Viajes / Travel

Thu03Dec2015

Oakland to Europe: A low-cost, high-value travel adventure

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Elena Miramar y Darren Ballegeer Print Email

The discount category of airlines is defined by lower base fares and a more democratic pricing model that gives you a choice in paying for meals, seat assignment, and checked bags.

The cost of living in Oakland, California is 45 percent more expensive than in Madrid, Spain (www.expatistan.com). Such a large difference in cost is not surprising to people who’ve visited Europe, which is a great vacation value in many ways (See: Europe is a great adventure and a great value). In cities and towns across Europe, we continue to see lower prices on hotels, food, drink and entertainment compared to popular travel destinations in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.

Mon26Oct2015

Vacaciones de cuento de hadas en la tierra de castillos, Vikingos y la hamburguesa original

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Elena Miramar y Darren Ballegeer Print Email

Hermosas ciudades, pueblos pintorescos, naturaleza virgen y casas medievales, catedrales y castillos hacen de Europa un libro de cuento de hadas que cobra vida.

Europa es una aventura increíble a un gran precio ----

Al pensar sobre sus hábitos al salir de vacaciones, ¿usualmente viaja a lugares en los que se siente familiarizado o busca destinos que ofrecen una experiencia nueva y emocionante? Muchas personas están buscando simplemente escapar de su vida cotidiana e ir a un lugar que satisfaga las necesidades simples de sol, diversión y relajación - en California, los hispanos a menudo optan por México, Los Ángeles, Las Vegas, u otros lugares conocidos. Sin embargo, al desafiarte un poco a ti mismo e ir a un lugar realmente diferente, te premiará en formas que no es posible cuando sigues al público habitual.

Sat24Oct2015

A storybook vacation in the land of castles, Vikings, and the original hamburger

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elena miramar and darren ballegeer Print Email

Much of Europe’s stunning beauty is due to a deep devotion to its past – it’s easy to find well-preserved homes, hotels, and castles dating from 500 or more than 1,000 years ago.

Europe is a great adventure and a great value ---

When thinking about your vacation habits, do you travel to places that feel familiar or do you look for destinations that offer a new and exciting experience? Many people are simply looking to escape their everyday life and go to a place that satisfies simple needs of sun, fun, and relaxation -- in California, Hispanics often choose Mexico, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, or other familiar places. Challenging yourself a bit to go somewhere truly different, though, will reward you in ways not possible by following your usual crowd.

Sun06Sep2015

Buddha’s beach retreat

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Darren Ballegeer Print Email

Zipolite, Mexico is a primo example of a truly unique and authentic place that is natural in its expression of life and lifestyles.

More than a nudist destination, Zipolite, Mexico offers a rare diversity of experience ---

The best travel experiences always happen in smaller destinations that are relatively unknown. The most memorable, rewarding, and authentic experiences happen in unique places that are proactively sought out or accidentally discovered through a freer style of travel.

Zipolite, Mexico is a primo example of a truly unique and authentic place that is natural in its expression of life and lifestyles. It’s a diverse and international community where people live as they choose – such freedom and diversity attract visitors from around the world and many visitors become permanent residents.

Sat11Apr2015

¿El país más amigable? Viviendo la hospitalidad irlandesa

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Darren Ballegeer Print Email

Irlanda ha sido elegido el país más amigable en el mundo dos veces desde 2009 por los lectores de Lonely Planet.

En las grandes ciudades del mundo, no es difícil para los turistas encontrar arquitectura impresionante, comida tentadora, arte histórico y opciones de vida nocturna – los aspectos más valorados de un destino por casi toda la gente. Veo, sin embargo, un aspecto más importante al juzgar el atractivo o valor de un destino; su gente. Escoger destinos por su gente tanto o más que otros aspectos de un lugar puede ser muy gratificante. La gente hace toda la diferencia en una experiencia al viajar. Es la gente local – la cultura local – lo que al final determina la calidad de tu experiencia como visitante. El servicio en tu hotel y restaurantes, tu interacción con la gente en las calles y en los cafés, tu aprendizaje cultural e histórico, y tu confianza y seguridad son todo producto de la gente local. Para mí, la gente es el aspecto más importante de un lugar cuando las atracciones y servicios usuales están presentes, o incluso cuando no lo están.

Sat11Apr2015

The friendliest country? Experiencing Ireland’s hospitality

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Darren Ballegeer Print Email

Ireland has been voted the friendliest country in the world twice since 2009 by readers of Lonely Planet.

In the world’s great cities, it’s not difficult for tourists to find grand architecture, tantalizing food, historic art, and lively nightlife – the most valued aspects of a destination for most people. I see, however, a more important aspect in judging a destination’s attractiveness or value; its people. Choosing destinations for their people as much or more than other aspects of a place can be very rewarding. People make all the difference in a travel experience. It’s the local people - the local culture - that ultimately determines the quality of your experience as a visitor. The service at your hotel and at restaurants, your interaction with people on the streets and in the cafes, your cultural and historical learning, and your safety and security are all a product of the local people. For me, people are the most important aspect of a place when the usual attractions and amenities are present, or even when they’re not present.