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Dubai Travel Guide

Anne McDermott — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 19:14:55 +0000

Dubai is a modern city of two million with a futuristic skyline and an ancient heritage. One of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Dubai’s economy was built on the oil industry, but has since diversified and one of its main revenue sources today is tourism.

And Dubai has the attractions visitors want – everything from snow-skiing to desert safaris and eclectic amusement parks – as well as Arab cultural sites, traditional souks and grand hotels.

But perhaps Dubai is best known for the warmth of her people and a tradition of hospitality to visitors, a defining characteristic that has not been lost as this vibrant and cosmopolitan metropolis keeps its eyes on the future.

Flights to Dubai

Flying to Dubai is relatively simple, and finding cheap flights to Dubai is easy, too. On arrival, passengers will note that the modern airport features numerous duty-free shops, restaurants, open garden areas, showers, spas and even a swimming pool. Perhaps best of all, the airport is just two-and-a-half miles from Dubai.

Dubai International Airport (DXB): This is a major Middle East hub airport served by Delta, United, British Airways, KLM, Lufthansa, Virgin Atlantic and many others, plus it is a hub for Emirates. Daily flights from Heathrow, plus nonstops from New York and other U.S. cities.

Attractions in Dubai

There are far too many “must see” attractions in Dubai than we have space for, but here are some visitor favorites and consult the links that follow for more..

Burj Al Arab – This hotel, shaped like a traditional Arabic boat with a billowing sail, is Dubai’s signature building; it is taller than the Eiffel Tower and sits on its own artificial island. The decor has been called “contemporary Arabian fantasy” and it boasts butlers on call around the clock, personal shoppers for guests and a restaurant surrounded by giant aquariums. If you can’t afford a room (prices start at about $1,000 a night), go there for high tea or enjoy the nightly light show.

The Beaches of Dubai – A warm azure sea surrounded by shimmering white sand makes this a perfect place to relax, but don’t forget a hat and some sunscreen – summer temperatures typically hit triple digits (tip: the big season for tourists is December through March).

Desert Safari – Several companies offer these guided tours of the desert which typically include a thrilling ride over dunes and a catered BBQ dinner. Camel rides and belly dancing optional.

Dubai Museum – See artifacts dating from the third millennium B.C. plus exhibits on traditional Arab life including a souk and a date farm, and a vivid display on pearl diving.

Shopping and Restaurants in Dubai

Dining: The restaurant scene in Dubai is truly international; choose from native Arabic delicacies to French cuisine and gourmet Chinese, and yes, you can even get a great pizza here. Alcohol is available in hotels, restaurants and pubs.

Shopping: There are over 70 shopping malls in Dubai (including the Mall of the Emirates which offers an indoor ski resort), plus an annual Shopping Festival featuring music, fireworks and more. Visit one of the famed souks or marketplaces for a more traditional experience: at the Spice Souk, see cinnamon, cloves and incense sold out of sacks, or try the Gold Souk for ancient and modern jewelry designs.

Smart Tip

Check out the U.S. State Department’s “country specific information” section for the United Arab Emirates for embassy contacts and visa/passport requirements, plus information on traffic, safety concerns and medical care in Dubai at Travel.State.Gov.

More Information on Dubai

For more information on Dubai attractions, consult with these websites; you’ll find great choices for sightseeing plus recommendations on places to stay, and where to dine.

Dubai Dept. of Tourism and Commerce: An excellent guide to attractions and things to do in Dubai, plus a directory of hotels, restaurants and shopping centers, plus maps; sign up for the weekly newsletter and check out the section on useful tourist tips (don’t drink alcohol out in public, and don’t take photos of military installations or Muslim women).

Dubai Tourism: Attractions and listings of special events including jazz festivals and motor racing, plus where to go for ice skating, horseback riding, scenic flights and golf.

Go Dubai: This commercial site features Middle East news and weather, plus specials and deals on everything from dinner cruises and desert safaris to ballooning excursions.

San Francisco Travel Guide

Anne McDermott — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 07:00:22 +0000

San Francisco is considered one of the prettiest cities in the United States, and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country.

Residents are proud of its place in history: once a Spanish fort, it zoomed to prominence during the Gold Rush Days and later demonstrated its resiliency after three-quarters of the city was destroyed in the 1906 earthquake. Today, it is a towering financial and cultural center that cherishes old traditions while embracing diversity.

Built on steep hills, the city is a cluster of eclectic neighborhoods – like the Castro, Pacific Heights, Chinatown, Russian Hill – each with its own attractions and festivals.

Whether navigating the twists and turns of Lombard Street or enjoying the fun of Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco has something for you.

Flights to San Francisco

Flying to San Francisco is a breeze because finding cheap flights to San Francisco is so easy, thanks to two great airport options.

San Francisco International Airport (SFO): This facility is home base for Virgin America as well as a United hub; SFO serves North America and is a gateway to Europe, Asia and Australia.

Oakland International Airport (OAK): This is a popular domestic alternative to San Francisco and is a focus city for Southwest.

Attractions in San Francisco

There is something to see or do almost everywhere in San Francisco, but a delightful experience can be had simply by hopping aboard a cable car or wandering the twisting streets before stopping in a pleasant cafe to people-watch.

Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz – See the picturesque bridge, then head out to the old island prison that housed the likes of Al Capone and the Robert “The Birdman” Stroud. The prisoners are all gone now, but some say ghosts remain.

Aquarium of the Bay – See sharks, octopus, colorful stars and masses of jellyfish; then head to the hands-on exhibits and pet a Bat Ray – if you dare.

Chinatown – Visit the Chinese Historical Society, shop for jade or herbal remedies, tour the century-old Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory, and dine on delectable dim sum.

Shopping and Restaurants in San Francisco

Did you get a deal on flights to San Francisco? Good – now splurge on food and fun.

Dining: San Francisco is a banquet, and everything’s on the menu: excellent seafood, fine Italian fare, authentic Chinese, and food from almost everywhere else in the world. While you’re there, grab an Irish Coffee – San Francisco introduced it to America.

Shopping: A wonderful place to get antiques and art, flowers and produce, or stunning hand-crafted jewelry. Don’t forget the chocolate; the name Ghiradelli should ring a delicious bell.

Smart Tip

You’ll recognize the beautiful Victorian row houses at Alamo Square, as it’s one of the most photographed scenes in the city. Take your own souvenir photo of San Francisco here – just drop by Hayes and Steiner Streets.

More Information on San Francisco

What else is there to do in San Francisco? Millions of things – and these sites can tell you all about them:

Only in San Francisco – As this official visitors site puts it, “Cool fog, hot restaurants, neighborhoods to explore, cultures to experience.” And they provide the “who, what, where, and when” on how to see and do it all. Numerous attractions and an “insider’s guide”.

San Francisco Guide – Hotels and nightlife plus sightseeing activities and wine country tours.

Bay City Guide – Guide to custom tours, events and festivals, plus discount coupons.

Orlando Travel Guide

Anne McDermott — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 07:00:21 +0000

You’ll find Mickey Mouse here; ditto for Harry Potter and Shamu. Which partly explains why nearly 50 million visitors from around the world find their way to Orlando.

But Orlando is much more than famous theme parks like Disneyworld, Universal Studios and Sea World; it’s a city with scores of excellent golf courses, plus a lively arts scene of theater, music and movie-making.

And if you like year-round warm weather, Orlando’s the place for you. And they’re ready and waiting for you, too; the city is second only the Vegas for most hotel rooms in the country.

Listen as Anne McDermott talks to Ben Reed of Adventures with Ben about sites, attractions and things to do in Orlando.

Flights to Orlando

Flying to Orlando is easy, and finding cheap flights to Orlando is even easier. Lots of airlines make for lots of competition and that makes for good deals.

Orlando International Airport (MCO): This hub for AirTran Airways (it’s also a focus city for Allegiant) is served by most domestic airlines as well as many international carriers from around the globe.

Attractions in Orlando

Most people come for the theme parks, but don’t forget the natural wonders of the region. Need more? See the links below; these websites have loads of ideas for you.

Disney World – This premiere amusement park opened in 1971, and Orlando hasn’t been the same since. Today it encompasses four separate theme parks plus hotels, restaurants and more. You’ll also find campsites here, plus spas and fitness centers – but face it, you’re really here for one reason only: Mickey and his friends.

Universal Theme Parks – Universal Studios Florida has cool rides and TV production facilities (with behind-the-scenes interactive adventures) while Universal’s Islands of Adventure has the one and only Harry Potter.

Florida Eco Tour – Travel by horseback, pontoon boat, coach or even zipline and see some of the many gorgeous waterways and tropical ecosystems of central Florida, and maybe spot some wildlife including deer, alligators or even the endangered panther.

Shopping and Restaurants in Orlando

Dining: Whether you prefer dinner and a show, haute cuisine or pizza, sushi or steak, Orlando’s restaurants have got it covered. And check out “character dining” listings if you’re traveling with the kids; share a grilled cheese with a princess or an astronaut but do book in advance.

Shopping: Look for mega-malls, specialty boutiques, outlet stores, plus Universal City Walk and Pointe Orlando for shopping, restaurants and entertainment.

Smart Tip

See the Orlando Sentinel’s Florida Travel Tips & Deals blog for the latest ways to save on attractions, hotels, dining out and more. These pages are updated often, so check back frequently for cheap deals.

More Information on Orlando

Not sure what else to see and do in Orlando? You’ll find plenty of ideas right here:

Orlando Info – This official site of the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau has it all: greatest attractions, outdoor fun, events calendars, dining-with-characters listings for kids plus deals and discounts.

City of Orlando – Learn about the “other Orlando” of museums, parks, professional sports and tips for getting around town.

Orlando Sentinel’s Florida Travel – This newspaper’s Orlando/Florida travel section is a must-see for tourists and locals; find out about the best dining spots, see the Florida Water Park guide, plus “Daily Disney” and “Harry Potter Central” sections.

New York Travel Guide

Anne McDermott — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 12:12:47 +0000

TV host David Letterman always refers to New York as “the greatest city in the world” and millions agree. Where else can you catch a show on Broadway, see the view from the Statue of Liberty, or dine on any cuisine in the world?

New York glitters year-round, but it’s magnificent during the holidays: See the sumptuous department store window displays at Christmas, watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade travel down 42^nd St., and join the wearers o’ the green in a drink on St. Patrick’s Day.

New York Expert on Best Things to See and Do in NYC

Longtime New Yorker Leslie Koch of DowntownTraveler.com recently told FareCompare’s Anne McDermott all about the best things to do in New York – plus what to eat, where to shop, and how to find the deals:

The city’s official slogan is, “I Love New York”. We think you will, too.

Flights to New York

Flying in and out of New York is simple, and finding cheap flights to New York is easy, thanks to a choice of airports.

LaGuardia Airport (LGA): The smallest of New York City’s airports is also closest to Manhattan; it is served by most domestic and Canadian airlines.

John F. Kennedy International (JFK): This is the busiest international passenger gateway to the U.S. and is served by scores of the world’s international airlines, as well as many domestic carriers including JetBlue and Virgin America.

Newark Liberty International (EWR): Though based in New Jersey, this facility is only about 15 miles from midtown-Manhattan; it too is served by number domestic and international airlines.

Attractions in New York

There are a million things to do in New York City; here are just a few suggestions (and see the links below for more ideas).

Statue of Liberty – A symbol of freedom throughout the world. Take the ferry, then climb the interior staircase to the crown (and take some New Yorkers with you; chances are, they haven’t done this, either).

Empire State Building – Sure, other buildings are taller, but do they have as good a view of New York City? The observation deck in this Art Deco masterpiece isn’t free, but is worth it.

Metropolitan Museum of Art – This beautiful building along Fifth Avenue in Central Park hosts one of the world’s greatest collections of art, from Egyptian artifacts to medieval treasures and Impressionist paintings – and so much more. Tip: the museum store has stunning gifts.

Shopping and Restaurants in New York

Dining: With over 20,000 restaurants, you won’t go hungry here. Whether you had something rarified in mind, like Terrine of Hudson Valley Moulard Duck Foie Gras, or just a pastrami on rye, you will be satisfied. Tip: ask a local for the name of his favorite neighborhood joint (there are so many good ones).

Shopping: From the venerable department stores to trendy boutiques and the diamond district, shoppers can find whatever they fancy. Tip: the street vendors off Union Square Park have terrific costume jewelry, and try the Pearl River Mart on Broadway in Soho for all things Asian.

Smart Tip

St. Paul’s Chapel: George Washington worshipped at this Georgian Classic Revival church at 211 Broadway; in the aftermath of 9/11, it came to be known as the “World Trade Center Chapel” as emergency workers made it their headquarters. It is New York’s oldest public building still in continuous use and is adjacent to the site where the Twin Towers once loomed.

More Information on New York

These sites are loaded with great information on what to see and do in the city, and beyond.

NYC Go – Lists of “must-see” attractions as well as little known gems, plus info on TV show tapings, dining, hotels and more.

New York State Tourism – Includes a city attractions guide, plus what to do and see throughout New York State.

New York Magazine’s Visitors Guide: Up-to-the minute guide to clubs and restaurants plus great lists (including “top five pizzas in the city”).

Singapore Travel Guide

FareCompare — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 12:40:49 +0000

Singapore continues to thrive as one of the world’s leading financial and business centers, as well as one of Southeast Asia’s most popular tourist destinations.

The capital city has grown exponentially in a relatively short period of time, and it now plays host to visitors from all over the world. In order to keep travelers coming back, Singapore continues to blend local history and culture with international influences. The result is a city that has something to offer for everyone, whether you’re a fast-food junkie, an epicure, a history buff, a lover of the arts, an architecture aficionado, or someone who’s just really into street fairs.

Flights to Singapore

Singapore Changi International Airport serves over 80 international airlines with service to 200 cites in 60 countries. Several major U.S. cities offer cheap flights to Singapore, so finding a flight (and an occasional deal) shouldn’t be too difficult. Along with being a travel hub, the airport also serves as one of Singapore’s major retail outlets.

Singapore Attractions

Marina Bay

Marina Bay functions almost as a city-within-a-city. If you stay at a hotel in the Marina Bay section of town, you could get by without ever leaving the area. Spend your days in conversation at a patio cafe or doing a bit of high-end shopping. At night, head to one of the multiple celebrity-chef-owned restaurants, and then take in a bit of theatre. You can catch a Broadway hit, a purely local show, or something in between. If you’re feeling lucky, take off after the show and make your way to the tables at the Marina Bay Sands Casino.

The Helix Bridge

Linking Marina Bay to Marina Centre, the Helix Bridge stands as the longest “pedestrian link-way” in Singapore. Perhaps more importantly, it’s the first bridge in the world to feature the “double helix” structure. It stands both as a symbol of the “renewal of life” and as an architectural marvel for the region. As you make your way across the Helix Bridge, stop at one of the viewing platforms to get a panoramic view of the skyline and a stunning view of the Bay.

Orchard Road

Orchard Road is a destination for food-lovers and shopping enthusiasts. This retail enclave is home to just about every type of restaurant and store you could ever hope for. Orchard Road also plays a major part in annual festivals an celebrations such as Christmas in the Tropics, so you can often get caught up in street carnivals, live music, and more.

Singapore Restaurants and Shopping

Along with Marina Bay and Orchard Road, you’ll also find food and shopping havens in the Clarke Quay area and in Chinatown.

Clarke Quay rests on the banks of the Singapore River, making it the perfect spot to spend an evening outside, just taking in the city. If you want to head indoors, you’ll find a collection of bars, restaurants and nightclubs open for business.

Along with a seemingly endless selection of places to eat, Chinatown also plays host to a number of festivals throughout the year. One of the most popular being the the Chinese New Year Festival that sees the area transform into a vast market filled with vendors, street performers, acrobats, and more.

Singapore Tourism

Your Singapore

NewAsia Singapore