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- Lufthansa gets first Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental
- The New iPad Contest
- Singapore Grand Prix 2012: Katy Perry and a 1980s revival
- Thank you for your entry
- Not just Tsingtao: A guide to Chinese beers
- Japan’s new tsunami zone tourist trade
- Citibank Korea globalizes all ATMs ... spending money in Korea now even easier
- The World's 50 Best Restaurants 2012: Who made the cut?
- In Bangkok, cool off with a beer slushie
- Hong Kong's hardest street vendors go soft and teach us how to bargain
- Special report: Philippines tourism, a tough sell?
- World's 10 most lavish casinos
- Best New York budget hotels
| Lufthansa gets first Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental Posted: 02 May 2012 02:25 AM PDT German carrier Lufthansa has become the world's first airline to receive the Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental, dubbed the "Queen of the Skies." The jet arrived at its new home base in Frankfurt on Tuesday, after flying in from the United States. It is due to enter service on June 1 this year, with a flight from Frankfurt to Washington, D.C.
"We are looking forward to welcoming the Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental to our long-haul fleet," said Lufthansa executive Carsten Spohr. "In future we will offer our passengers on board this completely newly developed long-haul aircraft an exclusive travel experience and the comfort of our new business class," he said at Frankfurt Airport on Tuesday. read more     |
| Posted: 02 May 2012 01:13 AM PDT Download the CNNGo app now: Android iPhone or visit CNNGo.com on your smartphone browser. Contest ends June 6. Conditions apply.read more    |
| Singapore Grand Prix 2012: Katy Perry and a 1980s revival Posted: 01 May 2012 10:53 PM PDT When it comes to musical acts, Singapore's Grand Prix never fails to disappoint, with organizers seemingly fighting to best themselves every year by bringing in some of the world's biggest names. Though the final lineup hasn't yet been announced, we do know this year's event -- running from September 21 to 23 -- will be headlined by chart toppers Katy Perry, Maroon 5 and Jay Chou. All three are set to perform at the Padang main stage over the race weekend. But it's the 1980s revival that will likely get some fans excited, with the recent addition of Bananarama, The Pretenders and The Proclaimers to the entertainment mix. According to organizers, Bananarama will perform at the Esplanade Outdoor Theatre in Zone 4 on Saturday, and the Village stage in Zone 1 on Sunday. The English pop duo is most famous for hits like "Venus," "I Heard A Rumor," and "Cruel Summer." The Pretenders, led by rock goddess Chrissie Hynde, will hit the village stage in Zone 1 on Saturday, and the Esplanade Outdoor Theatre in Zone 4 on Sunday. Expect to hear all those classics even non-fans will recognize, like "I'll Stand By You" and "Don't Get Me Wrong." read more    |
| Posted: 01 May 2012 07:17 PM PDT If you haven't done so already, download the CNNGo mobile app to tap into a world of travel. Stay connected with the latest travel and lifestyle news from CNNGo Discover more about your region with in-depth articles and photo galleries Share CNNGo content by email, Facebook and Twitter Submit your own stories with CNN iReport Enter exclusive contests and win exciting prizes Download now: Android iPhone read more    |
| Not just Tsingtao: A guide to Chinese beers Posted: 01 May 2012 06:28 PM PDT John Lennon once said that French rock was like English wine. Chinese beer is like both, and also like Chinese wine. But we keep coming back for more. There's a hierarchy of price, taste and most importantly, alcohol content. To save you kuais and calories, here are the most popular beers in China, the best, the worst and, yes, the tastiest.
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| Japan’s new tsunami zone tourist trade Posted: 01 May 2012 06:19 PM PDT by Gail Nakada Miyako City in the far north of Japan was once famous for its stunning beach at Jodogahama, just around the headland from Miyako Bay. That and the port's world-record-holding, 10-meter-high tidal wave barriers. Then, "stunning" was swept away by the black waters of March 11, 2011, leaving just "stunned" in its wake. Miyako and hard-hit cities like Kamaishi and Rikuzen Takata along the Iwate coast are determined to pull something from those dark days, even if it means promoting tours in the tsunami zone. During May and early June, local tour company Iwate Kenpoku Kanko will be doing just that, offering guided bus trips targeting these very areas. The company's one-day tour from Morioka to Tanohata Village and Miyako City includes guided walks through the tsunami-hit areas of both towns. read more    |
| Citibank Korea globalizes all ATMs ... spending money in Korea now even easier Posted: 30 Apr 2012 08:59 PM PDT by CNNGo staff Banking in Korea just got more convenient for foreign travelers who bank with Citibank. First time travelers to the country are often bewildered by how difficult it is to find an ATM that accepts their foreign card for cash withdrawals, as most local ATMs don't accept them and "global ATMs" can be found only at a few select locations throughout the country. Due to a steady and large influx of inbound travelers to Korea, and the forecast of millions of visitors expected to arrive for the Yeosu World Expo opening on May 12, Citibank Korea has decided to globalize every ATM at all of its 220 branches in the country. Previously, about 10 percent of Citibank ATMs in the country had been globalized. Korea Exchange Bank, Shinhan Bank and Woori Bank are the only other local banks offering globalized ATMs, albeit at limited locations. Citibank is the first in Korea to globalize all of its ATMs. read more    |
| The World's 50 Best Restaurants 2012: Who made the cut? Posted: 30 Apr 2012 07:39 PM PDT by Anthea Gerrie
That's when chef Rene Redzepi opened Noma with somewhat strange ambitions -- to serve only food native to Scandinavia -- so no olive oil or other fancy Mediterranean stuff. He created dishes with obscure items like milk skin, hay and pine needles, and against all the odds, it worked. Noma this week made it a hat trick in the World's Best 50 Restaurants awards, taking the top award for the third year in a row. And behind him come a whole raft of new young culinary hotshots known as the New Nordics -- 10 percent of this year's Top 50 restaurants are in Scandinavia. Spain has done even better, mind you, with 30 percent of the Top 10 -- yet again -- in a row. Spanish restaurants remain at no. 2, 3 and 8, just like last year. And this is without the help of superstar chef Ferran Adria, first-ever winner of the awards, who broke records by holding the top spot for four years in a row with elBulli before closing it in 2011. All are in the foodie north of the country, ditto another two which made the list. read more    |
| In Bangkok, cool off with a beer slushie Posted: 30 Apr 2012 07:26 PM PDT Unless you're actually into scorching hot weather, Thailand isn't the most pleasant place to be these days. In many parts of the country, the old heat stick has been rising above 40 C, Bangkok included. So, for some sweet relief, cool off with these five refreshing Thai treats. 1. Beer woon
Several Bangkok bars and restaurants have gone beyond simple ice cubes and converted local brews into beer slush -- possibly the perfect drink for extreme temperatures. Drink your "beer woon" fast because pouring icy chunks of frozen beer in the warm Bangkok air makes it rapidly rise to the top of your glass. read more    |
| Hong Kong's hardest street vendors go soft and teach us how to bargain Posted: 30 Apr 2012 05:19 PM PDT Many hard lessons on how to bargain are learned at Hong Kong's notorious Ladies' Market. In Mong Kok on Tung Choi Street, with the main sections south of Argyle Street, the Ladies' Market is known for the city's toughest vendors. What with recent acid attacks and arson in the area, the vendors' reps for leathery resilience is further cemented. That's why when the veteran vendors teach us how to bargain for the best price on sneakers, trinkets, handbags and just about anything else, we sit up and pay attention. Herewith, from the Hong Kong shopping masters themselves: how to beat the hagglers at their own game. read more    |
| Special report: Philippines tourism, a tough sell? Posted: 30 Apr 2012 11:20 AM PDT As a tourist destination, the Philippines is loaded with the attractions travelers dream of: lots of sun, gorgeous beaches, world-class scenery, adventure opportunities, friendly outgoing locals, fascinating history and lots of little-roamed territory. Yet for all its advantages, the nation of more than 7,000 islands has a big problem attracting travelers. According to the United Nations World Tourism Association, with about 3.5 million international tourist arrivals in 2010 (its most recent published figures), the Philippines nets just 1.7 percent of tourist arrivals in the booming Asia Pacific region, and a mere 1.1 percent of international tourism revenues in the region. With 27.3 percent, China leads the region in arrivals, but the Philippines also trails nations such as Malaysia (12.1 percent of Asia Pacific's international tourist arrivals), Thailand (7.8 percent), Singapore (4.5 percent), Taiwan (2.7 percent) and Vietnam (2.5 percent). In 2010, the Philippines accounted for only 8.1 percent of the international air seats flown per week within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which includes the Philippines, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. read more    |
| World's 10 most lavish casinos Posted: 30 Apr 2012 09:01 AM PDT by Anthea Gerrie If you're going to fritter away your hard-earned cash on a 50-to-1 spin of the roulette wheel, you may as well do it surrounded by sparkling chandeliers and velvety seats, right? 1. Casino de Monte-Carlo, Monaco
Built in 1878 by Charles Garnier, the architect who gave Paris its opera house, this is the daddy of all casinos. Surrounded by 28 columns of pure onyx, a marble atrium leads to gaming rooms decorated with stained glass windows, sculptures and bronze lamps -- a visual win, even when the chips are down. read more    |
| Posted: 30 Apr 2012 09:00 AM PDT Believe it or not, it's possible to find the best New York budget hotels and pay less than $250 per night for a clean, comfortable hotel room with full amenities in a prime location in the Big Apple. It just requires careful planning and flexibility: January and February are the best months for value travel, and weekdays generally cost less than weekends. Many hotels also offer discounts for full payment in advance. Budget travelers willing to forgo a private bathroom can save even more at places like the Jane Hotel and Hotel 17, whose low-cost rooms have shared bathrooms. If you prefer full-service feel to college dorm vibe, here are eight of the best New York budget hotels in the city. They offer great value and with the exception of the Newton, all provide free Wi-Fi. All rates listed are per night for a standard room with private bathroom, before tax, which is around 15 percent. Note that rates are subject to change. Hotel Deauville, Gramercy Park  Hotel Deauville is a haven for artists. In the world of corporate hotel chains, the Hotel Deauville, a quaint, family-run converted brownstone with just 55 rooms, is a refreshing find and makes our list of best New York budget hotels. The Deauville is a nice option if you want a hotel on a quiet street away from some of New York's more tourist-heavy neighborhoods. The ancient, operator-run elevator rattles like an old ghost, but service is personable and warm and the shabby-chic rooms are comfortable. Quirky fact: as a bonus for musicians, there's an artists' rehearsal room with a piano off the lobby. 103 E. 29th St. between Park and Lexington, New York; +1 212 683 0990; www.hoteldeauville.com; rates start at $139 Also on CNNGo: Best new hotels of 2012 Hudson New York, Midtown West/Hell's Kitchen
Travelers wanting to feel like rock stars could do worse than the Hudson, which has the look of a much more expensive hotel, starting with the green, glowing, unmarked entry, which might make you wonder if your smartphone map has the right coordinates. Beyond the wide lobby is a lovely outdoor courtyard. The Library Bar is has a pool table, while the trendier Hudson Bar is an enticing glass-floored space that turns into a nightclub. In contrast, breakfast and dinner are served on cafeteria-style tables. A well-furnished gym completes the entertainment/facilities options. While standard rooms are "cozy" (the smallest is 12.6 square meters), they are handsomely decorated. 356 W. 58th St. between Columbus and Broadway, New York; +1 212 554 6000; www.hudsonhotel.com; rates start at$229 La Quinta Manhattan, Midtown East  The nearest hotel to the best galbi in the city. The La Quinta is a budget motel and it doesn't try to be anything else: the lobby looks as though it hasn't been touched since the Carter administration, and room decor is plain. But for what you're paying you'll get decent space, not to mention additional perks like free breakfast, news kiosk, fitness center and Vu Bar, the hotel's rooftop lounge with a stunning view of the nearby Empire State Building. Macy's, Penn Station and Madison Square Garden are within walking distance. The La Quinta is also the perfect choice for budding karaoke singers and fried chicken fans -- it's located in the middle of Koreatown. 17 W. 32nd St. between 5th and 6th Avenues, New York; +1 212 736 1600; applecorehotels.com/la-quinta-manhattan; rates start at $199 Also on CNNGo: Best and worst hotel Wi-Fi Nu Hotel, Boerum Hill, Brooklyn
Located in Brooklyn (about 15 minutes from Manhattan), the Nu Hotel is fittingly one of the best New York budget hotels, partly because it is close to several train lines and a plethora of restaurants and bars on Smith Street, otherwise known as Brooklyn's Restaurant Row. Compared with Manhattan accommodations, the stylish rooms have lots of space. Caffeine addicts will appreciate the free coffee in the lobby and Keurig coffee makers in every room. There's also a lobby bar. If you don't feel like exercising at the fitness center, the front desk will find you a bike. If you know someone who lives in the neighborhood, ask them to book the room for you, and you'll save an additional 15 percent via the hotel's "neighborhood rate." 85 Smith St. between State Street and Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn; +1 718 852 8585; www.nuhotelbrooklyn.com; rates start at $179 Best Western Bowery Hanbee Hotel, Chinatown  Ask for an upper-floor room to avoid the noise of the street.Located in the center of Chinatown, the Best Western Bowery Hanbee is a good choice for anyone looking to explore New York's downtown areas. It's within easy walking distance of Soho, Little Italy, the East Village and Lower East Side. While you might not guess it from the busy location and no-frills lobby (not to mention the extremely low rates), rooms here are modern and welcoming and have a fair amount of space, with enough room for a guest chair and night table. In addition to a fitness center, the hotel lays on a complimentary breakfast buffet, and the staff is helpful and friendly. 231 Grand St. between Bowery and Elizabeth Street, New York; +1 212 925 1177; www.bw-boweryhanbeehotel.com; rates start at $189 Hotel Newton, Upper West Side
Located well uptown between Riverside Park and Central Park, the Newton sits near Columbia University, which may explain why it has a lobby that resembles an old dorm lounge. What the hotel lacks in frills, however, it more than makes up for in value -- perfect to be regarded as one of the best New York budget hotels Even in the summer high season, you can get a room for $132 a night -- a rate unheard of in the rest of the city. The staff is cheerful and professional, and accommodations are clean and not at all claustrophobic, with a dresser, desk, microwave and mini-fridge included in every room. And though there are no dining options in the hotel, there is a diner just next door. Note: Wi-Fi here costs $4.95 per day. 2528 Broadway between 93rd and 94th Streets, New York; +1 800 643 5553; www.thehotelnewton.com; rates start at $225 Hotel Beacon, Upper West Side
At $350 per night, the Beacon is the one hotel on our list that doesn't fall under the $250 budget ceiling. But families traveling to New York City will need space, and this hotel has it. Instead of cramped rooms, half of the Beacon's accommodations are roomy suites that sleep up to four. All suites have a separate living room with a pull-out couch, iPod dock, and full kitchen with stove, oven, microwave and full-size refrigerator. The Beacon also offers standard rooms with smaller kitchenettes: half-fridges, stove burners and microwaves, but no ovens. A multitude of moderate to high-end restaurants surrounds the hotel, but groceries are easy to come by at the Fairway across the street or Trader Joe's two blocks away. After saving money on home-cooked meals, your family can go play at the nearby Museum of Natural History, Central Park or Lincoln Center. 2130 Broadway at 75th Street, New York; +1 212 787 1100; www.beaconhotel.com; rates start at $350 The Pod Hotel, Midtown East
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One of eight first-class seats on board. You know -- the ones most of us will never see.
Naale's impenetrable slogan: "Ale, love for you." 
Cooking with obscure Nordic ingredients paid off for chef Rene Redzepi, whose Noma was named World's Best Restaurant for the third year in a row. Paris, New York and Tokyo, eat your heart out -- the world's best restaurant is not on your turf, but a dimly-lit warehouse in an obscure part of Copenhagen no one had heard of eight years ago.
In most countries, this is the tragic outcome when you forget to take your beer out of the freezer. In Thailand, it's a beverage.In some countries it's almost a crime to put ice in beer. In Thailand, it's often a necessity.
In a city where money talks, this casino yells from the rooftop.
The location is even better than the decor. 
Clean and simple. 
Ease your college-bound kid into dorm life by staying at the Hotel Newton. 
The Beacon is the priciest hotel on our list, and the roomiest. 
A pop art take on NYC budget hotels. | You are subscribed to email updates from CNNGo.com To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now. | Email delivery powered by Google |
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