Sun World Travel, Inc., is the oldest and largest travel agency in Tallahassee and has been servicing the needs of Tallahassee travelers since 1981. With our extensive resources we are able to arrange the best travel plan at the lowest possible price to suit your needs. That is our guarantee! http://www.sunworldtravel.com/
Sun World Travel
Book A Vacation Now
Wednesday, August 31, 2016
Belmond Grand Hibernian debuts in Ireland
Belmond Grand Hibernian started a new chapter in history earlier as the first luxury sleeper train to travel throughout Ireland. The inaugural journey departed Heuston Station at 14:20 taking 40 guests on a six-night grand tour of Ireland. The train's contemporary interiors are elegant yet relaxed, evoking the sense of travelling in an Irish country house on wheels, with genuine and warm service provided by the train's crew.
Bacall Associated signs with Gran Hotel Miramar, Malaga
Luxury travel and lifestyle PR specialist Bacall Associates has been retained to launch Gran Hotel Miramar in Malaga. Bacall Associates' brief is to establish the iconic property as one of Europe's foremost grand hotels, and firmly establish Malaga on the global luxury travel map.
Inside tips for exploring Galveston Island, TX, the playground of the South
Recently named a “Destination on the Rise” by TripAdvisor, Galveston Island, Texas, with its 32-mile-long coast, is finally getting the recognition it so richly deserves. Granted, locals have always appreciated this year-round coastal spot, a stones throw from the Gulf of Mexico, particularly since they added seven miles of brand new beaches in 2016. After […]
Inside tips for exploring Galveston Island, TX, the playground of the South is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog
The post Inside tips for exploring Galveston Island, TX, the playground of the South appeared first on A Luxury Travel Blog.
Bonus Credits with Rocky Mountaineer's Peaks and Perks Offer
Passengers booking 2017 excursions could receive added-value credits of up to $800 per couple.
WATCH: Oh Nothing...Just A Hawk Dropping A Live Snake On Lovely Picnic
Australia won't be using this video in their tourism campaigns anytime soon.
Vincenz appointed chief executive of Graubünden Tourism
Martin Vincenz has been appointed the new chief executive of Graubünden Tourism. The board of the Swiss canton's marketing organisation has chosen the 53 year-old from Graubünden as the new head of Switzerland's largest tourism region.
Baur au Lac Hosts Noted Vegan Chef Tal Ronnen For Food Zurich Festival
As part of the first annual Food Zürich festival, the city's most renowned luxury hotel, Baur au Lac, will welcome acclaimed Los Angeles-based vegan chef Tal Ronnen from September 9-17, 2016.
Silversea Expeditions launches agent sale incentive
Silversea Expeditions has announced a new 'Sell to Sail' programme, rewarding travel agents with a complimentary suite on board a luxurious expedition to some of the most extraordinary natural environments on earth. To qualify, agents simply need to book one new suite on select 2016 Silver Explorer or Silver Discoverer sailings.
Canada: Your Post-Election Escape Plan
If the presidential election doesn't go your way, these Canadian hotels are waiting with open arms…
Jackie Caradonio
Disney California Adventure Announces Official Closing Date for Tower of Terror
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror ride will soon be retooled as a 'Guardians of the Galaxy' attraction.
What Defines Oceania Cruises?
The premium line is set apart by these five attributes that pair great value with fine dining and much more.
Southwest Airlines and Pilot Association Reach Tentative Agreement
After four years of negotiating, the Southwest Airlines Pilots' Association has reached an agreement on a new deal with the airline.
How American Airlines is Reinventing Itself
New branding effort leads with the customer, calling American passengers the 'World's Greatest Flyers.'
Why Canada will wow you this Winter
Canada is one of the best places for an awesome winter experience. From adventures like dog sledding, snowmobile tours and ice fishing, to relaxing in a Nordic spa and eating deliciously hot comfort food, Canada is great in the wintry season. Picture yourself in the mountains surrounded by crisp white snow and elegant pines as […]
Why Canada will wow you this Winter is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog
The post Why Canada will wow you this Winter appeared first on A Luxury Travel Blog.
Travel Leaders Group Illustrates The 'Brexit Benefit'
Fall survey of travel agents reveals London the top international destination.
The Opposite House Unleashes A Modern King Kong
To celebrate Beijing Design Week and Golden Week with a creative flair, The Opposite House is collaborating with acclaimed Australian artist Lisa Roet to install a giant inflatable sculpture of a golden snub-nosed monkey on its iconic façade in the vibrant Sanlitun art and commercial district.
Wego Spotlights The 8 Most Instagrammed Airports In The World
Looking good, airports. Looking very good.
Frugal Traveler: How to See London Theater on the Cheap
London's theater scene is one of its best features - better, it's cheaper than you think.
Passengers injured in Shannon airport emergency landing
Fourteen people were injured following severe turbulence which forced a transatlantic United flight to make an emergency landing at Shannon Airport in Ireland.
Top 5 places to learn about war history in Indochina
Known to the Vietnamese as the American War, to Americans as the Vietnam War, and to scholars as the Second Indochina War the American-Vietnamese conflict that took place between 1955 until 1975 brought Vietnam to the forefront of the worlds attention. What most people don't realise is that the conflict had an equally devastating […]
Top 5 places to learn about war history in Indochina is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog
The post Top 5 places to learn about war history in Indochina appeared first on A Luxury Travel Blog.
Forget Driving To The Grand Canyon, Because Swimming There Looks Amazing
Making an awesome trip even more special.
12 great reasons to visit Ostrava in the Czech Republic
When I arrived in the outskirts of the Czech Republic industrial city of Ostrava, I thought I would see a rough town in a flat area, but I was amazed to find myself in a bright and radiant city like a solitaire in a circle, as I was at the crossing of four rivers: the […]
12 great reasons to visit Ostrava in the Czech Republic is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog
The post 12 great reasons to visit Ostrava in the Czech Republic appeared first on A Luxury Travel Blog.
Caribbean Nations Celebrate Olympic Medal Winners
Tourism stakeholders recognize athletes' contributions to national profiles.
Christian Ulbrich to lead Jones Lang LaSalle
Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated has announced that Christian Ulbrich, who has held the role of president since June, will also assume the position of chief executive, effective October 1st. Ulbrich will succeed Colin Dyer, who will retire from JLL at the end of 2016 and step down from the chief executive role on September 30th, 2016. To ensure a smooth transition, Dyer will continue to guide the company's data, information and analytics priorities through the end of 2016.
Tuesday, August 30, 2016
British Airways goes live with new website
A brand new British Airways homepage and flight booking process for customers has gone live as part of a beta test to upgrade the airline's hugely popular website and make it even easier to use. ba.com is viewed by over half a million unique users every day, using it to inspire, plan, and manage their trips around the world.
Thai Airways takes delivery of first A350 XWB
Thai Airways International has become the eighth operator of the A350 XWB, following the delivery today of the first of 12 aircraft set to join the carrier's fleet. Thai has configured its A350-900 with a premium two class layout with a total of 321 seats, comprising 32 Thai's Royal Silk Class, convertible to fully lie-flat beds, and 289 in the main cabin.
Demi Lovato to Perform Caribbean Concert for Celebrity Cruise Passengers
The pop star will perform for guests aboard four different docked Celebrity Cruises ships in St. Maarten.
Fiji's Jean-Míchel Cousteau Resort Is Better Than Ever After Tropical Cyclone
Jean-Míchel Cousteau Resort in Fiji
The resort will reopen with a new dedicated spa, 25 lavish bures, an expanded pier, and more…
Bekah Berge
Cabo Comedy Festival: Laughter at Land's End
Stars of stage and screen come together for applause and a cause.
Disneyland Adds New Frightfully Fun Parade For Halloween
New for 2016, Disneyland has added the Frightfully Fun Parade to Mickey's Halloween Party.
Ongoing Overhaul Presenting Problems for Passengers at LaGuardia Airport
The TSA encourages air travelers to arrive early in the wake of traffic jams at the busy airport.
Your Flight to Your Cruise Is Free If You Hurry
Hurtigurten's flash sale is a tremendous deal for those looking to cruise in 2017.
China's Cruise Market Attracts New Ships
International cruise companies are building several ships just for China
United Airlines' New President: Why Did Kirby Jump Ship?
American Airlines President Scott Kirby is switching teams. He has been hired to be President of rival United Airlines.
Oceania Cruises' Riviera Transitions from Vegas to Broadway Entertainment
Good entertainment shows promise for more as the upscale line heads for the future of stage.
This Amsterdam Borough Is Attracting Hipsters, Families and Travelers
Come see it now before it's all coffee shops and ironic mustaches.
Amsterdam, Revisited
Tourism and global hipsterism have transformed the city where I once lived. But not entirely - the canals endure.
The Exquisite Cuisine of Oceania Cruises' Riviera
The culinary arts astound onboard Oceania Cruises, from the buffet to the complimentary specialty restaurants.
Where to Find the Best Airport Sushi
At first blush, purchasing sushi at an airport may seem like a really bad idea, but if you know where to look, this must-be-fresh cuisine becomes essential eats.
Ethiopian Airlines to launch Moroni, Comoros, route in October
Ethiopian Airlines has announced that it has finalised preparations to launch flights to Moroni, Comoros, on October 30th. The carrier will use the latest B737-800 New Generation with Sky Interior on the route. Moroni is the largest city, the federal capital and seat of the government of the Union of the Comoros, a sovereign archipelago nation in the Indian Ocean.
5 'Pete's Dragon' New Zealand Filming Locations You Can Visit Right Now
This tale about an orphaned boy and his dragon was filmed in a number of accessible NZ locales throughout the North and South islands.
Mclaren to take charge of Coco Privé Kuda Hithi Island
Coco Collection has appointed Andrew Stuart Mclaren as the island manager of Coco Privé Kuda Hithi Island. Surrounded by the sublime waters of the Maldives, Coco Privé Kuda Hithi Island is a unique private island escape. Half an hour away from Malé International Airport by private yacht, the entire tropical island offers ample space for a single family or group of friends.
Monday, August 29, 2016
Pre-flight Jitters? 5 Benefits of Airport Therapy Dogs
Friendly canines at the gate can help alleviate stress and fear with a simple pet or belly rub.
Belugas, Bears and Blooms: Summer in Churchill
Hey friends! I'm jumping out of my typical chronologically-based coverage to skip ahead and share my recent trip to Canada. We'll be back to Thailand soon!
“How do human survive here?”
We'd taken off before the sunrise and watched as the view out the window turned more and more harsh and inhospitable. There were no roads snaking below, only lakes and rivers. Our destination, Churchill, could be reached only by plane or by a forty-eight hour train journey from Winnipeg.
I'd first heard of Churchill years before, at a travel-themed reading series in New York called Restless Legs. In a dark bar basement in the East Village, I heard a woman describe a Canadian frontier town in which, at certain times of year, bears outnumber people. I knew that someday, I had to go.
Later, when I began planning a journey of my own, I learned that the Arctic community of Churchill sits smack in the migratory path of polar bears, who flock here in the fall when the first of the Hudson Bay sea ice forms off its shores. The sea ice of the Hudson Bay is diluted by the fresh water of the Churchill River, meaning the water there to be the first to freeze and bears can get out on their icy winter hunting ground sooner than anywhere else. Long ago, an entrepreneurial sole in tourism industry dreamed up a nickname for Churchill: the polar bear capital of the world.
According to the tally of the 2011 census, Churchill has 813 residents - of the human variety, anyway. First passed through thousands of years ago by migratory Dorset and Inuit peoples, the area went on to host an important fort in the fur trade, a military rocket testing zone, and a scientific research station. Today, the economy relies primarily on the boutique tourism industry as well as the Port of Churchill, Canada's only Arctic seaport and one which provides access to the prairies for shipping grain.
Long before we landed at Churchill's hangar-like airport, the onslaught of safety information had already begun. Like many visitors to Churchill, I was traveling on a guided expedition. Frontiers North had been my perfect fit; a socially and environmentally responsible operator that aims to inspire its guests to go home and work towards a more sustainable world. I knew I'd be happy when we were warned in pre-trip correspondence to bring our own reusable water bottles - the company had done away with dispensing single-use plastics.
Our guide, Doug, was the Canadian uncle I'd never had. Affable and warm, he at first came off as overly cautious to me about the risk of bear encounters - until I started hearing the slow trickle of stories of the rare attacks that do occur, as well as the overwhelming precautions taken by locals who leave their homes and cars unlocked should they ever need emergency shelter. A complex bear alert system is in place, and armed bear officers patrol areas where bear and humans often meet. Suddenly, Doug's vigilant measures seemed wise to heed.
Which brought me back to my original question - why here? With such a small population of humans taking such extreme measures to avoid deadly encounters with one of nature's apex predators, wouldn't it make sense to, you know, get out their way? Surely the bears were not consulted when humans inadvertently set up camp in the middle of their migratory path. Now that we know better, wouldn't it make sense to relocate? It was a question I found myself coming back to often in my four days in Churchill.
After all, polar bears are not in reality cute, cuddly dispensers of cola products. They are powerful and agile predators motivated by a primal hunger.
October and November are peak season for spotting bears, though as a result of climate change they now appear as early as July. Though my primary goal for a summer trip to Churchill was spotting beluga whales - and let's face it, avoiding the winter weather in Churchill - I did quietly hope that we'd spot bears as well.
Ten minutes off the plane, as we lumbered down one of Churchill's few roads - none of which connect to the outside world - we did.
My group cheered at whisper volume from within our van, thrilled by having spotted a bear so early in our itinerary and determined not to scare it off. No one seemed more enthusiastic than Doug and our local driver for the day, both of whom I assume were relieved to have some of the pressure of finding the first bear eased so quickly. We were perhaps overcautious in our hushed voices; the bear looked up a few times to sniff the air, stare boredly in our direction and yawn before going back to the all important task of sleeping. We vibrated with excitement at each micro-movement.
Finally, reluctantly, we continued our journey towards town.
For a town that can be traversed in twenty minutes - and that's being generous - Churchill has an impressive number of attractions to distract visitors between wildlife spotting expeditions. On almost every visitor's itinerary will be trips to the artifact-filled Itsanitaq Museum (formerly known as the Eskimo Museum), the Parks Canada Visitor Centre (housed pragmatically in the town train station), and the wreckages of wayward ships and planes, the latter of which you enter at your own risk due to - you guessed it - the possible presence of polar bears. Doug gently encouraged us to enjoy the wreckage of the “Miss Piggy” from the outside. The plane, allegedly overloaded with snow mobiles and sodas, went down in 1979 with no fatalities, and now serves as a reminder of the town's remoteness.
Other stops on the way into town include a gander at the local dump - seriously - and a drive by the Polar Bear Holding Facility, also known as the “Polar Bear Jail,” where bears that repeatedly wander too close to town are taken until they can be safely air-lifted onto the ice or elsewhere. The facility is open for tours just one day a year - we arrived the day after.
Later, I took my first unaccompanied walk outside to the Community Garden, jittery as I looked over my shoulder every few moments. Upon arrival, I admired the ingenuity of whomever had repurposed the wheels of a retied tundra buddy into planters.
Winters in Churchill are predictably brutal, though summers are surprisingly lovely. A sun-loving island girl, I packed for the frozen tundra and was pleasantly surprised to find that some afternoons I didn't need a jacket (though in certain blustery moments I was grateful for my overpacking.) Temperatures in July and August typically linger in the Fahrenheit fifties, though have been known to hit the seventies on sunny days.
One thing that stood out to me from the promotional videos I watched on loop in preparation for my departure were the endless fields of colorful flowers, vegetation being a welcome sight this far above the tree line. The reality didn't disappoint.
Mealtimes were when I got to know my fellow travelers. Our group was a diverse one. Families from as far as Luxembourg and Argentina and as wide reaching as a three generation clan from Texas. Couples from the United Kingdom and from the state of Georgia. Two friends from New York. Women who'd arrived alone from Australia and Washington DC, and with whom I quickly bonded with over our shared penchant for solo travels.
For a tiny, remote town in the far Northern reaches of Manitoba I hardly expected gourmet meals. And so I was wowed. From the beautiful creations of the Tundra Inn to the delicious bakery goods at Gypsy's, Churchill does a lot with a little.
One evening, during our second group meal at Gypsy's, the owner presented Tiffany, my new friend from Washington DC, with a birthday cake - and felt that by their second meeting they were certainly close enough for a face cake-smashing. It was true. Friends are made fast in Churchill.
Posters around town advertised a walking tour with a local historian and his dog named Polar, a jam night at a local pub, rifles and shotguns for sale, and an upcoming concert called Bear Fest scheduled for our final night in Churchill. I vowed to go.
At the last minute, the event was moved indoors to the Town Complex due to the threat of rain. The Town Complex is a modern multiplex home to almost every amenity in Churchill - the local school, the public library, a health center serving the residents of Churchill as well as the the communities of the Kivalliq Region of Nunavut, a day care, a swimming pool, ice hockey and curling rinks, a gym, basketball courts, an indoor playground, a cinema, a bowling alley, and for one cloudy night, a concert hall for Bear Fest. Tiffany agreed to join me, and so off we went to Churchill's social event of the summer.
Inside, we found almost everyone we'd met in Churchill over the previous four days. Our friendly hosts, business owners and tour guides who had made us feel like we were honored guests. Some were Churchill natives, others had chosen it as their home. Four days on, I was no longer asking why. When we walked outside to watch the sun set around 10pm, there was nowhere I would have rather been.
As much as I'd come to Churchill thrilled to see wildlife, I'd also arrived curious to experience a taste of life in a far northern town, an interest piqued by my friends Dalene and Pete's own fascinating journey (their post is a must read, if for the description of the town's bizarre Halloween proceedings alone.) I arrived asking myself of the local population, why stay? I left understanding that for some, there is simply nowhere else they'd consider.
On my last morning in Churchill I felt at ease enough to go for an early morning run. I ran it by the ever-cautious Doug first, and he gave a hesitant nod of approval. “Don't forget the Churchill shuffle,” he said with a smile, mimicking running while turning in a circle every few beats. Days earlier, I'd expressed an interest in returning to Manitoba to visit Riding Mountain National Park, and that morning he pulled out a much-loved paper map of the province and showed me his recommended route.
Headphones in, I hit the cool pavement, taking in the sharp Hudson Bay air. As I jogged I dreamed of returning to Churchill, and all the different ways I could make it happen. While my mind wandered my eyes stayed focused, scanning the horizon for tufts of white fur. I thought back to the exhilaration I'd felt coming face to face with belugas in the water, the joy of watching bears on the open tundra. The friendship I'd found in such a brief few days, and the connection I'd felt to the land crunching beneath my feet.
And I found myself asking, why leave?
Stay tuned for posts on my beluga encounters, as well as more bears!
This post was written by me and brought to you by Travel Manitoba. Many thanks for Frontiers North for hosting me.
WATCH: New Movie Gives Insight Into Miracle On Hudson
“Sully” shows what what hero pilot went through after the successful landing in the river.
Is Colombia on the Verge of a Tourism Boom?
A new Farc peace agreement could spell success in the tourism market
MSC Cruises Anticipates American and Chinese Expansions
The Mediterranean cruise line prepares for bold futures in both North America and China.
Qatar's Main Airport Adds $10 Fee for All Departing Passengers
Hamad International Airport will begin charging the fee Dec. 1.
NBC Has A Travel Hit With 'Better Late Than Never'
Henry Winkler, William Shatner, George Forman and Terry Bradshaw travel Asia and confusion ensues.
Amtrak Announces Purchase of 28 New High-Speed Trains
Acela Express service riders will have new trains to enjoy by 2022.
How to Plan Your Own 'Walking Dead' Wedding in Senoia, GA
TWD superfans can have their nuptials at some of the popular TV show's main filming locations. Zombies optional.
How Volaris is Courting Mexican-American Travelers
Mexican-Americans living in the US will now find it easier than ever to visit family south of the border.
Air China launches Chengdu-Sydney services
Air China will launch Chengdu-Sydney services on November 11th, 2016. After the launch of Chengdu-Frankfurt and Chengdu-Paris flights, this route is Air China's third intercontinental flight based in its Chengdu hub, and also its first nonstop service between western China and Oceania.
Sunday, August 28, 2016
Discover Amazing National Parks With Google's Hidden Worlds Innovation
Take a virtual tour of five remarkable destinations.
9 great reasons to visit Sliema in Malta
Malta, one of the smallest countries in the world, is a real paradise, as implied in its name derived from the original Phoenician word, Maleth, which means a heaven. The Greeks also used to call it Melite which means honey-sweet due to the production of a unique type of honey on the Island. Maltas mild […]
9 great reasons to visit Sliema in Malta is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog
The post 9 great reasons to visit Sliema in Malta appeared first on A Luxury Travel Blog.
Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton opens in Mexico
Hilton Worldwide is continuing its expansion in Mexico with the opening of its newest property, Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Salamanca. The 128-room hotel joins the Hampton by Hilton family which also includes Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton and Hampton by Hilton hotels.
Saturday, August 27, 2016
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)