World Walker

It has been a tradition to welcome the New Year with a big bang. There is no better way to say hello to 2010 with the best fireworks display all over the globe:

London, England

The New Year 2010 will be welcomed with a colorful spectacle in London. You can join the crowd that will form along the banks of the River Thames to see the best fireworks in town. According to organizers, the 2010 fireworks will be the grandest so far. The London Eye will be utilized as part of the light display with fireworks thundering from every direction.

The best views of the fireworks can be seen from the Victoria Embankment, the South Bank, Waterloo Bridge, or the Westminster Embankment.

San Francisco, California

Every year, about 150,000 people head to the Embarcadero to wait for the Midnight Fireworks wonder at the Bay Bridge. Hotel Americano is hosting its 2nd Fireworks Soiree to make your New Year’s Eve even better.

New York City, New York

You can celebrate the New Year in style by booking a Half Moon party cruise along the NY East River. It will be a truly unique experience partying in the waters of the big apple. The celebration in the 80 feet vessel will take you down the river to see the skyline of the NYC, bridges, and other landmarks while the colorful fireworks welcome 2010 in the sky.

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is a very popular place for those who want to celebrate the New Year with the whole family or with their special someone. People can dine in the excellent restaurants and bars and city while waiting for the countdown. You can join the crowd outside to watch several firework displays in Prague. Establishments and river rides also time their activities to coincide with the loud welcoming of the coming year.

The best spot to see the fireworks will be anywhere near the river. This means you can head to the Petrin Hill, Prague Castle, or the Charles Bridge. The view is also superb from the Wenceslas Square and the Old Town Square.

Sydney, Australia

The New Year’s Eve celebration in Sydney is nothing but pure extravaganza. You can practically enjoy the fireworks display from anywhere but the best spots from Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair or along the Harbour Foreshore may be occupied as early as in the afternoon. The New South Wales National Parks will also be selling tickets so you can have a spectacular view.

Famous spots like the Bondi Beach and the Darling Harbour will also be very busy with the New Year parties and picnics. The clubs in Sydney will also be packed as everyone awaits the big bang to welcome 2010.

San Diego, California

The rushing in of 2010 will also be the 15th yearly First Night Escondido. It will be a whole family affair to welcome the New Year. Organizers run two fireworks display. The kids can enjoy the earlier run of colorful reports in the sky at 9 pm while adults can wait for the midnight madness in the sky. Of course, there is food and drinks served and flowing all night.

Boston, Massachusetts

You can also ring in 2010 in style while aboard the Fireworks Cruise on the Voyager III. Wait for the New Year while enjoying live band performances, great food, and champagne. The cruise will set sail from the Quincy Shipyard at 830 pm.

Lucky are those who just need to drive to be with their loved ones this Christmas. Most of us though will most likely have to travel by airplane and pass through one or several airports. The lines at the airport will not be as long as during the Thanksgiving but it is not all merry when you get in queue at the terminal.
One hazard you must always be ready during Christmas is the bad weather which can sometimes make your stay at the airport longer than expected. Here are a few things to keep in mind when traveling by air during the holiday season:

Travel Light

This is just a reminder that packing just what you need is best practice whenever you travel. It is especially applicable when you travel during the peak seasons like the Yuletide. Most likely you will be bringing gifts on your way to and back from your Christmas get-togethers. Remember that airport security must still do their job of checking your stuff and it will be a bit difficult for them if you have unmentionables which will force them to open your suit up.

You can also make use of transparent zip bags so inspection will be a lot easier just in case they open your bag.

Do not wrap the presents

Whether you are putting your gifts into your luggage or hand carrying them, it will be best if you leave them unwrapped. This will save you some time in case security needs to check them. You wouldn’t like it if they require you to tear the beautiful wrap open to see what is inside the box.
It might be helpful if you bring gift bags or tissues with you so wrapping the gift before reaching your destination will be more convenient. You can also try online shopping and have the goods delivered to your destination.

Book your flights carefully

When you reserve tickets for your flights, try to get a direct flight from the closest airport from your home to the most proximate airport to your destination. If this is not possible make sure you check out the airports where you will be making the connecting flight. Remember that you should have time allowance for these connecting flights and also consider any possible weather problems.

Make use of online Check-in

Twenty-four hours before your flight, most of the airlines will allow you to check-in via the internet. It will be a very good practice to this especially during a very busy season like Christmas. By checking-in online you will be able to avoid the long lines at the counters. Checking-in your luggage will also be a lot faster. Do not forget to print your online check-in, your itinerary, and of course your boarding pass.

Be at the airport early
You must allot an allowance when you are traveling by air during the peak season like the Yuletide. Even though you have completed checking-in online, you still need to consider the crowd, the weather, and the traffic going to the airport. You may be in control of your schedule but you cannot say what will take long especially along the security lines. Getting to the airport early gives you time to handle the worst of possible scenarios that may come up.

Bring entertainment and food to the airport

If you have kids, you will probably understand why food and entertainment is very important when traveling. With the Christmas rush and unpredictable winter weather, having food and entertainment with you will be very handy in case you get stuck in the airport. It can also save you a lot of money since you will not be forced to buy snacks which are overly overpriced at the airport. A book, an mp3 player, a portable dvd will also be good companion in case long delays are unavoidable.

List the contact info of your airline

In case you will encounter any problems at the airport, having essential numbers for your airline, hotel, or family will be very useful. You will find it very useful during emergencies, delay, or if you really have to get an alternative flight.

One of the coldest winters in recent memory is freezing air and rail lines across the globe. All over the world airplanes are sitting on tarmacs and stranding passengers, leaving them sleeping in airports. In Europe trains cannot operate under such unprecedented levels of snow, and rail operations are halted for safety reasons. All of this during one of the busiest travel seasons of the year means misery for many.

The situation is dire in Europe. Thousands of schools are closed due to the weather, which is also causing chaos to the power system leaving many without power for hours at a time. The Eurostar railway, the only railway out of Britain, has been temporarily shut down due to safety concerns. Just recently one Eurostar train stalled inside the tunnel, and passengers were stuck for many hours. The culprit? Excessive snowfall. Even France’s high-speed railways have had to travel at reduced speeds for safety reasons. The entire region is just getting blanketed with snow.

In the US, heavy snow has blanketed much of the northeastern states, causing a rippling affect amongst air travel in other parts of the country. As the snow mounts, flights in other states as far away as Florida are being cancelled due to the weather. Passengers are suggested to check all resources they can for information, including weather sites and the airline website. Also, on the day of travel call ahead to make sure your flight isn’t cancelled and arrive early, it is the holidays after all.

Ever cloud has a silver lining, and this winter it’s a surprise from the transportation department. New regulations are being implemented preventing airlines from leaving passengers stranded on the tarmac for more than three hours. There have been countless stories of passengers being stranded on the tarmac for over 12 hours, for pointless reasons. Many suffer injuries as a result. Consumer advocates hail this as a victory for air travelers everywhere.

As the snow just keeps on coming, try to have backup plan just in case. The snow is an unpredictable beast, and a blizzards thousands of miles away could affect your flight. With luck, you won’t get stranded like everyone else. As they say, misery loves company.

We came up with a short list of the best cities to visit in 2010.

Istanbul

It is the city which really deserves the East meets West adage. Boutique hotels, gourmet restaurants, and trendy clubs have been mushrooming in this beautiful city through the years. Visiting Istanbul provides a perfect mix of fun, culture, and history. By 2010, the city will be formally recognized as a Capital of Culture in Europe.

Vancouver

It is a gem in the west coast of the North American continent and tagged as one of the best cities to live in. The cultural scene is very colorful with hotels and restaurants being able to accommodate the flock of tourists falling in love with the city. Vancouver forms an excellent picture of modern skyscrapers with the coastal mountains as backdrop.

Vancouver will be hosting the Winter Olympics in 2010. The organizers are pushing to promote green transport system for the participating athletes, green homes, and a good program to educate the public about sustainable green living.

Nottingham

Come May 2010, the whole world will know Nottingham, particularly its rusting East Midlands, as the location for the newer film release of Robin Hood. The city also boasts of a new architectural wonder in the form of the Nottingham contemporary which is the new project of the award winning architects of Caruso St. John. This new building will also play host to a series of art exhibits and projects in its four major galleries.

Delhi

A lot of things are happening in Delhi as it prepares to host the 201 Commonwealth Games. The Connaught Place which is the buzzing business district of the colonial center has been facelifted. The transport system and the important landmarks are being spruced up in preparation for next year’s big event. Delhi though will remain to be a place of great contrasts where luxury cars run side by side with bullock carts.

Nara

Known as the old capital of Japan, the city of Nara will be celebrating its 1300th anniversary in 2010. The city will come to life with significant cultural events like exhibitions of different national treasures and hosting of an International Film Festival. The ancient city which is very beautiful with its old buildings, temples, parks, and wooded hills is a perfect symbol of tranquility.

Oslo

The capital of Norway is one of the few cities in the world where you can enjoy the water during summer and in the same boundaries have fun skiing during winters. The charm of the Scandinavian life is there but the outdoor culture of Oslo makes travelers fall in love with the place. New flights will be coming in to the city and the prices are expected to become more affordable. Oslo will host the 2010 Eurovision Song Contest.

Valparaiso

In the 1940s, amid the outlaw of communism, Valparaiso served as the hiding place for the great Chilean poet Pablo Neruda. Next year will mark the 40th anniversary of Salvador Allende, the first democratically elected head of state.
Valparaiso offers a unique South American feel. Colorful houses line the hills which will guide you down to the bay. There are also old elevators which can take you atop the steep slopes of the city.

Tel Aviv

The nightlife scene in Tel Aviv is gaining some spotlight as it is starting to be tagged as the New York of the East. The new flights and party places being launched by 2010 will further boost its credentials. Aside from the new clubs, the beach near the city is also very inviting.

Reykjavik

From June 2010, there will be more flights of Iceland Express flying in from New York and it might well be a very good time to visit the capital of Iceland. Icelandair will also be improving its services from Manchester and Glasgow. Reykjavik speaks of its own charm and revelry through its glaciers, sea, and lagoons.

Boston

A new bike sharing scheme, the biggest one in the United States, will be launched in the spring of 2010. The city can be explored by renting one of the 2500 bikes across the city with just a swipe of your credit card. You might also want to check out the locations used by the Hollywood films Edge of Darkness and The Town which are due for release by next year.

It is the season when we have longer nights and a very chilly environment. It is best to have a cup of coco. If you are bored at home then get your sweater and head to the best German Christmas markets. Even if you are not in Germany, you can still get hold of the best German Christmas markets:

Alsace, France

Looking for a German Christmas market in Alsace is not really a challenge since Germany is just across the border. Alsace in France is just very hard to resist with its very festive atmosphere during the Christmas season. You can find around 35 markets during the holiday with the one at Strasbourg being the oldest of France’s holiday markets. You can find the 430 year old market just in front of the Strasbourg Cathedral.

The Alsace markets usually run until the first week of January.

Chicago, Illinois

The Chicago Chriskindlmarket is considered as the biggest German market out of Germany. The picture formed by the modern skyscrapers towering over the traditional German market stores is just magnificent. The crowded atmosphere also helps with the very low temperatures. You can head to the gluhtwein and bratwurst tent after grabbing your holiday gifts.

This German Christmas market runs from the 26th of November to Christmas Eve at the Dailey Plaza which is accessible by subway or bus in the downtown area.

Bath, England

You can find German holiday markets from Scotland to London. Although they are everywhere in the Great Britain, nothing beats the one in Bath, England. The location of the market itself is alluring. The German Christmas market in Bath is just by the Roman Baths and the Bath Abbey. Aside from the Christmas presents, the location of the market gives you a feel of the history of the place.

The Bath German market can definitely give you a great UK holiday market experience with the endless list of choices for drinks and food, and a good blast of Christmas music from the carolers.

Bolzano, Italy

How about a mercatino di Natalie? If you want a more Mediterranean feel of the Christmas market, head south to Bolazano in Italy. It became very popular with tourists and locals of the region since the stalls here serve South Tyrol cuisine.

You will also never miss the Advent calendars which are actually converted windows of a historic building. The Bolzano market is still a traditional German Christmas market with an excellent blend of other cultures.

You can visit the holiday sales at the Piazza Walther. The market is there from November 27 to December 23. Aside from the main market, you can pass by the alleyways nearby to get a good gastronomic treat.

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Let us guarantee that this German Christmas market is really enjoyable even if you cannot pronounce where it is located. This Yuletide market can be found at the Old Town of the city. There are Christmas lights everywhere. It will be fun to see the colorful lights of the castle, buildings, and of course, the stalls in the Ljubljana holiday market.

You have myriad of choices in terms of the gifts that you can get for your loved ones. There are clothes, wines, handicrafts, and food. Don’t forget to try out the tasty ginger bread and wine to complete your experience.

The market stretches from December 3 to January 2 at the Presemovtrg Square.

Prague, Czech Republic

If you have been traveling or have been frequenting travel sites, you know that a Praque holiday never comes cheap. Going there on Christmas saves you some money still compared to the rates and crowds of during the summer.

You also get to enjoy four Christmas in the Namesti Republiky, Havelske Trziste, Wenceslas Square, and the Old Town Square. You can catch the festivities until New Year.

The city comes alive with the Christmas lights giving the city a more romantic air. Adults will surely find the Czech beer and hot wine as jackpots while kids will enjoy petting the goats and sheep at the Old Town Square.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Although far from Germany, the Christmas market in Pennsylvania gives a genuine feel of the holiday market in Nuremberg. The fair is held at the Dilworth Plaza where visitors can enjoy Santa’s House, live music, great food, and stalls. The market runs until the eve of Christmas. You can find the plaza just in front of the Philadelphia City Hall.

For an unprecedented 6 years in a row, Enterprise Rent a Car once again tops JD Powers’ 2009 Car Rental Satisfaction Survey. Surprisingly, the company that boasts it’s customer service prowess, Hertz, wasn’t even in second place – it was ranked third behind National Rent a Car. The survey notes that overall, customer satisfaction has increased for the car rental agency as a whole.

The survey takes 12,000 responses and rates car rental companies in several areas: price, ease of pickup, quality of rental car, ease of return, ease of reservation, and airport shuttles and busses. Overall, consumers were much happier this years than in previous years; in fact, this year breaks a two year trend of double digit declines in customer satisfaction.

Of course, the level of satisfaction also depends on the type of customer. National is geared towards non-business customers’ and their needs and is very competitively priced. On the other hand, National and Hertz tailor their services to business customers. For instance, Hertz fares particularly well on convenience of airport shuttles compared to Enterprise, but Enterprise performs far better in price.

The report also notes that as a whole prices have been declining across the industry. This can be attributed to smaller fleet sizes that are replaced less often, decreasing costs to the car rental agency that is then passed to the consumer. However, not everything is within the car rental agency’s control – taxes are often levied against car rentals, since these “hidden costs” are almost always approved by residents as a way to increase tax revenue.

The car rental agency has come a long way – they are changing to meet the current economic environment, as well as the customers’ constantly changing needs. In this difficult time, it’s nice to see a company succeed by providing great service at a reasonable price.

Traveling is a memorable experience, and we do everything we can to capture the essence of a place, a city, or even a restaurant. Photography is the best way to do this, and getting the best pictures possible is the first step in taking home beautiful cherished memories. When traveling, leave behind all of those cliché photo skills you learned from your mom. Use these to snap the best and highest quality photos possible! Don’t let a single memory or significant event pass you by! Capture all of the beauty of the world, and you might be surprised with what you get in the end!

1. Always use the correct camera setting. You don’t need an SLR camera to take a high quality image. Just use the right setting for your environment, and click away! It is especially important to use flash and macro settings when they are called for. Don’t use flash in an already bright environment, it can ruin the image!

2. Take multiple pictures of the same scene. If you snap 5-10 of the same thing from varying angles, you are sure to get a perfect picture in the bunch somewhere!

3. Always use a full height tripod or a mini tripod when you want to take a picture of something particularly striking. This is great for landscapes and monument photography, but not good for quick snap shots of people or the world around you.

4. Take pictures of everything! You will regret it if you don’t, so take snap shots of everything you pass by even if it seems insignificant. You will be surprised once you get home!

5. Don’t be afraid to use the video function on your camera. Sometimes the best memories are to be had from videos. Take a video of the crowds around a museum, or take videos of yourself in a specific area. Have fun!

6. Try different angles for certain images. It’s interesting to see the world how you really see it, so don’t stick to one humdrum boring angle.

7. Read up on photo composition. Learning how to artistically compose your photos can make your travel pictures that much more elegant.

8. You don’t have to ask people for permission to take their photo, but you might want to as a common courtesy. Especially if you plan on taking an artistic shot, just ask!

9. Make sure you have plenty of memory space. It’s not fun to take pictures then run out of space on your memory card! It doesn’t hurt to have multiple for back up, just in case.

10. The most important part of travel photography, is to always have a back up battery! Most cameras use lithium ion batteries, so it doesn’t hurt to have multiple charged ones on hand if you going to be out for the majority of the day!