Vayama Travel Blog

Time to Study the World

By Max Milano *

This year American students are ready to hit the road and see the world. Savvy students have discovered the cultural benefits of international travel and that just a few weeks of foreign travel can be more educational than months in the classroom. We have compiled a list of the top five summer destinations trending with US students booking on Vayama for the summer of 2012.

1-Morroco
Just a short ferry trip from southern Spain, Morocco appeals to students for its inexpensive hotels and food, beatnik cachet, exotic medinas (markets) and the chance to pick up some Arabic. Casablanca has the real Rick’s Cafe (based on the movie Casablanca), Marrakesh offers the largest medina in Morocco and Tangier the opportunity to stay at the hotel where William Burroughs wrote Naked Lunch.

The Real Rick's Cafe in Casablanca

Find flights to Casablanca, Morocco for less on Vayama.

2-Turkey
Istanbul, Turkey is an open air history classroom. The old capital of Byzantium and of the Ottoman Empire is virtually dripping with over 2000 years of history. Straggling both Europe and Asia, this forward looking but yet traditional city has much to offer students, from Turkish Baths to Turkish delights. Student travelers can also head down to Turkey’s Aegean coast to enjoy some of the best beach resorts in the Mediterranean without having to pay Eurozone prices.

Book flights to Istanbul, Turney for less on Vayama.

3-Shanghai:
Go east young man (or young woman). With global economic power shifting eastwards, American students will do well for themselves by familiarizing themselves with China’s most exiting city. Shanghai is a thriving megalopolis where east meets west and China’s nouveau riche party and shop. Shanghai’s 24/7 activity, 1930’s European architecture and 21st century high tech glass towers, will give students travelers a crash course in liberal economics. Also a great chance to pick up some mandarin, the new up and coming language of business and commerce.

Shanghai: Go East

Fly to Shanghai for less on Vayama.

4-Buenos Aires
Don’t cry for me Argentina. Buenos Aires’s air is very good indeed. With international students from all over the world, the capital of Tango is one of the best places to learn Spanish on a budget and still enjoy the affordable sophistication of a world capital. Buenos Aires channels a bit of New York, Madrid, Milan and Paris. The city speaks Spanish with a Neapolitan accent and displays a lively southern European vibe. During the months of July and August, student travelers can head up to the Andean ski resort of Bariloche for skiing and apre-ski galore, or drive south to Patagonia to admire the majestic blue glaciers and sub-arctic wildlife (including killer whales and seals).

Buenos Aires: A bit of Paris and a Lot of Tango

Find flights to Buenos Aires for less on Vayama

5- Thailand
Thailand is the epicenter of budget travel. A perfect place for students travelers. Thailand is exotic and laid back and extremely cheap for travelers on a budget. Bangkok’s Koh San road offers everything your average student traveler would need: From budget hotels to cheap eateries and travel agencies selling low cost flights to Phuket (Thailand’s party island) or nearby countries like Vietnam, Cambodia and Singapore.

Find cheap flights to Bangkok, Thailand on Vayama

* Max Milano is the Author of  “The Mechanicals of Recoleta”Available at Amazon

“Women are traveling alone all over the globe. It’s an excellent way to get to know yourself and these four destinations a little better.”

By Kristin Zibell of Takeyourbigtrip.com*

Kristin Zibell

In the metropolis of Mumbai, where close to a million people a day ride the local trains; there is a ladies-only train. I learned this when I stood waiting on the platform and heard a polite voice with an English accent announce over the address system that, please, remember the next train is for women only and would the gentlemen, please, refrain from getting on it. Such is the importance of the safety and protection of women in Mumbai, that there is an entire train just for them.

In my two years of traveling around the world as a solo woman traveler, I’ve had experiences that have made me happy to be on the road as a lone gal – like the heartfelt conversation I struck up with a doctor on that lady train – and ones that have made me cringe- I’m talking to you guy in Aswan, Egypt who made a very rude proposal while I was walking to the ATM. Overall, traveling alone was rewarding and transformational. I learned to trust myself, grew a BS detector, accepted kindness from strangers, and felt comfortable being by myself.

For women considering striking out on their own global travels for the first, second, or third time, I recommend these four destinations as being solo girl-friendly. They are overall safe, minimal in harassment, and take the edge off being alone with receptive and lively social scenes and natural activities.

Scandinavia
The Scandinavian countries of Sweden, Norway, and Denmark consistently rank in the top 10 places for women to live in the world, so travelers can take heart that they are some of the best places for women to travel solo in as well. Traveling around is safe and easy – there is mass transit and reserved, yet helpful English-speaking locals. The sophisticated and progressive capital cities of Copenhagen, Oslo, and Stockholm are the best places to start a tour with lively art scenes, Nordic heritage museums, and gorgeous waterways.

Get Scandi Handy

Fly to Scandinavia for less with Vayama airfare deals

Scandinavia, especially Norway, has a vibrant hiking culture and well-established national park system. Start with the very popular Jotunheimen National Park and you are bound to meet other backpackers and hikers at the lodges or starting points. Sweden even has a “right of public access” law, which means you can go to any natural area in the country and explore, ideally with those new hiking friends. Relax tired muscles and mix with local women by visiting a communal sauna afterwards, called a Bastu.

Cambodia
The Temples at Angkor in Siem Reap are the travel poster destination for visitors to Cambodia. Not only is this one destination to cross off on a “wonders of the world” bucket list, but also the town and the temples are accessible and friendly for women travelers. The tourism-friendly city has many open-air cafes and inexpensive, clean hotels where it’s amenable to meet other travelers from around the world.

Holiday in Cambodia

Fly to Cambodia for less with Vayama’s airfare deals

Tired of temples? Head to the beach provinces along Cambodia’s Southern Coast. Try visiting Kep and relax with others who enjoy the relaxed, post-French-colonial environs and fresh seafood in this revitalized beach paradise. Sihanoukville has more of a Bangkok party vibe, but the town rewards with white sand beaches and plenty of social activity.

Hong Kong
A foodie and shopping paradise with a skyline of the future, Hong Kong is safe and bustling at all hours. This means a solo traveler can find herself always around people, safely exploring this Eastern city that never sleeps. Serious shoppers will find high-end shops sprinkled throughout the Landmark on Queens Road in Central. The more budget conscious shoppers can hit the markets on Ladies Street in Mong Kok.

Hang Out in Hong Kong

Fly to Hong Kong for Less with Vayama’s airfare deals

For a social scene, expats are found partying at clubs and restaurants in the neon Lan Kwai Fong area, which is also near the Central district. Foodies have a plethora of dim sum choices at popular places like Maxim’s Palace City Hall Dim Sum or Tim Ho Wan. For desert, try Tofu Fa, a creamy bean curd pudding that is topped with ginger and available at food stands throughout the city.

Argentina
With a reputation for steak, cowboys, and beautiful women, Argentina may seem like more on the machismo traveler track. For a solo women traveler it’s a friendly, relaxed destination where it’s easy to settle down for a while. Many travelers come to Argentina, Buenos Aires, in particular, to take classes – either immersion in Spanish language or dance – tango and salsa. Renting an apartment is common in neighborhoods like Puerto Modero and Recoleta, which offer a glimpse into daily Argentinean life.

Buenos Aires: the air is very good

Fly to Argentina for less with Vayama’s airfare deal

Want more natural scenery? Grab a wine tour to the Mendoza region and sip on Malbecs with like-minded travelers or join a group heading to the extreme natural beauty of Ignazu falls or the almost-to-Antarctica Tierra Del Fuego.

Women are traveling alone all over the globe. It’s an excellent way to get to know yourself and these four destinations a little better. With any travel, even to the safest places, use common sense by not showing off valuables, taking care of belongings, and dressing for touring, not night-clubbing or the beach (unless you’re actually going to those places). Bon Voyage!

*Kristin Zibell is a chronic world traveler and travel writer. She authors the popular travel blog TakeYourBigTrip.com to inspire would-be travelers to live their travel dreams. When not traveling locally in San Francisco, Kristin is always planning her next big trip.

We welcome Nomadic Matt as our new guest blogger.

Nomadic Matt has made long term travel his goal in life and he is eager to share his knowledge and travel tips so that you can finally embark on that trip of your dreams. Doesn’t matter if you want to see the world for one week or for one year, Nomadic Matt will tell you how to travel the cheapest and smartest way possible.

Nomadic Matt’s Favorite Cities.

By Nomadic Matt

After traveling around the world for close to six years, I’ve been to a lot of places. Five continents, 60 countries, and countless cities. I’ve made many friends and had more memorable experiences than my brain can handle. But despite that, some places in the world remain my favorite. There are cities in the world that I love more than others, cities I return to regularly, cities where I could see myself living.

Despite all my travels in the last five years, these cities remain my favorite and stay in my thoughts no matter where I am. If you are planning a trip somewhere, I can’t recommend the following 9 cities enough. They will never disappoint you.

Amsterdam
I can’t say exactly how many times I’ve been to Amsterdam, but it’s in the double digits. Before I became a travel writer, I was a semi-professional poker player. (Seriously). In 2006, I stayed in Amsterdam playing poker and fell in love with Amsterdam. The fast-paced life, friendly locals, easy access to the rest of Europe, picturesque canals, and great architecture keep me coming back. In some ways, Amsterdam reminds me of my hometown of Boston, which might be why I love it so much. I never travel around Europe without finding a way to this city.

Book your flights to Amsterdam for less on Vayama.

Paris
Ever since I stepped out on the Champs Elysees, I knew Paris was as magical as they said it would be. I was in love. It had that “je ne sais quoi” that people talked about, and I was unable to ignore its magic. Sure, Paris is large and expensive, and the people can be rude. But what big city isn’t like that? Paris is just too beautiful, vibrant, and filled with great food and history. Being here is like being in a real life romantic comedy, but better. And every time I see a movie like “Midnight in Paris” I can’t help but love Paris a little more.

Book your flights to Paris for less on Vayama.

Nomadic Matt Loves Paris

Bangkok
I hated Bangkok the first few times I visited the city. It was a dirty, polluted city with no redeeming qualities. And there didn’t seem like many activities to do there. It wasn’t until I moved there that I realized Bangkok gives out its beauty only over time. Bangkok was an easy city to live in – there is a lot to do (just not normal tourist stuff), plenty of social events, great bars, wonderful food (nothing beats Thailand street food), and some of the nicest people on the planet. Bangkok showed me that looks can be deceiving, and that there is more to a city than what is on the surface.

Book your flights to Bangkok for less on Vayama.

Stockholm
I’ve been to Stockholm three times, and I love it so much I am moving there in July to live for 6 months while I learn Swedish. I think this city is one of the most beautiful on earth. The reds and greens of the buildings have an old world charm that rivals cities like Prague, and, during the fall, the changing leaves only highlight that beauty. The history, high quality of life, beautiful scenery, and super friendly and welcoming Swedes make this one of my top travel destinations.

New York City
I never really liked New York until after I lived in Bangkok and got used to big city life. Now, whenever it is I decide to move back to the United States, I will move to New York City. I lived there last summer and came back every other week between trips around the U.S. New York City is a place where dreams are made into reality, where there is always something to do, something to see, or a new place to eat. The city is so multi-cultural that when I feel like I need to travel and I can’t, there’s an ethnic area of the city that will make me feel miles away.

Chicago
After NYC, Chicago is my favorite U.S. city. In the summertime, this lake-side city seems to come to life after it emerges from its long and cold winter. Chicago is a buzz with activity that creates a eclectic atmosphere. Along with its lively atmosphere, the food here is delicious and the architecture is second to none. The Chicago School of Architecture is one of the most famous in the world and the tours showcasing the various styles in the city are fascinating. I never get bored of visiting Chicago.

Chicago is trendy-cool

Vancouver
I think Vancouver must be one of the most livable cities in the world. I’d live in it, which is my benchmark for whether or not I like a place. In Vancouver, you can go from the city into the mountains in minutes. I think that is really the highlight of the city for me – the fact that I don’t have to go far to be with nature. Moreover, there’s a park so big in the middle of the city, I often feel like I am in the center of a forest. Add in a vibrant food and art scene, and Vancouver is definitely a world-class city.

Queenstown
Perched in the stunning south island mountains of New Zealand, Queenstown is a place for adventures. There’s bungy jumping, hiking, rafting, zip lining, boating, and tons more. Travelers come here because they want to be outside. Situated on a lake near the Remarkable mountain range, Queenstown is a high-energy resort town. It’s small, prettier than a postcard, and perfect for people who like the outdoors. I would jump on a plane and head back there right now if I could.

Beautiful Queenstown, New Zealand

Perth
Perth, Australia is more like a big town than a city, and I think that’s what I like about it. It’s big enough to have a lot to do, but small enough to feel cozy. I love Perth because of that small town, big city feel, the fact that it is on the water and has great nightlife, that it’s a great jumping-off spot to see the western Australian parks and natural sites, and that it is close to hip Freemantle, which is home to my favorite Australian brewery, Little Creatures. I find it much more personal than other Australian towns.

Book your flights to Perth for less on Vayama.

Want more? Here’s a blog I wrote with 20 more interesting facts about me!

Guidebooks are So Passé . Smartphone Mobile Guides are the smart way to go.

By Max Milano *

Remember the days when we carried a thick volume of Lonely Planet or Rough Guide in our backpacks? A well thumbed guidebook was (and still is) a quintessential part of any self respecting traveler’s gear. But the truth is that guidebooks weigh a ton, are often out of date, and are usually quite expensive. Frugal travelers often buy old editions of guidebooks in second hand bookstores, only to get to their destination and find out that that cute shop in Madrid has been closed since the seventies and that Spain’s currency is not Peseta (not since Jan 2002 when the Euro came into circulation).

Time To Embrace Travel Technology

Travelers nowadays have learned to embrace all aspects of travel technology: From online travel agencies to GPS. The electronic travel arsenal available today is staggering. Some purists might argue that nothing beats a thick volume of Lonely Planet or Frommer’s, and these books still have their place. But the simple fact is that new travel gadgets and apps do make us more efficient travelers. Technology is allowing us to better explore our destination and, hopefully, allow us to enjoy both the big hits as well as the quirky off the beaten track gems.

Travel Apps: Never Leave Home Without Them.

You can now get apps that guide you through the subways of the world (with maps and real time timetables). There are apps that review the best restaurants and bars in unfamiliar cities, apps that show your flight schedule, and apps that can book flights. Even venerable guidebook publishers like Lonely Planet and Frommers have joined the travel app market with a wide selection that includes electronic city guides, translating apps and currency converters.

Put a Mobile Guide in Your Pocket

One of the most impressive travel apps I’ve road tested lately are the mobile city guides from PocketGuide. It’s like having a GPS unit, a detailed guide book and a tour guide inside your smart phone. PocketGuide offers mobile guided tours of many popular cities worldwide, including Barcelona, London, Paris, Madrid, Buenos Aires, Hong Kong, Lima and many more. The tours are designed by professional tour guides and their audio information is informative and pleasant to the ear. What I like most about pocket guide is that thanks to GPS tracking, you have the choice of following one of the walking tours available for your city or simply wonder around at your own pace and let Pocketguide point out the sites and points of interest. You can even take snapshots of the different stops on the audio tour and Pocketguide will add them to a 3D map of your route, very cool. Watch the video below to see all of Pocketguides cool features. PocketGuide promo from Pocketguide on Vimeo. For a limited time only, Vayama is giving away Pocketguide tours of all your favorite cities. Go to Vayama’s Facebook’s page to find out how to win a free Pocket Guide Mobile Tour and let technology help you discover the hidden treasures of the most beautiful cities in the world.

* Max Milano is the Author of “The Mechanicals of Recoleta”Available at Amazon

This summer will be an Olympic Summer in London. Find out how to get in through the side door and save with these airfare deals and frugal travel tips.

By Max Milano*

London

This will the summer of London, the whole world will pour in for the Summer Olympics, driving up prices for flights, accommodation and even food. But this shouldn’t be a deal-breaker for frugal travelers, as long as you do your homework, book early, and use our frugal travel tips.

London Olympics 2012

Flights: Vayama has deals to London on British Airways and Virgin Atlantic. Traditionally summer airfares to London are found in the early spring, but this year savvy travelers need to book in midwinter to score the best deals. Some may also consider going right after the Olympics to enjoy the best bargains, as you can still watch all the Olympic events from the comfort of your own home and then tour the Olympic Village and the rest of London for less once the events are over.

Fly Through the “Side Door”: Flight deals to Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam and even Dusseldorf are a good “side door” alternative for summer travel to Europe during the Olympics. Book your London side trip on the Eurostar train from Paris or Brussels or take advantage of the many cross channel ferries from the continent. Long distance buses from continental Europe include the ferry crossing and go from city center to central London.

Take the Eurostar to London from Paris or Brussels

Low Cost Flights: Take advantage of Europe’s network of low cost airlines that offer flights to London from as low as 19 pounds each way. Vayama offers European low cost airlines like EasyJet and other that can get you into London Gatwick or Stansted airports from Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam and many other mainland Europe destinations. Most low cost airlines fly in and out of secondary airports like Paris Orly or London Stansted, so same day connections are best avoided (just add one or more sightseeing days in Paris, Brussels or Amsterdam before your London hop). Both Gatwick and Stansted airports offer easy rail connections into central London.

Where to Stay: London offers a plethora of accommodation options, from hostel bunk beds to five star hotels and extended stay apartments. Check out the Vayama hotel section for hotel deals More adventurous travelers can try couch surfing with friends or camping on London’s Epping Forrest (accessible by subway from central London).

Free London: Accommodation and airfares bargains may be harder to get during the London Olympics, but London still offers over 20 totally free world class tourist attractions; The British Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the National Art Gallery, the National Maritime Museum and Royal Observatory in Greenwich (of 0 parallel fame), the Tate Britain, the Houses of Parliament, the Serpentine Gallery in Kensington Park and many others. It also doesn’t cost anything to browse for antiques on Portobello road, or for trendy vintage clothes in Camden Lock or for foodie delights in Borough Market (a perfect picnic shopping spot). The grassy field next to the Houses of Parliament on the bank of the Thames is a perfect central London picnic spot and is close to the Underground. Get a London Oyster Card for underground, bus and boat travel all around London.

National Gallery London

Side Door Destinations

Paris: Vayama is offering deals this summer on XL France airlines. Paris is the perfect ‘side door’ destination for London. Spend a couple of days in Paris before catching the Eurostar train to London or book a low cost flight from Orly airport.

Brussels: Brussels is the official “side door” of Europe, with great rail and low cost air connections to London. Vayama has great airfare deals to Brussels on Jet Airways, Brussel Airways, Air Canada and others. Enjoy Brussels great mussels and fries and trappist beers before hopping on the Eurostar train from central Brussels to central London.

Amsterdam: Amsterdam is another great European “side door” destination, with great low cost deals to London on Easyjet and easy ferry connections out of nearby Rotterdam to Dover and other UK ports. Fly to Amsterdam for less with this hot airfare deal from Vayama.

Amsterdam is one of Europe's side doors

Other Europe Summer “Side Door” Destinations: Dusseldorf Germany, Madrid Spain, Reykjavik Iceland, Edinburg Scotland, Dublin Ireland.

* Max Milano is the Author of “The Mechanicals of Recoleta”Available at Amazon

Fall in love with these romantic movie destinations

By Max Milano *

Here is part 2 of our romantic movie destinations and the lowest airfare deals to get you there for less.

Shanghai (Shanghai Express, Shanghai Surprise)

Modern Shanghai is closer to Blade Runner than the 1930’s version portrayed in Shanghai Express, where Marlene Dietrich plays a classic femme fatale hustler during the wild years right before the Japanese occupation. Madonna frolicked in another 1930’s version of Shanghai that was actually filmed in Hong Kong during a time when Shanghai had still yet to awake from years of communist slumber. Today’s Shanghai is a megalopolis of neon and skyscrapers, where old and new, east and west meet in a unique blend that is all Shanghai.

Dietrich in Shanghai Express

Fly to Shanghai for less with this hot airfare deal

Saigon (The Lover, The Quiet American)

In the film the lover, set in French Indochina, Saigon is a city of wide boulevards and gorgeous French colonial architecture. Modern day Ho Chi Minh City still retails a colonial core called Saigon, where you can sit in an outdoor Café at dusk and image Graham Greene sipping a whisky & soda with The Quiet American.

Fly to Ho Chi Minh City for less with this hot airfare deal

Venice (Summertime)

In the film Summertime, Catherine Hepburn travels to Venice and soon falls in love with the city and a handsome Venetian. The city today may have sunk a foot or two, but hasn’t lost any of its beauty. A vaporetto ride down the Grand Canal, floating by Venice’s gorgeous Palazzos, is still one for the bucket lists.

Hepburn falls in love with Venice in "Summertime"

Fly to Venice for less with this hot airfare deal

Florence (Light in the Piazza)

In Light in the Piazza, an American mother and her beautiful, but mentally challenged daughter, discover that love, Italian style, is the best way for her daughter to have a normal life. Florence today is as romantic as it was when this film was shot back in the early 1960’s.

Fly to Florence for less with this hot airfare deal

Barcelona (Barcelona, Vicky Cristina Barcelona)

In the movie ‘Barcelona’, two American ex pats fall in love with the city and its beautiful ladies, against the backdrop of the cold war. In Woody Allen’s ‘Vicky, Cristina Barcelona’, two American expats (this time females) fall in love with the city and its beautiful man (Javier Bardem). See the pattern? Fly to Barcelona and fall in love with this beautiful city of Catalan delights.

Woody Allen does Barcelona

Fly to Barcelona for less with this hot airfare deal

London (Waterloo Bridge, Notting Hill, Four Weddings and a Funeral)

London has appeared in countless movies, but the city’s romantic qualities and its reputation as a city where two perfect strangers can meet by chance and still fall in love has been portrayed best in this trio of films: Waterloo Bridge, where a soldier on leave and a ballet dancer elope at the eve of war. In Notting Hill, a famous American movie star falls for a British shopkeeper,  and in Four Weddings and a Funeral, a friendly British guy proves that the best places in England to fall in love with an attractive American ex pat are weddings and funerals (it is British humor after all).

Fly to London for less with this hot airfare deal

* Max Milano is the Author of “The Mechanicals of Recoleta”Available at Amazon

Get more bang for your buck in these cool frugal travel destinations

By Max Milano *

Frugal travel in 2012 means that you save on the airfare and then keep saving when you get there, without skimping on creature comforts nor culinary and cultural experiences.

Top Hot & Frugal Travel Destinations for 2012

India

India is hot and will only get hotter in 2012. It is a magnet for business travelers and Indian expatriates returning to visit family and friends. Booking a journey to Rishikesh on the shores of the Ganges and the foothills of the Himalayas to recharge one’s spiritual batteries has never been more appealing in this post “occupy” era. The US Dollar travels far in India, with very nice accommodation from $35 per night, often including meals (you can book a stay in an Ashram for even less, with room and board and meditation sessions included).

Fly to India for less with these frugal Indian deals

Ga-ga for Agra

New Zealand

New Zealand will continue to be trendy hot in 2012 for many reasons. Not only is it relatively affordable for U.S. travelers, but New Zealand is also the setting of Peter Jackson’s “Lord of the Rings” prequel, “The Hobbit.” Hordes of hobbit fans are expected to descend upon the quaint Kiwi town of Matamata to trample around the set of Hobbittown. New Zealand also offers world-class wineries, spectacular scenery and the best drinking buddies you can find in Middle Earth.

Fly to New Zealand for less with these frugal Kiwi deals

Auckland is Cool

Europe

Historically a close second to beach vacations, Europe is a place where Americans like to spend their travel dollars the most. 2012 will be no different. Travel professionals have started to note the popularity of off season and shoulder season travel to Europe. This means that savvy travelers have started to take advantage of winter and fall deals to their favorite European destinations. Iceland may become the hot European destination of 2012 due to its new affordability post-financial meltdown. Keep an eye on Italy and Greece becoming hot again, for the same reasons.

Fly to Europe for less with these frugal European deals

London

London will be so hot in 2012 that it deserves its own mention. With the 2012 Olympics, London is set to showcase why it is the most cosmopolitan city in Europe. London’s plethora of accommodation options, extensive public transportation and free tourist attractions (museums, fireworks etc) means that there is always something to do and somewhere to stay in London to fit every budget.

Fly to London for less with this frugal UK deal

Paris

Americans have been deeply in love with Paris since the 1920s. 2012 will be no exception. American tourists will flock to the “city of lights” in 2012 and be dazzled by its beauty, culinary arts and cultural wonders. Like London, Paris offers accommodations to fit all budgets (from hostel bunk beds to suites at the George V), plenty of free sightseeing and a perfect picnic by the Seine River is a frugal pleasure that can’t be topped.

Fly to Paris for less with this frugal French deal

South Africa

South Africa is becoming a world-class destination that is affordable for U.S. travelers. Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities on earth, penguins and Table Top Mountain included. The South African national park systems is set up in such a way that anyone with a rental car can drive themselves and admire lions, leopards, elephants, buffalos and rhinos along with zebras, warthogs, hyenas and South Africa’s plentiful bucks. American travelers will appreciate a visit to Stellenbosch, the Western Cape’s California like wine region, with world-class wine and food.  South Africa will definitively continue on the travel map for 2012.

Fly to South Africa for less with this frugal Cape Town deal

Cape Town Rocks

Peru

Peru is among the top five destinations in 2012 for frugal and adventurous Americans. Hiking the Inca trail to Machu Picchu is fast becoming a popular task on one’s bucket list. Culinary delights available in Lima and Cuzco are well worth the price of the airfare. Peru is also quite cheap for U.S. travelers, making it an almost perfect adventure destination.

Fly to Peru for less with this frugal Lima deal

Buenos Aires

A surprisingly affordable, trendy and sophisticated city, Buenos Aires dazzles with its French revival buildings and great food scene. Take a detour and visit the wine region of Mendoza or the deep blue glaciers of Patagonia.

Fly to Argentina for less with this frugal Buenos Aires deal

http://www.vayama.com/travel-deals/miami-to-buenos-aires/

Brazil

This is Brazil’s decade as it will host the Soccer World Cup in 2014 and the Olympic Games in 2016. Americans have already fallen in love with Brazil’s affordability and beaches;  from the world famous Ipanema beach, to the solitary stretches of sand and surf along the northern cities of Recife and Fortaleza. With friendly locals and world-class scenery, Brazil is perfect for those seeking a tropical vacation with a samba twist.

Fly to Brazil for less with this frugal Rio de Janeiro deal

http://www.vayama.com/travel-deals/new-york-to-rio-de-janeiro/

China

China is big on the travel map and will only get bigger in 2012. Not only is China affordable and a lot of fun; it offers something for everybody;  from Macau’s glitzy casinos that rival anything Las Vegas has to offer, to the 24-hour party and shop until you drop atmosphere of Hong Kong and Shanghai and the ancient treasures of Xian and Guilin. American foodies will have a feast exploring China’s culinary delights. Ni Hao!

Fly to China for less with this frugal Shanghai deal

Indonesia

Indonesia is very affordable and beautiful in its sheer variety. From Bali’s temples, rice paddies and surfer beaches, to its world-class diving spots along chains of uninhabited islands; American travelers have fallen in love with Indonesia and they will continue their love affair in 2012.

Fly to Indonesia for less with this frugal Bali deal

* Max Milano is the Author of “The Mechanicals of Recoleta”Available at Amazon

In rescue of a lost golden age of air travel.

By Florin R. Ferrs

We have all heard the classic tag line: They try harder. And this may or may not be true about the original company that used it, but in this day and age, when air travel has become a litany of indignities, from invasive body searches at the airport to rude flight attendants that insult the passengers over the PA, grab a can of beer and slide off into infamy on the emergency chute, it’s nice to know that there are still some airlines out there that care about customer service,  both in the air and on the ground. You know, they try harder.

WHERE CAN WE FIND AIRLINES THAT STILL CARE?

Unfortunately, you won’t find many airlines trying harder among the best known legacy carriers.  The tendency in the last decade among Legacy Carriers has been towards the lowest common denominator, from baggage fees, to charging for food.  Perhaps we have been at fault, these airlines seem to be trying to tell us. If  savvy travelers didn’t always use the tool available to find the best airfares, like vayama.com, they wouldn’t have to charge us for a blanket or a pillow.
Read the rest of this entry »

Spice up your Vacations with Vayama’s Fun Day Tours.

By Florin R. Ferrs (Travel Guru)

Most independent minded travelers avoid day tours like the plague (and they may have a point). A massive busload of camera totting tourists in loud Hawaiian shirts is a sure way to upset one’s visit to most quaint destinations on the planet. That’s why most experienced travelers have made it a life habit of avoiding certain destinations during peak tourist season. I can’t blame them. I’ve had many a Caribbean day ruined by the arrival of massive cruise ships and their convoy of tour buses. Not that I am anti tourist. Far from it. There is something to be said about the buzz that tourists create as they congregate around the Mona Lisa at the Louvre Museum in Paris, somehow adding to the excitement (for a far more exciting da Vinci painting-in all its sfumato glory- I recommend ‘The Virgin of the Rocks’ at the Louvre or its twin at the National Gallery in London).

Tourism for the Masses?

There are places that mass tourism doesn’t get to see. Sometimes the only way to visit these magnificent place is on a specialized tour. Want to visit the Sistine Chapel after hours?  Or how about the set of ‘The Hobbit’ in New Zealand? That’s where international online travel agency Vayama comes in. They are now offering over 5,500 specialized tours and activities in over 400 destinations. Their focus is to take you beyond the velvet rope, to places where regular tourists don’t have open access to; Be it the bowels of the Coliseum of Rome or the after hour secrets of the Vatican (perfect for Dan Brown fans). What I like about the tours on offer on Vayama is that they keep group numbers small and offer real value by focusing on interesting destinations from an insider’s point of view.

Here is a small sampling of the tours available on Vayama

1-Skip the Line at the Vatican Museum’s Walking Tour: Includes the Sistine Chapel, Raphael’s Rooms and St Peter’s Basilica. Visitors get to skip the long lines (which can last up to two hours) and enter the Vatican Museums after hours. Groups never exceed 10 people in total. Dan Brown’s book is not included but travelers are encouraged to bring their own copy!

In the Beginning there was a Tour

2-Skip the Line Ancient Rome and Colosseum Half-Day Walking Tour: Follow the footsteps of the gladiators with this tour of Ancient Rome and the tunnels beneath the Colosseum.  Tour never exceed ten people and include areas not open to the general public. Definitively a thumb up!

Definitively a Thumbs up!

3-Eiffel Tower, Paris Moulin Rouge Show and Seine River Cruise: Discover the beauty of Paris at night. Dine in the famous 58 Tour Eiffel restaurant, located on the first level of the Eiffel Tower, followed by a romantic Seine River cruise. Then head over to Montmartre for a grand finale of Can Can at the Moulin Rouge. Ou la la!

Yes you Can-Can

4- 5-Day New Zealand North and South Island Highlights Trip: See the best of New Zealand with this five day adventure from Auckland to Christchurch, including the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves, the inter island ferry and a train ride trough the most spectacular mountain ranges of the South island. The tour includes a whale watching cruise and New Zealand’s famous geothermal fields. This sure sounds like the tour of a lifetime.

Find many more tours and day trips on Vayama’s tours and activities page.

Use these travel tips and save on your next international flights

By Florin R. Ferrs (International Airfare Expert)

Use these tried and tested tips used by international travelers and save a bundle on your next trip.
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