http://www.tripzs.com/ New Article Alert From From Tripzs Fri, 19 Feb 2010 04:01:55 GMT en-us http://www.tripzs.com/images/blogs/new-blog-post-326610.jpg http://www.tripzs.com/ 120 76 http://www.tripzs.com/blogs/permalinks/2-2010/happiness-is.....html http://www.tripzs.com/blogs/permalinks/2-2010/happiness-is.....html Fri, 19 Feb 2010 04:01:55 GMT It takes more than a vacation to make people happy. Indeed, vacationers tend to be happier than non-vacationers in the lead up to their break, but once they are back, there is very little difference between the two groups' levels of happiness. These findings¹ by Jeroen Nawijn from Erasmus University in Rotterdam and NHTV Breda University of Applied Sciences and his team are published online in Springer's journal Applied Research in Quality of Life.Research to date suggests that vacations are linked to many positive feelings. Jeroen Nawijn's study sets out to answer four questions. Firstly, are vacationers happier than non-vacationers? Secondly, does a trip boost happiness? Thirdly, if a trip does boost happiness, how long does this effect last? And lastly, what are the roles of length of time away and vacation stress?The author assessed how vacations impact happiness among 1,530 Dutch adults, 974 of whom took a vacation during the study period. In particular, Nawijn looked at differences in happiness levels between vacationers and those not going on vacation, as well as whether a trip away boosts post-trip happiness. Jeroen Nawijn observed that those planning a vacation were happier than those not going away, and suggests that this appears to be due to their anticipation of the break. Following a trip, there was no difference between vacationers' and non-vacationers' happiness, unless the time off was very relaxing, in which case the slightly increased happiness was especially noticeable in the first two weeks back. The effect wore off completely after eight weeks. The author explains that it is not surprising that trips do not have a prolonged effect on happiness, since most vacationers return to work or other daily tasks and therefore fall straight back into their normal routine fairly quickly.Jeroen Nawijn concludes by looking at possible implications from three points of view. From an individual point of view, he suggests that people are likely to derive more happiness from two or more short breaks spread throughout the year, rather than having just a single longer vacation once a year. From a policy perspective, in order for families to be able to stagger their trips throughout the year, the school system would need to become more flexible. And lastly, from a managerial point of view, the author would advise tourism managers to provide vacation products which are as stress-free as possible.Reference1. Nawijn J, Marchand MA, Veenhoven R, Vingerhoets AJ (2010). Vacationers happier, but most not happier after a holiday. Applied Research in Quality of Life. DOI 10.1007/s11482-009-9091-9........ ]]> http://www.tripzs.com/blogs/permalinks/10-2009/cheap-flights-and-airfares.html http://www.tripzs.com/blogs/permalinks/10-2009/cheap-flights-and-airfares.html Fri, 19 Feb 2010 04:01:55 GMT These are the days of extensive traveling. Every second person you meet on the street has traveled the world. With fat pay packets, bigger salaries and the desire to see everything the world has to offer, tourist movement is on the fast track. The world is in fact seeing volumes of traffic that have never been seen or felt before. ....... ]]> http://www.tripzs.com/blogs/permalinks/10-2009/will-this-trip-be-exciting.html http://www.tripzs.com/blogs/permalinks/10-2009/will-this-trip-be-exciting.html Fri, 19 Feb 2010 04:01:55 GMT Most of us won't respond to the call of adventure while soaking in a relaxing bath. As per a newly released study in the Journal of Consumer Research, we're more likely to book a weekend at a spa. "Imagine you are sitting in a bathtub, listening to calm music with gentle candlelight. Add lavender aroma. Then as you flip through a magazine, you come across an advertisement from an amusement park, promising you an exciting place full of adventurous offerings. How appealing would you find the prospect of visiting this amusement park?" write authors Hakkyun Kim (University of Concordia, Canada), Kiwan Park (Seoul National University, Korea), and Norbert Schwarz (University of Michigan)........ ]]> http://www.tripzs.com/blogs/permalinks/10-2009/trolley-bus.html http://www.tripzs.com/blogs/permalinks/10-2009/trolley-bus.html Fri, 19 Feb 2010 04:01:55 GMT If there are nearly 340 trolley buses still operating worldwide from one continent to another, it means that as a silent transportation system, it is still efficient and cost effective public and government. For busy city streets, it seems to be a smooth ride, despite ugly overhead wires which interrupt the view of the unlimited sky. Well, you can't have your cake and eat it too! In the past there were over 500 trolley bus systems working up the hill. But the advent of oil and diesel made it a lesser used form of commuting. The pollution, high oil prices have turned the clock back. European and American cities are using these smooth and silent commuting mammoths. They look sleeker, and are also eco-effective and eco-friendly, snaking their way around metropolitan tarmac roads. ....... ]]> http://www.tripzs.com/blogs/permalinks/8-2009/hotel-booking-in-india.html http://www.tripzs.com/blogs/permalinks/8-2009/hotel-booking-in-india.html Fri, 19 Feb 2010 04:01:55 GMT India is a strategic business and tourist center in the emerging markets. The country is famous for its wide variety of accommodation and excellent hospitality. Hotel booking in India takes place throughout the year due to the country's geographic and cultural diversity. Being frequented by tourists, hotel booking in India should be done in advance. The best way to do this is via an online travel agent........ ]]> http://www.tripzs.com/blogs/permalinks/8-2009/information-on-car-rental-maui.html http://www.tripzs.com/blogs/permalinks/8-2009/information-on-car-rental-maui.html Fri, 19 Feb 2010 04:01:55 GMT Maui Car Rentals: Are you planning a vacation to Maui this year? Are you bothered about renting a car in Maui? Then you should quit pondering over this issue and know how uncomplicated car rental is in Maui Island. Maui is an exotic island with a fantastic and inviting weather for tourists. It also offers number of sight-seeing options and recreational activities to tourists to keep them busy throughout the day. A long drive along the winding mountainous roads is a thrilling experience that you will cherish throughout your lives. To be able to go for this drive and explore Maui, you need to hire a car. You can go for sightseeing in buses and taxis as well. But the experience will not be even near to that of roaming around in a private car. ....... ]]> http://www.tripzs.com/blogs/permalinks/8-2009/condo-living-in-bethesda-md.html http://www.tripzs.com/blogs/permalinks/8-2009/condo-living-in-bethesda-md.html Fri, 19 Feb 2010 04:01:55 GMT Bethesda, Maryland is one of the premier communities in the metropolitan Washington DC area. As such, it boasts an excellent array of prime real estate for people who seek to call it home. While there are endless options for traditional homes and real estate in Bethesda, condo living is another very popular options with a lot of different people. There are many reasons why people opt to purchase a condo as opposed to a home in Bethesda; there are a lot of great benefits to such an arrangement........ ]]> http://www.tripzs.com/blogs/permalinks/5-2009/idaho-vacation-rentals.html http://www.tripzs.com/blogs/permalinks/5-2009/idaho-vacation-rentals.html Fri, 19 Feb 2010 04:01:55 GMT Idaho vacation rentals are an ideal getaway if you want to explore the ‘gem state’s’ natural wonders. With their fully furnished interiors, these vacation rentals are like home away from home. The breathtaking scenery and an array of outdoor sports options make Idaho a vacationer’s paradise. Ranging from the wildlife tours, scenic flights, all-terrain vehicle (ATV) rides and fishing to hiking, skiing, hunting and biking, Idaho offers it all. The comfortable Idaho vacation rentals are the perfect place to relax, once you have enjoyed these activities to the hilt........ ]]> http://www.tripzs.com/blogs/permalinks/4-2009/the-first-national-park-in-afghanistan.html http://www.tripzs.com/blogs/permalinks/4-2009/the-first-national-park-in-afghanistan.html Fri, 19 Feb 2010 04:01:55 GMT The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) applauded Afghanistan's National Environment Protection Agency (NEPA), which announced recently the establishment of the country's first internationally recognized national park. USAID provided key funding that led to the park's creation, including support of WCS to conduct preliminary wildlife surveys, identify and delineate the park's boundaries, and work with local communities and the provincial government. WCS also developed the park's management plan, helped the government hire and train local rangers, and provided assistance to the Afghan Government to design the laws enabling the park to be created........ ]]> http://www.tripzs.com/blogs/permalinks/11-2008/most-spectacular-train-journeys-in-the-world.html http://www.tripzs.com/blogs/permalinks/11-2008/most-spectacular-train-journeys-in-the-world.html Fri, 19 Feb 2010 04:01:55 GMT Taking almost eight hours to complete its journey, the Glacier Express has a reputation for being the slowest 'express' in the world - but it's also one of the most beautiful. Linking the two mountain resorts of St. Moritz and Zermatt in the Swiss Alps, the journey covers 291 bridges and 91 tunnels........ ]]> http://www.tripzs.com/blogs/permalinks/11-2007/the-pictures-speak-for-themselves.html http://www.tripzs.com/blogs/permalinks/11-2007/the-pictures-speak-for-themselves.html Fri, 19 Feb 2010 04:01:55 GMT It seemed like a crazy thing to even consider this late in our trip. Here we had spent almost 5 months straight in Europe and the surrounding area and were getting on a plane to head as far south in Africa as we could get. As we left our hotel in Barcelona, at 6pm on Tuesday, I wondered how I had let Kel talk me into a crazy trip a quarter of the way around the world........ ]]> http://www.tripzs.com/blogs/permalinks/10-2007/earthquake-experts-turn-to-history-for-guidance.html http://www.tripzs.com/blogs/permalinks/10-2007/earthquake-experts-turn-to-history-for-guidance.html Fri, 19 Feb 2010 04:01:55 GMT The best seismologists in the world don't know when the next big earthquake will hit. But a Tel Aviv University geologist suggests that earthquake patterns recorded in historical documents of Middle Eastern countries indicate that the region's next significant quake is long overdue. A major quake of magnitude seven on the Richter scale in the politically-fragile region of the Middle East could have dire consequences for precious holy sites and even world peace, says Tel Aviv University geologist Dr. Shmulik Marco. In light of this imminent danger, Marco, from the school's Department of Geophysics and Planetary Sciences, has taken an historical approach to earthquake forecasting by using ancient records from the Vatican and other religious sources in his assessment. The past holds the key to the future, he says........ ]]> http://www.tripzs.com/blogs/permalinks/9-2007/white-nights-in-europe.html http://www.tripzs.com/blogs/permalinks/9-2007/white-nights-in-europe.html Fri, 19 Feb 2010 04:01:55 GMT Paris started it all back in 2002 with Nuit Blanche. Its success led to the organization of Operation "European Notti Bianche". And now, 4 other cities are organizing their own White Nights in Europe: Rome, Riga, Brussels and Madrid. What exactly can you expect during these White Night festivals? It's mainly a cultural event held between the end of summer and the beginning of Autumn. It starts at sunset and the party continues on until the sun rises the next day. Yes, it's a whole night affair!....... ]]> http://www.tripzs.com/blogs/permalinks/7-2007/cubi-accommodations-in-the-netherlands.html http://www.tripzs.com/blogs/permalinks/7-2007/cubi-accommodations-in-the-netherlands.html Fri, 19 Feb 2010 04:01:55 GMT For those with limited budgets but are not really willing to give up the comforts offered by standard hotel rooms, Qbic Hotels may be the answer to your budget traveler's prayers. With hotels located in Maastricht, Amsterdam and Antwerp, Qbic Hotels offer travelers the comfort of extra long handmade Hästens beds, bathroom elements designed by no less than Philippe Starke, entertainment system which includes LCD TVs (something which you definitely can not expect from a budget hotel!), hi-speed internet and dining/work area........ ]]> http://www.tripzs.com/blogs/permalinks/7-2007/lapping-up-the-swedish-wilderness.html http://www.tripzs.com/blogs/permalinks/7-2007/lapping-up-the-swedish-wilderness.html Fri, 19 Feb 2010 04:01:55 GMT Snowbound and frigidly cold for most of the year, the brief arrival of summer transforms the mountains of Northern Sweden into a trekker's paradise. Overlooked by most foreign tourists in favour of mountain playgrounds further south, such as the Alps, this isolated corner of Europe offers a wilderness experience par excellence........ ]]>