Archive for April, 2008

Apr 30 2008

Atlanta Zoo Panda – monium

Get this. The Atlanta Zoo in Georgia started in 1889 when a bankrupt circus left their animals south of town. No really. That’s how it started. The animals were relocated to Grant Park where they remain to this day. The big attraction is the elusive Giant Panda.

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Apr 28 2008

Georgia Aquarium Whale Shark Wackiness

Who would expect to see four Whale Sharks (let alone one) in Atlanta, Georgia? If you visit the Georgia Aquarium, you will. Four of the most elusive creatures on the planet are on exhibit there along with thousands of other watery citizens.

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Apr 25 2008

Coke, it’s the real thing.

The World of Coke in Atlanta, Georgia pays tribute to this bubbly sensation and more. It’s like entering Willy Wonka’s factory in a way. Located next to the Georgia Aquarium, it’s a one two punch that shouldn’t be missed.

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Apr 21 2008

Easy Ways to Travel Green

Published by John Stavely under Destinations, Tourism

Earth Day reminds us to be better Citizens of the Planet. After all, it’s the only one we’ve got! Here are some easy vacation ideas from Trusted Tours and Attractions to travel greener this year.

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Apr 17 2008

The Real Florida for Kids – Eco-discovery in Lowry Park Zoo

Published by Belablast under Destinations, Tampa

Disney World, with all its showy, imaginative make-believe is truly a kid’s world.  And, they flock to it. 

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But Florida has something more to offer kids – something natural, connecting, and equally magical, if in a different sort of way.    

In separate posts on Trusted Tours Travel Guide, you’ll see three of these – places where kids can see, smell, hear, and sometimes feel Florida’s unique natural habitat –golden sawgrass in the Florida Everglades, alligators lying ever-so still on cypress logs, gentle manatees moving ever so slowly, green, flat-laying tree frogs camouflaged in bright bromeliads, flamingos decked out in the brightest of pinks, roseate spoonbills rhythmically waving paddle shaped bills back and forth in the shallows seaching for fish, great white herons gracefully balancing in tree-top nests, stingrays swimming in an underwater ballet, great barracuda lurking territorially, giant sea turtles surfacing for air, and multi-colored tropical fish darting over coral patches.

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Apr 15 2008

GeoTourism Challenge

Published by John Stavely under Misc. Thoughts, Tourism

Intelligent Travel reminds us that the deadline for submitting sites to the National Geographic sponsored GeoTourism Challenge is April 16th.

They have quite a list so far and the goal is to identify sites that “sustain, enhance, and preserve a sense of culture and place.”

If you are interested in Green Travel this is a great place to start.

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Apr 11 2008

The Unconventional Beaches of the Florida Keys

Published by Belablast under Key West

In the Florida Keys, there’s water, water, gorgeous turqoise-hued water, everywhere – but where are the beaches?  If you’re expecting expansive, picture-postcard beaches for sunbathing, swimming, shelling, you’ll find those on the “mainland,” but not in the Keys.

Lined up like green gemstones over crystalline water for 120 miles, the islands of the Florida Keys offer awesome water activities: incredible snorkeling and diving on the magnificent coral reef, deep-sea fishing in the azure Gulf Stream, kayaking ecotours through mysterious mangroves, snorkel safari tours in the pristine backcountry, exciting wild dolphin sighting adventures, bonefishing on endless flats, reef discovery from glass-bottom boats, romantic cruises aboard sailing schooners but, contrary to expectations, there a few “traditional” beaches.

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Apr 11 2008

Atlanta, Georgia is a Peach

Published by John Stavely under Atlanta

Atlanta, Georgia is a city of contrasts. Sophisticated and simple, intense and laid back, satisfied and restless. Visiting there is like having to taste a hundred excellent dishes in one meal. Which is best? How do you decide? It’s better just to dive right in.

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Apr 11 2008

Oops…

Published by John Stavely under Misc. Thoughts, Tourism

Seth Godin has another great post about customer service.

I visit many tourist sites and it’s not uncommon for the front line staff, the people closest to the guests, having the least ability to please them. Too often we hear a scripted response to an important question. I cringe when I hear someone say,”I’m just doing my job.”

Seth’s point is clear. Your ambassadors, the folks talking and interacting the most with the customer, must have the power to delight.

It’s simple, but it’s not easy.


 

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Apr 04 2008

Wild Adventures in Valdosta, Georgia

So you’re driving to Atlanta, Georgia from Florida when you see the signs. Wild Adventures ahead. You have to stop don’t you? Of course you do!

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