Archives for March 2009

While many European companies have long turned to shorter workweeks and mandatory time off in economic downturns, the idea has never really caught on in the United States. Despite reports of unpaid furloughs and wage cuts, American companies continue to rely heavily on layoffs to control labor costs.

Much of this has to do with cultural differences as well as the social safety net that many European governments offer. For American employers, is one approach — layoffs versus shorter workweeks and wage cuts — better for the economy? Could it be true — as the Germans argue — that keeping more workers on the job is a good way to stimulate the economy in a recession?

Spring is the ideal time to visit Europe: The weather is pleasant, the summer crowds haven't yet arrived, and best of all, everything's affordable. I've compiled 10 of the best Europe vacation deals for travel in the upcoming months, with accompanying photos that will leave you daydreaming about your spring vacation.
1. Paris in the springtime (and fall).

Air France Holidays' Presenting Paris vacation package is an affordable option for exploring the City of Lights. Round-trip airfare on Air France and six nights' accommodations at the Comfort Gare de L'Est Hotel are included, with extras such as a Bateaux Mouches river cruise, a city map of Paris, continental breakfast, and hotel taxes and service charges.

The base price of $799 is based on spring departures from New York City between April 1 and May 15, and again from September 8 through October 25. You can customize this package based on your departure city. For example, Philadelphia departures are an extra $30, and Washington, D.C., departures are an extra $70.

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I have to admit I am a complete wimp when it comes to rollercoaster’s and extreme rides, I have to be bribed then dragged kicking and screaming towards anything that is faster than a carousel. That being said, I absolutely loved our day out at Busch Gardens.

Busch Gardens Europe is in Williamsburg just minutes away from Interstate 64, and very well sign posted. If you’re driving from Virginia Beach, expect it to take about an hour to get there.

The park is made up of six sections which all have Country themes, these are Germany, France, Italy, England, Ireland, and Scotland.

When we arrived it was turning out to be one of those perfect Virginia days, with the weather nice and warm and not a cloud in the sky.

The park had just opened so we headed straight for the French village so that my friends could ride the newest and best attraction of the park, the Griffon.

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1. Hike in Ireland: Revel in the glorious, green landscape on guided trips that lure an international mix and epitomize the best of Ireland -- appealing country inns and raucous times in pubs. 2. Cook in Sicily: Stay at a charming hilltop farm, spend days preparing Sicilian food, eating, exploring historic sites and visiting wineries.

Fattoria Mose in Agrigento is the place; the tour company is Mediterranean Kitchen Cooking Vacations of Toronto. 3. Learn Spanish in Spain: Be immersed in Español in the Spanish countryside. No time to be lonely since this entails complete concentration -- about Day 3 it all starts to make sense.

4. Heli-ski in the Rockies: The ultimate ski vacation is to be dropped by a big bird in heaps of powder and spend evenings exchanging ski tales with other keeners. 5. Do Yoga on Vancouver Island: Breathe deep and stretch it out at a three-day retreat at the Aerie Resort & Spa just outside of Victoria; the forest surroundings give new meaning to "finding your own space."

Hotel Astor Saint-Honoré Paris welcomes guests in an ambience of charm and luxurious elegance.  Located in the fashionable 8th arrondissement, with the world's most elegant boutiques, supreme dining and some of.

Paris' most famous sights at your doorstep, the Hotel Astor Saint-Honoré offers 119 luxury guest rooms on seven floors, and five suites.

Designed First-class service and modern facilities are hallmarks of this Paris hotel, with delicious cuisine served at the De L'Astor restuarant.

A modern Fitness Centre is complemented by other sports facilities near the hotel. Including squash, tennis and golfto a high standard, the hotel offers comfortable accommodation for both the business and leisure traveller alike.

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In this guest post Jason Chirundu of Beach Holiday Guide gives us the lowdown on some of best beaches off the beaten track in Malta. As you would expect with most European beach holiday locations, Malta’s beaches can get really busy, especially during the peak summer holiday season of June to August.

I sometimes enjoy visiting a busy beach as there is so much going on and it is great for people watching, but what happens if you want to chill out and get away from it all? The good news is that because Malta is an island is has many different kinds of beaches that will suit almost everyone, including those looking to get away from the crowds.

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Want to head back to the States for Easter or some much-needed leave? Well, for anyone who is looking to fly to the good old US of A — or wants a friend or loved one to come for a visit — there are plenty of deals to be had.

A round-trip ticket from Los Angeles to Paris, for example, costs $684 including taxes on .A flight for the same dates from New York to Paris cost $700 on that site. A flight from Frankfurt, Germany, to any of the airports in the New York area on British Airways from early June to late June was listed at $422 on the airline’s site. And  offered a Lufthansa flight with two stops between Naples, Italy, and Chicago for $496.

"Going to the East Coast — Newark or New York — you are looking at $500 round trip," said Crystal Perez, the facility manager for Information, Tickets and Travel at RAF Mildenhall. "To the West Coast, it is a little higher, I would say closer to $700 or $800."

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The Paradores of Spain are medieval castles, Arab fortresses, monasteries, palaces and ancient manor houses. These are places of great historical interest and rare beauty.Just because many of the Paradors are buildings that are centuries old - don't be fooled.

All have been refurbished and brought up to the highest quality of modern convenience and service. These are superlative accommodations and combine features that will captivate any traveler; enthralling architecture, fascinating history, exquisite cuisine, delightful ambience and impeccable service. In a word, they are unmatched.

To stay at a Parador is to experience sensations unexpected and rare. They embody a harmonious combination of history, comfort, and beauty that creates pleasant emotions which linger long after the stay is over. Each of the 92 Paradores yet there is a continuity of quality, cuisine and service that comes to be expected and trusted as you travel from Parador to Parador.

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South Europe is a favorite spot among travelers. We are drawn to it’s sun, lifestyle, food, charm…the list is long. But one of the most overlooked southern European destinations, is also one of the best. Portugal is not just the place left of Spain on the map, it is a unique country worth exploring.

Some of the characteristics which make Portugal an obvious place to visit, are good weather, enchanting cities, and extreme natural beauty. The most popular destinations are the capital city of Lisbon, and south Portugal’s Algarve region.

Lisbon is one of the most beautiful cities in all of Europe. Built on seven hills, Lisbon offers many spots to relax and overlook the city. Saint Jorge’s castle sits atop of the biggest hill, and the view down toward the river and the Alfama neighborhood is spectacular.

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The current global economy finds itself in a tight spot. Several words continually ring out in newspapers, evening news reports, and personal conversations: “recession,” “depression,” “inflation,” “stimulus,” and so on.

“Travel” and “vacation” aren’t thrown in that mix very often. Travel is considered a luxury more and more these days as people’s wallets feel the pinch of the economic crisis--but there’s a silver lining for the budget-weary travel lover.

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