Monday 21 January 2013

Top Worldwide Events in January


In the Georgian calendar January is the first month of the year and is named after Janus, who in Roman mythology is the god of the doorway and January is the door to the year. Traditionally, the original Roman calendar consisted of 10 months, but according to the legend around 700 BC King Numa Pompilius added the months of January and February and gave 30 days to January to which one more day was added in 46 BC by Julius Caesar. Historical names for January include the Saxon term Wulf-monath as January was known as the month when wolves went into villages in search of food.

Some fun facts about January:
  • The flower symbol of January is snowdrop and carnation.
  • January's gem is garnet which represents constancy.
  • The zodiac signs for January is Capricorn (December 22 - January 19) and Aquarius (January 20 - February 18). 
Top Worldwide Events in January 2013
By: Progress On 22:04
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Which airline is next to go bust?

The most recent airlines to go bust were the Spanish Budget Carrier "Spanair" and the Hungarian National airline "Malev". The question is now, who will be next?

In the case of Malev, the 66 year old Hungarian national flag carrier was actually forced to stop flying, following the fact that the Hungarian government were prevented by the EU in financing the struggling airline. This resulted in a significant number of job losses in Hungry at the time and serves as a chilling reminder of the EU’s strict financial policy.

The Spanish airline, Spanair, left thousands of passengers stranded as talks to save the struggling airline finally broke down on the 27th of January 2012.

Other fairly recent casualties over the past few years were Zoom, Silverjet, XL and FlyGlobespan, all of which demonstrate that the problem is not new. In fact it was non other the chief executive of British Airways who stated in 2008 that 30 more airlines will go bankrupt, so we surely can expect more.

The bookies favorite is Monarch. Other prime candidates are reported to be...
  • Regional UK carrier FlyBe
  • The Polish carrier Wizz Air
  • The Finnish flag carrier Finnair
  • National carrier Cyprus Airways
  • Aer Arann
We welcome comments and suggestions from all PT readers.
By: Progress On 22:02
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The European Backpacker Index 2012 compares 47 cities on prices

The European Backpacker Index (now in its second year) has been updated for the 2012 edition. With Europe in financial turmoil and the masses cutting back on travel, now more than ever this index will be highly relevant and monitored by thousands of travellers visiting European destinations. 


Americans in particular will be a little happier in 2012 and get more bang for their buck, as the US Dollar is up against most European currencies (including the euro) compared to 2011. 

How does the Backpacker Index work?
Prices for most things (hostels, transportation, attractions) are fixed and measurable, however prices for things like a “budget lunch” or a "pint of beer" tend to vary depending upon area, establishment and type. The European Backpacker Index still makes a great job of it and estimates are based on a comprehensive research, and in most cases are close to the right numbers, if not right on. here below is how the Index is measured...

Costs for each city
  1. One night in the cheapest bunk at the least expensive hostel with a good location and good reviews
  2. Two public transportation rides per day
  3. One paid/famous attraction per day (Every city is loaded with free things to do for budget-conscious travelers, but here we take the average cost of a major attraction in each city for each day.)
  4. Three “budget” meals per day (We took our minimum meal price and added 20% to make it more realistic for a longer trip).
  5. Three cheap, local beers (or wine) each day as an “entertainment fund.” Non-drinkers might have dessert and coffee or attend a local music performance instead, so this is a general benchmark that should be proportional for each city.
European Backpacker Index for 2012
Here below are the top 20 cheapest cities for 2012 taken directly from the European Backpacker Index's own website.

1. Sofia, Bulgaria (cheapest)
Now declared as Europe’s cheapest tourist city, Sofia is becoming ever more popular each year. This is in part because of the generally cost effective prices, but its remote location will still be a problem for most casual travelers. Prices crept up last year, though Sofia will remain cheap for most of us.

  • Currency: Bulgaria Leva
  • Cheap/good hostel: Hostel Mostel – 13.34 (includes breakfast)
  • Transportation: 2.00
  • Meals: 13.20
  • Drinks/Entertainment: 4.50
  • Attractions: 3.00
  • Daily Backpacker Index: BGN36.04 = US$23.71/day


2. Krakow, Poland

Krakow continues as Europe’s best travel bargain. The low prices have drawn in larger numbers of Europeans for weekend breaks, and there’s many great and cheap hostels, bars, and restaurants to keep prices low while you are enjoying the beautiful old city and the local culture. A weak currency has offset small price increases for most.
  • Currency: Polish Zlotych
  • Cheap/good hostel: Atlantis Hostel – 25.00/night
  • Transportation: 5.60
  • Meals: 21.60
  • Drinks/Entertainment: 18.00
  • Attractions: 12.00
  • Daily Backpacker Index: PLN82.20 = US$23.83/day

3. Belgrade, Serbia
Belgrade is one of the Balkan cities that had years of trouble in the 1990s and still struggles a bit to attract tourism. Fortunately for those who make the trip, the city is very cheap compared to most of Europe, and the nightlife gets high marks as well.
  • Currency: Serbian Dinar (fixed, so prices below are in euros)
  • Cheap/good hostel: Avnoy Hostel – 8.34/night
  • Transportation: 1.80
  • Meals: 7.20
  • Drinks/Entertainment: 3.00
  • Attractions: 2.00
  • Daily Backpacker Index: €19.76 = US$25.66/day



4. Riga, Latvia
It’s surprising to see a city so far north also so high on the cheap-cities list, but it turns out that Riga is quite a bargain for the backpacking set. Hostel beds in particular are very affordable, and so is pretty much everything else. Riga’s main problem is that it’s a bit out of the way for those not on an extensive tour.
  • Currency: Latvian Lats
  • Cheap/good hostel: Central Hostel – 3.70/night
  • Transportation: 1.00
  • Meals: 4.80
  • Drinks/Entertainment: 3.60
  • Attractions: 1.00
  • Daily Backpacker Index: LVL14.10 = US$26.11/day

5. Kiev, Ukraine
Speaking about out of the way destinations, Kiev is a long way from the normal backpacking trail so it doesn’t get any accidental visitors. It’s also still somewhat challenging for those who don’t know Russian or Ukrainian, though that part is likely to change in the coming years. Fortunately Kiev is quite cheap for budget travelers.
  • Currency: Ukraine Hryvnia
  • Cheap/good hostel: Magic Bus Kiev – 83.59/night
  • Transportation: 4.00
  • Meals: 90.00
  • Drinks/Entertainment: 42.00
  • Attractions: 10.00
  • Daily Backpacker Index: UHR229.59 = US$28.56/day

6. Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Another Balkan-area city whose name conjures up images of its past troubles, Sarajevo is another that is struggling to attract tourists. Having most of its state museums close down over lack of funding in early 2012 certainly isn’t helping, but at least things still open tend to be cheap.
  • Currency: Converted Mark (fixed, so prices below are in euros)
  • Cheap/good hostel: Tower Hostel – 8.34/night
  • Transportation: 1.80
  • Meals: 7.20
  • Drinks/Entertainment: 3.00
  • Attractions: 2.00
  • Daily Backpacker Index: €22.34 = US$29.01/day

7. Budapest, Hungary
Another excellent travel bargain, Budapest is all-around cheap and it gets high marks from visitors. The castles and cathedrals are enough, but here you also get thermal spas that are cheap enough even for the backpacking set. Hostels, in particular, are great value.
  • Currency: Hungary Forint
  • Cheap/good hostel: Hostel Budapest Center – 2032/night
  • Transportation: 640
  • Meals: 2640
  • Drinks/Entertainment: 960
  • Attractions: 1000
  • Daily Backpacker Index: HUF7032 = US$30.05/day

8. Warsaw, Poland
Poland’s largest city is still rather cheap overall, but most visitors vastly prefer Krakow of the two. Still, Warsaw is building a tourist infrastructure quickly these days, and this is an interesting piece of the post-Soviet puzzle in the region. The weak Polish currency has made it even cheaper recently.
  • Currency: Polish Zlotych
  • Cheap/good hostel: New World St. Hostel – 35.75/night
  • Transportation: 5.60
  • Meals: 32.40
  • Drinks/Entertainment: 21.00
  • Attractions: 14.00
  • Daily Backpacker Index: PLN 108.75 = US$31.52/day

9. Bucharest, Romania
Definitely not Romania’s most charming town, Bucharest seems in little rush to attract visitors from the West. Fortunately, those that make the effort to come will at least be rewarded with low prices all around, which certainly help make up for the other frustrations of visiting. And that huge parliament building is worth a look.
  • Currency: Romanian leu
  • Cheap/good hostel: Happy Hostel = 43.41/night
  • Transportation: 4.00
  • Meals: 39.60
  • Drinks/Entertainment: 7.50
  • Attractions: 12.00
  • Daily Backpacker Index: RON 106.51 – US$31.79/day
10. Bratislava, Slovakia
You’d think that practically being walking distance from Vienna would make Bratislava a very popular stop for those on a Europe tour, but so far it’s still mostly forgotten. It’s cheaper than Prague and much cheaper than Vienna, so perhaps it will start catching on more in the coming years.
  • Currency: Euro
  • Cheap/good hostel: Hostel Blues – 10/night
  • Transportation: 1.40
  • Meals: 9.60
  • Drinks/Entertainment: 3.00
  • Attractions: 4.00
  • Daily Backpacker Index: €28 = US$36.36/day

11. Istanbul, Turkey
The classic east-meets-west city is one that’s creeping up in price, but it’s still a great bargain by European standards, and there’s no shortage of markets, temples, and attractions for even a longer stay. Accommodation is more expensive that you might expect. 
  • Currency: Turkish lira
  • Cheap/good hostel: Aga Hamam Hostel – 19.00/night
  • Transportation: 4.00
  • Meals: 16.80
  • Drinks/Entertainment: 18.00
  • Attractions: 14.00
  • Daily Backpacker Index: TRY 71.80 = US$38.19/day

12. Saint Petersburg, Russia
While struggling to develop enough hostels and tourist-friendly businesses, Saint Petersburg is still definitely in the bargain category for those who can pull it off. Most things are very affordable, and the city would seem even cheaper if its incredible Hermitage Museum/Winter Palace didn’t (justifiably) cost so much. Hotels and tourist restaurants aren’t so cheap, however.
  • Currency: Russian ruble
  • Cheap/good hostel: Sunny Hostel – 300/night
  • Transportation: 50
  • Meals: 312
  • Drinks/Entertainment: 210
  • Attractions: 400
  • Daily Backpacker Index: RUB 1,272 = US$39.49/day

13. Prague, Czech Republic
Ten or fifteen years ago Prague was always used as an example of a city that is incredibly cheap yet still beautiful and historic, but that sort of chit-chat triggered the masses to follow. Still, in spite of high-ish hotel prices and a currency that keeps creeping up, Prague is still quite cheap for those willing to stay in hostels and scout for bargain food and drinks. Plus, it’s still gorgeous, if crowded. 
  • Currency: Czech krona
  • Cheap/good hostel: Hostel Marabou – 169/night
  • Transportation: 48
  • Meals: 348
  • Drinks/Entertainment: 75
  • Attractions: 220
  • Daily Backpacker Index: CZK 860 = US$43.61/day

14. Zagreb, Croatia
Croatia’s capital is developing quickly so it might not be wise to keep putting off a visit for the future. Still fairly cheap by European standards, and especially compared to Italy next door, Zagreb is a bargain and a worthwhile stop on the way to one of the beach towns.
  • Currency: Croatian kuna
  • Cheap/good hostel: Funk Lounge – 96/night
  • Transportation: 20
  • Meals: 78
  • Drinks/Entertainment: 30
  • Attractions: 30
  • Daily Backpacker Index: HRK 254 = US$43.64/day

15. Moscow, Russia
Certainly one of the world’s most important cities, Moscow continues also to be frustrating for many travelers, with relatively few hostels and traveler-friendly budget restaurants. Still, if you can get through the paperwork and find a cheap flight, it’s a fairly cheap place for backpacker-types. Tourist hotels and restaurants can be quite expensive.
  • Currency: Russian ruble
  • Cheap/good hostel: Moscow Home Hostel 455/night
  • Transportation: 56
  • Meals: 432
  • Drinks/Entertainment: 180
  • Attractions: 320
  • Daily Backpacker Index: RUB 1443 = US$44.80/day

16. Tenerife, Spain
The Canary Islands (off the northwest coast of Africa) are a popular warm-weather retreat for many Europeans all year, and Tenerife is the most popular island with English speakers. Prices tend to be similar to mainland Spain, which makes it a relative bargain for most Europeans who are just a cheap flight away.
  • Currency: Euro
  • Cheap/good hostel: Hostel Tenerife – 13/night
  • Transportation: 2.70
  • Meals: 13.20
  • Drinks/Entertainment: 6.00
  • Attractions: 3.00
  • Daily Backpacker Index: 37.90 = US$49.22/day

17. Tallinn, Estonia
Interestingly, the first Euro-zone member on the list is the one that just officially joined as of January 2011. Tallinn is still quite cheap compared to all of its northern and Scandinavian neighbors, and it’s definitely an interesting and worthwhile stop if you are in the region.
  • Currency: euro
  • Cheap/good hostel: The Monk’s Bunk – 10/night
  • Transportation: 2.00
  • Meals: 15.24
  • Drinks/Entertainment: 9.60
  • Attractions: 5.00
  • Daily Backpacker Index: €41.84 = US$54.34/day

18. Lisbon, Portugal
Its out-of-the-way location seems to keep tourism well below the levels that the city otherwise deserves, but those who go to the trouble to reach Lisbon will find an extremely handsome and charming city that is a great bargain as well. The city is particularly known for excellent and cheap hostels that are always in a race to outdo each other, with visitors being the ultimate winners.
  • Currency: euro
  • Cheap/good hostel: Oasis Backpackers Mansion – 10/night
  • Transportation: 1.58
  • Meals: 16.80
  • Drinks/Entertainment: 9.00
  • Attractions: 6.00
  • Daily Backpacker Index: €43.38 = US$56.34/day

19. Berlin, Germany
Those of us who love Berlin still find it hard to convince most people to check it out, which is a shame. This city has endless things to see and do, along with an arts and entertainment scene that rivals anywhere in Europe. All that, plus the competition among its many hostels keeps things weirdly cheap. Put it on your list and schedule a trip before things change much.
  • Currency: euro
  • Cheap/good hostel: BackpackerBerlin – 9.90/night
  • Transportation: 4.60
  • Meals: 16.80
  • Drinks/Entertainment: 7.50
  • Attractions: 8.00
  • Daily Backpacker Index: €46.80 = US$60.78/day

20. Athens, Greece
The Greek capital was once one of Europe’s great bargain cities, and it likely will be again depending on the currency situation. The infrastructure created for the Olympics has actually turned Athens into a modern and easy-to-visit place, and the Acropolis and other attractions continue to amaze, so it still seems like a reasonable deal for the moment and may get even cheaper.
  • Currency: euro
  • Cheap/good hostel: Pagration Hostel – 10/night
  • Transportation: 2.80
  • Meals: 19.20
  • Drinks/Entertainment: 7.50
  • Attractions: 8.00
  • Daily Backpacker Index: €47.50 = US$61.69/day
By: Progress On 22:00
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The Hotel Taxi Scam

This scam in essence is a common play conducted by Hotels across the world that do not value their clients best financial interests. In its simplest form, whenever a Hotel Guest requests to the Concierge or Reception for a Taxi to the airport or wherever, the Hotel calls a Taxi Company or worse still a friend of someone with whom they have crafted a commission based deal.

Essentially the commission becomes a kind of surcharge and the Hotel Guest will end up paying significantly more for the ride. The minimum mark up is around 5 euro and the maximum can even go up to 50 euro in extreme cases for longer rides. This scam manifests its way in various forms around the world. At London Heathrow Airport Hotels for example, commonly private cars are used (even unofficial on occasions). Some 5 star Hotels justify the unofficial surcharge by arranging for a Limousine or Luxury car, even if you just asked for a mere Cab.

SOLUTION
The first rule of the thumb is to simply never blindly trust a Hotel Concierge or Reception again to organise your Taxi trip to the airport or elsewhere. A good tactic in city Hotels is to locate a nearby rank and walk there each time. You will notice a significant difference in cost.

Failing that, go onto the Internet and look for a Taxi Company. Call them yourself. If possible meet the Cab just outside the Hotel so that the Concierge or Reception don't try to get a piece of the action. Each time you use a Taxi that offers a good service at a reasonable price, remember to ask for the number. In this way you can build your own Global Portfolio. This comes in very useful when you need to find a Cab and you find yourself exposed. In the case you have no other option but to use Reception, ask for the price beforehand and judge with common sense.
By: Progress On 21:59
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Saturday 12 January 2013

The Auckland Anniversary Regatta in New Zealand


Where? Auckland, New Zealand

When? 28th January

The Auckland Anniversary Regatta, New Zealand is the largest single-day regatta in the world. It is the oldest sporting event in New Zealand, the first Auckland Anniversary Regatta took place in first 1840 to commemorate the the founding of the province, and has grown to become one of the world’s largest single day regattas. It’s is a great yachting event for sailors and spectators who can see the maritime and trading history of Auckland in action.

Further information: www.regatta.org.nz
By: Progress On 16:06
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Folk Festival in Goa, India


Where? Goa, India

When? 9th-13th January

This festival showcases a range of artistic representations of traditional rural forms of Indian art with exhibitions and sales of Patachitra art and Madhubani art. Visitors can interact with the artists, and find out more about the process. In the evenings, there are folk performances of various dance styles. This year, added attractions include performances by the Oriental West Choir from Copenhagen and Talking Drums led by Carlos Gonsalves.

Further information: www.banglanatak.com
By: Progress On 16:06
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World Cooking Contest Bocuse D'Or in Lyon, France


Where? Lyon, France

When? 29th - 30th January

The Bocuse D'Or (the Concours mondial de la cuisine, World Cooking Contest) is one of the world’s most prestigious international chef championship which occurs every two years in Lyons, France at the SIRHA International Hotel, Catering and Food Trade Exhibition. Named for chef Paul Bocuse, the Bocuse D'Or launched in 1987 and initiated the era of live cooking competitions. Each chef represents his or her country, working within a team to create a meat and a fish dish that are judged by a panel of elite chef judges in terms of both quality and presentation.

Further information: www.bocusedor.com
By: Progress On 16:06
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Art Los Angeles Contemporary Fair, U.S.A.


Where? Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.

When? 24th -27th January

Now in its fourth year, is the International Contemporary Art fair of the West Coast returns to the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica. The fair presents 70 top international blue chip and emerging galleries from around the world presenting collections of recent works from represented artists. The fair provides an accessible environment for art collectors, curators, and patrons of the arts alike to enjoy and hosts a comprehensive programming series, including world class artist talks, film screening and performance series. Events are staged on site as well as throughout the city.

Further information: www.artlosangelesfair.com
By: Progress On 16:05
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Elvis Presley's Aloha from Hawaii, U.S.A.


Where? Hawaii, U.S.A.

When? 10th -15th January

The 40th Anniversary Celebration of Elvis Presley's Aloha from Hawaii will be held at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort in Honolulu and features concerts, panel discussions and tours of Elvis-related sights on the island culminating with an enhanced movie screening of Aloha from Hawaii held 40 years later in the same venue as the original concert. Fans will have the unique opportunity to follow in the king's footsteps and spend time exploring Elvis' Hawaii. Hawaii was an important destination to Elvis Presley both as a place to perform and as his own persona relaxation with friends and family.

Further information: www.elvis.com/aloha
By: Progress On 16:05
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Twelfth Night Festival in London, England


Where? London, England

When? 6th January

Twelfth Night is an annual celebration held outside Shakespeare's Globe in London marking the end of Christmas and welcome the New Year. The Holly Man arrives by boat on the River Thames and along with the actors toasts the people, the River Thames, and The Globe Theatre. A play is performed by Bankside Pier after which cakes are given two of which have a bean and a pea hidden in them. The two people who find them are hailed King Bean and Queen Pea for the day are given a crown and lead the people through the streets to the historic George Inn in Borough High Street to warm up with storytelling, the Kissing Wishing Tree, and more dancing.

Further information: www.thelionspart.co.uk
By: Progress On 16:05
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The Australian Open 2013


Where? Melbourne, Australia

When?  14th - 27th January

The Australian Open is the held annually and is chronologically the first Grand Slam tennis tournament of the year followed by the French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open. The tournament is held at Melbourne Park with centrecourt events at the Rod Laver Arena and features men's and women's singles; men's, women's, and mixed doubles and junior's championships; as well as wheelchair.

Further information: www.australianopen.com
By: Progress On 16:04
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The Amsterdam Fashion Week


Where? Amsterdam, The Netherlands

When? 19th - 27th January

Amsterdam Fashion Week brings fashion from the catwalk to the sidewalk with over 50 events organised over the weekend throughout the city. Publicly accessible events include ‘fashion routes’, pop-up catwalks, exhibitions, presentations and a spectacular catwalk show ‘on ice’. On Sunday January 27th, , the Amsterdam Fashion Week will end with a closing party at the Transformatorhuis on the Westergasterrein.

Further information: www.amsterdamfashionweek.com
By: Progress On 16:04
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Up Helly Aa Festival in Lerwick, Shetland Islands


Where? Lerwick, Shetland Islands

When? 29th January

Up Helly Aa is an annual festival that originates from the 1880s and is is held in Lerwick, Shetland Islands. It is Europe’s largest fire festival and involves a series of marches and visitations culminating in a full sized Viking Galley, complete with shields and oars is pulled by a torch-lit procession dressed as Viking warriors to the beach. The galley is set alight and is followed by hours of performing acts and dancing in halls.

Further information: www.uphellyaa.org
By: Progress On 16:04
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The Sydney Festival Australia


Where? Sydney, Australia

When? 5th - 27th January

The Sydney Festival celebrates the arts, in particular the performing arts, and comprises of a variety of outdoor events as well as musical events; theatre, dance and physical theatre; visual arts and cinema. Among the event venues are the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Town Hall, Art Gallery of NSW, City Recital Hall Angel Place, Riverside Theatres, 4A Centre for Contemporary Asian Art, Darling Harbour, Joan Sutherland & Performing Arts Centre, Hyde Park. A Festival Guide App is available for iPad!

Further information: www.sydneyfestival.org.au
By: Progress On 16:03
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