| Out and About |
36 Hours in Barcelona
From:
New York Times
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In recent years, the once-gritty neighborhoods of Born, El Raval and Barceloneta have emerged as the new face of Barcelona — home to some of its best restaurants, bars and designer shops. You wouldn’t want to spend your entire time in Barcelona without traveling outside the boundaries of these three vibrant areas, of course, but spending a few well-chosen days among their narrow streets and shadowy alleyways will provide you with a crash course in what’s hot now.
First things first. Whether it’s your first visit to Barcelona or your 10th, you must hit Las Ramblas. Dive into the sensory overload that is this city’s most famous avenue, with its bird markets, flower stalls, street musicians, mimes, overpriced tapas bars and hundreds upon hundreds of people — locals and tourists alike — out for an afternoon stroll. When you have had enough of the crowds (it won’t take long), duck into the lovely, palm-tree-dotted Plaça Reial for a restorative break and perhaps an icy caña at Karma, one of several cervecerías that line this historic square.
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Save or Splurge: Amsterdam
From: New York Times
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Assuming that Amsterdam’s rollicking hostel scene isn’t for you, the best bets for cheap accommodation are mostly found outside the old city center. Hotel Linda is a pleasant spot in the charming Pijp neighborhood. It’s convenient (a number of tram lines are a short walk away) and most of the hotel’s 40 rooms are more spacious than you’d expect. (As with most buildings on Amsterdam’s canals, the stairs are comically steep.) Cost: Prices for a double room start at 150 euros on weekends, but on weekdays are as low as 75 euros.
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| New and Notable |
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Gay Travel Show in Toronto
Get information from gay and lesbian tour operators from around the world at the Explorations travel show on May 8th in Maple Leaf Gardens. And they're giving away vacations too!
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Pride Toronto Travel Packages
Get a sneak peek at the excellently priced packages to Pride Toronto being launched at the Explorations travel show next week. Book early and you get free travel to Toronto.
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Human Swine Flu in Mexico
The Canadian government has advised against non-essential travel to Mexico. How will this affect gay and lesbian travellers and such favourite LGBT destinations as Puerto Vallarta and Cancun?
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We've Got Free Tickets to the We're Funny That Way Festival
All you need to do is ask us for them and they're yours!
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| Package Vacation Deals |
Includes flights, 2 nights accommodation with breakfast, no other meals; no drinks or transfers unless otherwise noted.
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London
President Hotel (2 stars)
$362 plus taxes, total $744
May 20 - 28, 2009 |
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London
Kensington Close Hotel (4 stars)
$1,597 plus taxes, total $1,979
May 17 - 25, 2009
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London
Royal National (2 stars)
$421 plus taxes, total $883
May 15 - 23, 2009
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London
The London Experience - Hyatt Regency (5 stars)
$2,957 plus taxes, total $3,120
June 11 - 19, 2009
Includes flights, accommodation, breakfast, transfers, touring; no other meals or drinks
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London
Central Park Hotel (2.5 stars)
$612 plus taxes, total $1,006
May 10 - 17, 2009
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London
7 Night London & Historic England
$1,399 plus taxes, total $1,797
May 10 - 17, 2009
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London
Central Park Hotel (2.5 stars)
$376 plus taxes, total $833
May 17 - 24, 2009
Includes flights, 2 nights accommodation, no meals, drinks or transfers
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London
Apart hotel Citadines Trafalgar Square (3 stars)
$1,657 plus taxes, total $2,114
May 28 - June 5, 2009
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Per person based on double occupancy.
These rates were available at the time of preparation of this email.
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