travel in tha world

Sunday, July 4, 2010

sea voyage

The anti-whaling and environmental awareness initiative TransparentSea has scooped the esteemed ASB (Australian Surf Business) Surf Industry Award at the annual Australian Surfing Awards incorporating the Hall of Fame held on Queensland’s Gold Coast on the weekend.

The ASB Surf Industry Award is presented to “a person, persons or organisation that has continued to support the growth of surfing industry through financial and non-financial philanthropic contributions in the areas of community, environment and humanitarian aid during the 2009 calendar year”.

Among the judging panel that voted in the category are world champion surfers Mick Fanning, Tom Carroll and Layne Beachley, renowned author/journalists Sean Doherty, Nick Carroll and Adam Blakey, and industry legends Derek Hynd, Norm Innis and Phil Jarratt.

TransparentSea involved a core group of surfers who undertook a 36-day surfing/sailing odyssey down Australia’s East Coast in sea kayaks last October to highlight the plight of the migrating whales destined for the Great Southern Ocean and the inevitable visits by the Japanese whaling fleets.

In conjunction with Surfrider Foundation Australia and environmental watchdogs Tangaroa Blue, the surfers also participated in beach-clean ups and highlighted other areas of environmental concern.

Professional surfer, activist and the driving force behind TransparentSea, Dave Rastovich, accepted the award before a room packed with luminaries at the Coolangatta Hotel. Rastovich’s gracious acceptance speech included a call to industry for further support and the suggestion to utilise the network of surf schools that expose thousands of participants each year to surfing and the surfing culture for the first time.

“To inform people at the entry level of our sport is such an awesome opportunity. We have a chance to teach them about the aspects of surfing that we can’t live without which includes the beaches and the need to respect and protect them,” said Rastovich.

“If we can communicate these messages and make them a part of the foundation for learning for everyone who makes the decision to surf, then we will affect our culture in a powerful way.”

The TransparentSea voyage topped a list of commendable projects that included Rip Curl’s Planet Days, the National Surfing Reserves and World Safaris for contributions to surf travel.

Past winners of the ASB Surf Industry Award include Billabong (2008) and Coastalwatch (2009).

ASB publisher Keith Curtain said, “ASB is extremely proud to be associated with these awards and we congratulate Dave and the cast and crew who participated in the TranparentSea voyage on their win.”

“The list of nominees are all winners in their own way and the finalists underpin the commitment of individuals like Dave and Australian surf businesses across the areas of environment, junior development and humanitarian aid in 2009,” added Curtain.

For more info, please see the links below, or contact:
TransparentSea Media Manager – “JJ”
Media contact: jj@premiummedia.com.au
Mobile: +61 (0) 421 384 431

ASB Magazine:
Australasian Surf Business (ASB) magazine is Australasia’s only surf trade publication. ASB is delivered six times a year to every surf shop in Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia. In 2008 ASB received the Pioneer Award at the Australian Surfing Awards incorporating the Hall of Fame. To subscribe check out http://www.asbmag.com for all the latest news, jobs and market research.

About Hall of Fame:
The Australian Surfing Awards incorporating the Hall of Fame Inductee were first convened in 1985 by the Australian Surfriders Association (now Surfing Australia) to preserve the history of Australian Surfing and honour its great achievers.
Each year the Australian Surfing Awards incorporating the Hall of Fame Inductee are presented to recognize those who have continued to develop surfing in this country. The awards include a number of support categories that recognize the broad spectrum of individuals and organizations who are involved in the industry through events, competition, business, media, photography, movies, clubs, travel, administration or pioneering new initiatives. For more info see www.surfingaustralia.com

_____________________

Thursday, November 5th, Bondi Beach, NSW, Australia): The anti-whaling and environmental awareness campaign initiated by professional free-surfer and activist Dave Rastovich (Brunswick Heads, NSW, AUS) reached its exciting conclusion at Bondi Beach, Sydney today following an epic and testing 36 day voyage by sea which began at Byron Bay on October 1st.

Rastovich_Bondi_Arrival_low

Anti-whaling and environmental campaigner, free-surfer Dave Rastovich rides his last wave to shore at Bondi following an epic 36 day, 700+km voyage from Byron Bay. Image credit Skennar/Transparentsea

Dubbed “Transparentsea” the campaign takes aim at the Australian Government’s lack of action on Japanese whaling activity in the Southern Ocean, as well as highlighting areas of environmental concern along Australia’s eastern seaboard.

Rastovich and his fellow campaigners, including surfer/artist Chris Del Moro (San Diego, CA, USA), musician Will Conner (Byron Bay, NSW, AUS), activist Howie Cooke (Byron Bay, NSW, AUS) and photographer Hilton Dawe (Byron Bay, NSW, AUS) were welcomed to shore by hundreds of well-wishers and supporters, having accrued nearly 800km at sea in their trimaran kayaks, as they traced the path of migrating humpback whales south.

Supporters_Bondi_low

Surfers show their support by paddling out to greet the Transparentsea team at Bondi. Image credit Skennar/Transparentsea

Rastovich, who in 2005 co-founded the group “Surfers for Cetaceans” and was this year one of just 300 invitees to Al Gore’s “The Climate Project” Asia Pacific Summit in Melbourne, recounted the incredible personal interaction he and his team had experienced alongside whales during their journey and encouraged the Australian public and all-like minded people to pressure Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Minister for the Environment, Peter Garrett to uphold their pre-election promises.

“Kevin Rudd and Peter Garrett told the Australian people they would enforce and uphold international laws that would prevent the Japanese from targeting whales in the Southern Ocean Sanctuary. To date they have not acted on these promises,” said Rastovich.

“We’re here as representatives of the global surfing community and all people who are passionate about saving these amazing mammals, and we’re asking Rudd and Garrett to act now and do what they said they were going to do.”

“Everyone we’ve encountered during our trip, in every coastal town and at every beach, has been shocked to learn the Government is not acting on this issue,” said Rastovich.

During their frequent stops down the coast, the Transparentsea team in conjunction with Surfrider Foundation and Tangaroa Blue also initiated beach-cleanups with all the rubbish collected, tabulated and added to the National Marine Debris database.

“This journey has given us first-hand experience, undeniable proof, that our beaches may look good from far, but they are far from good. We visited beaches that did not have a single human footprint yet they’re covered with plastic and other forms of garbage that damage ecosystems and enter the food chain where it stays forever,” Rastovich added.

Rastovich asked that anyone who cared about the whaling issue to send a message to their local council or addressed direct to Peter Garrett and Kevin Rudd, to prompt the government into action.
Transparentsea Crew_low

Left to Right the Transparentsea campaigners included photographer Hilton Dawe, musician Will Conner, surfer Dave Rastovich, surfer Chris Del Moro, activist Howie Cooke. Image credit Skennar/Transparentsea

The original topic: travel in the world

Hot Air Balloon Rides

Cancellation Policy: There are no refunds. All sales are final.

Change Fee Policy: If changes are allowed on a tour or activity, a $20.00 per reservation change fee will be applied for any change to a reservation. Please note that some tours and activities do not allow any changes. Date changes can be made only if we can confirm availability on the new date. While we cannot guarantee any changes can be made, all change requests must be submitted a minimum of 24 hours prior to the tour departure and must be handled on an individual basis through our Reservations Center.

Next, we will board our vehicles and head off to one of our 25 launch sites (depending on the wind direction).

All passengers are invited to join in the inflation process as your balloon comes to life. We will fly for approximately one hour. Your Pilot will point out all the spectacular sites of our area.

After your flight, we will celebrate with a traditional champagne toast and head back for an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet. At breakfast, each passenger will be awarded a first flight certificate.

Reserve your flight today!

This tour includes a hotel pick-up from Disney World area hotels (Lake Buena Vista or Kissimmee) only. Prices include sales tax. Each child age 10 or under rides free per each full paying adult. Please order online, or call us toll-free at 800-983-7375.

Orlando Hot Air Balloon Ride

Orlando Hot Air Balloon Ride Sunrise

The original topic: travel in the world

Top 10 Best Beaches in the World

If you think about it, the beach is probably the most relaxing place you can go to here on planet Earth.

Beaches all over the world never fail to attract large numbers of tourists every time. But more than just tourist destinations, beaches are great getaways-they offer the “great escape” from all the hustle and bustle, exactly what every city-dweller needs.

Let us countdown some of the best beaches you should visit, rightful in their respective categories.

Clifton Beach, Capetown, South Africa

“Best Big City Beach”

When you’re spending your vacation in this paradise, it’s kinda hard to imagine you’re “just minutes away from the center of a major cosmopolitan city.” During the day, it’s hard not to miss the friendly locals and the large flock of tourists who have come to relax and enjoy the crystal waters of Clifton. The nightlife the beach offers is a blast and should not be missed! There are several bars and restaurants to choose from, as well as accommodations ranging from backpacker-friendly to jet set havens. Yes, Clifton is definitely a haven for the glamorous tourists who flew in from around the globe.

For accommodations visit Cape Venues
Pink Sands Beach, Harbor Island, the Bahamas

“Best Escape Beach”

Pink Sands is a popular destination for tourists who want to spend their holidays in a more private and intimate manner, nothing like the cosmopolitan package Clifton offers. This beach is famous for the wide-mile stretch of, yes, pink sands. Anyone who comes to this part of the Island is stunned by how miraculously nature can create such fine, almost like baby powder-like sands. You will never forget the almost-endless crystal blue horizon while lying on your back outside or in the veranda of one of the few (almost fully-booked every time) hotels. It’s a perfect getaway for your two-week office work leave.

For the best hotel accommodation visit Pink Sand Resort
Larvotto Beach, Monte Carlo, Monaco

“Best Rich and Famous Beach”

Read more in Practical Travel
« Beach or Mountain Range? Which Would a Traveler Prefer?
Top Nine Cities to Visit on Earth »

The beaches (or whatever destination) in Monaco are pricey. You have to plan your vacay in this place well, bring with you lots of cash and make sure your credit cards are within reach because the whole adventure will cost you. However, you’ll feel like the luckiest person in the world when you spend great times in Monte Carlo’s prime beach, Larvotto. The tycoons and moguls, and some blue-blooded people who live in this planet with us, actually come to this place. It’s as if the whole place is a by-invitation-only getaway. But never lose heart, anyone can go to Monte Carlo and spend his/her own R&R (don’t be stressed by the prices!) on Larvotto!

Here’s what the Travel Channel even said in one of its article about Larvotto:

“Perhaps the single most decadently glamorous beach in the world is Monte Carlo’s Larvotto Beach, where women may go without their bikini tops, but wouldn’t dare to be seen without their jewels. In fact, Larvotto’s diamond-studded visitors are about the only thing that can compete with the sparkling Mediterranean water lapping along the sandy shore.”

Now who doesn’t want to bask under the sun (who cares if it may cause us cancer) with these blessed ones?

For more information about Larvotto beach visit the Travel Channel .
For the yacht experience visit Monaco Eye
Poipu Beach, Kauai, Hawaii

“Best Family Beach”

It’s always the best time when you’re spending the holidays with your family. Especially for married couples with kids, Poipu beach offers fun, kid-friendly activities that can be enjoyed by the whole family. In Poipu, the whole family can take their vacation to a higher, more exciting level by engaging in different activities such as camping, ATV (all terrain vehicles) riding, bicycling downhill, surfing, hiking, scuba diving, and other kid-friendly activities. But the best that Poipu can offer will have to be the helicopter rides the whole family can take! Yup, kids are allowed to experience the view of Poipu from the top, as long as their parents or guardians will accompany them during the trip. This is probably the most extraordinary way to enjoy your whole stay in Poipu!

For a unique experience and the best way to view Poipu (and the rest of the Island) visit Helicopters-Kauai

For activities and accommodation in Poipu visit Poipu Beach
South Beach, Miami, Florida

“Best Body Beach”

This is one of the most famous beaches for tourists in America, and it has been a favorite playground for Miami locals and foreign nationals alike. The party in South Beach is a year-round event, because everywhere you look everyone just seems to be having so much fun! Whether you’re hanging out with your friend in the beach or checking out the different cultural exhibits along the streets near South Beach, the fun just never stops it’s almost like crazy. So if you’re looking for a worldwide-like convention of all the different cultures flocking Miami every time, this is the place to go. It’s great for meeting different nationalities, checking out the local art scene, and partying all-night long!

For the relaxing hotel experience, right in the heart of the Art Deco District, visit Hotel Dorchester
Paradise Beach, Mykonos, Greece

“Best Party Beach”

Being the most popular among young people, Paradise Beach in Mykonos offers a nude-tolerant atmosphere. Tourists who come here come for the enjoyment of being around similarly adventurous and fun-loving people. It has been named by different travel shows in Europe and the US as one of the world’s best party beaches. Probably the reason why this is so is because of the numerous beach bars around Mykonos. In Paradise beach, the cafes are organized and very tourist-friendly that you will never have to worry if someone will attend to your needs. You can sit back and enjoy the view of the beach while drinking with the friendly locals or with one or more of the intrepid travelers around like you.

For more information on what to do and where to go in Mykonos, go to Mykonos Web
Ipanema Beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

“Best Bikini Beach”

The beauty of Ipanema magnets travelers from all over. Yearly, the beach welcomes tens of thousands of tourists who hail from different nations. And when you say Ipanema, it’s synonymous with ‘summer’ in Rio because this is where the beautiful locals and tourists too, come to spend their summer days. Now you must know that when you come to Ipanema, it’s a must to wear as little clothing as possible. Brazilians believe that when you go to the beach, you must show skin and bake yourself under the glorious sun of Rio.

So pack lightly when you’re planning to come to Ipanema, because you won’t be needing those clothes really. Ipanema
Surfers Paradise, Queensland, Australia

“Best Activity Beach”

This beach near the commercial center along Gold Coast is a haven for surfers from Australia and even from other countries. But aside from surfing, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy. The beach area offers a wide range of water sports like jetski, as well as beach volleyball. You can also enjoy the water but never get wet by joining one of their fishing charters or whale watching cruises. If you’d rather stay dry on land, maybe some bungee jumping or golfing will do for you. Clearly the list of activities to do in the beach is endless, and if you’re the one who’d spend your holidays relaxing but wouldn’t want to get out of shape, this is the place to go.

Australian Explorer
Maroma Beach, Yucatan, Mexico

“Best Romantic Beach”

This beautiful paradise located in the Yucatan jungle is a prime destination for honeymooners and simple tourists alike. The sight of the crystal waters will stick with you like an unforgettable kiss forever, and you’ll find yourself coming back for more. The tropical climate gives tourists cool nights and wonderfully sunny days, while enjoying the solitude the beach offers. It’s perfect for couples who want to privately spend their vacation, where intimacy will never come hardly as the harmony of the beach and the natural wonders around will surely inspire you.

Aside from its natural beauty, this hideaway is preserving the wonders of natural wildlife in its own “ecological park-like theme”, which means it’s not just any resort, it’s a natural preservation area.

Although near the spring break capital of Cancun, you can be sure that you will not be disturbed by all the partying neighbors.

For honeymooners, visit Secret Resorts

For the best Mexican getaway visit Maroma Hotel
Anse Source D’Argent, La Digue, Seychelles

“The Best Beach”

This eternal paradise has been voted as the “best beach in the world” by different travel shows around the globe. It is also probably the most photographed because of the stunning beauty it has. No one can resist the charm of this natural wonder and everyone who has seen pictures of the beach come to Seychelles to experience the best in the world for themselves.

This is absolutely a place you must not hesitate to spend your holidays in. Once you’ve been to this place, life amazingly becomes more worthwhile.

Even in photos the beach is just magnefique!

The original topic: travel in the world

The Most Beautiful Hotel in the World

Some Facts about this Hotel :

The Burj al-Arab (Arabic: Ø¨Ø±Ø¬ Ø§Ù„Ø¹Ø±Ø¨, “Tower of the Arabs”) is a luxury hotel in Dubai, the second largest city of the United Arab Emirates, and was briefly marketed as “the world’s first seven-star hotel”. It was designed by Tom Wright of WS Atkins PLC. At 321 metres (1,053 ft), it is the tallest building used exclusively as a hotel. It stands on an artificial island 280 metres (919 ft) out from Jumeirah beach, and is connected to the mainland by a private curving bridge. It is an iconic structure, designed to symbolize Dubai’s urban transformation and to mimic the shape of an Arab dhow

The marketing technique of self-declaring the 7 star title has worked very well. Burj al-Arab became one of the most wanted destinations, and not only in the United Arab Emirates. To keep objectivity, the hotel is officially 5 star deluxe. The service and the unseen luxury definitely makes it stand out of the other 5 star hotels. The service includes private chauffeur with Rolls Royce or BMW 7, private reception desk every floor, helicopter pad (helicopter trips to the center of Dubai or to the Dubai International Airport), restaurant located 200m above the sea level, with amezing view on the city. The hotel offers free entry to the Wild-Wadi Water Park as well

Burj al-Arab has the most luxurious interior imaginable. Khuan Chew, Design Principal of KCA International was responsible for the interior design. The most expensive materials were used throughout the building. There is no exact data about the cost of the hotel, but rumours say that the return of investment could be 100 years, although the nights at Burj al-Arab start at $1000. The Royal Suite costs $28000 per night.

There are 202 duplex suites in the hotel, the smallest suite starts at 169 mÂ², and the largest is 780 mÂ². Each suite has floor to the ceiling windows with spectacular views on the Persian Gulf. Every suite has sumptuous living and dining area, and office facilities. They are equipped with 42 inch Plasma screen TV, and everything is automated and can be controlled via remote. The list goes on, like 13 pillows to choose from and similar thoughtful care for the guests.

There is huge variety of brilliant, elegant restaurants that offer much more than the average. Al Mahara (The Oyster) let you enjoy your meal next to a large circle aquarium. The Skyview Bar leaves you with an unforgettable experience drinking coctails -made by Rikard Lindqvist (mixologist) from Sweden- 200 m above the sea-level. If that is not enough, there are 8 more restaurants to choose from.

Trick to get in for free: There is an entry fee to the hotel if you just want to see it from the inside, which is about ~50 euros. Although there is a trick that might help you get in without payment. Make a reservation on the phone for any restaurant in Burj al-Arab, you will get a reservation number which you have to show at the front gate. When you get inside to the hotel, just avoid the restaurant. Make sure you dont give your real phone number to them.

The Tower of the Arabs from an exact angle (sailing into the city of Dubai) can be viewed as a Christian symbol, the cross. It is still widely disputed, wether the British architects made it intentionally, or this is only a harmless coincidence. As United Arab Emirates is an Islamic country, such symbol would not make the locals happy, as Burj al-Arab is the iconic tower of their country, that represents their dream of the modern Dubai.

Burj al-Arab was the first hotel to self-declare the 7-star title, but soon another hotel appeared in the United Arab Emirates, the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi. While Burj al-Arab lies on a small artificial island, Emirates Palace is surrounded by a spectacular garden with multiple swimming pools and amezing fountains. The hotel kept the traditional arabic architectural style.

The tower that resembles the sail of dhow, became the world’s tallest hotel with the height of 321m in 1999, and the iconic tower of Dubai. The construction took 6 years (1994-1999).