The torch has been lit and it is on its way. A journey over miles through destinations across the UK and in the hands of hundreds of inspirational people. Beginning on May 19th, the 2012 torch was lit and started its journey from an area called Lands End. On day two, the flame traveled from Plymouth to Exeter, day three from Dunster Castle to Taw Bridge and on day for, the 22nd of May, from Tauton to Briston and for the next 66 days will continue to do the same thing over and over until the start of the games on July 27th.
The tradition of the torch dates back to the ancient games when they were a part of the festivals and events leading up to these first Olympics. A flame was lit in honor of the goddess Hera to honor her. The flame was carried throughout the region announcing and symbolizing a truce as is similar to today.
Each Olympics, the tradition continues the same way. The flame is lit from the Temple of Hera in Olympia near to the original Olympic games. From here, the torch goes on a short journey through Greece until it is handed to the new host city at a ceremony in Athens. From here, the flame is transported to the host country and begins its journey till the start of the next Olympics.
A time of peace and strength, honor and competition, the Olympics still today honors the same traditions as so long ago.
As the Olympics near, millions of people gear up for the excitement, but hundreds of thousands go one step further and purchase their tickets to begin their journey to London 2012. Are you one of the expected hundreds of thousands at the 2012 Olympics? If so, why did you choose to visit this extraordinary event?
Share your stories with us.
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Memorial Day is just around the corner. If you are one of the expected 35 million travelers who are expected to be traveling during this time, take a look at the facts and the tips to help you make the most of this beginning of summer bash with a review on travel from Tradewinds Travel Club reviews.
Although summer does not officially begin until June 20th, this does not stop most avid vacationers from getting an early start. For most, this holiday is considered the real kickoff to summer. Many cities around the U.S. will be hosting festivals, events and activities related to both summer, family fun and of course, to honor our Veterans both living and passed.
Memorial Day 2012 Dates
Actual Memorial Day: May 30 Wednesday
Memorial Day Observed: May 28 Monday
Memorial Day Travel Dates: May 24th – May 28th
The Facts
Over half a million more travelers are expected to travel during the holiday this year than in 2011.
35 million are expected to be on the roads and in the air between May 24th and 28, 9 out of 10 people
The average cost of gas is 25 cents less than last year in 2011.
Most travelers will be traveling up to 150 miles less than in 2011 to save money
Air travel is expected to be down 5.5% from the same time in 2011
The Weather
Though the holiday weekend is still a week away, predictions are still being made for what to expect as we head out to enjoy the hopefully great weather. What can you expect where you are?
Though the weather is generally quite unpredictable the farmers almanac has made the following predictions for the weekend:
In the Northeast – Thunderstorms are expected with cool conditions with mostly clearer skies on Memorial Day.
In the Great Lakes – Weather expected late next week with drier weather until Memorial Day when more clouds are expected.
In the Southeast – Thunderstorms expected, with clearing and cool temperatures by the holiday.
In the North Central – Clear skies however, cool temperatures.
In the South Central - Cool and clearing by Memorial Day, thunderstorms early in the weekend.
In the Northwest - Clear and cool, with increase in clouds on Memorial Day itself.
In the Southwest – Clearing weather and cooler temps expected.
What are your plans for the holiday weekend?
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Mothers Day is almost upon us. On Sunday the 13th, millions of families will be heading out to enjoy some well earned off time with moms and wives around the United States. We have most likely already picked out her flowers, chosen her necklace, ring or bracelet, have the prefect card signed and sealed and the meal planned. So what are you going to do afterwords?
If you are like many people, living life on a budget and having very little time, the idea of taking mom away to the Fijian islands may be just a dream however, that certainly doesn’t mean you have to take mom home to sit in the living room watching tv for her special day.
Mothers Day is a well established and popular holiday in the United States. Understanding this thousands of destinations are offering free or cost effective ideas for your mom on her special day. Take a look with us at some of the many great places and ideas for spending time with your special lady.
Florida
Gulf Coast
California
Washington DC
Texas
Obviously the festivities and fun can be found throughout the U.S. and for all types of interests. From outdoors and natural beauty to drives, cruises, food and tours to the most well known and beautiful destinations in America, it is easy to see that mother’s day in 2012 is all about mom.
What do you plan on doing with your lady this weekend?
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The country of Ireland in northern Europe is an island filed with history and steeped in legend. From shamrocks to soccer, potatoes to ale, Ireland is a world away and filled with a natural beauty unmatched in other parts of the world today.
Historically rich in culture as well as geography, Irish culture and beauty is well known to travelers from around the world. No matter what your reason for visiting, you need not look far to see some of the most wonderful natural wonders in the world. Get to know this magical isle by beginning with a closer look at the natural beauty of Ireland’s most awe inspiring destinations today.
Ring of Gullion – Found in Armagh, this unique geologic feature can not be found anywhere else in Ireland. Known as the mountain of mystery, it is surrounded by mountains which are associated with legends throughout the ages in Ireland.
Cliffs of Moher – Located in County Clare, this cliffs boast one of the most amazing views in the whole of Ireland. Hundreds of feet above the mighty Atlantic, the cliffs stretch for miles.
Giant’s Causeway - Northern Ireland’s first World Heritage Site, it is unlike anything in the world you have ever seen. A geologic phenomenon, it is known for its columns of layered basalt, which is believed to have bee the work of the giant known as Finn McCool by the ancients.
Slieve League – Cliffs located in Donegal in Western Ireland, they are said to be one of the highest and most amazing cliffs in Europe. Stunning views, and site of ancient Christian pilgrimages, the mountain is considered sacred long before the arrival of Christianity as well.
Croagh Patrick - Situated five miles from the picturesque town of Westport, it is a place of ancient history and is otherwise known as Patrick’s sacred mountain. Called the holy mountain, it overlooks Clew Bay and is considered the holiest mountain in Ireland.
If gardens and flowers are what you enjoy, there is much to choose from including:
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Everyone wants the best vacation possible. Choosing the right hotel, the right form of transportation , the right time of year and even the right destinations can be difficult with so much to choose from. In order to ensure that you are making a wise decision, many of us will choose to take advantage of rating systems put in place by organizations to help. While rating systems continue to grow and include more and more hotels and other information, many are even trying to find ways to include and rate on a worldwide scale to make it even simpler. For now, however, ratings are restricted to borders, in the U.S., we have AAA and in Europe, we have the Hotelstars Union.
A Look At AAA
AAA is generally considered one of the most unbiased and reliable rating systems for hotels and restaurants in the United States. Started in 1937, the first field reporters headed out to start gathering the information about destinations that travelers wanted. AAA’s professionally trained inspectors continue to rate and inspect thousands of accommodations and establishments each year. Today, the AAA rates hotels and restaurants as diamonds, announcing recently that 126 lodgings and 53 restaurants were added to the list of Five Diamond award winners.
So what does a Five Diamond actually mean? Get to know the rating system
To begin with, AAA starts with the Inspections Program. This is to decide whether an establishment is even up to the challenge of receiving a rating. If an establishment meets the basic requirements including cleanliness, comfort and security or food preparation and service in restaurants, then the will be approved or disproved based on these requirements. After an establishment meets these requirements, a ranting will be assigned from one to five.
Hotel ratings are defined as:
One - Budget-oriented, offering basic comfort and hospitality.
Two - Affordable, with modestly enhanced facilities, decor and amenities.
Three - Distinguished, multi-faceted with enhanced physical attributes, amenities and guest comforts.
Four - Refined, stylish with upscale physical attributes, extensive amenities and high degree of hospitality, service and attention to detail.
Five - Ultimate luxury, sophistication and comfort with extraordinary physical attributes, meticulous personalized service, extensive amenities and impeccable standards of excellence.
Restaurant ratings are defined as:
One - Simple, familiar specialty food at an economical price. Often self-service, basic surroundings.
Two - Familiar, family-oriented experience. Home-style foods and family favorites, often cooked to order, modestly enhanced and reasonably priced. Relaxed service, casual surroundings.
Three - Fine dining, often adult-oriented. Latest cooking trends and/or traditional cuisine, expanded beverage offerings. Professional service staff and comfortable, well-coordinated ambiance.
Four - Distinctive fine-dining, typically expensive. Highly creative chefs, imaginative presentations and fresh, top-quality ingredients. Proficient service staff, upscale surroundings. Wine steward may offer menu-specific knowledge.
Five - Luxurious and consistently world-class. Highly acclaimed chefs, artistic and imaginative menu selections using the finest ingredients. Maitre d’ and unobtrusive, expert service staff.
How do you feel about the ratings systems? Do you think they work? Do you trust the rating system? Share your opinion with us.
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The verdict is still out on whether travelers are planning on keeping their plans to travel to Mexico this year or whether they have chosen to instead, choose a different destination. If you are a traveler, you are more than likely aware of the issues regarding safety and travel to the country of Mexico. Depending on where you plan on visiting in Mexico, the government is advising you be aware of the current issues regarding your safety and make sure you avoid traveling to certain areas most greatly impacted.
Depending on who you talk to and where you look, you may be encouraged to continue or to avoid your vacation plans based on opinion. Two more recent articles posted on this topic of late are by the Mexican government encouraging travel and the nearby state of Texas encouraging caution.
Of course, a large portion of the income generated by Mexico is based on tourism, making it obvious why tourism would be encouraged, however, a lesser known fact is how the violence in Mexico, more specifically the area of Juarez, is directly impacting nearby El Paso. As stray bullets fly over the Mexico Texas border and strike innocent civilians in El Paso, it is easy to see why Texas is promoting a bit more caution than other states, however, is it too much? As Mexico continues promoting its more tourist areas and millions of visitors continue to visit the countries safer areas without any incident, traveling to Mexico during this time is now left up to the traveler to decide. What do you think?
A Choice
Whether or not you visiting an area that encourages caution on your part or an area that is considered safe, at destinations around the globe, it is entirely your choice regarding whether you keep your plans or change them, choosing instead to visit a “safer” location. What you do need to remember is that no matter where you travel, whether a warning or alert is posted or not, it is you who will be in charge of your safety. Choosing to travel outside of the country or to any place you are not familiar with will require you to pay attention to your surroundings as your safety is in your hands. No matter where you go, be a cautious traveler and use safety tactics including avoiding dark areas and traveling in groups to avoid becoming a target.
What Do You Think?
Are your plans for vacation being impacted by a travel warning or alert? If so, how are you choosing to deal with the situation?
Share your opinions with us!
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The city of London is considered one of the most popular cities for travel each year, however, this year, its name is literally on everyone’s lips as the Summer Olympics fast approach.
Known for its history, architecture and well known destinations and events, London draws millions of tourist to her each and every year to explore a wide variety of interests. From the art museums to the buildings referencing stories which can still be found on the pages of our history books today, London is a must see.
For many, considering London as their travel destination, they start planning believing that they will not be able to enjoy very much time there as European cities can seem quite expensive at first, however, the educated traveler will avoid snap judgments and start looking at what the city has to offer for free and almost free and a vacation is born.
Though it is easy to look at ancient and historic cities such as London as just a place for tourists, it is quite easy to forget that London is home to millions of people where life happens every day. Keeping this in mind, you are sure to understand why these large cities offer many enjoyable experiences that are less commonly considered tourist destinations but can offer an even truer experience for the informed traveler.
Known for its art, culture, history and architecture means finding places to visit is quite simple for any and all of these interests, but they don’t all have be listed in a guidebook and cost a days wages to make them worth the trip.
Budget Destinations
All the following are free
These are just a few of the over 70 places that you can see and enjoy for free while exploring the city of London, the range of free London attractions is incredible. Do not let your fear of spending stop you from seeing the places you want to see when you vacation.
Note: Though you can experience most of the area without paying the larger fees, there are some destinations which will simply be necessary for you to visit to make your vacation feel complete. Do not miss the places you really want to see, simply plan ahead and make them part of your budget.
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Millions of travelers choose to visit the city of Paris each year. For history, art, culture and architecture, Paris is unmatched in the world today. For the millions who do choose Paris as their destination they either plan ahead to avoid the throngs of pushy people trying to get a good spot in line or they simply wait in line. Others who choose to visit Paris choose to instead, simply take a picture of the outside and skip the most popular destinations altogether. For others however, a more enjoyable and truer way to enjoy the Paris that most seek, they simply choose to get out from the city’s crowded streets and explore the sites a bit further off the beaten path.
Like all big cities in Europe, Paris is crowded to begin with. It is easy to think of Paris only as a tourist destination, a place where visitors go to see what France looked like in times long past, to see the famous Eiffel Tower or the art created by the most famous artists the world has ever seen. It is more difficult to remember that Paris is a bustling city, one of the most important in Europe and one of the most influential in art, fashion and business today, there is more to Paris than just a tourist destination.
How To Make It Different
Top sites include of course the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe just to name a few, but there are literally hundreds of amazing sites and areas to explore that are perhaps lesser known. Instead of simply waiting in line all day, head to a castle outside the city or perhaps stroll through one of the many parks such as the Parc de la Villette offering a stunning 130 acre modern park perfect for the weary family in search of a respite of the tourist world with their children. Paris is all things to all people. Instead of just choosing the sites that you may have already heard of, consider talking to some of the locals and asking what they think the most beautiful and amazing sites are in the area and take on a whole new perspective when you travel. Think like a traveler and not like a tourist and you are sure to make a new and amazing experience for yourself and your family in destinations around the world.
Have you ever been to Paris? Do you have a top destination that you would recommend? Share your stories!
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Second largest city of the state of Missouri, Kansas City is ranked as one of the top cities for travel in the U.S. in 2012. Not only does it always offer world class events and activities, but is constantly adding great new destinations for travelers interested in the arts, culture and history of Missouri and in fact the world. A well known area for travel, its diversity of interests and destinations is what sets it apart from others and helps to make it one of the U.S. top cities for travel. Families or friends, the great sites throughout the city and the surrounding areas make it ideal for all ages and interests.
Area Overview
The city was founded in the year 1838 as the Town of Kansas. An important city for many reason even back during its first years, it is situated at the confluence of the Kansas and Missouri rivers.Today, the city continues to maintain its clout over the world and ranks as one of the best in the world. Its rich culture in arts and music, renowned shopping and fine dining and its other opportunities as well as reasonable prices and ease of travel also make it rank high in most top ten lists today.
Area Sites and Activities
Food and music are two of the more common reasons travels choose this part of the U.S. Influential in both, the music scene as well as the food selection are some of the best in the U.S. today. In fact, many of the areas top festivals are related to these activity’s. Whether you enjoy eating or just sitting back and listening to some music, Kansas City MO is a great place to start your vacation.
Young or old, out for adventure or just to relax, choose from hundreds of great areas and activities throughout the region. Voted not only one of the best, but also one of the most affordable, Tradewinds Vacations invites you to explore the great city of Kansas City and enjoy the vacation of a lifetime.
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Whether you enjoy traveling in the U.S. or abroad, Tradewinds Vacations welcomes you to learn more about travel and start planning your vacations with us. Learn about and explore the worlds top destinations for travel and make the most of your next adventure with Tradewinds Vacations.
