Info on European Lakes and Mountains

If you have xperience on visiting the Lakes and Mountain regions of Europe why not pass it along to our readers? Good news or bad is welcome; we are looking for information on all areas, with special interest in Austria, France, Switzerland and Italy. We are lespecially ooking for traveler information around the lakes regions in those countries. If you can help, please let us know either by adding a comment to this story or indeed writing about your experiences in a new blog. We will be most happy to hear any comments about exper.... More details

Does CNN report ALL the news?

Hyprotical or wot? I am referring to CNN again, specifically their coverage, or lack of same, of one their "golden boys," Richard Quest. Imagine. This guy got arrested in the wee small hours of the morning in New York's central park. Only problems were...Central Park is closed form 1 AM to 6 AM, plus "Dick" had a small quantity of meth in his pocket. And, oh yes, he had a rope around his neck that was tied, as the New York Post says, to his, er, genitals. Hmmmn. Who cares? Surely not the good folks at our favorite, forc.... More details

Scottish Ski Resorts Get a Spring Clean

It’s a fact that one cigarette butt pollutes upwards of 1 cubic metre of water, a coke can takes over 200 years to decompose and even orange peel will not disappear in less than a year. All these items, and many more are found on ski slopes across the world. The Ski Club of Great Britain is encouraging mountain users in Scotland to do their bit for the environment by picking up litter dropped during the ski season in ‘The Big Spring Clean’ being organised by the Ski Club at two different ski areas, Cairngorm Mountain and Nevis Range on.... More details

CNN breaking news...there is no breaking news

"The best political team on television" (their statement not mine) has a sort of a ticker tape underneath the nice Wolfman what never smiles. It says "Breaking News". At writing it says that there is no breaking news. They state, with a poker face, that....wait for it...it is too early to make any predictions. Too early.! So why is it "breaking news?"   Surely the so called best political team would not put that there because at some point during the day there will be a winner and they can claim they "broke" it first.  Would they.... More details

Kerala honeymoon tour: A Honeymoon Celebration in Paradise

Kerala, also known as God’s Own Country, is one of the most popular holiday destinations among tourists from all over the world. Every year a large gathering of tourists from all over the world come to India for Kerala tours.The land of keralaputras or keram (coconut tress) Kerala is known for its rich cultural heritage, evergreen landscapes, beautiful beaches, breathtaking backwaters, beautiful hill stations, rich flora & fauna, lovely lakes, rivers, Ayurveda, art & culture, exquisite handicrafts, vibrant fairs & festivals, favorable geograp.... More details

kerala Tour Operators

kerala is surrounded by beautiful beaches. It is also known as God's own country.My Tour to kerala was unforgettable tour of my life.For more info on kerala Tours check http://www.indianholiday.com/tour-packages-india/tour-packages-for-kerala.html .... More details

Niche Travel on the web

  Niche is the buzzword in online travel. An Activelifestyle Travel Network essay by .... More details

Hi, I was in Stubaital for three times

Hi, I was in Stubaital for three times (2004,2005,2006). It was great, we had sunny clear weather , more than 2 metres snow and we really enjoyed it. The infrastruktur was very good organized. You can be everywhere in Stubaital and the bus stop is 300m around you. There are lots of sportshops too. When you are on the glacier you can find by every lift someone who will help you..I really like Stubaital and his unique atmosphere. This year I´m going to Stubai again. I´m looking forward to seeing a new Mutterbergstation. On photos it l.... More details

holiday home rental Bangkok vacation house rent accommodation property Thailand estate houses homes

brand new holiday 5 bedroom teak wood home in Bangkok Taling Chan district. Suit family with children and animals as the place is safe and has a terrace under the elevated on stilts house. Goes cheap, even short let - as I can't go on holidays to Bangkok as often as I use to go. At the moment stays there my daughter with her children, but she can move to my sister in law house just the next door. A much better option of staying in Bangkok than the town centre, with it's noise, pollution, traffic jams and crowds of tourists. In a Taling Chan hom.... More details

Yo Ho Ho what a great yachting idea

For the romantic in all of us, and the for the business person in many of us, we have a staggering new, Phuket yachting idea.   The website www.luxuryyachtholidays.com  is pioneering a refreshing idea. If you are planning a wedding, business meeting, fishing trip or a group day out of almost any size (5 to 60) for almost any reason. When we say memory we mean one that will be etched into your fondness scale for years. It will be a memory that will elevate you to the status of a real big player without a real big outlay.   Y.... More details

Wanna save on travel? Try an auction.

Want to save big on your next business trip or holiday? Get your ideal accommodation or travel service at your own price; on auction! The Activelifestyle Travel Network (ATN) has opened a new travel auction on its www.travelthailand.com website. The auction is featured not only on the Travel Thailand domain but through the entire Thai network. It allows viewers to place a bid on just about any accommodation standard and outlines the minimum acceptable sum to be bid for the category selected. Bidders are not required to enter credit card detail.... More details

Alexa: useful or best yet to come?

Alexa! A useful Internet measuring stick or just another unfinished symphony?  Yes I take remonstrance at a less than favorable Alexa listing, doesn’t everyone? However I have a question; does anyone know on what they base some of their statements? Case in point. We have a domain called www.travelthailand.com that is listed on the Alexa site. Here’s what it says about our visitors; “this site gets very little to no traffic”. Can someone please tell me from whence that statement came?  It has absolutely no basis in fact. It is false.... More details

OpenmindProjects – from one project to 60in 5 years

In 2001 OpenmindProjects pioneered computer training in poor Thai villages to see how poor children could get a chance to learn to use computers and to learn other subjects too with the help of computers. In 2002 OpenmindProjects later pioneered volunteer projects in poor Thai schools by inviting volunteers to teach in remote villages. In 2004 OpenmindProjects started supporting community based Eco tourism projects in Laos and Thailand. In 2004 OpenmindProjects started projects in South Thailand. December 26, 2004, the tsunami h.... More details

Bangkok for a honeymoon?

The city of angles is what travelers use to refer to the capital of Thailand that is Bangkok which comes from the Thai word "Krungthep”. The charm of the city, indeed all the country, is its antiquity combined with fast modernization. In the mists of modernization lies the old pagodas of many “wats” or temples. Delicious rice cooked of packages of sheet or of plastic are sold even in mini supermarkets, with the odor being an important part of the atmosphere of travel Thailand experience. Seafood also prevails with a rich pepper savor. The veg.... More details

gourmet journey to Thailand

Just to share a good website about thai gourmet, they have quite a few interesting day tours visiting some of the most authentic thai food spots. take a look at : www.trufflers.com .... More details

wing-wing wing-wing

          Wing-wing wing-wing. It was incessant, four straight days. This is how it began.       Bob and I went to Pembroke Ontario in November for our Grandsons' "early Christmas" and to babysit a few days while our son and his wife Penny vacationed. For Christmas I had bought Keenan (9yrs) a pair of walkie-talkies. They were 3 year old Spencers  proudest possesion immediately.       The first wing-wing was so precious. I answered the walkie.... More details

L'Atilier in Zermatt

My recent visit to Zermatt was pleasant as always, this time possibly more so.  Main reason? One was invited to at least a couple of worthy, social cum business events. This particular blog has to do with the grand opening of a small, unique, artsy/craftsy shop in the church square, L’Atelier. If grand opening is not quite the word for a new shop that sells old stuff, let’s go with an opening occasion. Located just next to two restaurants at the far end of the square, L’Atelier is worthy of a look and a browse. Back to the opening occa.... More details

Live Music at the 'Alex' in Zermatt

" Garry and Friends " play for the first time in this winter season - live at the 'Alex' in Zermatt - Thursday 21 of December 2006, 9 p.m. - there is free entrance - no charge Come and enjoy the outstanding atmosphere of the Alex lounge bar - Gustl and his bar mates look forward to welcoming you.                                                                   .... More details

Italy Vip - Can you help?

We have launched a new website called http://www.ItalyVip.com   For some reasons we struggle to get some decent traffic. Can anyone give us some advices of how to increase the number of visitors? And also how to improve the appearance of the website? Thank you all.   Courmayeur travel hotel and apartment information.... More details

Life's ups and downs

I suppose surviving to just about 70 years requires more than a bit of luck. This especially if one has tempted fate with a lifestyle of on-the-edge behavior. So is it about to run out? Many have witnessed and can attest to this lifestyle, but none relishes regaling all and sundry with at least one example of this mode d’ operandi more than valued friend David B. It was he who played a major role in the organization of a cruise in Pattaya Bay in the final day of the year 2000. This is to say the last day of the 20th century and the eve of t.... More details

HOTEL MIRABEAU alpine residence wellness & spa ZERMATT

NOW OPEN: JOSEF'S WINE LOUNGE  http://www.hotel-mirabeau.ch/winlounge.asp Your evening's meeting point! Great wine by glass. This new bar with its open hearth has been furnished with attention to detail. See you soon in beautiful ZERMATT - SWITERLAND.   Zermatt ski travel hotel and apartment information  .... More details

STARS LINE UP FOR BATTLE AT ROYAL TROPHY

Two of the game's hottest players in 2006 have joined the star-studded Royal Trophy line-up, along with golf's finest team player.     Red-hot Jeev Milkha Singh is Captain Joe Ozaki's final pick, while Seve Ballesteros has drafted in Lee Westwood and Johan Edfors for the second 'Battle of the Continents' in Bangkok. Singh and Edfors have both won three times this year - the Indian star's latest victory came last weekend at the Casio World Open in Japan, his second win this month - while Westwood boasts a remarkable record w.... More details

Bangkok Thailand, Thai city vibrant and exciting

On American thanksgiving I went to a great party. I was going to call it a dinner party, but as I got there at about 1:30 in the afternoon and the joint was already - if not jumping - at least buzzing, I guess the term garden party would be more accurate.. Unsurprisingly the majority of the guests were Americans and North Americans but there was too a good smattering of Brits with other nationalities on hand to add an international flavor. Plenty of Thais represented the home country and an abundance of lively but non-invasive kids of most nati.... More details

Hot Dog on the Mountain in Courmayeur, Italty

I skied in Courmayeur many years ago.  It was one of my favorite places in Europe to ski.  I especially remember the stone covered roofs on the houses. I am looking for some help in tracking done something I ate their.  I ate lunch at one of the mountain cafes and I remember they served a sauage (similar to a long, skinny American hot dog) in a bun that had a hole in the middle.  I remember that the suasages came out of a can.  The thing I really remember is that the buns had a hole in the middle and the hole in the bu.... More details

Honey I'm Home....

On the travel feature section of www.travelthailand.com there is photo of a bunch of tin shacks razed to the ground. This is a view from the BTS (Nana) Station in central Bangkok. In the foreground is a bunch of destroyed tin shacks. Until recently whole families lived here. In the background are Bangkok’s fantastic skyscrapers; the symbol of the Country’s headlong dive into the 21st century, into the good life. But where was the good life for those who made their homes in the tin shacks? Their “lap of luxury” homes have been destroyed. Their .... More details

Chesa, Bangkok Swiss Rstaurant

Here’s the scenario.  You have been invited to lunch or dinner at Chesa, the Swiss restaurant on Bangkok’s Sukhumvit Soi 20. What do you expect? Will it be full of quaint, Swiss mountain folk communicating in some unrecognizable dialect?  I mean is Chesa mostly for the Swiss community of Bangkok? Sorry to disappoint you but Chesa’s Swiss diners make up only about 10 to 15% of the place at any specific sitting. In fact a truly International crowd, peppered by Thais with a generous seasoning of foreigners from all over the globe is the.... More details

weathercast

I am going to Courmayeur for new years. What's the weather like then? /Nina                                                                Courmayeur travel hotel and appartment information.... More details

Hotel Dolonne, Courmayeur

 I clearly recall the first time I had dinner at the restaurant in the Hotel Dolonne in the medieval village of Dolonne in Courmayeur. It was with my French friend Allain and his friend Jacqui (Swiss) to celebrate his appointment to as a pilot with Air France. This came after much training and years as a helicopter pilot. I remember the dinner fondly; almost as much for the location as for the success and happiness as my friends. Although many years have passed, Alain still flies for Air France and the Hotel Dolonne keeps making clients f.... More details

What is the value of Courmayeur.com

“Someone who knows the price of everything and the value of nothing” Oscar Wilde’s definition of a cynic, now commonly applied to economists.From The Undercover Economist What is the value of Courmayeur.com? What is the price of a name? What is behind the door of the name? How many people will open the door of the name to see what is behind it? When they do see what is behind it will they take action?  How is the name ranked in the industry? Are the present owners of the name getting full income value? Could others get better value? Wh.... More details

Information needed on Courmayeur, Italy

My wife and I will visit Italy in early March, 2007 for 3 weeks. We would like to spend a week in each of three Italian Ski Areas. May we ask for your help? 1. Is there likely to be snow in Courmayeur in March? 2. How much do lift tickets cost? 3. On average, what will a 3 star hotel with breakfast cost per night for the two of us? 4. For when my wife takes a day off for skiing, are there plenty of shops and restaurants for her to explore in Courmayeur? 5. Are there several each of Blue and Black trails? 6. Do you have any suggestions for where.... More details

A tale of two cities

Coup or not,Bangkok is still a place to be.Of late, Bangkok, my adopted home has been the subject of intense and unflattering media coverage. There was a “bloodless” coup. Wow I got phone calls and emails from literally all around the globe. Was I all right? Are there many dead? Injured? Well the answers are, yes, no and no. Things are normal here except that we have a military government for the moment. They promise though to appoint a civilian PM immediately. Sooner than that if possible, but that’s to wait and see. There is a personal upside.... More details

We want real tourists, not fake tourists

The Thai immigration department surely has its heart in the right place in trying to clear the country of undesirable tourists. If only it were an easy task. I mean how does one figure out exactly who is undesirable? The move seems to be aimed at the huge numbers of people that come from all over the world to Thailand brandishing a 90-day tourist visa or indeed nothing more elaborate than a two week entry permit.  That reported statement about whether those who enter a marriage agreement are in love or not; well how the heck would they kn.... More details

Fascinating mountain is it not?

    If there is one word that writers seem to use when describing the Matterhorn, the beauty that towers over Zermatt  in Switzerland and Cervinia in Italy, it is "fascinating." Case in point; there is a new book out by the Zermatt Bergbahn Company, These are he folks who developed and operate the trains, cable cars and various other forms of mountain transport in Zermatt.  They have a new book out called "The story of a fascination" that tells of the history of Zermatt going back-wait for it- 250 million years. The boo.... More details

Rockin and rollin

There is no time, literally, to come to Zermatt, this Matterhorn resprt, when the joint is closed. Its now Sept 3rd or so and today the hotel I am staying in is full as are the streets. Restaurants, shops, all are doing business. Are there skiers? I really don't know but there are certainly posers. One can see them walking down the street in climbing gear with ski poles and five oclock shadows. Sheeeet. By the way Nellies, one of the world's favorote pus is closed for repairs. Seems they suffered flood damage. Ever heard the old joke? Howdya st.... More details

Is Patong the Prince of Sleaze?

It was some time since I had visited Phuket, over two years to be moderately exact. Well before the tragic Tsunami and for a long time after it (but not because of) I sweltered away in Bangkok and opted for Pattaya as a getaway destination. But I had a series of meetings in Phuket and was, literally, anxious to see the place again. I spent the first night in a class hotel fairly close to the Phuket International Airport. Nice enough to be sure, but a little quiet for yours truly. I needed a little action with my work. I checked out just after.... More details

Ogden, Utah: A City with Explosive Potential

Maybe you remember the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympic Winter Games…Well,  Ogden City, Utah, was the host city for the downhill competition. Even after four years. Ogden is still capitalizing on its Olympic glory and quickly becoming a great urban center that represents a meeting point for different cultures.  It is also quickly becoming a destination for the development of new technologies and production sectors. Nestled against the Wasatch Mountain range, Ogden is also the place for high adventure recreation. Whether you ski, heli-s.... More details

Zermatt Yacht Club

The home of the Zermatt Yacht club has been relocated to Nelly’s pub, next to the Simi Hotel in Zermatt. Wait a minute, what’s that you say? The Zermatt Yacht Club? Well, yes, actually and it’s not new either. It was started some years ago by the amazingly foresighted Karl Ivarsson in conjunction with his group’s ownership of the wonderful but ill-fated (in that it is now the subject of a fierce legal battle) sailing schooner, Zamoura of Zermatt. Out of the ship’s plans came the Grande Largue, a charity that aims to provide mainly handicapped c.... More details

Mountain Refuge near Courmayeur just reopened for summer

Recently I had the opportunity to visit one of my favorite places, Courmayeur, Mont Blanc, Italy. I stay often at the Hotel Berthod and with my mixture of work and play it is indeed a pleasurable time. This time, Alessio, who with his family owns the Berthod told me about a refugio (mountain refuge hut) that his wife opened very recently. The location is in the Grand St Bernard mountain range, above the village of Gignod in the Aosta Valley. The name of the refuge is Rifugio Chaligne. Alesio suggested a dinner visit. Great idea I thought so.... More details

The times they are a changin'

Look around this Matterhorn dominated resort (Zermatt for the uniniated) and you will see and feel the winds of change if not actually howling through the many 4,000 meter plus peaks then certainally whistling loudly. Lest ye forget this resort was once the domain of a handful of families almost exclusively Swiss and predominately local. Wow, take a look now. The place has an almost new personna both in the rapid pace of modernization and growth as well as in the explosion of nationalities in workers and entrapeneurs. Hoteliers too are busy upg.... More details

WI Not??????

A recent trip to Zermatt illustrated the strength and diversity of change that is overtaking this most popular of European mountain destinations. None the least is the propensity of WI FI (hot spot) Internet possibilities. A place to open your notebook and start emailing, messaging or calling is, literally, just around the corner. Any corner. Go to many pubs and restaurants and access is totally free if you are eating or drinking. In some cases one does not even need a computer, just borrow the house's. This is the case at Potter's Bar anyway. .... More details

Travel Plans for VIP TOP SECRET

For the attention of Chief Cook and Bottlewasher Thomas Novak at Chesa Swiss Restaurant soi 20 Sukhumvit Rd. Bangkok. Thomas as you know you have asked me to make a "guest appearance" at the Beefstake and Burgandy lunch at your place on Tuesday the fourth day of July in the year of whatsisface 2006. I hereby officially inform you that I have arranged my travel plans to Europe to coincide with your lunch and will make a completely sober and absolutely unobtrusive appearance. That is, of course, provided you are paying. As I was also an invited g.... More details

The Da Vinci Code Much Ado About Nothing

So the Da Vinci Code has come to Bangkok, Thailand. In fact it has, after Cannes, that great movie festival Mecca on the south coast of France, opened in most of the remainder of the civilized world. And so, here I am eating my tuna sandwich breakfast while Mrs. Hanks little boy, Tommy is probably sitting in Beverley Hills eating caviar. Oh well, so be it. Here, in The Kingdom of Thailand, there was a group of cowering Christians that was trying, and for a time succeeding, in telling me, Elma Boutlier’s little boy Billie, what I should see an.... More details

looking for partner to stay with me

i will to see somebody that will good to live with lookgood looking .... More details

Activelifestyle Language Opportunities

The Activelifestyle Travel Network Additional languages equal stunning growth and profits The Activelifestyle Travel Network (ATN) is a strong, valuable, diverse and targeted collection of 135 World Wide Web domains. With a page-view count of approximately six million per year, strong placement domains on all major search engines and a loyal advertiser base, ATN is poised to become the undisputed leader in incoming travel to featured destinations. The most valuable entries in the Activelifestyle Network are its 15 top domains tha.... More details

Young man beaten to death for destruction of shrine

In the early morning of March 22/2006 a reportedly mentally ill young Thai man took a blunt instrument to one of Thailand’s most revered shrines. He destroyed it. The man’s name was Thanakorn Phakdeephol and, reportedly again, he was 27. According to the young man’s father Khun Thanakorn had a history of mental illness and received psychiatric treatment six years ago. It was indeed a terrible act; the Erewan Shrine, or San Phra Phrom is a statue of a Hindu God that was built after a number of serious accidents befell workers on the Grand Hyatt .... More details

Ski Switzerland

Ski Switzerland, Europe's spotless land of lakes and mountains. If skiing in Europe is your dream or if you do it frequently, skiing in Switzerland is a wise destination choice. World class ski resorts are all over Switzerland. World class ski lifts and mountain transportation will safely and comfortably get you into ski country, and some of the best hotels and restaurants in Europe will see to your comfort in Switzerland. Wining and dining in Switzerland are excellent activities and the Swiss kitchen, although underrated is certainly one of th.... More details

Perhaps the Berlin travel show organisers (ITB) should take over the U.N.

Everyone in the Middle East seems to be under one roof. Lybia, Iran, Oman, Egypt, the lot. And guess which country was right in the middle of all this action? Israel, yes, that's right, Israel, the country that does not exist or if it does, should according to Iran, be destroyed. Anyway all were there sharing the Middle East section of the ITB. Oh, and guess which stand this writer found to be the most peacful with the most wonderful music of the land. Iran..... More details

Thailand Travel Mart

Here's one for the books. The Tourism Authoriy of Thailand spent vast amounts on their stand at ITB. Darned popular it was too. A small section was set aside to promote a great idea, the Thai Travel Mart, www.thaitravelmart.com. The idea is for travel buyer to meet travel seller, on line. It is, of course a good, valuable plan. Trouble is the site does not work-one cannot log on, the link is broken. The TAT promotes this thing heavily and expensively. Someone should check that the link works.   Thailand travel hotel and apartment i.... More details

Live from ITB

Want the latest on travel trade news. Watch this space. Wednesday and Thursday March 9 & 10 (trade days) you will see live updates from the ITB. The latest news from the travel industry. Berlin Bertie.... More details

Lets hear it for the Superbore, er I mean Superbowl

Saw the Superbowl in Bangkok on Monday. Six in the morning for Christ's sakes in a pub called the Green Parrot. Wasn't bad considering the food, booze and company was great but the game and the after game bullshit. Sheet. You woulda thunk that somebody died and all what with all the crying and sniveling. Get a grip fellas. And guess what? Commercials for this gig cost a reported 2.5 million US greenbacks for a 30 second slot. Jeezus H and we did not even get to see them. No matter-for days afterward pundits were not rating the game, they were r.... More details

Austcham's number is up

Austcham’s number is up. One expects prejudice; it’s a fact of life. It comes in most guises and from varied sources. Living in Thailand one is often confronted with insensitivity for the host country. Have a look at the behavior of some of the tourists, especially males. Frequently there is little or no respect for surroundings, culture and most often for the female Thai citizens. It is so prevalent that one has almost become immune to insensitive behavior. Almost. Rarely however does an organized and respected organization, especially one usi.... More details

Hotels to be biggest web advertisers? Huh!!!

I read an article from "The online Minute" a newsletter to which I suscribe. It said that the Internet would be surpassing magazines in ad revenue by 2008 and radio by 2007. WOW. That's almost next year. The article said that the Internet's revenue would increase by 25% next year while overall ad revenue would increase only by 4%. Well I guess that's telling it where it's at eh? Now here's what I found most interesting. The fastest growing segment here will be beverages, hotels and packaged goods. Excuse me Hotels? I'll say it again, hotels? Pe.... More details

New feature to selll vacant rooms

If you want to sell a vacant room at any time where would you have it featured? If you are in Europe, www.reservationseurope.com might be a good place to start. This is also your gateway to www.skiaustria.com, www.skiswitzerland.com, www.skiitaly.com, www.skifrance.com and many other perfectly targeted travel domains. Produced by the Activelifestyle Travel Network, www.activelifestyle.com. Reservations Europe features a selection of available accommodation, mostly in European ski resorts, and specific dates and prices of their vacancies. This m.... More details

Zermatt Vacations

Great autumn deals on vacation apartments in Zermatt. Please see our apartments on www.zermattvacations.com. Up to 50% off regular rates.                                                                     &n.... More details