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/ The Sitges Carnival 2010 http://www.easydestination.net/blog/index.php?itemid=487 Spain will celebrate what's called its wildest party, The Sitges Carnival, one of the biggest gay event in world. The Sitges Carnival takes place from 11 to 17 February at the famous Gay Destination of Spain "Sitges".
Carnival in Sitges
Photo By: Daniel Jove
Tourists from all part of world comes to this popular event. The Sitges Carnival is specially very popular with Europeans. Every year hundreds of thousands people come from Italy,Germany, England and other parts of the Europe dressed up like the nines to enjoy the party,

The festival begins on Dijous Gras or popularly known as "Fat Thursday" with the celebration of local dishes. On SUnday and Tuesday local people parade down the Rúa del Extermini in colorful outfits, beautifully decorated carriages. Tuesday also sees some of Europe's finest drag talents in amazing drag shows. Of all days of carnival Sunday and Tuesday are the busiest days, street of Sitges are crowded by over 300,000 tourists on these days.

Folk dances and xatonades (traditional local salad served with assorted omelets) are also characteristic carnival elements. The two most important moments are the Rua de la Disbauxa, or the Debauchery Parade, on Sunday night and the Rua de l'Extermini, or Extermination Parade, on Tuesday night. Some forty-odd floats with more than 2,000 participants fill Sitges.

Sitges Carnival Parade
Photo By: pelukas2000
When:
11th to 17th Feb 2010
Parades on Sun 14th and Tue 16th

Where:

The Streets of Sitges Town

Directions: Sitges is a seaside resort about 35km south-west of Barcelona.

By Train: take line C2 from Sants or Passieg de Gràcia station in Barcelona. The journey should take 35-45 minutes.


Carnival Route And Parade Times

Thursday 11th February

7pm - Arrival of the Carnival King - La Fraga

Immediately after arriving King alog with his entourage goes down to Can Bota Park to choose Carnival Queen through Psg de la Ribera and Espanya.

Then king will continue to march towards Town Hall to address the people of town and read "Predicot".

Sunday 14th February

9pm - “Disbauxa” Parade Défilé de la Disbauxa (Rua de la Disbauxa)

Cap de la Vila, Parellades, Bonaire, Passeig de la Ribera, Fragata,l’Avinguda Sofiaand return to carrer Espanya,Plaça Espanya, Espalter, Sant Francesc, Cap de la Vila.

Tuesday 16th February

9pm - “Extermination” Parade Défilé de l’Extermini (Rua de l’Extermini)

Cap de la Vila, Parellades, Bonaire, Passeig de la Ribera,Fragata, l’Avinguda Sofia and return to carrer Espanya, Plaça Espanya, Espalter, Sant Francesc, Cap de la Vila.

Wednesday 17th February

7pm - The Kings Funeral Procession

Plaça Ajuntament, Major, Cap de la Vila, Parellades, Bonaire, Passeig de la Ribera (les
Barques beach / plage de les Barques).

8.30pm - Burial of the King

- Passeig de la Ribera (les Barques beach / plage de les Barques).

For more details Please follow the link - The Sitges Carnival

tags: , , , , , , ]]> Sitges CarnivalGay CarnivalGay EventGay FestivalParadesSpainBarcelona Travel Events http://www.easydestination.net/blog/index.php?itemid=487 Mon, 8 Feb 2010 11:18:40 +0530 Desperate Holiday Inn Hotels offers Human Bedwarmers http://www.easydestination.net/blog/index.php?itemid=485
Holidays Inn Hotel
These weird hotels includes The hotels London Kensington Forum, Holiday Inn Kingston South and Holiday Inn Manchester Central Park. These hotels will allow guests to request bed warming service in which staff of the hotel wearing special suits will hop into your bed 5 minutes before you go to bed making it warm from your comfort.

Holiday Inn is offering this service after the research by sleep expert team which claims that a bed should be around 20 to 24 degree at night. Holiday Inn will offer this service in the upcoming months.



tags: , , , , , ]]> Holiday Inn HotelsBed WarmersTravel NewsLondon Kensington ForumHoliday Inn Kingston SouthHoliday Inn Manchester Central Park Travel News http://www.easydestination.net/blog/index.php?itemid=485 Sun, 7 Feb 2010 04:58:49 +0530 Top 5 Ski Resorts in Switzerland http://www.easydestination.net/blog/index.php?itemid=483 Switzerland is a dream destination for ski lovers. Switzerland has some of the finest ski resorts in the world with fine ski slopes perfect for amateurs and professional skiers.
Listed below is the list of Top 5 Ski resorts in Switzerland. These ski resorts are ideal for amateur and professional skiers or for family travel. They not only provide finest ski experience but good accommodation, cuisine making them ideal ski destination in Switzerland.

Davos Ski Resort, Switzerland
5. Davos - Located on the Landwasser river Davos is mainly known to host "World Economic Forum" every year. Davos has some fine slopes and attracts tourists mainly from UK,Spain and Netherlands.Davos offers less challenging slopes,ideal for amateur skiers. Davos also offers world class accommodation and dining facilities.

4. Gstaad/Saanenland - Gstaad is less popular with skiers because of its difficult courses and cost. But if you take that out, it is one the best ski resort in Switzerland. Gstaad/Saanenland has some of the longest slopes in Alps. It offers great variety of accommodation and dining options. Gstaad/Saanenland also have several shops.

3. St. Moritz - St. Moritz is believed to have the breathtaking views, arguably finest than any other ski resort in Switzerland. St. Moritz is one of the most popular ski resort in Switzerland which greets tourists throughout the year. Both beginners and advance skiers will enjoy skiing in St. Moritz.

Zermatt ski resort, Switzerland
2. Zermatt - Zermatt has the cleanest and purest air in the world. Zermatt is a car-free resort. Doctors from around the world recommend people to visit Zermatt. It has some fine slopes. Zermatt also offers other activities like ice skating rinks, hiking and paragliding.

1. Verbier - Without any doubt the winner is Verbier. It is the most popular ski resort in Switzerland. Verbier has some great opportunities of beginners and advance skiers. In addition Verbier has some fine dining, hotels and shopping opportunities available. Verbier is considered as the most popular ski resort in Europe.

tags: , , , , , , , , ]]> Switzerlandswitzerland tourismski resortski tourismzermattverbierst Moritzdavostop ski resorts Destination http://www.easydestination.net/blog/index.php?itemid=483 Sat, 6 Feb 2010 06:33:24 +0530 Northwest Flower and Garden Show 2010 http://www.easydestination.net/blog/index.php?itemid=481 Northwest Flower and Garden Show will take place from 3-7 February 2010 in Seattle, USA. Northwest Flower and Garden Show will feature gardening, live music, food, wine to ensure entertainment for your entire family.
The Northwest Flower and Garden Show
The Northwest Flower and Garden Show is the third largest spring flower show in North America. It takes place at Seattle’s Washington State Convention & Trade Center.

This year's highlight will include over 350 nurseries and exhibitors displaying their gardening related services and products. 2010 edition will also showcase thousands of flowers and plants with rich colors, fragrances. This year edition will have free seminars including on the growing interest in vegetable gardening.

Other attractions include Sproutopia, Funky Junk Display, floral display competition and much more.


Show details:
WHAT: The Northwest Flower & Garden Show
WHEN: Wednesday, February 3 through Sunday, February 7, 2010
WHERE: Washington State Convention and Trade Center 7th & Pike, Seattle, WA 98101
HOURS: Wednesday – Saturday (February 3‐6) 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. & Sunday (February 7) 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

ADMISSION:
$20 Adult (regular admission at door)
$16 Early Bird (purchased at participating ticket outlets or online through February 2nd)
$15 Group (per ticket; minimum purchase of 20 tickets)
$10 Half‐Day (purchased online or at the door after 3:00 p.m. Wed. – Sat., 2:00 p.m. Sun.)
$5 Youth (ages 13 – 17)
Free Children (ages 12 and under)
Multi‐day tickets will also available.

For More Information

Northwest Flower & Garden Show (Tourist Info)
1515 NW 51st Street
Seattle
Washington
98107
United States

Tel +1 (206) 789 5333.
Email nwinfo@gardenshow.com
Website www.gardenshow.com

tags: , , ]]> The Northwest Flower and Garden ShowFlower and Garden ShowUpcoming Events Travel Events http://www.easydestination.net/blog/index.php?itemid=481 Thu, 4 Feb 2010 11:07:27 +0530 Obama visit will Boost Indonesia Tourism http://www.easydestination.net/blog/index.php?itemid=479 Indonesia. President Obama spent some years of his childhood in Indonesia.
Indonesia Tourism
Indonesia's Tourism Minister Jero Wacik said that "If President Obama comes to Indonesia, it will send huge positive message to the people specially that Indonesia is very safe to travel.

He also believed that Obama's visit will generate positive media coverage which will boost the tourism in Indonesia.

Indonesia is one of the few countries still growing despite the recession. In 2009 around 6.45 million foreign tourists visited the country .8 up from 2008. Indonesia's growth has mainly been triggered by Bali, one of the most visited tourist destination in the world. However this number is very less significant comparing to Indonesia's neighbor like Malaysia who receives more than 20 million tourists per year.

It would be interesting to see how much impact does the visit of Obama makes on the Indonesian Tourism since President Obama is dropping his popularity all over the world in past few months.

tags: , , , , , ]]> Indonesia TourismIndonesiaBarack ObamaBaliMalaysiaIndonesia Travel Travel News http://www.easydestination.net/blog/index.php?itemid=479 Thu, 4 Feb 2010 10:37:10 +0530 Great Bikini Saga of Goa Tourism http://www.easydestination.net/blog/index.php?itemid=478 Goa Tourism to take down bikini it seems that all the attention it manages to create in media is on bikini related comments.
Goa Tourism
Latest in the Bikini Saga is the false rumor spread by the media that Goa is all set to ban bikini from the beaches. This news caused some panic in the local tourism industry. Everyone started to calculate the loss this move in going to bring into the state tourism.

This report came after the recent rape case against 9 year old Russian girl in Goa. Goa Govt which held bikini accountable for some previous rape cases was feared to ban bikini in state after Russia threatened to warn its nationals not to visit Goa.

However Goa Tourism minister has come out and denied these reports. He said that there is not ban on wearing bikini on Goa Beaches. Bikini is traditional swimwear and govt has no intention to ban it from the beaches of Goa. The ban only stays on ads featuring bikini girls as we do not want to promote Goa as a sex destination.

In all this Bikini hype the key issue of securing foreign nationals in India has lost. Besides blaming each other there is no concrete steps taken by the Goa got to prevent such attacks in the future. If you are planning to visit Goa, then read these safety tips for women by my follow writer.

For now Bikini saga making all the headlines and controversies in Goa. Lets wait and see what's next to come in the Goa's Tourism fight against Bikini.

tags: , , , , ]]> Goa Beachesgoa tourismbikiniSex TourismGoa Travel News http://www.easydestination.net/blog/index.php?itemid=478 Tue, 2 Feb 2010 10:42:50 +0530 Exciting days ahead for Sri Lanka Tourism http://www.easydestination.net/blog/index.php?itemid=477 Sri Lanka tourism after the near death few months ago. Now when the war with LTTE is over and Presidential Elections in the country also held peacefully, Sri Lanka tourism has great prospect for International Tourists.
Sri Lanka Tourism
Sri Lanka has been stable and peaceful for past few months which is increasing confidence of international tourist in the country. According to latest polls, tourists have shown interest in visiting the country, specially tourists from Europe and United States.

Sri Lanka tourism still remains in coma, despite peace following the war with LTTE, tourists did not showed much confidence in traveling Sri Lanka. But I believe they were probably waiting for Presidential elections, there were fears in the media about possible violence between the elections. Now when the elections has been completed successfully, Sri Lanka will see healthy growth in tourism sector.

Recently New York Times voted Sri Lanka as the most desired place to visit in 2010, apart from that there are reports of increasing interest in Swedish tourists to visit Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka tourism has also sensed the opportunity, recently they announced collaboration with CNN to promote tourism in the country.Additionally Sri Lanka govt has reopened two of its popular wildlife sanctuary sites after more than a year. Northern Sri Lanka, the most LTTE effected part of the country is also exploring tourism prospects. The bottom line is that the days ahead for Sri Lanka tourism are bright and exciting. I don't see any reason why Sri lanka won't become the major tourist hub in the years to come. my prediction is that Sri Lanka will witness more tourists than ever before.

tags: , , , ]]> Sri LankaSri Lanka TourismTravel NewsTravel Sri Lanka Travel News http://www.easydestination.net/blog/index.php?itemid=477 Mon, 1 Feb 2010 14:35:01 +0530 Holidays in Playa Blanca http://www.easydestination.net/blog/index.php?itemid=476 Europe. Collectively welcoming well over nine million visitors every year. But these seven islands are by no means all birds of a feather – as each boasts its own unique character and identity as well as choice of resorts.
Beach at Papagayo
Lanzarote is the fourth largest of these islands and is home to three main holiday destinations. The fastest growing which is Playa Blanca – which is located right at the southern end of the island.

Playa Blanca really was the sort of quaint little fishing village that holiday brochure writers love to refer to – before tourism started to take off here during the late 1980´s. Providing a natural location for a resort thanks to the fact that the coast here boasts an abundance of great beaches. Whilst the microclimate in the south of the island delivers the best weather on Lanzarote.

As a result property developers and hotel chains were only too keen to exploit Playa Blanca’s obvious potential and during the 1990´s the village exploded into a bustling resort. Which is now firmly established as the second most popular holiday destination on the island. And little wonder – as Playa Blanca has loads to offer holidaymakers.

Beach at Playa Flamingo
Playa Blanca is basically three small sheltered coves set within one much larger bay. The resort revolves around the three main beaches of Playa Blanca (the small beach from which the town takes its name), Playa Dorada and Playa Flamingo. Which are all united by a seafront promenade which is the real focal point of the resort. As come nightfall this is where visitors and locals alike had for their evening stroll.

Just outside the resort lies the set of coves and bays that are collectively known as Papagayo. And which are widely regarded as one of the finest beaches in the whole of the Canaries. Visitors should be aware though that these playas are all natural and that there is little in the way of facilities here. So it is important to take along your own shade, food and water.

Papagayo is around a twenty minute walk from the resort centre – but it can also be reached by car as well as water taxis. Which run from the ferry port where visitors can also hop on board boat to the neighbouring island of Fuerteventura.

Playa Blanca is also ideally located for exploring Lanzarote´s principal tourist attraction – the volcanoes and lava fields of the Timanfaya National Park. Which were forged during a series of enormous eruptions in the18th century.






ABOUT AUTHOR

Nick Ball is the editor of Lanzarote Guidebook the in-depth island information guide. Visit their website to view more information about the island and to book holidays and villas in Playa Blanca direct online.

tags: , , , , , , , ]]> Playa BlancaCanary IslandsLanzarotefishing villagePapagayobeachesbeach destinationTimanfaya National Park Destination http://www.easydestination.net/blog/index.php?itemid=476 Mon, 1 Feb 2010 13:30:47 +0530 Travel Advisory for Women Tourists in Goa http://www.easydestination.net/blog/index.php?itemid=474 Goa specially American and European Tourists. This advisory will help women tourist protect themselves better while traveling in Goa.
Goa Beach
This advisory has become necessary since another Russian tourist has been raped in Goa. An nine years old girl was raped by a domestic tourist on 26th January. Following this incident Russian Embassy in India is very furious with the Police and government of Goa and India.

If you are traveling in Goa or planning to travel Goa is upcoming days kindly follow these advisory.

1. Goa is not Europe so do not travel late at night, although for many years Goa has been considered safe but things has changed.

2. Do not travel alone in India, always travel in group with at least one man, if that not possible than travel in group of at least 4-5 and always stick together.

3. Try using Public transport as much possible, like trains, Buses etc. They are cheap and at same time very safe.

4. Don't take lift from anybody, specially boys. This has been a major cause of attacks in Goa.

5. Never accept drink of food from any stranger. Do not even stay at any strangers house, use Hotels for accommodation.

6. Avoid people who are trying to be too friendly, tell them to back off or ask for somebody to help you.

Follow these simple tips to ensure a safe trip to Goa.Hopefully you'll find these tips useful. Have a safe and happy trip to Goa.

tags: , , , , , ]]> Goa AdvisoryWomen TravelersTravel TipsGoa TravelSafety TipsTravel Advisory General http://www.easydestination.net/blog/index.php?itemid=474 Fri, 29 Jan 2010 15:43:36 +0530 Quebec Winter Carnival http://www.easydestination.net/blog/index.php?itemid=473 Quebec Winter Carnival festivity will begin tomorrow 29th January in the city of Quebec in Canada. Quebec Winter Carnival is world's largest winter carnival. Every year hundred thousands people visit during the Carnival. This year organizers are expecting more than 1 Million people to participate in Quebec Winter Carnival.
Quebec Winter Carnival
This 17 days carnival will begin with a opening ceremony in the magical ice palace with the presence of the Mayor of Quebec and thousands of participants of the carnival. The Ice Palace will also host the closing ceremony. Ice Palace was first built in 1955 to honor "Bonhomme" guest of honor at that year.

This year carnival will be officially launched at the new Hydro-Québec Stage at Place Desjardins. On January 29 8 PM local time the stage will be on fire with the sound of popular music of "Champion and His G-String". Do not forget to see the breathtaking fireworks during the ceremony.

Bonhomme
Several activities will take place throughout the carnival which includes sleigh race, snow rafting, Dog Agility Competition, canoe race, dog sledding, skating and many more.

Apart from these activities Quebec Carnival will introduce live outdoor concerts this year. Several domestic and International music talents are expected to perform throughout the carnival. More than 30,000 people are expected to attend these concerts alone.

There will be 3 major parades during the carnival.

1. Day Parade 31 January, 1PM
2. First Night Parade 6 February, 7PM
3. Second Night Parade 13 February, 7PM

Some other activities includes:

Snow Sculpture
1. Skating with Bonhomme, at Place D’Youville - A chance to skate with the king of the festivities "Bonhomme".

2. Souris Mini Bonhomme's Brunch, at Hôtel Delta Québec - Enjoy great breakfast and get a chance to meet "Bonhomme".

3. Desjardins Snow Slides, Place Desjardins – Plains of Abraham - Ejoy sledding with your family at three popular snow-tubing corridors.

4. Loto-Québec Outdoor Dance Parties, Place Loto-Québec - A chance to dance under the stars at the beautiful Ice Palace.

5. Village Arctic Spas, Place Desjardins – Plains of Abraham - Enjoy hot tubs to take break from winter.

To enjoy activities of the Quebec Winter Carnival, you need The Carnival Effigy Pass also simply known as "EFFIGY". Available at the modest price of $12, Effigy provides access to most of the activities to the visitors. The Effigy is easily available on Quebec City.

Activities requiring the Effigy

TELUS Interactive Zone
WestJet Zipline
Natrel Giant Slide
Club Penguin Garden Ice
KRAFT Snow Rafting
Ice Palace Tour
Giant Table-Soccer Game
Painting Symposium
Village Arctic Spas
Desjardins Snow Slides

For more details on the Quebec Winter Carnival activities, schedules etc. Please visit the Carnival's Website - Click Here.

tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ]]> Quebec Winter CarnivalQuebecCanadaWinter CarnivalTravel EventPlace DesjardinsIce PalaceParadessleigh raceskatingCanoe Racesnow raftingBonhomme Travel Events http://www.easydestination.net/blog/index.php?itemid=473 Thu, 28 Jan 2010 15:24:26 +0530