Easy Destination Blog http://www.easydestination.net/blog/ Travel, food, and drink, destination tips, family travel suggestions and recommendations from around the world on EasyDestination. en-us Nucleus CMS v3.51 ??? Weblog http://backend.userland.com/rss http://www.easydestination.net/blog//nucleus/nucleus2.gif Easy Destination Blog http://www.easydestination.net/blog/ Tiger Sharks Sighting Warning In Queensland http://www.easydestination.net/blog/index.php?itemid=1050
Tiger Shark
Flickr Photo By: WIlly Volk
The Sunshine Coast Rescue helicopter spotted at least 100 tiger sharks in the ocean while returning from a job this morning. The helicopter has reported the Shark sighting to the lifeguards.

Tiger Sharks were spotted just 10 meters from the shore therefore lifeguards may close the beach for some time. Among 100 tiger sharks spotted, two were over 4 meters long.

So far there is no word from the lifeguards on the issue. But there are some reports that shore from Noosa to South of Hervey Bay may be closed or at least will be put of alert. Lifeguards can also send a boat in the water to search for the sharks.

Sharks were reported to be chasing tuna that's why they might have come so close to the beach. There's good chance that sharks had gone back deep in the ocean. If they are still chasing tuna in the region then swimming in the water could be dangerous.

Tiger Sharks are considered to be very dangerous for the humans even though there are very few incidents of tiger shark attacks on humans.

tags: , , , , , , ]]> Tiger SharkShark SightingShark AttackQueenslandTunaNoosaHervey Bay Travel News http://www.easydestination.net/blog/index.php?itemid=1050 Fri, 3 Sep 2010 07:29:05 +0530 Cancun Bar Attack Could Prove Fatal For Mexico Tourism http://www.easydestination.net/blog/index.php?itemid=1048 Mexico Tourism. Cancun Bar Attack is the latest in a string of drug related violence which is bad news for Mexico Tourism.
Cancun, Mexico
Flickr Photo By: Ricardo Carreon
In past couple of months, drug related violence in Mexico has gone to all time high. It has forced United States to issue travel advisory for the citizens. This violence has started to take toll on Mexico Tourism Industry.

Mexico tourism has taken quite a hit after swine flu has been devastated by the recent string of drug related violence. Several tourism related businesses have closed in Mexico and several others are on verge of shut down. Tourists Arrival has dropped sharply in Mexico raising alarm for tourism industry.

Mexico Tourism urges that despite violence in North Mexico, country remains pretty safe for the tourists. All the incidents of violence have not taken place in any tourist area. Even Cancun Bar Attack took place in residential area not around tourist area in Cancun.

However these excuses are not likely to make any effect as tourists will continue to avoid Mexico unless it manages to curb the violence in the Northern part of the country. Yesterday's attack on one of the popular travel destination in Mexico, Cancun, will only make matter worse for the tourism industry.

Hotel Owners are expecting more cancellation due to yesterday's Bar attack in Cancun which killed 8 people. Hotel Owners blame US media for hyping the issue which is affecting tourism in the region.

tags: , , , , , ]]> CancunBar AttackMexico TourismDrug ViolenceTravel AdvisoryUnited States Travel News http://www.easydestination.net/blog/index.php?itemid=1048 Fri, 3 Sep 2010 06:54:30 +0530 Hurricane Earl Could Affect Labor Day Tourism Of Carolinas http://www.easydestination.net/blog/index.php?itemid=1046
Hurricane Earl
Labor Day Weekend has always brought thousands of tourists to the North and South Carolina coasts. But this year due to Hurricane Earl, people may decide to spend their vacation somewhere else.

Hurricane Earl has come down under the category 3 from 4 which is some relief. However Federal Emergency Management Agency has warned people living on the Eastern Coast to be prepared to evacuate if storm takes a turn inland.

At this time it is difficult to say if the storm will parallel to the U.S. coast then curve out to sea, or whether it will slam into the coast. But experts says by tomorrow they will be able to predict it.

Hurricane Alert is likely to affect Tourism in Carolinas for the Labor Day Weekend. As for now tourists are enjoying the beach regardless of the hurricane Earl. Boys are enjoying wild waves in the ocean, but it could all change come weekend.

Several tourists currently spending their vacation at the North and South Carolina Beaches have said to leave before weekend. Hotels have also reported very few cancellations due to concerns surrounding Hurricane Earl.

Tourists are advised to keep an eye on latest updates related to the storm. Apart from Carolinas, Hurricane Earl is also going to affect Massachusetts beaches as well.

tags: , , , , , ]]> North CarolinaHurricane EarlSouth CarolinaBeachesLabor Day WeekendTourism Travel News http://www.easydestination.net/blog/index.php?itemid=1046 Fri, 3 Sep 2010 06:13:32 +0530 Goa Tourism Shocked By Mysterious Oil Spill on Beaches http://www.easydestination.net/blog/index.php?itemid=1045 Goa Tourism is nervous as several beaches are affected by Oil Spill in the state.
Goa Beach
Thousands of tar balls continue to pollute beautiful beaches of Goa, including Calangute, Siquerim, Candolim and Colva. The tar balls are surfacing from the sea and high tide is taking them towads shore. Cleaning operations has begun on the beaches in Goa.

Some beaches are very badly affected by the oil spill. Some tourists have reported that it has become impossible to walk on the beach without staining your feet. Few beaches are covered with tar balls at least 1 foot thick.

Director of Tourism Department says that there is nothing to worry, these things happens during Monsoon. Cleaning operations have begin. But sources says that entire South Goa beaches have turned black due to oil spill. Some tourists have also said that situation in much worse than what tourism department says.

Another problem is that cleaning workers are not equipped with the required gadgets to clean the beaches properly. Since oil continues to wash on the beaches, it could take some time before beaches of Goa are cleaned again.

The source of the oil spill remains to be a mystery. National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) says its probably due to dumping of oil overboard by a passing ship. But NIO too is surprised by the quantity of Oil on the beaches and criticized the government for allowing ships to dump oil illegally in the ocean.

Tourism Industry is shocked with the latest development. They are not sure how it will affect the tourism season in Goa. If the problem is not fixed soon, tourism in Goa may also suffer like Florida and other Gulf States. Tourism Ministry has assured that this incident will not affect the tourism season of Goa but hotels and other tourism related businesses are very nervous.

tags: , , , , , , , ]]> Goa TourismGoa BeachesOil SpillTar BallsSouth GoaCalanguteSiquerimColva Travel News http://www.easydestination.net/blog/index.php?itemid=1045 Thu, 2 Sep 2010 21:15:00 +0530 The Great US Experience - which one is right for you? http://www.easydestination.net/blog/index.php?itemid=1044 The Bright Lights and the Big Apple

Central Park in New York City
Before we ever set foot on the streets, many of us would have already fallen in love with New York from what we've seen and heard about the big city, mostly from the movies. Take a stroll down Fifth Avenue and you'll instantly recognise Central Park, the subway, Tiffany's and the hot dog stands. Some of us may already know the lines to our favourite Broadway musicals by heart, and exactly which train to take to "the Village". It's just as much fun to discover the bright lights of the Big City for the first time and try to figure out its the unique city etiquette - just how how do you hail a taxi?

You can fly direct from Australia to New York on Qantas - the flight takes just over 20 hours. Otherwise, break up your journey and drop into New Zealand, Hawaii or book cheap international flights to Los Angeles and continuing on to JFK Airport in the city.

Surf's Up!

Hawaii Beach
If you're looking to catch some waves, the US has plenty of splendid beaches and a surf culture that is sure to delight. Start with Hawaii holidays that take you infamous monster surf beaches like Oahu or Sunset Beach at Halewai, while easy beginner waves are found at Waikiki and Kauai. Or head for the mainland and enjoy the many beaches that line the shores of California and the West Coast. The Atlantic Coast offers a few good spots as well - Florida has Cocoa Beach, Sebastian Inlet and Daytona Beach which are popular amongst surfing locals.

Road Trippin'

When it comes to the classic road trip, we think of Route 66 and cross country driving through the "Lower 48" as the Americans call it. The US is perfect for car journeys - there are a number of quaint townships and an abundance of roadside diners to stop into along the way. If you're keen to drive across the country, international flights will get you to either the East or West coasts, where you can rent a vehicle and be on your way. Plan out your route, there are a number of major freeways that interlink across the country or you can opt for the roads less taken. A trip across country can take anywhere from 48 hours (if you only stop for toilet breaks!) or a good few weeks if you really take the time to explore everything that the States have to offer.


What's your ideal US holiday experience?


tags: , , , , ]]> Hawaii BeachUnited StatesNew York CityCentral ParkBroadway Destination http://www.easydestination.net/blog/index.php?itemid=1044 Tue, 31 Aug 2010 17:53:00 +0530 York Festival of Food and Drink 2010 http://www.easydestination.net/blog/index.php?itemid=1043 York Festival of Food and Drink is much awaited food festival in England which has something for everyone to enjoy and have fun.
York Festival of Food and Drink
Flickr Photo By: alh1
York Festival of Food and Drink takes place at some of the historical venues in the York city like Mansion House, York Guildhalland many other interesting areas.

The Festival believes strongly that food and drink education can be fun. Consequently it host cookery demonstrations, workshops and competitions for schools, amateur cooks and young chefs in Parliament Street and in York's Guildhall. There is also a top quality programme of drinks events including wine tastings, a Whisky Festival and a Festival Ale Trail around the city.

The theme for this year's festival is Meet Yorkshire Food Heroes with exciting plans for ‘early evening activities’ in 2010, that include events in the Fountain Café and Beer Tent, extended demonstrations and markets (in Parliament Street), and a new Grazing Café (on St Sampson's Square).

There is something for everyone is this exciting food and drink festival like Young Chef's Competition and live food and drink demonstrations to the Food Theatre programme and the Ale Trail. Apart from that there will more interesting events like Chocolate Evening, York Whisky Lounge Festival 2010, Guildhall Rove and much more.

The festival will take place from 17th September 2010 to 26th September 2010 at various venues in York city. Some events are free to visit where some will require you to buy tickets. Comeplete List of events and tickets is available at the official website of the event - http://www.yorkfoodfestival.com/

tags: , , , , , ]]> York Festival of Food and DrinkYoung Chef FestivalChocolate EveningFountain CafeYorkEngland Travel Events http://www.easydestination.net/blog/index.php?itemid=1043 Tue, 31 Aug 2010 14:55:56 +0530 Hong Kong Protests Over Hostage Crisis Scares Filipino Tourists http://www.easydestination.net/blog/index.php?itemid=1041 Manila Hostage Crisis has outraged Hong Kong which has scared Philippines tourists.
Hostage Crisis, Manila
Hong Kong has been favorite shopping destination for Filipino tourists. This time of the year is known for Shopping Sale is Hong Kong which attracts thousands of tourists from Philippines. But this year tourists are not sure to visit Hong Kong.

Reason for that it anger and outrage in Hong Kong over the outcome of Bus Hijack drama in Manila which resulted in death of 8 Hong Kong citizens. People have criticized the way Manila Police handled the situation. Hong Kong even went on to issue travel advisory for Philippines.

Angry residents of Hong Kong rallied in frond of Philippine consulate in Hong Kong. Filipino tourists are scared to become victim of Hong Kong citizens anger. There have been reports of few incidents where people of Hong Kong have behaved very rudely with the Filipino tourists.

Tour Operators in Philippines have reported decline in booking for Hong Kong. They are saying that people are not sure to travel Hong Kong as they fear for their safety.

Philippine consulate has also advised people who are not sure to visit Hong Kong to postpone their trips for some time. However he assured people that they are completely safe in Hong Kong and he has full faith in Hong Kong Police and government.

tags: , , , , , ]]> Hong KongFilipino TouristsBus HijackHostage CrisisShopping DestinationPhilippines Travel News http://www.easydestination.net/blog/index.php?itemid=1041 Tue, 31 Aug 2010 11:42:41 +0530 Ryanair Airline Threatens To Pull Out of Shannon Over Fees Hike http://www.easydestination.net/blog/index.php?itemid=1040
Ryanair Airline
Shannon Airport announced to increase passenger charges by 33 per cent to €6.30 to come par with other airports. This decision was taken despite the fact that passenger numbers at Shannon Airport has decreased considerably.

Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary has strongly objected to the fees hike by the Shannon Airport and threatened to pull flights off the airport. He said that fees hike will make the airport less attractive for the airline at the time when passengers number are dropping. Michael O'Leary said:
At a time when Shannon Airport should be lowering costs, particularly entering the winter, the airport has announced a crazy plan to raise passenger fees further by 33pc

This will further damage Shannon's flights, traffic and tourism business, since price-sensitive passengers simply won't pay these unjustified price hikes from a government-owned airport monopoly.

On the other hand Shannon Airport has justified the fees hike and said it was important for the airport to reduce losses. Despite the fees hike airport remains to be less expansive than other regional airports. Shannon airport is still offering schemes like 100 per cent discount on airport charges.

But Ryanair isn't impressed with the statement by Shannon Airport and want Department of Transport to interfere in the issue and force Shannon airport to reverse the fees hike else Ryanair will be forced to pull off some flights from the airport.

tags: , , , , ]]> RyanairShannon AirportFees HikeAirport ChargesPassenger Charges Travel News http://www.easydestination.net/blog/index.php?itemid=1040 Tue, 31 Aug 2010 11:04:47 +0530 Warning: Book Extra Seat for Musical Instrument On Ryanair Else You'll Be Barred http://www.easydestination.net/blog/index.php?itemid=1039
Francesca Rijks
Photo By: Express.co.uk
Father of Francesca Rijks told that airline staff allowed them to carry violin as hand luggage but still workers at the gate demanded them to buy an extra seat for the violin at the whopping price of £190 which is more than double of their own seats cost.

Mr Rijks agreed to pay for the extra seat but later airline refused to allow father, daughter to fly because boarding was closed. Mr Rijks was outraged by the incident and demanded Ryaniar to refund their tickets and urged musicians and their families to avoid traveling in Ryanair Airline.

They are later forced to travel with easyjet to fly home from Germany and easyjet had no problem accepting violin as hand luggage. This is not the first incident on the Ryanair Airline earlier in the month, Daily Mail reported an incident trio of violinists had to pay £1,340 for extra seats for their violins.

Ryanair has said that large musical instrument like violin and guitar can't go in the hold and require their own seats. Only musical instrument which meet the hand luggage guidelines of up to 10 kg and not bigger than 55cm x 40cm x 20cm can be carried on-board.

tags: , , , , , ]]> Ryanair AirlineMusical InstrumentEasyJetHand LuggageViolinFrancesca Rijks Travel News http://www.easydestination.net/blog/index.php?itemid=1039 Tue, 31 Aug 2010 06:59:54 +0530 Great White Shark Sighting Prompted Warning At Pacifica Beach http://www.easydestination.net/blog/index.php?itemid=1037
Great White Shark
According to eyewitnesses, shark was sighted around 150 yards off the beach about 1p.m. local time near Linda Mar Beach, a section of Pacifica State Beach. Eyewitnesses saw massive 18-feet long great white shark attacking a sea lion in the water.

Several surfers, boaters and people on the beach reported great white shark attack the the Pacifica Police. According to police there are around 10 witnesses who saw the shark attack from different angles. It was enough of the police is issue warning for the beach.

A surfer saw in the water at the time of shark attack, saw great white shark thrashing around with a sea lion in its mouth and large amount of blood in the water. According to the eyewitnesses 2 men on a small boat charged towards the beach telling everyone to get out of the water.

Police has put up the signs on the beach asking people to stay away from the water.

tags: , , , , , ]]> Great White SharkShark SightingShark AttackSea LionPacifica BeachLinda Mar Beach Travel News http://www.easydestination.net/blog/index.php?itemid=1037 Tue, 31 Aug 2010 06:21:02 +0530