New director of the Mexico City tourism office is Carlos Mackinlay. He has worked there for several years. Mackinlay, who officially takes office on Wednesday, replaces Alejando Rojas. Rojas resigned as a result of political disagreements with the mayor of Mexico City.
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Jimm Budd
Reporting From Mexico City
Member of the Society of American Travel Writers
The Los Cabos Convention Center, being built specifically for the June gathering of leaders from the world’s 20 leading economies, will not be finished until September. This year it is Mexico’s turn to host the G20 gathering. Los Cabos was selected for security reasons, although building a costly convention center in an area that once liked to brag it was convention-free has been sharply criticized. Problems with bureaucracy are blamed for the deadline that will be missed.
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Jimm Budd
Reporting From Mexico City
Member of the Society of American Travel Writers
One third of all Americans who traveled abroad in 2011 went to Mexico, according to U.S. Commerce Department figures. More Americans went to Mexico than to any other country. The United States accounts for about 80 percent of all international travelers to Mexico, although visitors from other countries stay longer. And U.S. travel to Mexico (and also to Canada) declined somewhat last year.
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Jimm Budd
Reporting From Mexico City
Member of the Society of American Travel Writers
Easter marks the end of lent, and after making it through the seemingly endless 40 days, spending the holiday at a five-star hotel might just be the perfect celebration. Ashford Castle in Ireland, The Greenbrier in the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia and Hotel Hassler Roma in Rome are offering a smorgasbord of activities and perks, including Easter egg hunts, art classes, Easter Sunday brunch and bike rides.
Ashford Castle — “Easter Family Weekend” Celebrate like royalty at Ashford Castle, once home to the Guinness family. The package is ideal for the whole family: explore the countryside, enjoy fine dining and meet the hotel’s famous resident owl.
The Greenbrier — “Easter Package” It’s not quite Easter without an Easter Egg hunt and the Greenbrier, one of America’s oldest and grandest resorts, serves up some good ole’ Americana fun.
The Hotel Hassler Roma — “Easter Surprise” This Easter, The Hotel Hassler Roma is offering a traditional Easter Brunch at the Michelin-starred Imàgo restaurant, where Chef Francesco Apreda will be serving such delicacies as Neapolitan lasagne, roasted goat and homemade Colomba cake for dessert.
For more information, visit: www.ashford.ie, www.greenbrier.com or www.hotelhasslerroma.com. |
London is a wonderful city to visit any time of year. After reading about it on websites — especially TheBritishTraveler.com — guide books and travel magazines, you think you are ready to embark on your visit to one of the most exciting cities in the world. There are definitely some aspects of London that will surprise you. The publisher, a Londoner, has put together a list of the biggest surprises you may encounter as an American in London:
Surprise #1 -- The vast range of languages and ethnicities you will encounter.
You will undoubtedly meet people from around the globe who are working and living in London, some from places you would never expect!
Surprise #2 -- The vast number of people.
London is a very busy city, especially in popular locations like shopping on Oxford Street or walking across Westminster Bridge. Try to avoid using the underground (the “tube”) during the rush hours, it’s crazy.
Surprise #3 -- The immense size of the city.
Greater London consists of 32 boroughs and the City of London, the same number of capsules on the London Eye (not a coincidence!). It covers over 600 square miles; however, the part visitors are most interested in are within walking distance or within short “tube rides.
Surprise #4 -- The Cost.
It is expensive. You will see items that cost twice as much as you can get them at home from familiar brand-name shops. But there are also some wonderful unique items worth taking home as reminders of a great trip to London. If you are on a budget, eat at pubs or cafes rather than restaurants; they have fast food too!
Surprise #5 -- Incredible history.
You are surrounded by history almost everywhere you go. There are three must see places: Westminster Abbey, Houses of Parliament (guided tour, limited schedule) and the Tower of London
Surprise #6-- The wonderful transport system.
It’s so easy to get around. I suggest buying an Oyster card or Travel card; both will give you reduced rates on the bus and tube and are easy to use.
Surprise #7 -- The pubs.
They are not like American bars! The pubs are wonderfully social places, where you can relax, have a well-priced, very filling meal, great beer and the opportunity to chat with the locals.
Surprise #8 -- The food is much better than advertised.
For a long time Britain has had the reputation of having very bland and uninteresting food, but lots of things have changes and some of the top chefs in the world are British. Check out a Gordon Ramsey or Jamie Oliver restaurant as examples. There are lots more.
Surprise #9 -- The number of things to see and do.
As Samuel Johnson said, “When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life.” There are hundreds of places to see and things to do in London, you will never be bored.
Surprise #10 -- The amazing countryside.
It’s so close. In much less than an hour, you can be exploring idyllic villages with thatched cottages and beamed country pubs. You don’t have to rent a car, there are day tours that will take you there for lunch.
To learn more about what to do and see in London visit TheBritishTraveler.com.
To celebrate the first anniversary of the National Tourism Accord, Tourism Minister Gloria Guevara announced the creation of 18 “Gastronomic Routes.” These will place emphasis on regional specialties served around the country, such as grilled goat in Monterrey, mole in Puebla and Oaxaca and pork roasted in banana leaves in Yucatan. As for the Tourism Accord, it calls for further training, expansion of the Pueblos Mágicos program, technical aid to small tourism-related businesses and more.
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Jimm Budd
Reporting From Mexico City
Member of the Society of American Travel Writers
Federal, state and local officials along with a group of business leaders headed by Carlos Slim have joined together in an effort to restore Acapulco to its former glory. Once the only international resort destination in Mexico, Acapulco long ago was overshadowed by Puerto Vallarta, Cancun and many other seaside playgrounds. Latest blows have come from violent battles between warring drug cartels. Now plans call for everything from new parks and another museum to improved public transportation and a 10-mile-long tunnel beneath traffic-clogged streets.
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Jimm Budd
Reporting From Mexico City
Member of the Society of American Travel Writers
