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The Most Photographed Places on Earth

By: Gap Adventures

What is the most photographed place on earth? The question is of course impossible to answer and one can only muster a guess. Countless places lay claim to being the most photographed place in the world, including Paris, The Taj Mahal, Walt Disney World, Niagara Falls, Angkor Wat, the Acropolis to name just a small handful.

The only thing that is widely accepted, is that the Sun is the most photographed object (sunsets and sunrises seem to be universally irresistible). But sticking to “planet earth”, let’s take a look at some of the most photographed subjects around the world. Judge for yourself if you consider them “photogenic”.

Here is a checklist of sorts, for people, places and things to photograph on your travels. Some of them are famous, while others may seem a little odd. Either way, whether it’s a bridge or a toilet, some places get all the photographic glory! (Please keep in mind there is no way to verify the following claims.)

• The Africa “Big Five” (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo) are considered the most photographed animals in the world.
• La Digue island in the Seychelles claims to be the most photographed island in the world.
• Santorini is the most photographed island in Greece often considered the most photographed island in Europe.
• The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is considered to be the most photographed event in the world.
• Table Mountain is the most photographed landmark in South Africa.
• Den Lille Havfrue (the little mermaid) from Copenhagen is the most photographed statue in the world.
• The Golden Gate Bridge is the most photographed US landmark, and most photographed bridge in the world.
• Designed by Frederick Hundertwasser, the Kawakawa public toilets in New Zealand are the most photographed toilets in the world!
• Neuschwanstein castle in Germany claims to be the most photographed castle in the world.
• The Eiffel Tower Paris is considered the most photographed structure in Europe.
• The Evangeline Oak in Louisiana and the Lone Cyprus tree in California are each touted as the most photographed tree in the world.
• Ayers Rock is the most photographed sunset in Australia.
• Abbey Road is often considered the most photographed street in the world.
• Niagara Falls may be the most photographed waterfall in the world.

If you’re ready to take your own photos, contact DJM Travel to book your next vacation to these pictureque destinations.

Families Will Have the Slime of Their Lives on Norwegian Cruise Line’s Two Nickelodeon™ All Access Cruises

By: Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line and Nickelodeon offer the ultimate family cruise vacation with two exclusive “Nickelodeon All Access Cruises” setting sail in 2011. These one-of-a-kind Nickelodeon-themed cruises give guests access to seven days of slime-filled entertainment all day, every day. The first sailing on Norwegian Jewel departs from New York on President’s Day holiday, February 20, 2011, to Orlando (Port Canaveral), Florida; Nassau, Bahamas; and Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian’s private island. The second sailing is on the cruise line’s newest and most innovative ship, Norwegian Epic, from Barcelona on July 24, 2011 with ports of call including Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Rome (Civitavecchia), and Naples, Italy; and Palma, Majorca, Spain.

Families can experience a once-in-a-lifetime cruise vacation that is all Nickelodeon, all week long with exclusive programming that includes a chance for the whole family to get slimed together with the Ultimate Sliming experience; special viewings and premieres of never-before-seen episodes of Nickelodeon’s hit TV shows like iCarly, Victorious and SpongeBob SquarePants; signature messy game show Slime Time LIVE! and poolside events. Kids can also eat breakfast every day of the cruise with their favorite Nickelodeon characters and meet the stars of Nickelodeon’s hottest shows. This year’s star line-up is still to be announced, but promises to be just as exciting as past cruise guests who have included stars from iCarly, True Jackson VP, and the voice of SpongeBob SquarePants. Plus, families can enjoy the freedom and flexibility of Norwegian’s Freestyle Cruising.

Families who book an All Access Cruise between now and September 13, 2010 will receive up to $250 in on-board credits, based on stateroom category; and 50% off standard cruise deposits, with the exception of the Garden Villa on Norwegian Jewel [target search Norwegian Jewel]and other suite categories. The limited time offer includes $250 per stateroom when sailing in a Garden Villa on Norwegian Jewel; $150 for suites; $100 for mini-suites and deluxe balcony staterooms; $75 for balcony staterooms; $50 for ocean view and $25 for inside staterooms.

For more information on the only two “Nickelodeon All Access Cruises” offered in 2011 contact DJM Travel today!

Explore China in the Temperate Fall

By: Abercrombie & Kent

Cooler, less-humid temperatures make fall an ideal time to visit China. Travel this September and October on one of Abercrombie & Kent’s several departures of Yangzi Passage (from $8,850), and explore China’s legendary landscapes, including the beautiful Three Gorges, aboard Sanctuary MS ‘Yangzi Explorer.’ For an introductory look at China, consider Highlights of China. (from $6,625), which offers a three-night Yangzi cruise and visits to the major cities and best-known sights — including the Great Wall and Temple of Heaven in Beijing Cotta Warriors in Xian, and Shanghai

Explore China on board the ‘Yangzi Explorer’ this fall. Contact DJM Travel book your departure today.

Dominican Republic – 60-Second Geography

About 2 million of the Dominican Republic’s 8 million people live in the sprawling city of Santo Domingo. This lively capital of the Caribbean’s second-largest country is the oldest European-settled city in the Americas. A recent renovation of many public sections of town have added some serious old world flavor and authenticity to the city. For the adventurer, Playa Grande offers scenery and surf. On the east side of the Dominican Republic lies Punta Cana with 20 miles of pristine beaches. This is a tourist hot spot, so expect some crowds. And for families, small kids, and weak swimmers, head to the calm waters of Boca Chica and the wide brilliant white sands.

The Dominican Republic featured many firsts for the Americas: the first cathedral, the first university and the first castle.

The Dominican Republic is credited with creating and developing the merengue style of music. It is a fast-paced, rhythmic dance music.

Pico Duarte in the Cordillera Range is the highest point in the Caribbean, and it is higher than any point in the Americas outside of the ranges of the western United States.

The national sport of the Dominican Republic is baseball. Dominicans make up a larger percentage of players in Major League Baseball than any country outside of North America.

The oldest permanent settlement in the Western Hemisphere is the capital city of Santo Domingo, founded in 1496.

The flag of the Dominican Republic is the only national flag in the world to feature the image of a bible.

Santiago, the second most populated city in the Dominican Republic, has fewer Dominicans living there than New York City.

In addition to the sightseeing within Santo Domingo, check out the nearby Columbus Lighthouse and Boca Chica Beach.

You won’t have a problem finding a beach in the Dominican Republic -they have a 1,000-mile-long coastline.

One of the best is Sosúa Beach, a wide strip of soft, white sand on the north coast with plenty of nearby restaurants. Playa Dorada’s beaches are known for their spectacular beauty, but they tend to be crowded as there are many hotels and resorts in the area all good secrets are eventually leaked.

If you are looking for something other than laying on a pristine beach, check out the Dominican Republic’s north shore which is known as the Amber Coast. Some of the world’s finest amber is found here.

The Amber Coast has far more than amber and other semi precious finds. The coast is also lined with some of the Caribbean’s finest resorts. Most are located in and around Puerto Plata and Sosua.

Cabarete is known for its fun-loving windsurfing and kite surfing crowd. Many of these destinations have yet to hit the radar screen of mainstream tourists.

DJMTRAVEL and Gap Adventures Top 5: Vegetarian Hotspots

 

By: Gap Adventures

With a voracious appetite for vegetables, there are more than a few long-time vegetarians at Gap Adventures. If vegetables could talk, you’d hear them screaming when they trek into town.

Here are some memorable vegetarian stops we’ve had the pleasure to enjoy during wandering travels around the world.

#1 Chiang Mai, Thailand — While travelling through Thailand the most common vegetarian dishes are usually variations on veggie pad Thai or veggie Thai curry. While both are great dishes, don’t you wonder what the vegetarian Thai eats? In Chiang Mai we found a place that serves up the true North Thailand vegetarian experience. Mangsawirat Kangreuanjam is a small place within the city walls that serves up 20 to 30 different authentic thai dishes daily. Opening early in the morning this is a fantastic place for breakfast. All your choices are right in front of you and you can load your plate for less than two bucks.

#2 Rajasthan, India — (winner of our Best Vegetarian Country award) – India has got to be the best place in the world for a vegetarian meal. The variety in choices of dishes from north to south is mind boggling. One place that stands out however, is the Dream Heaven Guest House in Udaipur, Rajasthan. The meal of choice was a thali dinner consisting of 6 spectacular dishes served with rice, roti and papad. The open air roof top patio has a fantastic view over the lake, the old city and the floating palace. We enjoyed a Kingfisher beer as the sun went down and then enjoyed our meal in the cool evening air.

#3 Cuzco, Peru — Unlike India, South America can be a tough place to find a really good variety of vegetarian food. After a month touring around Peru we found ourselves a little tired of rice, beans and eggs and craving fresh vegetables. While in Cuzco we tried a place called Granja Heidi that had a Mediterranean theme. We had a delicious fresh green salad and penne pasta. Although the dishes were not peruvian, we did enjoy the meal with a Cusqueña beer.

#4 Chamonix, France — Okay, here is one of our favourite lunches. While in the Alps in early June we packed up a lunch consisting of fresh baguette, brie, olives, avocado and a great bottle of red wine and headed out for a hike through the mountains. After an amazing morning hiking through the forests, up the mountain and across alpine meadows we found a stunning view of the surrounding snow caps. There we sat in silence and enjoyed one of the best lunches we have ever had. Don’t forget the corkscrew.

#5 New Brunswick, Canada — No matter where you are you can usually find a vegetarian dish on the menu. But when you stumble upon a vegetarian restaurant in the most unexpected place it is a fantastic score and means you have more than one choice. While travelling through New Brunswick, Canada, we were fortunate, and surprised, to find a vegetarian restaurant just down the street from our bed and breakfast in a residential area of Moncton. The staff at Café Calactus restaurant were very friendly and they served us up some fantastic veg dishes at very reasonable prices.

Ditch the meat and contact DJM Travel to visit one of these vegetarian hotspots!

New Year’s at the Tournament of Roses

By: Suzanne Slavitter CTP, CTIE of Sports Empire Inc.

New Year’s is just around the corner and for the past 25 years I’ve spent my holiday in Pasadena at the Tournament of Roses. Never mind staying up until past midnight on New Year’s Eve – we get up bright and early on New Year’s Day and head to Pasadena where over 100,000 of my closest friends have gathered to watch the march down Colorado Boulevard!

But even before that – on New Year’s Eve Day we go up to Pasadena in the morning and watch the float builders put the finishing touches on the float for the next days’ parade. Often we’ll get to see the Judges look over the floats to make sure they meet all the stiff requirements for this biggest and best of all parades. Every inch of the floats must be covered in living matter so from seeds to nuts or fruits and flowers it’s amazing to see these floats up close.

Then at 8am on New Year’s morning the floats combine with the bands and equestrian teams for the 5 mile march down Colorado Blvd. Some years I remember seeing bands march by in wooden shoes or with heavy uniforms on and try and imagine how much fun…and how tired they’ll be when the parade is over.

After the parade many people head to Victory Park where the floats are parked and visitors can come view them one final time before they are dismantled. Others head to the Rose Bowl to see the Granddaddy of all football games. And then every year on January 2nd we start promoting these events over again as people watch it on TV and are ready to plan their trip to the next Tournament of Roses.

Secure your spot for the next Tournament of Roses, contact DJM Travel today!

Visit the Temple of Egypt’s First Female Pharaoh

By: Abercrombie & Kent

Share a unique travel experience with your mother, sisters and daughters while meeting new friends on Jordan & Egypt — Sands of Time (October 15 – 26, 2010, from $6890 per person), an Abercrombie & Kent Journey for Women. Your female guide shows you the ancient Nabataean city of Petra and the Roman ruins of Jerash in Jordan. A female Egyptologist introduces you to the most significant monuments and ruins in Egypt and accompanies you on a Nile cruise aboard ‘Sun Boat IV.’

Contact DJM Travel to learn more about this itinerary and view all Abercrombie & Kent Journeys for Women.

Gap Adventures Top 5: Around the World Adventures

By: Gap Adventures and Steve Clifford

While most people save up for a week or two of adventure, some people are lucky enough to head out on a grand adventure around the world. RTW travel can free you up for a year to explore many places. Here is a brief Top 5 list of top Round the World experiences from Gap Adventures traveller Steve Clifford…

There were many highlights on my 10-month RTW journey but here are five memorable experiences from the Atlantic, England, Jordan, Syria and Nepal that I highly recommend to savour.

#5 Cross an Ocean by Ship — In the past most great adventures began from the deck of a ship and I was determined, at least once in my life, to unfasten my seat belt, look beyond my upright seat tray and cross an ocean at sea level. I was the only passenger aboard a small container ship sailing from Charleston, SC to Felixstowe, England, an 8-day crossing. In reality life aboard a working ship quickly becomes routine, especially if you’re the only one not working. However the countless hours spent scanning the empty horizon are quickly forgotten when you finally glimpse your destination and arrive ashore with a new sense of scale and connectedness. (While you may not cross the Atlantic on a Gap Adventures tour, consider a great voyage across the Arctic on the M/S Expedition!)

#4 Ramble on in North Yorkshire — I’ve followed many a footpath over the years but those that crisscross the moors and dales in God’s own country are hard to beat. The breezy North Sea coastal footpath that winds its way between Staithes and Robin Hood’s Bay is a favourite, as are the green pastures and stunning panoramas that surround you in Swaledale. Best of all, at the end of any walk, you’ll find a welcoming Yorkshire pub where you can enjoy a pint (or two) of hand-pulled real ale. Suggested Gap Adventures trip includes Norwegian Fjords & Polar Bears.

#3 Experience 40 winks in the land of 1001 Nights — Lying roughly between the ancient city of Petra and the Red Sea port of Aqaba lay Wadi Rum, a vast and windswept lunar-like landscape of biblical proportions. A lack of roads force Bedouin nomads and adventure travelers along ancient routes used by Nabataeans and more recently, Lawrence of Arabia. A visit to Jordan’s Wadi Rum is an unforgettable experience, one you’ll ponder long after you call it a day and stretch out on your camp cot under a blanket of stars. (Recommended tour to Jordan is Highlights of Jordan).

#2 Clean up your act in a 500 year-old Hammam — Adventure travelers are down to earth but some are more down to earth than others. All that time spent at ground level can leave you dirty – but you don’t know how dirty until you’ve been exfoliated by a 300 lb. Turk with an attitude. Hit a Turkish Hammam, a traditional public bath for a couple of hours as it will cost you less than US$10 and includes wet and dry saunas, an invigorating exfoliation, intense massage and, once pristine, a chance to kick back and sip tea with businessmen and royalty. (Suggested tour is Absolute Turkey).

#1 Stand at the foot of the Roof of the World — A trek in eastern Nepal to the foot of Mt. Everest was the definitive highlight of my 10-month journey around the world. The thin mountain air and the dazzling Nepali smiles are as intoxicating as the homemade raksi and chaang sampled along the way. I can still picture enthusiastic porters digging into platefuls of their beloved Dal Baht while strains of the Nepali folk classic, Resham Firiri, reverberated through the Himalayas. (Consider Gap Adventures tour Everest Adventure).

Are you ready to head out around the world? Contact DJM Travel to start planning your great adventure and find great rates!

More Than One-Third of Consumers Leaving Web for Travel Planning

Despite the economic downturn summer travel is a priority for the majority of Americans this year, according to the latest American Express Spending & Saving Tracker. But the best news from the survey remains that more than one-third (35 percent) of travelers are turning to offline resources, including travel agents, for planning and booking.

This American Express Spending & Saving Tracker surveyed consumers about their plans and spending intentions as they relate to summer travel and recreational activities.  The research sample of 2,000 adults included the general U.S. population, as well as two subgroups – the affluent and young professionals.

What They are Spending

For this summer, 51 percent surveyed are planning a vacation—even more so among affluents (73 percent) and young professionals (83 percent). Those surveyed plan to spend an average of $1,000 per person on summer travel, indicating that the average family of four expects to spend about $4,000 on their summer vacation. That figure jumps to around $4,800 among young professionals and nearly $6,400 among affluents. Parents, however, are planning more than summer vacations, as 58 percent are ready to arrange summer activities for their children and plan to spend an average of $600 per child.

What Trips They are Taking

While family trips will be most popular (52 percent), a variety of other vacation types are being planned, including:

*    Couples trips (26 percent)
*    Trips with friends such as girlfriend getaways and mancations (10 percent)
*    A staycation—intending to enjoy time off and attractions near home (11 percent)
*    Experiential or adventure vacations such as a culinary retreat or hiking trip (7 percent)
*    Educational vacations (4 percent)

Where They are Going

Of those taking a summer vacation, most (89 percent) will stay within the U.S., with destinations in the South (31 percent) and Northeast (29 percent) being the most frequented. A significantly smaller percentage of consumers (16 percent) plan to travel outside of the U.S., primarily to the Caribbean (6 percent), Canada (5 percent), and Europe (4 percent). Affluents (19 percent) are more likely to venture outside of the U.S. and young professionals (29 percent) are twice as likely as the general population to do so. 

Staying Connected

While on vacation, the majority (77 percent) of Americans intend to stay connected via Internet, phone, social media or other channels. Most consumers (65 percent) expect connectivity to be included in their vacation accommodations and are not willing to pay extra, but 35 percent would be willing to pay an additional fee.

Source: American Express