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Jun
30
Paris Pass
Filed Under Paris, Travel Discounts | 2 Comments
Welcome back!
Here at retronine travel we are keen on helping you save some dollars on your travels and in Europe any discount
The Paris Pass is a discounted package that allows you to visit Paris and see all the major sites providing you with a considerable discount on entry. The Paris Pass provides access to over 60 tourist sites across Paris. When I visited Paris in 2007 for five days I found that the Paris Pass provided a discount of about 60% of the actual entry price I would have paid if I went to the same sites that Paris Pass offered as part of their sightseeing pass. The convenience of having the Paris Pass that allows you direct entry to major sites saved a considerable amount of time lining up paying for entry fees. The fact the Paris Pass also ensures you do not have to wait in long queues is one that is very valuable when you are pressed for time or have limited time in Paris.
With so much to see in Paris it’s hard deciding what and when to visit and the Paris Pass helped me determine what was a must see and ensured I did not waste anytime waiting in line. One other fantastic benefit of the Paris Pass is that you have free metro included with the sightseeing pass.
The Paris Pass can be purchased as a two day, four day or six day pass. I found the four day pass to be the best value and also convenient for the time I spent in Paris. Some of the major sites from the 60+ plus sites offered are Musee d’Orsay, Musee du Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral, Bateaux Parisian River Cruise, Arc de Triomphe, Centre Pompidou, Notre Dame crypt and Montparnasse tour just to name a few. The savings are considerable and in a place like Paris you need to save every spare cent you can.
If you are going to Paris and considering visiting some of the sites above or other major destinations in Paris then consider Paris Pass as it will save you alot of money just as it did for me. It was not just the money saved but I was able to avoid hours of in queues, when I turned up to the Musee d’Orsay I saw many people waiting outside, perhaps the line was one hour should I join the end of it but I was able to fast track through as I had the Paris Pass. It is these little things that will maximise you travel experience in this amazing city.
If your interested click on the link below.
Popularity: 75% [?]
Jun
29
Currency Conversion
Filed Under Travel Tips | 2 Comments
For any traveller you need to find a good site to check for currency conversion. It is one of the most important sites to investigate before you go to not only monitor the best time to purchase but also a place where you can see daily movements in the price of all leading currencies.
I have always found XE - The World’s Favourite Currency Site to offer me the key information when I am going on holidays, click the above link to visit the site and convert your currency today.
Popularity: 66% [?]
Jun
28
Canberra is Australia’s national capital and is a city where over 330,000 people live. When most people think of Australia the first cities that come to mind are Sydney or Melbourne. Canberra may not have the big international reputation or the population that either of those cities have but what is does have is the centre of government and a planned city much in the same vein as Washington.
Canberra was designed by Walter Burley Griffin and it’s his plan that still forms that foundations of Canberra today. Canberra is a quiet country like destination compared to the big city of Sydney but lacks now of the conveniences that the bigger cities in Australia offer. The Griffin plan was designed to build Canberra around a man made lake, that which was named Lake Burley Griffin and provides a unique vista of Canberra and where the majority of national institutions are located. Canberra is abundant with shops, partly due to having the highest average salary in the country. Canberra offers a wonderful location for those looking for the big city convenience of Sydney, less than three hours away and under one hour in the air. The snowfields and coast all less than two hours away on the road and the mountain ranges that surround Canberra provide a fantastic location for nature lovers and avid bush walkers.
Canberra is also home to some major institutions, Parliament House in Canberra is perhaps Australia’s most iconic building, build above and below ground it takes pride of place on Capital Hill and is an amazing vista from all angles. Framed with it’s massive flagpole and the Australian flag this is a must see destination for any visitor. The War Memorial is also another destination that is a must see, steeped in history it is the site of the national dawn service each year, in 2008 attracting almost 30,000 people a record that keeps getting beaten each year. Other institutions that are a must see are the National Museum, National Zoo and Aquarium, National Library, National Gallery and Black Mountain Tower, still one of the tallest towers in the world. Canberra is unfortunately not on most people’s touring schedule when visiting Australia but for those who visit they nearly all leave with the same feeling of quiet wonder at the beauty of the Australian national capital.
Popularity: 62% [?]
Jun
27
The Killing Fields
Filed Under Cambodia | 2 Comments
In a country that has experienced so much sadness and so much turmoil in the last 35 years they are one of the most fascinating and interesting countries to visit and is the new hot spot destination in South East Asia. It is only in recent years that Cambodia has surfaced on the tourist radar for discerning people who are looking for something different in a travel experience. No longer is Cambodia a high risk destination but a fascinating cultural experience with a rich and turbulent history. In few other destinations is this more apparant than in The Killing Fields, also known as Choeung Ek.
The Killing Fields as they are known was the site of mass torture and executions that took tens of thousands of people away during the mad period of rule of the Khmer Rouge. During 1975 to 1979 over 200,000 people were killed by the Khmer Rouge. The targeting of citizens was indiscriminate and focused on the educated elite, those that showed any dissention towards government and in some cases people who were voluteered by people as betraying the beliefs of the Khmer Rouge. During this period Phnom Penh was virtually deserted, in a country of nearly 7 million it it estimated between 1.4 and 2.2 million died either directly or indirectly from the barbaric reign.
The Killing Fields is home to one of the major sites where the killing of innocent citizens occured. People were taken to Choeung Ek to be tortured or killed often from Toul Sleng the converted school that was the destination of imprisonment of many Cambodians in Phnom Penh. The Killing Fields is approximately 30 minutes by road from Phnom Penh and is a place that gives you the feeling of sadness. The first site you notice is the Bone Tower a multi storey building that houses the skulls of those victims found at The Killing Fields. This is a sombering site, where you see the skulls of the poor victims who who killed. The Killing Fields is not large and you can easily walk around and read all the assoicated stories provided in less than 1 hour. What is most alarming is the small pits where hundreds of people were just dumped in, no such thing as a burial more like a pit to drop people in. One site is particularly sad, the Killing Tree where children were mercilessly killed. The site of clothes appearing in the soil, some still with colour is a stark memory of the sadness that occured here and a reminder that we should never let this happen again.
If you are looking for a hotel in Cambodia to stay consider Hotels Combined. This site compares 30 hotel sites to give you the best deal available. Click the link below to visit Hotels Combined for discount hotel rooms.
Popularity: 64% [?]
Jun
26
Hotels Combined
Filed Under Hotels | 4 Comments
Hotels Combined is a website that searches 30 other hotel booking sites to give you the best deal available. Hotels Combined produce a summary of the branded sites that it checks and combines the results into an easy to determine the table where you can compare like for like offers on the hotel or destination you search on to give you the best offer available at any given time.
Some of the sites that Hotels Combined searches are Ratestogo.com, Priceline.com, hotels.com, AsiaRooms.com, Booking.com, HotelClub.com and over 20 other sites.
I have found Hotels Combined to be consistently the best site to find what offers are available and have booked through them cheaper accomodation that I have been able to find through any other hotel search website on the internet. If you are looking to book a holiday and want to check out hotels in a particular destination then you should start first with Hotels Combined who will give you the best possible deals to keep your hard earned dollars in your pocket and not that of the hotel chains.
| Hotel Search by HotelsCombined |
Popularity: 63% [?]
Jun
25
Discount airlines are prevalent around the world today. They have played a huge part in driving travel and with the lower cost of flights people who once would never have travelled are experiencing new destinations they would have once only dreamed about.
The discount airline market was driven by Ryan Air in the early days and the successful model that they originally inspired has been developed and is now copied by a host of international competitors.
Airfare specials are regularly coming out and nowhere is it more competitive that in Europe where rarely a week goes by without a deal where tickets are sold for in some cases a few dollars and the cost of taxes and fees. While the discount fares are great for consumers, some pitfalls exist. Often luggage limits are less and can catch you out, most major airlines will have a 20kg limit but in the case of Ryan Air they operate on a 15kg limit. This can cause some annoyance at check-in if your combining this with other international travel where you have travelled with an allowance of 20kg’s. Most discount airlines also vigourously enforce this as well. Another catch is unassigned seating on some airlines, this can mean that you are not travelling next to your family which can be an issue at times, especially with children.
These are just a few of the common problems people experience but when you take into account the cheap airfares and if you closely read the fine print you will bag yourself a bargain.
Check out some of the major discount airlines below;
Ryan Air
Easyjet
Sky Europe
Tiger Airways
Air Asia
Southwest Airlines
Jetstar
Jetstar Asia
Wizz Air
My Air
Of course these are only a small selection and represent generally airlines that I have had personal experience with in my travels. I am working on developing a more extensive list and will post this in due course to help provide a few options when booking your discount airline travel.
Popularity: 65% [?]
Jun
24
The Forbidden City in Beijing
Filed Under Beijing, China | 2 Comments
The Forbidden City in the heart of downtown Beijing is the former imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty through till the fall of the Chinese royal family in the Qing Dynasty. Build early in the 15th century it stands as an amazing testament to time and the grandeur of the Chinese empire.
Consisting of nearly 1000 buildings and occupying over 700,000 square metres it is an amazing architectural achievement and was once home to the Emperor and his entourage. The Forbidden Kingdom was home to the central government of China and was the base of all decisions that affected the Chinese empire for over 500 years. Today the Forbidden Kingdom that only opened to the general public in the 2oth century after the Emperor was deposed is home to the Palace Museum. The Palace Museum is home to the largest collection of ancient wooden structures in the world and was announced a World Heritage Site in 1987.
The Forbidden Kingdom is a place where you can easily get lost and to see it all you probably need two days but you could pack it into half a day if your in a rush. The Palace is so huge that unless you obtain the map that is provided upon your payment to enter the palace you will not possibly find you way around. THe majority of buildings are accessible and after a while they all blend into each other unless you are the most ardent of Chinese historians. I would also highly recommend visiting early as no destination in Beijing is without crowds for long but a trip to the Forbidden Kingdom early is your best chance at fitting in an hour or so before you can barely move. The history is amazing and for all the architecture buffs you will marvel at the grandeur and imposing nature of the Palace. I was continually amazed as I entered each new building to see an amazing new display or Chinese history. It is hard not to be impressed by one of the most amazing sites in the world.
Visit Hotels Combined to book your Beijing Hotel. Hotels Combined check 30 hotel sites and provide you with the results so you can select the cheapest offer for you to maximise your budget. Click the link below to visit the site.
Popularity: 60% [?]
Jun
23
Boracay
Filed Under Philippines | Leave a Comment
Boracay is an island oasis that is a must see destination for those who love the island and beach lifestyle. Boracay is an island in Cebu Province of the Philippines and while not being on the destination of most travellers it soon will. The Philippines has in recent years experienced a great deal of political instability and this has kept the crowds away from a country that has some of the most amazing outdoor activites. The beaches are amazing, great diving destinations and a country in Asia that has strong western tendencies and offers amazingly cheap shopping experiences.
Boracay is a destination that has started to appear on the tourist destination in recent years. Boracay offers amazing beaches and unbelievably white sand. Boracay can also lay claim to being regarded as having some of the finest beaches in the world from White Beach to Bulabog Beach. White Beach is as tourist mecca and depending on the season draws in a swag of tourists and locals alike. Bulabog Beach is on the other side of the island and is the main destination for windsurfing and other water sports.
Boracay is a little over 300 kilometres from Manila and is reached by several airlines. One such airline is South East Asian Airlines who travels from Manila to Boracay in a trip that takes approximately one hour. In Boracay you can choose between luxury accomodation or beachside bungalows, the fact is caters for all budgets makes it a unique destination and one you will never forget.
To book a hotel in Boracay check out Hotels Combined, click below to book your hotel today.
Popularity: 23% [?]
Jun
22
Bangkok
Filed Under Bangkok, Thailand | 8 Comments
Bangkok is a city of amazing contrasts, both modern and traditional yet poor and wealthy. When you see Bangkok you can appreciate the tradition and history of the country yet marvel and the modern architecture just around the corner from ancient temples. Bangkok offers something for everyone from shopping, nightlife, culture and friendliness.
One of the first things that strikes you about Thailand is the humble and friendly people who are so polite and calm. The Thai people are genuinely friendly and seem to have a permanent smile on their faces. It is hard to not to like or appreciate their humble buddhist beliefs and disposition.
No trip to Bangkok is complete without visiting the Royal Palace and seeing the Emerald Buddha, this is an amazing site and is made out of a single piece of jade. The nearby temple Wat Pho is a highlight as it has the reclining buddha, a huge statue of buddha in a relaxed pose. A river trip and tuk tuk are must do’s when in Bangkok and gives you a good feel for the city.
Shopping is excellent in Bangkok and is packed with night markets and malls. Some of the favourite destinations are MBK and Paragon located close to each other in downtown Bangkok. They are also bordered by a series of night markets within several kilometres of the Siam Square an upmarket destination for the young and hip Thai youth. The best known of these is Pat Pong night markets a destination that is both red light district and shopping. If you are put off by haggling or being pestered and chased avoid this area but for the keen bargain hunter you can bag a unique gift or another cheap watch or handbag to add to your collection. Shopping centres such as MBL and Paragon are open from 10am till 10pm.
The nightlife is excellent in Bangkok. You can generally go out at anytime of the night and find something open, whether it is a drink your after or a late night restaurant the city of Bangkok never sleeps. The Siam Square is one major nightlife destination but Bangkok is an international city with many destinations that offer a great nightlife scene. Bangkok is an amazing city with no shortage of things to do and see, if you are interested in buddhism Thailand must surely be one of the best places in the world and for those into shopping you can do much worse than Bangkok.
Do you have a story of a favourite destination in Bangkok you would like to talk about, share you thoughts.
Popularity: 41% [?]
Jun
11
Monkey Mia
Filed Under Australia, Western Australia | Leave a Comment
Monkey Mia is in Western Australia some 800 odd kilometres from Perth. A good 8 hour drive from Perth. Monkey Mia is generally a desolate destination as is much of the west coast of Australia. In WA you can drive for several hours and see nothing but bush scrub and the odd animal or roadkill on the side of the road.
Monkey Mia is part of Shark Bay, a protected wildlife sanctuary that is home to an array of sea life. Monkey Mia is famous for the dolphins that inhabit the protected waters. Monkey Mia is isolated and hence can be somewhat expensive, the nearest town is Denham which is full in peak holiday season but only a thirty minute drive from Monkey Mia. For those who would like to stay near the Dolphins you can stay at the Monkey Mia resort which will allow you to walk out the door literally to an amazing beach and beautiful warm waters.
The highlight though of any trip here is the Dolphins, few other places in the world can you so reliably see dolphins or will dolphins swim up to you while you are frolicking in the water. Dolphins are playful in their nature and will often be interested to see what you are doing or just curious. One thing to note is that touching dolphins is not cool, the oil from human skin can cause skin irritation to the dolphins hence people are asked not to touch them.
The highlight of any day here is feeding time. If your lucky you may be asked by a guide to hand a fish to one of the regular dolphins who swim in the waters. Feeding time occurs several times a day and the dolphins know when to show up to get their fill of fish.
Monkey Mia is a fantastic experience and if you are travelling up the coast of WA then this is a must see. Alternatively you can fly to Monkey Mia from Perth on Sky Airways.
Click here to visit Skywest
Click here to visit Monkey Mia resort
Book your Monkey Mia Hotel now.
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Popularity: 29% [?]