Taking off Travel blog

Theme Parks - Florida's Got 'Em!

Florida is one of my favorite places. Here, Adriano Comegna shares the reasons he thinks the Sunshine State is worth a visit.

1. Florida enjoys 3,200 hours of sunshine a year. Orange juice is the Official State Beverage and over two million alligators patrol the state’s waterways. It is a playground for the super-rich and a hideaway for eccentrics. From the beginning of June to the end of November it’s hurricane season. And, of course, it is the theme park capital of the world.

2. Standards of service are universally excellent. In Florida, as in the rest of the US, servers are paid half the minimum wage, the balance being made up by tips. 15%-20% is customary to the extent that it can be taken as an insult if a tip is not forthcoming. Obviously if service is bad, complain. Service matters here – people are proud of what they do and, if you accept this cultural difference and budget accordingly, you will be guaranteed a smashing time.

3. A local delicacy well worth seeking out is the stone crab. The only part that’s eaten is the claw, which with a blindfold and mayo, is as close as you’ll get to lobster without actually eating lobster. Stone crab fishermen remove the biggest claw from stone crabs before dropping them back in the sea. The crab can still defend itself and within 18 months has grown a new claw.

4. Florida is known as the sunshine state. Those 3,200 hours a year help produce mangoes, papaya, guava, passion fruit and citrus of every description. Breakfast can seem like the best meal of the day. If options allow, choose the buffet.

5. Sited as far south as feasible, in order to benefit from the ‘slingshot’ effect of the spinning earth, the Kennedy Space Center saw the last shuttle roll to a halt on July 21st 2011. It remains a monument to the first space age. Attractions include the Saturn V rocket, the launch simulation room at the Apollo Centre, the Rocket Garden and tours of the launch pads.

6. The Florida Keys are closer to Cuba than the US and have a charm and laid-back intensity all of their own. The writer Ernest Hemingway loved it here and, on wilder nights, would referee boxing matches in a local restaurant.

7. The Art Deco architecture of South Miami is famous worldwide and is a magnet for photographers. Sign up for one of the gossipy walking tours and discover niches and corners usually undiscovered by tourists.

8.Founded by conquistador Leon in 1509, St Augustine is the oldest settlement on the US mainland. Cobbled streets, Spanish renaissance architecture and a sprinkling of galleries and antique shops make for a quaint break from the bustle and shine of 21st century Florida.

9. No visit to Florida would be complete without a visit to a theme park. The choice is staggering, the theme park business having been almost invented here. Disney of course is king, with all things mouse and Pixar celebrated here. Usually the ride is constructed after a hit movie. Not so with ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ at Disneyland. Expect a soaking. [Ed: check out Orlando Airport Parking if you're planning a visit to a Florida theme park.]

10. The Everglades are a primeval landscape of mangroves and alligators. Take an airboat tour to glimpse wildlife and enjoy a landscape that hasn’t changed since the last ice age. Complete your journey in Miami with a spicy Cuban style dinner. The food here seldom disappoints. Enjoy.

Adriano Comegna writes on behalf of Thomson holidays, a leading travel operator specialising in Florida holidays.

San Francisco is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and popular cities in all of America. Unfortunately, the city does not lend itself to easy travel, particularly for newcomers. If you’re planning a business trip to San Francisco, here are some tips for navigating the city without using your entire expense account for tolls.

The Airport

San Francisco is home to a top-rated International airport. If you’re a frequent traveler, you should have no problem navigating your way through the airport. If you don’t travel, getting in and out of the airport can be a bit daunting. The best tip, in this case, is to make use of either the airport’s shuttle service or a taxi. Hiring a professional will take the stress out of leaving the airport and finding your way to your hotel.

Where to Go

If you’re given a choice of where to stay, head to Market Street. The street runs from the northeastern edge of the city, through downtown and continues southwest through the city. Not only does Market Street give you a true taste of all that is San Francisco but it virtually eliminates the need for a car.

If you have a bit of time to explore, hop aboard one of the cable cars, horse-drawn streetcars or trolleybuses and head out on the town.  Market Street is home to everything you’ll need on your trip so there’s really no need to stray far. From shops and restaurants to cafes and pubs, walk out of your hotel and you’ll be only a block or two away from whatever you’re looking for.

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This vacation destination in the Canary Islands owes its perpetually perfect climate to its location between Spain and Africa. The island is unique, with volcanic backdrops, natural wonders, sandy beaches, and luxury resorts. Enjoy active adventures or relax at a fine restaurant. Although a popular spot for a holiday, Lanzarote has retained much of its natural beauty, culture and traditions.

History and Culture

After volcanic eruptions decimated the island in the 18th and 19th centuries, the people of Lanzarote came up with a way to farm and stay on the island. It rarely rains in Lanzarote, but the volcanic rock that covers the soil soaks up moisture from the air, releasing it into the plants cultivated beneath it. The stark lava fields are actually quite fertile, and grapevines grew well in this soil—wine is now a popular industry in Lanzarote.

Artist and architect Cesar Manrique had a significant influence on the island. He prevented tourism from overtaking the island and made sure the natural aesthetic was maintained as resorts and tourist attractions were built. Manrique made sure no building on the island was taller than a palm tree and he  prevented billboards from being raised on the roadsides.

The people of Lanzarote are jovial, colorful and unassuming. Festivals and music are popular any time of year, and the cuisine reflects the local culture. The people of the island take pride in the local agriculture: the small potatoes grown on the island, local wine and seafood.

Jameos del Agua

The top tourist attraction in Lanzarote is an ancient lava tube that has been transformed into a center of art, culture and tourism. Explore this tunnel that houses a restaurant, a natural saltwater pool, and an auditorium. It’s a distinctive blend of natural and manmade that’s unexpected and surprising.

Visitors enter the attraction via a large stone staircase that winds its way into a restaurant-bar. After walking down a hallway, visitors will come upon a natural saltwater pool that has collected from salt water seeping through the volcanic rock. Living in the pool are miniscule albino crabs that have become blind from their evolution in this dark cave.

After passing the saltwater pool, visitors will enter an exotic tropical garden that surrounds an aqua-colored pool. Attend a concert or a music festival in the auditorium at the end of the tunnel.

Outdoor Activities

Lanzarote is an ideal place to be active. Take a camel safari across the arid landscape, or play golf on a lush, green course. Visitors can go horseback riding across the beaches or bicycling over the rolling hills. If you would rather go exploring underground, check out the many caverns and tunnels formed during the island’s volcanic history. Ancient inhabitants of the island used to hide in these caves to stay out of sight of invading pirates, but today many caves are open to visitors and tours. If you prefer to view the land from above, you can take a sky tour on a small plane or fly like a bird on a skydiving excursion.

Of course, relaxing on the beach is one of the best things to do on Lanzarote. Walk along the white sand dunes at Fuerteventura Beach and swim in the crystal-clear water. Playa Blanca, once a quaint fishing village, is now one of the most active tourist beaches on the island. Find a secluded beach on the south side of the island. They are easily accessible, but due to their lack of amenities, beaches like Playa Mujeres and Playa de Papagayo remain relatively private.

If you’re looking for the perfect vacation, the perfect weather and the perfect beaches, check out Lanzarote. The landscape and the tourist attractions are like no other, and there is always something to do, whether it’s sampling the local cuisine or getting out into the open air.

Francesca Santelli is a travel advisor who suggests cheapholidaysabroad.org as a great package holiday search engine with lots of ideas for Mediterranean and European destinations, such as lanzarote holidays specials.

Fancy a bit of mama’s home cooking? Imagine a guide to eating your way round long-legged Italy…

Forget your cordon bleu and your nouvelle cuisine– Italy is all about back-to-basics, Editno-nonsense fare. It’s an all out carb-fest of a place that’s not embarrassed to say it likes its food. And the best bit is Italy’s said to have one of the healthiest diets in the world. So what better excuse to dive headfirst into a bowl of steaming pasta or reach for that second slice of pizza? When in Rome and all that…

But it’s not just food that gets people stuffing napkins in their collars, it’s the Italian approach to mealtimes. In fact, you could say food is the backbone of everyday life. Lunch is a two-hour affair, whatever the day, and evenings are played out around the dinner table.

So it comes as no surprise that the country has got an impressive dining scene. Go down any backstreet, and you’ll wander past trattorias packed with people twizzling spaghetti around their forks. Past pizzerias where chefs in marshmallow hats toss frisbees of dough into the air. And past waterfront ristorante tempting you in with fish plucked fresh from the sea. You certainly won’t go hungry in Italy.

One thing to remember before you start our gastro tour – with all that bright red tomato sauce splashing around, just don’t wear anything white…

Venetian Riviera

Primi

Polenta – While pasta certainly gets a look in, it’s all about polenta in these parts. Made from maize, this yellow staple looks a bit like marzipan. It’s usually grilled and sprinkled with parmesan. The flavour? Imagine taking a pestle and mortar to a bag of Doritos and you’re almost there.

Secondi

Risotto – The secret to this rice dish is TLC – white wine has to be stirred into the mix gradually. Properly cooked risotto should be soft and liquid with an al dente bite. Get it wrong and you could be dishing up rice pudding. Try risi e bisi, made with peas, pancetta and cream.

Dolce

Tiramisu – Translated, tiramisu means ‘pick me up’. Reason being, this rich sponge cake is laced with coffee so a caffeine fix is all part of the deal. Add indulgent layers of soft mascarpone and a generous dusting of cocoa powder and you’ve got one belt-loosening dessert.

Vini

Prosecco – Italy’s answer to champers, this sparkling wine makes a great aperitif. For full-on bubbles ask for Prosecco Frizzante – otherwise go for Prosecco Spumante. Add a slug of fresh peach juice and you’ve got yourself a Bellini, darling.

Neapolitan Riviera

Primi

Insalata Caprese – Along with streets paved with Gucci, Capri is famous for this salad. Thick slabs of mozzarella share plate space with equally thick slices of tomato, all garnished with torn basil and oregano. Dress with extra virgin olive oil and ground black pepper and you’re good to go.

Secondi

Pizza Margherita – It may be the plain Jane of the pizza world but it’s arguably the best. It was invented in 1889 by Rafaele Esposito. He cooked up a patriotic-looking pizza for Queen Margherita, with tomato, mozzarella and basil standing in for the colours of the Italian flag.

Dolce

Baba Napolitana – This limoncello-soaked brioche is the mother of all liqueur cakes. While the roots of the baba are hotly debated – it would seem the French came up with it first – most agree the Neapolitan version eclipsed earlier incarnations and has never been beaten since.

Vini

Radici Taurasi – Since famous foodie, R W Apple Junior, of New York Times fame, declared “Neapolitan wine finds high notes”, southern Italian wines have been enjoying their moment in the sun. He described the Radici Taurasi, a majestic red, as the “Barolo of the south”.

Tuscany

Primi

Ribollita – Once upon a time, this stodgy soup was power food for peasants. Its name means ‘reboiled’, but don’t let that put you off. Bubbling with wholesome ingredients like cannellini beans, bread, zucchini and Tuscan black cabbage, it’s a pot of soul-warming satisfaction.

Secondi

Bistecca alla Fiorentina – Steak fans won’t be able to resist this Florentine favourite. As thick as a brick, this icon of Tuscan cuisine is seasoned with rosemary and then has a brief encounter with the grill before being drizzled with olive oil and spritzed with a wedge of lemon.

Dolce

Torta della Nonna – ‘Grandma’s cake’, this sweet pudding is the Tuscan take on the humble custard tart. Sprinkled with pine nuts and edged in crumbly pastry, it’s incredibly moreish in a wonderfully down-to-earth way. Second helpings are a certainty.

Vini

Chianti – Forget those immortal Hannibal Lecter lines and dive into a glass of this rich ruby nectar at the first opportunity. With its floral, cherry and nutty notes, this Tuscan-grown legend is the granddaddy of Italian reds.

Sicily

Primi

Arancini – These balls of rice are stuffed with bolognaise or mozzarella, rolled in breadcrumbs and dropped into hot oil. They look like satsumas when they reappear, hence their name – arancini means ‘little oranges’. Just don’t expect a vitamin C boost. Their other name is bombetti – fat bombs!

Secondi

Sarde a Beccafico – Fancy a fish supper? Then give this traditional Sicilian dish a whirl. Breaded sardines are stuffed with a sweet and savoury combo of pine nuts, anchovies, cinnamon, grapes and raisins, and fried until golden. Makes battered cod sound positively boring in comparison.

Dolce

Cassata – This calorie-fest of a pudding dates back to Sicily’s Arab days. Made from sponge cake, it’s filled with creamy ricotta, almond paste and candied fruits. An added helping of sugar and chocolate nudge this naughty-but-nice number into the molar-dissolving end of the spectrum.

Vini

Marsala – Lord Nelson was a big fan of this dessert wine. In fact, Marsala became a standard ration for the British fleet. Even now the navy still keeps stocks aboard its ships. It’s the perfect after-dinner tipple and the prestigious Pellegrino label is one of the top corks.

Adriano Comegna writes for First Choice Holidays, a leading travel operator specializing in last minute holidays.  (Image: micurs)

And here’s part 2 of our Indian business travel guide by Priya Parul

Attire: India, being in the tropical zone, is warm most parts of the year. Except for the northern regions, the rest of India does not experience winters. If you are travelling in April-September, keep your clothing cool and light. Formal shirts and trousers are the norm here with a blazer/ jacket thrown in for more formal meetings. For women, conservative business formals can easily be worn. If travelling in the months of October-March, it is recommended to carry warm clothing, depending on the part of the country you are visiting.

Business Entertainment: In a usual scenario, your hosts will insist on taking you out for lunch/ dinner or arranging the same for you within the office premises. It is one of the traits that come naturally to Indians. Working lunches have increasingly caught up. In case you would like to have a drink with your meal, it will be a good idea to ask your host about it, albeit discreetly. If you are in Ahmedabad or anywhere in the state of Gujarat, it will be better to abstain as Gujarat is a dry state. Most locals frown upon alcohol and you may not want to put yourself and your host in a tight spot. It is also a good idea to avoid beef as Hindus, the predominant religious group in India, consider the cow as sacred.

Businesswomen: Though India has opened up considerably and most metropolises have cultures akin to those of London and New York, there may be a slight difference in the way Indians interact with women. Do not be offended or surprised if your male host does not look at you while talking. With respect to safety, you should have dependable arrangements with respect to your accommodation and commute. It is unwise to step out unescorted after dark. At work or outside, if you encounter any sort of harassment, do not hesitate to raise an alarm.

Currency: The Indian currency is Indian National Rupee or simple Rupee. Most importance currencies like Dollar, Euro, Pound, and Yen can easily be converted at various points. All large establishments also accept credit cards and travelers’ cheques. For day-to-day use, however, it is advisable to carry the Indian rupee.

Transport: The public transport system is insufficient, given the large Indian population. It is, thus, avoidable for people unaccustomed to it. Ask your Indian counterpart to make stay and transport arrangements for you. Alternatively, your hotel would be able to provide you with transport. However, if you are adventurous and want a flavor of the real India, step out on the streets and flag a taxi or a three-wheeler called auto rickshaw. In Mumbai, you can safely assume to be billed by a meter system, but in other cities, you will have to put all your bargaining skills to work! For a point-to-point travel, enquire about rates beforehand so that you are not taken for a ride. If you have company and time on your hands, you can try other means of transport like metro, local train and bus.

Weekends and After-Office Hours: Enquire about local places of interest and utilize your weekends in exploring these. E.g. if you are in Delhi, you can do a heritage walk which will take you through the Mughal dynasty. In Mumbai, you can explore the various street markets and simply let your hair down in coffee shops along with beach.

Shopping: The richness of India gets reflected in the wide variety of wares it seeks to sell. From comparatively inexpensive branded merchandise to handicrafts, you can have a field day picking up mementos for dear ones back home. In large shopping malls or showrooms, the prices will be fixed but in small shops and roadside kiosks, there is room for bargaining. Do not shy away from haggling as there is a good chance that you are being quoted an inflated price.

Sightseeing: If you have time on your hand, make sure you visit a few tourist destinations. India is rich in its diversity which gets reflected in its mountains of Himachal, deserts of Rajasthan, beaches of Goa, backwaters of Kerala, temples of south India, and mangroves of Sundarbans. Depending on the region you are visiting, make provision for a trip to nearby points of interest. There is much to take back from India!

Safety: As with any other big city, Indian cities have their share of law and order challenges. However, for most parts, it is safe to stay and carry on with day-to-day work. Be careful about your documentation; have the contact details of your embassy/ high commission handy; and exercise a little more restraint than normal. Till you are familiar with the city, it is best to step out in company, especially after dark.

India is huge, and diverse. What applies to one region may be in complete contrast to another. So when you reach, observe the local customs and follow accordingly. Ask, if you have doubts. Your Indian friends will be more than willing to educate you on their tradition.

The skyline of Mumbai may look like that of Manhattan at night but India still preserves its mysticism of being the land of the maharajas and snake charmers. So do not just do business here; discover India. India cannot be ignored any longer.

Image: mayankpandey