http://www.addictedtotravel.com addictedtotravel.com: Latest forum topics from the community. http://www.addictedtotravel.com/community/forums/default.aspx?g=posts&t=104
A NEW twist to the green debate has arisen in Europe.

Farmers in Estonia will be searching for a bovine version of Bisodol, after authorities slapped a new flatulence tax on the country’s cows.

The so-called “fart tax” makes agricultural producers compensate the government for the greenhouse gases produced by their herds.

A single cow is thought to produce up to 1500 litres of CO2 and 350 litres of methane every
single day, and are responsible for 25% of Estonia’s methane gas emissions.]]> Mon, 12 May 2008 15:32:59 GMT 104 http://www.addictedtotravel.com/community/forums/default.aspx?g=posts&t=103
For the tour, I've seen various holidays described on web sites and I think we would be looking at a duration of around 10-14 days. This would include locations such as Arenal and the national parks.

For the crashing out part, not sure which coast would be best for snorkelling so look forward to receiving any recommendations for around 5-7 days. It would be great if there were places and wildlife to explore from this point so we don't feel as if we'll be confined to the hotel/resort.

Look forward to any replies,

Chris Young

Herts, UK]]> Fri, 25 Apr 2008 15:23:31 GMT 103 http://www.addictedtotravel.com/community/forums/default.aspx?g=posts&t=97 Sun, 06 Apr 2008 17:56:40 GMT 97 http://www.addictedtotravel.com/community/forums/default.aspx?g=posts&t=96
Back in September I booked a GAP adventure trip to Peru. I booked the trip through an agent rather than direct with GAP - which has proved to be the biggest mistake I have ever made!!
I called the agent on Thursday to confirm some accomodation I had requested to eventually be told there was a cock up with our booking, and they hadnt confirmed with GAP.
So the agent had taken full payment for flights and the trip, given and sent us confirmation details, but hadnt contacted GAP to confirm with them.
Nowhere on any of the booking details does it state that I need confirmation from GAP as well.
Had I not called up about the accomodation I would have arrived in Peru on the 18th April, gone to the hotel (they'd given me all the accomodation details) but not had a booking!

The agents have offered a full refund, but I want advice on what else people feel I should be claiming for!
I am off to Trading Standards on Monday morning, but want to compile as much information as I can before I go.

Any help/advice would be gratefully recieved!

Thanks
Nikki]]> Sat, 05 Apr 2008 11:03:12 GMT 96 http://www.addictedtotravel.com/community/forums/default.aspx?g=posts&t=100
1. Siem Reap (2 nights): Before I paid for the tour, Maneerat showed me the brochure of the hotel which I was supposed to stay in Siem Reap. It is an almost brand new hotel called Monoreach Angkor Hotel (I have the brochure). However, when I arrived in Siem Reap (on March 7), the Siem Reap travel agent sent me to stay in Neak Pean Hotel, which is a very old hotel (although the front was renovated to look new).

2. Phnom Penh (2 nights): When I arrived in Phnom Penh by boat (on March 9), the driver hired by the above Siem Reap agent drove me to the hotel booked. However, the hotel didn’t have the booking record. Since the hotel was full, the driver and I had to look for hotel accommodation, wasting the very limited time I had in the city. In addition to the hotel mishap, it turned out that the driver was just a driver, not a tour guide. He just dropped me at attractions without any explanation of the attractions (a tour guide would walk with me and provide a fair amount of explanation).

3. Sihanoukville (2 nights): This was the most awful part. In Phnom Penh, I asked the driver about arrangements in Sihanoukville and Koh Kong. He said he and the above Siem Reap agent were only responsible for the Siem Reap/Phnom Penh part of the tour and he knew nothing about the rest of the tour, except providing me a public bus ticket to Sihanoukville. I was frustrated. I called and emailed Maneerat to find out arrangements for the rest of the tour. According to the tour program, I was supposed to spend 1 night in Sihnaoukville and 1 night in Koh Kong, with a guided tour in both places. To my great dissatisfaction, Maneerat informed me through emails (I still have the emails) that I would NOT visit Koh Kong and I would spend the last 2 nights of the tour at Holiday Palace Resort in Sihanoukville. Furthermore, there would be NO tour guide, NO transport to the hotel, and NO meals (except breakfast provided by the hotel) while I was in Sihanoukville. When I arrived in Sihanoukville, I was on my own! Thus, the package tour was not a package tour at all, not worthy of 31,000 Baht!!! (For your information, hotel accommodation in Cambodia is around 750 Baht/night. If there is no tour guide for all or a good part of the tour, anyone who pays 31,000 Baht for a 7 days/6 nights tour is being cheated.)

4. Return to Pattaya: This part is unbelievable. When I was in Sihanoukville, I emailed Maneerat about transport arrangement back to Pattaya. Maneerat assured me 3 times (in 3 emails; I still have the emails) that an agent would pick me up at the hotel lobby at noon on March 13 and take me back to Pattaya. On that date, I waited, but no one came to pick me up and there were no messages for me. So I was stranded in Sihanoukville for one night (fortunately, I was able to find my way back to Pattaya myself). Thus, Maneerat failed to complete my tour. A few days later on March 18, I emailed Maneerat about this transport mishap, but I heard nothing from Maneerat, let alone an apology.

This horrible Cambodia tour more or less ruined my holidays. Maneerat clearly has failed to deliver its promised services and the tour was just a ripoff (only the one-day visit to Angkor Wat qualified as a guided tour). Additionally, a Maneerat staff overcharged me for Cambodia visa cost (almost double the legimate US$20) when I was at the Poi Pet border.

So beware of Maneerat Transport & Travel when you are in Pattaya.
]]> Mon, 21 Apr 2008 12:11:06 GMT 100 http://www.addictedtotravel.com/community/forums/default.aspx?g=posts&t=102
Anyone out there got a view on which one is best?]]> Tue, 22 Apr 2008 23:04:31 GMT 102 http://www.addictedtotravel.com/community/forums/default.aspx?g=posts&t=101
My wife and I want to go on safari in South Africa at some point this year, and we need some advice...

We've got a friend with a house in Cape Town, so we are planning to stay there for a few days, then we'd like to go on safari for a few days.

What is the best time to go to South Africa?
Do you have a recommended itinerary?
We want to go for approx 10 days in total.
I need to keep it as cheap as possible, but want a good experience - neither of us have been before, so seeing the big 5 would be great...

Your help would be much appreciated...

Matt ;-)]]> Mon, 21 Apr 2008 21:46:21 GMT 101 http://www.addictedtotravel.com/community/forums/default.aspx?g=posts&t=98 Wed, 16 Apr 2008 13:12:30 GMT 98 http://www.addictedtotravel.com/community/forums/default.aspx?g=posts&t=99 Wed, 16 Apr 2008 17:48:41 GMT 99 http://www.addictedtotravel.com/community/forums/default.aspx?g=posts&t=73
If you have answered the question and you feel like testing out others, then feel free to post your own question (just remember to come back and leave the correct answer some time soon).

[b]Todays teaser [/b]- What is the name of the world's highest lake navigable to large vessels?]]> Sun, 17 Feb 2008 10:12:42 GMT 73 http://www.addictedtotravel.com/community/forums/default.aspx?g=posts&t=67 I'm planning to head to Cartagena for a friends wedding in July - can anyone suggest cheap airlines/cheap routes ie. fly via US or any special deals? Any tips welcome.
How easy to get from Cartagena to Santa Marta?
This will be my first ever venture into S. America - cannot wait.
Cheers
K
]]> Tue, 05 Feb 2008 10:09:53 GMT 67 http://www.addictedtotravel.com/community/forums/default.aspx?g=posts&t=93
Look forward to chatting with you, RTD.]]> Wed, 19 Mar 2008 11:37:49 GMT 93 http://www.addictedtotravel.com/community/forums/default.aspx?g=posts&t=49 Sat, 22 Dec 2007 23:35:21 GMT 49 http://www.addictedtotravel.com/community/forums/default.aspx?g=posts&t=95
This made me laugh....

"The words "Do you have a reservation?" take on a whole new meaning at restaurant Kiliaen in Hasselt, Holland. This is the smallest restaurant in Holland; it is only open on Saturday nights and seats only two guests. They do not take reservations. Instead, wannabe diners drop by and leave their names for a draw held once a week. The lucky winners receive a free, five-course dinner for two, as well as a complimentary limousine ride to and from their home or hotel."

Has anyone been lucky enough to eat here?

Maybe this site could feature it in their Venues section when Holland becomes on the the website...?

ML]]> Thu, 27 Mar 2008 17:08:00 GMT 95 http://www.addictedtotravel.com/community/forums/default.aspx?g=posts&t=31 I was just chatting online to a friend about the places I love to travel, so I thought I would post them on here and see what other people think? I have posted my top 5 that I have travelled to plus my dream 2 that I have yet to visit.........how about you?
Top 5
1) The Rocky Mountains, BC Canada
2) Masai Mara, Kenya
3) Northern Dolomites, Dobbiaco, Italy
4) Nungwi Beach, Zanzibar
5) Litchfield National Park, NT Australia
Dream 2
1) Antarctica
2) Nepal

What's your top 5 and dream 2?]]> Wed, 28 Nov 2007 12:20:18 GMT 31 http://www.addictedtotravel.com/community/forums/default.aspx?g=posts&t=88
BAA says the new terminal is set to help transform the passenger experience at Heathrow.

“It will offer passengers a simple and stress-free experience through online check-in and fast bag drop facilities, with the benefit of state-of-the-art security and baggage facilities,” according to the airport operator.

The Terminal 5 complex features 60 new aircraft stands; two satellite buildings, the second of which (phase 2) will be completed by 2010; rail links to London Underground and Heathrow Express; a new multi-storey car park and landscaping. Some 60,000 people have worked a total of 100 million man hours to build Terminal 5, since construction work began in September 2002.

The Terminal 5 project team has created the UK's biggest free-standing building; moved the 900-tonne top cab of a new 87m high control tower 2km across the airfield; tunnelled over 13km for rail and baggage links; diverted two rivers; and installed over 30,000 sq metres of glass building facades, according to BAA.

TERMINAL 5 FACTS:
Cost £4.3bn
50 aircraft stands (total)

Phase 2 - opening 2010 Terminal 5C
60 aircraft stands (total)
Terminal 5A dimensions 396m long x 176m wide x 40m high
Levels above ground 4
Terminal 5B dimensions 442m long x 52m wide x 19.5m high
Levels above ground 3

Multi-storey car park 3,800 spaces
Sofitel London Heathrow Hotel 605 rooms (opens June)
Rail links Heathrow Express
London Underground Piccadilly Line
Check-in self service kiosks 96
Check-in fast bag drops over 90
Check-in standard desks 54
Security zones 2 (north and south)
Security lanes 20
Baggage reclaim belts 11
Length of bag conveyers 17 km
No of bags processed per hour 12,000
Number of lifts 192
Number of escalators 105
Number of toilet blocks 112
Childrens' play areas 3 (for toddlers to 7 year olds)
Number of retail facilities 112 (including 25 food and drink outlets)
Percentage of space given to retail - around 5.5 %

With thanks to Travelmole

Very impressive stats and I, as i'm sure are you, are keen to have a look at what all the fuss is about. My question is: Is T5 a Good Thing or a Bad Thing?

Cheers

Carl]]> Fri, 14 Mar 2008 11:20:23 GMT 88 http://www.addictedtotravel.com/community/forums/default.aspx?g=posts&t=41 Thu, 06 Dec 2007 11:30:57 GMT 41 http://www.addictedtotravel.com/community/forums/default.aspx?g=posts&t=94 Mon, 24 Mar 2008 08:44:00 GMT 94 http://www.addictedtotravel.com/community/forums/default.aspx?g=posts&t=92 Last month I went to Bibione. It is a good tourist place in Venetian coast. I was there and got all things to enjoy.I stayed in [url=http://www.hotel-bellevue.it/]Bellevue Hotel[/url]. It provided me a very good service and I really enjoyed too from my heart, Its special and experienced staff give me very good service..

Enjoy!!]]> Tue, 18 Mar 2008 19:13:18 GMT 92 http://www.addictedtotravel.com/community/forums/default.aspx?g=posts&t=91 Costa Rica is one of Earth’s natural paradises, with amazing Pacific beaches, stunning Caribbean coastlines and - in between these shores - a vast array of dramatic mountains, erupting volcanoes, lush forests, fertile pastures, ancient ruins, colonial cities and impressive National Parks await you.

The Costa Rica Destination Guide is now live on addictedtotravel.com, featuring an overview to the country, the regions within, the most popular places to visit and the many attractions you may want to visit while you are there. The site is continually evolving, of course, so over the coming weeks more places of interest will be added, as well as some exciting activities, trips and tours which we are currently finalising with some of the best Local Travel Experts in the country.

[url=http://www.addictedtotravel.com/destinations/countries/costa-rica-travel-guide_57.aspx]Visit the Costa Rica Destination Guide here[/url].

Please have a look and see what you think – and if you’ve been to Costa Rica already, feel free to add a few reviews and comments on the places you’ve seen.

Happy travels!
Stuart
]]> Tue, 18 Mar 2008 12:16:40 GMT 91 http://www.addictedtotravel.com/community/forums/default.aspx?g=posts&t=66 Mon, 04 Feb 2008 10:53:48 GMT 66 http://www.addictedtotravel.com/community/forums/default.aspx?g=posts&t=89 Fri, 14 Mar 2008 12:19:50 GMT 89 http://www.addictedtotravel.com/community/forums/default.aspx?g=posts&t=86
Anyway, I just wanted to pass on our thanks to them collectively so this seemed liked the best place.]]> Wed, 12 Mar 2008 23:47:32 GMT 86 http://www.addictedtotravel.com/community/forums/default.aspx?g=posts&t=85
Any thoughts appreciated.
Melx]]> Tue, 11 Mar 2008 18:43:59 GMT 85 http://www.addictedtotravel.com/community/forums/default.aspx?g=posts&t=90
We have today launched Malaysia with a guide to Sabah, the fascinating jungle-state on the north coast of Borneo.

Malaysia is a diverse, exciting and cosmopolitan country stretching south from Thailand as far as Singapore, and across the South China Sea to the island of Borneo. To start with we have concentrated on Borneo, with Sabah and Sarawak as our inaugral Travel Regions.

The island of Borneo is split between Indonesian Kalimantan, Brunei and the Malaysian states of Sarawak and Sabah. Addictedtotravel.com recently helped Brian Blessed and Matt Dickinson achieve an ascent of what is probably Sabak's biggest draw, 4095m Mt Kinabalu. You'll soon be able to read of their exploits in a forthcoming Mail on Sunday article.

Other highlights include superb diving off the island of Sipadan, amazing caves and the famous Pinnacles of Mulu National Park, along with encounters with the famous Iban people, once the legendary headhunters of Borneo. Head onto Sepilok Orangutan Reserve for meetings with the great orange ape or head down the Kinabatangan River to look for amazing tropical wildlife such as the strange looking proboscis monkey.

Here's the [url=http://www.addictedtotravel.com/destinations/countries/malaysia-travel-guide_140.aspx] link to Malaysia Travel Guide. [/url]

We hope you enjoy surfing the Travel Guide, and remember - keep coming back for more as we expand the detail of the destination and add exciting and innovative travel adventures throughout the country.

Carl]]> Fri, 14 Mar 2008 14:58:29 GMT 90