Archive for June, 2010

Parts of downtown Nashville were evacuated Sunday night as floodwaters from the nearby Cumberland River threatened to inundate the city’s main tourism district.

The flooding was caused by a series of weekend thunderstorms that brought record rainfall and lead to the deaths of at least 19 people in Tennessee, Mississippi and Kentucky.

Nashville authorities shut down restaurants and bars around midnight as levees overflowed and water spilled into downtown streets near the riverfront.

Waters also blanketed a parking lot belonging to LP Field, home of the Tennessee Titans. The stadium has yet to be affected by water damage.

The popular Opryland Resort & Convention Center, which is the largest non-gaming hotel property in the United States, was in the most danger last night. The hotel complex sits adjacent to the Cumberland River.

As a precaution, about 1,500 hotel guests of the hotel were evacuated at midnight and moved to local high school.

Nashville Fire Dept. Chief Charles Shannon has reported that the hotel sustained only minor water damage, but surrounding parking lots remain flooded. Water surrounded the Grand Ole Opry House and the Opry Mills shopping mall as well.

Gaylord Entertainment, the company that owns the Opryland Hotel, says the hotel will probably be closed for several months.

However, the historic Ryman Auditorium, the former home of the Grand Ole Opry, has been reported to be in no immediate danger.

Though Nashville is protected by FEMA-approved levees, the amount of rainfall experienced in the last 48 hours swelled the Cumberland to levels beyond the 100-year flood standard.

In two days, more than 13 inches of rain fell on the city, which is double the previous record of 6.68 inches of rain that fell during Hurricane Fredrick in 1979.

The rainfall and flooding has put a damper on travel in and out of the region.

More than 150 roads were closed in middle Tennessee on Sunday, and most downtown roads remain closed on Monday.

Rainfall has also shut down three major interstates in the Nashville area over the weekend. Interstate 40, which runs horizontally through the state, is covered with standing water that is stranding drivers.

Service at Nashville International Airport has also been disrupted, officials said. Additionally, in the state’s fifth-largest city, Clarksville, TN, flooding has also been reported.

The series of storms continues to pound the South today, moving through north Georgia, causing flooding in the streets of Atlanta and delaying flights into Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. For more information, visit petergreenberg.

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About the Author:
PeterGreenberg.com is a constantly updated source for the latest in travel news, analysis and information led by travel guru Peter Greenberg. For more information, visit www.petergreenberg.com.
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The clock is ticking for Spirit Airlines. The airline’s pilots have given the Florida-based carrier 30 days to settle a contract dispute or they will strike.

The announcement of the strike came on Tuesday when the Air Line Pilots Association International, the union that represents Spirit pilots, rejected an arbitration proposal.

If an agreement is not meet by the federally mandated 30 day cooling-off period, the pilots will be able to strike at the stroke of midnight, June 12.

Spirit will be providing notice to some employees of “possible reductions that could be implemented. “

The pilots’ union and the airlines have been arguing over contract terms for the last three years, and have been in mediation for more than six months.

Pilots claim that Spirit management has failed to offer benefits that were comparable with other low-cost carriers, and demanded that workers take benefits cuts even when the company was turning a profit.

In addition to asking for pay raises, the Spirit pilots are also hoping to counter proposals that would increase the maximum flying hours and reduce vacation time.

Spirit Airlines’ thriftiness with its employees should come as no surprise to those who have followed the ultra low-cost carrier in the last few years.

In 2009, the union that represents Spirit’s flight attendants rebelled against a requirement that would make them wear aprons with a Bud Light patch.

According to the airline, the aprons were an “onboard advertising sales component ” that would help lower operating costs.

The airline recently gained notoriety for being the first of the major U.S. airlines to charge for carry-on bags. Beginning August 1, Spirit will charge passengers up to $45 for carry-on luggage.

Spirit also gained attention for installing “pre-reclined” seats on its two Airbus A320 jets. The seats, which can’t move backward or forward, recline 3 inches.

For more information, visit petergreenberg.

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About the Author:
PeterGreenberg.com is a constantly updated source for the latest in travel news, analysis and information led by travel guru Peter Greenberg. For more information, visit www.petergreenberg.com.
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With masses of miles full of nothing apart from mountain bicycle trails, it’s not any wonder why Colorado has gained the title of trail bike Capital USA. At one resort alone you will find fifty miles of single-track trails accessible thru chair lifts and marked with signs identifying capability level. Once at the top of the lifts you might want to stop into the mountain top cafe for a fast bite to eat while enjoying the view and psychologically preparing yourself for the downhill adrenaline journey. From there you can select runs like Andy’s Trail which is found two miles southwest of Grand Junction hotels and is one awe-inspiring short ride. Or select The Ribbon which is a complicated trail bicycle trail for the more talented rider and is also found 2 miles southwest of great Grand Junction hotels. The scenic backdrop on this ride is spectacular as the trail winds through some of the more weird landscape in the area. Reaching the pinnacle of this trail is min boggling and not straightforward but once you’re there it offers wide ranging views of the Book Cliffs, Colorado nationwide Monument and Grand Mesa.

 

In the Fraser Valley you can enjoy the trails of the Rocky Mountain outback while cradled by impressive mountain viewpoints all around. The trails follow gibbering brooks, glide thru wildflower meadows and trek up craggy mountains. All across the summer, there are races that are open to public and are available to a couple of different capability levels. A general majority of the races either start or end at Winter Park Resort, including the conclusion The King of the Rockies. Repairs, rentals and shops are simple to find, whether you are at the resort, or downtown Winter Park. You may find a mess of cafeterias and bars, with food that is’s virtually as good as it is varied. Music sounds better with a background like the Continental Divide, and you simply could find out once and for all, as there are music vacations and concerts happening pretty much each weekend in the summer.

 

Planning for stays around Winter Park or Grand Junction for trail bike trips is terribly inexpensive. Nevertheless when you get to here, there are a handful of free off-road bike trail guides that may be found at most corporations. Stay minutes away from Andy’s Trail or The Ribbon when choosing Grand Junction hotels for your place to rest after riding the trails.

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About the Author:
Shawn is the author of this article about Grand Junction hotels and mountain bike trails.
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American Faces Potential Strike

The union and management had reached a provisional agreement the end of May.  However this proposal never was voted on by its 11,000 baggage handlers and other ground workers.  Neither party has explained why the pending agreement was suspended.  However the union has reported that there are outstanding issues related to management contracting out work. 

American’s ground workers union has asked the National Mediation Board to declare a stalemate in negotiations.   If the board agrees, mediated talks between the two parties would end and a 30 day cooling off period could begin, after which American workers could legally strike. 

American management contends that it has already made a deal with its ground workers union and the union should stand by that deal.  The union’s president overturned a decision by union negotiators and refused to send American’s latest contract offer to its members for a vote. Unfortunately, without the vote, no deal is in place. It seems odd that the management would feel this way without the vote. The fact that management is making these statements gives the impression they feel the vote will not support the deal.

American’s offer includes pay increases and other “enhancements” to workers while providing American the ability to improve its productivity and efficiency.

Historically the National Mediation Board has been reluctant to allow strikes of major U.S. airlines.  The most recent airline strike occurred between Spirit Airlines and its pilots and was resolved in less than a week.

www.cheapfares.com

Source:  http://travel.usatoday.com/flights/post/2010/06/strike-talk-resurfaces-at-american-as-union-throws-out-tentative-pact/98283/1

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About the Author:
Cheapfares employees enjoy sharing the current news and information about travel news and tips to improve their clients travel experience. We have been in the travel industry over 10 years online.
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American Faces Potential Strike

The union and management had reached a provisional agreement the end of May.  However this proposal never was voted on by its 11,000 baggage handlers and other ground workers.  Neither party has explained why the pending agreement was suspended.  However the union has reported that there are outstanding issues related to management contracting out work. 

American’s ground workers union has asked the National Mediation Board to declare a stalemate in negotiations.   If the board agrees, mediated talks between the two parties would end and a 30 day cooling off period could begin, after which American workers could legally strike. 

American management contends that it has already made a deal with its ground workers union and the union should stand by that deal.  The union’s president overturned a decision by union negotiators and refused to send American’s latest contract offer to its members for a vote. Unfortunately, without the vote, no deal is in place. It seems odd that the management would feel this way without the vote. The fact that management is making these statements gives the impression they feel the vote will not support the deal.

American’s offer includes pay increases and other “enhancements” to workers while providing American the ability to improve its productivity and efficiency.

Historically the National Mediation Board has been reluctant to allow strikes of major U.S. airlines.  The most recent airline strike occurred between Spirit Airlines and its pilots and was resolved in less than a week.

www.cheapfares.com

Source:  http://travel.usatoday.com/flights/post/2010/06/strike-talk-resurfaces-at-american-as-union-throws-out-tentative-pact/98283/1

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About the Author:
 
Cheapfares employees enjoy sharing the current news and information about travel news and tips to improve their clients travel experience. We have been in the travel industry over 10 years online.
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A majestic ride by Royal Rajasthan on Wheels

Royal Rajasthan on Wheels Tour is a royal train in India which offers a majestic ride in the land adorned with magnificent forts and royal palaces, Rajasthan.

The train Royal Rajasthan on Wheels is a regal delight which is designed considering the royalty and elegance of the imperial state, Rajasthan. The place has always been a center of attraction for Indian as well as tourists from worldwide. The train takes its guests on a royal expedition to the erstwhile princely states in Rajasthan-Jodhpur, Udaipur, Chittorgarh, Sawai Madhopur and Jaipur. This train also trails through the other marvelous cities of North India that have always been in the hit-list of the tourists- Khajuraho, Varanasi and Agra.

On the splendid journey through Royal Rajasthan on Wheels discover the regal heritages including Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, City Palace, Red Fort, Udaipur Palace and exclusive UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Khajuraho renowned for the erotic sculptures on the walls of temples and Taj Mahal famed as the epitome of love. This regal train also takes its guests on an adventurous tour to Ranthambore National Park which is the home to the great Indian Tigers. It is one of the most preferred tourist destinations in India which is rich in flora and fauna.

Royal Rajasthan on Wheels, the train started its journey in January 2009. The train has in total 22 coaches including two super deluxe suites and 13 deluxe cabins along with two restaurant lounges. The royal saloons of this imperial train come with exquisite silk and velvet bedspreads. Moreover, the beautifully decorated saloons of this train are equipped with well carved furniture, sofa chairs and writing table with spacious accommodation.

The dinning space of the royal train Royal Rajasthan on Wheels offers delicious lip-smacking cuisine. The two restaurants, Sheesh Mahal and Swarn Mahal, offer a grand royal treat with its mouth- watering Rajasthani, Indian, Continental and Chinese delicacies. The entire retsro- bar, Sheesh Mahal is made up of wood and crystal whereas the Swarna Mahal comes with the theme of gold and brass.

The Royal Rajasthan on Wheels offers a perfect holiday tour package packed with the recreational facilities like spa. The massages and therapies offered on board are revitalizing solutions amidst royal ambiance.

 

The Royal Rajasthan on Wheelscomes with an itinerary of seven nights and eight days. This train is newly built and designed in a contemporary style where the tourists can witness the ultimate luxuries.

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About the Author:
Mayur Sharma is the Director of Squareweb Technologies whose experience in the field of web technologies can not be counted in years. He has reached new heights of success in different spheres of life with his hard labour and sincerity towards work. Go Heritage India Journeys is his new venture in the field of Royal Rajasthan on Wheels, travel and tourism.
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Lagos Flights For the Holiday Makers

Lagos is a massive conurbation which initiated on the islands separated by brooks, such as Lagos Island, that edge the southwest mouth of Lagos Lagoon, protected from the Atlantic Ocean by extended sand spits such as Bar Beach. From the foundation, Lagos has increased on the mainland west of the lagoon, with Ikeja and Agege, now contacts more than 40 km north-west of Lagos Island. The multi-ethnic character of the city has made it a good place to tour; and eager tourists from Africa and Europe prefer Lagos as their holidays destination and reservations for flights to Lagos are made heavily in the peak season.

Lagos is considering the enormous alterations and high degrees of westernization. The city has suffered an extensive decoration development all has made a drastic increase in the reservations of flights to Lagos from all over the world; appearance of fast food duals, extra Japanese, Lebanese, dawn of concert scenes, and awesome Asian cookery, a stunning tempo of business and building projects, and new bus lines. The travelers of Lagos flights are mostly fascinated to Nigeria’s affluent society, leisure scenes and vivacity which Lagos city presents. Tourist attractions comprise Oba’s Palace, the National Museum, Shrine of Fela and the array of beach resorts.

The Lagos hotels make tremendous facilities for housing, which ensure the travelers of flights to Lagos a contented reside. The large rooms at the Lagos hotels are complete cosset of reassure. Most of the hotels have lavish suites too. These superbly garlanded rooms are classily furnished with obligatory amenities. The Hotels also offer magnificent amenities for eating out. The travelers who are going to book the flights to Lagos for vacations will find the Restaurants and bars in all the hotels of Lagos. Hotels like The Sheraton Hotels keep a number of places to eat and drink. You can get some enchanting cookery at the restaurants. Further, the stupendous facilities for health and recreation are also well in supply in Lagos Hotels. The opulence hotels in the region include a swimming pool, Gymnasium, play ground and etc.

http://www.lagosflights.net
The markets and shppoing situates of Lagos are vibrant, and eventful. Wandering through the Lekki Market, can be a stirring experience with the various items contain globules, knick knacks, paintings and diverse items made of wood, fruit, vegetables and fresh fish at Ilasan Market or Ola Fegushi. The visitors of flights to Lagos must stopover the newly accomplished Palms Shopping Mall and Entertainment Center in the city which offers excellent shopping as well as entertainment breaks.

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About the Author:
Hi readers, I am doing a job; but some times write articles and travel guides for magazines and different websites in spare time. I hope you people would appreciate my efforts. Lagos Flights
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French online travel market remains stable

France Online Travel Report 2010
 
 In 2009, the percentage of online bookings for both business and leisure travel increased slightly to 33% relative to the total travel market. In addition, French based internet travel sites generated 25% of all online revenue. These numbers are expected to increase further in 2011.
 Expansions spur increasing competition. ( http://www.bharatbook.com/detail.asp?id=144410&rt=France-Online-Travel-Report-2010.html )
 
 In the fourth quarter of 2009 Opodo, with 1.6 million unique visitors, replaced Expedia in the Top 5 ranking of online travel agencies. Competition is also increasing because many traditional travel agencies continue to expand their online services. As evinced by “France Online Travel Report 2010″, the preferred strategy of most companies is external growth. French online travel provider Go Voyages, which expects to considerably increase its revenue for 2009/10 by approx. 30%, does not exclude the option of company takeovers. Easyvoyage.com, the French internet portal dedicated to travel, seeks to expand as well through acquisitions.
 
 Key Findings
 - Online leisure and unmanaged business bookings in France are projected to remain flat while the overall travel market contracts by -9%.
 - In 2009, the online travel market represented 20-25% of total online sales in France.
 - “Flight Tickets” were the travel category most purchased online in 2009, followed by “Hotel or Club”.
 - In the fourth quarter of 2009, Expedia was replaced by Opodo within the Top 5 ranking, reaching 1.6 million unique visitors.
 - Easyvoyage plans to reach revenues of EUR 21 million in 2010, up from EUR 17 million in 2009.
 
 To know more and to buy a copy of your report feel free to visit : http://www.bharatbook.com/detail.asp?id=144410&rt=France-Online-Travel-Report-2010.html   
 
 Related Reports
 
 Online Travel Industry India
 http://www.bharatbook.com/detail.asp?id=100796&rt=Online-Travel-Industry-India.html
 
 Report on Online Leisure Travel Services World Market Segmentation by City
 http://www.bharatbook.com/detail.asp?id=95749&rt=Report-on-Online-Leisure-Travel-Services-World-Market-Segmentation-by-City.html
 
 Or
 
 Contact us at :
 
 Bharat Book Bureau
 Tel: +91 22 27578668
 Fax: +91 22 27579131
 Email: info@bharatbook.com
 Website: www.bharatbook.com
 Follow us on twitter: http://twitter.com/3bbharatbook

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About the Author:
Bharat Book Bureau, the leading market research information aggregator provides reports, company profiles, newsletters, country info. and online databases for the past twenty two years to corporate, consulting firms, academic institutions, government departments, agencies etc., globally, including India. Our reports help global companies to know different market before starting up business / expanding in different countries across the world.
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Houston is a conurbation whose special subsistence is constantly relying on natural conjectures, astounding sightseeing and great rise in the economy. It has so much to offer that will tend you to keep visiting this city again and again. Secure your Houston flights right away to revere the most up to date and full of life metropolis in Texas. Very unique and distinctive attractions are offered by the city which are making this city to stand at the top rank of most preferred places for tourists and also entertain you with a unusual aspects of U.S. living and its far-off history and upcoming prospects.

Houston Down Town Aquarium
Do you really want to know about the aquatic world? Gaze no more than Houston’s Downtown Aquarium, which is something out of this world and where you will find hundreds of genus of aquatic creatures. It is a huge center which has five biggest aquaria together with a lofty Ferris wheel, observation tower, white tigers Maharaja Temple, a helipad, restaurant, equidistant games, and a tunnel where train is passing by enormous shark cistern. Get flights to Houston now and take your family to this amazing world.

Houston Downtown Discovery Park
Remove your tiredness and monotony of the work by visiting the famous Downtown Discovery Park of Houston where you will get great chance to lighten up, to enjoy and to thrill. Play grounds, lakes, water aspects, general art works, and delicious restaurants are adding more taste to the beauty of this place.

Houston Zoo
Watch the great natural world in the spectacular Huston zoo which contains a huge variety and bulk of animals together with a widespread anthology of reptiles, a bird segment, an extended tropical forest, and cat houses. Children will definitely learn a lot from here.

Moody Gardens:
These gardens encompass tropical forest Pyramid presenting an implausible atmosphere and are dwelling to the major bat demonstration. With the awesome beaches, enthralling adventures, and mesmerizing water shows, these gardens are drawing not only locals rather foreign travelers to get Houston flights and visit this place.

Bayou Place:
The food lovers will have great time here as it comprises of great varieties of dining and entertainment. Relish a real flavor of Italian and European food; take pleasure in watching a movie, and enjoy at the bars and night clubs there, it has much more to entertain.

http://www.houstonflights.org.uk
Never loose the chance to be entertained and enjoy before it comes to end as this will really add more good notes in your beautiful memories.
http://www.flightslagos.co.uk

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About the Author:
I have got some good stuff to write after my visit to Houston with Houston flights that will surely add to make your traveling more convenient. Houston flights from UK cheap flights to Lagos
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Passport Renewal in New York

New Yorkers wishing to renew their passports have several different options for passport renewal, depending on how fast they need their new passports. The easiest method is simply to renew by mail, if you are eligible. You renew by mail only as long as all of the following statements are correct:

 

You know where your old passport is, and it is still in good condition

You were at least 16 years old when you got your old passport

Your old passport is less than 15 years old

If you need to change your name on your passport renewal, you have legal documents to support your requested name change.

 

If one or more of these statements are incorrect, then you must submit your passport renewal application at a passport acceptance facility. New York City has 28 different passport acceptance facilities, mostly located in post offices and subway stations.

 

Expedited Passport Renewal

 

Normally, New York City residents renewing their passports are advised to allow at least 6 weeks for processing. If you need yours more quickly, requesting expedited service and paying an additional $60 fee will cut that time down to 3 weeks.

 

If you’re traveling in 2 weeks or less (or 4 weeks or less if you also need a foreign visa for your trip), you can make an appointment at the passport agency office in New York City for faster service. The New York Passport Agency is located in the Great New York Federal Building at the following address:

 

376 Hudson Street

New York, NY 10014

 

Hours are Monday through Friday from 7 am to 3 pm, and you must make an appointment to be seen by calling 1-877-487-2778.

 

If you don’t have time to go to the passport office or you can’t get off work, you can pay a private passport expediting service to go in your place.

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About the Author:
Alison Kroulek is a freelance writer and blogger with a focus on the travel industry.
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