The Inside Track Travel

Whenever I travel, I enjoy visiting stores. I don’t particularly enjoy the shopping, I just enjoy the architecture, the history and the decoration of stores around the world. I enjoy window shopping in England – looking at stores with windows that are picturesque – windows comprising many small, interconnected-framed panes found in towns all over the Cotswolds and Cornwall. The most famous of this genre of “Ye Olde Shoppes” is in London – Dickens’ Curiosity Shop (1668).

Some of the world’s top museums were “Green” centuries before that movement. Moreover, some storefronts are so artistic they look as if they belong in museums. And in many major museums, they are: Paris’ Museum Carnavalet preserves ancient storefronts as does New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, York’s Castle Museum etc.

Great antique pharmacies are a store type that has survived in cities all over Europe and the USA, including Beaune, Bruges, Dubrovnik, New Orleans, Rome, Salzburg, Strasbourg, Wurzberg and Williamsburg (Virginia).

Another category of elegant, beautiful and historic store is the upscale food emporium. The two most elegant in the world are the Elyseev stores in Russia. St. Petersburg’s Elyseev store on Nevsky Prospect showcases a stunning Art Nouveau interior and exterior. The Moscow Elyseev store is in an 18th-century building with an even more dramatic Art Nouveau interior.

My favorite Art Deco market is Riga’s enclosed market – which used to be a zeppelin hanger. Riga Airport has stores representative from that city’s downtown establishments. Emihls Gustvas chocolate store at Riga Airport is where I had my best hot, thick dark- chocolate drink, which enticed me to duplicate that experience at their downtown store.

Markets that sell many different products under one roof are found in exotic locations such as the Khan El Khalili Bazaar (Cairo). I always visit the Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, which has some great values for those who wear leather above the ankles. There are also great bazaars in the “old city” of Jerusalem, Damascus and Aleppo. (Hopefully in the near future, you will be able to visit them on the same trip.)

And let’s not forget antique markets, flea markets, night (food) markets in Taipei, Beijing (and other Asian cities) and the unique floating markets of Thailand.

The worlds’ most famous stores hangout on “Main Street” – which the Brits call “High Street.” There’s London’s Bond Street and Knightsbridge Road; Rome’s Via Condotti; Milan’s Via Montenapoleone; Paris’ Rue Faubourg St. Honore; St. Petersburg’s (Russia) Nevsky Prospect; New York’s Fifth Avenue; Beverly Hills’ Rodeo Drive etc.

The first half of the 19th century saw the introduction of the shopping arcade. Among the most famous: London’s Burlington Arcade, Paris’s Galerie Vivienne, Brussels’ St. Hubert, St. Petersburg (Russia) Passage, Prague’s Lucerna Galleria (designed by Vaclav Havel’s grandfather), Naples’ Galleria Umberto, Milan’s Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the many arcades in Cardiff (Wales), etc. These were not created to replace main shopping streets – but merely to link them. That’s where they differ from shopping malls.

Shopping streets are usually more historic and tourist friendly than enclosed shopping malls. (Unless you’re in a very humid environment such as Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Manila.)

The newest trend in store for stores is the most “Green” application – recycling buildings that had a previous purpose and adapting them to store design – such as railroad stations in St. Louis, Providence, New York’s (Grand Central Station), Washington (Union Station), St. Petersburg (Warsaw Station). And this trend also goes the opposite way: A branch of Paris’ Printemps Department Store became a Holiday Inn. And a New Orleans department store became a Ritz Carlton.

Department store cafeterias are a great way to sightsee the store and they’re reasonably priced. Many department store cafeterias offer unique, spectacular views. Galeries Lafayette’s cafeteria gives a rare bird’s-eye view of the Paris Opera’s rear silhouette. Samaritane’s summer terrace gives you more choices of Paris views than food choices.

Urban downtown department stores define Christmas. Paris’ Printemps and Galeries Lafayette not only decorate their store windows and giant inner, covered Art Nouveau courtyards, they also splashily and electronically light up their facades. My first view of Harrod’s was at Christmas. I loved the lit electric lights emphasizing its ornate Victorian architectural detail. When I returned the next summer, I then realized that it’s lit up every night! What a treat without even buying anything.

Save on a summer getaway

CHICAGO - Temperatures are rising, the school year is ending and vacations are on the brain.

If you and your family want to go away for more than a few days, renting a beach house or lakeside cabin can cost about half as much as a hotel stay. That means more cash to spend having fun.

Rentals are being reserved at a faster clip than just a year ago, but it's not too late to plan this summer's family getaway.

"There's plenty of time," says Maria Kirk, the owner of ShoreSummerRentals.com, a company that matches the owners of 1,400 properties in seven Eastern states with renters.

"If they're really picky, they need to get started now," she says. "If they want a deal, they may want to wait because there's always going to be something available. It may not be their dream place, but there's always going to be something available."

Here are some tips on finding an inexpensive summer rental.

Be flexible on location: As it gets closer to your vacation date, you may have to make some compromises if you want to get a deal, says Alexis de Belly, vice president of U.S. brands for Homeaway, which lists about 400,000 rental properties around the globe.

"If you can book at the beginning or end of the season, typically you'll find more availability at better prices," he says.

Meanwhile, consider putting a few miles between your rental and your vacation activities. Opting for a rental a few miles away from the hottest spots can cut costs.

"If you look a little further away from the main attraction, the prices go down quite dramatically," he says.

If week still too pricey, then days: Thanks to the recession, homeowners who once rented properties only for full weeks are increasingly willing to book shorter stays, even just even a couple days. The reason? Money for a four-day rental is better than none at all if the alternative is leaving the property vacant. But renter beware: Not everyone will be receptive to an offer for a partial-week rental.

Negotiate: Just as some property owners are more willing to rent for less than a week, many are negotiating on prices or are offering deals. A listing on Homeway.com for a two-bedroom, two-bath condo in the Florida Keys offers $500 off a summer rental, which typically costs $1,650 a week. A three-bedroom condo in Myrtle Beach, S.C. offers golf discounts at nearby courses.


Several coastal rentals in California are going for half price. And, for those seeking a little extra in a vacation, weeklong stays at a four-bedroom waterfront home in Southampton, N.Y., through July were 30 percent off this week: just $4,900.

But more modest offers — a free bottle of champagne, say — are most common.

"It doesn't hurt to ask," says Kirk.

Dial for help: There are scores of private companies that can help you connect with rentals, and many local tourism boards Web sites will show or link to what's available in a community.

But old-fashioned telephone research sometimes can get you into the ideal property, says Jon Jarosh, a spokesman for the Door County Visitor Bureau in Wisconsin, a popular vacation spot. Workers in the county's information center know their community and can explain what properties might work best based on a vacationer's needs.

Keep checking: The direct-rental business is still growing, which means more properties become available every month. It's also worth checking for last-minute cancellations.

"I think there's a perception that if you didn't have your reservations (in advance) it was really hard to find a place up here," Jarosh says. "But there's now more inventory available now than there was 10 or 15 years ago."

Source from: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/

All clear at Seattle airport after bomb scare

SEATAC, Wash. - A bomb scare at the Seattle-Tacoma airport interrupted operations for about two hours before a squad detonated a smoking bag and determined it contained a battery charger and electronics.

The incident Thursday morning forced the evacuation of several hundred passengers and delayed four flights.

Port of Seattle spokeswoman Terri-Ann Betancourt says a bomb squad gave the all-clear about 7:30 a.m.

The Transportation Security Administration says the bag was smoking in the Delta Air Lines checked baggage room. Spokesman Greg Soule says the area was evacuated out of an abundance of caution.

Two American Airlines flights and two Delta flights were delayed. Those passengers and others in the concourse were evacuated to other parts of the airport.

Demonstrations in Greece

Greek authorities have confirmed that there were three fatalities at a bank in central Athens on 5 May during demonstrations.

We advise British nationals to continue to exercise extreme caution around public demonstrations and protests in major urban centres in Greece.

Visitors should expect regular strikes and demonstrations throughout Greece during May. Strikes and demonstrations are sometimes called at short notice and can cause disruption to public transport in and out of the country, including air travel.

Review: The Pucić Palace, Dubrovnik

Overlooking a cobblestone square in the heart of Dubrovnik's old town, this luxury boutique hotel could be the perfect base to explore Croatia's stunning historic city. Coralie Modschiedler finds out.

The Pucić Palace's setting is glorious. This 5-star, stone-walled boutique hotel is housed in an 18th-century noble's house in the heart of Dubrovnik's historic old town. It's minutes from the city's famed medieval walls, as well as all the sights and nightlife.

As I walk in through the side street's discreet entrance, the reception area could easily be mistaken for an ambassador's office, with its venerable table, Renaissance style and detailed beamed ceiling.

The period quirks continue with the original stone arches over the antique marble staircase, promising to make my stay truly majestic. I already feel like a princess.

Room 12, ‘Sebastijan Slade', is named after a famous Croatian writer. The hotel's other 18 rooms and suites are also named after famous artists, from painters to musicians. My room key, although it looks like a manor's key, is actually equipped with an electronic sensor (very James Bond like, not too 18th century).

Stepping into the sumptuous bedroom, I can't help the grin on my face: exposed wooden beams, high-ceilings, antique furniture, paintings from local artists and dark-oak wood floorings covered by hand-woven rugs are a world away from the five-hour bus ride from Split I endured in the afternoon. Brocade curtains and views over the buzzing square complete the picture. The décor is elegant and relaxing and there's a cocoon feel about it.

The bathroom is equally impressive, with its Romanesque mosaic tiles and 1920s-style porcelain and copper bath. There's also a separate ‘rainforest' shower. Complementary Bvlgari amenities, plush robes and cotton slippers are calling for an indulgent bath. The view from the bathroom window is over the busy side street where nuns, locals and tourists alike come and go. From here, you can also see some of Dubrovnik's famous red-tiled roofs and nearby mountains. After a glorious bath, I fall asleep in no time.

After the best night's sleep in days, there's nothing more stylish than waking up to the sound of church bells. No cars, no pollution and glorious sunshine just remind me I'm on holiday in Croatia. As I pull the blue-velvet curtains wide open, the spectacle below is enchanting. A fruit and vegetable market has taken over the square and its white and red umbrellas create an unforgettable colourful scene.

Breakfast is served in the hotel's dining room overlooking the square. There's an extensive choice of bread, pastries, cereals, fruits and eggs (Benedict, scrambled, or however you like), with a smartly dressed waiter serving you at your table. The coffee is very good, as one can expect from anywhere in Croatia.

Now it's time to explore this amazing city. The entrance to the walls surrounding the old town are just minutes away from the hotel, and after getting some useful advice from the reception staff about key sights and a restaurant for lunch, we set off on foot and start our 2km (1.2-mile) walk around the medieval walls. The view from here is jaw-dropping. Red-tiled roofs, azure Adriatic waters, cobblestone streets, baroque churches and myriad fortresses create a wonderful, magical scene. I want to live here.

In summer, staying at The Pucić Palace also gives you free access to a beach club just outside the town's gate (5-minute walk). Other facilities include the Café Royal restaurant, serving a range of tasty international and Croatian dishes (like cheese and truffle ravioli and fresh fish), a wine bar next door and 24-hour room service.

I have fallen in love with this city and I will be returning. Staying at The Pucić Palace was the right decision as it's the perfect spot from which to explore Dubrovnik's old town and relax for a romantic weekend in truly majestic style.

Las Vegas, NV

Shimmering from the desert haze of Nevada like a latter-day El Dorado, Las Vegas is the most dynamic, spectacular city on earth. At the start of the twentieth century, it didn't even exist; now it's home to two million people, and boasts nineteen of the world's twenty-five largest hotels, whose flamboyant, no-expense-spared casinos lure in thirty-seven million tourists each year. Las Vegas has been stockpiling superlatives since the 1950s, but never rests on its laurels for a moment. Many first-time visitors expect the city to be kitsch, but the casino owners are far too canny to be sentimental.

Las Vegas has been stockpiling superlatives since the 1950s, but never rests on its laurels for a moment. Many first-time visitors expect the city to be kitsch, but the casino owners are far too canny to be sentimental. Yes, there are a few Elvis impersonators around, but what characterizes the city far more is its endless quest for novelty. Long before they lose their sparkle, yesterday's showpieces are blasted into rubble, to make way for ever more extravagant replacements. A few years ago, when the fashion was for fantasy, Arthurian castles and Egyptian pyramids mushroomed along the legendary Strip; next came a craze for constructing entire replica cities, like New York, Paris, Monte Carlo, and Venice; and the current trend is for high-end properties that attempt to straddle the line between screaming ostentation and "elegant" sophistication.

While the city has cleaned up its act since the early days of Mob domination, it certainly hasn't become a family destination. Neither is Vegas as cheap as it used to be. It's still possible to find good, inexpensive rooms, and the all-you-care-to-eat buffets offer great value, but the casino owners have finally discovered that high-rollers happy to lose hundreds of dollars per night don't mind paying premium prices to eat at top-quality restaurants, while the latest developments are charging room rates of more like $300 than $30 per night.

Although Las Vegas is an unmissable destination, it's one that palls for most visitors after a couple of (hectic) days. If you've come solely to gamble, there's not much to say beyond the fact that all the casinos are free, and open 24 hours per day, with acres of floor space packed with ways to lose money: million-dollar slots, video poker, blackjack, craps, roulette wheels, and much, much more.

‘It was terrifying’

“It’s easy to take amazing pictures there, it’s so beautiful,” said Boise, Idaho’s Kelli Geselle, whose photo of Iceberg Lake, in Montana’s Glacier National Park was this week’s top-rated It’s A Snap! Image.

In 2008, Geselle and a few of her fellow seasonal workers from the Izzak Walton Inn, enjoyed some time off to take a hike on a clear August day.

“It was a beautiful day, not a cloud in sight. On the way up, we came across a mama and baby grizzly bear digging for roots, they were only about 75 feet away — It was pretty amazing. We started clapping, singing — doing what you’re supposed to do ... it was terrifying.”

Geselle, a 25-year-old student finishing her bachelor’s degree in English and writing at the College of Western Idaho, recommends heading to the Swiss-style Many Glacier Hotel for a relaxing paddleboat ride on Swiftcurrent Lake or a great hike to one of the many glaciers ( … while they last).

A must-do for visitors? Geselle says make sure you stop in at The Izzak Walton Inn (located right in between East and West Glacier) to enjoy their famous huckleberry cobbler.