Is it really cheaper to go to Greece now? (And in Egypt? And in Tunisia?)

 

We tend to think that the countries most severely affected by the economic crisis would have become "good vacation planning." What exactly is it? Jean-Francois Rial, CEO of the agency "World travelers' answers in detail.

Greece has it become a destination "good plan"?

Jean-Francois Rial (Voyageurs du Monde): It depends on when you go and where you go. What is certain is that overall the destination has not become more expensive. That's not bad. If you decide to go to very nice hotels starred in midsummer, it will not be cheaper than before the crisis. However, starting off season on the mainland, you'll save money in comparison. In reality, the reason why Greece is particularly interesting in that moment is that there is much less crowded. The tours are so much nicer. I had the opportunity to visit recently on the island of Santorini and Mount Santo, it was very good, there were very few tourists.

Why was he there fewer tourists? Do travelers have fear? Is the image of the destination that is affected?
Regarding Greece, the first travelers were afraid of that there is more public service. They were afraid that the airports stop working or being caught in the middle of an event, but there is actually no need to fear.

  

What about the price of flights? They fall? That we tend to think if fewer people travel to Greece, the price of air transport will drop ...
No, it is not. When a destination fails, airlines halt flights or reduce the wing. Currently, the air in the direction of Greece is below its price is therefore up prices can not fall further.

And life there?
In Greece, there is the euro and many products are imported, including agricultural products, so no, there, the prices have not moved. 

 

And Egypt? Is the destination more accessible now?

In Egypt, prices were already low but they still declined due to lack of absolute attendance and because the currency is. So, hotels, cruise lines ... Everyone has lowered its prices. Egypt could be a real good plan. Especially at present, the main archaeological site usually crowded, are deserted! It's a real comfort to travelers. It should be noted that security in Egypt is optimum, there is no risk, including for women.

How do you explain this drop in attendance?

There are fewer people because the perception of security in Egypt but also in Tunisia is bad. Turkey is also affected by this hostile environment to Islam and Muslims. Maldives too. Prices have fallen sharply in the Maldives last year. But there is absolutely nothing to fear in these countries. Egypt is a big country in which there Cairo where there is Tahrir Square that ignites occasionally. Just avoid making Tahrir Square that day. This is the "A" of the 20h Journal makes tourism. 

Source: linternaute

Traveling with a minor, you need to know...

 

This time we go! The youngest will for the first time, cross the borders of his native country and exploring the vast world. What a great idea! However, before taking off, check that all the formalities are met.
Traveling with a minor

It is not possible to register a child on the passport of his parents. This must, whatever his age name (even if only a few months ...) have their own passports, which will be valid only 5 years.

If he goes to a destination of the European Union, a simple identity card in his name and valid enough.

Towards certain destinations, you may be asked for proof of filiation with the child. Make sure you bring a copy of birth certificate or family book.
To travel one minor

Exit permits territory (AST) until now essential for traveling minors have been removed. They are no longer required since 1 January 2013. A minor can therefore travel alone with a registered passport and / or identity card for destinations in the European Union.
What you should know

However, before leaving it is essential to consult Record your destination on the Foreign Ministry website (Input / Stay tab). Indeed, there are some exceptions.

For example:

  a minor of Algerian origin (the majority is 19 years in Algeria) traveling without his father must always hold a paternal permission to leave the Algerian territory.

Have a nice trip!

Source: linternaute

10 tips for trips to the Caribbean

It's easy to forget things during the scramble to prepare for the holidays. To avoid the time you hit your forehead in exasperation suddenly riding the plane, we made this little guide to ensure that your holiday travel as a leisurely catamaran. To simplify your life this article offers tips before departure and when you arrived.

1 - Bring a waterproof camera

The beautiful turquoise Caribbean water is perfect for swimming and diving, but as for your camera, it is not. To avoid the possibility of dropping it in and lose all your precious memories because of your clumsy fingers, it is necessary to bring a waterproof camera. It will put you at ease! There you can splash the waterfalls without cares!
2 - Bring rechargeable batteries

On all sides you take pictures, while the typical battery will not suffice. So save some money (and space in your suitcase) by purchasing rechargeable batteries to capture every awesome moment.

3 - Wear hair elastics

If you have long hair, this little accessory must prevent them from going to wind or in your mouth. Believe us, it makes a difference especially when you will make windsurfing!
4 - Do not forget your medication

The sudden enthusiasm will happen to you, thinking of your trip to the beautiful Caribbean islands causes the possibility of forgetting your medication. A few days before departure, check that your medications are well stocked. It is also tool to talk to your pharmacist to see if there are other things you will need.
5 - Footwear: get yourself sandals

Traveling light is a challenge! (Maybe you'll need this swimsuit this?) At shoes, get comfortable; you need only two pairs of shoes - sandals for a chic elegant candlelight dinner and leisure sandals. High heels will not work on this sandy terrain.
6 - Protect your eyes with cool sunglasses

You were looking for the reason just to splurge by buying glasses or Diorel Chanor sun, and finally it is here! The glasses do not only protect the eyes, they will make your photos even more fun!

7 - Wear a Sarong

The garment change throughout the day seems glamorous first maybe, but it dissipates quickly. It is better to bring a chic and cute sarong that allows you to continue to wear a bathing suit if you're by the pool drinking a mimosa on the beach reading a novel or anywhere during your tropical adventure .

8 - Water without moderation!

The sun and booze will give you a great thirst for drinking water. Dehydration, which can cause headaches, is not desirable for your romantic getaway to the Caribbean. Tip: You Gain eternal life by adding water a few slices of lemon or orange to fill in again nutrients and minerals that dissipate staying long in the sun.
9 - Generously apply sunscreen

Although you wanted a nice tan before returning your adventure in the Caribbean, you know that sunburn is really unpleasant. So let the good times roll painlessly. Apply sunscreen regularly.

10 - List of things to do in the Caribbean

Finish your Caribbean vacation without regret. Now start making a list of what you want to do. Ride? Making the zip? Eating you've heard about? You can even prepare this list in your smart phone. That way, you can change when inspiration happens to you.

Source: linternaute 

10 tips for not stressing at the airport

 

Security checks is anxiety. We lose a lot of time, and there is always something wrong: we forget something, we must open his suitcase, remove jewelry ... But to go ahead can make your life!

To remain calm through the security checks, the secret is to prepare as soon as possible. Feel free to print this list of tips and apply in order as soon as you start doing your suitcase.

1. Leave prohibited items in your checked luggage

When you make your case, remember not to take with you from dangerous objects or leave them at the bottom of the luggage you intend to leave in the hold, only if you are sure this is allowed. That goes for your knife, your Swiss army knife keychain, your razor blades (except disposable refills), your cutter, but also for the nunchakus, gas bottle for lighter ...

2. Keep the liquid at hand

Rather than locking your liquid containers at the bottom of your suitcase, do not forget to place in an accessible place immediately, for example in the outside pocket of your suitcase. Remember to check that you have no more liquid than expected no less, it is easy to forget that snow globe brought in memory is no more allowed a bottle!

3. Do not wrap gifts

Speaking of memories ... If you plan to bring gifts in your suitcase, do not pack, you'll have time to do upon arrival. Indeed, if one of them seems suspicious, you will lose precious minutes to unpack.

4. Register Online

It's faster and often, this also allows you to save money. Online registration is usually possible 24 hours before departure of your aircraft.

5. Plan bags suitable for your electronics

So that they can pass control of the scanner, bags containers laptops, cameras and consoles will be out of your suitcase. Please do not put anything other than the dedicated electronic device in his bag so that the scanner is not disturbed. Finally, it may be necessary to remove and store the unit, so remember to take a bag easy to open.

6. Dress accordingly

Dress up as simply as possible. Do not put a hard pull to remove and prefer her jacket. Question shoes, do not wear anything: avoid as much as possible the soles containing gel, which can be problematic (the gel is generally prohibited), and especially rather put shoes easy to remove (if possible without laces ). Do not forget the socks to avoid having to walk barefoot in case you should remove them.

7. Banish metal

You pass the portals today, so leave out anything that is metal! Belts, jewelry, badges, hair barrettes, chains or hooks will stay warm in your luggage. For the most coquettish, the easiest way is to drag all your small accessories in a bag and leave it in a location accessible from your bag to put them after the inspection.

8. Empty your pockets

Rather than do so at the last moment and fall behind before the porticoes plan not put anything in your pockets. Your keys, passport, cell phone or watch will be much better in a bag at hand.

9. Prepare your papers

Nothing more annoying than seeking their boarding card or passport to the bottom of his bag ... and not find them. Before leaving for the airport, make sure you have your papers on you, and drag them into a pocket of your bag to put their hands on it as soon as you need it.

10. Arrive early

The golden rule! Everyone is not as organized as you, so do not hesitate to get as advance as possible. Always leave half an hour before the start time that you have set to avoid the risk of traffic or train delays.

Source: linternaute

Booking holidays online

 

Flight bookings, room nights and even stays on the Internet are constantly increasing for almost 5 years. While the sites offering these services are increasing, some tips to see clearer and help you in your choice.
The advantages to booking holidays online

Vacation before the Internet: it was necessary to visit several agencies, consult paper catalogs, go agency to book or go to another branch ... Thanks to the Internet, vacationers on starting can now access a whole range of offers and stays without leaving home, and thus create competition very quickly.

Better! You can also, through community sites like Tripadvisor or using dedicated forums, check the reliability of information communicated to you. Frédéric Savoyen founder MyTravelChic.com says: "Now it is his own travel agent, you can compare prices, get the opinions of people who have already gone there, we are able to meet his own expectations. "

If some sites link to you automatically create a personalized estimate, others (like Voyageprive.com) offer their deals in real time. Upon consulting the product file, you will know the name of your airline, departure times and arrival. Practical!

From the ultra-personalized stay outside the traditional routes to the club hotel for relaxing week: you're sure to find your happiness.
The disadvantage: difficult to navigate

Romain Chauny, Marketing Site Tracedirecte.com, agreed: "The other side of the coin is found on Internet and anything There are dozens of different services each with dozens of competitors is.. therefore difficult to navigate and find the particular type of trip that fits your traveler profile. "

The best way to sort: compare and look in detail offers a maximum of sites. (At least the first time, then you will identify yourself actors "trusted" and those who seem a little less reliable.) Some websites because they are in contact with local agencies because that they are located in or have a large clientele can be very competitive in a destination ... and absolutely not on another.

Frédéric Savoyen explains: "A user will see an average of 9 travel sites before making his choice is going to happen on the form of a product, and then check the quality offered on the hotel website and do a search on. Google where a lot of pubs will propose very low prices ... It will ensure that the price offered to him is good. "

What are the pitfalls to avoid

Keep your eyes:

  on local taxes that are often not displayed on the products (they can reach up to 20% in Bali for example).

  on the room category, do not rely on some high-sounding titles (deluxe and other premium), check directly on the hotel website service quality.

  the breakfast ... or not. Also, check the value of a full pension. In the Maldives, it is recommended (as little opportunity for lunch on site), unlike in India or Sri Lanka, it is possible to get only the afternoon. Moreover, some packages "all-inclusive" does not include all of the hotel restaurants. Learn about travel forums.

  Also beware phrases like "from x euros", quotes will rarely take at this price.

  some flights comparator "hide" or "fail" to report certain costs. It should also keep an eye on the final price at the time of booking.

"The journey on the Internet is an evolving sector, especially since the arrival of the web in the most remote destinations. Many opportunistic therefore launched, opening a website that references the many offers of the web and come take a share market while laughing madly quality sold stays Avoid so little known agencies. - unless you have a personal reference - to prefer under French law agencies can certify a certain notoriety (presence articles in specialized sites), "explains Romain Chauny. Frédéric Savoyen adds: "Internet modernizes, the mafias have disappeared and most of the big players are seriously the worst case, feel free to call to reassure you.".  

Source: linternaute

Being a free upgrade by plane: 5 tips to know

 

Travel in economy class, folded in four, knees in the chin is not necessarily inevitable. Some manage to outperform be no charge in First or Business Class. Here are tips to increase your chances.

Whenever your best friend Gérard returned from a trip at the end of the world, he announced with pride not to have traveled economy class -as expected- but it was business class ("open champagne bar" added- he systematically enrage you.) he, once again, was upgraded at the time of registration at the airport. How is he doing? Why always him and not you? Some tricks to force destiny with the guidance of David Gégot, CEO of Air France Canada.
Rule number one: alone, you will travel
Or both. Maximum. Your friend Gerard has the main advantage of not having children and traveling alone. If a place becomes available in First or Business Class, no doubt it will be easier to find a seat. Moreover, some airlines take to the serenity of their Business Class and avoid to install too many young children.

Travelling with family and dream to be upgraded anyway? All is not lost. Air Canada offers such ad hoc, on the occasion of special promotions, Business Class upgrade for a fee. "This is offered at the time of registration," says David Gégot. "If a family wants to benefit, no problems."

Rule number 2: during the school holidays, you will go

This advice goes against the previous ... Certainly. Yet, it is during these periods of the year the passenger load is high you have the best chance to be upgraded. Christmas, February vacation or summer ... are good times to try your luck.
Rule number 3: at the end of the recording, you get

Air Canada, "the decision of the upgrade is taken at the time of closure of the flight, an hour before the start." So this is the end of the recording, when most passengers are already placed on the plane that you most likely to be moved to another class.
Rule Number 4: a loyalty program, you join

Obviously, airlines outperform prioritize their most loyal customers. You regularly travel on Air France, you have any interest in making your Flying Blue card will earn "miles". Air Canada Gégot David explains: "The selection of passengers for the upgrade depends on their status in the company's loyalty program (Aeroplan in this case) more passenger has a high status in the program and it. accumulated miles, the easier it will be a priority. "
Rule number 5: the bluff, you try?

You are a couple and go on honeymoon? You are pregnant or have any health problems (back pain, leg in plaster ...) and you want to "go for it" and request an upgrade? It's possible. In this case arrive early (while seats in First and Business Class are not yet assigned), be on your own, and especially stay courteous and polite to the crew.

Source: linternaute

Statue of Liberty

 

The Statue of Liberty is a masterpiece of the human creative spirit. Its construction in the studios of Bartholdi in Paris represents one of the greatest technical exploits of the 19th century. It welcomed immigrants at the entrance to New York harbour, and so it is directly and materially associated with an event of outstanding universal significance: the populating of the United States, the melting pot of disparate peoples in the second half of the 19th century. The fact that the statue, whose funds were raised by international subscription, was executed in Europe, by a French sculptor, strengthens the symbolic interest of this world-renowned work.
During the second half of the 19th century, the population of the United States almost doubled in 30 years, from 38,500,000 inhabitants in 1870 to 76,000,000 in 1900. This prodigious growth is principally due to immigration which reached an unprecedented high at that time. Between 1840 and 1880, 9,438,000 foreigners landed in the United States, among which, besides the British, were Germans, Irish and Scandinavian. Between 1880 and 1914, the number of immigrants reached 22,000,000, this time deriving mainly from southern and eastern Europe.
It is within this context the order was placed for the Statue of Liberty, made in Paris by the French sculptor Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi, in collaboration with Gustave Eiffel, who conceived and executed the metallic skeleton which was to form the interior framework. The exterior 'envelope' was composed of brass plaques, formed by hammering them in hard wood moulds made from plaster models. These plaques were then soldered and riveted together. After Bartholdi prefabricated the figure in Paris by moulding sheets of copper over a steel framework, it was shipped to the United States in 241 crates in 1885.
Some of the money to erect the statue was contributed by American schoolchildren. It is certain that for millions of immigrants who came to America in the 19th century seeking freedom, it was the fulfilment of their dreams. The sculptor also intended with his work to be an immense and impressive symbol of human liberty, and it is one of the most universal symbols of political freedom and democracy. The people of France gave the statue to the people of the United States over 100 years ago in recognition of the friendship established during the American Revolution.
The Statue of Liberty, a woman holding on high a book and a 46 m long torch set on Liberty Island, situated at the entrance to New York harbour about 1 km from the landing point of the immigrants, was dedicated on 28 October 1886 and was designated a National Monument on 15 October 1924. On 8 September 1937, jurisdiction was enlarged to encompass all of Bedloe's Island and in 1956, the island's name was changed to Liberty Island. On 11 May 1965, Ellis Island was also transferred to the National Park Service and became part of the Statue of Liberty National Monument.
'Liberty Enlightening the World' was extensively restored in time for the spectacular centennial of American independence on 4 July 1986, for whom it symbolized the ideals of Washington and Lincoln. It has continued to inspire people across the world.

Source: unesco