Archive for August, 2008

Travel, Study and Let Your Dreams Unfold

August 18, 2008 - 11:03 pm 1 Comment

Almost everyone around the world has a dream university, and if everyone had the money and opportunity, they would all head to the internationally recognized schools in the US. Here are a few universities that will make you want to save every penny you have just so you can make your dreams come true. There’s nothing better that going away from home to study abroad in a great university.

University of California, Berkeley

This University has won many international awards and is one of the top schools in the US. It particularly excels in the fields of humanities and arts, and physical sciences and mathematics. Nationally, it ranks 3rd in the field of Music and 1st in Chemistry. So if you are an aspiring artist living near Berkeley, you’re lucky! UC, Berkeley provides an atmosphere that really is conducive to create. Let the streets of Berkeley inspire you to be the artist that you want to be.

Harvard University

In the movies and in reality, Harvard has established its effectiveness in molding great lawyers. This institution in Cambridge, Massachusetts is the dream university of any aspiring lawyer. Harvard excels in other fields as well. There have been great artists who graduated from this university as well.

Stanford University

California is ground to plenty of great universities. Stanford is usually the dream of bookworms. Those who want to take on writing as a profession or study literature seriously would love to go to this school. As with other American universities, Stanford excels in different fields, but the vibrant atmosphere and culture that is distinctly Californian provides the perfect setting for an aspiring writer.

Juilliard School

This school perfects the performing arts. From drama to music to dance, Juilliard is ready to hone your skills in your chosen craft. Being located in New York, which is the world’s center of culture and art, this is the perfect school for those who are serious with their art. They are immediately exposed to the art scene. Broadway is an accessible source of inspiration for any dancer, actress or singer.

New York University

As mentioned, New York is the world’s center of art and culture. Though this university is also widely recognized for its excellence in various fields, people usually dream of going to NYU for the arts and humanities. New York has plenty of museums and NYU can mold you to be a great curator with their programs such as Museum Studies, Art History and Anthropology. After graduation, you can head to any New York museum and start your career right away.

To study abroad is a dream that only few fortunate people can live. Money matters can come in the way of a great education. We would not want you to waste your potential so we’re bringing you a step closer to your dream.

Get closer to your dream university. Fly to California for free!

Artists, there’s no better place to hone your skills than in New York! Click here and we will fly you there.

Don’t waste any opportunity to get an education. Click here and earn your degree.

Your education is just a click away! Don’t miss this chance. Click here.

From None to 21: Legal Drinking Ages Around the World

August 17, 2008 - 10:49 pm 2 Comments

Excessive alcohol consumption especially among the youth can cause problems; thus the enactment of the legal drinking age. In most parts of the world, people wait till they turn 18, while others wait until they’re 21 before they become legal. And others, believe it or not, do not have legal drinking ages.

Barbados. This is a famous tourist spot given that it is one of the blissful islands in the Caribbean. Like most places around the world, Barbados’ legal drinking age is 18. But this comes with an exception. Kids aging 10-17 can legally consume alcohol given that they have a parent with them! So if you’re below 18 traveling to Barbados and wanting to taste alcohol, think of ways to convince your parents to allow you to take a sip!

Cuba. Cuba is another Caribbean dream destination but not only for the beaches but also for its vibrant history, art and culture. One of the must-see spots for any traveler in Cuba is the Castillo de Farnes. You may think this is just another bar to get a beer from but this is actually a historical place where Che and Castro had a toast after the revolution. So if you want to drink as they did, there should be no problem because there are no restrictions on the drinking age. Everyone can drink, but only 16 year-olds and above can purchase. So when traveling to Cuba, make sure you bring a 16-year old with you!

United States. These people are the unfortunate bunch to have a legal drinking age of 21 (the highest in the world, except of course for countries where alcohol is illegal). There are some doctors who actually say that 21 is too high and there are currently studies on the effectiveness of such law. All American states consider alcohol consumption under 21 illegal, but some states are more permissive than others regarding the issue.

Bali. Like Cuba, this internationally recognized vacation paradise does not have a drinking age limit. But purchase is only permitted to those 15 and above. The rest of Thailand, however, has the usual 18-year-old legal drinking age, and legally, only 20-year-olds and above can get in clubs. This is not strictly followed though. This gives even more reason to travel to Thailand! Aside from the glorious beaches, fascinating festivals, and interesting culture, you can enjoy all these with a bottle of beer!

United Kingdom. Now they have quite a complicated law. The Children and Young Persons Act in 1933 prohibits alcohol consumption by anyone under 5 years old, which means once you reach 5 years, you can drink legally except in licensed places. Though you can drink alcohol in private, no one will serve it to you if you are 7 years old. Only when you are 16 can you drink wine or beer in a restaurant and this has to come with a meal and with an adult. Wait two more years and you can legally drink anything anywhere in the UK.In Scotland, it will be legal for adults to buy drinks for minors in 2009.

If you’re the type who enjoys a good glass of wine but are under 18, you might want to think about the legal drinking age of the place you’re visiting. You might be anticipating a great nightlife in a bar listening to a great band, but end up disappointed visiting a country where you cannot purchase a bottle of beer for yourself.

Fly to the Caribbean and drink in Cuba or Barbados! Your flight is free.

The US may have one of the highest legal drinking ages, but you can always FLY FREE to Las Vegas and get an overflow of booze!

Fly for free to the UK! Just watch what your kids are drinking!

Click here and you can get a $1000 American Airlines Gift Card and fly to the country with no restrictive drinking laws!

Dare to Tour the Haunted!

August 15, 2008 - 2:19 am 1 Comment

Each place has a story of inexplicable events. Everywhere, people claim to have heard voices, screams, whispers, and weeping sounds out of nowhere. There are always reported sightings of a lady in white or mysterious flickering of lights. Whether or not you believe in the paranormal, you have to admit that these places can scare the hell out of you especially when you hear the tale behind it. If you’re the type who thinks such stories are simply musings of a wild imagination, then visiting these places would not raise a single goosebump on your skin.

Andleberry Estate in Clovis California used to include a mansion and a sanitarium. The Wolfe Manor Hotel was later built in place of the mansion. The owner, Todd Wolfe himself, had some bizarre encounters in his own hotel. Aside from the classic hearing of footsteps and voices, he also felt ghosts breathing on him. The people who used to stay in the sanitarium are believed to be the ones haunting the place. Investigators even reported that there really are spirits in living in the hotel.

The Screaming Tunnel of the Niagara Falls is an unfinished and abandoned railway. Legend has it that a girl was burned alive by her own father due to lost custody. Now, people believe that when someone lights a match in the middle of the tunnel at midnight, there will be a very loud scream that can eventually put out the fire of the match. The ghost of the father is also rumored to appear. This gives more reason for people to visit the Niagara Falls!

The Ladd School used to stand on Exeter, Rhode Island, which served as a school for the mentally challenged. Stories say that students were mistreated, which probably explains sightings of ghost children in the area. There were rumors of physical and sexual abuse of the mentally diabled students. The Ladd School closed early in the 90’s, and today, Exeter Job Corps Academy stands in its place. Though the school closed, there are still stories of the new building being haunted.

The Lemp Mansion in St. Louis, Missouri has a dark past as four members of the Lemp family committed suicide; three killed themselves in the mansion. There have been stories of things flying off and pianos playing by themselves. Today, the mansion is a restaurant and a bed and breakfast. Staying in this mansion would really be a daring experience for any traveler!

Alcatraz is an isolated island in San Francisco that used to function as a prison house. It gained popularity because of the inhumane conditions that anyone who stayed on the rock had to live with. Today, Alcatraz is a very popular tourist destination, but there have been reports of visitors hearing footsteps of jail doors slamming. Whether there really are some agitated souls on this rock or not, the place really has a gloomy and quite depressing ambience.

The Hampton Court Palace in London is not only historic but also believed to be haunted. The ghost of Henry VIII’s fifth wife, Catherine Howard, stirs up the most intrigue. Her spirit is said to be scream and run a hallway. Queen Jane Seymour who died 12 days after giving birth to Prince Edward is said to stay in the palace’s staircase. Other ghosts have also been sighted in this historic palace, including that of the Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn.

Lucky for those who obsess on the paranormal, these places are open to the public. Most of these spots even encourage the visit of tourists. Dare yourself and visit these haunted places! We’ll even give you free flights to these places!

Fly to California and see if the former patients of the sanitarium can scare you.

There’s more to see in Niagara Falls! Get your free flight and visit the Screaming Tunnel!

Tour the Alcatraz in San Francisco and you might see more that what you came in for.

Get a historic and haunting tour in London! You’re flight is on us!

Explore Mexican Paradise!

August 14, 2008 - 12:06 am 1 Comment

Anyone can easily fall in love with Mexico. The beautiful shores, soothing climate, vibrant culture, fascinating history, religious tradition, and warm locals all create an indescribably mystifying atmosphere. Any state or city you choose to explore in this country will definitely give a unique experience that no other place in the world can duplicate.

Puerto Vallarta in the Mexican state of Jalisco is truly a paradise city. Though the beachfront has a stretch of hotels and resorts, this city has managed to preserve much of its natural beauty that is open to any willing traveler. The soft shores are not the only source of pride for these Mexicans; the jungles, rivers and wildlife are very inviting as well. Aside from the natural wonders, Puerto Vallarta has an interesting culture reflected in the city’s quaint architecture and historic landmarks.

Acapulco has to be the first Mexican paradise to get worldwide popularity. Like Puerto Vallarta, Acapulco has an urban atmosphere created by improved infrastructure that merges with the magnificence of nature. After unwinding on the beach in the morning, visitors have plenty of nightclubs to choose from where they can dance to the DJ while enjoying the open bar. But the real must-see in this paradise is the feat of the La Quebrada divers. From a cliff 130 ft high, a group of divers pray then take their daring jump off the edge. This popular attraction since the 1934 reveals Mexican religious tradition and strong bond with nature.

From the state of Quintana Roo comes an idyllic Mexican island. If you’re idea of a great beach is one where you can quietly commune with nature, then this Cozumel is a perfect pick. The shores are simply glorious. With the dreamy white sand and sparkling water, you are bound to forget the hassles of routine back home. The sea floor is also a favorite for divers and underwater photographers. Cozumel has one of the most colorful reefs and fishes. And like most parts of Mexico, Cozumel is not just about the beaches but also prides itself with a fascinating past. So aside from swimming, you can head to the heart of the island to see ruins of the Mayan civilization.

The coastal city which challenged the popularity of Acapulco is Cancun. Also from Quintana Roo, Cancun is one of the most sought for vacation spots around the globe. Cancun is perfect for everyone’s desires. It is highly urbanized which makes it a favorite of the Spring Breaker population. But this does not mean that Cancun is all about beach partying. Parts of Cancun can give the most tranquil beach getaway. Also, Cancun is not just about the beaches. There are the famous Cenotes or underwater caves which give a breathtaking view. Downtown Cancun is also very rich in culture. You will surely have fun mingling with the locals and getting a taste of their vibrant culture. You can also even watch a genuine bullfight! But one thing you must not miss when visiting this amazing coastal city is the Chichen Itza. This Mayan Ruin, which is now part of the world’s New 7 Wonders, is in the Mexican state of Yucatan which is near Quintana Roo. So if you’re in Cancun, might as well take a ride to Yucatan. I promise the experience is worth it.

Mexico has blissful beaches, and it even has more to offer travelers. The terrain, history, culture and locals make this country a dream destination. Explore any Mexican Paradise now! Don’t worry about the budget because your flight is on us!

Fly free to Jalisco and visit the paradise city Puerto Vallarta!

Watch La Quebrada Cliff Divers in Acapulco! Your free flight is waiting.

Unwind in the most serene island. Your free flight to Cozumel is just a click away.

Marvel at the Chichen Itza! Simply click here and you could be flying to CANCUN for free!

7 Ways to View the Grand Canyon

August 12, 2008 - 9:34 pm No Comments

The Grand Canyon in Arizona is an enormous site. It’s not enough to drive to the gorge, take a look around then leave. To really make the most of this natural wonder, you must take a few hikes, ride the Colorado River if possible, and explore each corner open to tourists. You will be surprised at how many unique views the Grand Canyon can give you. You will certainly be overwhelmed.

1.    The South Rim. Aside from a view of the magnificent gorge, you will be getting a closer look at some historical buildings and ruins.

2.    Toroweap Overlook. On the North Rim, this popular overlook is 3,000 vertical feet from the river. The steepness of this part of the gorge gives tourists a breathtaking view.

3.    Grand Canyon Skywalk. This gives you quite a scary view since it’s a glass-bottomed skywalk that extends beyond the edge of the gorge!

4.    The Lipan Point. This is also in the South Rim. It is also the starting point of the Tanner Trail. So before following that trail, take a moment to grasp the beauty of the Canyon from the Lipan Point.

5.    Tanner Trail. This trail can be a challenging hike towards the floor of the gorge. So this is a favorite path of avid backpackers and adventurers. The view of the Canyon from this trail is uniquely overwhelming.

6.    Whitewater Rafting. Some people prefer to go down to the bottom of the gorge by foot; others prefer to ride the river. Being at the very bottom of the Canyon where you are thrown by the water, surrounded by tall humongous rocks can really be astounding experience.

7.    Aerial View. From Las Vegas, Phoenix or the Grand Canyon National Park Airport, you can hop in a small plane or helicopter that will give you a bird’s eye view of the Grand Canyon.

Traveling to the Grand Canyon is not as costly as you think. You don’t need to rent rooms in hotels or dine in overly expensive restaurants. The North Rim, for example, is open for campers free of charge! There are also benches and tables set up for eating. Bring sleeping bags, tents and food and you don’t have to spend a cent on lodging or dining! The best part is you can get a free flight to Phoenix, Arizona or to Las Vegas for free!

Fly to Phoenix for free!

Or go to Las Vegas and get an aerial view of the gorge! Your flight to Las Vegas is on us!

Experience something larger than life! Hike the Grand Canyon!