Coral Princess, a member of thePrincess and P&O Line, includes among its destinations the Panama Canal, the Mexican Riviera, Canada, New England, and Alaska. British Airways is the biggest international scheduled airline in the United Kingdom, flying to over 550 destinations. (Photo British Airways - Boeing 767-336/ER).

247 Online Travel  

Travel is a 24/7 business. Around the clock, around the world, people are on the move. Every second of the day planes are taking off in every direction, cruise ships are leaving terminals, trains departing from stations,  buses and cars setting off on journeys. So much to do, so much to see - and so much to prepare for - hence 247 Online Travel

Africa

One of our hottest destinations is the African continent, the second largest in the world with fifty four countries, and an area of more than 30 million square kilometres, or more than eleven million square miles.

The high point is Tanzania's Mt. Kilimanjaro, the World's highest mountain, which rises to 5,895 metres (19,340 feet) above sea level. Africa's lowest point is Djibouti's Lake Assal, the surface of which is 157 metres (515 feet) below sea level. Africa has extensive mineral resources, including gold, copper, and diamonds. Its longest river, the Nile, is also the longest in the world, and runs 6,650 kilomedtres (4,132 miles) from the tiny country of Burundi to one of the larger countries, Egypt. Its biggest lake is the 69,485 sq kilometre (26,828 square mile) Lake Victoria, which is surrounded by Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya. Africa is bounded by the Mediterranean Sea to the north, by the Atlantic Ocean to the west, by the Red Sea to the northeast, and by the Indian Ocean to the southeast.

How to get there

There are a number of reliable airlines that fly to the African Continent. Chief among them are certainly:

  • South African Airways (SAA) (Johannesburg, South Africa), [1], is by far Africa's premiere airline and has daily flights to most major African political and economic capitals. If you're flying from the Northern Hemisphere to somewhere north of South Africa, don't forget to check how much backtracking you'll have to do, and if it's worth it. The flight from New York does stop in Senegal, but if you get off there, SAA has no connections to anywhere else.
  • Ethiopian Airlines (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia), [2], offers a direct service from many European cities & Washington Dulles Airport in USA to its hub Addis Ababa. From there it has a very good coverage to many cities in Africa. Its mileage can be used on Lufthansa services & Lufthansa miles can also be used on Ethiopian.
  • Kenya Airways (Nairobi, Kenya), [3], partly owned by Royal Dutch KLM, offers good service and frequent flights to all East African countries and many other major African destinations.
  • Many other African carriers offer flights to more remote locations.
  • Airlines in your home country may offer some flights to Africa with less backtracking. For example, there are flights to Ghana on Delta from New York, and several European airlines fly there also.

Note: Choose wisely when flying in Africa. Although the airlines mentioned above all meet FAA safety standards, the same isn't true for all airlines, especially smaller domestic carriers in countries where political stability may be lacking, tenuous or only recently reintroduced.

Asia

Asia is almost too massive and diverse to conceptualize as a digestible travel "destination". Even defining the borders of this continent is difficult - from the mountains around the Black Sea in the west, to the snow fields of Siberia in the east, there are more people and cities in Asia than outside of it. Asia's highest point is Nepal's and China's Mount Everest, which rises to 8,848 m (29,028 feet) above sea level. Its lowest point is Israel's and Jordan's Dead Sea, whose surface is 400 m (1,312 feet) below sea level. Asia's longest river is the Yangtze, which runs 6,300 km (3,915 miles) through China. Its largest lake is the 386,400 sq km (149,200 square mile) Caspian Sea, which is surrounded by several central Asian nations. Asia is bounded by the Pacific Ocean to the east, by Australia to the southeast, and by the Indian Ocean to the south. It is bounded by the Red Sea to the southwest, by Europe to the west, and by the Arctic Ocean to the north.

Travel options range widely, from the desert ruins and modern malls of the Middle East to the magnificent monuments in South Asia, and from the beach bungalows and jungle treks of South-East Asia to the megacities and technology capitals of East Asia. Find out more about regions, destinations, and itineraries below.

In any case, Asia offers the most diverse travel options available to the most avid travelers. On one end, there are the ultramodern countries like Japan and the East Asian Tigers of Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan and South Korea which are very prosperous and in which people enjoy high standards of living. On the other, there are very poor countries like Afghanistan, Laos and Timor Leste where people struggle even to get a few grains of rice each day. Of course, there are also many countries lying somewhere in the middle, as well as the emerging powerhouses of China and India. To add to a list of possible travel destinations, Asia is also home to North Korea, which is under one of, if not the most, oppressive regimes in the world. With great food, a tropical climate, fascinating culture and great beaches, Thailand is a magnet for travelers.

Caribbean

The islands of the Caribbean Sea or West Indies are an extensive archipelago in the far west of the Atlantic Ocean, mostly strung between North and South America. They've long been known as a resort vacation destination for honeymooners and retirees, but a small movement toward eco-tourism and backpacking has started to open up the Caribbean to more independent travel. With year-round good weather (with the minor exception of hurricane season in the late summer and early fall), promotional air fares from Europe and North America, and hundreds of islands to explore, the Caribbean offers something for almost everyone.

Europe

Europe encompasses an area of 10,400,000 km² (4,000,000 square miles), stretching from Asia to the Atlantic, and from Africa to the Arctic. Europe's longest river is the Volga, which meanders 3,530 km (2,193 miles) through Russia, and flows into the Caspian Sea. Europe's highest point is Russia's Mt. Elbrus, which rises to 5,642 m (18,510 feet) above sea level. Western Europe's highest point is Mont Blanc in the French-Italian Alps, which rises to 4,810 m (15,771 feet) above sea level.

Europe's climate ranges from subtropical near the Mediterranean Sea in the south, to subarctic near the Barents Sea and Arctic Ocean in the northern latitudes. There is much here for the traveller to enjoy, with a bewildering array of diversity and culture, cosmopolitan cities and spectacular scenery.

The largest air travel hubs in Europe are, in order, London (LON: LCY, LHR, LGW, STN, LTN), Frankfurt (FRA, HHN), Paris (CDG), and Madrid (MAD) which in turn have connections to practically everywhere in Europe. However, nearly every European city has direct long-distance flights at least to some destinations elsewhere, and other smaller airports can make sense for specific connections: for example, Vienna (VIE) has a very good network of flights to the Middle East and Eastern Europe, while Helsinki (HEL) is the geographically closest place to transfer if coming in from East Asia.

Middle East

As one of the wellsprings of human civilisation in the ancient and medieval worlds, the birthplace of several world religions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam and Bahai), and an area of much modern economic and political importance, the Middle East remains a popular destination for travellers - despite the perception it is unsafe.

Ethnically, the region is extremely mixed. Arabs, Jews, Persians and Turks are the largest groups, but there are several substantial minorities — Kurds, Armenians and others — with their own languages, customs and sometimes their own countries. Every invading army — from Alexander and the Romans through Genghis Khan to the 19th century colonial powers — has left descendants behind. There are also substantial numbers of workers from other countries coming to the region for higher pay — mainly Afghan, Pakistani for jobs like construction labourer, with Egyptians, Philipinos, more Pakistanis, and some westerners in the more skilled jobs.

Almost every country in the Middle East has a Muslim majority (with the notable exception of Israel which has a Jewish majority), with Iran, Iraq and Bahrain mainly Shia, other areas mainly Sunni, and both with minorities of the other — and the legal systems in most of these countries are influenced by Islamic Law; a few are entirely based on it.

The largest hub for flights in the region is Dubai, from where you can reach virtually any point in the Middle East. After Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi are the ones with good international connections. However, there are direct flights from large European hubs to most major cities in the region.

North America

North America consists of three large nations and one large island territory that covers most of its area. They are Canada, the United States of America (USA), Mexico and Greenland. There are also seven smaller nations at its southern extreme (collectively known as Central America), and around two dozen island nations and territories of various sizes in the Caribbean and one isolated French territory off the Canadian Atlantic coast. Although the Central American and the Caribbean regions are technically part of the North American continent, they are commonly listed separately from their larger neighbors to the north and hence the distinctive region names for both cultural and geographical reasons.

By air

Because population centers are often widely spaced, most long-range travel is by air, with an extensive network of major hubs and smaller regional airports, usually supplemented with car rental services to cover local travel (see "By car").

By bus

There is prolific long range bus service across most of the US and Canada, but travel times are excessive (on the order of three to five times as long as a direct trip in a personal vehicle) and many stations are relatively unsafe. Most bus service is only useful for travelling within a dense metro area or along major commuter routes and is then limited or unavailable outside of business hours.

By car

Most travel in Canada, the United States, and Mexico is by personal vehicle. Almost all highways in Canada and the United States are well maintained, with amenities such as gas, food, and lodging ranging from adequate to very convenient to excessive. If you experience an emergency that endangers your life, safety, or property, you will be able to dial 911 from a compatible cell phone on almost any major highway and reach an operator at any time. Vehicle and medical insurance issued in either Canada or the U.S. is usually valid in the other, though the wise traveller will confirm with their insurer. Canada and U.S. insurance coverage in Mexico is sometimes limited or not honored. Again, the wise traveller will confirm with their insurer.

Car rental agencies are available at almost every airport. Usually a major credit card and proof of liability insurance is required. Some agencies offer short term insurance and additional coverage.

By train

Although it once held much of the continent together, and remains useful for local travel in many metro areas, intercity train travel now ranges from spare to sparse. If you prefer to travel by rail, it's still possible (depending on where you go), but it offers neither speed nor convenience. The exception is the Northeast Corridor area, which links Washington, D.C. to Boston with frequent stops in intermediate cities such as Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York City, New Haven, and Providence.

South America

South America is the wilder of the Americas and a continent of superlatives.

The world's biggest rainforest and second longest river (Amazon), the second highest mountain range (the Andes), remote islands (Galapagos Islands, Easter Island and Fernando de Noronha), heavenly beaches (such as in Brazil's Northeastern region), wide deserts (Atacama), icy landscapes (Patagonia & Tierra del Fuego), the world's tallest waterfall (the 979m Angel Falls, in Venezuela) and one of the largest (Iguaçu Falls, Argentina and Brazil), as well as several other breathtaking natural attractions.

Besides, the work of man has also left rare gems on the continent: ruins of ancient civilizations (Machu Picchu and other Inca cities; the Moais in Easter Island) share the continent with world-class metropolises (São Paulo, Buenos Aires, Bogotá, Santiago de Chile, Caracas, Lima and Rio de Janeiro), outstanding modern architecture (Brasilia), European architecture (Buenos Aires), the oldest rock paintings in the Americas (at the Serra da Capivara), strong African heritage (in Salvador, Rio and Montevideo), genuine indigenous (Belém, Manaus, Cuzco, Lima, La Paz) and Eastern culture (São Paulo's enormous Japanese community), mingled with the fingerprints of Iberian colonizers. Ushuaia, the world's southernmost city and some of its biggest festivities, such as Rio's Carnival and Belem's Cirio de Nazaré, the Tango World Championship, and the Vendimia festival in Argentina, are also part of this incredibly diverse and attractive continent.

Getting to South America has gotten much easier in recent years owing to massive increases in flights to the continent by major global airlines. Although some particular places are still quite hard to reach (i.e. Paraguay, Suriname, northern Brazil), the places that you most likely want to go, such as Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro, are more accessible than ever before.

from Africa: the only (reliable) options worth considering would be the South African Airways service linking Johannesburg with Sao Paulo or the Malaysian Airlines service between both major South African cities and Argentina(Johannesburg via Cape Town to Buenos Aires). Do realize that demand between Africa and South America is very limited, so even the aforementioned services are infrequent and fares may be quite high.

from Asia: Be prepared for a very long journey, especially if your itinerary includes connecting flights to travel to/beyond the major Asian and South American hubs. In addition to the aforementioned Malaysian Airlines flight to Buenos Aires (which does of course originate and terminate in Kuala Lumpur), there is a Japan Airlines service from Tokyo-Narita to Sao Paulo (via New York-JFK) and a Korean Air route between Seoul-Incheon and Sao Paulo (via Los Angeles). Do note that the Malaysian Airlines flight makes 2 stops en route, while the latter options involve a stop in the United States that will require all passengers, including those in transit, to pass through U.S. customs. If practical, consider the non-stop Emirates flight from Dubai to Sao Paulo, currently the only direct link between the Asian and South American continents.

from Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific: A somewhat surprising number of options exist. Both Aerolineas Argentinas and LAN (Chile) Airlines serve Auckland and Sydney from their respective hubs at Buenos Aires and Santiago, while Qantas will introduce non-stop service between Sydney and Buenos Aires from November 24 2008. LAN (Chile) also operates one of the world's most obscure flights of all - a service linking Santiago-Easter Island-Tahiti.

from Europe: The entire South American continent once lived under European colonial rule, and the resultant political, social, and economic ties between former colonies and colonizers remain quite strong even today. Portuguese flag carrier TAP Airlines is by far the leading foreign carrier to Brazil, serving a slew of destinations in North and East Brazil as well as the Brazilian capital Brasilia which otherwise have only limited or absolutely no other international connections. Spanish flag carrier Iberia flies to most of the former Spanish colonies, although neither Bolivia nor Paraguay are served. KLM flies between Amsterdam and Suriname and Air France links Paris with French Guiana. Of course, such services are not exclusive - KLM also flies to Quito, TAP to Caracas, Air France to Rio de Janeiro, etc. Other leading European airlines such as British Airways, Lufthansa, Swiss Airlines, and Alitalia also serve key South American gateways from their respective hubs, while South American airlines also operate into several major European cities as well.

from North America: Until very recently, it was virtually inconceivable to reach South America from anywhere other than Miami. Today, however, rapidly developing hubs at Atlanta, Dallas/Fort Worth, Fort Lauderdale, Houston, Mexico City, New York, Newark, Orlando, Toronto, and Washington-Dulles offer viable alternatives. Indeed, airlines such as Air Canada, Continental and Delta Airlines have successfully begun to challenge the virtual monopoly once enjoyed by American Airlines to several key markets. American discount carriers such as Spirit Airlines and JetBlue (Azul in Brazil) have recently fought hard for and won several route authorities to serve the likes of Colombia, Brazil and Peru, bringing low fares to these markets for the first time. Given the U.S. airlines' cutbacks in service, frequency, and cities served over the years, consider high quality Latin American carriers such as Avianca (to Colombia with daily non-stop flights to Bogotá, Medellín, Cali and Cartagena), Copa Airlines (Panama's national airline to hits hub in Panamá City), LAN Airlines (Chilean carrier serving Chile direct and via several other countries), or TAM (to Brazil).

(Narration and Links courtesy of Wikitravel)

The Leading Hotels of the World® has announced it has accepted the following new member hotels since April 2009:

Situated in Madrid’s sophisticated neighborhood of Salamanca, between Paseo De La Castellana and Serrano Street, Hotel Villa Magna is within walking distance of the Prado. Completely renovated in 2008, the 150-room hotel offers guests refined accommodations and the latest technological amenities. Basque cuisine is served in Villa Magna by Eneko Atxa restaurant, while Tse Yang specializes in Cantonese fare. For cocktails and socializing, The Lounge and Magnum Bar are welcoming venues. Guests are invited to relax in the El Club fitness area. A variety of meeting facilities can accommodate groups of up to 450 people.

Launched in July, the Elysian is located in Chicago’s prestigious Gold Coast neighborhood, close to the legendary shopping meccas of Michigan Avenue and Oak Street. Designed by Lucien Legrange, the hotel has 39 rooms and 149 suites, richly appointed with fireplaces, furnished outdoor terraces and urban kitchens. The elite culinary team of Mindy Segal and Jason McLeod create exceptional American cuisine, in both the signature and all-day casual restaurants, while Bernard’s Bar offers premium cocktails and light fare. In addition to a 14,000-square-foot spa and health club, the hotel has 4,500 square feet of function space.  Guests enjoy the added convenience of flexible 24-hour check-in/check-out upon request.

Opening in late 2009, Royal Spa Kitzbühel is located in an elegant ski resort in one of Austria’s most beautiful regions, famous for its breathtaking natural beauty. The hotel’s 123 rooms and 32 suites are designed in light Tyrolean style and feature private terraces, walk-in closets, and marble bathrooms with heated floors. The main à la carte restaurant is divided into five different areas, each with its own character. The cigar lounge and the chimney bar serve as ideal meeting venues. For relaxation there are indoor and outdoor pools, as well as a 2,000-square-meter spa and a golf academy. Meeting facilities can accommodate up to 400 participants.

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Due to open in November 2009 is the Kameha Grand Bonn.  Conceived as one of the largest geothermal facilities in Europe, its state-of-the-art technology makes the hotel largely emission-free.  It is located on the banks of the Rhine near the city center with a picturesque view of the Siebengebirge mountain range.  All 190 guest rooms and 59 suites feel open and generous, and are appointed with luxurious furnishings and modern fixtures with interiors designed by Marcel Wanders.  Hotel dining options include the Brasserie Next Level and the Sushi Bar of the Elysion Lounge; in addition to four distinct bars serving fine wines by the glass.    For relaxation, the Kameha Spa and Power House Fitness with heated roof-top infinity pool, sauna, steam bath, offers massages and beauty treatments.

      

Set across 230 hectares of olive groves and countryside, the new Rocco Forte Verdura Golf and Spa Resort is situated on the coast of Sicily, close to Agrigento and the Valley of the Temples. Spacious guestrooms enjoy sea views and private balconies or terraces, while suites boast outdoor courtyard spaces and large terraces overlooking the Mediterranean. A 4,000-square-meter Verdura Spa offers 11 treatment rooms, a terrace for outdoor treatments, relaxation area, spacious fully equipped gym, covered swimming pool, thalassotherapy pools, hammam, experience showers and sauna.  There is also a dedicated kids club for 4-12 year olds.

Opened in July, Le Gray is situated in the historic center of Beirut, within walking distance of major museums, cultural attractions, restaurants and nightlife. The ultra-modern edifice, with 12 rooms and 75 suites, affords its guests impressive views of the Mediterranean and the hills of Mount Lebanon. Guest accommodations, designed by owner Gordon Campbell Gray and Mary Fox Linton have a cool, contemporary aesthetic, and state-of-the-art technological amenities. The hotel offers diverse and sophisticated restaurant options, including Gordon’s Café for all-day dining, Indigo on the Roof, Bar 360 with live music and DJs, and Le Cigare, the cigar lounge serving cocktails and wines by the glass. For relaxation there is Le Gray Spa with six treatment rooms, a rooftop swimming pool, and a gymnasium. The hotel also has a small boardroom for up to 12.

Opened in mid-May, Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat is located between Nice and Monaco, at the tip of the Cap-Ferrat peninsula, facing the Mediterranean. Set in a private 17-acre estate with pine trees and flowers, the hotel has been entirely renovated and redecorated by Pierre-Yves Rochon and offers 49 rooms and 24 suites, eight of which have private plunge pools.  Restaurants include the gastronomic Le Cap, with one Michelin Star; the Club-Dauphin; and the Veranda, for all-day dining.  There is also an 8,500-square-foot spa with indoor swimming pool, fitness center, Jacuzzi, saunas, steam rooms and spa gardens, as well as a supervised kids’ club.

With just 39 rooms and suites, La Résidence de la Pinède is located on the seafront in St. Tropez.  This stylish, intimate hotel, surrounded by magnificent maritime pine trees, offers a serene, discreet retreat on the bustling Côte d’Azur. Guests enjoy award-winning cuisine in the restaurant, which serves classic recipes with Mediterranean accents. Boasting its own private beach, the hotel also features an infinity-edge swimming pool and a private dock.  For added convenience, there is a shuttle to and from the village of St. Tropez.

The recently opened, Hotel et Ryads Naoura Barrière is situated in the heart of the Medina in Marrakech, Morocco.  Just steps from Jemaa Al Fna Square, the hotel is surrounded by a five-acre walled garden, offering seclusion and serenity. Each of the 85 suites has a private terrace overlooking the pool. Dining options include Fouquet’s Marrakech, for French cuisine; and Wardya, for gourmet fare at poolside.  Both are complemented by Nuphar, the hotel’s bar and lounge.  For recreation, there is a fitness center, spa, outdoor pool and a kids’ club.  Meeting facilities can accommodate up to 80 people.

Additionally:

A New York City icon since the late 1920s, The Mark – located on Manhattan’s tony Upper East Side – will soon open its doors to welcome guests of the 21st century. The hotel has undergone a complete renovation and redesign, overseen by legendary designer Jacques Grange, and now features 100 rooms and 50 suites, fitted with state-of-the-art technology and top-of-the-line amenities. Equally outstanding dining facilities will include Mark’s Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Mark’s Bar. Guests will also have the added convenience of an on-site fitness center and the services of the Frederic Fekkai Salon at The Mark.

The Tivoli Sao Paulo – Mofarrej is located at the heart of the Jardins district, one of the most important business areas of the city.  A sleek, contemporary property, it has 185 rooms and 35 suites, each handsomely appointed and providing today’s requisite levels of sophisticated in-room technology. International fare is served in Vintetres Restaurant and Lounge, with more relaxed meals available in Bistro Tivoli. The trendy and stylish Nara Bar offers lively music to accompany its creative cocktails. Relaxation options include a fitness center, heated outdoor swimming pool and an Elements Spa by Banyan Tree. Meetings and conferences of up to 600 people are easily accommodated.

A New York City icon since the late 1920s, The Mark – located on Manhattan’s tony Upper East Side – will soon open its doors to welcome guests of the 21st century. The hotel has undergone a complete renovation and redesign, overseen by legendary designer Jacques Grange, and now features 100 rooms and 50 suites, fitted with state-of-the-art technology and top-of-the-line amenities. Equally outstanding dining facilities will include Mark’s Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Mark’s Bar. Guests will also have the added convenience of an on-site fitness center and the services of the Frederic Fekkai Salon at The Mark.

The Tivoli Sao Paulo – Mofarrej is located at the heart of the Jardins district, one of the most important business areas of the city.  A sleek, contemporary property, it has 185 rooms and 35 suites, each handsomely appointed and providing today’s requisite levels of sophisticated in-room technology. International fare is served in Vintetres Restaurant and Lounge, with more relaxed meals available in Bistro Tivoli. The trendy and stylish Nara Bar offers lively music to accompany its creative cocktails. Relaxation options include a fitness center, heated outdoor swimming pool and an Elements Spa by Banyan Tree. Meetings and conferences of up to 600 people are easily accommodated.

Rocco Forte The Augustine is situated in the picturesque Mala Strana district of Prague, close to the Charles Bridge, the Wallenstein Garden and Prague Castle.  Incorporating seven historic buildings, the oldest of which dates back to the 13th century, the stunning hotel features 101 rooms and suites. Affording views overlooking the city, the monastery courtyard or Prague Castle, each room features a writing desk, in-room bar, snack basket, flat-screen television, high-speed Internet access, and marble bathroom with heated floors. In the Monastery restaurant, guests can enjoy a varied European brasserie menu. The Brewery Bar serves Czech-style tapas and specialty microbrews, while Tom's Bar offers tea service, cocktails, and live music. The hotel also has a health fitness center, meeting rooms for up to 130 people, and a wedding chapel.

The relatively new One&Only Cape Town, comprises 91 rooms and suites in a crescent-shaped tower and an additional 40 on two private islands at the center of the waterfront. Guest accommodations feature multimedia entertainment systems, Nespresso machines, MP3 docking stations and complimentary Wi-Fi access. Dining options include Gordon Ramsay’s maze and internationally acclaimed Nobu, while the lobby lounge and bar provide amazing views of Table Mountain. In addition to a free-form, infinity-edge pool, there is a fully equipped fitness center and a spa with treatment rooms for single and couple therapies, sauna, steam room, and two vitality pools. The KidsOnly program welcomes children aged four to 11 years. 

 

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