Archive for August, 2008

Monday, August 11th, 2008
Brazil Travel and Holidays
Maryse Mignott asked:


If like me you’re one of those people who love going on holidays, but cannot abide the whole flying experience, then this feature will be your new best friend.

Location, hotel, weather, nightlife – these are all major factors that we consider when planning a holiday. Although often overlooked, your flights play a hugely important role in your whole holiday experience as well. A bad flight or a flight that’s too long can be the difference between a fantastic holiday and an ok holiday.

ExclusiveLondon.co.uk has complied a list of holiday destinations by flight duration to help you choose the perfect holiday. If you don’t like lengthy flights, you may think you are just limited to holidays in France or Germany, but there are many destinations featured below that may be closer than you think. Flight durations are based on flights leaving from London, UK.

1 to 2 hours

Austria (Tryol, Salzburg)

Belgium (Brussels)

Denmark (Copenhagen)

France, North to Mid (Paris, Lyon)

Germany (Frankfurt, Munich, Hamburg)

Ireland (Dublin)

Netherlands, The (Amsterdam)

Scotland (Edinburgh)

Spain, North (Bilbao)

Switzerland (Basel, Geneva, Zurich)

2 to 3 hours

Romania (Bucharest)

Hungary (Budapest)

Finland (Helsinki)

Balearic Islands (Ibiza, Majorca, Menorca)

Italy, North (Milan, Venice)

Latvia (Riga)

Lithuania (Vilnius)

Costa del Sol (Marbella)

Poland (Krakow, Warsaw)

Portugal (Lisbon)

Czech Republic (Prague)

Iceland (Reykjavik)

Netherlands, The (Rotterdam)

Bulgaria (Sofia)

Spain, Mid to West (Barcelona, Madrid)

Sweden (Stockholm)

Tunisia (Tunis)

Austria (Vienna)

3 to 4 hours

Bulgaria (Sofia)

Greece, North to West (Halkidiki, Preveza)

Greece, South (Kalamata, Athens)

Greek Islands, North to West (Corfu, Kefalonia, Skiathos, Zante)

Gibraltar (South of Spain)

Turkey (Istanbul, Anakra)

Madeira (Island South of Portugal)

Malta (Valletta, Birkirkara)

Morocco (Casablanca, Marrakech, Rabat)

France, South (Marseille, Montpellier, Nice)

Norway (Oslo)

Portugal (Porto Islands)

Italy, Mid to South (Rome, Naples, Sicily)

Russia (Moscow, St Petersburg)

Spain, South (Seville)

4 to 5 hours

Azores Islands, The (inc. 2 hour flight from Lisbon, Portugal)

Canary Islands (Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Tenerife)

Greek Islands, East to South (Mytilene, Cyprus, Mykonos, Kos, Santorini, Crete, Rhodes)

Egypt (Cairo, Luxor)

Jordan (Amman)

Syria (Damascus)

Turkey (Izmir, Bodrum)

5 to 6 hours

Israel (Eilat)

Africa, West (Nigeria)

6 to 7 hours

Africa, West (Gambia, Ghana, Senegal)

Saudi Arabia (Riyadh)

Oman (Muscat)

United Arab Emirates (Dubai)

7 to 8 hours

Antigua (St John’s)

Barbados (Bridgetown)

Bermuda (Hamilton)

USA, East (New York, Boston)

Canada, East (Montreal)

St Lucia (Castries)

Trinidad (Port of Spain)

8 to 9 hours

India, North (New Delhi)

India, West (Mumbai, Goa)

Pakistan (Karachi)

9 to 10 hours

Aruba (Oranjestad)

Bahamas (Nassau)

Bangladesh (Dhaka)

Botswana (Gaborone)

Cuba (Havana)

Dominican Republic (Santo Domingo)

Jamaica (Montego Bay)

Kenya (Nairobi)

St Kitts (Basseterre)

Tobago

Zimbabwe (Harare)

10 to 11 hours

Canada, South (Ottawa, Toronto)

USA, South East (Atlanta, Miami)

USA, West (California, San Francisco)

USA, North to West (Montana, Seattle)

USA, South (New Orleans)

Brazil (Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo)

Argentina (Buenos Aires)

Cayman Islands (George Town)

Hong Kong

Grenada (St George’s)

Mexico (Mexico City)

Namibia (Windhoek)

Chile (Santiago)

South Africa (Cape Town)

Sri Lanka (Colombo)

Tanzania (Dodoma)

Zambia (Lusaka)

11 to 12 hours

Australia (Sydney)

Thailand (Bangkok)

Hawaii (Honolulu)

Japan (Tokyo)

Mauritius (Port Louis)

South Korea (Seoul)

Singapore

Venezuela (Caracas)

12+ hours

Fiji (Suva)

USA, West (Las Vegas)

Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur)

USA (Montana)

This article was written by Maryse Mignott, for ExclusiveLondon.co.uk. Balance your work and social life by taking part in the London entertainment scene. For the hottest London events, restaurants, clubs, fashion boutiques and much more, visit www.exclusivelondon.co.uk



Erika

Sunday, August 10th, 2008
Brazil Travel and Holidays
Lisa Parker asked:


Traveling is spiritually rewarding and always educational; however choosing where to travel and what to do is often frustrating and time consuming. When you are a solo traveler, this task may be hard or easier than if you were traveling with others. When traveling with others, there are suggestions and desires that you may or may like. When traveling alone, all decisions are yours to make and this can lead to a relaxing trip. Here is a list of the top ten solo adventures to help you choose the right vacation.

Europe

Regardless of where you have grown up, you may have heard at least some stories about Europe, and true or not, they would have stimulated your imagination. In reality, Europe has an incredible and intricate infrastructure, making travelling across this great continent much easier. Countries, which lie side-by-side, are all highly individual places, with a rich store of history and culture to explore. Europe has so much to offer that this list would not do it justice if it did not cover some of the essentials.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands, and there are many excellent museums and cultural locations to visit here. Some of the main attractions in this city are the canals, Van Gough Museum and you can even visit Ann Frank’s house. Regardless of what you are looking to experience, you can find it with a vacation to Amsterdam.

Athens

Some may think that Athens is a place for those who enjoy visiting historical locations such as the ancient landmarks that many history books mention. It is also a must-see destination regardless of your age, or your interest in history. No matter how old you are or what you most enjoy, Athens is a place that can leave you inspired and amazed at its ancient grandeur.

Ibiza

Ibiza is located in the Balearic Islands and it is well known for its nightlife. If you are looking for a vacation resort that is well known for its parties, this is the location for you.

Paris

Paris cannot be missed! It can be expensive for a solo traveler, and some may find it mildly depressing due to its reputation as a city for lovers. In reality, though it is the city of love, passion and romance. If there is anywhere to fall in love, it would be in Paris. Others attractions in the city of Paris is the breath taking iconic monuments and architecture, try on some of the world’s hottest fashion, and the fine food the city is renowned for the world over or you can visit the Louvre.

New York

The Big Apple is considered the city that never sleeps. Everyone has heard of these names, seen the “I love NY” t-shirts, and everyone should go there at least once. If you are traveling solo, then this is a great destination because of the clubs, great food, a great vibe and a place where everything and everyone is always on the go.

Thailand

The weather is hot and humid, the food is exotic and the locals are very friendly. A vacation to Thailand is very reasonably priced and the beaches are beautiful with clear oceans, tiny islands to explore and millions of people who are also seeking an adventure.

South Africa

Africa has some of the most majestic and surreal landscapes one could imagine, it has culture that is not seen anywhere else, and people who are warmer and more welcoming than you can meet in any other place. Perhaps the best place to start experiencing all of this is South Africa. South Africa has the infrastructure of many first world countries, making traveling somewhat easier. It has some of the most highly rated beaches in the world, as well as spectacular scenery in places such as Table Mountain and Kruger national park.

Serengeti

More to the point, the Ngoro Ngoro Crater Conservation Area, the essence of Africa! During the migration season from July to October the wildlife spectacle is beyond words and it provides an experience that you can remember for many years to come.

Brazil

Brazil shines if you are keen dancer as the nightlife is buzzing with Salsa, Mamba and the Rumba. If you are not a great dancer, then this is the best place for some cheap dance lessons! Brazil is an exciting, sensual place, but be on your guard at all times, just as you would when traveling in any new location.

There are many great locations to travel on a solo vacation but it mostly comes down to what you are looking to experience. Many great choices range from big cities to secluded beaches in the Caribbean. If you are looking to travel for the cultural experience or the nightlife, you should consider checking out these locations.



Zachery

What items are taxable when mailing to brazil?

Saturday, August 9th, 2008
Brazil
jed asked:


Had a package sent to Brazil (private) and the taxes were so high it needed to be returned. It had many items in it, and I am not sure what was “taxable”. Is there a list of items which are taxable if sending mail from US to Brazil?

Henry

Is there a list of USA universities that offer degrees in Mechanical Engineering and transfers from Brazil?

Thursday, August 7th, 2008
Brazil
Bryan S asked:


I have a friend in Brazil who is in their 3rd year of a 5 year degree program in Mechanical Engineering. They would like to move to the USA and are looking for colleges/universities that accept transfer students from Brazil. Any city is fine. Thanks!

Gracie

Sunday, August 3rd, 2008
Brazil Travel and Holidays
Robert Toth asked:


A word of advice: there is no such thing as paranoia while traveling !Crucial during travel is the possession of a passport and visa or permit to visit the country which should have at least a six month validity just to be on the safe side.

New Zealand has strict visa schemes (most recently a woman was denied a resident’s visa because the government felt her obesity would ‘put a strain on the country’s resources’) However, there are a number of countries the residents of which do not require a visa permit to travel or stay in Kiwi land for a period of three months or less as long as they have valid passports. Some of those countries are France, Brazil, Ireland, Greece, Belgium, Chile, Mexico, Argentina, and Malaysia etc.

Keeping copies of all documents ready in case the originals are misplaced or stolen is a necessary precaution. Inform a relative or friend to be ready to fax or e-mail you copies of any documents necessary in case the situation arises. Traveler’s insurance is a must and can be claimed in case any luggage is lost or stolen. As a side note there is no need to worry about snakebite kits, as the country has no snakes!

People wishing to travel the length and breadth of the country are well advised to backpack across it and stay at the simple yet affordable youth hostels of the International Youth Hostel Federation located in most areas (and can be booked via the Internet). Rent a caravan or other inexpensive vehicle to drive across if walking won’t suit you (though be warned that the cost of petrol does add up) since looking to public transport to travel everywhere will cause quick cash outflow.

There are beaureaux de change and foreign exchange kiosks in most places. Major credit cards and traveler’s checks are accepted across the country so carrying cash isn’t necessary. For students the possession of an international student I card will get you discounts on entry fees at a large number of museums, theatres, movies etc.

Eating well especially if you’re on an adventure holiday or backpacking is recommended but having every meal at a restaurant is not .It will cost approximately$25-$45 a head per meal. Preparing your own food is the best option. Youth hostels generally allow guests to cook for themselves in their kitchens. Shop for necessities at small local shops, not big department stores where rates are higher. In case there isn’t a kitchen to cook your own meals in the vicinity buying snacks off roadside vendors is another good way to eat well within a budget while experiencing local flavor. The country is very clean and any such food is reasonably hygienic. Avoid expenditure on alcohol, Internet, camera film etc as it adds up substantially.

Summertime is the busiest and most expensive. It’s smarter to visit during the off seasons. The climate is cool so carrying warm clothes (but not too many) is a good idea. Remember, while traveling packing light is the golden rule especially if backpacking or any kind of walking is on the agenda. Heavy trunks and suitcases full of unnecessary accessories are not the way to go. Do not carry pair upon pair of shoes. Wear a sturdy pair and your feet (and back!) will thank you.



Gage