March, 2012  

Tell us – What kind of a traveler are you?

Someone once said that a Tourist is a passive traveler expecting interesting things to happen to him and goes “sight seeing” while a Traveler is active and goes in search of adventure, culture, people and experience. March is a good month to trek in Nepal, honeymoon in Tuscany, taste wine in Cape Town or visit New Delhi, to name a few.  Whether you are a Tourist or a Traveler, just go have fun.

  WHAT'S NEW THIS MARCH
• Travel E-news
• What to eat & avoid while flying
• Multigenerational Travel
• Upcoming Indian festivals
• Spotlight on Istanbul
• Victoria Falls
• Special Packages
HAVE YOUR SAY

“I would like to compliment Rickshaw Travel on their Innovative, Informative and Sassy Newsletter.  I find the content newsworthy and interesting and look forward to receiving every new edition.  Thank you to Rickshaw Team for putting such a “slick and classy” newsletter together, it just reminds us that we are aligned with the right partners who are on top of their game in their Market.  Well Done!"

Dominique Smith (Brand and Franchise Coordinator American Express Travel Services South Africa).

Want to have your say? Send your feedback to info@rickshawtravels.com

TRAVEL NEWS

Qatar Airways’ 2012 expansion program is under way after the carrier launched scheduled daily flights to Tbilisi, Georgia via Baku, Azerbaijan on February 1. As part of its 2012 expansion program, Qatar Airways will launch flights to seven further destinations –  Kigali from March 21; Zagreb from May 9; Perth from July 3; with dates yet to be announced for other new routes – Mombasa, Zanzibar, Helsinki , and Gassim.

Emirates planning to operate additional flights on Indian routes to cater to rising demand from the Indian business and tourism sectors.  They are also waiting for clearance from the government to fly its Airbus A380 to Mumbai and New Delhi.

Royal Orchid Hotels unveils Regenta Hotel & Convention Centre in Delhi
Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd. today opened the Regenta Hotel & Convention Centre in Delhi. The six-acre property, located alongside the Delhi Gurgaon Express Highway, features 50 deluxe rooms and two suites. Conference and banquet halls at the property have areas ranging from 850-6500 square feet, and will be able to accommodate up to 300 guests. It also has an extensive lawn that can host up to 1000 guests. Its Food & Beverage offerings include a multi-cuisine restaurant.

Rwanda Hikes Gorilla Trekking Permit Fees
Both Rwanda and Uganda foreign tourists visiting the mountain were paying $500 dollars, however, these permits will now cost $750, 50% up from the fees. This increment has raised a lot of concern among the private sector stakeholders in the hospitality and tourism industry in Rwanda. They say that the gorilla tour permits will adversely affect their businesses.
Mountain gorillas are one of Rwanda’s top tourism revenue earners, accounting for 90% of park revenue generated in the country.

Hotels around the world are working to attract more medical tourists to their locations and tailoring hotel services to suite their specific needs as more travelers opt to undergo medical procedures abroad. Popular desitations for medical tourism include Brazil, Costa Rica, India, Singapore, Turkey and Uruguay. Our own Rickshaw Caares is located in Bangalore, India.  www.rickshawcaares.com

WHAT TO EAT & AVOID WHILE FLYING

If you’re a frequent traveler, you have probably heard this many times, but we want to remind you again because as human beings we tend not to think about things that seem insignificant to us.  So in short, here are a few things to think about before taking that long haul flight to your next destination:

  • Load up on fruits and veggies – these help you avoid dehydration
  • Bring light snacks in your carry-on, e.g., granola bars – come in handy during a hunger pang
  • Avoid over-eating or rich foods before your flight
  • Drink plenty of water or fruit juice before and during your flight.  Don’t wait until you’re thirsty
  • Don’t drink alcohol, too much caffeine or pop during your flight.  These liquids dehydrate you and pop may cause discomfort in a pressured cabin

Rule of thumb, two to three times more water than alcohol.  This means more trips to the bathroom but that’s not a bad idea either, it gets your legs moving and decreases your risk of blood clots in the legs due to deep vein thrombosis, which is another story altogether.

 
F.Y.I

MULTIGENERATIONAL TRAVEL

 

UPCOMING FESTIVALS IN INDIA

 

Having booked many safaris and tours for families, we have noticed an increase in the number of bookings that involve more than one generation travelling together. The younger families are going on vacations with their parents and/or grandparents, making it a family affair.  The baby boomers of the early 50s are very active and their kids’ families are also growing.  With everyone living such busy lives, young parents seem to value the companionship of their parents, and also want to give their children the unique opportunity of bonding with grandpa and grandma. 

 

  • Jaipur Elephant Festival – Jaipur, Rajasthan (March 7)
  • Holi – All over India (March 8)
  • Elephanta Festival – Elephanta Island – Mumbai (March 7)
  • Gangaur Festival – Rajasthan (March 25 & 26)
  • Gudi Padwa Or Ugadi – Maharashtra, Andra Pradesh & Karnataka (March 23)
 

SPOTLIGHT ON ISTANBUL

 

VICTORIA FALLS

 

The mere mention of the word Istanbul conjures up images of mosques, museums, churches, bazaars – the cradle of civilization.

Although not the capital, is the most developed and largest city of Turkey.  No amount or words or reading can truly describe Istanbul.  You have to see it with your own eyes.  Take in the magnificent architecture of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires in their original setting when you walk along the historic streets.  Istanbul is a metropolis of diverse cultures, nations and religions and together with its unique location, make it one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

 

The Victoria Falls is a spectacular waterfall located in southern Africa and on borders of Zambia and Zimbabwe.  The Zambezi River which is more than 2 km wide at this point, plunges noisily down a series of basalt gorges and raises an iridescent mist that can be seen more than 20 km away.  It is roughly twice the height of North America’s Niagara Falls and well over twice the width of its Horseshoe Falls.

The Falls can be accessed through either Livingston, Zambia or Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.  Take advantage of the complete natural wonder and cross over the borders and see what Victoria Falls has to offer from the differing perspectives.

 
TRAVEL DEALS

Easter Tour in the Holy Land - 9 Nights Package- BOOK ONLINE

Israel is filled with wonders and biblical history. Retrace history and the bible while traveling around the Holy Land and discover the true beauty of Israel.

Includes:
• Meet and assistance at the airport • Luxury AC coach • English speaking guide for 8 days tour
• Accommodation for 9 nights at mentioned hotels or similar
• 2 nights Jerusalem, 2 nights Tiberias, 5 nights Jerusalem
• Half Board Basis- breakfast and dinner at the hotel • Entrance fees mentioned in itinerary
• Welcome kit includes travelogue, map and cap

* Departure is subject to there being a minimum of 2 people booked on the tour.
From USD 1618* per person sharing
March 31 2012 to April 9 2012

Majestic Hotel Tower Dubai - 5 Days Package- BOOK ONLINE
Includes:
• 4 nights accommodation with breakfast • Return airport transfers from Dubai International Airport
• Half day panoramic city tour of Dubai • Sunset Dhow Cruise with dinner including return transfers
• Desert Safari with BBQ dinner, Dune Basing, Belly Dancing • All taxes and service charges

From USD 355* pp sharing

Valid until 10 April 2012

Mara Bush Camp, Kenya- BOOK ONLINE
Mara Bush Camp
is a luxury mobile camp, set in the heart of the Maasai Mara Game Reserve, only 1 km away from Ol Kiombo airstrip. It boasts 12 tastefully furnished, en-suite river facing tents, discreetly tucked away, offering an intimate atmosphere with friendly staff attending to your clients every need.

It is ideally situated with close proximity to the major wildebeest crossing points & in Big Cat Country.

USD 175* per person sharing per night (Full Board Only)

Valid until 19th March 2012

Ngerende Island Lodge- 3 Night Fly-in Package - BOOK ONLINE

Full board with soft drinks, beers and selected alcoholic drinks.
Activities:
Good Friday BBQ by the poolside
Saturday – Family fun activities at Serena Mangapwani Beach with BBQ Lunch
Easter Sunday – Brunch at Baharia Restaurant
And much more

USD 230* pp sharing (Half Board)

Valid April 22 – April 24 2012

Bluebay Beach Resort & Spa 5* - BOOK ONLINE
Located on the pristine beach of Zanzibar, with only a 45-minute drive from either the town or airport. All rooms are en-suite with air-conditioning, having either 2 large poster beds or a king size bed with mosquito net, a separate dressing area, mini-bar, safe, hairdryer and TV.

Easter supplement: USD 60 per adult /USD 30 per child for 2 nights package from 6-9 April

Includes:
• Return flights from Dar-es-Salaam or Arusha • 2 nights on Full board basis
• Return shared airport transfers in Zanzibar • Easter supplement applies.

USD 399* per person sharing (From Dar es Salaam) Valid from 1 March – 30th June 2012
USD 499* per person sharing (From Arusha)  

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