Palace on Wheels all set to dawn a New look from August this Year!

According to a PTI report, Rajasthan’s luxury train, Palace on Wheels (PoW) – is all set to be rolled out in August this year with a new look to woo international and domestic tourists, with a new spa, gym, cuisines from around the world, latest upholstery and other modern amenities.

The new look will sport upgraded facilities, different and improved interiors along with other services which, according to official sources, were inevitable with other luxury trains like Maharaja Express, Indian Maharaja – Deccan Odyssey and Golden Chariot plying in the country. Along with PoW, a second luxury train from the state – ‘Royal Rajasthan on Wheels’ (RRoW) – is also being upgraded to attract tourists and make their experience enjoyable. Facilities of spa and gym, as well as upgraded interiors will also be present in the RRoW.

Manjit Singh, Chairman and MD, Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC) said, “Tourists will have an option of a Dubai-like desert safari when the train halts at Jaisalmer. More varied food including Mexican, Thai and seafood will be served. The bar is also being upgraded and some of the world’s best wines will be made available on the train, while interiors have also been upgraded to give a new look besides improving quality of existing services.”

“Currently both the trains – Palace on Wheels and Royal Rajasthan on Wheels are undergoing major revamp at cost of around Rs two crore. The PoW will start its journey from August this year, while RRoW will be on track again from September this year. We are planning an aggressive marketing campaign to promote both the trains and make these the most preferred by tourists worldwide. There is competition with rising number of luxury trains in the country in recent times, but we hope our distinguished trains will get good responses,” added Singh.

Currently, reservations on the luxury trains are being done online with few tourists preferring to do so via tour operators. The RTDC, however, is looking to make distribution channel more viable and systematic by appointing more agents and thereby increasing group and charter bookings.

The Palace on Wheels, which was adjudged recently as the fourth best among the top ten luxury trains of the world by Conde Nast Traveller is in profit of around Rs nine crore. However, the RROW introduced in 2009 has incurred a loss of around Rs two crore and Singh is hoping that the RRoW will also register profits in the 2010-11.

Source: TravelBizMonitor

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Thinking of Going on Cruise? Useful Tips

Helpful tips for first time Cruisers around the world!

To help these new cruisers get their sea legs, Cruise Critic has created a list of the Top Ten Tips for Cruise Virgins:
1. Not all ships are created equal. Don’t choose your cruise based on destination, duration, and price alone. The cruise line you book with and the ship you sail on are very important. That’s because some cruise lines cater to families, while others market to seniors. As such, onboard facilities and activities vary, so do your research, ask questions, and find a cruise that’s right for you.

2. It’s okay to arrange your own shore excursions. There’s no stigma attached to going it alone or teaming up with other travelers to save money instead of paying for the shore excursions arranged by the cruise line. However, investigate your options before you cruise to ensure that you are spending your day in port with a reputable tour operator. And remember this crucial piece of advice: don’t be late getting back for the ship – it won’t wait for you.

3. Travel agents have access to perks and special offers you might not find elsewhere. A reputable cruise agent can be a great help to a rookie cruiser booking for the first time, and he or she may also have access to offers and incentives you might not find elsewhere. Do make sure you investigate your travel agency. Does the agency have “preferred” relationships with cruise lines (most do), and if so, which ones? What’s the schedule for paying for your cruise? Does your agent respond promptly to your questions – not just pre-booking but also once you’ve committed to a cruise?

4. Don’t be left for lost in port. Cruise lines rarely go beyond offering a list of shore excursions and a map of the local jewelry stores (with which they have special business agreements), so read up on the ports you will visit before you set sail.

5. It rains in the Caribbean… and other dreamy destinations. The tropical Caribbean climate (not to mention weather in the Canary Islands, Hawaii, and the South Pacific) can be unpredictable, so high on our list of must-pack items is a lightweight, waterproof jacket or poncho.

6. You can’t take your own booze onboard. Years ago, you could drag a crate of beer up the gangway without raising an eyelid, but cruise lines no longer allow this. Check out the alcohol policy for the cruise line you are traveling with before you go for full details of what beverages you are allowed to take with you.

7. Don’t tip double on beer – remember, there’s auto-gratuity. Check cruise-line tipping policies before you sail; most big-ship lines – Carnival, Royal Caribbean, NCL, and others – automatically tack on a 15 percent service charge to bar bills. Unless the service was spectacular, there’s no need to add another tip on top.

Read complete article at source: ETN

Palace on Wheels Voted in TOP 5 Luxury Trains of the World!

Great news for tourism in Rajasthan. The state’s luxury train, Palace on Wheels has been declared the fourth best among the top 10 luxury trains of the world by the travel magazine Conde Nast. For 2009, the magazine had asked its readers to vote for their favorite train.

They were asked to rank each train out of 100 points. Palace on Wheels attained 83.94 points and was ranked fourth below the Venice Simplon-Orient Express (89.92 points), Eurostar (86.92 points) and Pride of Africa, Rovos Rail (84.25 points). There is no other luxury train of India in the top 10 trains. The newly launched Royal Rajasthan on Wheels (RROW) was not ranked since it is a new train.

The chairman and managing director of Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC), Manjit Singh, said the announcement will give a big boost not only to the luxury trains of Rajasthan but also tourism in the state. He said the train was currently undergoing major revamp at a cost of Rs. 1.5 crore. The interior of the train were being redone. A spa was being added to the facilities in the train.

The CMD also said that the tourists will be taken for a Dubai-like desert safari when the train halts at Jaisalmer. More varied food will be served. For instance, Mexican, Thai and seafood were being added to the menu. The bar was also being upgraded and some of the world’s best wines and liquor will be made available.

Source: Times of India
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Tips for Business Travel

Some very usable tips for Business Travelers by David Lavenda on Fast Company –  You will surely be able to save a lot if time and effort!

• If you frequently travel internationally, you might be able to save a lot of time at US passport control by applying for the Global Entry Program, which according the CBP.gov web site, “allows pre-approved, low-risk travelers expedited clearance upon arrival into the United States.” It costs $100 and it involves a background check, but the sign-up hassle seems worth it for frequent travelers. I haven’t tried this yet, but it sounds like a good idea.
• There used to be a priority airport security screening service called CLEAR. According to its web site, the service shut down in June 2009, but is scheduled to return in the future, under new ownership. No date is given for resumed service. The CLEAR service basically moved passengers who paid the $99 fee and underwent a background check, directly to the head of the airport security line. This was convenient for passengers traveling domestically via airports that provided this service.
• With airlines now charging for checked luggage and priority boarding, it is more important than ever to take your ‘gear’ onboard. Ditch the trolley suitcase, which is always the first bag to be selected for ‘gate check.’ Rather, take two even-sized soft-sided bags –put your computer in one of them.  One goes in the overhead bin and one goes under the seat. When the flight attendants look for bags to gate check, yours will be securely in the bin. These bags are much more flexible and they fit in the nooks and crannies between the trolleys. This way, you can forego the ‘priority boarding fee’ as well.
• It is easy to say ‘pack light’ – but here are some concrete ideas to put this into practice. Pack outfits so that any combination of pants and shirts match. This minimizes the number of clothes you need to take. Think twice about each piece of clothing you put in the bag.  Try and take only one pair of shoes so you don’t have to pack them; shoes take up tons of room. If you want to take sneakers for the gym, find a pair that is lightweight and rolls up into a ball. I have been looking for the ultimate pair myself; I haven’t found them yet. If anyone has any ideas, let me know.
• Take an extra shirt and wear it over your regular shirt on the plane. This serves three purposes. It protects you from spilling a drink on your dress shirt, it represents another shirt you can use o the trip, and it replaces the blanket, for which airlines are now charging extra.
• When going through security, carefully eye the line in front of you. If you have seen the movie “Up in the Air,” you know what I am talking about. Avoid lines with people that typically take longer to get through security. Some airports/airlines have a priority line for frequent travelers. Take advantage of this if you are eligible.
• While we are in the topic of airline security lines, designate a pocket in your carry-on bag where you can easily store your wallet, keys, phone, watch, belt, etc. Empty your pockets into the bag and untie your shoes before you get into line. You want to keep the line moving the minimum amount of hassle. By following the rules, you can avoid the hassle of having to go through the screening process several times.

Continue reading more tips on Fast Company

Latest Update on Bangkok (June 18th) – Thailand is Back to Normal!

Latest Tourism Update On Bangkok & Thailand Situation

A lot of people had or have plans to travel to Thailand this year! Unfortunately they are still perplexed…

“Is it safe to Travel to Thailand now?“

According to the Prime Minister and other authorities, overall situation is back to normal and efforts are being put to revive back the tourism industry and get the tourist back to the ‘Amazing Thailand’

Huge Tourism show like Thailand Tourism Festival (TTF) was held from 9^th June to 13^th June to bring back the country’s most favorite industry back on track.

More than 5,000 shops, department stores, and retail outlets nationwide are participating in the “Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2010” that will run from 15 June – 15 August 2010.

Safety & Transportation Update

- All the roads are open as usual.

- Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports as operating normally.
- All buses are running as usual.

- BTS SkyTrain operate normally from 06.00am. – 12.00pm

- MRT operate normally from 06.00am. – 12.00pm.

- All rail routes are operating normally

Accommodation
All the hotels and resorts in Bangkok and throughout Thailand are open for business as usual.

Now Zen, Central World and Center One have not resumed operation.

The rest through out Thailand are open as usual.

All major tourist attractions and areas are being run completely normal.

Though the anti-government protests ended on May 19, the Thai government has still maintained its enforcement of the state of emergency in order to ensure security for the public.

All our Tours to Thailand are running as scheduled without any changes. If you are interested in traveling there, Find out More from Our Extensive Tour options to Thailand

What All Can One Do in South Africa Apart From World Cup!

Things to do in South Africa

Officials in South Africa expect 300,000 international visitors this June and July as football fans from around the world flock to see the 2010 World Cup. Here are a few local sites worth checking out when not at a game, or while traveling to SA generally.

Climb Table Mountain
Cape Town

The 90-minute hike up the Platteklip route is steep, but evenly positioned stepping stones allow a steady ascent. Descending via cableway is a recommended option.

Taste the wine country
Cape Town

Not to be missed by wine lovers are the Franschhoek, Stellenbosch and Paarl appellations, located just 60 minutes from Cape Town. Most wine estates have tasting rooms open to the public. The Franschhoek Valley boasts some of the countries finest eateries.

Take the ferry to Robben Island
Cape Town

A 30-minute ferry ride from Cape Town’s waterfront takes you to this bleak penal island, best known as where Nelson Mandela spent 18 of his 27 years in incarceration.

Hike the Drakensberg Mountains
Durban

This spectacular escarpment rises over 11,000 feet and is only a three-hour drive from the port city of Durban. Some of the many hiking trails through the mountains lead to ancient rock paintings of the extinct Bushman tribe.

Explore Ushaka Marine World
Durban

All things wet–beach, water park, aquarium, dolphinarium–lie on the edge of downtown Durban. Don’t miss the spectacular aquarium, which is cleverly conceived as an exploration through a sunken steam ship.

Discover Boer war and Zulu war battlefields
Durban

About four hours drive from Durban history buffs will find historic battlefields of the Zulu and Boer wars fought by the British. Visitors are scarce and monuments are humble, like this one from the bloody battle of Isandlwana.

Investigate Maropeng
Johannesburg

This visitor center of the “Cradle of Humankind” world heritage site is a 60-minute drive from Johannesburg. History is what it’s all about: It’s the site of the discovery of hundreds of Hominid fossils, some 3.5 million years old.

Enjoy an Elephant Sanctuary
Johannesburg

Visit the unique sanctuary in Hartebeespoort, an hour from Johannesburg, which shelters young elephants in need of a home. Humans eager to learn more about these creatures can enjoy a close encounter.

Tour the Apartheid Museum
Johannesburg

Only 15 minutes from downtown Johannesburg you will find this sobering tour through the dark days of the political system that tore South Africa apart through most of the 1900s.

Stroll Sandton City and Nelson Mandela Square
Johannesburg

Where the rich from across sub-Saharan Africa shop. A large Nelson Mandela statue keeps watch over strollers and diners that crowd the wide plaza.

Original slideshow on Forbes

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World Youth Day – Madrid Spain in 2011

World Youth Day, WYD, is a yearly youth celebration that was started by Pope John Paul II as a way to inspire the youth and encourage them in living the teachings of Christ. In 1984 and 1985 he invited the youth of the world to Rome for a Palm Sunday celebration in St. Peter’s Square. Later, announcing the institution of WYD on December 20, 1985, the first official WYD was held in 1986. 1987 brought about a historical tradition, when the second event and first international WYD took place in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Palace Tours offers a basic tour package for this once in a lifetime event with optional extension tours.

For more information on World Youth Day Package Tours, please call us at 1.800.724.5120. or contact us here

View World Youth Day Video>>

World Cup Opening Ceremony! – 11 June

Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup-2010 considered to be the greatest show on earth that takes place every four years will begin today, Friday, 11th June 2010, in the afternoon with a grand opening ceremony at 2 pm (local time) at the Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg in South Africa

The 40-minute opening ceremony starts at 2:00pm (1200 GMT) Friday ahead of the opening match between hosts South Africa and Mexico. It will be beamed live in more than 215 countries, with an expected global audience of 500 million. The entire world has its eyes on the Soccer City Stadium at Johannesburg, where 85,000 fans will witness the extravaganza live, expected to be a one big night for the soccer fans. South Africa’s legendary trumpeter Hugh Masekela will jazz up the opening ceremony with American R-and-B star R Kelly and Soweto Spiritual Singers, but all eyes will be on the hot Colombian princess, Shakira, set to rock the big day with ‘Waka Waka’, the official 2010 World Cup theme song. Popular artistes Alicia Keys, the Black Eyed Peas, John Legend will also grace the event; so are some big names from Africa including Amadou, Hip Hop Pantsula and Hugh Masekela.

The 2010 FIFA World Cup has its own official music album.  The album, called Listen Up! features songs and performances by R. Kelly, Shakira, John Legend, and others.

R. Kelly wrote and will perform the official anthem of the 2010 World Cup, “Sign of a Victory.”

Total prize money on offer for the tournament was confirmed by FIFA as $420 million which is 60% more than last World Cup 2006. Each participating team will receive $1 million, each team exiting at the group stage will receive $8 million; thereafter the prize money would be distributed as; $9 million for round of 16, $ 18 million for quarter-finals, $ 20 million for semi-finals, $ 24 million for runners up and $30 million for the winner.

FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter launched his personal Twitter page, Thursday 10 June. Fans from all over the world will be able to follow the FIFA President’s views and opinions on the account “@seppblatter” throughout the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ in South Africa.

Cape Town Travel Tips – This World Cup

[Article credits:  Adam Taplin on Fodors.com blog]

If you’re traveling to Cape Town for the World Cup, you may very well be inspired to wander further afield by the mesmerizing views of nearby Table Mountain. Here’s how to maximize your trip.

1. Cape Town weather changes in a blink of an eye, so make sure your plans are flexible. If Table Mountain is on your must see list, make a beeline for the mountain on your first sunny morning; those with limited time should take the tram (aka Table Mountain Ariel Cableway) to the top of the mountain and allow an hour to walk around the top. If you have more time and want to climb or hike to the top, ask locals for advice on the best routes. Another tip: reserve tickets ahead of time so you won’t have to wait in line.

2. Don’t let bad weather spoil your trip. There are numerous options to fill your day. If shopping’s your thing, head to the V&A Waterfront. There are hundreds of shops, restaurants, bars, and a few movie theaters to occupy your time. The V&A Craft Market, right next to the Two Oceans Aquarium, is a great place to find unique gifts and souvenirs. Plan to spend a few hours poking through the stalls that feature locally made jewelry, rugs, glass, pottery, and leather sandals. If you’re looking for something more genteel, try high tea at the Mount Nelson Hotel, the grand dame of Cape Town. The lavish afternoon tea is served daily from 2:30 to 5:30 and costs R150. You’ll dine on finger sandwiches and every sweet imaginable.

3. Kids won’t be bored. Two Oceans Aquarium is considered to be one of the best in the world and it’s hands-on. Don’t miss the feeding time at the predator tank every day at 3 pm. The South African Museum has Shark World and a planetarium that has children specific shows throughout the week.

4. Don’t miss the penguins. It’s not every day that you get the chance to see penguins up close and in their natural habitat. Boulders Beach, just outside of Simon’s Town—part of Table Mountain National Park, is home to African penguins, the species that call this area home. You’ll see penguins everywhere as you walk along the boardwalk that takes you through the park. One penguin is cuter then the next and even the hardest hearts will melt when a baby is spotted.

5. The Winelands can’t be missed. While you may think you can pass up a visit to South Africa’s wine country because you’ve been to Napa, think again. Just 45 minutes east of Cape Town, the region is home to some of the country’s best restaurants and hotels, and of course, wine. There are three major areas that fan out around the historic towns of Franschhoek, Stellenbosch, and Paarl. We suggest picking an area to explore and planning two full days to do so, making sure to spend a few hours in the towns themselves. Make sure you designate a driver. Tastings will run you about R10 to R30 for four or five glasses, which is no more then $5, depending on the exchange rate—oenophiles will think they’ve died and gone to wine heaven. Don’t be surprised if you buy a few bottles at each stop. Oh, and be sure to try Pinotage. It’s the only truly South African varietal.

Read more for complete list on Fodors

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Celebrate with Palace Tours

Palace Tours launches its new and improved website www.palacetours.com.

For a limited time, we are offering a 5% discount for new bookings made from June 09 to June 23, 2010.

Visit our website at www.palacetours.com for a list of exciting tours and choose your next unforgettable journey!

*This promotion is subject to availability and restriction applies.