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
Castle of Good Hope
Cape Town, South Africa
Dating back to the Portuguese occupation of this area in the mid 1600s, the castle was built from 1669 to 1679. Construction lasted about 13 years and the product was a massive pentagonal structure, a classic example of Portuguese defense measures. The construction material comprised of slate quarried from Robben Island but some features are distinctly European such as the bell at the entrance whi...
Revolutionary Museum
Hanoi, Vietnam
Popular among war buffs and historians, the revolutionary museum chronicles the rise of the Communist Party and its leader Ho Chi Minh. Although a little neglected, this museum is a treasure trove of old oil paintings, photographs and memorabilia chronicling the life of Ho Chi Minh and the early revolutions. There is an admission fee and visiting hours are between 8am and 11.45am and 2pm to 4.15pm...
Keats-Shelley Memorial House
Rome, Italy
The English Romantic poet, John Keats, travelled to Rome to get away from the inclement weather of England and spent the last few months of his life in the Casina Rosa or Little Red House, where he bravely struggled to cope with his ailing health and where he tragically died of tuberculosis in 1821.The house situated at the foot of the Spanish Steps remains much the same from the outside a...
Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Considered to be one of the most beautiful spots in the city, this lake has a 7.2lm cycling/walking track around it. Bikes and paddle boats are available from the Parque Brigadeiro Faria Lima which is nearby. Kiosks dotted around the lake have lovely alfresco dining, serving caipirinhas (sugarcane spirit and crushed citrus) while accompanied by music. Address: Parque da Catacumba &nb...