General Travel News
Saudi Arabia Umrah Pilgrimage Numbers Drop 30%
The number of people making the umrah pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia has fallen 30% due to swine flu related travel restrictions. Visa applications for travel to Saudi Arabia during umrah have been suspended by Egypt, Iran, and Iraq. Fursan Travel Company, based in Saudi Arabia, is concerned about the affect this will have on the economy. CEO Roger Pfund said “The decision to ban people travelling due to the H1N1 pandemic is respected, however the longer term impact on the economy can not be understated.”
Mr. Pfund said there is a significant decline in travel compared to the same period last year and he expects based on current levels, numbers will be down by one third. Official figures show there has been over 177,000 cases of swine flu and 1,176 deaths around the world.
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Featured Sights To See
Inner West (St. Hanshaugen, Frogner)
Oslo, Norway
Frogner Park is a large recreational area about ten minutes outside the city center by subway. The centerpiece of this park is Vigeland Park, a sculpture garden featuring over 200 pieces Gustav Vigeland, Norway’s most cherished sculptor. This is a great place to sit and relax, especially at night after other tourist destinations have closed. The easiest way to get to this destination is to catch T...
Madame Tussauds
Amsterdam, Netherlands
In central Amsterdam you will come across the famous Madame Tussauds Amsterdam Museum which houses wax filled statues of Dutch and foreign stars. Conveniently located on Dam Square, Madame Tussauds is at 10 minutes walking distance from Central Station. Parking places are easily available nearby. If you wish to travel by tram you can use Tram No 1, 2, 5, 13, 17 and 20 that will drop you at Magna P...
Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum
Hanoi, Vietnam
Although he asked to be cremated, Ho Chi Minh lies in state, embalmed and dressed in his favored khaki suit in an imposing, granite-and-concrete structure modeled on Lenin's tomb. A respectful demeanor is required, and the dress code mandates no shorts or sleeveless shirts. The mausoleum is usually closed in October and November, and is open three days a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays b...
Brandenburg Gate
Berlin, Germany
the symbol of Berlin and definitely the most photographed monument in the city. Designed by Carl Gotthard Langhans in 1791, it was a symbol of power and prestige (note its similarity to Grecian architecture) but was used as a division between East and West Berlin during the Cold War. Now however, it is seen as a triumphant icon of reunification. ...