There is no argument over the fact that the horrible act of terrorism that occurred on the 11th of September, 2001, impacted many people's lives in untold ways. Many businesses and industries were affected. One of the industries that felt an immediate negative impact was the tourism industry, not only in the US but in many parts of the world.
As well, it seems that just as the tourism industry had begun to recover somewhat, war broke out as a consequence of the attack of 9-11. This turn again made people think twice before planning vacation time travel, especially abroad. In addition, there has been a shift in attitude toward Americans in many parts of the world, which has made travel and tourism to these locations less desirable.
In more recent months, the tourism industry has once again found itself battered with the onset of a recession and rising fuel costs. Since the majority of vacation travel slows down when people have less discretionary income to spend on leisure activities, there has naturally been an increase in people canceling their vacation plans.
Others are still determined to make the most of any vacation time that they have and are looking for discounted deals or are changing their plans, from taking more distant trips and staying closer to home instead. This means that many factions of the tourist industry are competing harder over fewer travel dollars and the many hotels, airlines, car rental agencies, and other companies that cater to travelers are forced to find ways to cut their costs so that they can compete and stay in business.
With many expenses on the rise, combined with the weakening of the dollar, many in the travel and tourist industry are struggling to find ways to reduce their overhead and cut their operating expenses so that they can offer people the cheap vacations that they are looking for these days. While this makes for difficult decisions, it seems that cuts will be necessary in order to stay in business in this economic environment and to attract the consumers who are demanding special deals.
Many are simply not able to fit travel costs into their budget, unless they are able to find deeply discounted vacation deals and downright cheap vacations. And, rather than have hotel rooms sitting empty and putting planes in the air with empty seats, many hotels and airlines are offering incredible discounts, especially for those who are traveling at the last minute.
In fact, in many cases, if you have some flexibility in when you can take your vacation, then waiting until the last minute might actually be the best way to save big bucks and get the absolute best vacation deals. Don't expect the travel and tourism industry to broadcast this information, but the bottom line is that they would rather get 30% of their standard rate than not sell the airline seat or book the hotel room at all.
Nice, with the principality of Monaco and Italy just a stone's throw away to one side, and the ancient port of Antibes and the rest of the Riviera (with miles and miles of tourist-pulling beaches) as far as St Tropez on the other, is a popular tourist destination and also a thriving city with a fascinating history and an abundance of culture.
For many, visiting Nice outside the summer months is more enjoyable. It is less crowded, less expensive, but there is still more than enough to see and do. Nice is jam-packed full of museums, galleries, concert venues, theatres and a myriad of things to see and do.
To spend just a few days in this little corner of paradise, it soon becomes obvious why many artists and writers made it their home - from Renoir in the 19th century through to Matisse, Dufy, and Chagall in more recent times. Many artists lived here for lengthy periods, finding inspiration in the city's varied seaside and mountain landscapes. Claude Monet was also a regular visitor.
But Nice is an ancient city with a history dating back almost 400,000 years. You can uncover some of this ancient history at the Terra Amata Museum. Later on, the Greeks established a trading post here which they called "Nikaia", meaning "victory?. Later still came the Romans who established the town known as Cemenelum, the seat of government for the region.
From the Middle Ages right up until the 18th century, the area comprising Nice became a part of and then separated from many geographic entities and underwent many political upheavals. It was not until 1706 that Nice became a part of France. However just 7 years later, it was handed over to Victor Amedee, King of Sicily, and didn't return to French ownership again until 1860.
There are many ways to see Nice and public transport is reliable and inexpensive. There is also a new tramway currently under construction and due for opening in 2007. But for those with time available, a walking tour is by far the best option. Stroll along the Promenade des Anglais and step back in time to the Victorian era along the palm tree-lined shore with some of the finest hotels, cafes and restaurants on the Riviera.
Many of the hotels along this famous five-mile stretch combine modern comfort with the splendor of the Belle Epoque. Typical and perhaps the most splendid is the exquisite Hotel Negresco, which quite nonchalantly houses four centuries of French art - worthy of a museum ? for all to see. Go and take a look. Don't be daunted by the doormen and hall porters dressed in traditional 18th century French attire. They will welcome you courteously with a smile as you enter the splendid lobby decorated in Louis XVI style.
Opposite the Hotel Negresco - being careful as you traverse the sometimes crazy palm-lined dual carriageway ? you'll find a beautiful, though rocky, stretch of beach. This extends as far as the eye can see and beyond. But fortunately the stones are smooth, making walking on the pebbles less painful than it might seem.
From the Promenade des Anglais, you can then make your way along the coast to the port. Here you'll find the beautiful church of Notre Dame du Port, standing guard over the harbor, blessing seafarers as they leave the city. The port is always highly active and welcomes cruise liners from around the world.
The old town, known as Vieux Nice, delights visitors with its picturesque narrow streets and eclectic mixture of architectural styles. Several parts date back to medieval times.
One of the most interesting buildings in Vieux Nice is the Opera house. Built in 1885, it is a fine example of Second Empire architecture.
A few steps away is the Cours Saleya, a little like Paris' Left Bank, with a myriad outdoor cafes welcoming locals and tourists alike. Don't forget to try the local specialty dishes ? they are numerous and all delicious. The nearby flower market, which on Mondays becomes an antiques flea market, sweeps up passers by into a symphony of sounds, scents and colors. Here you can also investigate other staples of Nice cuisine, such as figs, goat cheese, olives and even candied fruit. Don't forget to try the local favorite known as "socca", a savory pancake made from chickpea flour. It's inexpensive, great with a beer, and beats a hot dog any day!
Dining in Nice ranges from the casual to the most elegant, with the city possessing some of France's most renowned restaurants.
Seeing Nice by night, with the lights from the palatial hotels along the coast reflecting off the moonlit Mediterranean, is an almost surreal experience ? a fantasy of light, sounds and savors. The city's nightlife is also legendary, including cafes open to the small hours and nightclubs, discotheques and casinos ? including the famous Casino Ruhl and the newly re-opened and sophisticatedly decadent Palais de la Mediterranee.
There is much more to see in and around Nice. But we hope that this is just enough to whet your appetite. Given a month, you would only just be able to touch the surface of this jewel of the French Riviera.
Both Mike Selvon & Bianca Tavares are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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