General Articles

Universal Studios Amusement Parks

Universal studios amusement parks, powered by the Universal Studios, an NBC Universal division are based on films the company has produced through the years. At present, open parks involve Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Studios Orlando and Universal Studios Japan theme parks. The idea of this company’s amusement parks started out back in 1981. Although Universal had a Studio Tour which was pretty famous back in the days, they desired something a little larger. They preferred a functional studio that could also become a theme park and thus the concept of this amusement parks came to be.

The first theme park from Universal Studios was launched in 1990. The early times of the theme park wasn’t remarkable. The points of interest didn’t show to be as successful as it had been expected. Long line delays caused lots of people to vow never to come back. In truth the 2 theme parks, Earthquake and Kongfrontation, the most famous attractions during the time of their opening hit a brick wall. JAWS similarly suffered a related fate. Because of these failures, the company triggered presenting free passes as apologies for the unhappy enthusiasts. Nonetheless, damage had previously been done and it would take a period of time before Universal could endure these disastrous failures.

By 1996, an enormous development was happening with all the launch of a 2nd theme park, a new hotel and an entertainment district that were launched almost simultaneously in 1999. The brand new amusement park which was entitled “Islands of Adventure” made all conscious that Universal Studios was effective at providing the same degree of excitement to a recreation area as Disney. In fact, a number of the imaginative skill behind the highly flourishing Disney-MGM studios was responsible for Universal’s Islands of Adventure. The theme park wasn’t any “kiddie park” because it was capable to supply high energy coasters and thrill rides which were directed at a mature audience.

Within the same year 1999, their team created the City Walk, an entertainment district similar to Disney’s Pleasure Island and luxury hotel Portofino Bay. Today, the district has 3 hotel properties, 2 amusement parks as well as an entertainment district that generally seems to rival Disney. Having an additional 2000 acres, Universal is definitely not done. They want to build a couple of additional theme parks and more accommodations. If you are searching to experience the field of the spine-tingling excitement of films like Jaws, Twister and out-of-this-world adventure with movies like E.T., Men In Black and Back to the Future, this is the place to revive those fantasies.…

Travel Agent and Internet Marketing – Impact, Benefits, and Planning

The internet is a part of a wide majority of lives today and it is something irrevocable and unstoppable. Even traditional brick and mortar businesses with a physical presence in the city or town have come to realize the value of an online presence and the importance of internet marketing.

Gone are the days when people were relaxed and visited the stores to shop and talk a while. Today it’s all about cramming as much as possible into one day because of the immensely fast paced world we live in. People no longer go to stores so much to shop and home shopping has become a huge industry. Internet searches for products and services have replaced the Yellow pages!

Any business that does not have a web presence is bound to lose out big time because people turn to the internet for their information. When we consider the travel agent and internet marketing it is interesting to study the impact that online marketing has on a travel agent.

In terms of money, the travel agent will benefit. Advertising in the phone directory, newspapers, magazines and other media is an expensive affair; most online advertising is very cheap and advertisements in internet directories are free. Another advantage is the links to your website you can put in the advertisement, which will help direct visitors to your site.

You can upgrade your website by adding superior quality content to it; it is not very expensive to get professional content written by a ghost writer, if you cannot do the writing yourself. This will attract customers because people turn to the internet every single time for information. Once your customers figure out that you are a travel agent who knows his stuff you have a potential customer to hand. You don’t even need a website to register with the online directories; however, internet marking has more of a positive impact when you have your own site.

The name you choose for your domain is a very useful internet marketing tool. Choose a name that will also be your URL; make sure it is relevant to the travel services you provide. Customers will find it easy to remember the name and will soon stop bothering to do a search to find travel agents, coming instead directly to your site. Remember your domain name will be your online identify for the foreseeable future.

Competition in every industry is extremely fierce and the travel industry is no different. For a travel agent to become successful online, a very well thought out internet marketing plan is essential. A good internet marketing plan includes the following:

– Getting your site registered with the online directories

– Optimize your website for the search engines

– Make correct use of keywords and keyword phrases to get a high ranking in the search engine results; you aim should be to get your website listed in the first 5 results on every major search engine. This will greatly increase web traffic to your site, giving you increased numbers of potential customers.

– Obtaining an email database of customers who visit your site

– Sending emails to potential customers

– Providing informative and useful content for customers

– Setting up linkbacks to your site…

Air Travel

Most of us travel by airplane frequently and are used to the procedures and expectations of the airport. First time fliers, however, may become quite nervous because they are unaware of what to expect when they arrive at the airport. If you are a first time flier and are wondering what to expect when you arrive at the airport, this article can help. Throughout this article we will discuss everything you need to know about taking your first flight!

Before even arriving at the airport, you will want to dress appropriately. Depending on your destination, it is often suggested that you dress in layers. When you are flying, temperatures can change quickly based on elevation and location. You will want to bring something warm to wear, as well as something cool, for any unexpected changes in temperature. You will also want to wear comfortable shoes. High heels don’t cut it in an airport. Airports can often be very large in size, sometimes taking 20 minutes to walk from one end to the other. Thus, you will want to make sure that your feet are comfortable for any amount of walking that you may have to endure. Also, when it comes to flying, avoid wearing metal or jewelery. The more metal or jewelery that you wear, the more things you will have to remove during security check, making your check in a much longer process than it has to be.

So now you know what to wear, but what all do you need to bring to the airport with you? When traveling via airplane you will need to bring your airline ticket, your passport, and of course, your luggage. It is important that when packing your luggage you follow the airline’s luggage requirements. Most airlines allow you to bring along two check in bags and one carry on bag. With most airlines, you will be charged a fee of $20-$30 for each checked bag under 40 pounds. If the bag is over 40 pounds, you will be charged an additional fee. Carry on luggage is usually free, but is very limited in size. All carry on luggage must be small enough to fit in the overhead compartments on the airplane. Carry on luggage is also subject to other restrictions regarding weapons, gels, and liquids. For more information about luggage restrictions, refer to your airlines website.

What should you expect when you arrive at the airport? Firstly, you will want to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours in advance. This will give you ample time to check your bags, get through security, and grab a bite to eat before takeoff. If you cannot make it 2 hours in advance, make sure to arrive at least one hour before takeoff. If you are not checked in thirty minutes before your flight is scheduled to leave, your seat may be given to someone else.

Since the terrorist attacks on 9/11, airport security has become increasingly tight. First, your bags will be passed through an x-ray machine to check for any breaches of security and then you, yourself, will be instructed to walk through a metal detector. To pass through security quickly, ensure that you have followed all carry on guidelines and that you have your boarding pass and passport ready.

Also, when traveling, make sure to bring a good amount of money aboard the plane with you. If you get hungry while waiting for, or during, your flight, food can be quite expensive. Always have extra money available to you in case you become hungry.

Aboard the plane, expect small, tight spaces. Airplane seats are very small and crowded, so be prepared! Always make sure to bring something that you can entertain yourself with in case you are unable to sleep in such a confined space.

For first time fliers, airport procedures can be quite confusing. To survive your first airport experience, follow the tips above and be sure to ask airport staff if you have any additional questions.…

Tips to Travel Easily With a Disability

Are you having a physical disability or are you traveling with anyone who is having any sort of physical disability? Nowadays, with the availability of so many facilities, you can easily plan your trip that will not create any problem. Approach agents or trip companies to get the best deal that match your needs. Planning an independent trip has become so easy with a convenient wheelchair. Following tips may help you to enjoy a convenient journey:

Before You Go:

Make your plans clearly. You should do what would be your next step as possibly as you can. Many airline companies allow patients to carry one wheelchair per plane. Also, you may get accessible wheelchair facility in hotels as well.

Learn about your destination:

In order to learn more on accessibility, it would be easier to check the Web sites of concerned hotels and guidebooks for details. Learn if the location has buildings or streets without elevator facility, then it is best not to visit such places.

Research your hotel:

Thanks to internet technology, you can look inside your booked hotel. You can enquire about your room and its facility. Ask them in detail what additional facility they provide to their guests. Do not trust any unreliable information source but cross check with the hotel only. It will help you to get the real picture of your hired accommodation.

Pack carefully:

While packing up your stuffs, it becomes important for you to pack all the important medication that you will need. In addition, you will have to cross check everything that you may require during your trip to your chosen destination.…

The Zambezi River – Zambia’s Finest Safari Feature

The Zambezi is Africa’s fourth largest river; flowing for about 3000km across central Africa. The river hails from a small brook at the upper Northwest corner of Zambia and it then flows through Angola and borders Namibia, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe before finally cutting through Mozambique where it empties its waters into the Indian Ocean through a Delta. 

The Zambezi River ebbs and flows depending on season. If there is prolonged rain, the river swells up and bursts its banks in particular areas displacing thousands of people. On the other hand if there is no rain, the waters recede. The river is divided into three sections; the upper Zambezi, middle Zambezi and lower Zambezi.

Though the river, has a lot to offer with every square kilometer it passes through, it has the best of its features in Zambia and Zimbabwe. Perhaps the most spectacular feature along the Zambezi is the magnificent Victoria Falls. Known locally as “Mosi-oa-Tunya” (the smoke that thunders), the Victoria Falls is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The deafening roar of the falls as millions of liters of water cascade down its rocky cliff can be heard from metres away. From the falling water rises a glistening blanket of mist which makes the sight all the more enchanting.

The best time to tour the falls is during the dry winter season which runs from July to August. Around the rainy season, the blanket of mist gets so thick that it makes it impossible to catch a glimpse of the falls. The peak of the dry season is also not best because the falls are at their dullest during this time. If you wish to, you can catch a helicopter ride and get a bird’s eye view of the falls. However, most people prefer the experience from the ground where they can feel the spray of the falls on their faces. If you plan to view the falls from the ground, carry a raincoat as you are bound to get soaked, most people get a kick out of this though.

Not far from the falls stands the grand Victoria Falls Bridge. The bridge is a prized piece of fine architecture that joins Zambia and Zimbabwe while also providing an expansive view of the Zambezi and the adjacent rain forests. The most popular activity at the bridge is bungee jumping. The fall is 111 metres long making it the second longest bungee distance in the world. Other notable sights along the Zambezi include the expansive Kariba and Cahora Bassa dams.

The Kariba dam in Zambia, boasts a vast 300km. The Cahora Bassa dam lies in Mozambique and is 20km smaller than the Kariba making it 280km wide. Both dams are deep and quite popular for their sport fishing activities. You can choose whether to fish from the banks or go out into the water in a canoe. The most common fish in these areas are Tiger fish which can grow to as much as 10kg, the yellow-belly bream, and the red-breasted bream among others.

Besides fishing, the dams also provide the local community with enough water for irrigation for those who practice farming along the river. The dams are also a source of hydropower. The Kariba dam supplies power to Zambia and Zimbabwe while the Cahora Bassa dam supplies power to both Mozambique and South Africa.   

There are a number of game parks and reserves dotted all along the Zambezi and offering some of the best Africa safaris. The most popular of these include the Zambezi National Park, the Victoria Falls national park, the Mana pools park, and the Wide horizons elephant camp. Here, visitors can watch a wide array of wild animals along game drives or in fenced and controlled reserves. The activity that the Zambezi is world famous for is its eventful white water rafting expeditions. The rocky riverbeds of the Zambezi and the steep, gorged terrain as well as pressure pools provide an excellent flowing strip for the exciting rapids.

The Zambezi rapids have been classified as grade five, meaning that they are very difficult to negotiate, very fast, violent and unpredictable as they have no clear pattern that a negotiator can get used to therefore making each trip different from the next. The rapids are also popular because they have little bare rock allaying fears of injury therefore allowing kayakers to make the most of the experience.

There is a wide array of hotels and lodges to choose from along the Zambezi. They range from outdoor tent and mattress camping lodges to luxury five star hotels. Whichever you choose, they all promise different adventures that are bound to make your stay memorable. A couple of the most popular hotel and lodges include; the Royal …

Pre-Flight Travel Planning Tips

When planning to take a flight, there are a number of important things one should do before boarding the plane. Whether it is for personal or business reasons, making sure you have made the appropriate preparations is a key component of having a pleasant flight experience. Below are a few pre-flight airline travel tips to help you prepare for your flight.

Pack Smart: Don’t put all of your essential items in one luggage bag. Divide the essentials between your luggage bags. If you do this and a luggage piece is lost, you will not lose all of your important belongings. Mark your luggage bags with something that will make it easy to identify. This will help prevent someone else from taking your luggage by mistake. When it comes to traveling with cash in another country, carry only the required amount of local currency that you need when you are in the foreign country. Make sure that you will be able to use your bank debit card in another country. As well, make sure you have the appropriate traveler’s checks that can be used in the country.

Make Copies of Essentials Documents: With any important document that you are taking with you on your trip, make sure you have made copies of those documents and they are stored in a safe place on your trip and in a safe place at home.

Flight Confirmation: It is important to call and reconfirm your booking about 24-72 hours in advance of the scheduled flight. Check with news sources such as local television to make sure there have not been any issues that will cause a flight disruption or cancellation. You can also check the airline online to see if there have been any changes with your flight.

Identification and Passports: Passengers over the age of 16 must show government-issued photo identification for domestic air travel such as a driver’s license or health card. For those under the age of 16, non-government issued identification such as a student ID card or birth certificate is recommended. When traveling internationally, every passenger, including their children, must provide a valid passport.

Visas: It is essential that you check the visa requirements for the countries you are visiting. The Consular Affairs website has a list of countries that you need a visa to travel to. Check the International Travel Reports to make sure there are no security, safety, and health issues with the county you are going to visit.

Insurance: When traveling to another country or even state or province, it is important that you are protected. Check with your Credit Card Company, home insurance policy, and auto club insurance to see if you have adequate coverage for medical emergencies, lost or stolen . Consider purchasing travel insurance. Make sure you know exactly what your coverage entails.

Immunizations: It is important to make sure you have the appropriate vaccinations for the health risks associated with the country you are traveling. In some countries, immunization is a requirement for entering that country. Anti-malarial medications may have to be started weeks in advance of the flight.

Prepare for Airport Security: Make sure you know what you can take on the flight and what is prohibited. Passengers are allowed to bring liquids, gels and aerosols through security screening as long as the items are packaged in containers with a capacity of 100ml / 100 grams or less, and that the containers fit in one sealable clear plastic bag.

Before you embark on your next flight, it is important to make the necessary preparations so that your trip will be relaxing and enjoyable.…

Never Completely Out Of Touch

The issue with business journey, to put it bluntly, is that you simply are not in your workplace. However along with modern tools along with a bit of co-ordination by you, you can maintain a fair amount of connectivity to your important tasks and team activities even while driving in the rental car or even waiting out your flight at the airport.

The particular technology you employ to stay connected may well change over time. Whereas before we’re able to only use pay phones at airports, we’ve evolved technologically in order to travel and also get the network by way of your cell phone, wireless PC or an assortment of other devices. Thus the first step would be to recognize the sort of technology that fulfills your dependence on connectivity in addition to enabling you to perform successfully within diverse areas like the airport terminal, your airplane seat or the accommodation.

While you conduct a specialized review of the accessible technology, be careful to study the durability of the apparatus you are taking traveling. An individual might possibly spend the money for the majority of superior gear available today. Nevertheless if that hardware cannot make it through the bustle of journey including being bumped about inside your baggage, heat exposure, cold and moisture or simply about any other tough situation you may toss it into, it is not the kind of gadgets you want with you on a long business trip.

Once you settle on the apparatus, you should manage that or have it configured for access to the internet along with the power to make use of your corporate world wide web and system. This is vital that you could communicate with your staff and gain access to corporate documents so you can stay on top of what’s going on together with your jobs at home. For example, for those who have any project group file status reports each Friday morning, you need to be able to evaluate those and provide instructions for action items to take that come from those reports quickly and efficiently, even if you’re on a ten hour flight from Europe.

To handle your phone contacts, the idea of merely putting the “out of office” auto-answer in your office message service is really last decade. As an alternative, it is possible to forward your office phone to your cell phone and also receive the phone calls in remote so you can perform your business as though you were on-site throughout your journey.

There’s sufficient technology accessible currently so that you can manage to access and operate your desktop computer back on your own workplace on the job while traveling. A single such service is . But there are many such companies or your IT department may have a methodology to enable that entry which you can use if you get them involved with your journey preparing. By accessing your PC every day or repeatedly every day, you can switch on your own instance of Microsoft Outlook or whatever your e-mail software is and study as well as respond to crucial business email messages as you relax inside your hotel room right after your business meetings away.

These are just a number of the technologies that make it achievable to do virtually any function from remote you could have done just at work in the past. So don’t accept the limitations with the road. Investigate how you can be fully linked as you start your company journey and also the final result will be that you can maintain all your significant business projects continuing to move forward at the same time.…