Archive for the ‘Guide’ Category

Unique Places to Stay Not surprisingly, most of these are in Rajasthan, which has almost 80 heritage properties -- castles, palaces, forts, and ornate havelis (traditional mansions), now hotels offering varying degrees of comfort. # Taj Mahal Hotel (Mumbai): George Bernard Shaw famously claimed that after staying here, he no longer had any need to visit the real Taj Mahal in Agra. Built just over a century ... Full story

# Bumping into a Bollywood Idol (Mumbai): Nowhere in India is dining more rewarding than in Mumbai, where the streets are filled with literally thousands of restaurants representing every kind of Indian cuisine. But if it's star-gazing you're after, head for places like the Olive Bar and Kitchen restaurant in Bandra or Enigma nightclub in Juhu. Alternatively, hang out at Leopold Cafe; casting agents looking ... Full story

Your choice of where and when to go will be determined primarily by the weather. India's vastness means that the climate varies greatly from region to region, and sometimes even from day to night, as in the desert regions. The Indian year features six seasons: spring, summer, the rainy season, early and late autumn, and winter, but effectively there are but three -- summer, winter, ... Full story

Entry Requirements All travelers entering Taiwan require confirmed return air tickets or proof of onward travel. For U.S. citizens, all U.S. passport holders will be allowed to enter Taiwan without a visa for up to 30 days (no extensions allowed) if their passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Taiwan and the traveler has a confirmed return air ticket or ... Full story

By Plane -- Bulgaria has three international airports: Sofia, Varna, and Burgas, but most visitors arrive at Sofia, currently served by 17 airlines from 47 European and Middle Eastern cities, with a brand-new airport terminal that opened in 2006. At present travelers from North America cannot fly direct into Bulgaria; the most frequent connections are usually through London or Frankfurt. Tip: Hurrah for the entry ... Full story

Gird your loins: Bulgarians can be both insufferably rude and unbelievably charming. According to World Value Surveys (WVS), the Bulgarian culture is "collectivist," meaning that good service and quality goods are traditionally reserved for "in-group" members, and that nepotism may be seen as a value, while individual pride, competitiveness, and initiative may be suppressed. These findings play out in the service industry; you may be ... Full story

If you're expecting stodgy East European stews, think again: While the pretentious may brand it essentially as "peasant" cuisine, Bulgarian food is the best-kept secret this side of the Balkans, with an emphasis on fresh seasonal produce, and healthy, unfussy preparation methods. Influenced by the 500-year Turkish occupation and its proximity to Greece, it features plenty of spices (many of which are endemic to Bulgaria), ... Full story

Visitor Info With limited funds and a (somewhat understandable) suspicion of any centralized bureau, a state-funded tourism body for Bulgaria does not at present exist, nor a tourism-oriented ethos. There are however a number of websites professing to be independent travel advisors; of these www.discover-bulgaria.com is the best for general information. Sofia-based Zig Zag is an excellent independent advice bureau and offers a range of services. ... Full story

The biggest factor in your calculations on when to visit Beijing should be the movement of domestic tourists, who during the longer public holidays take to the road in tens or even hundreds of millions, filling transportation, booking out hotels, and turning even the quieter tourist sights into litter-strewn bedlam. Peak Travel Seasons Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) -- Like many Chinese festivals, this one operates on ... Full story

The Best Traditional Ryokan * Hiiragiya Ryokan (Kyoto; tel. 075/221-1136): If ever there was an example of the quintessential ryokan, Hiiragiya is it. Located in the heart of old Kyoto, it's the ultimate in tatami luxury: a dignified enclave of polished woods and rooms with antique furnishings overlooking private gardens. Six generations of the same family have provided impeccable service and hospitality ... Full story