, and my closet is still over capacity. It’s embarrassing. For someone who spends hours staring at world maps and reading travel guides while rarely purchasing plane tickets, the ease with which I’ll purchase $100 heels is concerning. It’s probably because that purchase is much less of a commitment, much less daunting and more doable than a roundtrip $1300 plane ticket to Mumbai, complete with hostel stays, living expenses, and taking time off work. But lately I’ve been staring at my shoe rack, realizing that if I sold every pair and cleaned out the closet racks above, I’d be in India in no time. And probably a much more content person because of it.
Not to keep harping on the science, but research has also been done concluding that purchases we save for, spend days or months (or years) thinking about before making, are generally much more satisfying than impulse buys. It all makes sense, but it’s something I personally need to hear over and over again to keep me from cleaning out the sale rack in every store. So I’ve made a promise to myself (and if you’re travel obsessed like me, I suggest you do the same): I will no longer make travel a back-burner priority to daydream about for “when I have time and money.”
Instead, I’m done over-purchasing possessions that I’ll forget about next week. I’m saving for India. I’ll bring a pair of sandals and some tennis shoes. And I will savor every experience I have—good and bad—until I don’t even remember that online shopping exists.
Anyone who tells you money can’t buy happiness is wrong. What they mean to say is possessions can’t buy you happiness. Money, on the other hand, can buy you plane tickets and visas and bottles of foreign wine to be uncorked while gazing out over a perfect beachside sunset. Money can take you out to dinner with friends, or buy an espresso at that tiny corner café in Italy, or tickets to the Berlin Philharmonic. Money buys boat rides and train rides and camel rides. The secret to happiness will never be that fast new Ferrari convertible you think you need. Happiness, instead, comes from experiences.
There have been numerous studies over the past few years about money and happiness, searching for a connection. Researchers have found that up to a certain amount, money actually can make one happier: Having enough money to buy daily essentials, pay bills, and otherwise live a satisfactory day-to-day existence is key to a person’s sense of well being. But after that, it’s been argued that buying material goods doesn’t actually make a person more content over an extended period of time. In fact, the initial happiness you seem to have after purchasing that new iPad or custom-made couch will probably wear off within two or three weeks, leaving you searching for the next retail high.
On the other hand, current studies suggest that spending extra money on experiences rather than goods—after you’ve purchased life’s essentials—will actually make a person happier throughout life. Experiences, since they tend to be social activities, build stronger relationships, which is one of the key essentials to happiness. They also aren’t easily comparable to any one else. You will most likely think your trip to Rome was the “best ever,” despite the millions of other people who have also taken trips to Rome, so there won’t be any buyer’s remorse after the fact.
Finally, people tend to reminisce on experiences like travel for years, reliving the adventure over and over, often forgetting any negative aspects of the trip altogether. That fight you had with your spouse? Gone. The bad sunburn you had after a day of hiking? Gone. All that’s left are rose-colored memories of a happy and exciting time, revisited much more often than that pair of boots you bought right around the same time.
For all these reasons, I’ve decided to start living my life with a new motto: Travel before shoes. As a not-so-wealthy waitress/bartender living in an overpriced apartment in Hollywood, my extra funds are limited, and my closet is still over capacity. It’s embarrassing. For someone who spends hours staring at world maps and reading travel guides while rarely purchasing plane tickets, the ease with which I’ll purchase $100 heels is concerning. It’s probably because that purchase is much less of a commitment, much less daunting and more doable than a roundtrip $1300 plane ticket to Mumbai, complete with hostel stays, living expenses, and taking time off work. But lately I’ve been staring at my shoe rack, realizing that if I sold every pair and cleaned out the closet racks above, I’d be in India in no time. And probably a much more content person because of it.
Not to keep harping on the science, but research has also been done concluding that purchases we save for, spend days or months (or years) thinking about before making, are generally much more satisfying than impulse buys. It all makes sense, but it’s something I personally need to hear over and over again to keep me from cleaning out the sale rack in every store. So I’ve made a promise to myself (and if you’re travel obsessed like me, I suggest you do the same): I will no longer make travel a back-burner priority to daydream about for “when I have time and money.”
Instead, I’m done over-purchasing possessions that I’ll forget about next week. I’m saving for India. I’ll bring a pair of sandals and some tennis shoes. And I will savor every experience I have—good and bad—until I don’t even remember that online shopping exists.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Ireland Off-Season
I found this interesting article on Travel Hoppers and it was posted by Travel Hippy.
Everyone wants to go to Ireland, and it seems that everyone wants to go in the summer. Now don’t get me wrong. There is much good to be said about the warm days of summer on the greenest of islands. However, fall, winter, and spring offer their own special charms, as well as being amazingly affordable times to travel. The scenery is still stunning, the people are still Irish (and maybe more so, relieved of the pressure of so many tourists) and the pub life is especially warm and friendly.
Most destinations have a prime season for travel that coincides with excellent weather. Throughout this “peak season”, the crowds tend to be heavy and the prices high. Ireland’s peak season is the summer months: mid-June through mid-September. When the weather is typically less than balmy, destinations experience a “shoulder season” and a “low season.” Shoulder season in Ireland is April, May, early June and early October. Shoulder season has the distinct advantage of retaining many summer travel perks: longer days, good weather and extended shopping hours. Low season is November through March – the winter-weather months in Ireland.
Rates and crowds lessen proportionally as you travel farther from the warmer months. Airfares are often hundreds of dollars below peak season rates, and hotels offer bargain discounts. But for many, one of the best advantages of traveling in the so-called “off season” is that it’s much easier to enjoy and absorb Ireland’s renowned culture and avoid getting lost in crowds of tourists. Off-season visitors often find that their hosts, hoteliers and shop keepers engage easily in conversation and provide individual attention, increasing the odds for a fascinating and flawless vacation.
Off-peak Ireland is one of the best travel bargains worldwide… short daylight hours and cool weather provide a new, moody perspective on the country. Celtic architecture and cool seascapes fill mornings of exploration, and crisp afternoons call for cozy Irish sweaters and refuge in a warm pub, where visitors mix with the locals.
One of the great attractions of Ireland is that many of its amazing sites are in the wide-open: the cliffs and shores, castles, cathedrals and great stone circles are accessible throughout the year. The countryside, too, holds its famous green, even in the winter when visitors can trace the landscape of long stone walls against a leafless sky and emerald-colored hillsides.
To ensure your comfort while you wander through Ireland, bring heavy sweaters and outdoor clothing and hats. Warm, comfortable (and preferably waterproof) shoes are a must, and pack turtlenecks and windbreakers for good measure. The good news is that because Ireland is situated on the eastern Atlantic side of the Gulf Stream, temperatures are typically more moderate than in continental Europe. Ireland’s average winter temperature is a relatively mild 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
Ireland can be equally enjoyed through a fully escorted or independent tour, and often at additional savings over already low rates. A good travel agent familiar with Ireland is the best resource for planning your off-season itinerary to ensure that you experience the best aspects of traveling during this time. Travel agents can connect you to highly regarded tour operators who are financially sound and have a reliable history of taking care of the agent’s clients. In fact, Tourism Ireland has a group of destination specialists that can set you down in Dublin in real style.
So pack a sweater and have the Emerald Isle to yourself!
Everyone wants to go to Ireland, and it seems that everyone wants to go in the summer. Now don’t get me wrong. There is much good to be said about the warm days of summer on the greenest of islands. However, fall, winter, and spring offer their own special charms, as well as being amazingly affordable times to travel. The scenery is still stunning, the people are still Irish (and maybe more so, relieved of the pressure of so many tourists) and the pub life is especially warm and friendly.
Most destinations have a prime season for travel that coincides with excellent weather. Throughout this “peak season”, the crowds tend to be heavy and the prices high. Ireland’s peak season is the summer months: mid-June through mid-September. When the weather is typically less than balmy, destinations experience a “shoulder season” and a “low season.” Shoulder season in Ireland is April, May, early June and early October. Shoulder season has the distinct advantage of retaining many summer travel perks: longer days, good weather and extended shopping hours. Low season is November through March – the winter-weather months in Ireland.
Rates and crowds lessen proportionally as you travel farther from the warmer months. Airfares are often hundreds of dollars below peak season rates, and hotels offer bargain discounts. But for many, one of the best advantages of traveling in the so-called “off season” is that it’s much easier to enjoy and absorb Ireland’s renowned culture and avoid getting lost in crowds of tourists. Off-season visitors often find that their hosts, hoteliers and shop keepers engage easily in conversation and provide individual attention, increasing the odds for a fascinating and flawless vacation.
Off-peak Ireland is one of the best travel bargains worldwide… short daylight hours and cool weather provide a new, moody perspective on the country. Celtic architecture and cool seascapes fill mornings of exploration, and crisp afternoons call for cozy Irish sweaters and refuge in a warm pub, where visitors mix with the locals.
One of the great attractions of Ireland is that many of its amazing sites are in the wide-open: the cliffs and shores, castles, cathedrals and great stone circles are accessible throughout the year. The countryside, too, holds its famous green, even in the winter when visitors can trace the landscape of long stone walls against a leafless sky and emerald-colored hillsides.
To ensure your comfort while you wander through Ireland, bring heavy sweaters and outdoor clothing and hats. Warm, comfortable (and preferably waterproof) shoes are a must, and pack turtlenecks and windbreakers for good measure. The good news is that because Ireland is situated on the eastern Atlantic side of the Gulf Stream, temperatures are typically more moderate than in continental Europe. Ireland’s average winter temperature is a relatively mild 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
Ireland can be equally enjoyed through a fully escorted or independent tour, and often at additional savings over already low rates. A good travel agent familiar with Ireland is the best resource for planning your off-season itinerary to ensure that you experience the best aspects of traveling during this time. Travel agents can connect you to highly regarded tour operators who are financially sound and have a reliable history of taking care of the agent’s clients. In fact, Tourism Ireland has a group of destination specialists that can set you down in Dublin in real style.
So pack a sweater and have the Emerald Isle to yourself!
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Friday, March 4, 2011
Beautiful and Historic Kyoto
Kyoto was Japan's capital for over 1,000 years, and during that time became the repository of much of the best of Japanese art, culture, religion, and thought. Fortunately, during WW II, it was decided that this historic city not be bombed in order to preserve these beautiful treasures. The city is only 2 hours and 40 minutes from Tokyo by the famous Bullet Train.
When we arrived in Kyoto, we were greeted by our guide for the day, Avi Lugasi, an Israeli who moved to Japan 15 years ago. Avi is a magnificent guide, providing us with so much history of the city that we almost couldn't take it all in. We visited temples, the most famous geisha district and we even had time to do a little shopping (the only time we were really able to do that on the trip.)
In addition to the veranda and for health reasons, Kiyomizu dera temple brings in visitors hoping for luck in love. The sub-temple Jishu-jinja has two love stones placed roughly 20 meters apart. If you can manage to walk between with the stones, eyes closed, you will find love--or so the faithful believe. (Cheating however is allowed: pilgrims are often seen being led by their significant other.)
In addition to being a World Heritage Site, Kiyomizu was recently submitted as a candidate as a New Seven Wonders of the World.
The next morning, after a restful sleep and a delicious dinner with Joseph Kelley, the Sales Manager, we had a cultural experience with WAK Japan. This consisted of a tea ceremony, flower arranging, kimono wearing, and origami with an in-depth talk. How lucky we were to have experienced the Ikebana program and to learn from the famous instructor, Jalko Fujii.
Ah, Kyoto, where you can feel the essence of Japan.
When we arrived in Kyoto, we were greeted by our guide for the day, Avi Lugasi, an Israeli who moved to Japan 15 years ago. Avi is a magnificent guide, providing us with so much history of the city that we almost couldn't take it all in. We visited temples, the most famous geisha district and we even had time to do a little shopping (the only time we were really able to do that on the trip.)
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| The Golden Pavilion |
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| The Most Famous Geisha District |
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| Famous Geisha School |
The Kiyomizu Temple is famous for its wide wooden veranda jutting out over an exquisite valley that extends to a panoramic view of the city. The day we visited, and I assume it's like this every day, the temple was full of visitors, young and old.
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| Kiyomizu Temple Shrine |
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| Kiyomizu Temple |
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| Traditional Wedding Couple at the Temple |
In addition to the veranda and for health reasons, Kiyomizu dera temple brings in visitors hoping for luck in love. The sub-temple Jishu-jinja has two love stones placed roughly 20 meters apart. If you can manage to walk between with the stones, eyes closed, you will find love--or so the faithful believe. (Cheating however is allowed: pilgrims are often seen being led by their significant other.)
In addition to being a World Heritage Site, Kiyomizu was recently submitted as a candidate as a New Seven Wonders of the World.
After visiting the temple, visitors wander around Sannenzaka, a small shopping street lined with traditional shops and wooden houses. They can follow this road as it winds its way down past Nene no Michi, Kodaiji to Gion - the traditional pleasure and geisha quarter of the city.
The next morning, after a restful sleep and a delicious dinner with Joseph Kelley, the Sales Manager, we had a cultural experience with WAK Japan. This consisted of a tea ceremony, flower arranging, kimono wearing, and origami with an in-depth talk. How lucky we were to have experienced the Ikebana program and to learn from the famous instructor, Jalko Fujii.
Ah, Kyoto, where you can feel the essence of Japan.
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