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Chittagong travel guide
article source:wikitravel.org/en/Chittagong

Chittagong is a fairly big, spread out town, and the largest international seaport in the country. Like Dhaka the streets are filled with masses of rickshaws, though the city puts in a little more effort to keep its streets and sidewalks clean. Foreigners will notice a distinct increase in nuisance from beggars and the people are slightly less friendly than in other parts of the country.
The busiest part of town is the area around the train station and Station Road, while things get a little more bearable as you move further north. GEC Circle is the intersection of Zakir Hossain Rd, O. R. Nizam Rd and CDA Avenue, about 3 km north of the train station, and is the center of middle to upper class life with a variety of good restaurants and shopping.
Chittagong is a conservative place. Local women tend to dress in modest clothing and don't like to shake hands with men. This does not apply to the upper class who are very westernised. Local people aren't offended when foreigners don't comply with the expectations of local people. Foreigners drinking alcohol or foreign women wearing skirts which show their bare legs aren't going to upset people. This is true in other parts of Bangladesh and reflects the tolerant and gentle nature of the Bangladeshi people.

In the more affluent neighborhoods like Khulshi and Nasirabad local women are more westernised. The parties that let women have fun are mostly indoors, and Chittagong Club or Hotel Agrabad are fairly happening places at that.
The Chittagonian enthusiasm for inviting people to massive feasts is a bit of legend both locally and elsewhere in Bangladesh. Known as mezbani these feasts feature a tremendously hot curry, usually of beef. If you're not used to it, approach with caution.

By air
Shah Amanat International Airport (ICAO: CGP) is modern and clean and serves as Chittagong's international airport besides domestic services to and from Dhaka and Sylhet. It is the 2nd busiest in Bangladesh. Situated in Patenga, it has international services to destinations such as Dubai, Kolkata, Yangon, Muscat and Bangkok. Formerly known as MA Hannan International Airport, but was renamed on April 2, 2005 by the Government of Bangladesh. Major airlines that serve the airport include Biman Bangladesh Airlines, GMG Airlines, Thai Airways International, Oman Air, United Airways, Best Air and Royal Bengal Airlines.

By train
Trains run to Dhaka, Sylhet and other cities. The main route out of Chittagong runs north to Comilla and Akhaura, from where the routes to Dhaka and Sylhet diverge. The train station is on Station Road just west of Jubilee Rd. Chittagong is a terminal station on the metre gauge eastern section of the Bangladesh Railway. The headquarters of this railway are located here. Train journeys are, in general, cheaper than bus journeys.

By bus
There are 2 spots in the city where the major private companies operate from and have offices - just to the south of GEC Circle on CDA Ave, and on Station Rd near Hotel Golden Inn. Greenline, Silkline and Shohag are the nicest and have frequent services to Dhaka (6 hours) and Cox's Bazar (3 hours). Greenline also offers the only direct bus to Sylhet (Tk 550, 6 hours).

Local buses to Cox's Bazar (Tk 140, 3 hours) run frequently throughout the day from Cinema Palace Bus Station, about 1km north of the Station Rd area.

Chittagong Bus Depot, +031 683423. Schedule and fares By boat
BIWTC has an office and launches its ferries from Sadarghat, about 1km south of the train station down Sadarghat Rd. Barisal is the main destination, from where you can continue to Dhaka.


Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Finding Discount Hotels on Your Trip

Finding Discount Hotels on Your Trip
There are several insider tips to getting a great deal on your hotel stay for that trip you're planning. With modern technology there is no excuse for not being a well-informed consumer and that is the first step to getting a great rate on your hotel. First and foremost research the hotels in your preferred area online and choose the one that best fits your needs and your price range. There are many great websites out there that provide listings for all the hotels in a particular city and have already listed a discount price. Then don't be afraid to call the hotel directly and negotiate the rate with the manager or the director. Be mindful not to just ask to make a reservation because then you will be directed back to the reservation line where negotiations typically cannot be made. The hotel managers can manipulate rates and even offer room upgrades for smart travelers that are savvy enough to do their research and then call to determine the best rate.

Another valuable tip when planning a trip and desiring a great deal is to be aware of so-called "dead weeks." Throughout the year certain destinations have times when they are not as busy and often will offer special rates simply to attract guests. Typically the week after Thanksgiving and the few days after New Year's are slow for everyone and there are some fantastic deals available for smart consumers. Those who are interested in low rates at ski resorts should look at making reservations to go in April or September, which are slower months for those hotels and lodges. Las Vegas is most usually slower in the summer and Orlando deals can be found when school is in session. Timing is everything when attempting to get a phenomenal rate on a hotel stay.

Third, don't be afraid to ask for discounts. Many clubs such as AARP or even Sam's Club have already negotiated deals with major hotel chains and those deals are just waiting for you to take advantage of. There are also many travel clubs that are free to join that offer special rates for members. Remember that it is the smart consumer that asks for the deal, everything is negotiable in retail and service industries. Room upgrades, ski lift tickets, resort credits, complimentary breakfasts and even tickets to local attractions can all be attained simply by asking the hotel what deals or specials are available.

Deals are out there it just takes a little bit of effort on the part of the consumer to make it happen. Once you have determined where you want to go the options for deals are limitless. Do adequate research and see what hotels are in the area you want to go and then begin calling to see what deals the managers can make available to you. Don't be hesitant to ask for upgrades, specials and of course ask for those discounted tickets to local attractions! Discount Motels
By latif khan

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