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Cuba - Travel Guide

2007-09-17T00:41:00.000-07:00

- To get into the tropical atmosphere of Cuba at its fiftieth. Among the American automobiles, the smoky bars of Havana, the effect is assured.

- For its fantastic sea. Cuba offers about six thousand kilometers of splendid Caribbean coast, with beaches and cliffs for all likes.

- For the people's hospitality, not always interested as it is wanted to make you believe. The Cubans are people full of happiness and eager to leave, people who love to find the foreigner, just to exchange ideas.

- To smoke the best tobaccos in the world, made by hand with the leaves of Vuelta Abajo. You can also attend to the making of the tobacco in a factory or maybe inside of a big hotel, where there are exhibited in parties, authenticate preparations for the tobacco’s artists.

- To travel through out the town of Hemingway, a North American writer that lived in the island from the 1939 to the 1961 and where he wrote some of his romances.

GEOGRAPHICAL DATA

Located in the Caribbean Sea, Cuba, with a longitude of about 1.200 kms and a surface of 110.860 Km., is the biggest island in the biggest Antilla. It is at about 200 Km. from the island of Keys and it is close to The Mexican peninsula of Yucatan in and the island of Hispaniola. More than the main island, The Cuban Republic gathers all the isles and islands that surround it. Great part of the Cuban coast is low and sandy, with numerous bays and areas of lagoons and paludose. Its interior is of plains, interrupted by the Sierra de los Organos to the west, the Sierra del Escambray to the center and the Sierra Maestra to the east. Its population is of about 11 million inhabitants.

Time Zone: -6.0 (summer); -6.0 (winter)

Duration of the days 13.5 hours (June); minimum 11.0 hours (December)

WHEN TO GO

Period better: February, March

Good period: January, April, December

Worse Period: September, October

WEATHER

The dry station which is naturally the best period to go, begins at the end of October and finishes in April. The rains station is from April to October, but in these months precipitations, although are abundant always occurs in the half-day and for a short period.

What to take

Without doubts the bathing suit. And then summer clothes, shirts and cotton pullouvers, short and long pants. And do not forget besides, the shoes for walking in the afternoons, to take also a pair of sandals.

CULTURE/MUSEUMS

City Museum

Address: Plaza de Armas, Havana

Schedule: 9.30-18.30

Entrance is paid

One of the main museums of histoty and culture of the isle. It offers a rich exposition ofartistic testimonies bengining from the colonial period up to firts years of the republic.

Revolution Museum

Address: Palacio Presidencial, Calle Refugio, Havana

Schedule: 10-17; Saturday up to 18

Entrance is paid

All that is wanted to know about the myth of the Cuban revolution is exposed in this place, in the ex-presidential building that housed as last tenant, the dictator Batista up to 1959,documents, registrations and movies on the revolutionary epic poem.

National Museum

Address: Calle Trocadero, Havana

Schedule: 10-17; closed Tuesday and Wednesday

Entrance is paid

The exhibition is divided in several sections. The pinacoteca, with linens from Spanish, Englishmen, Danish teachers, among them stand out Velásquez, Murillo, Goya and Turner; the Egyptian old art collection, grecian and Roman, considered the most important in Latin America, the gallery dedicated to the Cuban painting from the XVII century to our days, the ceramic collection, and a space for the contemporary exhibitions.

Hemingway Museum

Address: San Francisco de Paula, San Miguel del Padrón, 12 km from Havana

Schedule: 9-16; Sundays 9-12.30

Entrance is paid

Dedicated to the enthusiasts of North American writer who lived in this building from 1939 to 1961. It was here where Hemingway wrote “Whom sound the bells for” and the “Old man and the sea”.

Music National Museum

Address: Calle Cárcel, Havana

Schedule: 9-17; Sundays 8-12; Closed on Mondays

Entrance is paid

There are exposed numerous Afro-Cuban musical instruments, besides the Fernando Ortiz anthropologist's private collection. Disks, scores and instruments are sold, also some concerts are presented in the museum saloon.

CUBAN CUISINE

The traditional cuisine in Cuba is excellente and it would be a sin to get lost looking for other inetrnational plates, proposed in other local. The Cuban culinary art is born from the encounter of the precolumbian cuisine with the African, French, Spanish, English, and the Hindu and indonesa.

The result of this is a miracle of the balance. There are fruits very often so as (mango, papaya, avocado,) mainly to accompany salted plates and to form part of the base of cocktails and drinks.It is used a lot the pig meat, lots of chicken, mainly in the inside of the country, while in the coastal restaurants are intend exquisite sea plates: fish, crustaceans cooked in several ways. The national plate is the "ajiaco" a soup with the help of potato, banana, corn, calf meat, Chicken, and dry meat.

Another typical food is the "congri", made with black beans and rice cooked all together , accompanied by "pig pork cracklings". The "fufú" is on the other hand a banana puree seasoned with "mojo", a fried lightly of oil garlic and cumin. Do not loose teh oportunity to taste the "Creole lobster" that is nothing else but a fried lobster with tomato, onions, peppers, spicy pepper and sour orange juice. Among the candies the "boniatillo", made of sweet potato and sugar and the "coquito acaramelado" also "la mala rabia" also made of sweet potato sugra cane sirope, cinnamon and sweet orange shell.

The diffused drink is the coffee, served to the American way, that is to say not few, and the rum is pure that serve as base to any prepared swig or the numerous cocktails so as Cuba Libre, the Rum punk or Piña Colada. Cuba also produces an excellent beer. The diffused national marks are the Mayabe and The Lagarto.

FUN/SHOPPING

Who doesn't know the Cuban rum and tobacco, known for everyone as best in the world? In the island there are lots of opportunities to return home with some good music, revolutionary souvenir and why not an automobile of the fifty years.

Tobaccos

The tobaccos or cigarettes are of different sizes, they are sold loose or in elegant wooden boxes. Just to see them makes yoy buy them although you are not a smoker, maybe for a beautiful gift. The prices are almost half of the prices in Italy. For example a box with three Montecristo Sigars N.4 costs at about 10 American dollars. They can be bought in the stores. At Havana in the House of 5a and 16 (5a Ave y 16). In Santiago in Casa del Tabaco (Ave. Jesus Menéndez 730). Pay attention to the conservation of the tobacco. An adequate humidity is needed for them.

Craft

Cuban craft reflex the influence of diverse cultures, mainly the African. Many objects are related with the santería, the Afro-Cuban religion diffused per excellency in the island. There can be dolls of pieces and ceramic, masks made of paper maché and wooden sculptures. Puppets of tamarind seeds are also made. Pretty hats palm feathers fibers or of knitted coconut. Baskets and bags are also made. In old Havana there is the Craft Palace (Calle Cuba 64). In Santiago in the Craft House (Cathedral Plaza).

Foods

The rum is bought obligatorily and the most famous mark is The Havana Club in several versions: Liquor, the most economic; Carta Blanca 3 years and particularly used for the cocktails. Carta Oro, 5 years, and the most refined matured during 7 years. The precise goes from 4 to 7 American dollars each bottle. For adventurers the most valuable rum in Cuba is the retained Matusalem, product from Santiago de Cuba matured during 25 years, it can be around the 15 dollars the bottle in Casa del Ron de Obispo y Bernaza in Old Havana.

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Girl's Only Limousine Trip to Philadelphia

2006-11-21T06:12:00.000-08:00

How about ditching the guys for one day and have an all-girls limousine trip to Philadelphia for some fun and excitement? Make this trip an extra special one by booking a limousine, so that you and your girlfriends do not have to argue about who will be the one driving for the trip.

Start out your all-girls limousine trip with a cup of tea or coffee at a locally owned bakery such Petit 4 Pastry Studio, together with some delicately crafted muffins. Once you have had your share of breakfast at this unique bakery, get your limousine driver to take you check out Philadelphia’s oldest attractions such as the Liberty Bell.

The Liberty Bell, home of the cracked icon that started out as a symbol of the Abolitionist movement, and soon represented freedom throughout the world. Here, you and your limousine girls will be able to explore the facts and the myths surrounding the Bell. You may also want to keep your cameras handy to capture some of the dramatic and powerful views of both the Liberty Bell and the Independence Hall, just a few steps away.

When you and your limousine girls are done with historical facts, how about some shopping? Have your limousine driver bring you over to the blocks of 2nd and 3rd Streets between Market and Race for some high-end galleries and boutiques. You and your limousine girls will be thrilled to know that there is no sales tax on clothing here and the wearable merchandise range from straight-from-the-runway fashions at Molletta to the Seven and James brand jeans at Charles Porter, to custom-designed handbags at Viv Pickle.

After the shopping spree, you and your limousine girls can wind down for some lunch at Cuba Libre for some Cuban cuisine. The Cuba Libre’s atmosphere is a unique combination of Latin flavor, ambience and splendor and you may even think that you are in old Havana.

When lunch is over, it is time for a visit to one of the world’s finest collections of Impressionist art, as well as some amazing collective of native African art, masks and objects from Nigeria, Gabon and the Ivory Coast, among other countries. An important thing to remember about this place though, is that it is best to call in advance for tickets.

For dinner, ask your limousine driver to take you to Gloria's Gourmet Seafood. Gloria's Gourmet Seafood is part restaurant and part nightclub and they have live performances on certain nights too. The atmosphere at Gloria's is casual, but you are advised to leave the jeans and sneakers at home.

If you and your limousine girls do not wish to stay back at Gloria's after dinner, you can also choose to party into the wee hours at a nearby nightclub – Fiso Lounge. If you happen to hang out at Fiso Lounge on a Friday, you and your limousine girls will also be able to enjoy free drinks until 11pm.

When you have had enough of dancing and drinking at Fiso's, you and your limousine girls can enjoy the ride home in the limousine, without a tinge of regret of booking it in the first place.

UsCoachwaysLimousine is a leading US-based limousine service provider with an impressive list of limousine service clients. Check out http://www.uscoachwayslimousine.com for more info.

Shopping in New York City

2006-11-21T06:10:00.000-08:00

Whether you’re going uptown or downtown, New York is versatile and sexy! Home to the world’s most fashionable women, the opportunities for shopping in New York City is unrivalled.

Saks 5th Avenue

This venerable New York establishment has been around since 1924 and is the epitome of grace, style and elegance. You can shop till you drop with their extensive collection of products from America and Europe. The information booth on the 50th street side offers quick tips on how to explore ten floors of pure luxury. Start at the basement where the waft of perfumes from the cosmetic counters set the scene. Then take a trip through the in-store designer boutiques namely, Chanel, Gucci & Louis Vuitton. Saks is still famous for its unique shopping experience and boasts the finest men’s department in New York, the best sales imaginable, great value and impeccable sales staff who treat everyone with genuine respect. For a look at the real ladies who lunch, take a peek at Café SFA on the 8th floor.

Bergdorf Goodman

Conservative sophistication with a twist! Bergdorf’s might have a classic air but it houses the most modern of designers, namely Jean Paul Gaultier, Chloe, and Kate Spade, also paying homage to the younger set with mid-price collections by DKNY, Marc by Marc Jacobs, and Bergdorf Goodman Special Custom Collection by the Fashion Institute of Technology. Located in the elegant Vanderbilt Mansion, this store boasts resplendent views of Central Park. The handbag department is one of the best in the city, stocked right through from Prada to Chanel. Stop at the shoe department for a coveted pair of Jimmy Choo’s or if you prefer your Manolo's you’re guaranteed the latest styles. The seventh floor houses gifts and antiques, bridal services and fur collections. Watch out for end of season sales which offer great savings.

Now you can drop your shopping bags and go upstairs to one of the city’s best kept secrets. The Susan Ciminelli Day Spa atop of Bergdorf Goodman offers skin products that not only turn back the clock but also imbue your skin with a radiant glow. Susan’s products are made of the purest essential oils, the finest botanicals and natural seaweed.

De Beers

A little South African diamond in New York: De Beers opened their store amidst great fanfare, joining the ranks of Cartier, Bulgari and Tiffany&Co. At the opening of this 6000-square foot boutique, guests got to walk on Swarovski crystal and delight in de Beers’s 203-carat Millennium Star, the largest pear-shaped flawless stone in the world. 1000 visitors frequent this store daily, enjoying the plush lounge area and the fact that no sales assistants hover. Selections range from $500 to $8 million, and include classic diamond jewelry, plus three fashionable collections of rings, earrings, pins, necklaces and bracelets. There is a bridal bar on the second floor where couples can pick out their engagement rings. The “beauty scan”, technology which is unique to De Beers will provide your wife to be with a true picture of just how bright her diamond sparkles.

Prada Flagship Store

The coolest shop on earth for the coolest clothes in the universe! The collaboration between Miuccia Prada and Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas turns shopping into a theatrical experience with screens and media installations. 23 000 square feet of retail space at a cost of $40 million, offers you a more imaginative shopping experience than the usual stores. First stop is an interactive kiosk where you can find out all sorts of facts about Prada. There is a massive glass elevator that you can shop in, and plasma boxes flash images and information at you while try on impeccable designs. The whole design space looks like a giant wave and there are retractable display cages for merchandise. Computer-equipped dressing rooms have glass doors made with SGG’s Priva-Lite technology, which enable a two-way mirror experience. While you are trying on you can watch what’s going on outside. This is exactly the kind of space you would expect from someone charging $600 for a pair of shoes.

Butik

Danish supermodel Helena Christianson has opened her own signature store with Danish partner, Leif Sigersen. Butick, the Danish version of boutique, houses a heady mix of eighteenth century antiques set off with black roses, marvelous organic chocolates and Matthew Williamson candles. This quirky mix of vintage and modern is sourced mainly from Scandinavia and Paris. You’ll find Norgaard Paa Stroget’s striped maritime T-shirts, and one-off retro-print skirts by Rutzou. Camilla Staerk’s understated footwear, handbags by Ricka, and Veronica Civa’s jewelry. This shop is worthy of exploration and chances are you’ll bump into someone famous. Actress Maggie Gyllenhaal and Russian model sensation, Natalia Vodianova are regulars. Butik is a stone’s throw away from Nicole Fahri’s boutique, 202.

Barneys

All style gurus’ know that Barneys is a celebrity hangout as it has the hottest fashion, delivered fresh from seasonal shows. This is New York’s fashion capital when it comes to department stores, so come on in all you fashionistas. From fur and mile-high stilettos to the latest in jewelry and handbags by designers like Fendi and Hermes, this store has it all – women’s, men’s and children’s clothing with accessories, fragrances, shoes, cosmetics and tableware. Make use of their concierge services, personal shopping and services studio. Pamper yourself at the image studio with your own makeup artist and indulge your every delight at the resident spa. shopping in New York City couldn’t be finer!

New York City is truly a shopper's paradise and at New York Journey we provide an up-to-date directory of where to go and how to get there. All the information you need to know before you embark on a New York travel experience.

Air Travel Timesaving Tips To Speed Your Trip

2006-11-21T06:09:00.000-08:00

Before ariving at the Airport:

. Avoid wearing clothing, jewelry, and accessories that contain metal. Metal items may set off the alarm on the metal detector.

. Instead, place jewelry and other metal items, including the contents of your pockets, in your carry-on baggage until you clear security. Mobile phones, pagers, keys, lighters, and loose change are examples of items containing metal.

. Put all undeveloped film and cameras with film in your Carry-on baggage. Checked baggage screening will damage undeveloped film.

. Check ahead of time with your airline or travel agent to determine the airline's baggage policy, including number of pieces you can bring and the size and weight limitations.

. Carry-on baggage is generally limited to one carry-on bag plus one personal item. Personal items include laptops, purses, small backpacks, briefcases, or camera cases. Remember, 1+1.

. The limit of one carry-on and one personal item (purse, briefcase or computer case) does not apply to medical supplies, equipment, mobility aids and/or assistive devices by a person with a disability.

. Place identification tags with your name, address and your phone number on all your baggage, including your laptop computer. It is a good idea to place an identification tag inside your baggage as well.

. Pack your outer coat or jacket in your baggage when possible.

. Do NOT pack or bring prohibited items to the airport. Visit http://www.tsa.dot.gov for a complete list.

. Leave gifts unwrapped. Be aware that wrapped gifts may need to be opened for inspection. This applies to both carry-on and checked baggage.

. Avoid overpacking so that your articles don't spill out if your bag is opened for inspection.

. Think carefully about the personal items you place in your carry-on baggage. The screeners may have to open your bag and examine its contents.

. Consider placing articles in clear plastic bags inside your baggage to minimize handing of your personal items.

. If you have a medical implant or other device that is likely to set off the alarm on the metal detector, bring evidence verifying this condition. Although this is not a requirement, it may help expedite the screening process.

. Check with your airline or travel agent to determine how early to arrive at the airport. Ask if you should go to the ticket counter or checked-baggage screening area first. Not all airports are the same.

. Check with your airport to confirm which parking lots are open if you will be parking at the airport. Some lots may be closed for security reasons. Be sure to allow extra time for parking and shuttle transportation.

. Bring a boarding pass, ticket, or ticket confirmation, such as a printed itinerary and a government-issued photo ID. Children under the age of 18 do not require an ID.

. Double check your carry-on baggage to make sure you have removed prohibited items such as pocketknives, scissors, and tools.

. If you do not have checked baggage and you already have a boarding pass, ticket or ticket confirmation, you can proceed directly to your gate through the security checkpoint. Please note that certain airlines do not offer gate check-in.

AT the Airport:

. Do NOT bring drinks or other liquids to the security checkpoint unless they are in paper or polystyrene (e.g. Styrofoam™), sealed or seal-able/spill-proof containers.

. Do NOT bring food to the security checkpoint unless it is wrapped or in a container. Unpeeled natural foods like fruit are ok.

. Put metal IN your carry-on bag, this includes jewelry, loose change, keys, mobile phone, pagers, and personal data assistants (PDAs).

. Take OUT your laptop computer. Place it in a bin, separate from its carry case.

. Take OFF your outer coat. Place it in a bin. Suit jackets and blazers do not have to be removed, unless requested by the screener.

Gerald Crawford was born in South Africa, studied electronics, telecommunication, eco-travel and african travel concepts. He taught responsible tourism in South Africa. If you have any questions or comments please e-mail me on. E-mail Address: southafricantravelarticles@12234455.co.za Website Address: www.12234455.co.za

The Names Behind Cigars

2006-11-21T06:07:00.000-08:00

If you're an avid cigar smoker, chances are you have pondered the question on the minds of many: what would I call my cigar line if I suddenly found myself rolling tobacco? Some of you might name it after your mom, others may name it after a childhood pet, calling it something like Smokey. Some of you may name it after a specific region, and others may simply love it, hug it, and name it George.

Those who do roll their own tobacco ponder this very same question; they often find their answers in a plethora of places. Attesting to the variety and individuality each line of cigars possess, the names maintain a similar sense of originality. The following is a list of some of the names of cigars on the market and the reasons for their declaration.

Romeo Y Juliet - Most of us know the story of Romeo and Juliet, the tale of two ill-fated people trapped between the conflict of dueling families. Known as one of the most stunning love stories of all time, William Shakespeare’s portrayal of two innocent lovers put Romeo and Juliet on the map, making them representative of both a true love lost and the problem with communication between those who are dating. As cigars, Romeo and Juliet fair much better; the tragedy lies in not smoking them.

William Penn- Born in 1644, William Penn founded the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, a colony in North America that became the state of Pennsylvania. Overseeing the affairs of the Commonwealth, Penn became influential to the US Constitution. A bit overzealous, Penn also composed and published The United States of Europe, a plan to unify Europe in American fashion. William Penn was particularly notable because, in a time of oppression, he treated Native Americans with the respect they deserved. In fact, he often served as a mediator whenever a dispute came about.

Winston Churchill - The name Churchill has become so synonymous with the word cigars that some people may forget Winston Churchill was actually a statesman, an orator, and a Prime Minister. However, a cigar smoker first a prime minister and all the rest second, there are very few men in history who were as enthusiastic about cigars as Winston. His insistence on rarely being photographed without a cigar in hand led one London cartoonist to dub him “Cigarface.”

Henry Clay - An American politician and the founder of the Whig Party, Henry Clay served in the House of Representatives and the United States Senate. Elemental in fighting for modernization and economic development, Henry Clay was also known as The Great Compromiser for his ability to remain clam and composed when facing issues of extreme duress. In his personal life, Henry Clay was a seeker of pleasantries and a gambler, having twice fought in a duel. It was probably his taste of the good life, as well as the fact that he represented a state where tobacco was grown, that led to a cigar line being rolled in his name

Monte Cristo - This cigar brand was named for The Count of Monte Cristo, a novel written by Alexandre Dumas. Legend states that this novel was very well liked among cigar rollers; it was often read aloud in the factories while the rollers worked. Considered to be one of Dumas’ best books, The Counte of Monte Cristo involves the supposedly true tale of a man imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit; he was framed by four jealous friends. While in prison, he was befriended by a dying man and told of the location of a treasure. After his release, this man found the treasure, adopted a new identity and began plotting his revenge.

Mike Ditka - Da, cigars! The Mike Ditka cigar line is named for, who else, Mike Ditka. Born in 1939, Ditka made a name for himself as a player, a coach, and a television commentator. He’s best known as coach of the Chicago Bears and remains one of only two people to have won a Super Bowl as a player, an assistant coach, and a head coach. Mike Ditka cigars contain a cigar band that is a duplication of the 1985 Super Bowl ring. The cigars, like the man they are named for, contain a bit of bite.

Don Juan - As legend states, Don Juan was a man who courted a girl of noble blood, killing her father when he interfered. Much later, when Don Juan saw a statue of the man he had killed, he irreverently invited it to come over to dine. The statue gladly accepted and the ghost of the murdered man arrived for dinner (don’t you hate when that happens?). As this ghost shook Don Juan’s hand, Don Juan was dragged into Hell.

Simon Bolivar - Often credited with liberating Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Panama, and Bolivia, Simon Bolivar is one of the most renown figures in South American history. Having freed these countries from Spanish rule, he is known as The Liberator. Seventy-one years after his death, in 1901, the Roche Company in Havana honored him by placing his name on their cigar brand.

Having a cigar named after you is a huge honor; few people have the ability to look in a cloud of cigar smoke and see their reflection. Whether a brand is named for a historical figure or a figure of literary merit, the names behind each brand of cigars all serve a purpose, and they all tell a story, forever perpetuating the unique culture that only the luxury of tobacco can possess.

Jennifer Jordan is an editor and staff writer for http://www.whatsknottolove.com. At home in a design firm in Denver, Colorado, she writes articles specific to the finer things in life.

Dubai Marina - The Heart Of UAE

2006-11-21T06:06:00.000-08:00

Providing dubai with an adequate amount of living and working space has always remained to be one of the prime concerns for its planners. But, with very little possibility being left out for growing horizontally, the developers have had no other choice but to go looking forward to achieving some vertical enhancements. This means building up more and more number of towers in the areas already being dug up and under construction. Providing more accommodation in the form of dubai marina was the next move they could have thought of, and what a brilliant idea it has proved to be until now. There is no better way than to start building houses on the seabed anyway, to meet up with the man's growing desire for accommodation.

The marina, called initially Westside, looks set to become one of the main tourism attractions for the travellers in the years to follow. dubai hotels have also started moving in with their assets having got the wind of its rising value. Notwithstanding the current record for being the biggest man-made marina in the name of marina Del Rey in Los Angeles, dubai's marina promises to become a more exciting prospect for the trade and commerce and the travellers on its completion.

Having started taking shape since the year 1998, the plans remain no more a secret for the outside world by today. It will be providing with an extra amount of 53 million square feet for dubai's needs by the time it fully gets running. The project involves carving out of 2 miles of dubai's shoreline for making various constructions, including featuring canals just like in Venice. With the aims like building up high-end villas and apartments for about 120,000 people, the dubai marina development looks set to become one of the best in man's history until today.

The first phase of the dubai marina development, comprising of 25 acres, lasted from the year 1999 to 2003 and cost $200 million in amounts. Six freehold waterfront apartment towers and 64 villas, all having rooftop gardens were constructed during this initial development. Since the foreign nationals were allowed to own these villas and apartments, it was a great opportunity for all those who had a desire for owning houses in dubai. The very thought of marina living is such an exciting prospect, specially for those with a high-end purchasing power, that these properties have been selling like hot cakes. The development of phase one also included the construction of parking space for 2000 cars, sports facilities, 6 swimming pools, themed restaurants, a prayer hall, and a space for retail outlets. All of this was planned and constructed just to see through the initial phase.

The entire zone of dubai marina is also called as the Heart of New dubai because of its strategic location within the fast growing areas of the city. The intention behind its development was to create a small-scale city within dubai with an enviable infrastructure. It is precisely situated on Interchange 5, between Jebel Ali Port and dubai Internet City, dubai Media City, and the American University, thus providing the perfect location for getting on with dubai's life.

This man-made marina is being developed by the real estate giant of UAE, Emaar Properties, and will have 200 buildings, including skyscrapers, marina Torch, dubai marina Towers, Number One dubai, Princess Tower, Infinity Tower, marina Terrace, Horizon Tower, and Le Reve, besides providing a strategic access to many hotel owners.

An ambitious project within dubai marina will be marina 101, which is expected to measure up to 412 meters in height on its completion. It will provide 1.5 million square feet of living and working space to the occupiers of its 101 planned floors. This building is part of Sheffield Real Estate, a global real estate giant, widely known for their freehold property developments. The amount of space to be generated by this building will be unparalleled anywhere in or outside dubai. Additionally, the very outlook of marina 101 is going to be fabulous, with the outer layer being constructed of glass and the summit to be made to look like as a glowing crown. The tower is expected to be available by the year 2010.

There is no argument about the excitement dubai marina holds and the commerce it might generate. What remains to be seen however, is how long will it remain the prime location of UAE, since dubai is well known for dishing out similar landmarks on a regular interval.

Pinks Johnes is an India based freelance writer who often writes on behalf of DubaiFurnishedApartments.com Have a look on this site to learn about Dubai accommodation and furnished apartments, and also to have them compared with what Dubai hotels might offer you.

South African Travel Tips When Visiting The North West Province

2006-11-21T06:00:00.000-08:00

The North West province is a diverse mix of wildlife reserves, cultural and heritage sites, archaeological treasures and entertainment resorts, such as the world-renowed pleasure spots of Sun City, its Lost City and Valley of the Waves, make this province attractive to the local and international tourist.

However, even though the combination of five-star casino resorts and the bush experience, as provided by the Pilanesberg National Park, is a winner, the province's other attractions are culturally rich and of great importance. Sites and routes such as the Taung Archaeological site, where it was believed Darwin's missing link was found, and the Crocodile River Ramble, exploring local arts and crafts along the way, are noteworthy.

Sport and outdoor enthusiasts will feel at home in these natural surroundings that cater for activities ranging from water-skiing to mountain-climbing, with the town of mafikeng well-known for providing some of the best gliding conditions in the world.

CLIMATE:

The North West province experiences warm to hot summers and cold to very cold winters. This province offers almost year-round sunshine meaning visitors will spend very few days indoors. The province enjoys a summer rainfall, which normally sees thunderstorms occurring in the late afternoon. Rain falls mainly between December and March, however the more west one travels the drier it becomes.

SHOPPING:

Shopping malls, antique shops, craft markets, art galleries as well as roadside vendors and stalls are plentiful throughout the province. Not-to-be-missed is the enjoyable Crocodile River Ramble shopping route. Good buys include fruit, biltong, home-made jams and preserves, mampoer (locally distilled liquor), local arts and crafts, ethnic clothing and fabrics.

TOP TEN ATTRACTIONS:

Sun City:

The complex boasts two world-famous golf courses, which annually host the Nedbank 2-million golf challenge, one of the richest invitational tournaments in the world. There is a full casino at the resort, revue theatres and restaurants for every taste. The Valley of the Waves is an inland sea enjoyed by all water and beach enthusiasts. Different tours can be taken including visits to the new cultural village and the botanical gardens.

Pilanesberg National Park:

Known as "Jewel of the North West" This unusual reserve, the fourth largest in South Africa, is set high in the Pilanesberg range and traverses the floor of a long-extinct volcano. The reserve is home to all the main African game species including The Big Five. For the more adventurous, hot-air balloon safaris can be arranged.

mafikeng:

"The place of boulders", mafikeng offers numerous sporting facilities including two golf courses. There is a major conference centre, complemented by two excellent hotels and a casino. The town hosted the 2001 International Gliding Championships from its modern airport. Gliding conditions around mafikeng are regarded as among the best in the world. A short distance from the town is the mafikeng Game Reserve, well known as a breeding centre for rhino and other plains species.

Taung Archaeological Site:

"The place of the lion", this is the location of the world-famous Taung archaeological site at the Buxton limestone quarry where, in 1924 the lime-encrusted skull of a child was discovered and later named Australopithecus africanus by the scientist, Dr Raymond Dart. The prehistoric skull - half man, half ape, is said to have provided the missing link in Darwin's theory of evolution.

Bloemhof dam Nature Reserve:

Ideal stopover to enjoy a drive through Bloemhof dam Nature Reserve which has a variety of small and large antelope species and 256 bird species, with the option of staying over to take in some angling for carp and barbel on either the Bloemhof dam or the Vaal River. Bloemhof dam caters for water sports enthusiasts and is one of the prime angling destinations in South Africa hosting a number of major local and international angling competitions.

Potchefstroom:

The oldest town in South Africa, Potchefstroom was also the republic's first capital. Attractions include the Potchefstroom Museum (in the house of the first president), The Old Fort and Museum, Totius House Museum, Andrew Carnegie Library and City Hall, Goetz Fleischack Museum, North West Command and Oak Avenue.

Rustenburg:

Platinum mining town of Rustenburg where huge deposits of this valuable mineral are mined. Rustenburg has its own Nature Reserve, which protects a large herd of the rare sable antelope. Visitors are allowed to hike in the park.

Hartbeesport dam:

The Hartbeesport dam nestles in the shadow of the Magaliesberg and is popular for fishing, boating, water-skiing and yachting. There is a mine, zoo and a couple of small holiday villages, including the attractive kosmos flowers around the dam.

Magaliesberg:

For local arts and crafts, a driving route which begins in Johannesburg and extends to the Magaliesberg area takes in the homes or shops of a host of artists, potters and craftspeople, known as the Crocodile River Ramble. There are a number of pleasant accommodation options and camping spots in the Magaliesberg area.

Mampoer Route:

Well known for the quality of its mampoer, a powerful home-brew made from fruit such as peaches and apricots. The Mampoer Route is about 60km long and introduces visitors to the secrets of the distilling process and also includes a visit to a trout breeding farm and a game farm.

How to Find Cheap Travel

2006-11-21T05:59:00.000-08:00

student travel has come a long way in the past few decades. It is no longer considered a rarity. Gap years, student electives abroad and cheap summer holidays in distant places, have become part of the generally life-enriching experience that is now considered synonymous with the student status. (Frost F et al., 1999)

The current financial climate, with many students having to rely on student loans, parental support, holiday jobs or personal savings for their financial fluidity, largely dictates and limits just what can be achieved in this regard and there are a number of ploys and strategies that are commonly used to make the money go further or, to look at it another way, to allow the same money let the student go further! (Reisinger Y et al., 2004)

We can start by taking an overview of the situation and dividing up the travel costs into those that are necessary to arrive at a destination and those that are necessarily incurred to move around once the student has arrived.

Generally speaking, the preferred way to travel is by flying. It is often the quickest way to travel long distances and in these days of competitive pricing strategies, many of the no-frills and budget airlines are offering very cheap flights across mainland Europe. The unwary student should note that the eye-catching prices quoted are invariably exclusive of taxes and fuel surcharges which can add between £30-£200 onto the quoted cost (depending on destination and distance).

As a general rule, the cheaper the flight, the greater the sacrifice of both flexibility and conditions. A flight that arrives or leaves in the early hours of the morning, does not supply food, has minimal in-flight entertainment and a strict baggage allowance, is clearly going to cost less than one that has additional amenities. A word of caution also for these flights as there are generally strict terms and conditions, limited changeability and minimal prospect of refund if there’s a problem.

Cheap flights are at the other end of the spectrum from cheap holidays. With holidays the greatest savings are made by those who are willing to book at the last minute. With flights, the converse is true. As flights get booked up, the prices tend to rise. (Bernstein J et al., 1999)

Two of the most commonly used mechanisms for obtaining cheap flights are flight-brokers and screen scrapers. The flight brokers make their money by selling you a flight that gives them a commission. There is therefore a balance between the amount of commission that an airline pays them to fill their seats and the requirements of the student. The screen scrapers are web-based tools such as travelSupermarket, travelJungle, and SkyScanner. You effectively enter your requirements and these sites send the details to dozens of airlines (and some brokers) and display their findings with the cheapest first. (Sheth A et al., 2002)

There are variations on this process with sites like Expedia and travelocity specialising in long-haul flights and Expedia and Opodo allowing flights to one airport then leaving from another. flights Direct will specifically examine the charter market for occasional bargains.

If you intend to fly on certain dates a few months in the future, it is well worth signing up to the e-mail lists of the appropriate airlines. They will send out details of short-term sales so that you can snap them up at the right moment if they come up. British Airways, Opodo, American Airlines and KLM are particularly good for this type of approach.

Once at the destination, the student has to consider the best way of travelling around. Rather like the airlines, one pays for convenience, accessibility and comfort – the cheapest forms of travel generally being the slowest and least luxurious. It is clearly impossible to generalise throughout the world, but hitch-hiking, which might have once been considered the cheapest way to travel, has a distinct risk element of personal safety and clearly is inappropriate for the lone female traveller. Many of the commercially available insurance policies specifically forbid such practices. (Cullinane S, 2002)

Public transport is often the most reliable of the cheaper options. Either the local busses, the long-haul coaches or the train services being generally safe and reliable. Many of the more developed countries offer student travel cards (or a variant) to reduce the costs of repeated journeys and some bus companies (Australia travel being a notable example) will sell an open ticket between two specified destinations which can be used with different segments of the journey being undertaken over a period of several weeks.

There are other considerations relating to travel such as how best to deal with money. The time-honoured way of carrying travellers cheques may no longer be popular, with many students electing for the convenience of “plastic” money and credit cards. One should note that Mastercard will generally convert foreign exchange transactions at about the best commercially available rate, but will then add about 2.75%. This does vary between cards and therefore should be individually checked. Overseas cash withdrawals are also usually subject to a 2% additional fee (minimum charge £2) on both credit and debit cards. In addition to all of this, some credit card companies will also add a transaction fee on foreign transactions. (Halifax is currently the worst, levying £1.75 on each transaction.) For the student, the Post Office or Nationwide credit cards appear to be the best option. They have no levy on overseas purchases but they do charge interest on all cash withdrawals.

As with all travel, insurance is not essential, but only the most foolhardy student would travel without it. The annual multi-trip insurance is seldom competitive except for the USA where it may work out cheaper than individual trip cover(mainly because of the medical expense element applicable to the USA). Most will require you to be staying at pre-booked venues which may not be appropriate for the student traveller.

Decide what coveryou need, what excess you need (the first part of each claim that you have to pay yourself) and then shop around. The classic insurance selling line is “why not upgrade to our platinum policy, with £30 million worth of medical coveretc.” In real terms, the chances of you ever needing more than £2 million of medical coveror repatriation to the UK is virtually negligible and therefore perhaps best avoided. A good plan is to include a personal liability coverof £1 million and also coverfor “cancellations and curtailments” together with coverfor lost or delayed baggage and cash.

You should note that Europe-only coveris cheaper than further afield and therefore only select wider coverif it is appropriate. Lastly, ensure that the company you are dealing with is covered by FSA regulated underwriters.

Bear in mind also that the new EHIC card (free from www.dh.gov.uk/travellers) will provide free or discounted health care costs in the EU, but does not coverany repatriation costs.

Useful sites for comparisons and costs are travel-Insurance-Web for Europe-only travel and Insure For for world-wide travel.

References

Judith Bernstein, Susan C. Awe (1999) “Wired travellers : travel and tourism”, Reference Services Review ISSN: 0090-7324 Dec 1999 Vol 27 (4) 364 - 375

Cullinane S (2002) “The relationship between car ownership and public transport provision: a case study of Hong Kong” Transport policy Vol 9, (1), January 2002, pp. 29-39(11)

Frost F, T Shanka (1999) “Asian Australian student travel preferences: An empirical study”, Asia Pacific Journal of Tourism Research, 1999

REISINGER Y, F MAVONDO (2004) “Determinants of youth travel market’s perceptions of tourism destinations” Page 1. Tourism Analysis, Vol. 7 pp. 55–66 1083-5423/02 2004

Sheth, A. Bertram, C. Avant, D. Hammond, B. Kochut, K. Warke, Y. (2002) “Managing semantic content for the Web”, Internet Computing IEEE Jul/Aug 2002 Vol: 6, (4) 80- 87

This article was written by Verena Veneeva professional writer working for http://www.coursework4you.co.uk
You are free to reprint this article; however should you do so you must place a hyperlink to Papers4you

Historic Monaco Grand Prix - Grand Prix de Monaco Historique

2006-11-21T05:57:00.001-08:00

The first Monaco Grand prix was held in 1929 and it is now an important part of the formula one calendar. The race covers many of the streets Principality of Monaco.

It is probably one of the most spectacular on the formula one season being set a few metres from the Mediterranean Sea and at the foothills of the Alps. It is also very expensive and restaurant and hotel prices are adjusted accordingly for the long weekend event that is normally held in May. This is the same time as the Cannes Film Festival.

In 1997 the first Historic Monaco Grand prix (Grand prix de Monaco Historique) was held. The idea was to hold the race the week before the main formula one event on the same circuit, particularly as all the infrastructure is in place.

It was then held in 2000 and since then every two years in May. Unlike the formula one event that is 78 laps the races are only 10 to 15 laps depending on the category of cars racing. The event that is organised by the Automobile Club de Monaco is held over Saturday and Sunday with qualifying on the Saturday. cars that are racing date back to pre- 1947, but there cannot be any post 1978 cars.

The day will attract many visitors who will also go to the annual “Goodwood" Revival meeting in England in September. Unlike the formula one race the tickets are not expensive (about 10% of the cost – Approximately 15 euros) and restaurant prices are still normal unlike when the formula one event is on. You can have a most enjoyable day's entertainment.

If you are visiting Monaco for the day, as many of the roads are closed off, parking can be very difficult. An excellent alternative to trying to come in by car is to take a train. There is a great service running along the coast from Ventimigla in Italy (plus Italian connections) on one side to Marseille on the other.

The noise from the track is not so loud as it would be for a modern formula one race, unless they hold a parade of Ferraris as they did in 2004 and many of these were formula one models. There is plenty of atmosphere to absorb including people watching the race from the yachts in the harbour or just people watching!

The Historic Grand prix meeting is not over expensive to organise, as the stands, safety barriers, and the other essential infrastructure parts are already in place for the following week's F1 World Championship Grand prix. Because many of the races are for cars from an age when drivers could be seen at work.

Today's F1 cars have high cockpit surrounds so it's difficult to see anything except the driver's head/safety helmet - with the cars in the Historic Grand prix you can enjoy watching these racers with arms steering their beasts, often on opposite lock as they defy physics whilst treading that invisible line between total control and spinning off into the barriers.

Of course, it's only the bravest and most talented who drive these beasts at 10/10ths - some others are content to lap the circuit much more sedately, not wishing to take huge risks with their irreplaceable historic cars. But the heroes and heroines are those that have their cars sliding on the edge and giving spectators images that will last forever. 2006

The 5th Historic Grand prix was no exception. Memorable. It took place on Sunday 21st May 2006, with practice sessions on Saturday 20th May.

The day's racing included a 10 lap event for sports cars built before 1953. In 1952, the Monaco event had been run for sports cars, as this was a period in F1 when the regulations were being changed from one engine to another and there was not an abundance of single-seater racing cars. How different to 1974, when 32 cars vied for 25 places on the grid..... The 2006 sports-car race featured cars that had competed in the '52 event or were competing in similar races at that time.

Amongst a gaggle of well driven 3.4 litre Jaguar C types, a brace of Ferrari 2-litre spyders, an Aston Martin DB3, a magnificent Gordini and two pre-2nd World War BMWs were a trio of Frazer-Nash cars. Much less powerful than many of the other runners, one of them, in the masterly hands of John Ure, dominated the event in early 2000 Schumacher style. Every lap, right on the limit, every lap like poetry in motion. That's why so many enthusiasts show up from around Europe and beyond.

Martin Stretton, in one of two 6-wheel Tyrrell-Cosworth 'bolides' in the 1975-78, was another on the edge throughout the penultimate race, perhaps the most exciting event of the day. Stretton, who prepares historic cars for a living, certainly knows how to make 'em slither and slide but somehow manages to keep them out of the barriers. He is the only driver to have won here at each Historic meeting to date.

Another sparkler, American Duncan Dayton came away from the meeting with two fine victories, one in the beautiful 1959 Lotus 16 and another in a 1970 Brabham. In both races he and his great rival, Spaniard Joaquin Folch, locked horns for the umpteenth time. Folch, a previous multi-winner here, had to settle for 2nd in one event and retired early in the other, mechanical gremlins spoiling what should have been a battle royal between the two Lotus 16 matadors.

Further information about Monaco: It is located on the Mediterranean Sea, tucked into the Maritimes Alps, it is only minutes from Nice International Airport ( bus, train and helicopter connections) and the French and Italian Rivieras. It has a population of 32,020 and is 2 sq km in size. The currency is the euro as in the neighbouring countries. Most of the people who dwell here come from somewhere else, drawn by the sun, glamorous lifestyle and – most importantly – tax-free income and more police per head of population than in any other European country.

If you are in the area for the Historic Grand prix or the formula one Grand prix and are staying for a few days an enjoyable pastime is a visit to the annual Cannes Film Festival. Like in Monaco if you enjoy watching people, there are certainly plenty to watch at Cannes.

Philip Suter is a Director of jml Property Services; http://www.jmlproperty.co.uk a UK based company offering Insurance products on line at http://www.jml-property-insurance.co.uk and a holiday home advertising service http://www.jmlvillas.com and management training within the UK. He a travel writer and is a very experienced property consultant with over 30 years work in the Residential letting business in the UK and served on the National Council of ARLA. He is a Fellow of the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) and a Member of The association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA)

“Are We There Yet"? Eight Sanity Saving Holiday Travel Tips

2006-11-21T05:57:00.000-08:00

COME FLY WITH ME

1. Morning routes are best for avoiding delays. Booking an early flight rather than a later one gives you more options in the event you are bumped; you’ll have a better chance of getting on another flight the same day. Flying direct is best but, if a connection is necessary, try to fly through a southern hub like Dallas, Charlotte, or Phoenix, where you can at least eliminate weather as a problem. PS: check out secondary airports, which are offering more flights and expanded, improved services.

2. Luggage regulations differ from airline to airline, but you can generally check two bags weighing less than 50 pounds each for free on domestic flights. check with your airline as these rules are subject to change. Try to ship gifts ahead of time but, if bringing presents on your flight, don't wrap them; they might be examined by security. Keep expensive or fragile items in your carry-on to cut down on the chances they'll be damaged or stolen. PS: Completely avoid baggage hassles by shipping everything ahead of time. Try sportsexpress.com, skycapinternational.com, or virtualbellhop.com.

3. check out check-in procedures. Many airlines' websites make it possible for passengers to print out boarding passes at home. Use a curbside skycap if you’re checking luggage; some airlines let them issue boarding passes as well. Inside the terminal, look for a self-service check-in kiosk, where you can quickly get your boarding pass and sometimes check your luggage.

4. Try to use public transportation, as airport parking lots get filled quickly around the holidays. If you must drive, consider a private parking lot near the airport, which will shuttle you to and from the terminal. Find, compare, and reserve airport parking at major US airports at carparknet.com, airportparkingreservations.com, airportdiscountparking.com, and parkingaccess.com. PS: If you live far from an airport and have an early flight, you might want to stay at an airport hotel the night before; some allow you to park your car at the hotel until you return (parksleepfly.com).

5. No matter how well prepared it’s probably inevitable you’ll be stuck in an airport. So check out The Travel Detective: flight Crew Confidential by Peter Greenberg. It lists pilot and flight-attendant picks for the best stores and services in major airports and cities around the world.

HIT THE ROAD, JACK

6. The AAA recommends mapping your route in advance using an online mapping tool. Gas up, buckle up, and get a full night's rest before you set off. PS: Limit yourself to an eight hour driving day; take a break every two hours or 100 miles.

7. Prepare a road survival kit for each kid: books, crayons, coloring books, magnetic puzzles, etc. If your hearing can take it, consider All-American Car-i-oke, a book and CD that create the karaoke experience in the car. PS: check out travelforkids.com and momsminivan.com.

8. Renting a car? Confirm your reservation. Car-rental outfits figure on a no-show rate of 20 percent, so calling to confirm before you arrive lets them know you won't be among that 20. Try to arrive at the rental counter in late morning or early afternoon. PS: Inquire ahead of time about express check-in programs so you can skip any lines.

Don’t forget Spot and Fido! Whether traveling by plane or car, be sure your pet is properly identified with a current tag or microchip. For advice on air travel with pets go to www.aspca.org and click on Pet Care. If your four legged friends aren’t going, plan ahead and make sure they get the best care while you’re gone.

Rosemary Chieppo has been a professional organizer, writer and public speaker since 1999. The costs of not being organized are enormous: time, money and stress. Organizing is the greatest gift people can give themselves; it clears the path to life’s more important destinations! Visit Rosemary's website at http://www.borntoorganize.com

Winter Prom Party at Jackson, New Hampshire

2006-11-21T05:55:00.000-08:00

Come along for a new type of prom party in our Jackson Winter Prom Party Limousine. Our driver will take you and your friends the classic White Mountain Villages of Jackson, New Hampshire. It is said that for almost 200 years, the Jackson Hampshire area has held a special attraction for visitors from around the world.

Jackson and the classic White Mountain villages of Bartlett, Glen and Intervale have been a popular destination for winter visitors and this is definitely one place you and your prom party friends will have wonderful memories to keep for a long time.

If you and your prom party friends think that having a winter prom party is only about staying indoors and chill out, well, think again. At Jackson, New Hampshire, there are a lot of things that you can do outdoors and one of such is snowmobiling. Rated number 1 in the East by Snow Country and Skiing Magazines, Jackson Ski Touring is said to be the heart of the village.

Step out and enjoy some of the finest tracks in the world, as Jackson’s 154km of trails are renowned for the quality of the grooming and for the fun and adventure they provide. The trails entwine through the village and lead into mountains and valleys for more challenging cross country skiing journeys. An interesting point that you and your party friends should take not of is that the trails lead from inn to inn and to about 12 restaurants. So, anytime you feel tired or need a drink or some food, there is always one nearby. An important thing to note though, is that as with all outdoor activities in winter, it is important that you and your prom party friends are prepared. Dress for snowmobiling as you would for downhill skiing and that means you will require thermal underwear, moisture resistant outerwear, wool socks, mittens and warm boots. It is best that you and your prom party friends eat a hearty meal before heading out and be sure to bring water and a light snack for later along the trails.

When you and your prom party friends return from your snowmobiling trip, and hunger strikes, it would be a great idea to have your dinner at the Wentworth. The proper attire eating at the Wentworth is elegant casual, meaning jackets are not required, but denim jeans, t-shirts and such are not considered appropriate.

Even though you and your prom party friends may be exhausted after a long day of snowmobiling, be assured that your Jackson Winter Prom Party Limousine driver is standing by to bring all of you back to your home sweet home.

UsCoachwaysLimousine is a leading US-based limousine service provider with an impressive list of limousine service clients. Check out http://www.uscoachwayslimousine.com for more info.

Reasons to Tour Florida by Tour Bus

2006-11-21T05:54:00.000-08:00

There are many reasons why the best way to travel and tour Florida is by tour bus and we’re going to list them here. For one, if you’re traveling in a group, especially so if the group is especially large, get a tour bus so that everyone comes and goes in a group. This way no one gets left behind while the others are busy exploring the richness of Florida. The tour bus will take care of all your traveling needs while ensuring that you are comfortable in the tour bus. Why bother with having to drive yourself there individually when you can hire a tour bus to get to where you want to go in Florida. And Florida is much too beautiful a place to spend worrying about traveling – so, that’s the number one reason why hiring a tour bus in Florida makes perfect sense.

Another reason why you should hire a tour bus whenever you get to Florida is because Florida tour bus fees are not expensive at all! Most people are turned off the idea because the first impression that they get about Florida tour bus is that they’re expensive. This doesn’t have to be so. There are many different types of tour buses being offered and all you have to do is to pick a tour bus that is suitable for your group of people. The smaller the tour bus, the cheaper it is.

And besides, having a tour bus at your beck-and-call in Florida means that you get that special personalized service that is not possible otherwise. I mean, a whole tour bus in Florida just for you! You don’t this kind of feeling driving yourself around in a rented car. Imagine the kind of memories you will have of Florida if you hired a tour bus.

Remember, the most important thing is that everyone needs to be happy and everyone should get the chance to explore Florida as much as they can. The only way to do this is to hire a tour bus and take ‘traveling woes’ out of your holiday. Throw the compass and map away because with a Florida tour bus – you don’t need them. Just sit back and relax while the tour bus takes you all around Florida and you lap up as much sun-bathing time as you can.

UsCoachways is a leading US-based charter bus service provider with an impressive list of charter bus service clients. Check out http://www.uscoachways.com

Summering In The Winter In San Diego

2006-11-21T05:53:00.001-08:00

For those of us that live in San Diego, we all know we have it lucky. If you are looking for a break from the winter months, you might consider a quick trip to San Diego.

77 degrees, shorts, tank top, flip flops, windows open. Yep, this is the situation as I write this on a “brisk” San Diego day. Oh, I should probably mention it is November 19th. While it may be an expensive place to live, there is little doubt that the climate in San Diego makes it all worth it. Okay, maybe not when you consider homes costs $700,000, but I am willing to rent.

Most people come to visit San Diego in the Summer for obvious reasons. Summer on the beach is the prototypical one. The kids are out of school. You can head to the famous San Diego Zoo. You can catch a Padres game out in the sun. Then again, you can just lounge on the beach all day. All of these are good reasons, but a trip to San Diego has a lot going for it as well.

If you head to San Diego in the winter, you are going to find a lot of great things. First, it is warm. Near panic breaks out here when the temperature drops below 65 every so often. rain? We don’t need no stinking rain. Heck, a wet winter is a whopping 12 inches of rain for the entire year! In short, you are going to find a fairly warm, dry climate that can be a nice change from the snow, cold and rain of other locations.

Another great reason for coming to San Diego in the winter is the lack of other travelers. You can lay on beaches in relative solitude. You can hit the local restaurant scene and see nary a line. You can actually visit the San Diego Zoo without having to bring a crowbar to wedge yourself between people to see exhibits. If pro football is your thing, you can always score tickets to Chargers games. If college is more your taste, the Holiday Bowl offers the best game every year with the winner usually being decided on the last play.

If you are growing tired of the cold, rain and snow this winter, relief is a short flight away. Give San Diego a try and you will not regret it.

Rick Chapo is with Nomad Journals - makers of outdoors gifts that make great christmas gifts for dad.

Take the Charter Bus to Washington’s National Zoo

2006-11-21T05:53:00.000-08:00

washington is a place rich with culture and tourist attractions right for just about anyone with any type of preference. People of all age groups will definitely find washington a very nice place indeed. For the young adults, they will be excited about the night life in washington. And instead of worrying about driving themselves home after a night of hard partying, they can get a charter bus. For tired kids who had their fill at the National Zoo in washington, they will instantly fall asleep in a charter bus after a whole day or animal viewing. And for shoppers, the charter bus MUST be a dream-come-true - just the right place to rest their tired feet after a whole day of shopping and heading towards the next shopping destination that washington is so full of.

The National Zoo in washington will be a hit with just about anybody, really, because there are thousands of animals from all over the world. The Once you get off the charter bus at washington’s National Zoo, you’ll enter a world that completely natural. The ambience is just right too. Kids will love it and the adults will be happy that they have decided to ask the charter bus to stop here.

If this is a family trip via a charter bus, you’ll take home lots of memories with you and photos too. Admission into the washington National Zoo is completely free of charge and the zoo is open from as early as 6 in the morning till about 8 at night, so, you’ll have plenty of time. Don’t worry about what time you get back to the hotel because the charter bus will be right outside waiting for you to finish off your visit. There’s absolutely no rushing necessary.

A visit to washington’s National Zoo is an enriching experience because it not only is a good educational opportunity for the kids, it’s a good opportunity for family members and friends to bond together as they share a good moment simply going back to nature.

UsCoachways is a leading US-based charter bus service provider with an impressive list of charter bus service clients. Check out http://www.uscoachways.com

Tour Chicago in a Charter bus

2006-11-21T05:52:00.000-08:00

chicago is an amazingly diverse place to visit and if you don’t have a charter bus for the purpose of touring and getting around chicago, you might find yourself in a bind sooner than you think. With a charter bus handy, you can spend the whole time concentrating on enjoying yourself. The first place we think you should spend a little bit of time exploring is the John Hancock Observatory. This chicago landmark is where the charter bus can take you easily so that you can peek over and enjoy the awesome scene that chicago has to offer. If you prefer the Sears Tower Skydeck, just let the charter bus driver know and he or she will take you there in a blink of an eye.

Eating, partying and shopping in chicago – that’s part of the purpose of coming to chicago in the first place – but knowing the history and lifestyle of the people in chicago is important as well. That is why we highly recommend that you take the charter bus to chicago’s Amazing chicago Funhouse Maze. The charter bus driver can tell you that the chicago Funhouse Maze can be found on Navy Pier and once you hop off the charter bus, you’re going to get into a place where you will be dazzled with 3D special effects with mirrors weaving in and out between each other. Before you get back to the charter bus, you’ll be amazed with the history of chicago and understands what makes chicago absolutely so precious.

After this mind-blowing experience, it’s time to get back to nature, so, tell the charter bus to take you to two of the country’s best zoos – the Lincoln Park Zoo and the Brookfield Zoo. These zoos can be found quite near to each other and the charter bus will be heading of west of chicago. You’ll love it there because there are more than 2,000 animals in these chicago zoos…every kind of every type you can think of. Not only will the kids love it, the adults will have a ball learning about these wild animals too.

UsCoachways is a leading US-based charter bus service provider with an impressive list of charter bus service clients. Check out http://www.uscoachways.com

Visit Boston’s Historical Buildings in a Charter Bus

2006-11-21T05:48:00.001-08:00

Although boston is not an exceptionally big place, it’s still easy to get lost there. Do yourself a favor and hire a charter bus there because there are so many things to see and do. With a charter bus service, you can take the time to visit many of boston’s historical buildings as possible. Sit back, relax and enjoy yourself in the spacious and luxurious charter bus since you no longer have to worry about transportation and parking. A charter bus is, without a smidgen of a doubt, the best way to go.

To start the day off on the right foot, take the charter bus to one of boston’s most prominent and artistically interesting National Historic Landmark, the Paul Revere House. If you’re not sure, ask the helpful charter bus driver who Paul Revere is and why his house is a boston landmark now. However, let us clue you in a little here. As the charter bus driver will tell you, Paul Revere is a silversmith who died in 1775. He was the one who warned his compatriots about the Bristish’ attack. Enjoy yourself while the charter bus waits on because you’ll be enchanted with the fact that almost everything inside this boston attraction is preserved and kept the way it was when Paul Revere was living there. Of course, some small changes were made to the boston historical building to accommodate the tourists and visitors but essentially, efforts has been made to keep the historical site as original as possible.

Once you’re done, get back into the charter bus and head on out to Faneuil Hall, another historical site in boston. While you’re in the charter bus heading on to Faneuil Hall, you can either take a short nap in the charter bus’ comfortable interior or you can tell the charter bus driver to take you to a place where you can get some snacks…just to recharge your batteries. Once there, get off the charter bus and go and enjoy yourself in the boston historical building. Oh, don’t forget to drop by the Faneuil Hall marketplace where you can find literally everything and anything.

Have fun!

UsCoachways is a leading US-based charter bus service provider with an impressive list of charter bus service clients. Check out http://www.uscoachways.com

Visit Boston’s Historical Buildings in a Charter Bus

2006-11-21T05:48:00.000-08:00

Have fun!

UsCoachways is a leading US-based charter bus service provider with an impressive list of charter bus service clients. Check out http://www.uscoachways.com

The Walt Disney World Swan And Dolphin Resort

2006-11-21T05:37:00.000-08:00

The award winning Walt disney world swan and dolphin Resort Orlando hotel is the gateway to the best known theme parks and attractions in the world. It is very conveniently located between Epcot, disney world, MGM Studios and very near to disney's Animal Kingdom. Their service is impeccable with luxurious facilities and a new feature, the Heavenly Bed. At the Walt disney world swan and dolphin hotel you will find a spa, white sand beach, five pools, tennis and two health clubs. There are seventeen restaurants to choose from and complimentary transportation to the disney Parks.

With the Orlando airport so close, about a 20 minute ride, it is convenient for anyone wishing to visit the many properties. Orlando International airport has over 975 flights daily making the airport is highly assessable from anywhere.

There are various means of transportation from the hotel to the Parks. disney's Friendship Launch will take you to Epcot and MGM. Meanwhile there is a shuttle that will take you to all the other areas within the Resort. Both means of transportation depart every 15 to 20 minutes, so you can set your own schedule with very little wait time.

A special perk for those that stay at the swan and dolphin hotel is that every day one of the four Parks opens an hour early or remains open three hours later than usual so you can enjoy the park without crowds. You can buy your tickets for the parks in the lobby of the hotel. On some days the disney characters will visit the dining rooms to the delight of the young children that are eating there. The characters will lavish attention on the children, sign autographs and pose for pictures.

There are five championship golf courses and a walking course that is nine holes. If you are a guest of the swan and dolphin you are eligible for advanced tee times. These are very challenging and world renowned golf courses.

The staff is dedicated to make your stay as memorable as possible. They are very friendly and professional. The employees are from all over the world. With the combination of their cultures and experiences they help to make this fine resort an international destination.

Some of the other amenities that The swan and dolphin provide are a 24 hour convenience store, a launderette, game rooms, concierge service, two business centers, specialty shops and a kiosk where you can get your boarding pass for your flight home. They even have a limousine service.

The Walt disney world swan and dolphin hotel is your home away from home. It is a marvelous hotel to book if you are thinking of a disney vacation. There is no way you can go wrong by staying at this excellent resort. So, pack up the kids, make a reservation and discover the Magic of disney world.

This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.

Mary Hanna has traveled the world by Air and Ship while writing eBooks, Software Reviews and Practical Articles on Internet Marketing, Cruising, Gardening and Travel. Visit her websites at: http://www.CruiseTravelDirectory.com and http://www.CruiseGold.com You can read more of her articles at http://www.ArticleBazaar.net

Frankfurt Germany - 12 Insider Tips

2006-11-21T05:33:00.000-08:00

In the city with its international airport 650,000 humans live. It is a very modern large city and became the ' turntable of Europe '. In frankfurt important industrial enterprises and wholesale dealer are resident like also many banks. Not only the german Federal Bank, but also the European Central Bank (ECB) resides here.

Famous ‘Kaiserdom' (emperor cathedral), which documents loved 'Roemerberg' (Roman mountain) and the historical ' Paulskirche ', in which the first freely selected german parliament met, besides the political meaning of this fascinating city.

Yes, frankfurt is a metropolis and full surprises as well as contrasts. Skyscrapers are directly apart from half timbered houses; culture and commerce form here a unit. In addition, frankfurt is a fair city, a literature city and above all a culture city: here the cradle of the german jazz scene with many small music taverns, in which you cannot only ease, is appropriate but also into the night much fun to have canned. The moreover one you find many museums.

frankfurt, because of its skyline also ' Mainhattan ' mentioned, is a large city in the country, between the mountain courses by ‘Taunus' and ‘Spessart' and surrounded by a wreath/ring of world-well-known health resorts, popular holidays areas and trip goals.

In the following I will give you 12 insider tips. Before I do it however you do the following: print out this side, so that you have it immediately available, if you come to frankfurt. It is nearly impossible, everything that I wrote here to keep in the head and it would be unfortunate, if you are in frankfurt and get to face only the 'normal' points of interest.
Besides that after your arrival you should go immediately to the tourist information. It is in downtown, near the 'Roemer'. The road calls itself 'Auf dem Roemerberg' (on the Rome mountain) and the telephone number is: +49-69-21238800. Ask them for a city map. Without a city map you will lose yourself in this big city, and with the city map you will find everything I mention here.

Bars and restaurants

1. One of the best cocktail bars in frankfurt is the ‘Strandperle' (beach bead). Particularly the Caipirinha is unique! In the summer the bar surface expands to a terrace café high over to the river 'Main'.

2. The smallest jazz restaurant of germany is the 'Mampf'. Since more than 30 years there are free concerts to german meals. Apart from jazz also Blues, Swing, Latin and Flamenco are played. Simply enjoy the good mood and fun inheres.

3. One of the few popular apple wine restaurants with yard garden is the 'Lorsbacher Tal'. It is in the quarter 'Alt-Sachsenhausen' (old axle living) and has a very cosy ambience and solid german meals.

4. The restaurant 'Pilar' is at the same time a bar. Fine noodles, salads and original Mediterranean creations will be served. On the side panels of the restaurant hang sumptuous baroque paintings, which offer an interesting contrast to the simple Design of bar, leather seat and wood table.

5. In the elevated ‘Villa Merton' (Mansion Merton) you find meals of the all-finest. If it permits your travel budget, go here. The employees speak English and recommend to you gladly the specialities of the house.

Sightseeing and culture

6. In the Goethe house and Goethe museum Goethe was born in the year 1749. He lived here until 1775. The house was outstanding reconstructed and contains paintings, handwriting and diagrams of the large german poet.

7. On the 'Roemerberg' (Roman mountain) regularly highlights and meetings take place. It is a long stretched, five-angular place and is gladly visited by humans. At this place is the 'frankfurter Roemer' (frankfurt Romans), the famous city hall of the city. It was reconstructed after the war. In the festival room of the Roemer pictures of german emperors are to be admired.

8. In the 'Pauluskirche' (Paulus church), which was established between 1787 and 1833, the first german national assembly met in 1848. It is a place of historical building method and historiography.

9. The 'Senckenberg Museum' is the largest scientific museum in germany. You find here a descriptive collection of approximately 500,000 exhibits, which arrange for you an overview of the development of our animated nature over millions of years. It is simply impressing.

10. The 'Palmengarten' (palm garden) shows a domestic, tropical and subtropical Flora. The emphases of the 20 hectares large park are over 300 orchids, ‘Bromelien' and about 1,600 different cactus species. Concerts also often take place here.

11. In the 'frankfurt Zoo' approximately 6,000 animals (650 kinds) live together in extensive outdoor installations and houses. If animals interest you, you must go here. Plan however at least five hours for your attendance.

12. When it becomes evening, you absolutely MUST go to the 'Berger Strasse' (Berger road)! On 2 km (1.3 miles) you find taverns, Bars, Cafés and restaurants for each taste! Here you surely will NOT become boring. If I am in frankfurt, this road is a must for me, again and again.

Enjoy your trip!

Marcus Hochstadt has travelled extensively to countries and continents like the USA, Brazil, Thailand, Africa and, of course, Europe. In Germany itself he knows in almost each city the points of REAL interest and gives you insider shortcuts on his daily growing website http://www.smart-travel-germany.com. Watch out for his free valuable "Help-By-Step" System and its 6 uncovered secrets.

Swimming with Dolphins in California

2006-11-21T05:31:00.000-08:00

California’s Central Coast is home to a variety of marine life including several types of dolphins.

The Monterey Bay National marine Sanctuary (MBNMS), a Federally protected marine area offshore of California's central coast, supports one of the world’s most diverse marine ecosystems. It is home to numerous mammals, including whales and dolphins.

Stretching from Marin to Cambria, the MBNMS encompasses a shoreline length of 276 miles and 5,322 square miles of ocean.

Warm water conditions in the Monterey Bay have attracted several species here from warm water areas, including the Long-Beaked and Short-Beaked Common dolphins, normally seen from the Channel Islands south to Baja California.

These Common dolphins congregate at the edge of the Monterey Submarine Canyon, where sardines, mackerel, and squid seem to be their primary attraction. Other dolphins and porpoises in the Monterey Bay include the Pacific White-Sided Dolphin, Rissos Dolphin, the Northern Right Whale Dolphin, the Bottlenose Dolphin, Dalls Porpoise, and the Harbor Porpoise.

The US government has prohibited swims with the dolphin activities in the marine sanctuary. There is only one swim with the dolphin activity center in California and that too in a private enclosure of a theme park owned by the Six Flags marine World in collaboration with Ocean Discovery.

The new Caribbean-themed destination is the only place in Northern California where guests can personally interact with Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, southern stingrays and warm-weathered penguins.

The 2-acre area provides guests the opportunity to interact with and feed some of the world's natural wonders while learning about the animals and the importance of natural habitat conservation and protection.

Ocean Discovery provides interactive experiences with Atlantic bottlenose dolphins inside a custom designed 200,000-gallon pool where guests can have direct contact with the animals and their trainers. During designated times guests can touch and feed the dolphins with the assistance of the Park's veteran trainers. Additionally, visitors can enjoy the dolphins from an underwater viewing area.

Six Flags marine World is located in Vallejo, California, off of Interstate 80, just 30 miles northeast of San Francisco, 50 miles southwest of Sacramento and near the Napa Valley Wine Country.

Dolphin Swim Info provides detailed information about swimming with dolphins, including profiles of the best places to swim with dolphins: Florida, Hawaii, Cancun, California, Malta, Key Largo, and the Bahamas. Dolphin Swim Info is affiliated with Original Content.

Best Places for Honeymoon Vacation

2006-10-19T11:08:00.000-07:00

While the best may be relative to each of us, most would agree that when speaking about the best places for a honeymoon vacation, could be summarized into the following:

1. Las Vegas – The Sin City, as some would call it, Las Vegas is one of the best places to set your honeymoon vacation. The City would provide one of the greatest and most luxurious accommodations in the world combined with every kind of entertainment in virtually each corner of the City. The lights, sounds, casinos, all types of restaurants, spas, and entertainment center will surely complete the Las Vegas honeymoon.

2. Hawaii – Many newlyweds would choose to spend their honeymoon in an island while enjoying the sun, doing water activities, and staying at luxurious beach hotel. And Hawaii will certainly give all of these.

3. Caribbean – Visiting one of the many island countries in the Caribbean would surely satisfy every bit of excitement to newlyweds. The tropical sun, coupled with fresh air and foods together with accommodations at its best are enough reasons why couples spend their honeymoon at the Caribbean.

4. Europe – If white sands, sun, and water do not appeal to you, then Europe can provide the best alternative. See the European architecture, arts, and sights that reflect the history, heritage and legacy to this small but highly urbanized continent. No other places in the world could package their culture and civilization perfectly than Europe. For couples who want to spend their honeymoon in one of the countries in Europe, dissatisfaction is nowhere in the picture.

5. Fiji – Friendly people, beautiful beach resorts, magnificent shorelines, lots of foods, and water sport activities could be enough reasons for you to spend your honeymoon in Fiji. This tropical paradise located haft way around the world provides everything you want to experience; luxury, fun, and perfect climate,

6. Mexico – This country features a wide array of honeymoon vacation options ranging from a Latina City experience to a private and remote resort. Hotels and other great accommodations are located across the country. Resorts are at their best at secluded regions. Foods provide a unique experience to your tongue and the Mexican sound sends please at the ears.

7. South America – Brazil, Argentina, Cuba, Chile, Bolivia, Columbia, and other countries in the South American region provide a good venue to set your honeymoon. Each of these countries provides a one-of-a-kind experience to couple who wishes to enjoy their first days of married life.

This content is provided by Low Jeremy and may be used only in its entirety with all links included. For more info on Honeymoon, please visit http://honeymoon.articlekeep.com.

Get Lucky with a Las Vegas Vacation Rental

2006-10-19T11:07:00.000-07:00

Las Vegas is a different place every time you visit it; from the blinding lights to the thrilling games, the flashy shows to the sassy people, it’s constantly changing, growing and breaking the rules. If you’re planning to jump on the merry-go-round of entertainments anytime soon, be it a first-time visit or a repeat ride, consider forgoing the busy hotels in favor of a whirl in a vacation rental. In the spirit of Las Vegas, take a chance and try something new.

In general, vacation properties provide more space, less hassle, and specialized amenities that typical accommodations just aren’t able to pull off. Large groups like them for their elbow room and ample sleeping and living spaces, and couples enjoy the feeling of being removed from the burden of actually admitting that anyone else exists. Usually these condos, houses, cottages and bungalows are located well within reach of the main attractions of the area, but avoid making you feel that you’re temporarily living in a strip mall. This miraculous feat is possible virtually anywhere, including Las Vegas, home of the mother of all strips.

Here, you’ll find clusters of attractive homes and newly built condos just minutes from the hubbub. Gambling, shopping, shows and dining are all a quick drive from your home base, meaning that you won’t miss a thing except the noise of thousands of revelers staying up past their bedtimes. Wake up when you want to, lounge by the pool for a bit, fix yourself some breakfast, and then remember that you’re in a bustling city that never stops. From your own little bubble within this desert oasis of frivolity, life will look pretty good.

Vegas vacation rentals come in all shapes and sizes, but tend to share a few common traits; they’re inviting, luxurious, and will make you feel like a star. Go ahead and pretend that you’re one of the many famous faces that pass through Sin City, treasuring the feeling that everything you want or need is right at your fingertips. A shaded, private patio will keep prying eyes at bay, a four poster bed will allow you to get your beauty sleep, and the full kitchen will let you eat a meal in privacy if you don’t feel like facing the crowds.

If you do want to be the center of attention, prepare a few appetizers and have a happy hour celebration by the pool for you and your companions. Dazzle everyone with your wit (and your excellent taste in lodging) before suggesting that you all head over to the neighborhood district of amusements (aka Vegas) and have the time of your life doing whatever it is that tickles your fancy. Don’t be surprised if the night ends too soon, which is okay because after a refreshing slumber and perhaps a massage or swimming session, you’ll be ready to do it all again.

Perched on the edge of Death Valley or just in earshot of the goings on of the town, you’ll find peace within the walls of your very own vacation rental. It’s pretty much a given that you’ll be constantly diverted and delighted while you gamble, dine and basically play to your heart’s content, but at the end of the day (or technically, the beginning) when you find yourself in need of a soft bed and a warm shower, you’ll want to set yourself up in a pleasant place that will not only take care of your needs, but exceed your expectations.

If a trip to Vegas lies ahead (lucky you), then consider renting a vacation home to add a little something special to your getaway. It’s hard to say what exactly you’ll end up getting yourself into as you explore the scene of one of the world’s most buzz-inducing cities, but there’s no doubt that you’ll emerge from the desert a more relaxed person. Booking a Las Vegas Vacation Rental will help you to achieve this rarified state, so go online to peruse all the hot properties today.

HomeAway.com is an extensive marketplace for vacation rentals in locations all over the world.

How To Choose The Best Hostel For You

2006-10-19T11:06:00.000-07:00

Perhaps you're thinking of staying in a hostel because you have heard you can party it up there, or maybe that's what you're trying to avoid but want a cheap place to stay. Hostels vary widely in their tone and amenities, so it pays to do a little research before you go.

~Single or Mixed Gender Rooms? A good hostel will offer both as well as rooms with small to medium numbers of beds.

~Close to Public Transit? There is wothing norse than lugging your luggage through Europe's ancient streets and subways. Packing light (more on that coming soon) and choosing a hostel that's conveniently located will save you a lot of stress and money.

~Breakfast or Another Meal Offered? Not only is it an extra value, but meals are prime time for meeting other travelers. Chat them up to find out where they're going and where they've been. You don't get that in a McDonald's.

~Free or Cheap Internet Access? Even if you're trying to get away, it is important to be connected if you need to be. You'll want emergency copies of documents accessible in a web-based email account. You may also want to update a blog, send email or download your photos. If nothing else, you can use the 'Net to plan the next day's outing/transit connection, etc.

~Traveler Ratings. Personally, I don't choose a hostel (or any other lodging really) that has less than an 80% approval rating. I figure if 8 out of the 10 people who bothered to log on and review the place can't agree it's nice, then I don't want to be there. Be sure to read through the comments carefully. You might find some red flags or extra bonuses that you hadn't thought of.

Hostels really can cater to any traveler with a little research. For some of our favorite hostels around the world, please visit our website at On The Cheap Travel (www.onthecheaptravel.com).

Happy Travels!

Kadie Kozee is the founder and editor of On The Cheap Travel (http://www.onthecheaptravel.com). She takes great delight in visiting fascinating places on a minimal budget.

Some Of The Reasons You Should Consider Planning A Trip To Ireland

2006-10-19T11:04:00.000-07:00

When vacation time rolls around, where will you next plan a trip? If it is a wide range of scenic opportunities to take advantage of, then you may want to consider checking out what Ireland has to offer. This is considered to be one of the most beautiful countries offering an array of breathtaking architectural points, as well as a fascinating history to explore.

First of all, Ireland is the perfect place to visit if your favorite color is green. The natural surroundings are simply unimaginable. The country is beautiful, offering many different locations to catch an awe inspiring view. A great site to consider is the Cliffs of Moher, where some of the best views can be enjoyed, right above the Atlantic.

If you like a good pint every once in a while, the pubs throughout Ireland are highly regarded an some believe this is the best place to stop in a pub. There are numerous options to choose from, so you may opt to do a bit of research before arriving.

Traditional Irish music also fills the space of these pubs, which may prompt you to break out the old dancing shoes. The country also offers a variety of entertaining music festivals throughout the year, where entertainment and food blend into one harmonious event. Speaking of food, the number of delicious restaurants is sure to make your head spin.

The country also has its fair share of food festivals, especially the popular Oyster Festival, which can be enjoyed during the month of September.
Throughout the country, you will get the chance to explore a history deep with interesting nooks and crannies. For the romantic in you, there are plenty of castles dotting the country, where many tourists have arranged for a nights stay. Some historic castles have been revamped to accommodate the changing times, featuring health spas and other resort luxuries. This is the place to visit when you want to catch sight of Blarney Castle, which offers a meeting with the Blarney Stone. Dublin Castle is also a popular place that tourists frequent. Another way to explore the history of the country is by taking a ferry to some of the surrounding islands of Ireland.

For those looking for relaxation, Ireland is known for offering some of the best spas in the world. Most of them can be found within some of the local resorts, where an appointment is needed to enjoy the services. One of the most well known spas in the area can be found at the Park Hotel. It is called the Samas Spa. The variety of activities offered throughout Ireland is sure to keep visitors on their toes. Some engage in a nice horseback riding tour, while others decide to stroll throughout the Irish countryside to savor a breath of fresh air. The golf courses throughout Ireland are also highly regarded.

You are sure to find an enjoyable trip when visiting Ireland. There is plenty to do and see, as well as explore. The entertaining cities of Dublin, Belfast and Limerick are only a plane ticket away.

Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as Irish gifts at http://www.irishgiftsandcollectibles.com.

Before You Book A Hotel in Europe: 5 Traps to Avoid

2006-10-19T11:03:00.001-07:00

Finding and booking the perfect hotels for your upcoming European trip should be an easy task, right? After all, hasn’t the internet made it easy to research and book with confidence?

Yes and no. It’s never been easier to get information about hotels around the globe, but it can also be easy to fall into traps set by hotel marketers, tricky websites, and even other travelers.

Here are five tips that will make your hotel research more efficient and your travel more affordable.

Tip #1: Be wary of online hotel reviews!

Lots of travel websites offer hotel reviews submitted by readers. While the majority of these reviews are probably legitimate, we always suggest approaching these reviews with a healthy dose of skepticism. You never know who’s posting that review, or why they’re posting.

For example, many returning visitors only bother to write a review when they’re M-A-D about something. They often blame a hotel for a frustrating experience that is not the hotel’s fault.

Furthermore, a hotel owner might “flame” a competing hotel with a nasty anonymous review and escape undetected. Conversely, hotel owners might give themselves glowing reviews. You just never know who these reviews are coming from.

Tip #2: Don’t confuse hotel “discounts” with good deals!

On certain reservation websites, you might be thrilled to come across available hotels with massively discounted rates—sometimes as high as 50%! Be skeptical.

When hotels partner with certain websites, they have to compete with other hotels to get your attention. One way to the top of the list is to offer the biggest discount.

Guess what happens? Hotels first inflate their normal rates, then turn around and “slash” those prices in order to offer a room at “50% off!!!” But nobody would have ever paid that “normal” price! It’s a hoax, yet that hotel is placed at the top of the list.

When you see claims of deep discounts, shop around and see what the reasonable going rate is for the type of hotel you’re looking for and compare.

Tip #3: Unchain yourself!

By search around for smaller, independent hotels, you’ll often come across more interesting, better located, and cheaper hotels!

Big reservation websites often prefer to deal with huge chains, as they’re easier to sign up and manage. If you only search on the big sites, you won’t even know the smaller hotels exist!

In many old European cities, strict zoning laws forbid modern construction in their historical centers. Because of this, huge chain hotels (that aren’t luxury) tend to be on the edges of town, while many cheaper small hotels are located in old buildings right in the middle of the action.

Spend time hunting around for the independent hotels out there! Smaller, European-focused websites like Venere.com, Booking.com, and EuroCheapo.com (which I edit), list smaller, non-chain, and family-run hotels.

Tip #4: Double check that hotel rate!

Call the hotel to verify prices before you book online, as you might find a cheaper rate.

Reservation websites charge the hotel a commission for bookings. To cover this, many hotels tack an extra charge onto their “online” room rate, thus inflating the price.

Try to find the hotel’s phone number and double check the prices! This can be quite difficult, as most websites won’t provide you with the hotel’s phone number. After all, they want you to book through them!

And don’t worry about not being able to speak the language! Almost all hotel receptionists in Europe can speak at least enough English to check prices for you.

Tip #5: Watch out for extra charges when reserving.

While researching hotel prices, we often come across well-known reservation websites that show one hotel price at first, but then reveal a much higher total price just when you’re ready to enter your credit card info.

How can they do this? Here are some of their favorite tricks:

They wait until the last minute to reveal the local taxes (which can be very high in Europe and are always a part of the price!).

Another tactic is to tack on a “service fee,” despite the fact that they’re already charging up to a 10% commission from the hotel!

More shamelessly, they invent some business about a “security fee.” Profiteering, anyone?

We recommend only booking through reservation websites that show all costs upfront.

Next step: Book it with confidence.

Now that we’ve spent time going over some of the tricks of the trade, you’re better equipped to research and book with confidence. And don’t forget to have fun! After all, you’re going on a European adventure! Bon voyage!

Tom Meyers is the Editor of EuroCheapo.com, a leading web guide to cheap hotels in Europe. EuroCheapo editors visit and evaluate budget hotels in Europe’s major cities, and provide objective, detailed reviews with full contact information. EuroCheapo also provides information on budget transportation throughout Europe, and strategies to travel for less.

Importance of Helicopter Rental

2006-10-19T11:03:00.000-07:00

City streets are congested and a kilometer distance would take hours to reach. It might be better to walk than to wait for the green light to turn on only to realize that your vehicle move only several meters. But you cannot walk. It is either scourging hot outside the car or heavily pouring rains. The thing is, there is nowhere to go on land. The only way to go from point A to point B is up there, above your head.

Helicopter is the only way to go if you want to travel fast and more efficient. It cuts off hours of sitting on the car together with thousands of cars around you that share the very same fate like you do.

Now you ask: I don’t own a helicopter, what should it do?

Two words: Helicopter rental.

Helicopter rental is the only solution if you want to escape the long pile up of vehicles on the road. Helicopter rental is the only solution if you want to spend more time on doing more important things than sitting on the backseat of your car.

Helicopter rental gives you the luxury of leaving your hotel room just minutes before your meeting or convention starts. It gives you more time to rest or to take longer shower or eat dinner. Or to simply put it, helicopter rentals provide the only way to always keep you on your schedule.

But this is not the only way to utilize the help of helicopter rental.

If in can you want to get some aerial photography of one place or a survey of a particular territory which would not be possible if done by land, helicopters can be rented as an efficient mean to meet the requirements.

If you are on an urgent business travel or would catch a corporate event and would need to get there as fast as you can, helicopter rental companies will quickly take you to your destination earlier that what you have expected.

If you want to see places up above the sky for mere pleasure, helicopters can be rented.

If you have a special event to hold and would want to make it a little different, for instance wedding, helicopters can be rented as your “bridal chopper”. This would certainly give you better reasons to feel like floating on the air.

Other ways to get helicopter rental would depend on your need. So if you find yourself needing to ride a helicopter for any occasion or reason, contact your nearest helicopter rental company today.

This content is provided by Low Jeremy and may be used only in its entirety with all links included. For more info on RC Helicopter, please visit http://rc-helicopter.articlekeep.com

Get The Best Out Of International Car Rentals

2006-10-19T11:00:00.001-07:00

Traveling around the globe can be a daunting task. The pleasure of seeing new things and exploring the world have its downsides. One of the downsides is transportation. Using cars is impractical especially if the destination is too far. To answer this traveler's predicament car rental services were established.

Renting a car is chosen by travelers to preclude them from paying exorbitant travel expenses. Nonetheless, if the traveler is not aware of the do's and don'ts in renting a car, chances are he will incur more expenses as expected.

There are powerful and reliable vehicles in car rentals. One of the most powerful and sophisticated cars among them is the all-new BMW M6 coupe. Said car has a 5-liter engine capacity and is capable of achieving 507 horsepower as well as 383 lb-ft maximum torque. Moreover, the engine speed can go beyond the 8,000 rpm limit. The car is also given superb driving dynamics essential for the racetrack. Another excellent car lineup which can be had in car rentals is Volvo 700 series. Said car was introduced in the 1980s. Its earlier models though are still generating sales up to now. Volvo 740 parts as well as its vehicle counterpart are still hot in the market so is Volvo 760.

Car rentals in most destinations globally are clean, safe, dependable and affordable as well. Seasoned travelers prefer to have their own transportation. In addition, there are areas that necessitate car rentals to transport them from one area to another. By virtue of this, travelers need to learn some pointers to make car renting less costly.

Expert travelers slash their car rental expenses by going directly to the car rental establishment instead of waiting for the rented car in the airport. Another way of slashing it is by returning the vehicle with tank full gasoline. If traveling alone, it will be cheaper to choose a small car. Additionally, to avoid robberies on the streets, travelers use car alarms automatic starters.

As a former news correspondent for an auto-related websites, Kevin has gathered extensive knowledge and experience in the automotive industry. This 34 year old father of three from Pennsylvania is a genuine car lover. You can visit Volvo 740 parts for more information.

Why Choose Vehicle Transportation?

2006-10-19T11:00:00.000-07:00

Why choose Vehicle Transportation?

Relocation, whether local or international, can undoubtedly be a huge drain on your time, finances and sanity, if not undertaken with sufficient forethought, preparation and thoroughness. While there are many aspects of moving house that you simply cannot avoid having to attend to in person, there will be others that you can delegate to the professionals; to allow you to prioritise your time and to give you complete peace of mind. For example, the secure and trouble free transportation of your vehicle, or vehicles, to your new location.

You may have the romantic notion that a long haul road trip to your new location may be an enjoyable adventure, but be aware that there will be other more practical issues to also address concerning this option. Compare the cost of professional vehicle haulage to the cost of your accommodation, food, fuel costs, and sundries. This figure may even exceed a professional haulage quote! Now add what the impact of losing working time may be on your pocket. What other scenarios may unfold if you are away from your daily routine and responsibilities for a prolonged period? Will the children or pets need care if they are not travelling with you, or what organization and paperwork would be required if they are. Consider the extra mileage, wear and tear on your vehicle during a long road journey. Is your vehicle in perfect mechanical condition? Has it had a recent service? Does it need new tyres etc? If you are relocating to another country, ask yourself if you are confident enough to drive safely with unfamiliar road signs, possibly amongst very different driving attitudes and in unknown territory. What would you do in the event of a breakdown en route? This may all seem a little pessimistic, but the fact is that these are all very realistic and common problems that may be overlooked due to the stress or emotions of moving. There may very well be countless unforeseen delays if you are undertaking relocation with no prior experience.

If you are under pressure to tie up all the old loose ends before you move, get to your new location within a certain time frame, and then be able to get on with your new life without glitches and delays, the best option may be to leave your vehicle haulage to the professionals so you can get on with other more important matters!

Professional Vehicle Transportation Companies normally offer a wide range of options to suit individual needs. Reliable companies can be found and compared via the Internet and by telephone, a fast and easy option that you can look over during a relaxing tea break!

You've got something special If you are a specialised Auto Dealer, or the owner of something which ranges a little bit out of the ordinary, such as restored antiques, classic models, exotic hybrids or prototypes, the wisest choice is the most prudent choice. You don't want your vehicle(s) getting bleached in the sun, rained or leaked on, left in the open to draw unwanted attention from prying eyes or driven by someone without the credentials to do so. Look for a Vehicle Transportation Company that can cater for your specific requirements within the highest of standards. Door to door collection and special location delivery with suitable storage facilities if required, enclosed carriers, precision loading, computerized tracking and comprehensive insurance cover, are all services that a top quality Vehicle Haulage Company will provide for your peace of mind.

Your vehicle is not classed as Auto Agricultural equipment, water sports vehicles, golfing cars, motorbikes, mopeds, buggies and quads all pose a potential challenge as regards their transportation, more notably if over a long distance. Each requires knowledgeable and specialist handling and storage during transit to avoid careless damage and breakages. Special licensing and insurance are most likely to be required for the public transport of these types of vehicles. Transportation companies have the necessary equipment, expertise and insurance coverage to deal with your non-auto requests.

Your vehicle is not roadworthy If your car is off the road due to age, mechanical trouble or damage, but needs to be transported to another location, the easiest way of getting it there is via Professional Vehicle Haulers. Most will offer this service, some perhaps at a small additional cost depending on any extra labour involved, so be sure to check out the small print before signing contracts. Ensure that you enquire what their requirements are for inoperable vehicles. Most will specify that the tyres of the vehicle are inflated, that it can roll, that it has functional emergency brakes, and that you have all necessary paperwork to go with the vehicle.

Choosing Professional Vehicle Transportation Services can often save you considerable time and money in the long run. All you have to do is choose the right company!

http://www.carstospain.com
Motor Mania represents the highest quality and most reliable auto transport company
in business today, meeting the auto shipping needs of individuals and businesses, both domestically and internationally.

What Can't I Do On A Holiday Mountain Ski Vacation?

2006-10-19T10:58:00.000-07:00

Located 90 minutes from New York City, along a beautiful scenic drive, the 60-acre Holiday Mountain Ski & Fun Park is a popular area for both family skiing and fun activities, combined with an atmosphere that is warm and friendly, and caters to families. With beginner areas and spectacular "Snow Sports School" for ages 4 to 6, outstanding family time is available on Thursdays and Saturdays. Plans are now being made to build a new ski chalet at the bottom of the slopes, and plans to break-ground for a new hotel and water park are being made within the next two years. Two new tubing trails have been added for everyone's fun and excitement, offering a total of four trails, while nine ski trails are available to skiers and snowboarders.

With 100% snowmaking due to the low 90 inches of annual snowfall there is always a day for skiing. The top elevation of Holiday Mountain is 1,300 feet with a vertical drop of 400 feet. . Popular with the younger crowd, it has fourteen ski trails available with 9 lifts, which consist of 5-1 triple, 2 doubles, and 2 surface lifts. There are 15 trails for beginners, intermediate skiers, and expert skiers. While skiing and snowboarding are the main attractions, there is much more here as well, including bumper cars, an arcade, and a mechanical bull. There is always something to do at Holiday Mountain Ski Resort for everyone. Even for those who do not or cannot ski, the ride up the summit offers a feeling of excitement and fun.

The Holiday Mountain Ski & Snowboard Club at the resort is open to all school age children, or anyone who wants to become a better skier. It has become one of the largest, most successful racing programs in the East, having a developmental team to professionally train young people, from the beginner level to the alpine racer level. The first year teaches basic ski skills and the use of lifts, while following years teach skiing and racing skills.

The best place to stay when visiting Holiday Mountain Ski Resort is the Villa Roma Resort Hotel, located in the Sullivan County Catskills. Villa Roma was named as one of America's 50 Best Family Resorts by Better Homes & Garden Magazine. With the amazing amount of fun activities, it is easy to see why. The resort features a rail park for snowboarders, birthday packages, snow tubing, and of course, skiing. So come on and have a good time!

Check out http://www.winter-sportz.com/ for more articles on Canadian ski vacations and lake tahoe ski resorts.

Vacation Rentals in Western Canada

2006-10-19T10:57:00.000-07:00

If you’re one of those people who thinks that Canada doesn’t get the respect it deserves, or if you’re simply in the mood to take a vacation that will combine natural wonders with cosmopolitan intrigue, it’s likely that you’ve thought about visiting the province of British Columbia at one time or another. Whether you decide to settle down in one of the bustling cities or keep things low-key out in the wilderness, you’d be wise to check out the vacation rental offerings in these areas to set yourself up for holiday success.

Vacation rentals in Canada come in all shapes and sizes. Thus, no matter what the composition of your traveling group, how long you plan to stay, and where exactly you’d like to settle down, there’s a perfect place for you. This is an incredibly diverse area of the country, ranging from snowy peaks rugged coastline, so it makes sense that in terms of lodging options, it’s overflowing with variety.

Let’s assume you want to experience a little bit of everything. A Vancouver vacation rental would serve you well, as this city of two million people is urban and sophisticated yet aware of the utterly gorgeous backdrop that surrounds it. You can get lost in the energy of the city by attending art galleries, live theatre and any number of world-class restaurants, but mix it up a little bit by canoeing along the coast, biking around English Bay, or hiking the Coast Mountains. The ever present balance of city and scenery, man-made and natural, will boggle your mind in the best of ways.

Your humble abode within the city limits will highlight the best aspects of this well- balanced trip. Picture a downtown condo overlooking Coal Harbor. From the balcony you can see the mountains as well as the skyline, and the two-bedroom two bath set up is perfect for a medium sized traveling crowd. Beautifully furnished and blessed with floor-to-ceiling windows, this is a roomy, comfortable, homey space. Add the fact that there’s an easy to navigate and fully-equipped kitchen on hand as well as a washer and dryer, and you’ll wish you could make this your regular getaway spot for when life’s grueling pace starts to drive you mad.

If you’d prefer a little more isolation without actually being cut off from the charms of British Columbia, then pick a place near Whistler. This resort area is know for top-quality skiing conditions, but is a great find during the summer too. So depending on the time of your visit, you could be zipping through the white powdery snow or zooming through the white rushing rapids; either way you’ll be pleased at all there is to do here. You could easily end up in a log cabin nestled into a grove of cedars, which will make their sensational scent known to you as you soak in the outdoor hot tub or take advantage of the outdoor barbeque grill.

This is the chance to satisfy your hidden vacation desires; choose a property with a fireplace if you long to see the world bathed in a rosy glow, ensure that your home away from home has a bed as big as your current bedroom, and go for a cottage with enough closet space to accommodate your entire wardrobe. Situate yourself within walking distance of a quaint little town if you plan to shop and dine your way to contentment, or find the quietest and most hidden bungalow possible so as to avoid all human contact for a few precious days.

As you can see, choices abound. If the thought of narrowing it all down overwhelms you, go about it a different way. View the properties online and snatch up the one that most speaks to you; in other words, go with your gut. For the best array of options and the biggest bargains, start researching your Canada visit today. Check out the British Columbia Vacation Rentals online, and keep yourself attuned to the wishes of your heart that have so far gone unsatisfied.

HomeAway.com has all the vacation rental information you’ll need to get the ball rolling.

Condo Rentals In Davenport Florida Can Enhance Your Disney World Vacation

2006-10-19T10:54:00.000-07:00

Are you planning a Disney World or Orlando Florida Vacation? Davenport Florida is an up and coming community just minutes from Disney World, Universal Studios and Sea World Orlando as well as many other Orlando attractions. If the expense of cramped hotel rooms in Orlando seem daunting, perhaps you should consider renting a much more spacious condo that has all the amenities of home frequently for less in Davenport.

Davenport is centrally located in the state of Florida. It is 90 minutes from Cocoa Beach on the Eastern Shore of Florida and approximately 90 minutes from the Clearwater, St. Petersburg and Tampa area on the Golf Coast. Davenport is starting to be known as the Little Orlando. Although just a fifteen-minute drive to Disney World, it is so much more than just the little sister to Orlando.

Davenport is centrally located in Central Florida so you could visit Cypress Gardens or Sea World. For the adventurous, the Orange Blossom Hot Air Balloon Rides or the Helicopter Rides on Rte 192 will take your breath away and add to your vacation experience. Or, if you are really adventurous, the Kennedy Space Center is approximately 90 minutes from Davenport, for anyone who ever had visions of becoming an astronaut you are that much closer to having your fantasy come true.

The Disney Celebration Community is also just minutes away. There are many shops and boutiques as well as restaurants for your enjoyment. Downtown Disney will get you in the mood to enjoy all the various theme parks. Davenport is close to all the major theme parks, the Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Animal Kingdom are close enough so that you can visit the parks in the morning, come home to relax, nap or just jump in the pool. Be sure to return in the evening to see the parade and watch the late night fireworks.

Central Florida is also a Mecca for your golfing pleasure. There are many golf courses that will take your breath away and help you to fine tune your skills, before you return home. If you are a beginner there are plenty of par three courses and if you are looking for something more challenging you can play at Champions Gate to get the professional challenge. Note that summer rates are less expensive than the winter.

For you nature lovers there is the Bok Sanctuary or Silver Springs Nature Theme Park, both are minutes from Davenport. You can have a wonderful day enjoying nature at its best. Picture taking is mandatory. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to do a lot of walking.

Universal Studios and City Walk are just minutes from Davenport. The adventure begins at Universal Studios. When you're finished at the theme park the nightlife is just beginning, City Walk features many Arcades for the kids to try and excellent restaurants like Emerils and Jimmy Buffets Margarita Ville and don't forget The Hard Rock Café.

If you prefer to dining out there are many restaurants in or near Davenport that will fit any budget. You can get fast food as well as fine dining for that special occasion. For fine dining I highly recommend Mama Della's at the Petrofina Bay Hotel and the Gaylord Palms Hotel (all five or their restaurants). There are also plenty of Sea Food Restaurants to choose from. There are also plenty of Mc Donald's and Burger Kings as well as Pizza establishments to choose from. If you would prefer an evening in, condo rentals also include full kitchens so you can prepare your own meals and dine at the table family style.

For Baseball Fans, Davenport is right in the heart of the Professional Baseball Spring training center, you could drive to a different ball park everyday and follow your favorite team as they prepare for the upcoming season. Let's not forget, just 30 minutes away is Orlando's professional basket ball team, the Orlando Magic.

With a Condo rental in Davenport, your vacation in Davenport Florida can truly be the vacation of a lifetime.

More information on Condo Rentals in Davenport Florida can be found at http://www.PalmKeysGetaway.com

Dubai Hotels - A Great Traveling Experience

2006-10-19T10:53:00.000-07:00

Dubai normally gets clubbed with one of the most expensive places on earth. The magnitude of its wealth can easily be gauged from the way the city has been making growth during the last two and half decades. The world renowned Dubai free trade zone, the upcoming seashore marvel of Dubai Marina and the continuous development of some amazing buildings across its horizon are enough indicators of what lies in Dubai's coffers. But what makes this city more special is the manner in which fusion of Islam has taken place with modernity. There is a distinct flavor of ethnicity present on one hand, and on the other an amazing advancement taking place on all fronts. If you traveled across the globe in today's times, hardly could you think of capturing such a fine blend of modern and ancient ethos at any other single place.

The world has been converging at the doors of Dubai as a result, to take part in the dream run it has been witnessing for some time now. Along with the mass of entrepreneurs and the skilled workforce, there are a growing number of tourists flying across each year into this princely territory. This has made the quality accommodation and its round-the-clock availability a must have facility for the Dubai planners. Hoteliers gain tremendous significance in this scenario, something we are going to have a word spread out about through these paragraphs. Any debate on hotels of Dubai is bound to cause an equally gripping response as the rest of Dubai would normally do so on any other occasion. The fusion of ethnicity and the modernization can as strongly be seen in the hotel industry as well as the rest of Dubai speaks about for it as a whole.

Starting with the best in the league, one has to make a mention of Burj Al Arab, without fail. Built 288 meters off the seashore inside waters, the sail-like concrete marvel soars 321 meters above the famous Jumeirah Beach Resort. Aptly called the best hotel of the contemporary times, Burj Al Arab is the only existing seven-star facility on earth right now. It provides a highly personalized service to its clientele throughout their stay. This includes having access to the services of well-trained butlers and privately manned reception points on all floors. Just imagine how even the smallest of the suits at Burj Al Arab could be found to be measuring 170sqm in area, to understand what grandeur we are speaking about.

However, it's the range of two, three, four and five star hotels in Dubai that occupy bulk of catering business like they will do anywhere else in the world. Almost two dozen five-star hotels are running on their shops right now and shaping out Dubai's breathtaking skyline at the same time. A number of two and three-star hotels are also known to be providing equally competitive services, thus reaching out to all the travelers in this part of the world. For example a three star facility like hotel Karama has been gaining popularity among the business travelers and tourists alike, due to its proximity to the commercial hubs and the Dubai International Airport, both. In any case, services on offer at these lowly-ranked hotels can still be expected to be of very high standards.

Interestingly, also available are privately owned apartments these days that will cost almost the same amounts as the low-end segment of hotel industry generally bills you for. But, these apartments are better suited for the long term stays, and can never be described as a complete alternative of staying at hotels. Put in the right perspective, Dubai hotels are nicely placed to serve the influx of tourists on its territory. They are institutionally well organized bodies that will keep charging ahead on the path of glory and success, year after another. The unfolding saga of Dubai hotels is no doubt, a highly gripping and exciting one in kind!

Pankaj Mohan is a freelance writer based in Ahmedabad, India who regularly writes on various subjects including that on traveling. Kindly, check out more on Dubai hotels at Mydubaihotels.com. Do also take a look at various other offers apart from the lush plazas and hotels Dubai has keenly been looking forward to draw your attention on.

Gulf Shores Vacation Rentals

2006-10-19T10:52:00.000-07:00

Let’s be honest, when it comes to taking a beach vacation all that matters is that the weather is fine, the sand is clean and sugary, and the sun shines cheerfully all day long. Where exactly this beach is located doesn’t really matter, especially if you’re lucky enough to have a cozy and well-equipped vacation rental at your disposal. While you’re at it, though, it doesn’t hurt for a place to be abundantly brimming with activities, constantly offering the choice to head out and play or just lay low. If this sounds like the kind of trip you’re looking to take and you need some direction, consider setting your sights on Gulf Shores, Alabama.

If you weren’t aware of it, the coast of Alabama is actually a bustling little region filled with marinas, restaurants, parks and vacation rentals. Other places tend to receive more attention and are overall better known, but like we said before, does it really matter where you are, as long as it’s beautiful and beachy? You could be on the surface of mars and pay it no heed as long as there was space to unroll a towel and stretch out with that thrilling novel you’ve been longing to crack open.

Unpacking your bags for an extended stay within the walls of a vacation rental will add an extra helping of enjoyment to a trip like this. An actual home with bedrooms, bathrooms (notice the plural form), a living room and a kitchen will invite you and your family to unwind and recharge easily and completely. Instead of running around this entire vacation as you’ve sometimes been known to do, adjust the paradigm. Staying in for a night of card playing, sleeping until you wake up naturally, and spending the entire day in nothing more than a swimsuit are perfectly acceptable ways to while away your vacation, so expand your definition of what a getaway should be.

Gulf Shores does have nature tours to take part in, shopping districts, golf courses and recreation centers, but don’t feel that you must see or do any one thing. The theme of this trip is “go with the flow,” so after consulting your inner barometer, see what the future holds. It may be to put on your shoes and hit the town, grabbing an ice cream cone with the kids and pausing to listen to a folk singer. Or, it could be to create an intimate atmosphere at “home” with the people you love the most. The backyard grill, the spacious kitchen, and the screened in porch will all encourage a fun and casual meal to take place, you know, the kind you’re always trying to create on regular days.

You’ll find that achieving lofty goals like family togetherness, relaxation, and getting a good night’s sleep will come pretty easily here. The power of high ceilings, walls of windows, tons of closet space and added bonuses like DVD players, washers and dryers, and board games can’t be underestimated. These small delights mean all the difference between a regular trip and a truly privileged one.

Your vacation home, be it a luxury condo or a beach front bungalow tucked away from the crowds, will surely rise to the task of taking you far away from your usual worries and cares. If you’re thinking about money right about now, and how only a certain kind of person is probably able to afford making these scenarios into reality, don’t be misled. Start investigating as soon as possible, and don’t be surprised if you stumble upon some great bargains. All kinds of people take advantage of vacation rentals, and most of them are far from being millionaires.

If you find yourself mentally picturing an idyllic scene involving you and your family happily frolicking on the beaches of Alabama, or if you’re at least hoping to find out more information, go for it. Vacations don’t plan themselves, so put in a little effort now in order to be handsomely rewarded later. Go online to peruse the assortment of Gulf Shores Vacation Rentals, and make your merry way to the shore sometime soon.

CyberRentals.com has all you’ll need to make your next vacation a success.

Miami Limousine Services: Practical Renting Advice

2006-10-19T10:50:00.000-07:00

When it comes to dealing with Miami limousine services, especially with booking the right one, a few important factors must be taken into account.

The first thing one should consider is the occasion that the limousine is going to be utilized for. Almost certainly, nobody would want to just hire a Miami limousine service and be expecting to go the minute it arrives at the front door. For instance, if one requires a limousine service for a wedding, the color of the vehicle would constitute a very significant aspect of the decision. Albeit by default wedding limousines are white, it pays to ask explicitly about it because the probability of having a black one arriving at the wedding is not zero. This brings us to the first renting tip for Miami limousine services—to clarify what one truly needs in order to eradicate any room for confusion not only to the limousine company, but on the client’s as well.

Second thing to consider with regards to hiring a Miami limousine service is the quantity of persons who are set to ride the vehicle. Oftentimes, the head count could fluctuate—decrease or increase—so that it is good renting practice to always play it safe. Reserve the Miami limousine service to accommodate more individuals rather than less. A good rule of thumb to use in estimating the carrying capacity of the vehicle to rent is the two-person rule. For instance, if there would be 4 passengers intending to ride the limousine, then hire a 6-seater vehicle. Therefore, the second renting tip is to go a step beyond according to the rule of thumb if a particular Miami limousine service provider does not suggest so.

One of the most common mistakes committed by people renting limousines is the predilection for the cheapest price possible. All too often people fall prey to limousine outfits that boast of cheap rates. Almost certainly, when one books a “cheap” limousine, chances are high that the vehicle suits its price. Remember that fair market value is the key issue rather than cheap price. To get an idea about fair market price, just research through the Internet or through friends and acquaintances that would render valuable pieces of information with regards to prevailing rates and price comparisons offered by different Miami limousine service providers.

This brings us to the third limousine renting tip, which is not to bargain. Most likely, Miami limousine service providers would hang up on a person who persists on trying to strike a deal. A more practical thing to do would be to simply explain one’s budget and then see if a particular Miami limousine service provider is willing to work out with it. If it does, then it becomes a judgment call on one’s behalf whether, for example, to opt paying $10 per hour more for a brand new model or paying $15 per hour less for a 2-year old model, after weighing the pros and cons of each option.

The most upsetting situation for a limousine chauffeur and the limousine company is when a client does not show up without canceling the booking beforehand. Such a scenario causes inconvenience on the part of the limousine company considering the fact that the drivers are not instructed to leave their post until an hour after the client booked the vehicle. After the hour has elapsed, only then can the driver go back to the garage, which could likely jeopardize their second trip. Thus, the limousine company would not only charge for the entire trip but also for the waiting time and the parking tolls incurred. So the fourth renting tip is to make sure to cancel a booking considerably long before the scheduled time of use. Last minute cancellations are usually considered billable 2 hours prior for sedans, and 2 weeks prior for stretch limousines in most Miami limousine services.

Last, but not the least, is to not be shilly-shally about probing more information through asking. Miami limousine service providers would very much appreciate if they have a clear picture of what a client is really looking for. Also only through asking will one be able to obtain the right set of information for making the right decisions.

Earl Juanico
http://gcls.com/wedding_limousine/wedding_limousine_services.html

Hostels: Good For All Ages?

2006-10-19T10:49:00.000-07:00

Many people think a hostel isn't for them if they're not 19, laden down with backpack, and scraping together their last forints/pounds/euros, etc. But would you consider a hostel for a romantic getaway, girls weekend, or family retreat? If not, consider the following points:

* Many Hostels Have Private Rooms: Sure, they're not the Ritz but they're usually clean and have a bathroom in the room or nearby. Plus, they're generally a fraction of what a similar hotel room in the same area would cost AND often include breakfast. Add in the bonus of internet access/lounge/activity planning that many hostels have and there's not much reason to dimiss a hostel.

*Hostels Are Usually Near The Action: Particularly in Europe, hostels don't do well if they're not convenient to transit connections and major sights. Trying to find a bed & breakfast or hotel that's reasonably priced in the same area is very difficult.

*A Great Way to Meet Travel Partners: In my 30's, I stayed in a hostel in Prague where I met the most delightful travel partner. We took in a pub crawl and a trip to the zoo. We still talk via email today and our paths would have never crossed if I had holed up in an expensive hotel room.

Sure, some hostels are better than others. The criteria that makes them great finds vary from person to person, but there are some standards to look for. See my related article, How To Pick The Best Hostel For You.

Happy Travels!

Kadie Kozee is the founder and editor of On The Cheap Travel (http://www.onthecheaptravel.com). She takes great delight in visiting fascinating places on a minimal budget.

Choosing Honeymoon Package

2006-10-19T10:48:00.000-07:00

Planning for your wedding should not limit to the wedding day itself. You should also plan for your honeymoon. And with this, you should select the best honeymoon package that suits your interests and needs.

Choosing honeymoon package could be easy for some. But for those who are having a difficult time arriving on the conclusion, here are the things you should consider:

When choosing a honeymoon package, the couple should identify their wants. The couple should realize where would they want to go, what would they want to do, and what are the things they expect.

The question as to where would the couple wants to go, the possible answers would be the beach, city, countryside, exclusive place, wildlife, cultural tours, backpacking, and winter.

What to do depends on the place the couple would like to go. For example, the couple decided to spend their honeymoon at a beach. The possible activities could be an engagement on water sports and other water activities.

To make it easier, the couple can create a checklist that would state all the things that need to be answered by the honeymoon package they are about to select. The checklist would also give you the shorter route in arriving at a compromise. Cross out those that you do not agree with and retain the things that you both like to include on your honeymoon package.

Set your budget. Just before you go online and search for a particular honeymoon package you want to have, you should make sure that you have a set budget. In this way, you know what are your financial limits and you know what you can afford and what you cannot. There is no worse way to ruin your honeymoon vacation than spending more than what you have.

After setting your budget, do research over the internet. Look for several honeymoon packages that match your checklist. Select one on the basis of accommodation, price, options, upgrades, amenities, services, and duration of your stay.

If you have a pre-determined destination, limit your search on the particular place. Usually, each hotel in one area gives their won honeymoon package(s). The good thing is, prices range from the most economical to the most expensive and luxurious.

After you have selected the honeymoon package you both agree with, it is time to make reservations. Reservations can be made at least 3 months before your scheduled honeymoon. And before you go to the trip, make sure that your confirm your reservation. Happy trip!

This content is provided by Low Jeremy and may be used only in its entirety with all links included. For more info on Honeymoon, please visit http://honeymoon.articlekeep.com.

Nothing Compares to A Naples Vacation

2006-10-19T10:46:00.000-07:00

The southwest corner of Florida along the Gulf of Mexico is where the Sunshine State really starts to get into the groove; miles of coastline, stunning in its own right, lead down to this picture perfect region that will make you feel that you’re far, far away from your regular life. Naples especially does an incredible job of removing you to a whole new state of mind; it’s as if the farther south you go, the easier it is to just relax. This beach town has what it takes to show you the best of Florida, so think about pointing yourself in this general direction for a chance to make your escape from the confines of your cubicle.

Calm seas, white sands and a town filled with activities of all kinds are all you could ask for as far as vacations go. Stepping into Naples is like entering a designated “stress-free” realm of constant diversions, but it’s delightfully laid-back pace will never pressure you to run yourself ragged. Do what you want to do, when you want to do it, and the details will take care of themselves.

For example, if right this minute you find yourself itching to feel warm, soft sand between your toes and wish you could hear the sound of the intermittent surf, then plan to spend a big chunk of your time in Naples with a beach towel, your trusty sunglasses, and that novel you’ve been meaning to read. Naples has ten miles of pristine coastline and nearby areas like Lely Barefoot Beach, Clam Pass Park, and Vanderbilt Beach will all encourage you to lounge and loll to your heart’s content. Doing nothing much at all will become the order of the day, and will surely keep you plenty busy.

If you do want to boost your energy levels, plentiful marinas and rental shops will set you up with everything you need to get out on the water. Catamarans, kayaks and fishing gear are readily available to get your motor running. Shelling along Paradise Coast is also something you don’t get to do every day, so grab a bucket and keep your eyes to the ground in search of that special souvenir.

In case you didn’t know, Naples is right in the middle of the Everglades. This is good news for nature lovers, who will be able to while away several hours oohing and ahhing over the manatees, mangroves, dolphins, bald eagles, alligators and so much more. The barrier islands and the backcountry teem with species of all kind and can be pointed out to you by a guide during an eco-tour or a safari excursion. They’re proud of their habitat here, and will do what they can to fill you in on all the wonders of this marshy and magnificent region.

It must be mentioned that golfers will find temptation around every corner. In a place that provides fitting weather to play on any day of the year, you can bet that people want to take advantage of it. There are about 40 lovely choices in the Naples area and several more that aren’t too far away, so basically the general passion that Florida displays for this sport isn’t in short supply here.

Naples is known for being well-rounded thanks to all of this plus the attention it pays to the arts. Several galleries showcase the work of local creative types, and theatres and festivals further encourage visitors to get to know the more colorful side of this not-just-a-beach town. From glass making to photography, live music to shows, Naples has a vibrant personality to go with its natural beauty.

There’s a lot of time and space devoted to shopping here as well, so the various districts and offerings are worth taking note of. Bayfront is an upscale conglomeration of shops and restaurants, and will show shopaholics the way to their bliss. Specialty boutiques mingle with fine dining establishments and standard designer stores, so save some time to ogle the amazing wares if you’ve saved some room in your suitcase for the return home. Other malls, clubs and eateries as well as the energy of the town alone make Naples worth exploring when you’ve worked up the energy to shed your swimsuit in favor of real clothes again.

If all of this fits the image you have in your mind as the perfect contrast to the daily grind, then admit to yourself that it’s time to take the plunge and come to Naples. Make this an even more successful trip by renting a vacation property instead of booking a hotel room; more space, amenities, and choices will lighten your load and improve your overall outlook, and considering that Naples has hundreds of condos, town homes and beach houses to choose from, you’ll surely find one that fits your taste and suits your needs.

Go online to check out the selection of Naples Vacation Rentals, and start mentally preparing to rediscover the relaxed, amiable vacationer that is just waiting to appear once you say goodbye to work and worry.

Visit HomeAway.com to view an array of vacation rentals located all over the world.

Ensuring That You Are Getting The Right Spring Break Package

2006-10-19T10:45:00.000-07:00

There are few things in this world more rabid than the spring break salesman. These individuals taunt you with deals that seem wonderful on paper, and people who book with them often get less than what they expected. In this article, we'll talk about some of the tactics that salesman for spring break agencies often use to trick people into deals that are not as beneficial as they may seem.

Whenever you're looking over a spring break deal offered by a company, be sure to check into all the details - the low rates that they tend to offer on their advertisements usually result in room-sharing amongst you and your fellow breakers, causing cramped conditions that can really hamper a spring break experience. Also, be wary of any spring break travel agents who offer you an offer in which you have to ‘act now' or lose the deal. This sales tactic is commonly employed to trick consumers into believing that they are getting the best possible thing for their money when it is often not the case.

If a representative for a spring break travel agency is offering you a deal that you would like to consider, there are a few steps that you can take to help ensure that the person you are dealing with is refutable and actually offering a sound deal. When they tell you of the accommodations associated with your package, give the hotel where you will be staying a call. Ask them about the tour package director and whether or not they are running a legitimate business. This can help you to weed out anybody who is trying to take your hard-earned money. It's also important to ask for cancellation policies and refund policies before signing any paperwork associated with a spring break package. While you may be sure that you're going on spring break, complications can arise that may cause you to cancel the trip, and many agencies stick you with a huge cancellation fee should you need to. One thing to look for when searching out a refutable travel agent is if the agent you are speaking with is a member of the American Society of Travel Agents. This group upholds rigorous standards regarding the practices of their members, and it gives you a good bit of relief to know that your agent is not simply a scamster out for your money. Follow these tips, and you're sure to pick a spring break opportunity that is right for you.

Kadence Buchanan writes articles on many topics including
Recreation, Kids And Teens, and Society

Experience Natural Beauty with Destin Florida Vacation Rental

2006-10-19T10:44:00.000-07:00

Destin Florida is known for its charismatic beaches which not give a soothing view but it also rejuvenate our mind, body and soul. The beauty of its beaches is very difficult to describe in words that is white sand and beautiful crystal blue water which seems so pure like blue diamond. Fun and activities comes as a part and parcel while holidaying at Destin Florida. Destin Florida will provide you best golf courses besides landscape of palm trees, pines and other beautiful view. So, that while playing you can enjoy the beauty of nature. Destin Florida provides a great package of fun, shopping, fishing, dining, and off course yummy sea food.

While holidaying at Destin Florida you can choose from wide range, the place for accommodation that is from Destin Florida vacation rentals, hotels and many others. Hotels are also a good place to accommodate while holidaying but the factors which interrupts the choice of hotels is that they are expensive and offers no privacy. On the other hand Destin Florida vacation rentals have all the features which accommodating in hotel lacks that is cost factor and privacy.

Destin Florida vacation rental can be a condo, bungalow, apartment, beach houses, villas. The rent on such vacation rental is determined on the basis of its location and area of the vacation rental.

Destin Florida Vacation rentals, as said are cheap as compared to any other accommodation because vacation rental are made available directly from the home owners which involves very low cost that is, only the agent charge his fee in between. On the other side of the coin, in hotels or any other accommodation there are many cost involve which subsequently increases the rent of the rooms.

Destin Florida vacation rental offers all the services which are available at your home that is from kitchen to dinning room and from living room to bed room. In order words you can simply relax in your rooms while watching television or DVD after your day at Destin Florida beaches and after enjoying all the adventure. After that, you can cook for your partner and your family so that you don’t feel home food sick while holidaying. It is also absolutely right to say that after your tiring day in the holidaying town, you can relax as if you are in your own house. But, remember if you incur any loss or damage there, it is possible that you will be asked to pay for that incurred loss.

Thus, it is true that Destin Florida vacation rental is your home away from home.

Sylvestor Johnson is offering loan and rental advice for quite some time. He is working as financial consultant for ThinkRentals. To find Apartment rentals, Cabin rentals, Condo rentals, Destin Florida vacation rental, Rental homes, Vacation rentals, Beach house vacation rentals at cheap rates that best suits your needs visit http://www.thinkrentals.com

Sense "Sunshine State" in Florida Vacation Rental by Owner

2006-10-19T10:43:00.000-07:00

Florida is nestled in southern eastern states of United States. It is also known as “sunshine state”. It’s a place of sizzling food, music, history, fanatical art, prominent structural design and much more. Every city and town of Florida leaves a mark of its diversity of culture and experience. There are many exotic places in Florida to visit such as theme parks, universal studios, Busch gardens and many more as it is very difficult to list them all. Florida is loaded with number of places to visit and lost of things to do there. Florida has something for every age group that is from beauty to adventure. And, enjoyment in Florida gets doubles when after a tiring day you get a place where you can relax as home which is only possible through Florida vacation rental by owner.

Florida vacation rental by owner implies taking a home on rent at holidaying destination directly through an owner of the house. You also have other option to accommodate while holidaying that is in hotels or any other accommodation. But, accommodating at hotels is an expensive as it involves huge cost which subsequently increases the rent of the rooms. Thus, Florida vacation rental by owner is comparatively cheaper than accommodating in hotels. In this way you can save an amount of money which can be further utilized on other activities in Florida.
There is variety of Florida rental vacation which is being offered by owner that is villas, condos, apartments, cottages etc.

You can easily locate the owners offering vacation rental at Florida through online mode. You are only required to do research on the internet and for sure you will get number of offers for vacation rental by owners. But, before that you are also required to fill an application which asks for certain personal details and preferred location of vacation rental in Florida. And, finally you can choose from wide range the one which suits your budget and needs.

The reason as to why Florida vacation rentals are preferred over hotels is that the vacation rentals are more spacious and are more comfortable. Above all, no one can disturb as the one is disturbed while residing at hotel.

Florida vacation rental by owner serves you all the facilities which are available at one house that is fully furnished kitchen, living room, spacious bed room, swimming pool, washer, dryer, laundries etc. These all facilities make you feel as if you enjoying at holidaying destination but relaxing at home.

Sylvestor Johnson is offering loan and rental advice for quite some time. He is working as financial consultant for ThinkRentals. To find Florida vacation rental by owner, Cabin rentals, Condo rentals, Rental homes, Colorado vacation rental, Beach house vacation rentals at cheap rates that best suits your needs visit http://www.thinkrentals.com

Virgin Islands Villa Rentals are Accommodations in Paradise

2006-10-19T10:41:00.001-07:00

Renting vacation villas in St Croix, St Thomas and St John is a preferable way to accommodate yourself when vacationing in the US Virgin Islands, a Caribbean paradise that's part of the United States.

The 3 vibrant islands of the US Virgin Islands are considered safe destinations that are culturally rich and diverse, with friendly people hailing from all over the world. During your Virgin Islands getaway you could meet people from Africa, Europe, the United States and, of course, people native to the Caribbean.

St Thomas – There are several ways to see the sights of St Thomas. Some of the most popular ways to explore this 32-square-mile island are by renting a car, chartering a small plane for an aerial view, going on a safari bus or taking a taxi. A few of the must-see spots to add to your itinerary include Drake's Seat, the spot where Sir Francis Drake used to watch his fleet and which overlooks Magens Bay Beach – one of the world's most beautiful; Paradise Point, another scenic viewpoint that overlooks Charlotte Amalie Harbor; and downtown Charlotte Amalie, with its "99 Steps," Fort Christian and Blackbeard's Castle.

St John – Get on your feet to explore St. John. This island, home of the US Virgin Islands National Park, is interlaced with trails that you can hike on your own or along which you can follow a guide. Along the trails you will find ruins of sugar factories, gorgeous beaches and ancient rock carvings. If you decide to stay on St John, you will have plenty of lodging choices, from large resorts to private villas to campgrounds. St John vacation rentals are recommended for their privacy and comforts of home amidst a tropical paradise.

St Croix – The largest of the US Virgin Islands, St Croix offers plenty to see and do. Like St Thomas, you can tour St Croix by rental car, taxi, or guided tour. You may want to charter a sailboat at sunset to get a different perspective on this island. You can also enjoy St Croix from beneath the waves by diving or snorkeling in Buck Island Reef, the only U.S. national monument that is underwater. In addition to sunbathing on the beautiful beaches of St Croix, you may want to see the Cruzan Rum Distillery, the St George Botanical Garden, or, for a taste of history, Salt River – the place where Christopher Columbus arrived in the Virgin Islands in 1493.

Whether you're traveling to the Virgin Islands to attend a wedding, enjoy your honeymoon or just take it easy, there are many ways to relax and experience all the islands have to offer. Activities include: golfing, deep-sea fishing, duty free shopping, kayaking, hiking, eco-tours, diving, sailing, sunbathing, fine dining, and nightlife.

For a truly unique and unforgettable vacation in the U.S. Virgin Islands be sure to choose the right type of accommodations. You can share the same experience as many others by staying in a hotel or resort. Or you can live the destination like an islander by renting St Croix villas, St John vacation rentals or St Thomas villa or condo rentals.

It's easier than ever to find St John rentals, St Thomas rentals and St Croix villa rentals online. Try CyberRentals or HomeAway for your next Virgin Islands vacation.

My Favorite Five-Star Hotels in Australia

2006-10-19T10:41:00.000-07:00

My job in a major firm that specializes in mergers and acquisitions takes me all over Australia. I guess that’s one reason why they asked me to do my own review for the simplylush.com website. Well, that and the fact that they think highly of my excellent taste and discerning eye (wink!).

I was asked to write about my favourite five-star hotels in Melbourne and Sydney, where I usually do business, as well as my overall Australia-wide favourite holiday five-star retreat. Without further adieu, allow me to tell you about my favourite five-star hotels.

1. Langham Hotel, Melbourne

For me, this is the best hotel in Melbourne, with absolutely the best riverside location in the whole city. The hotel exudes a personality that is elegant but not pretentious or overly opulent - like a gracious Victorian residence from the olden days. The hotel is an easy distance from many of my favourite Melbourne things, including the al fresco restaurants, superb cafes and a rather happening night life.

My wife enjoys the nearby boutiques, National Gallery of Victoria, Victorian Arts Centre and the magnificent Botanical Gardens. She doesn’t usually come with me on my trips and, although I’ve been to the Langham countless more times than she has, I never really appreciated the hotel’s magnificent high ceiling, cascading fountains and Waterford crysal chandeliers until she pointed them out.

There are 12 suites in all, plus the Presidential Suite. They also have a glitzy Executive Club on the 24th floor which has special privileges. In addition, the in-house Melba Brasserie is a great place to eat, with soft elegant armchairs and sofas, and a breath-taking view of the Yarra River.

2. The Observatory Hotel, Sydney

Located in Sydney’s historic Rocks district, the Observatory Hotel blends right in and reminds me of a grand 19th century Australian Home. Word is that the Observatory Hotel is part of the Orient Express collection of properties, and it does have that kind of mystique.
It is furnished with tasteful Australian antiques, fine tapestries and original oil paintings. The Observatory is also close to Sydney’s Central Business District and that matters to an executive like me as well. After a stressful day in the boardroom, there are many options here that can help me wind down, including the Day Spa & Health Club, which has a magnificent spa and sauna as well as a 20-metre indoor swimming pool. The in-house Galileo Restaurant offer fine cuisine

3. Sheraton Mirage Resort & Spa Gold Coast

Now, if it’s a vacation hideaway I’m after, then the Sheraton Mirage at the Gold Coast is tops on my list. Just thinking about its superb location – right between the soothing blue Pacific Ocean and serene Southport Broadwater – is a calming experience.

With over 15 hectares of palm trees and its own sparkling blue lagoon, the word that comes to mind when I think about the Sheraton Mirage is oasis. The rooms are elegant but I’d advise you to go for the private villas with their picture-perfect view of the rolling surf and nearby tropical gardens.

For dining, the Sheraton Mirage has five restaurants and bars, each of them award winners in their own right. For seafood lovers, the Terraces Restaurant offers a superb buffet while the Oasis Pool Bar is great for lounging by the pool. Horizons Restaurant is the place for a romantic dinner while the Oyster Bar is great for a champagne-flowing experience.

If you're travelling to Australia and are looking for some of the very best luxury accommodation on offer, you can visit http://www.simplylush.com for free reviews of the best luxury hotels, apartments, bed and breakfasts and self-contained properties to stay at.

Want a luxury Gold Coast Hotel, Melbourne Hotel or Sydney hotel? Then Simply Lush has all the information you need to make an informed decision. It is a totally free travel resource site run by James Lush (ex-BBC and ITV TV and Radio journalist, now living in Australia).

Why you Should Stay at the Grand Bahamas Hotel

2006-10-19T10:40:00.000-07:00

There are many people who, right this minute, are planning a trip to the Bahamas. There are many great reasons why the Bahamas is a great vacation getaway spot; its beauty, its interest, and the instant calm that it puts over you when you arrive. If you are in the planning stage of your trip, then surely you will know about the multitude of options in regards to hotels that there are.

The Grand Bahamas Hotel is one of these available options, and is in fact considered as being on of the best options, and for many good reasons. Located within steps of the Grand Bahamas Hotel are more than 30 restaurants, including that of the award winning Ferry House Restaurant, as well as various bars, shops, nightly live entertainment, the Dolphin Experience, scuba diving locales, snorkeling and deep-sea diving locales, and much more.

Why Choose the Grand Bahamas Hotel?

There are many reasons why you should choose the Great Bahamas Hotel as your hotel of choice on your trip to the Bahamas; the products they have to offer and their superior customer service are just two of the amazing and wonderful benefits that you will receive if you stay at the Grand Bahamas Hotel.

They also have a relatively new boutique hotel which is located nearby, the Pelican Bay at Lucaya Hotel, which is another place where visitors can find the finest combination of Caribbean and European architecture and service, and they were even awarded the “Small Treasures of the Bahamas” designation by the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, thus making the Pelican Bay at Lucaya hotel another great place to stay at.

There is in fact more than one hotel which are listed as being the “Grand Bahamas Hotels”, and so it is thus extremely important that you put some much needed time and consideration into your decision overall, so that you can make the right choice for you, and so that you will be fully satisfied in the end.

The most important thing of all to remember of course is to have fun, because after all, that is the point of planning on going on a trip in the first place. There are so many resources available that you can use in order to help yourself with the planning process, and so you should take full advantage of as many of these as you can.

If you want to read more about why you should stay at the Grand Bahamas Hotel , visit Craig Ritsema’s web site on the Bahamas at: http://www.thebahamasnet.com.

Get Away from It All With A Farmhouse Holiday in Florence

2006-10-19T10:39:00.000-07:00

A farmhouse holiday in Florence is sure to be the vacation you never forget. Many old farmhouses in Florence and the surrounding Tuscan region were once the estates of the country’s nobility. Now they are the places where families and friends can all get together in one large, warm, friendly place and make it their home base for discovering all that Tuscany has to offer.

Amenities and Activities at a Florence Farmhouse

The farmhouse holiday Florence style is one that is filled with adventure and relaxation all at once. Situated in the hillsides of Tuscany, a farmhouse is central to some of the region’s best tourist attractions. You are close to cities for their museums and culture, yet away from the noise and hustle and bustle of the nightlife. You are short walk or bike ride from the best pizzerias, cafes, and restaurants, or you can choose to eat a quiet meal at “home.”

Many farmhouse rentals come with some meals included. Also included are the equipment and “toys” round at the homestead. For example, bicycles, swimming gear, even motorcycles can often be borrowed or rented. You can also have use of the pool or drive or walk a short distance to the beaches along the coast, depending on where your farmhouse rental is located.

Both long and short term rentals are possible at a Florence farmhouse. The rates are generally between 400 and 800 Euros per week depending on how many people are in your party. The price will also be higher if meals are included.

Why Choose a Farmhouse

A farmhouse offers the space and flexibility to explore the region at a relaxed pace. It is also great for families with smaller children who may need the room for running and playing. A quieter atmosphere and the close proximity to attractions, make a farmhouse an attractive alternative to hotel living for families with young children.

If you prefer nature and the outdoors to city life, then this is a vacation where you can hike, ride horses or bicycles, and swim by day and then eat, drink, dance, and get a good night’s rest by night. The owners of the farmhouses have usually had the homes in their families for generations and make visitors feel like long lost relatives with their warmth and hospitality.

What is Included? More advantages to staying in a farmhouse are the home like amenities that are included with your rental. You will access to the kitchen, more than one full bath, laundry facilities, and the room for family members to have their own space, instead of crowding into a couple of small hotel rooms.

The best of both hotel life and home life are combined at the farmhouse. You will have housekeeping services that change bed linens and take care of making sure you have plenty of clean towels. You will also be able to get to know your hosts, many of which will cook meals according to your preferences and requests. There is nothing quite as inviting as an Italisan Mama making the pasta just the way you like it!

Being specifically passionate about Tuscany and Italy, Clinton Maxwell has been writing various news in this particular area.His work on farmhouse holiday Florence can be discovered on http://www.florence-italy-guide.com/farmhouse-holiday-florence.html and other websites.

Cheap Accommodation - Las Vegas Vacation Home Rental

2006-10-19T10:38:00.000-07:00

Las Vegas is regarded as “The entertainment capital of the world” and “sin city”. It is best place for vacation, shopping, entertainment and gambling. It is the city which has something for every one either its adventure, golf, museums, restaurants and much more. It is also known as the golfer’s paradise. Not only the man made things which attracts the person but its beauty is also a reason as to why the people get attracted towards Las Vegas. So, are you planning to spend your vacation at Las Vegas, then don’t forget to accommodate in vacation home rental while holidaying there in order to taste the real flavor of Las Vegas.

Las Vegas vacation home rental is far better than staying in any other accommodation as it offers convenience and comfort of home. Vacation home rental serves all the amenities such as dining room, television, washer, dryers, laundries and all these gives a perfect environment of home. Las Vegas vacation home rental are available in different sizes and location. And the person can choose as per his convenience, comfort and budget.

A fully furnished kitchen is also one of the most important features that a Las Vegas vacation home rental offers. Its kitchen consist all type of utensils to food stuff which is needed for cooking. It also has other amenities such as food processor, oven, microwave which will make the task of cooking simpler and easier. Thus, even on holidaying destination that is Las Vegas, the person can cook for his partner and family as they like.

But, before choosing Las Vegas vacation home rental there are certain point which the person should keep in his mind that what exactly are his requirements. In other words, there is a need to access the need that how much people will stay in the vacation home rental, how much is the budget? After answering, all these question, there is a need to choose the location where the person wants. The cost of each vacation home rental varies as per the size and location.

The person can book Las Vegas vacation home rental either through travel agencies or directly through owners. Booking directly through owners carries a low cost as compared to the cost involved when it is booked from any traveling agency.

Las Vegas vacation home rental gives a place to relax just as home with all the amenities. But, the person must use the things with as much care and attention as their own things. And, it is possible that if he incur any loss there, he can be asked to pay for all those loss incurred.

Sylvestor Johnson is offering loan and rental advice for quite some time. He is working as financial consultant for ThinkRentals. To find Las Vegas Vacation Home Rental, Cabin rentals, Condo rentals, Rental homes, Vacation rentals, Beach house vacation rentals at cheap rates that best suits your needs visit http://www.thinkrentals.com

Choosing the Right Hotel in Florence Italy

2006-10-19T10:37:00.000-07:00

What do you look for in a hotel? A Florence hotel is sure to have it all. Some want a quiet retreat while others want to be close to the action. Making your own checklist of your likes and dislikes when it comes to turning in for the night will help you find a good Florence hotel. This will serve as your home base to day excursions or just a walking tour of the city.

Florence Accommodation Checklist

Take a minute to evaluate your preferences by answering a few questions:

1. Do you like an extremely quiet hotel?

2. Do you like to rent a car and drive to most attractions?

3. Would you like a home-like feeling to your sleeping arrangements?

4. Is it important for you to be able to cook small snacks or meals in your room?

5. Will you have children with you on your Florence vacation?

If you answered “yes” to most of these questions then you many like a Florence farmhouse or apartment arrangement. A farmhouse will be outside the city limits and apartments can be either in town or further away in the surrounding towns.

Now evaluate yourself on these questions:

1. Do you like to have room service at your hotel?

2. Would you prefer to use public transportation to get around?

3. Do you want to be within walking distance of tourist attractions?

4. Is it important to you to have services available 24 hours per day?

5. Do you like an active night life?

If you answered “yes” to most of these questions, then you are probably looking for a larger hotel, perhaps a well-known chain, in the heart of the city. Here you will have amenities such as room service, and you will be able to get around without having to rent a car.

The Sites of Florence

Within the general area of Florence there are hotels, bed & breakfast inns, farmhouses, villas and apartments. If you are planning to stay for an extended vacation or 2 weeks or more, it can be more affordable to stay in a villa or apartment where you can shop for your own groceries and not need to eat every meal out.

If you are looking for luxury and service, then full-service hotels or well-staffed villas are a good option. No matter what type of accommodations you choose, you will want to visit the Florence museums and travel the countryside of Tuscany.

Within the city limits of Florence there is world-class shopping. Gold and leather are especially good purchases, since the quality is extremely high, but prices are low. Also, the museums of Florence house masterpieces by the world’s greatest artists. In the country side you will find the wine of Chianti to be a memorable experience.

Everything is within a short drive outside the city or within walking distance in the city. So no matter what type of Florence hotel you end up staying in, you will not be far from the best tourist attractions. Also within a day’s drive or train ride are the attractions of Venice, Rome, and Bologna. Florence is central to it all

Jack Blacksmith often creates papers on subjects associated with Italy and Tuscany.Recording his experience in publications on Italy and Florence hotel the writer demonstrated his capability in the field.

European Resorts Give You History, Pampering and Delicious Cuisine

2006-10-19T10:35:00.000-07:00

If you want luxury, pampering, history and exciting cuisine to be a part of your vacation, one of the best ways to get all of this and more is to vacation at a European resort. You get the opportunity to relax and unwind and the opportunity to visit historic sites and learn about the history of the many countries, cities and villages that call Europe home.

Many of the European resorts will offer you a luxury vacation stay. This includes food, comfortable accommodations and pampering at the onsite spas. Their job is to make your stay a memorable one that will keep you coming back for more.

European resorts are also excellent starting points to learn about where to go and what to do in that particular city. We all have the things that we want to see when we visit a country in Europe such as the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Eiffel Tower in France or a Bull fight in Madrid, Spain. But to truly get a feel for the country and the culture you need to go to the places that the locals visit such as markets, cafés and tiny shops tucked away on a side street. Let your resort be your guide and help you experience the city to the fullest.

There are hundreds of European resorts, so it is often hard to decide just where you want to go. The first thing you need to think about is what kind of resort you want to go to. For instance, are you more interested in a spa treatment or just a place to lay your head after a day of site seeing? Some resorts are geared more towards families whereas others are more of a romantic place for lovebirds.

Begin searching for that particular type of resort. If you know which country you want to go to that is helpful too. Look for discounts, specials and packages that they have to offer. Just as with any resort, the prices for European resorts vary throughout the year, so if you can be flexible as to when you want to go you will get the best prices.

The internet is an excellent place to get information on European resorts. Once you choose your resort, we suggest you look for reviews on it as well to make sure that others who have already been there had a good time and that it met their expectations. Then it is up to you to go relax, unwind and dine or explore and learn about the history of the area. Either way you can't go wrong with a vacation at a European resort.

For more information on CountryInnSuites, OceanCityMaryland or even some info about Hawii you can find it at our website.

Places in Paris to Romance Your Love

2006-10-19T10:34:00.000-07:00

Like Venice, Paris has always been a magnet for lovers and their affairs. As Woody Allen put it: "As long as you haven't been kissed during any of those rainy Parisian afternoons, you haven't been kissed at all." Paris is where sleepy marriages are rekindled, the flames of passion ignited, vows renewed, and special someones met. But where will you get the most ardent thrill?

Finding your cafe terrace

I will start with an obvious spot: the sidewalk cafe terrace. There are thousands of such in Paris, and lovebirds are a common sight there. The cafe terrace is an enjoyable spot in more than one way. First, they offer a nice resting spot. Second, they make an ideal observatory. The streets become an aquarium, passer-bys are the fish, and you two become the observers. Third, sit down at a terrace where other couples are smooching, and you are part of a community setting a good example to the rest of the world. For all we need is love!

One of my favorite cafes is 'Les Chevaux de Marly', inside the Louvre Museum, facing the wing where the Da Vinci Code movie was filmed. Les Chevaux de Marly isn't your typical sidewalk cafes; the place reeks history, and even when you sit outside you are well protected against the elements thanks to the stone parapet.

Now if you are a die-hard fan of the Latin Quarter, and the St Germain des Pres area, you will certainly want to sit at the terrace of 'Les Deux Magots' (A Pair of Old Bachelors). French philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre and his wife, writer Simone de Beauvoir, used to hole up there in the 50s. Rather large and well protected by a long awning, the terrace is a great spot to observe the foot traffic moving along the busy Boulevard St Germain. The atmosphere inside the cafe has kept some of its mid-20th century flavor. A tad on the expensive side, but history and a great view have a price, haven't they?

More suggestions? Check out the following areas, you'll find nice cafes: 'Butte aux Cailles' (in the 13th district), 'Place de la Contrescarpe' (in the 5th district), 'Place des Abbesses' (on the Montmartre Hill), and the perennial cafe facing the Pont St Louis, on Ile St Louis, near Quai de Bourbon.

Cool streets to roam

I always advise my friends who take the trip to Paris to discover the city on foot. Walking is the absolute best way to enjoy sightseeing in Paris. And 'look up' must be your operative word. Don't just look at eye level: raise your eyes, and observe what's above. The 'upper floor' scenery is worth it.

For romancing the love of your life, certain places have these very special qualities which will set them apart in your memories of togetherness. I will tell you about three for now, and there will be more to come.

Atop my list, 'Place Furstemberg'. From the plaza of the St Germain Church, walk toward the Seine and Rue Bonaparte. Turn right into Rue de l'Abbaye. Follow the street to the first short alley on your left. Turn and you end up on 'Place Furstemberg'. French painter Eugene Delacroix had his studio there, and this makes an interesting spot to visit during daytime. But 'Place Furstemberg' takes a whole other atmosphere at night. It is quiet, isolated, and sort of private. The nearby abbey lends it a historical feel. Sitting under the trees, the wooden benches welcome eternal lovers.

My second pick would be the steep flights of stairs leading up to the top of the Montmartre Hill, and the quaint streets below 'Place du Tertre'. Here again, you would be well inspired to discover the hill during the day, and come back to it in the evening. Montmartre is one of the last areas in Paris to have retained their 'olden days' feel. Strolling around the hill at night gives you a whiff of what Paris was like in the late 1800s. Most definitely one of the very best spots to roam hand in hand, stealing a kiss here and there under the quiet glow of the street lights.

As a final destination for this short trip, let me take you to the park located at the tip of 'Ile de la Cite'. This is the largest of the two islands, and the small park named 'Square du Vert Galant' takes its name from King Henri the 4th, a womanizer in his own right ('Galant' alludes to his reputation as a smooth talker, and 'Vert' means the guy was 'always ready to fire'). Walk to the 'Pont Neuf' bridge, go down the flight of stairs opening behind Henri's statue, and you will wind up on the wharf. There, lined with century-old trees, the park offers a magnificent view of the river Seine and the Louvre Museum. I recommend discovering the spot together during daytime. It is also the port of call of a boat tour operator. Seize this opportunity to boat upstream and downstream. Don't forget to bring an extra sweater, the temperature at water level is chillier.

More romantic places

I love a good romance, and I would love to contribute to yours in my own way. So I'll write more about these special Parisian spots in further installments to this series. Meanwhile, you will find more resources on the website Paris-Eiffel-Tower-News. Till then, I wish your couple to grow even stronger.

About the Author:

After 30 years spent in Paris, Phil Chavanne knows the city in and out. As the Senior Editor of Paris-Eiffel-Tower-News he shares with you his experience of Paris from the inside.

Vacationing in Kissimmee

2006-10-19T10:33:00.000-07:00

Kissimmee, Florida is located just south of Orlando and is generally considered one of the main gateways to the fun and excitement of Walt Disney World. While most individuals travel here to enjoy Disney’s four theme parks, there are numerous other avenues for adventure that visitors should explore to get the most out of their Florida vacation. Make your way to Kissimmee the next time you want a theme park-filled getaway and experience a side to the Orlando area that you may have missed on previous excursions.

Even though you may have already experienced the essence of Disney at the Magic Kingdom, no vacation is complete without a stop near Cinderella’s Castle. Disney’s Magic Kingdom appeals to visitors of all ages with the broad range of attractions such as Splash Mountain, the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, and the Haunted Mansion. Venture through as many of the five lands, Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, Frontierland, Liberty Square and Adventureland, as possible during your day’s adventure and let the child inside of you run free as everyone in your group enjoys the real Disney.

After spending a day at Disney World, head over to MGM Studios to be transported back to another world where television and movie production take center stage. Take the Backlot Tour for a behind the scenes look or watch Disney animators at work on the Magic of Disney Animation tour. There are also numerous thrills to go along with your day on the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Star Wars rides. And when you are ready to sit back and relax, the stage productions of Beauty and the Beast and the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular await to amuse and excite audiences.

If you have an animal lover in your family, Disney’s Animal Kingdom can certainly entertain their passion with its more than 1700 animals and 250 species. But don’t worry about everyone else since the exciting way the animals and landscape are presented, such as the Expedition Everest ride and the Kilimanjaro Safari, is bound to leave your entire family content with their day here. Epcot is another Disney theme park that allows visitors to experience eleven different countries and cultures through exhibits, performances, restaurants, and shops. Although not the most popular park, it is worth a visit for anyone who has ever wanted to travel the world in a day.

Beyond the parks, Kissimmee is an excellent jumping off point for enjoying the numerous freshwater lakes of this area. Hop aboard a boat tour on Lake Tohopekaliga to catch sight of birds, alligators, other wildlife, the stunning landscape, and a breathtaking sunset complete with Native American tales about the constellations. If fishing is more your style, participate in wild shiner fishing in search of some of the largest bass in the world with one of the numerous guides in the area.

To cap off a long day outdoors in Kissimmee, take in an entertaining, family-oriented dinner at one of the broadway-styled shows. Arabian Nights allows you to escape to a world of fantasy while enjoying a magical feast while Capone’s Dinner and Show harks back to the 1930s with a song and dance musical comedy accompanied by an all you can eat dinner. Afterwards, you can head out with the kids to the Applause Academy for the children’s live entertainment or to the Kissimmee Sports Arena and Rodeo for weekly rodeo action on Friday nights.

To make an already promising Kissimmee vacation even more relaxing and thrilling, consider Kissimmee rentals for your accommodations needs. You can stay close to all the excitement of Walt Disney World while also allowing for easy access to the other great attractions outside of the theme parks. Don’t miss out on any of the entertaining prospects the Kissimmee area has to offer by choosing a vacation rental that meets all your needs and makes it easy to enjoy everything you love about central Florida.

TripHomes.com offers a comprehensive selection of vacation rental homes to accommodate every vacationer’s needs. For an alternative lodging option, consider Kissimmee rentals for your next trip to the Orlando area.

An Adventure to Quincy

2006-10-19T10:32:00.000-07:00

On our first day in Massachusetts we (Peg and I and dear friend Al Burrage) had a council of war and planned where we wanted to go and what sites we wanted to see. Peg's main concern was to see Quincy, Massachusetts. Ever since she had seen the mini-series on televsion based on John Quincy and Abigail Adams (and read the books of course), and attended a history class with her mom at a local community college, Peg has wanted to visit the Adams' homes. Visiting Quincy became our number one goal.

"Just minutes south of Boston awaits one of New England’s most captivating destinations, the City of Quincy (“quin-zee”). Called the 'City of Presidents' and 'Birthplace of the American Dream', Quincy is the birthplace of the second and sixth U.S. Presidents, John Adams and his son, John Quincy Adams. Rich in historic treasures, Quincy’s impressive past remains vibrant today as the city lays claim to an exciting future."

Although our number one goal was to visit Quincy, Massachusetts and visit the home of John Quincy and Abigail Adams once we drove up from West Dennis out on Cape Cod, our immediate goal was lunch. We saw many pubs and restaurants that looked interesting, but upon further investigation we found them to be closed. One even advertized twin lobster dinners for $16.95. I parked the car and walked over to the restaurant only to find a sign that declared their opening hour at 4:00 PM. I wept at their locked door.

Walking back to the car I saw a Brazilian restaurant, Terra Brasili's. They advertized a lunch buffet. We walked in to investigate. The buffet looked inviting. Peg decided to pay for her buffet by the weight, while Al and I decided to try the full buffet for only $13.99. I was a little familiar with dinner from South America. On a trip to Seattle we discoverd the Buenos Aires Grill, where we have dined three times now.

After serving ourselves side dishes and salads, we were able to choose our meats. Since Peg was paying by the weight, she could only go to the kitchen once for a cut of lamb. Al and I were issued a "Yes" and "No" card to place next to our plates. As long as the the card read "Yes" the cook would continue to bring skewers of meat and cut off sections at the table. Our only problem was with the lamb. It was overdone for our tastes. However, the fillet, the rump roast, the sirloin, the pork loin, the bacon wrapped chicken breast, and the sausage were all cooked to perfection. The beef was all served moist and rare. All said, "I've died and gone to meat heaven." For about fifteen minutes I joined him there.

After lunch we drove to the Adams National Historic Site. Peg signed up for the two hour tour. Al roamed around the gardens, and I put the seat back in our car and took a nap. The historical site was beautiful, and I did enjoy what I saw.

"Located just eight miles south of Boston, this site commemorates the public careers and literary contributions of John Adams, the second president of the United States, and four generations of his family, including John Quincy Adams, the country's sixth president. It is the onlyplace in the nation where the story of two presidents can be told from their birth to their final resting place.

The park is on 13 acres and has 11 historic structures, including two modest salt box dwellings that are the oldest presidential birthplaces in the United States. Begin your tour here. John Adams was born in the north house in 1735, and some 75 yards away to the south, stands the house where in 1765 he brought his new bride, Abigail Smith. Their son, John Quincy Adams, was born in that house in 1767.

John Adams and his family were living in the second house when he drafted the Massachusetts Constitution, the forerunner of the U.S. Constitution, and this is where Abigail wrote many of her famous letters during the Revolutionary War, reminding her husband to 'remember the ladies'."

The family's mansion with its beautiful gardens is the start of the tour. Known as the "Old House," John Adams bought this dwelling from the Vassal-Borland family in 1787 and moved in shortly afterward with his family. The Old House was home to four generations of the Adams family: two presidents, statesmen, authors, and scholars. It remained in the family until 1946, when the Adams Memorial Society donated the house, along with its contents and grounds, to the federal government.

While peacefully rocking on the porch of the mansion and waiting for Peg to finish her tour, I received a call from a client, Harry and David, the gourmet condiment people. We laughed and talked a while . . . and I promised to eat three lobsters during the trip for my contact. It was difficult, but I did.

"The Old House holds a vast collection of decorative arts, objects, furnishings, and memorabilia acquired over nearly 150 years by different family members at various times. Adjacent to the Old House is the Stone Library, which was constructed in 1870 by Charles Francis Adams, John and Abigail's grandson.

Considered this country's first presidential library, today the beautiful building houses 14,000 volumes accumulated by several generations of the family."

Looking in my rearview mirror I saw Peg get off the trolley and walk towards the car. She was tired, however I was refreshed. We left the historical site and headed to Harbor Express, which is next to the site of the U.S.S. Salem. The USS Salem CA-139 is now the worlds only preserved heavy cruiser. She is moored at her birthplace, the former Fore River Shipyard.

"Ordered by the US Navy on 14 June, 1943, USS Salem (CA 139) was laid down on 4 July, 1945 at the Bethlehem Steel Company's Quincy Yard in Quincy, MA and launched on 25 March, 1947. She was commissioned at the Boston Navy Yard on 14 May, 1949.

U.S.S. Salem served a distinguished 10 year career as flagship of the US Sixth Fleet in the Mediterranean and the Second Fleet in the Atlantic. During her career she served as host to such notables as the US Ambassador to Spain, John D. Lodge; the Honorable Thomas S. Gates, Undersecretary of the Navy; Admiral Arleigh A. Burke, USN, Chief of Naval Operations; the Shah of Iran; the President of Lebanon and the King and Queen of Greece.

Although Salem never fired her mighty guns in anger, her very presence served as a stimulus for peace during those troubled times that came to be called the Cold War. She served as a Lady of Diplomacy, rather than as a means of exerting brute force."

Before Al and I were kicked off the cruiser, we stepped inside one of the main turrets. I can't imagine the massive damage that must have been done to inner ears of anyone inside the main gun like that. There is even an alarm bell inside. When that went off it had to deafen anyone inside. These guns fire eight inch shells weighing about 240 pounds a distance of up to 18 miles. It was fun turning some of the controls inside the turret, but during a time of war I bet the walls seemed to get closer and closer. I could almost feel the pressure . . . and we still had the door open. We said goodbye to a friendly volunteer working on the deck (the volunteers are building a haunted ship for Halloween to raise money for the Sea Scouts).

We stepped onto the gangway and were surprised to see a German submarine sitting next to the Salem. Boarding the cruiser all our attention was focused on the heavy cruiser. It was a shock to see a two man submarine. I wasn't even aware that the Germans had such a thing during World War II. I knew the Japanese did, but I didn't know about the Kriegsmarine.

We walked all around the sub and when I got to a computer I checked out information on the internet about the mini-submarine, which would have carried two torpedoes. During WW II the German Navy constructed a very small submarine, designed for two crewmembers. The general name for that size u-boat was "seehund" which means seal. The technical equipment for the small submarine was nearly the same as that of larger full-size boats. In addition to the boat in Quincy, you could visit one at Munich's technical museum: Deutsches Museum. Most of the "Seehund" survivors joined the Verband der Seehundfahrer - the association of SEAL-Sailors. Klaus Mattes wrote Die Seehunde an interesting book about the technical matters and the operations of the German mini-submarine.

"The U-5075, a training kleinst-u-boot, was brought to the US for testing and evaluation in 1945. Then parts of it (the periscope, passive sonar and torpedoes) were removed for further evaluation. Our ”075” was then put on display at the Groton Submarine Base (SuBase), in front of the administrative building. It sat there for about 50 years being ignored and neglected. Then it was moved to the USS Nautilus Museum just outside the main gate of the SuBase. In 1997 it was given a marine survey (a professional damage/deterioration evaluation). A few years later, our museum in Quincy got the Seehund. This was because the Nautilus Museum needed the Seehund’s space so it could display the US Navy’s 50-foot X-1 four-man u-boot. Incidentally the X-1 also needs restoration."

Al and I played with a gun emplacement on the dock as well as a mine. Even though I used my shoe I couldn't get the mine to work. There was a jeep there as well, but it was missing the seats, so was a little uncomfortable for sitting. Al and I finished our games of make believe and returned to the car. Peg was a little grumpy. She only had a short nap. Peg expected us to be gone for hours. The cruiser was actually closed, so we only played for about half an hour . . . and part of that was checking on the ferry departures the next day for Boston.

We really enjoyed our day in Quincy, and the next day we really enjoyed our day in Boston, but when we get the opportunity to return to Massachusetts I think we will stay in Quincy for several days and take the ferry to downtown Boston. That way, we can enjoy both Boston and Quincy. It will also stretch our budget by staying in Quincy rather than the higher priced hotels of Boston.

Don Doman is a published author, video producer, and corporate trainer. He owns the business training site Ideas and Training (http://www.ideasandtraining.com), which he says is the home of the no-hassle "free preview" for business training videos. Don and his wife Peg also travel in the Pacific Northwest writing of their fun and adventures. You can read their stories at NW Adventures (http://www.nwadventures.us)

An Adventure in Hyannis

2006-10-19T10:31:00.000-07:00

As teenagers growing up in the early sixties, my wife and I saw Hyannis and Hyannisport as mythical kingdoms populated by the rich, the famous, and the powerful. Except for the mythical part this is probably still true.

Peg and I traveled to Hyannis with friend and guide, Al Burrage. Our first stop was the John F. Kennedy Memorial. The memorial features a 12-foot-high fieldstone wall with a relief of JFK facing the sea. There is a presidential seal, fountain, and a small pool to honor the late president, who grew up nearby. Tour busses constantly drove in the parking lot for people to visit the shrine. It is lovely with a great view of the beach and water.

Flowers form a border around the circular monument. Al had brought us there because he thought we might have an interest. He didn't. I had to coax staunch republican Al to step into the memorial. We were all surprised when he did not turn to stone. Perhaps, it was just the wind, but I thought I heard a low, democratic moan.

Next to the JFK Memorial is Veterans Memorial Park. As always, celebrities grab the headlines, but real people make the big differences in the world. There is a Korean War Memorial located at the Veterans Memorial Park. It was dedicated June 25, 2000, the 50th anniversary of the start of the war. The grounds, the statue, and the brick (inscribed with the names of Korean veterans) lined walkway stir the emotions of the heart.

"The memorial consists of an eight-foot bronze-cast statue of a typical combat soldier, placed on a granite base, overlooking Hyannis Harbor. The statue was sculpted by the world renown sculptor, Robert Shure whose work includes the Irish Famine, located in Boston, as well as the MIA/KIA Eternal Flame monument located in the National Cemetery in Bourne."

Really touching was a simple message from the people of Korea etched in granite and a stone. You can't read the inscription without letting your fingers travel the once rough surface of the stone and think of the sacrifices that were made by Americans and United Nations forces half a world away and half a century ago.

Next, we visited the Kennedy Compound, where most of the Kennedys and other family members still have residences. You can see the pier built for JFK by our government from a nearby park, but you have to have a resident sticker on your car to use the park. The only way to see into the compound is if someone has their gates open, which some did. The houses inside the compound didn't appear any different from most of the other expensive, neighboring houses outside the compound. How strange.

Back in the commerical district we stopped in at a small convenience store, which was located next to the Cape Cod Railroad which features a dinner train. We may have to try that out on our next visit. At the convenience store we bought a local paper and picked up two coupon books featuring coupons for Cape Cod attractions. The sign at the store mentioned Brazilian food, which seemed a little odd. Connections with Brazil kept popping up during our stay in Cape Cod. We saw a Brazilian flag flying at a Seafood Sam's restaurant outside Wood's Hole, and even ate at a Brazilian restaurant during a day trip to Quincy.

A page in the coupon book we picked up at the convenience store lead us to one of my favorite stops: Toad Hall. The coupon offered a dollar off at the Toad Hall Sports Car Museum. Since I love cars and produced a fundraising video for the LeMay Car Museum, I had to at least see what Toad Hall had to offer. I was expecting maybe a dozen sports cars. I was wrong.

We parked our car at the Simmons Homestead Inn and walked around. Five red cars including a Rolls Bentley welcomed us . . . but no one else did. One of the cars was an old Datsun 240Z. I was hooked. My 240Z had been yellow. I wandered around. I could see the garage where I figured the cars were kept, but didn't want to slide the two by four security system out of the way. Even though I could see the padlock was hanging open I was afraid of setting off alarms.

I walked into the inn. No one was there. I walked into another building. No one was there, but I did find a bar and hundreds of bottles of Scotch. I kept on walking and snooping. All exterior doors where marked with one of two signs: "Don't let the cats in!" or "Don't let the cats out!" Carefully, I complied. Everywhere I went I called out, "Hello." No one answered.

Eventually I heard a car drive up. I walked toward the driveway and saw a red sports car. I knew I was about to make contact. I walked into the inn and found Bill Putman. "I hope you haven't been waiting long," he said. I replied, "No, but we did drink three bottles of Scotch." He laughed and then took us out to the garage where he slid the two by four out of the way, opened the door, and turned on the lights. I was delighted, so to speak. Really, I was spellbound. Inside the garage were almost five dozen red sports cars . . . and one green one.

I recognized the garage for what it was . . . a growing obsession. It was just the way the LeMay Museum began. Harold LeMay began collecting cars and then needed more and more space to house them. Bill Putman had a few sports cars (he raced two of them) and then he began finding more and more that he wanted. The garage was expanded and expanded. The ceiling is maybe seven feet high and there are rooms with as few as two cars. The dirt floor is covered with white gravel. On top of the gravel in the walkways between the cars are oriental carpets. I went crazy identifying the cars. "Here's an XK120," I shouted, "I had an XK140."

In the collection there were three models that I had owned. In addition to the Datsun 240Z and the Jaguar XK140, I also found a Bug-Eye Austin Healey Sprite. This was the car I had when I wooed Peg. We drove away from the church in my little Sprite. We took our week-old daughter Andrea to a drive-in movie in that little car. I loved it and should have kept it. This is the same story that Bill hears from almost every visitor to Toad Hall.

I had to ask Bill about the Scotch, "Most of the bottles look unopened. Why don't you drink them?" He even has a website just for his Scotch collection. Bill replied, "I don't know." I think Bill just might be too busy. He collects sports cars, cats, and Scotch in addition to running his inn. I'm sure he was thinking of his collection of Scotch when with a whistful look in his eye Bill said, "Sometimes I just dream of getting snowed in."

Toad Hall was a delight. So, why Toad Hall? Bill likes the story of Wind in the Willows and the central character, Toad, lives in Toad Hall. So, why the red cars? In the story, Toad was obsessed by a motor car. He got one and it was red. So, why the one green car. The previous owner had just sunk $15,000 into the car and Bill didn't have the heart to have it painted. So, why Scotch and cats. Just because.

Looking for memories of our youth we visited Hyannis for Kennedy historical connections. We ended our visit to Hyannis with so much more. Isn't that what travel is all about?

An Adventure In Boston

2006-10-19T10:30:00.000-07:00

If you want historical sites of the American Revolution, you need to visit Boston. Of course there are other reasons to visit, also: the food, the people, and the accents.

Having experiencing a detour within seconds after we picked up our rental car at Boston's Logan Airport, we didn't want to brave the hand directed traffic of the streets of Boston. Instead, we opted for Harbor Express, a passenger only ferry out of Qunicy, which is just across the harbor. The Harbor Express lands you just yards from the Quincy Market and this is a great place to start any adventure in Boston.

Quincy Market is one long food court with restaurants above and below. Fast food options abound. We noted that Vietnamese noodle soup shops were missing, but most other ethnic foods were present. Peg picked a quiche for lunch, while Al had scallops and lobster bisque (his two favorite choices at every seafood establishment we selected). I chose a lobster roll and giant steamed prawns with lemon juice and cocktail sauce. The lobster roll was only okay, but the prawns were succulent and excellent.

We took our food outside and sat on a stone bench. The weather was pleasant and the food was good. We began laying out our plans for the afternoon. Overhearing us was a shopping cart sourvineer salesman named Guiness. He was pleasant and funny. We talked for a few minutes. He didn't try to sell us anything, which was nice. I'm sure he had enough people buying.

We decided that Peg would take a taxi to the Boston Fine Art Museum and meet us three hours later near the statue of Sam Adams in front of Fanuel Hall, which stands in front of Quincy Market. Al and I decided to start off on the Freedom Trail. Al is even less inclined to walk than Peg and I, so this worked out fine. The Freedom Trail starts just a few feet from where we dined.

"In 1958, local journalist William Schofield had the idea that Boston's sites could be more accessible to residents and visitors, and conceived of the Freedom Trail. A natural and easily-accomplished idea, the sixteen historic sites between Boston Common and The Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown were connected by a red line, and The Freedom Trail was born. In addition to the historic sites, the beauty of the sights, sounds, and neighborhoods along the way made walking The Freedom Trail an instantly popular activity. In 1964, the Foundation was incorporated as a nonprofit organization. From 1958 to 1992 the entire Foundation was run, organized, and maintained by volunteer support-its early success was due solely to the spirit and leadership of the people of the City of Boston. Now the Foundation continues to produce real accomplishments in the areas of education, marketing, capital improvements and income-generating projects."

One of the sites that Al wanted us to visit was the New England Holocaust Memorial. The memorial is located right near the Freedom Trail. It was beautiful and emotionally breathtaking.

"The New England Holocaust Memorial was built to foster memory of and reflection on one of the great tragedies of our time, the Holocaust (Shoah). The effort was begun by a group of survivors of Nazi concentration camps who have found new homes and new lives in the Boston area. Dedicated in October, 1995, over 3000 individuals and organizations from across the community joined in sponsoring the project. The Freedom Trail location, in downtown Boston, is near Faneuil Hall and many other treasures of America's history. The site offers a unique opportunity for reflection on the meaning of freedom and oppression and on the importance of a society's respect for human rights . . . Six million numbers are etched in glass in an orderly pattern, suggesting the infamous tattooed numbers and ghostly ledgers of the Nazi bureaucracy. Evocative and rich in metaphor, the six towers recall the six main death camps, the six million Jews who died, or a menorah of memorial candles. "

Before we could start on the Freedom Trail, Al had one more stop to make. He was anxious that I should try the La Sfogliatella (Lobstertail) from Mike's Pastry.

A photograph of President Kennedy with originators Mike and Annette hangs on a wall behind the counter, while a portrait of Frank Sinatra looks down from another. The Lobstertail was a little too sweet for me, but Al loved it as did everyone else I saw stuffing them in their mouths.

"The history of this extraordinary and popular item dates back to a 16th century convent on the Amalfi Coast near Naples. This original ancestor of the lobstertail was called La Santarosa (named after the convent, now a popular motel, where the owner of Fiat Italy is said to frequent), and its filling was a creamy white, which oozed out of the sides, and was typically served up hot. In Naples coffee shops, this is still something to die for. The white fresh cream filling of the Santarosa was replaced as well with a yellow custard filling, thick, chewy and delicious. The modern day versions of both of these that Mike's Pastry carries are both the white cream and yellow cream filled. The best of both worlds, and a cake version is available as well."

Personally, I got the biggest kick out of Maria (probably not her real name). I think she was the boss of everyone . . . at least she certainly acted like it. When any production company begins a new TV show or feature film based in Boston, they should have her tutor the actors on correct pronunciation for the Northend of Boston with its combination of New England and Italian inflections.

After wadling out of Mike's we started on our version of the Freedom Trail. I quickly regretted eating the Lobstertail when I passed an Italian deli. I just couldn't eat any more, so with tears in my eyes we ventured on. We visited Paul Revere's House, the oldest structure in Boston. It was built in 1680 and purchased by Paul Revere in 1770. I knocked on the door, but Paul didn't answer, so we moved on.

Next on the trail was Paul Revere Square and a beautiful statue of Paul riding his borrowed horse for the midnight ride. Legend has the name of the horse as Brown Beauty. Brown Beauty or not, the staue is magnificent. The statue is found in tree studded square adjacent to the Old North Church, also known as the Christ Church. It was here that Robert Newman hung the lanterns signaling the approach of the British troops in the War for Independence. Less than twenty feet from Paul there were tee shirts and sweatshirts for sale to tourists. We declined to buy.

We walked past the lines waiting to enter the church and continued up a small hill to Copp's Hill Burying Ground, which is the resting place for many of the colonial Bostonians. The British set up a battery there and used it to fire on Charlestown. It was interesting to see how small the hills were. We walked down towards the water and saw the Bunker Hill Memorial across the Charles River standing high behind an office building. Copp's Hill and Bunker Hill were only small elevations . . . and of course the first major battle of the revolution, Bunker Hill was really fought on Breed's Hill, but history sometimes gets some things right . . . and sometimes gets them wrong.

The U.S.S. Constitution, also known as "Old Ironsides" is located in the Charlestown Navy Yard less than a quarter mile from Bunker Hill. The ship was launched in Boston on October 21, 1797. Old Ironsides is the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world.

Each year the ship sails for a turn-around. Passage is arranged via a lottery. You can submit your name on the office Navy site for Old Ironsides.

Al and I continued our walk along the waterfront and then stopped at a small park. We approached a bocce ball court and watched a game between two older men.

"Bocce had its beginnings in the Italian Alps during the early Christian era, when players tossed stones at a target (the object being to land as close as possible to the target). Roman soldiers, employing balls instead of stones, spread the game throughout the Roman Empire, where the game evolved to boules (France), lawn bowls (England) and bocce (from the vulgar Latin word for ball, bottia) in Italy."

The two men played out their game and then some fellows who had been playing cards nearby put their table and chairs away in a locker and joined the first two players. It was obvious that everyone new each other. They were all between 65 and 85 . . . maybe older. The park had three separate bocce ball courts. Each one is played in a pit surrounded by granite blocks. The floor of the court was stone dust.

The group of players laughed and chose up sides by playing odds and evens with their fingers. It was so sweet. They were more than just friends, they were community. This quiet scene that lasted for maybe ten minutes is one of my favorite memories of Boston. We said our goodbyes and headed back downtown. I enjoyed the walk and frequently stopped and read the menus of Italian restaurants taped to their windows.

We arrived back at Faneuil Hall and Sam Adams before Peg arrived from the museum. It was a great day for girl and people watching. There was a wide variety of ethnic backgrounds represented. Most of them looked like Bostonians. The tourists came in a wide variety, also. Just before Peg caught up with us a group of black young men set up a microphone and speaker system and began calling people over, "Come and see black men dance." And, that's what they did. Well, actually, it took them quite a long time to start. Not wanting to perform before a sparse gathering, they kept hyping themselves and the crowd. I said to Al, "Their preamble is too long for their constitution." I lost interest about the same time Peg arrived and the three of us walked off to dinner.

We decided to have a quick dinner at the Cheers. We each ordered drinks in a Cheers mug plus one drink in a Cheers glass. The food was decent. Again, we sat outside and enjoyed the views of people walking by.

By the time we finished our meal it was almost sailing time for Harbor Express. We gathered up our shopping bags and coats and started off for the wharf.

We hadn't gone more than a hundred feet before we spoted Red Auerbach, the great coach of the Boston Celtics. I had to sit down and talk to him. He listened well enough, but never really spoke his mind, which I thought was a little unusual for him. When Red refused to give me his cigar, we left in a huff and barely made it onboard our catamaran in time to sail back to Quincy.

We really enjoyed our short stay in Boston, but it was just that. It was too short. Next time we will arrange a stay of several days, so we can see more sites and talk to more people.

Normandy, France: A Trip in the Footsteps of the Liberators

2006-10-19T10:29:00.000-07:00

As my husband and I picked up our rental car at Charles de Gaulle International Airport and headed west from Paris to Normandy, we looked forward to reliving "Operation Overlord," the militarycampaign led by Supreme Allied Commander Dwight D. Eisenhower, in June 1944, that would free Europe from the Nazi occupation.

We arrived in Caen, about 150 miles from Paris, in mid-afternoon and checked into our hotel. Caen is located on the Orne River, and is famous for its connection to William the Conqueror. Favorite tourist sites in Caen include magnificent twin abbeys founded by William and his wife, Mathilda of Flanders, in 1060 as penance to the Pope, and the ruins of Ducal Castle, their favorite residence.

One of the first objectives of Operation Overlord was to take control of Caen. German resistance at Caen was stiff, and 10,000 tons of Allied bombs demolished three-quarters of its buildings, destroying and burning the city center, before the city was liberated by Canadian and British Forces on July 9, 1944. We initially saw no signs of the bitter battle as we walked about the thoroughly modern city that has arisen from its ashes.

Then, a very high cathedral, not far from our hotel, caught our eye. This slightly staggering structure seemed in danger of toppling over, and we joked about the failings of the architect; we had never seen a cathedral with such a tilt to it. However, we suddenly fell silent as we realized why the cathedral tilts. It must be the result of vibrations from exploding bombs during the liberation.

The next morning, we started our exploration of the D-Day landing sites where, on June 6, 1944, the Allies launched the most ambitious amphibious operation ever undertaken, from a 5,000-ship armada assembled off the Normandy coast.

We drove several miles from Caen to the Pegasus Bridge at Benouville, then followed the coast in a westerly direction to the beaches code-named "Sword," "Juno," and "Gold." These are the sites where the British and Canadian forces landed. The American landing beaches are further to the west. A unit of Free French soldiers, loyal to General Charles de Gaulle, went ashore as part of a British brigade at Sword Beach.

Even though it was only October when we were there, the small seaport villages along the northern coast of France were already battened down for the winter, and almost devoid of tourists. The beaches were peaceful and deserted: long stretches of white sand and deep blue water as far as the eye could see. It was hard to envision the chaos of the morning of June 6, 1944, as 100,000 Allied soldiers scrambled ashore from landing craft, in the face of German fire from reinforced concrete bunkers stretching along the beach.

We imagined members of the French Resistance listening clandestinely to wireless radio the evening before the landings took place, as the BBC gave coded announcements that the invasion was about to begin. The announcements were the signal for the Resistance to dynamite railways and cut telephone lines across the country.

Twenty minutes after midnight, the first members of the liberation force, a handful of British soldiers from the 6th Airborne Division, arrived by glider to take over the Pegasus Bridge on the Caen-Ouistreham Canal outside Caen. This small bridge was important because it was one of only two passing points over the River Orne linking Caen to the sea.

American parachutists from the 82d and 101st Airborne Divisions then began dropping over Sainte Mere Eglise and the Cotentin Peninsula. At 4:40 a.m., Sainte Mere Eglise was captured by a regiment of the U.S. 82d airborne division, the first French town to be liberated. By 6:30 a.m., the seaborne assaults had started at Omaha and Utah, followed over the next hour and a half by landings at Gold, Sword, and Juno.

The original Pegasus Bridge, now replaced by a larger, more modern bridge, is in a memorial park in the nearby village of Ranville. It is worthwhile to visit both the original site and the park with the original bridge, in order to fully imagine what it was like there that fateful morning.

By late afternoon, we were suffering the effects of jet lag. We returned to our hotel for an early dinner, delaying our bedtime only long enough to check CNN for the latest news from around the world.

We spent most of the next day at La Memorial de Caen, just northwest of the city. Le Memorial de Caen, which opened June 6, 1988, is dedicated to Peace, but it tells a story of war and violence. It is a "must see" for those who travel to Normandy to learn about World War II. Drawing 450,000 visitors a year, the museum offers film presentations, photographs, and posters that bring the wartime experiences home in a strikingly vivid manner.

We stopped for the night at Bayeux, which was liberated by British troops on June 8, 1944. The swift retreat by the Germans in this area left the medieval town without the war damage that was suffered in other places, and we were impressed with the historical architecture.

Bayeux is famous for the Bayeux Tapestry, a 230-foot-long, two-foot-high embroidery dating from the 11th Century, which tells the story of William the Conqueror's conquest of England. One theory is that his queen Mathilda and her ladies-in-waiting made the tapestry.

The next morning, we visited Centre Fuillaume le Conquerant, the renovated seminary where the tapestry is on display. We listened, through audio head sets, to the historical account of events depicted by the tapestry as we walked slowly along the window in which it is displayed. The tapestry's embroidered William driving the traitor, Harold, out of England, reminded us that war may be endemic to the human condition.

After a brief stop for lunch, we headed for Arromanches les Bains, the site of the code-named "Mulberry Port," at the eastern end of Omaha Beach, several miles from Bayeux. Because the Allies needed a coastal port to handle the massive amount of provisions required to support the invasion, British ships undertook the unbelievable task of towing prefabricated parts across the English Channel to build an artificial port.

The brainchild of Winston Churchill, Eisenhower called the artificial harbor "The key to the liberation of France." Remains of the port are located offshore, and a museum at the site, the Musee du Debarquement, documents the port's history.

The next morning, it was windy and blowing a light rain as we stood on a knoll overlooking the stretch of Omaha Beach, where the main contingent of American forces landed early in the morning on June 6, 1944.

We envisioned waves of American soldiers, members of the U.S. 1st Infantry Division, moving off the landing craft. Some drowned in the surf; others made it onto the beach, guns at ready, only to be met by steel obstacles that looked like children's giant jacks planted in the sand. A barrage of enemy fire came from concrete fortifications lining the beach. The Germans built these fortifications, "pillboxes," as the G.I.'s called them, as part of an "Atlantic Wall" along the coast, to guard against just such an attack.

Further west on Omaha Beach, which is about three miles long, at Pointe du Hoc, men from the U.S.2d Ranger Battalion advanced onto the beach toward a 100-foot cliff, which they scaled with the enemy firing down on them from above. More carnage.

Three thousand men died on Omaha Beach that day; just as many were wounded and missing. Only two of the twenty-nine tanks that rolled off the landing craft reached the shore intact.

The slaughter at Omaha was so bad that General Omar N. Bradley, watching offshore from aboard the U.S.S. Augusta, almost called a halt to this prong of the invasion. A simple granite pylon, erected by France on top of a concrete bunker, commemorates the brave souls lost at "Bloody Omaha."

That afternoon, we continued on to Utah Beach. Here, the U.S. 4th Infantry Division came ashore, suffering relatively few casualties, and pushed inland several miles that first day to link up with divisions that had come in by air. Among those who played a decisive role in the securing of this beachhead was Brigadier General Theodore Roosevelt, Jr.

On Utah Beach, near the town of Sainte Marie du Mont, is the Musee du Debarquement d'Utah Beach, unique as a museum because it is built over what had been a German command post. Though badly deteriorated, guns, tanks, and landing craft on display outside the museum are representative of the military hardware of the time.

By the evening of June 6, 1944, although the Allied forces were not as far inland as they had hoped, and the British had not taken Caen as planned, they had established a beachhead all across the landing area. And, as time would prove, the Germans were never able to overcome the advantage that the Allies gained by the element of surprise when they invaded at Normandy, rather than at the expected invasion site, Pas de Calais, which is a much shorter distance across the English Channel.

The following day, we went to the Normandy American Cemetery at Colleville sur Mer. This 172.5-acre cemetery is American soil: land donated to the United States by the French government, free of charge or taxation, in perpetuity.

The skies were a threatening grey, and rain drops started to fall as we arrived at this final resting place for over 9,000 American soldiers. We walked past a tour guide who was lecturing about the Normandy invasion to a circle of elderly French veterans, sporting berets with military ribbons and insignia.

At the eastern end of the cemetery is a beautiful semi-circular limestone colonnade, featuring large mosaic battle maps inset in the walls at each end; a 22-foot bronze statute called "The Spirit of American Youth Rising from the Waves"; "Tablets of the Missing," listing the names of 1,557 soldiers; and a chapel and memorial garden.

Looking out over the field of Christian crosses and Jewish Stars of David, our hearts were heavy like the weather. We walked up and down the rows, reading aloud to each other--the names, the dates of birth, the dates of death, and the states from which these brave warriors hailed.

A young man, walking along the rows alone, stopped to ask us to take his picture. He was an American businessman who had decided to take a day tour from Paris to visit the Normandy landing beaches. We exchanged pleasantries.

The next day, we visited Saint Lo, a town that was reduced to “a pile of rubble,” before it was liberated on July 18, 1944, by the U.S. 29th Division. A memorial plaque, affixed to a large rock making up part of the medieval ramparts of the town, reads in French: "To the memory of the victims of the bombardment that destroyed the city of Saint Lo--June 6, 1944." The brasserie where we stopped for lunch had a very old sign in the window welcoming "The Liberators."

After lunch, we stopped at one of the private war museums that dot the route of the invading armies. The museum displays a wide variety of memorabilia from the Normandy invasion, including an American soldier's uniform, his rations, and his American cigarettes.

Our day wound up on a rocky outcrop above a medieval fishing village, overlooking the sea. We climbed around ugly concrete fortifications and military hardware on display around the lighthouse, at what is now a park. German sentries stood guard here, looking out over the Baie du Mont St Michel, waiting for the attack that came further up the coast.

The next morning, we headed to the monastery island of Mont St Michel, one of France's greatest tourist attractions. From there, we drove to the wine country of Bordeaux, then on to a Bed and Breakfast owned by American friends or ours in Forges, in south central France, before heading home from our trip.

We left the Normandy landing beaches behind with a renewed understanding of the sacrifices made by Americans and their Allies to free Europe from the tyranny of Nazism.

Brenda Warneka is an attorney from Arizona who writes on various topics. She is widely traveled in Europe and the Far East, and has a special interest in history, in which she has an undergraduate degree. Warneka is co-editor and a contributor to the nonfiction anthology The Simple Touch of Fate: Real People; Real Stories featured at http://www.thefatesite.com The anthology features stories by authors from around the world. The Simple Touch of Fate is available through Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Simple-Touch-Fate-Touched-Forever/dp/0595302831/sr=8-1/qid=1161261247/
ref=sr_1_1/104-8872032-6247105?ie=UTF8&s=books) and other bookstores.

An Adventure in Provincetown

2006-10-19T10:28:00.000-07:00

Our first big outing on Cape Cod took us to Provincetown. Although many people joke about Provincetown and the sexual orientation of many of the residents, it is a beautiful place to visit . . . a long drive way up north on the Cape. Al talked about Provincetown and how it is the eastern most city in the United States. He also described the Pilgrim Monument more times than we wanted to hear.

"The Pilgrim Monument was founded in 1892 as the Cape Cod Pilgrim Memorial Association—Cape Cod’s oldest not-for-profit organization. Its purpose is to commemorate the Mayflower Pilgrims’ first landing in the New World in Provincetown, in November 1620. Here the Pilgrims spent 5 weeks exploring the tip of Cape Cod, before they sailed on to Plymouth. They also drew up and signed the Mayflower Compact, which established the rule of law for the new land. The Cape Cod Pilgrim Memorial Association built the Pilgrim Monument to honor the Pilgrims’ first landing in Provincetown. President Theodore Roosevelt laid the cornerstone in 1907. In 1910, President William Howard Taft dedicated the finished 252-foot tower. In 1910, the Cape’s first building built to house a museum opened at the base of the monument, to educate the public about Provincetown’s role in Pilgrim history and American history."

On the way to Provincetown Al tried to get us to stop at the Marconi Station. "Marconi Station, on the Atlantic side of the Cape's forearm, is the site of the first transatlantic wireless station erected on the U.S. mainland. From here Italian radio and wireless-telegraphy pioneer Guglielmo Marconi sent the first American wireless message to Europe -- "most cordial greetings and good wishes" from President Theodore Roosevelt to King Edward VII of England -- on January 18, 1903. The station broadcast news for 15 years."

As soon as you drive into Provincetown, you know that the town is old. Streets sometimes barely leave inches between the pavement and the houses that line them. I got the feeling that we could stick our hands out the car window and knock on the walls of homes.

One of the benefits of older towns and villages are alleys . . . alleys not built for garbage trucks and too narrow to use for anything but walking or riding bikes. They are picturesque and interesting.

We weaved in and around tourists. There was virtually no place to park. Luckily, the town has constructed parking large parking lots. We parked near the beach. The town as also built community bathrooms just a few yards from the parking lot to accommodate visitors to town. The bathrooms were roomy and clean. As you may have guessed, we began our walking tour of Provincetown at the bathrooms. I think many people do.

We were off on an Al adventure. He had a favorite fast food establishment where he wanted us to have lunch. Al raved about their scallops. When we got up to the window to order, however, he was offended by the prices, which were more than he remembered. He took us off elsewhere to find a better value and a better meal. I think he regretted this decision for days . . . and perhaps still does.

After looking into several restaurants, we settled on the Lobster Pot. There is a long path past the kitchen to the dining room which has windows and nice views of the beach on Provincetown. As we walked past the kitchen Al looked at a lobster salad roll and noticed celery as a prominent ingredient. Although assured by the waitress that this was not so, he and I ordered the rolls. They could have had less celery. Peg and Al ordered lobster bisque which was their standard operation procedure. I ordered half a cold lobster. The lobster bisque was excellent. The meal was okay, but not what we were looking for.

After lunch we continued our walking tour. There were many great looking shops and buildings . . . as well as stores you would expect to find in any town in America. I stopped in at Ace Hardware. I found a great piece of hanging art. It was a whale suspended by wrought iron hooks. Only the $200 price tag stopped my purchase. Just down the street I found some earrings for Peg, which I did purchase. The opal stones matched the fire of her anniversary set of ring, bracelet, pendant, and earrings. The original earrings were heavier. These sparkled well too, but fit Peg's ears better. We also found dark chocolate to snack on and many other things we could have purchased.

Eventually, Peg needed to sit down and rest. She chose a nice bench along the main thoroughfare. She talked to a nice couple with matching huskies. Al and I continued up the street to his favorite oddball/surplus store. I wanted to buy the French Foreign Legion kepi, but could really think of no reason to buy other than I wanted it. Perhaps, if it had been the middle of summer with the sun beating down on me as I walked the dunes which surround Provincetown. Maybe not.

The shops and stores were fun and exciting to visit, but the warm September weather weighed down on us. I can imagine what Provincetown is during the summer. It has to be absolutely packed with people. The breeze must keep every fairly cool, but I know that it must still be hot.

On the way back to our car, we stopped in at a little ice cream and sandwich shop run by Russians (I gathered from their accents and small talk). The ice cream was good. We sat outside at tables. The umbrellas provided shade. We watched young boys and girls having fun and senior citizens heading for the tour buses. We finished our cones and walked less than a hundred feet to our car for a nice fall afternoon drive back to the central Cape.

An Adventure to West Dennis on Cape Cod

2006-10-19T10:27:00.000-07:00

When I was making plans to visit Cape Cod, in my mind I always saw my goals as having fun . . . and eating lobster. In the end we had lots of fun and I had lots of lobster. Sorry, but we saw a 17 pound lobster in a preview tank and didn't eat him. We were there for the funeral of many of his relatives, however.

For nearly ten years, our friend Al Burrage of West Seattle has been asking us to join him in his cottage in West Dennis at Cape Cod. We were finally able to schedule a trip to Massachusetts and not surprisingly, we loved it. Al rents his cottage, The Mainstay, out during the "season" but visits Cape Cod before the season and then again after the season to first prepare the cottage for guests, and then to close the cottage for the winter.

The cottage is a three bedroom home that features a glassed-in porch as well and an outside shower for getting rid of sand and salt before entering the house. The home has a crushed shell driveway and walkway. Typical of Cape Cod homes it has a cedar pole fence across the front and down one side of the yard. It's painted a fresh looking aqua with maroon shutters. One bedroom has twin beds and two bedrooms have a double bed. The kitchen has a dishwasher, range, refridgerator, and microwave. We can attest that it is very comfortable. The Mainstay was our center of operation, while we were on Cape Cod. Each day we would venture forth to places like Boston, Wood's Hole, Provincetown and then return to The Mainstay.

While Al lives in West Dennis he has plenty of opportunity to visit with people and scout out good places to go. Once we arrived Al kept up a steady litany of places we could go and things we could do and should do. Even when we ignored him he still made suggestions. We took him up on most of them . . . and never found a bad one.

One of the best places to find reasonable priced local goods is at the local thriftstore. We scored big. Al bought a miniature brass cannon for $2.00, and Peg bought two framed handmade lace collars. She was thrilled. Al finally prevailed on a suggestion and took Peg to Cuffy's of Cape Cod. The two of them brought back purchases of a couple of hundred dollars . . . or so it seemed. Eventually we had to purchased another suitcase to accommodate souvineer shopping.

I managed to confine my souvineer shopping to The Music Meister and the Christmas Tree Shops. Al loves bargains. For the wives of my friends I bought Tee Pee Dreams herbal tea. I bought my golfing buddies a Cape Cod golf ball each and a box of rattlesnake repellant, which contained some odd little bundles of aromatic herbs and spices. I'm not sure what they do, but I never saw a snake nearby. I gave a box to the son of a friend on his way to a party in Seattle. He held one of the bundles up to his nose. I warned him, don't let the police search you. I don't know that either the herbal teas or the snakebite repellant had anything to do with local Indian heritage, but the gifts were bought in Massachusetts, which should count for something.

Generally, each day started off the same. I would rise earlier than Al or Peg. I would turn on the coffee maker and then sometimes go for a drive or a walk. Returning I would knock on Al's door and he would be up in a jiffy and ready to go. I knew we would probably have a big lunch and a big dinner, so breakfast I wanted to keep light . . . but within reason. My first breakfast in West Dennis was at the Good Friends Cafe, which is only a few yards from the local post office.

I never like to eat at national chains. I prefer local establishments. You never know what you'll find. Al had eaten at the restaurant before under its old name, but never at the Good Friends. I saw on the menu something called "grilled bread" and I asked the waiter, a young man named Tchigo (I hope that's spelled correctly, I'm not sure with the accent and all) what it was. The bread is homemade by his father, who was a cook at a different restaurant before the purchase of the Good Friends where he is now cook and owner. It was excellent. A good hefty slice is cut and then grilled until warm and aromatic. It's served with a dollop of butter on top. There are three kinds of grilled bread: apple, cinnamon raisin, and cranberry. I ordered both the apple, and the cranberry. The bread was good without the butter. It was delightful with the butter. It was good dunked in coffee. It was good just plain grilled. I shared the apple grilled bread with Al, but never offered the cranberry to him. I REALLY liked the cranberry. Sometimes they use the bread in their French toast. I'll have to try that another time.

I ate at the Good Friends my last day in West Dennis by myself. Again, I just wanted a little something. I ordered the corn beef hash expecting something from a can. What I got was homemade corned beef and onions. I don't think there was even a potato anywhere in sight with it. While I was wolfing it down, I almost ordered some hashbrowns to mix in. When I walked in and sat down, Tchigo asked if I was waiting for my friend. It had been a week since I had been there and he remembered me and Al. Now, that is why I like small, mom and pop, family run cafes if I can find them. Another meal or two and I would have been behind the counter helping my good friends Tchigo and his papa out at their Good Friends Cafe. Very nice.

As we left the restaurant a couple drove up and asked us directions to Dennisport. Al complied. I think this is funny because as we drove all over the cape we often had to consult maps and get our bearings. Driving is a constant state of confusion on the Cape. When I left the restaurant a week later by myself I saw a man with his car parked and the hood up. The license plate showed that he had been an American POW (I'm guessing in World War II). I drove up beside him and asked if he needed assistance. He said he didn't need any help. He had the engine belts replaced and his wife complained that they were squeeking. The Vet, with two hearing aids, couldn't hear them, so he had to open the hood and stick his head down near the engine. We had a nice chat. If it hadn't been my last day, I would have begged him to tell me stories of his military career.

One of Al's favorite places to stop is the Music Meister. Owner Lew Taylor has access to DVDs galore. He only has some in stock, but can order almost whatever you need. Knowing how much I love classic TV and movies, Al wanted me to meet Lew. I was reluctant. Al told me what a great guy he was. He told me how Lew used to be on the rodeo circuit. I didn't care. I had other things to think about. I pulled into the driveway of the local library instead of the Music Meister because I saw that they had WiFi. Unfortunately, they were closed. I was disappointed. Al said, let's go visit Lew. He's the board president for the library . . . small towns . . . don't you just love 'em? We pulled in to the parking lot of The Music Meister. It was after closing hours. Lew and his wife Kathy, an expert seamstress, were still there.

Lew confessed that I could connect in the library parking lot with my laptop, but I didn't bring my laptop to Cape Cod. I was hoping for a WiFi Cafe. Lew said, "I don't think you'll find one on the Cape. We're kind of low-tech out here." Peg and I consoled ourselves by looking over some Celtic CDs that Lew had for sale. Peg bought three and headed towards the car to listen to Maura O'Connell (one of our favorites), while I talked to Lew about Celtic singers and groups. I went outside and Al and Peg were looking at a tree with long pods on it. None of us knew what it was.

Al went back in to talk to Lew. He didn't know what the tree was either. Later Kathy called with the name, Catalpa. We stopped in to see Lew several more times. Once before he opened, once after he closed and twice when he was actually open. He was always friendly and always helpful. I was looking for a song I had heard in the background in the feature film, Saint Ralph. It was a Canadian film and I thought the singer was probably Celtic. Lew searched and gave me the news: Jack Ingram from Texas. The song was Goodnight Moon.

Al keeps a car at West Dennis. He loves (and tolerates) the car and when he leaves for the season he parks it between trees so anyone wanting to steal it would have a tough time towing it away. I think Al's car is safe. The car has a few rust problems and is covered with pollen and mildew. Peg took a ride with Al in his Mercedes and she compared it to one of my favorite cars from our past, my old 1955 Rambler . . . it wasn't a compliment. Peg always referred to my '55 as "that dirty, ratty, stinky, loud little Ramber." You can take a bus out to the Cape, but I do suggest that you do need a car to take full advantage of the Cape's wonders. We rented a car from Alamo at Logan (the Boston Airport) and exceeded a thousand miles on it in just over a week.

As I mentioned, I felt it was my job and goal to eat lobster while in New England. Al took me to Swan River Seafood Restaurant and Fish Market. Their lobstermen catch fresh lobster daily on Cape Cod. You could eat at the restaraunt or buy from the market, but even at the market you could order your seafood cooked. For example you could tell them which lobster you wanted and tell them when you wanted it cooked. You could then stop in and pick it up and take it home thereby enjoying your lobster in your own kitchen or dining room. Swan River had a great selection of fresh seafood AND they also offered cooked lobster meat. While we were there it was priced at $29.95 a pound. This seemed a little pricey to me, but we went to some other market and they offered cooked lobster for $5.00 more per pound. I thought about the possibilities for several days and then we returned to Swan River on the way to lunch. I pointed out which tail I wanted and Peg did the same. She picked a smaller one . . . a much smaller one. I sat in the car and ate mine. Peg had two bites, shared a bite with Al and then took the rest of her lobster home. This was the second best lobster I had in Massachusetts. It was big, tender, and sweet. The snack costs us about twenty dollars, but it was well worth it.

The open sign seemed to always be in the window, but they were only open if the owner's green van was in the parking lot. The owners of Marathon Seafood (Peggy and Teddy Stoilas) are Greek, hence the name. Like many places on the Cape you order at the counter and then the food is brought to you. Since I had just eaten a lobster tail I chose the fried oysters. They were small, but there was a ton of them. Al chose his usuall scallops and Peg ordered lamb . . . she likes lamb and it's always best to order lamb at a Greek restaurant. If we had been back in Tacoma, Peg would have taken the bones home to make broth. As it was, the bones were picked pretty clean. Teddy and Peggy were friendly and happy to please.

I can generally find where I am going. If I've got a map I can get there. This philosophy doesn't lend itself to traveling on Cape Cod. Confusion reigns. For example the town of Dennis is made up of five villages: North Dennis, South Dennis, East Dennis, West Dennis, and Dennisport. Towns and villages blend together. We set off on an adventure one day to visit NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service Northeast Fisheries Science Center at Woods Hole. We wanted to see the NOAA Aquarium. We knew where Woods Hole was. We could see Woods Hole on the map, but like NOAA on the ocean, we had to submerge ourselves in the countryside to find Woods Hole . . . only to find the aquarium closed.

We enjoyed our drive in the country. We saw many rock walls, which reminded us of Minute Men and Lexington and Concord. We saw many shops and Inns. The road through the country side dipped and climbed through lovely cool, green lush growth. The only frustration was the long search.

Once we found Woods Hole, we still had trouble finding the aquarium. We ended up following an arrow out of town half a mile into a residential area. We drove back and found the arrow again. It was on the building where the aquarium was! We peeked in the windows, and Peg walked out to the harbor behind the facility for a few pictures. It just never occured to us that an aquarium would be closed on Saturday. We should have visited the internet site for details. We enjoyed the ride back and ended the evening with a movie.

I don't know how many times I drove past this sign that greets visitors to West Dennis. The sign promises $12.99 lobster at Sundancer's. Everytime I saw it I thought to myself, we should eat there. They have a deck that looks out to the water. They have music several nights a week. They have a river cruise most afternoons. Oh, well. Sometimes you have to make sacrifices . . . and leave adventures for the next visit.

Al was determined that we would eat in one night. Like Peg and I, he loves to cook. Al was in charge of a simple meal. I bought salad makings, and some fresh greenbeans. We had prawns, scallops (cooked to absolute perfection), seafood pate, clam stuffing, rice and white wine. We stuffed ourselves silly. We ended up with scallops and prawns leftover. There was food everywhere. Al looked around and said, "It looks like the food fairy visited my home and puked." We sipped a little more wine. Two days later Al got up at five in the morning and made himself a rice and scallop snack . . . then went back to bed. He didn't join me that morning for breakfast out.

I really loved the mornings on Cape Cod. The bogs and estuaries change with the tides and the fog. I would visit the same places day after day and was never disappointed. I was also rarely disappointed in our choices for meals. Al and I dropped Peg off at a laundromat one morning and then returned as she was finishing folding her clothes. There are two shops nearby we decided to visit and tucked in by them was a little cafe. The waitress was funny and friendly. The food was excellent. I had a tuna Ceasar salad. I asked if it was from a tuna fillet or just out of a can. "Tuna salad made from a can," was my answer. It was excellent. I might make it on my own one day. Al had a Reuben sandwich on a "bulky" roll. He had to ask about the bulky. It was chewey and yet soft. The corned beef and cheese spilled out. He managed to eat it all.

It's always tough to live up to high expectations. Al highly recommended Captain Parker's Pub for dinner. He raved about it. We saved it for our final meal in Cape Cod. The food was good, but the restuarant was loud, we were seated by the door, and the waitress was abrupt. She also forgot to serve us bread with our meal. On the plus side, however the food was good. I followed Al's advice and ordered the seafood pasta. The seafood included lobster, prawns and mussels in a heavy cream sauce. I wouldn't have thought the mussels would work with the cream sauce, but they were excellent. I had to walk over to the service counter and retrieve a table dispenser of cheese. This irritated me. Al's scallops were great. He knows what he likes. Peg ordered mussels, which surprised me. Like mine they were wonderful with a nice broth. I had to catch the waitress, though and ask for bread, so Peg could enjoy sopping up the broth with the bread. This is one of the joys of ordering mussels or steamed clams. Broth and bread are major requirements. The three of us shared an apple crisp with vanilla ice cream.

After finishing our meals at Captain Parker's Pub, we walked behind to the parking lot to the ZooAquarium. Peg sat on Flipper to rest in the cool evening breeze. Our eight days on Cape Cod had worn us out. Even though we had cut our activities to almost nothing for the last day, we were all still tired. I think we were all a little sad that it was almost over as well.

We returned to The Mainstay and packed our bags. I dropped off to sleep about eleven. My alarm was set for 3:30 AM. We left West Dennis about 4:15 AM and left the Cape in the driving rain. We left Cape Cod, but our memories will take us back anytime.

I think Al was a little lonely when he woke up to an empty house (I think there was still a full refridgerator, however) that Thursday morning. We hadn't even picked up our baggage at Sea-Tac when we had a call from Al on Peg's cell phone. The flight on Alaska went well. Excellent service from friendly people . . . just like most of our stay in West Dennis on Cape Cod.

Downtown Steakhouse in NYC: A Delight for Customers

2006-09-20T05:13:00.000-07:00

A steakhouse is a paradise for beefsteak lovers. The name signifies delicious and mouth watery steak. Steakhouses are the best places for people, who enjoy seafood and steak to a great extent. Downtown steakhouses in NYC are very famous for giving a high quality services to their customers. Everything in the downtown steakhouses is immaculately designed and the customers are treated cordially. The ambiance of the steakhouses is worth to be seen. It is because architects lay a great emphasis on the architecture of the restaurant. Some of the architects go for traditional designs, while others opt for the trendier ones. Even it area of the South Street Sea Port you can find a steakhouse that is considered one of the finest there is.

A beautiful ambiance is not the only good thing about the downtown steakhouse in NYC, the quality of the food is also high on the list. You will find a variety of steakhouses with varying qualities of food. Some of the steakhouses in downtown may have reasonable rates, while others might have high rates. This means that downtown steakhouse in NYC has a place for all types of steak lovers. Every person, from a high end to middle class, can enjoy the wide variety of seafood in these restaurants. Moreover spending an extra dollar for quality beefsteak is not an expensive deal.

Sometimes it may happen that the steakhouse restaurant may make you think that only beef products are available there. But this is not correct. Though they specialize in beef, these restaurants also have other food items for the choice of customers.

The variety of food is a delight for beefsteak lovers. The downtown steakhouse has a huge variety of beef, ranging from appetizers to burgers, from main courses to seafood and a lot more. The seafood includes delicious lobsters, grilled fish and many others. Well, this sounds good, doesn’t it?

The food of the downtown steakhouse is not restricted to beef entrees, it also has a variety of vegetables and deserts. Moreover, the men of a particular steakhouse are its driving force, because if the food is not good, people will not visit the restaurant. This may even bring their business down. So it is mandatory for the steakhouse to lay great emphasis on the taste and visual presentation of the food.

If the food is good and the hospitality is bad, then the entire hard work of restaurant owners can goes waste. The staff at the steakhouses has to be very cordial with the customers, so that the customers should not feel offended at all. Their tone has to be soft and the service level has to be very high. Customers take notice of every factor of a restaurant before entering it. And one of the biggest things that customers notice is whether or not there is a long wait!

When the combination of food court, ambiance and hospitality is good, then the downtown steakhouse becomes a perfect place for partying. Celebrating becomes memorable at these types of restaurants. You can celebrate your birthday, anniversary or kiddy parties with great enthusiasm in these restaurants. Moreover, the downtown steakhouse is famous for providing quality service. It is because of this reason that they are attracting more customers with the passage of time.

Neil Folley holds a Masters Degree in Hotel Management. He loves good food and arranging private parties. He is working for Markjosephsteakhouse. To book for Sunday private parties and enjoy tasteful food visit #1 Rated Steakhouse in New York http://www.markjosephsteakhouse.com

Australia's Exotic Vacation Islands

2006-09-20T05:12:00.000-07:00

It doesn't matter how many documentaries you've seen or how much you've heard about Australia or spoken to others about it, once you've taken your first look at Australia you'll be forever hooked and want to come back for what can only be described as an exotic vacation.

Eventually, the urge will be there, irresistibly, to see it all.

There's no doubt about it. You've not experienced the world until you've seen the wonders of Australia.
Have you ever imagined what it would be like to swim in crystal clear water, sit under a palm tree while sipping on some exotic drink or laze about beside a pool on a balmy night ? If you have, then Australia's exotic islands are for you. They're just irresistible !

However, it's a big country consisting of some 8,000 islands, including the island State of Tasmania
Australia's island resorts and exotic island getaways offer a richly rewarding experience and are great romantic places for that exotic vacation.

Some of the best honeymoon places in the world can be found on Australia's islands with resorts situated on islands ranging from small coral ones, where you can walk on the beach to the Great Barrier Reef, to an island made of pure sand - the World Heritage listed Fraser Island.
The Great Barrier Reef, off Australia's east coast, is one of the wonders of the natural world. It is World Heritage listed and is one of Australia's, and the world's, premier holiday destinations. The combination of glorious weather, pristine rainforest, white sandy beaches, and an ocean varying in hue from blue to turquoise to green, ensures it's where the world wants to go to lie on the beach, swim, surf, snorkel, sail, bushwalk and bird watch.

When it comes to exotic vacation spots, Queensland boasts an inviting array of easily accessible islands, where you'll find unspoilt beaches, rainforest and superb resorts. Queensland's islands offer a unique holiday experience and with resorts in the Tropical North, Whitsundays and Southern Queensland, the hardest decision is to choose your perfect exotic vacation spot.
If you're travelling to Sydney, why not get on another plane ? It's well worth the effort, as you'll have the opportunity of experiencing the wonders of Lord Howe or Norfolk Islands. Being sub-tropical getaways they're quite different and, are among the world's most natural heritage destinations.
Located 450Kms off mainland Australia, Lord Howe Island is the lone survivor of an extinct volcano chain. Its incredible, natural environment, with rainforest clad hills, green lagoons and unique wildlife, is perfect for cycling around. Norfolk Island is about 1,700Kms east-north-east of Sydney, or a two and a half hour flight. Much of the island is covered by national parks and reserves where birds are prolific. The sub-tropical climate makes it ideal for fishing, bushwalking, scuba diving and snorkelling.
Whether you're looking for a casual getaway or an indulgent escape, Australia's beautiful islands cater for all ages, tastes and budgets.

Immerse yourself in the ultimate exotic vacation at some of the world's most romantic places.

The web site "Australia's Exotic Vacation Islands" can be found at
www.exotic-australia.com. The web site covers all the major island vacation resorts off the east coat of Australia including, of course, the Great Barrier Reef.

Where Can You Surf the World's Biggest Waves in Africa and See the 'Big Seven' on Safari

2006-09-20T05:11:00.000-07:00

Welcome to South Africa.

The Eastern Cape South Africa. Where else can you surf the worlds biggest waves, ski down the only snow slopes in Africa, go on a `big seven safari, visit the birthplace of Nelson Mandela and bungee the highest bridge in the southern hemisphere? The Eastern Cape, of course!

The second largest of South Africa's nine provinces, the diverse Eastern Cape landscape ranges from the dry desolate Great Karoo to the steamy forests of the Wild Coast and the Keiskamma Valley. The area also embraces the fertile Langkloof, renowned for its rich apple harvests, and is cradled by the mountainous southern Drakensberg.

Here, widespread hills are juxtaposed with sandy beaches; here small-town South Africa comes to greet you – gently offering hospitality and friendship and asking for nothing in return. This is where the `big seven’ roam, and where the tropical forests share their space with abundant birdlife and nature at its most generous.

The shoreline of this province extends from the Umtamvuna River in KwaZulu-Natal, to the Storms River mouth on the scenic Garden Route, in the west, and stretching inland, to the north, bordering on Lesotho. Today, the Eastern Cape incorporates the previously independent `homelands’ of the Ciskei and Transkei. Despite its colonial past, the Eastern Cape remains the home of the Xhosa-speaking people of South Africa. With its almost seven million people, the Eastern Cape has the third-largest provincial population, living on about 169 600 km2 of land.

The Eastern Cape climate varies considerably but has, a year-round holiday climate. The Eastern coastal regions enjoy hot summers and moderate winters and Port Elizabeth experiences a daily average of 7 hours sunshine. Northern regions are much cooler. Certain areas receive rain throughout the year albeit erratic.

Major attractions in the area:

Nelson Mandela Museum

The museum was officially opened on the 11 February 2000, at a function to coincide with the tenth anniversary of the release from prison of Nelson Mandela in 1990. The birthplace/museum is situated at Qunu, along the N2 highway, south of Umtata.

Addo Elephant Park

Situated 73km from Port Elizabeth, in South Africa's Eastern Cape, the park is a true conservation success story.

Valley of Desolation

The product of volcanic and erosive forces of nature over 100 million years, the Valley of Desolation is one of the most spectacular sights in the country. A steep and narrow road leads into the mountains that surround the valley – a journey not to be dared by the faint-hearted.

Grahamstown National Arts Festival

Africa's largest and most colorful cultural event takes place, annually, in this University town, offering a choice of the very best of both indigenous and imported talents.

Hole in the wall

Just south of Coffee Bay, on the eastern seaboard, is a prominent rock formation with a big hole in the centre. This distinctive site has become a symbol for the Xhosa in remembrance of a great historical tragedy - the "Great Cattle Killing". The unique structure with a huge detached cliff that has a giant opening carved through its centre by the waves. The local Xhosa call this place "izi Khaleni", which means "place of thunder".

Gerald Crawford: born in South Africa, studied electronics, telecommunication, eco-travel and african travel concepts. He taught responsible tourism in South Africa and the United Kingdom. If you have any questions or comments please e-mail me on. E-mail Address: gerald@12234455.co.za Website Address: http://www.12234455.co.za

Travel Australia

2006-09-20T05:10:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Australia Travel

Welcome to Australia Travel, a site devote to anyone planning on being a tourist to Australia. This site gives travel advice and some great links that are are going to save you money on your visit to Australia.
The top tourist spots in Australia tend to be Sydney, the Gold Coast and Cairns, they are certainly the most visited.

I've lived in all these places so can give you some great advice. (For advice of Melboure, Perth, Adeliade, Tasmania and other aussie places see upcoming blogs)

There are numerous other great places to visit as well and I'll give tips where I can.

Sydney

Sydney is a huge diverse metropolis with numerous cultures and ethnicities living within the city. The central city is where you will want to spend most of your time as the surburbs hold little in the way for tourists. Some surburbs are no go zones being ethnic gettos with drug problems and the like. However the central city and the eastern beaches are safe and great places to visit.

The Beaches - you are spoilt for choice here. Beautiful yellow sand, rolling waves and patrolled. Follow the advice of the surf life savers with their traditional yellow and red hats. Bondi of course is the most famous with numerous bars, cafes and shops. But Maroubra is probably better for surfing and swimming. Catch the Manly ferry and walk across to the ocean beach and there is a lovely walk to the heads passing numerous restaurants. Cronulla beach is nice to the south with some nice walks as well.

Shopping:- There is plenty of shopping to be done in Sydney. If your from the UK or the USA then the exchange rate makes it even better for you. In the Central CBD are plenty of shops, one of my favourites is the Victoria building. Great design with traditional features. If you're there on the hour go to the very top where there is a large clock. On the hour it shows scenes of British royality with a bit of a fanfare.

Hop on the monorail and go to Darling habour (see picture left as seen from the top of Sydney tower). Plenty of places to buy t-shirts and other souvenirs. Also on the ground floor is the best tasting fudge shop I've been to. I recommend the apricot favoured fudge. If your travelling around in the inner city buy a rail circle hopper ticket which allows you to get on and off the train as many times a day as you wish and includes Redfern station which is right next to paddy's markets. Another place to check out is China town just to the south of the CBD.

Attractions:- No visit to Sydney would be complete without the mandatory visit to the Sydney Opera house - an icon of Australia. From there walk to the ferry terminal which attracts numerous entertainers and gives a good view of the habour. Continue around towards the Sydney habour bridge and you will run into "the Rocks" and see what old Sydney looked like. Lots of bars and places to eat with more shopping. Hyde park is another place to visit. At night it is lit up with lights in the trees. Bring an apple and feed the possums up in the trees. Kings Cross and Oxford street are center of "night life".

Greater Sydney:- If you head out to the blue mountains via train or car Katoomba has great views of the Blue Mountains as well as walking tracks. Take the cable car across the gorge and look a thousand feet straight down or take the 'railway' and go down to the bottom. I recommend sitting right at the front if possible. Take in a view of the three sisters. One of my favourite place to visit in the Blue Mountains is the Jenolan Caves. Numerous caves to chose from and beautiful to see. Just a tip going down the road to the caves make sure you chose a low gear or you will burn out your brakes.

Gold Coast

The center of the Gold Coast is Surfers Paradise. A very long strip of yellow sand beach, however the name is not entirely correct The better surfing on the coast is found off the kirra point breaks and Coolangatta has the whitest sand and bluest water. Surfers Paradise may be more appropriately named for its after hours activities. Orchid Ave and the surrounding streets are a hot bed of night life with numerous nightclubs and other going ons. In the summer time is it just one event after another with the Indy car series, then schoolies, then Christmas and the New Year Fireworks - Standing room only as Surfers is packed out at this time. Generally safe though except for the odd drunk idiot looking for a fight.

Theme Parks - the Gold Coast has numerous theme parks including Seaworld, Dreamworld, Movie World, Wet n Wild, and Currumbin Bird Sanctuary. For more on these see the link on the side for (Gold Coast theme Parks or Seaworld Nara Resort).

The Gold Coast's Hinderland also has much to offer. Early morning balloon rides, walking tracks and O'Reilly's. O'Reilly's is a bit of a drive but its worth the trip just to hand feed the brightly coloured parrots. Also there is a tree top walk with a walkway high up in the trees - not for those afraid of heights. There is also a guest house for those who would like an overnight stay.

Cairns

Cairns is the main gateway to the Great Barrier reef. Viewed from the air the reef shows its true form a series of small reefs and Islands. Beautiful seen from the air as emerald coloured jewels they are even better close up. A Boat trip out to the reef takes over an hour depending on where on the reef they stop. The best view is obviously for the scuba divers. Be warned though the waters are dangerous with numerous creatures that can kill so follow the local advice. Sharks, Jellyfish, Snakes, Stone Fish, Deadly blue ring octopus and yes stingrays (although Steve Irwin was only the third person in Australia to die from a stingray so don't get too carried away). Of course it your sensible there is much beauty that will stay with you for the rest of you life. Colourful tropical fish and multi-coloured coral. In closer to shore are Crocodiles, and yes they can even be found out to sea. Mine you my whole time in Cairns (over two years) the only Croc.s I saw were in a local crocodile farm and on a river boat trip on the Daintree. However further up Cape York they get alot more numerous so follow the local signs and be careful.

Cairns is a Tropical environment and as such is VERY HOT year round (In the wet season expect late afternoon rain - see picture left). The Esplanade has been reworked and numerous tourist now sunbake on it. The central city is a backpackers heaven and numerous night clubs, bars, restaurants cafes carter for almost every taste but obviously seafood is a specialty.

A visit to the Daintree (where rainforest meets the reef) can be relaxing. Though I recommend you take in a boat ride and see Crocodiles in their natural environment. We saw four on our trip with a tiny year old one and a large one capable of making you lunch.

Kurranda is about an hours drive uphill, or you can take the scenic cable skyway or the kurranda train. Views of the Barron Falls and Tropical rainforest abound. Kurranda has a little market village feel about it. In the picture left you see it in full flow but sometimes it can almost be none existant as water is diverted for the Stanmore hydro power station and due to the impact of the dry.

Visit the original Site for great deals and photos

http://australia-travel-advice.blogspot.com

Medical Tourism: Travel Tips for the Medical Tourist

2006-09-20T05:09:00.000-07:00

If you are one of the thousands of people considering medical tourism as an option for your health needs, how can you be sure that your trip will be everything that you hope it will be?

Here are some practical tips for medical travel to help make sure that your trip is smooth sailing.

The number one tip for any medical travel plan is to do your homework. A little research will go a long way to make sure that your trip does not hit any unexpected bumps along the way. Medical tourism is a growing trend, and more and more countries are jumping onto the bandwagon to get their share of this booming industry’s multi-million dollar annual revenue. With this being the case, it is important that you make sure that you will be getting the highest quality healthcare available at affordable prices, wherever your medical destination might be.

Check out the hospital that will be providing your medical care at your medical destination. Find out all you can about the hospital’s reputation, its facilities, its technology and equipment, and the procedures they provide.

With the growing trends in medical tourism in so many countries, as a wise traveler, also find out all you can about the doctor who will be providing your medical treatment while overseas. You should be able to learn a bit about the doctor’s education and training, as well as his areas of specialization, and his general reputation.

Research your travel destination. Find out about any possible language or cultural differences. Look into the local currency and the exchange rate. Check out hotels, recovery care facilities, and hostels. Check out the weather conditions at your medical destination so you can pack adequate and appropriate clothing. Be prepared for hidden costs and unexpected expenses.

Learn about the medical procedure you are having done. It will be helpful for you to fully understand all the possible risks and complications involved in your surgery abroad, as well as having a good understanding of the recovery time and necessary follow-up medical care.

Careful preparation is vital to having a positive experience in medical travel. Find out if there are medical tourism packages, special health travel deals or discounts for which you might qualify.

In terms of your preparation, in many ways, medical travel isn’t that much different from any other travel. All the arrangements you would make for any holiday would be applicable for medical travel as well.

For example, once you are certain of your medical travel plans, make your reservations, book your travel arrangements, and take care of any necessary paperwork. Make sure your passport is still valid. Find out if any visas are necessary for your destination, and apply for them. Are any vaccinations needed for travel to your destination? Get all these travel arrangements taken care of early.

Be prepared to extend your stay at your medical destination. It can be dangerous to travel without your doctor’s approval and release, so allow adequate time for your recovery, and don’t be afraid to stay a bit longer on your doctor’s orders.

Purchase some of the local currency so that you have cash on your arrival at your medical destination. Get traveler’s checks from the bank. Bring along a credit card with sufficient balance for spending. Visa and Mastercard are the most widely recognized worldwide. Make sure your credit card dates are valid, and don’t be afraid to ask for an increase if you need it. Most credit card companies are happy to give their customers a temporary increase for travel purposes.

Make at least two photocopies of your passport, as well as at least two lists of your credit card information and traveler’s check serial numbers. Leave one of the passport copies and one of the lists at home in a safe place. Bring one copy of each with you, but don’t carry it on your person. Either keep it in your luggage, or leave it with your travel companion.

Check all your medical prescriptions for necessary refills. Bring along a list of your medications, and be sure to include their generic names, as brand names may differ from place to place.

Bring along a list of important contacts, so that you, your travel companion, or your medical provider can contact your doctors back home, family members, insurance providers, employers, and other important contacts.

Careful planning and preparation are two of the key ingredients to the successful medical tourism holiday. So, do your homework. Put thoughtful consideration into all your preparation, and you too can join the growing ranks of medical tourists. Then you can sit back, relax and enjoy a delightful and memorable medical travel vacation experience.

http://www.medical-travel-asia.com is dedicated in telling the world that Asia is THE place for medical tourism and the right place to come and seek medical help. Asia has so many things to offer to the world, we simply want to tell people WHY.

On top of that, we also happen to know where are the best beaches here in Asia to recuperate after a surgery. Come to Asia if you are seeking medical treatment, get well, and take back some beautiful holiday memories at the same time.

However, http://www.medical-travel-asia.com is NOT engaged in rendering medical service or advice and the information provided on this website is not a substitute for a professional medical opinion. Our website is purely for educational and informational purposes. If you have a medical problem, please contact a qualified health professional.

China - Shanghai, Bustling Boom Town

2006-09-20T05:08:00.000-07:00

Like many international metropoli composed of immigrants, Shanghai is a bustling boom town. Rapidly becoming a world economic powerhouse, there is more construction occurring in Shanghai than anywhere else on Earth.

For the traveler there is also a variety of things to do. Situated on the banks of the Yangtze River delta and being one of the largest cargo ports in the world, there are trips down that mammoth waterway daily.

Once largely a den of thieves and prostitutes and the center of China's opium trade, business in the 'City on the Sea' has evolved. It now hosts the country's stock market alongside thousands of other businesses. Home to some of the finest restaurants, one of the world's largest hotels and high rise buildings, Shanghai has moved well beyond its grimy past.

The Bund (Wai Tan) is one of the more popular tourist destinations in Shanghai. Despite the German sounding name, the area retains its international flavor.

Neo-classical buildings and a waterfront promenade attract thousands daily. Tourists jostle with the local street vendors while admiring the 1925 Nissin Kisen Kaisha Shipping building. The restaurant on the seventh floor is a local favorite.

Others prefer the roof terrace restaurant at the 1916 Union Assurance building. From here, visitors can enjoy a spectacular view of Pudong, the center of Shanghai's resurgence as a major world city.

High-priced boutiques offer shopping that even a Parisian or Manhattanite will envy. Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Ralph Lauren and dozens of others now have stores here.

After 400 years in existence, the Yu Yuan Gardens retain their reputation as one of the city's most sought out tourist destinations. The botanical treasure trove offers five acres of Chinese creativity in horticulture.

Xintiandi is another of Shanghai's many refurbished areas. It's now home to elegant restaurants and upscale clubs, yet retains many features of its 19th century architecture.

The Ten Thousand-Flower Pavilion, Grand Rockery, Hall of Jade Magnificence and other sections will each offer sights and aromas to anyone looking for an oasis in the busy metropolis.

One of the newer additions to Shanghai's burgeoning list of attractions is the Shanghai Museum. Opened in 1996, it features 11 modern galleries that display both ancient and contemporary artifacts.

Be sure to allow at least a week to see Shanghai properly. Even at that, you'll find that - like visiting Manhattan - there will still be more to see on a second trip.

This article is brought to you by celestial-china.com If you're looking for more China travel related information feel free to visit our website.

Medical Tourism - A Whole New Class Of Travelers

2006-09-20T05:06:00.000-07:00

Skyrocketing health care costs throughout the west and technological prowess throughout the east have combined to create a whole new class of travelers – those seeking affordable, quality health care outside the borders of their home country.

Thailand is a favored spot, boasting dirt-cheap rates on everything from joint replacement surgeries and dental bridges to sex-change operations. But they aren’t the only players in this new game. India is making a name for itself among those seeking heart surgery, bone marrow transplants and cancer therapies, among other specialties.

The Philippines and South Africa are also promoting medical tourism as the next big thing, with South Africa a favored destination for every conceivable variety of cosmetic surgery.

Other players eager to get into the game include Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dubai, Estonia, Hungary, Jamaica, Jordan, Latvia and Malaysia.

And Germany and Switzerland both have a long tradition of medical tourism in the form of spas and rehabilitation centers.

Whether a tourist seeks laser skin resurfacing or laser eye surgery, a gastric bypass or a heart bypass, the savings can be substantial.

A $200,000 heart valve replacement procedure goes for the bargain basement price of just $10,000 in India, and a $20k facelift can be had for a mere $1,250 in South Africa. And a knee replacement in the Philippines will cost you just $6,000, not the $50k it would cost in the States.

Many of the hospitals promoting medical tourism are staffed by U.S. trained and certified physicians and specialists, others are affiliated with American hospitals. And technologically-speaking, foreign hospitals are often better equipped, trained and staffed than their U.S. counterparts.

Of course, when seeking out medical tourism opportunities overseas, travelers should always check the accreditations and specialties of any facilities they may be treated at as well as physician qualifications.

Lori Olson White is an American expat writer and author living and working in Saudi Arabia. Her blog sandgetsinmyeyes.blogspot.com/ offers insights into life in the Middle East while her ezine arabiangulftraveler.blogspot.com/ gives travel tips and advice to tourists traveling to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain.

How to Shop Smartly for Fashion in Paris

2006-09-20T05:05:00.000-07:00

Going to Paris for a shopping spree needs not put your household finances down for the next two years. It simply requires a little planning, and being let in on little-known shops offering bargain basement deals.

Paris is a shopping mosaic

Those of you who visited Paris already know that from a shopper's perspective, the city is divided in broad sections where stores of the same trade tend to congregate. A mosaic of many colors, tastes, and price ranges.

Take Saint-Germain-des-Prés, for instance. The highest part of the famed area, situated closest to Boulevard St Germain, is home to designer clothing stores, sidewalk cafés and restaurants. Dive in, and your footsteps will lead you to Rue de Seine where the art galleries have drawn together.

From Saint-Germain, walk up the Rue de Rennes, towards the Montparnasse area. You'll be crossing the Rue Du Four where even more expensive clothiers line up the facades. But continue on to the Saint Sulpice metro station, around which many clothing stores offer cheaper garments and accessories.

Sales season in Paris

In another area of the city, not too far from the old Opera house, the Boulevard Haussmann became the homestead of the department stores over a century ago. The Printemps store was built there in 1865, followed closely by the Galeries Lafayette, in 1893. Department stores are not unlike Ali Baba's treasure cave: clothes, shoes, jewelry, watches, accessories, perfumes spread on a five-story high, gigantic floor space.

Their selection is great, but you have to visit Paris during the official sale seasons to find true bargains there. And there are only two sales seasons in France: winter, and summer. Their respective starting dates in a given year are set by administrative decree, and they each last 6 weeks. In Paris the winter sale season usually starts in the second week of January. The summer sales season starts toward end-June.

Designer depot bargains

For off-season bargains look somewhere else. The gems are often to be found in small shops in God-forsaken streets, or in hard-to-find first-floor apartments. This is especially the case of designer depots.

Though it has become a brand name in North America, a designer depot is in fact a form of commerce. People like you and me bring in clothes we don't want to wear anymore, and get a little money from the shop owner who will resell our garments for a little more money to other people.

I can hear your blasé comments: "Tcha! Consignment stores! Thrift shops!..." Well, in Paris, designer depots aren't exactly your regular Salvation Army-type stores. Not at all.

Though not all equal before God, Parisian designer depots are often owned and managed by women with a background in the fashion industry. Women with flair and a sharp eye for what to wear and how. Women who can readily tell you why you would look better in this dress than in that one.

In 'designer depot", there is the magic word 'designer'. Parisian designer depots offer designer and couture clothes at deep, deep, deep discounts. And mind you, clothes in quasi perfect condition. Clothes worn only once. Well, maybe twice.

If you come to them with your regular hoodies, or your last season tennis shoes, or your mall-shopped polo shirt for that matter, do not expect to be welcomed. Expect rejection with a disapproving stare instead.

So, where do they hide?

Then again, not all designer depots were created equal, and where you go shopping for practically-perfect-in-every-way designer clothes is the true measure of your inside knowledge of the city.

I would like to recommend you three 'petites adresses' [the French for 'best-kept-secret places'] I selected amongst a host of others.

For those of you, ladies, who like the classic look, 'Priscilla' is the shop for you. Priscilla is lady who owns the place. She reveres such signature names as Yves Saint Laurent, Max Mara, Kenzo, Chistian Dior, and Sonya Rykiel. Her prices range from €60 for a skirt, to €75 for a jacket, to €130 for a lady's suit. Priscilla advises you to rummage around, and come to her place with an open mind. The shop is located at 4 rue Mouton- Duvernet, in the 14 th district. The nearest metro station is Mouton-Duvernet. Its opening hours are between 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm on Monday, and between 11:00 am and 7:00 pm from Tuesday to Saturday with a one-hour break at 1:30 pm.

My next address, 'Le Jupon Rouge', is situated at 9 rue de Rochechouart in the 9th district. The owner, Tania, describes here designer depot as "colorful, ethnic but not hippie, and certainly not classical in style". Tania offers a selection of up and coming French designers such as Bali Barret (a fencing-style vest for €45, cashmere blend cardigans for €45 to €100) and Vanessa Bruno (wool jackets, €90). She also carries more established signatures such as Agnès B (her signature black jacket is offered at €50), and vintage Ungaro blouses for €45. Ladies looking for shoes can fall for pairs of Stephane Kelian low-cut cuban boots (€100), Repetto ballerina shoes (€40), or vintage low-heel horseriding boots (€40-70). Tania opens her doors from Tuesday to Saturday, from 10:30 am to 7:30 pm with a one-hour lunch break at 1:30 pm.

In a totally different style, Griff-Troc is the designer depot you need to lose yourself into when you want to go chic-chic-chic. The owner, Beatrice, chose to specialize in perennial, classic basics in perfect condition. Chic has a heftier price tag, of course, but on the upside Griff-Troc offers brand names for 15-30% of boutique prices. On the shelves at the time I wrote this article, Beatrice had a Chanel suit for €1000 (vs. €5000 at Chanel's), a brand-new Chloe bag for €800 (instead of €1200), several astounding evening dresses priced between €1200 and €1500 (Chloe, Dior, D&G, Valentino), and Hermès silk scarfs on offer for only €150. She maintains a full selection of bags, jewels, and fragrances. Chic classic never dies, who cares about whether your Chanel suit is this season's or not? The busy boutique is located in the posh section of the 17 th district, at 119 Boulevard Malesherbes. The nearest metro stations are Villiers and Monceau. Its opening hours are between 10:30 am and 7:00 pm, from Monday to Saturday.

More shopping tips to come

These are just three of my selection of designer depots and small boutiques.In subsequent articles I will recommend more of those 'petites adresses', including some specializing in men's wear. Meanwhile, I hope you have had the opportunity to meet Tania, Beatrice, and Priscilla in person, and find a couple of eye-pleasing items for yourself. Ta-ta!

About the author:

Years in the French capital gained Phil Chavanne a deep knowledge of Paris. In Paris-Eiffel-Tower-News.com, he shares scores of advices to help travelers enjoy Paris to the hilt. Paris-Eiffel-Tower-News.com is a free Paris guide which features information on Paris hotels, restaurants, and must-see locations.

A Weekend in London

2006-09-20T05:04:00.000-07:00

When you work nine to six all week and it takes you almost an hour to get to work then you tend to end up very tired and stressed by the time the weekend comes. Often the tendency is to do nothing all weekend to get over a very busy week. But doing nothing isn’t always the best way to relax and it can add to your stress levels because towards Wednesday or Thursday you begin to wonder whether all of the hard work that you do all week is really worth it.

Instead of doing nothing when it comes to the weekend it's better to plan a weekend away every month or so. Whether it be with your partner, or a trip with your friends it's a good idea to get away and enjoy some of the pleasures of life, and make those busy working weeks all worthwhile. If you're living in the UK then you may ask: where is a good place to get away for a weekend and do the things that I want to do? The answer I would give without hesitation would always be "London".

London is a beautiful city, and there are so many things to do, but many people are put off from going there for a weekend break because it might be too expensive. But London needn't be that expensive. With the help of the internet there are plenty of places that you can get a good deal to go to London, visit the sites and take in some of the capital's entertainment.

Depending on what age you are and what you want to do for fun/leisure there are many different activities for you to enjoy in London. For the more youthful traveller the London clubs are a great scene, to dance the night away, meet new people, and have loads of fun. If, like me, your clubbing days are gone and you're looking for a more relaxed and cultured evening then you may prefer a night at the theatre. Whether you want to watch an opera, or take in a great play, London has the range of shows for your entertainment. There are many top shows to see in London, such as The Lion King, The Phantom of the Opera and Chicago - the choice is so big that you're bound to find the show for you.

If you do want to take in a show during your stay there are websites such as Suprebreak's theatre breaks that offer hotel and theatre ticket packages at discount prices, so that you can pre-book your holiday to combine the hotel and theatre ticket price to get a great deal.

As well as the nightlife there is plenty to see during the day. It's quite fun to visit the streets and stations from the monopoly board to bring back childhood memories of playing the game with your siblings; or you can see the sites - Big Ben is quite an eye opener.

If you haven’t been to London I fully recommend you go, and if you've only been there on business then I recommend you take off your suit and see how beautiful London really is.

Michael is a keen writer living in Edinburgh. Michael's Website: Taxis Belfast

What's Worth Doing When You Travel To Singapore As A World War II Veteran

2006-09-20T05:03:00.000-07:00

Well, what do World War II veterans have in common with Singapore? Very long lasting, unforgettable memories that you can share with fellow family members and friends. Especially those who had survived or had served in Singapore back in the year between 1942 to 1945.

So, if you travel to Singapore again with your family or friends or loved ones, would you like to walk down the memory lane? (Some memories are painful but some still brought back a smile. Do you agree?)
Well veterans, if you happen to travel back to Singapore in your next holiday, make your travel a memorable one. These are some things worth visiting to bring back those dark years.

The Battle Box

The Battle Box is the largest underground command center of the British Malaya Command Headquarters in Singapore during World War II and tucked into the hillside of Fort Canning.
This bombproof complex comprises of 22 rooms linked together by a corridor and capable of recycling its own air supply.
Today, the Battle Box has undergone extensive restoration. Visitors will be able to relive the morning of February 15, 1942 when Singapore fell to the Japanese.

Reflections Of Bukit Chandu

http://www.s1942.org.sg/bukit_chandu/directory.htm

Back in 1942, 1400 soldiers of the Malay Regiment fought with courage against 13000 Japanese soldiers. They chose death over dishonour.
Pepper’s Ghost will bring you through the Battle of Pasir Panjang and you will be able to walk through the Galleries displaying maps, photographs and information regarding the Malay Regiment and the Defence of Malaya.

Fort Siloso

http://www.sentosa.com.sg/explore_sentosa/attractions/fort_siloso.html

The British built Fort Siloso in the 1880s to protect Singapore harbour’s western entrance. During the Japanese Occupation (1942-1945), it became concentration camp for POWs.
Fort Siloso serves as an important window to Singapore’s colonial past and as reminder of the war years.

Changi Chapel & Museum

http://www.changimuseum.com/

This place, called a beacon of hope for the hopeless. Built by Changi Prison inmates, the Changi Chapel stands as a monument to those who maintained their faith and dignity during the Japanese Occupation.
More than 50 000 civilians and soldiers were imprisoned during those days. Some exhibits that you can find and relate to their agony are letters, photographs, drawings and their personal effects. However, their main attraction is a replica of The Changi Murals, a series of wall painting recreated from the originals painted by Stanley Warren.

Old Ford Factory

http://www.s1942.org.sg/bukit_chandu/FordFactory.htm

On February 15, 1942, Lt Gen A.E.Percival then Commander of the British Forces in Singapore surrendered to the Japanese Army. The ‘ceremony’ took place here, the Old Ford Factory.
On February 16, 2006, Singapore Minister for Defence Mr Teo Chee Hean officially opened Memories at Old Ford Factory. Here, you can find the exhibition ‘Syonan Years: Singapore Under Japanese Rule, 1942-1945’.

Kranji War Memorial

Kranji War Memorial honours the men from Britain, Australia, Canada, Sri Lanka, India, Malaya, the Netherlands and New Zealand who gave their lives for freedom in World War II.
Here you can find 4000 servicemen’s graves stand in neat rows. For about 24 000 soldiers and air force men, whose bodies were never recovered, their names were inscribed on 12 columns. Besides that, it is also a burial ground for Singapore’s first two presidents.

Civilian War Memorial

Located in the Padang, the Civilian War Memorial is dedicated to all those who perished during the Japanese Occupation of Singapore between February 15, 1942 to September 12, 1945. Every year on 15 February, a memorial service is held here to remember the victims of the war.
Here you can find four identical vertical pillars rise to a pinnacle of 92.5 metres, symbolising the shared experiences of the four major races of Singapore - Chinese, Malay, Indian and other races. The remains of the unidentified war victims are buried beneath the monument.

Jaffa Matt is a Freelance writer who was born and live in Singapore. His website http://mysingapore.jeeran.com provides ideas & informative articles about his country, Singapore.

Destination Singapore: A Fine City For All The Right Reasons

2006-09-20T05:01:00.000-07:00

You may have heard the saying “Singapore is a fine city.” You get fined for this, fined for that… you could even get fined for chewing gum (it caused a major door drama that stopped the MRT subway running). While there’s no doubt that Singapore takes a tough stand on fines for anti-social issues and basic public behaviour, Singapore is also fine city for a tourists on a stopover or vacation break.

In fact, Singapore is one of the world’s most popular destinations. A tiny island with mighty appeal, lying between Malaysia and Indonesia. Just 14 miles from north to south and 26 miles wide from east to west, it’s slightly more than 3.5 times the size of Washington, DC. Singapore lies in the heart of exciting Southeast Asia, a bridge between east and west and a place that buzzes 24/7.

It offers visitors a world of fantastic possibilities. Its ultra-modern skyscrapers and towers of glass contrast with the colonial charm of historic buildings, secret laneways and Chinese shop houses.

It’s a confusion of culture with slick style and business energy. A melting pot of Chinese, Malay, Indian and Eurasian races. Safe, fun and friendly, the perfect place for a break. Singaporeans are super helpful to visitors and just about everybody speaks English as this is the main language of business and everyday life.

Singapore is also just a few degrees from the equator, so it’s always a hot and happening place literally. Tip: dress for the tropics with light comfortable clothing.

Seven great things to do and see.

Singapore Shopping. A buyer’s paradise.

The number one attraction is undoubtedly shopping. Stroll down the main boulevard of Orchard Road and you’ll find plenty to tempt you and your credit card, but window shopping costs nothing. Each side of the road is lined with glossy designer boutiques, big stores and fabulous malls, not to mention shops displaying the latest digital wizardy.

Don’t miss exploring the other side of Singapore either. It’s fun to spend a day wandering the different locales and historic backstreets of Chinatown, Little India and Arab Street.

Enjoy a Singapore Sling at Raffles.

“When in Singapore, feed at Raffles”, that was the advice of the renowned English author, Rudyard Kipling, and it still holds true today. The legendary Raffles Hotel is consistently voted as one of the top hotels in the world. It attracted a bevy of literary talent to its doors, from Joseph Conrad to Somerset Maugham to Noel Coward who were inspired by its unique atmosphere. First opened in 1887, Raffles has undergone extensive restoration over the years but today it’s still as stylish as ever.

Now film celebrities, royalty, sports stars and anyone who’s anyone, chooses to stay Raffles. Even if your budget doesn’t allow an overnight booking, you could probably stretch to a refreshing Gin Sling in the Long Bar – it was invented here. Bartender Ngiam Tong Boon created this deliciously different cocktail close to a century ago.

Food glorious food.

Making money is not the only things on people’s minds in Singapore. The subject of food is a national obsession. After breakfast has finished, where to have lunch and dinner are the big topics of the day. As a visitor, your taste buds are spoiled for choice with plenty of food halls, stalls, cafes and upmarket restaurants.

Nonya or Peranakan food is the closest Singapore has to a “national” cuisine. It combines Chinese, Malay and other influences into its own unique blend. The resulting dishes are imaginative, tasty and often extremely subtle.

Travel tip: If you’re heading this way in the month of July, the annual Singapore Food Festival is in full swing. A gastronomic feast of workshops, places to eat, amazing recipes and things to try are all on the menu.

Singapore Zoo Night Safari.

Forget a typical zoo experience, this is an “open” green environment where animals are allowed to roam in acres of lush jungle and parklands. Oppressive cages are absent.
The animals are actually kept in spacious, landscaped enclosures, separated from visitors by dry or wet moats. The moats are concealed with vegetation or dropped below the line of vision.

At night, Singapore zoo takes on a totally different feel with the famous Night Safari. A unique experience of exploring wildlife in a tropical jungle at night. Through subtle lighting, you can view over 1,000 nocturnal animals from 100 species in their habitat. It’s well worth spending an evening out here. Show time starts at 7.30 as the sunset in this part of world is very reliable, thanks to the position, close to the equator.

Sentosa. Singapore’s premier island resort getaway.

Just 15 minutes from downtown Singapore, you’ll find the resort getaway that is Sentosa Island. A stunning blend of leisure and recreational facilities, sea sports, golf and peaceful retreats. Get there by cable car (fantastic views) or bus, taxi and car.

A canopy of secondary rainforest covers 70 per cent of the 500-hectare island and it’s home to monitor lizards, monkeys, peacocks, parrots as well as other native fauna and flora. With is long stretch of white sandy beach, this is the only place in Singapore with real beachfront accommodation, such as Shangri-La's Rasa Sentosa Resort. You’ll find this property (and many more choices all over Singapore) at sites like http://www.hotel.com.au/singapore

Clarke Quay. Night moves and grooves.

When the sun goes down, Clarke Quay, on the Singapore River, comes to life. During the 19th century, this was a commercial waterfront area, bustling with merchant vessels. The rich heritage is alive and kicking. The Quay been restored to create a colorful and stylish meeting place, filled with cosy cafes, bars, music and restaurants. Trendy night spots attract a big crowd, especially at the weekend.

Reflexology. Traditional Foot Massage.

Transport-wise, Singapore is easy to get around, by subway, bus or taxi, but you’ll probably pound the sidewalks taking in the sights and sounds of this great Asian destination. Make time for some pampering.

Reflexology or foot massage has long been part of Chinese tradition and culture - a superb way to relax after a tough day bargain hunting. You’ll find plenty of places to enjoy a massage, at exclusive Hotel spas, or the more reasonably priced specialty outlets all around Orchard Road, in shopping centres and Tanglin Road.

Singapore hotels to match every budget.

Singapore is one of the world’s top travel destinations, especially for stop overs. (U.S. citizens can stay up to 90 days without a visa.) Accommodation-wise, you’ll find a wide range of hotels to suit your budget – from major 5 star international names to smaller hotels offering great value rates. Book online and see the deals you can find.

During holiday time, Chinese New Year and during special festivals, it pays to book ahead because Singapore is always a fine experience. Web sites such as http://www.hotel.com.au/singapore have dozens of choices, in the shopping, business and nightlife districts.

Matthew Lawson heads up http://www.hotel.com.au and is an avid traveler.

Tennessee Aquarium Helpful Reviews

2006-09-20T05:00:00.000-07:00

Tennessee Aquarium is a landmark found in Chattanooga Tennessee. Well, this is an amazing spot visited by people who are aquariums enthusiast enjoying exploration of marine species.

People who visited the Tennessee Aquarium provided their reviews so that other people can learn about what to expect, see or explore.

- Tennessee Aquarium has incorporated artistic exhibits to encourage people of any age. It gives appeal to everyone and ignites curiosity to explore the entire place.

- Fresh water exhibits are awesome. Newly added salt water exhibits are spectacular displaying all creatures living in salt water including all sharks’ varieties.

- RiverWalk is a concrete walkway located on the top of Tennessee River shore waters without railings giving an ultimate walking experience to visitors.

- Tennessee Aquarium is adjacent to the Bijou Movie Theater and IMAX Theater giving another entertainment option to visitors and travelers.

- Tennessee Aquarium has knowledgeable and excellent staff ready to answer all the questions given by travelers and visitors. The staff includes children and adults in their learning activities which they enjoy doing. The staff professionalism is observed giving the same warm welcome to visitors even during the last minute before closing time.

- Tennessee Aquarium is a very neat place to visit however the booth for buying tickets are not covered and the Aquarium gets easily crowded so sometimes time is wasted waiting to see the exhibits.

- Tennessee Aquarium’s one of the visitor’s favorite is the sea horses exhibit. You need to have at least two hours to spend in watching all the exhibits including divers cleaning the aquarium windows and swimming together with sharks and stingrays.

- Tennessee Aquariums have natural habitats for different animals with two living forests seen under glass that the children and adults loves to enjoy watching.

- Tennessee Aquariums has incorporated many varieties of interesting fishes, which are fun to observe.

- Tennessee Aquarium is an amazing place to visit having beautiful views, good presentations, nice buildings and knowledgeable employees however the only disaster experienced by visitors are their bathrooms.

- Tennessee Aquariums has incorporated an amazing architectural aesthetics having a beautiful landscaping of underwater sea environment, river, lake and pond natural habitats, which they rank as one of the best aquariums in the world to visit.

Having a real life marine adventure is an interesting activity that anybody could experience. Tennessee Aquarium surely offers the best scenery and adventure.

This content is provided by Low Jeremy and may be used only in its entirety with all links included. For more info on Aquariums, please visit http://aquarium.articlekeep.com

Top Honeymoon Hot Spots

2006-09-20T04:59:00.000-07:00

Preparing for your wedding day is never complete without preparing for your honeymoon getaway. If you are still thinking of the place to go, here are some top honeymoon hot spots you can consider:

· Hawaii

If you like watching sunset from a velvet beach and endless shorelines; if you like spending your day together at water and sun; if you like fancy resorts and hotels with unique and exotic amenities you can hardly imagine, then Hawaii is the place to be. Staying at one of the islands of Hawaii will give you all the reason why everyone should set their honeymoon in this State. As a romantic island getaway, Hawaii will provide you with every tropical attraction you need.

· Las Vegas

If you like lights and sounds, fancy dinner table, casinos and other entertainment, wide array of nightlife and nightspots, luxurious suites, and worldwide attraction all in one place, then Las Vegas should be your top pick. Considered as one of the top wedding destinations in the United States, Las Vegas features a one of a kind honeymoon experience worth reminiscing for a lifetime.

· France

Special gourmet foods, delicacies made through time, breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, colorful history, works of art, and architectures, France would be a good choice. Other European countries can also offer all these. Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, England, and others each have their own way of packaging themselves in the world to become a good place to spend your honeymoon.

· Walt Disney World

If you like attractions, rides, and more attractions, Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida is the place to be. This place is fast becoming a premiere wedding and honeymoon destination in the country. The Walt Disney World has several resorts to hold your wedding and spend your honeymoon. It has 4 theme parks; each has unique attractions and surprises to offer for the newlyweds.

· Caribbean

If you feel like taking a dive and seeing one of the best underwater sceneries in the worlds; if you want to spend your honeymoon with all the water sports available for you; if you want to enjoy in a beautiful and luxurious beach resort, then spending in one of the countries of the Caribbean in the best choice. Aruba for one has lots of places and activities suited for the newlyweds. Jamaica has several resorts with long stretch of beaches.

This content is provided by Low Jeremy and may be used only in its entirety with all links included. For more info on Honeymoons, please visit http://honeymoon.articlekeep.com

5 Best Places for a Helicopter Tour

2006-09-20T04:58:00.001-07:00

If you are considering a helicopter tour but don’t know where, then here these article can help you make up your mind and start phoning your travel agent and book for a tour. Here are the 5 best places where you can experience one of the best outdoor experiences you can have in a lifetime:

Grand Canyon – Be at the edge of your seat at your helicopter takes you to the natural wonder of the world. Grand Canyon has been one of chosen places in the country to held helicopter tour. Surely, no one can resist the charms of earth that is seen from several hundreds of feet above the ground.

New York City – If flying between skyscrapers and bridges is what you like, then New York City is the place to be. Helicopter tours offered in New York City would take you in and around the city. Plus, see the Liberty face to face. The Big Apple tour would surely be incomplete if not with the helicopter tour.

Las Vegas – Of course the neon lights, casinos, and several nightspots are the best tourist magnets of Las Vegas. But what could be more than all these? Behold, because Las Vegas helicopter tour beats all the usual Las Vegas experience. See the city from above and be marveled how beautiful the Las Vegas is. And don’t forget to fly over Hoover Dam, a must see attraction in Las Vegas.

Hawaii – Exploring the islands of Hawaii by foot and by sea would let you discover some of the most spectacular sites the world has to offer. But you have more to discover if you take those feet off the ground and see Hawaii from above. Hawaii helicopter tour would take you to the different islands of Hawaii and would let you view how diverse they are. From mountains to volcanoes, and white sand beaches to sparkling sea, Hawaii helicopter tour lets you experience all these.

Hollywood, California – If you want to make sure you have the best time in California, then you must consider booking for a helicopter tour. It would take you a stone throw away from the Hollywood sign and see the Universal Studios from above. You can see mansions of some of the most famous people living in California. And at nighttime, see the city lights as the helicopter takes you to the most breathtaking seen you can ever experience.

This content is provided by Low Jeremy and may be used only in its entirety with all links included. For more info on RC-Helicopter, please visit http://rc-helicopter.articlekeep.com

Coping with Thailand's Tightened Visa Regulations

2006-09-20T04:58:00.000-07:00

It is the end of an era in Thailand. Political changes occur rapidly in SE Asia. Nowhere is that more evident than inside the Land of Smiles. In the wake of the John Karr / JonBenet Ramsey fiasco, Thailand has tightened restrictions on Tourism Visas and stymied the lives of tens of thousands of travelers. Officials claim the two are not connected.

For many years now, backpackers have flocked to Thailand. It’s tropical climate, gentle citizens, inviting beaches and ease of travel beckon youthful exuberance. Over time, many of us have matured to suitcases and still less-stylish travelers followed suit.

During these Golden Years of Thai travel visitors form 39 countries could enter the Kingdom of Thailand for thirty days without obtaining a visa before their arrival. Those staying on longer would simply make a border run, cross out of the country and return, often within minutes. Whish! Stamp! Boom! They had another thirty days.

Currently details of the new regulations are as clear as mud in an unlit cave. It appears starting October 1, 2006, travelers such as myself will be able to make a maximum of two border runs. We receive thirty days on arrival. Then, we receive thirty days each for the two reentries. After that we may not enter Thailand again for ninety days. In other words, after ninety days in, we must leave for ninety days. Whish! Stamp! Stamp! Out!

The tourism industry will suffer! From taxi drivers and guest houses, to massage schools and laundry services, the impact will be felt. I imagine a Tuk Tuk driver will look up this January and think, “Hey, where’d everybody go?” I like to believe the cumulative economic loss will be more than the Kingdom fathoms and policies will loosen again over time. I also still hang a Christmas stocking up for myself.

Alongside Thais, how are long-term travelers being affected by the changes? If you think the inconvenience to individuals is negligible, consider the following. Here are some examples.

Donald Wood – UK

“My sister and her family were to spend February in Thailand with me. They have canceled their trip. Why? Because, I’ll be out for ninety days by then.”

Kelly Laidlaw – USA

“I paid for a one month TEFL Course and two months ’volunteer’ teacher training on Samui next year. That’s three months total. I lose days from each 30 day allotment, because I have to do my visa border runs on weekend (to not miss class). This is what I’m left with. I leap into Thailand the day before class starts and sprint for Samui. Then, I fly out the day after I finish teaching/graduate. Perhaps a prospective school can interview me in the Tuk Tuk on the way to the airport.”

Claude DeVosjoli – France

“I had many plans for my six months– sure to travel, but more. I’m always doing something. Mahout training, an expansive meditation experience, maybe I learn to cook Thai. And, there’s trekking, Muay Thai courses… There’s so much to do here. Now I can do only half. Half lose my francs. It’s so hard to choose.”

Barry Anderson – Australia

“Funny thing is Burma (a.k.a. Myanmar) lost business because of the Thai regs. I wanted to hop over there bouts for a week mid-November. Can’t now. That would use up one of my precious two visa runs early. Don’t wanna torch thirteen days I figure.”

Kathy Taylor – Canada

“I sold my home to come to SE Asia for a couple years. The thinking was I would maintain a small apartment in Chiang Mai, take some classes, travel around a bit and have a place to nest and write in between. Now when I travel to other countries it will go lock, stock and barrel, along with my tourism dollars for many months.”

Alan McLawrie – UK

“I’m currently taking classes to learn to speak Thai. I’ll miss the third level now. Of course, I’ll be off in Vietnam not able to practice what I just learned anyway. Also, I volunteer at a dog rescue and will miss the pups. I’m financially independent, yet too young to meet the 50 year old requirement for a Retirement Visa here. Officials actually said this new law will stop bad people and not hurt good people. Well, if financially successful, charitable volunteers who study their culture are bad guys, send me to the front of the line.”

Anita Kroll – USA

“This change is a bit of a pickle for me. I have a three month course this spring. So, in December when my 90 is up, I have to leave Thailand for almost four months, not three. I’ll need the whole next lot of ninety days to cover my class time. The course starts in late April and I’m out in December. I wish there had been more notice before the government changed things, though in retrospect I did not have to pay in advance.”

As you see there are dozens of ways Thailand’s new policies will cause little inconveniences. But, how little are they? You see, I am Anita. I am Alan. I am Kathy, Barry, Kelly, Donald and even Claude DeVosjoli. All these issues occurred for just one peaceful gal who simply loves Thailand. What else do these issues have in common? That’s easy. They take money away (Whish!) from the Kingdom of Thailand and its citizens.

Nola L. Kelsey is the author of Bitch Unleashed: The Harsh Realities of Goin’ Country and coauthor of the scathing political satire Keeping the Masses Down. To read more of Kelsey’s work, visit her rarely up-to-date website at: http://www.nolakelsey.com

Take a Tour 'Round Atlanta and Discover an Underground World of Possibilities

2006-09-20T04:54:00.000-07:00

Atlanta began as a railroad town helping to supply the cotton trade during the 19th century. Way back in 1936, the 138 mile Western & Atlantic Railroad which linked Chattanooga to mid-Georgia was chartered by the State of Georgia. As various towns grew up along the route, the extreme southern end was marked by the emerging city of Atlanta, expanding outwards from the Zero Milepost which marked the center of Underground Atlanta.

In 1968, the Atlanta Board of Aldermen bestowed historic status on the area to help protect the five-block region of the downtown Atlanta, “city beneath the city”. Despite the many years of neglect which had occurred, workers trying to restore the site found to their surprise, surviving original ornate marble storefronts with granite archways, decorative brickwork, hand carved wooden posts and cast-iron pilasters which were still intact.

In 1969 the Underground Atlanta re-opened as a retail and entertainment center offering a unique shopping, dining and entertainment experience within the historic confines of this old site.

Despite its popularity, the construction of a rapid transit line along with a series of other factors led inevitably to the Underground being closed in 1980. The huge affection with which the place has long been held however led to the cities civic and business leaders having the location added to the National Register of Historic Places, further protecting its future, before a massive joint venture between the City of Atlanta and private industry enabled the New Underground Atlanta to be opened in 1989.

The $142 million re-opening was intended to help revitalize downtown Atlanta, a move which appears to be working, as private travel industry players such as Embassy Suites hotels have begun to move into the area, having seen the opportunities that the regeneration and redesign has afforded the area.

Underground Atlanta as it stands today provides an all round family experience, with hundreds of shops, including one-of-a-kind specialty items which it would be difficult to find elsewhere, food courts, and fine restaurants which attract over 6 million visitors a year. There are also special organized events, like the Oktoberfest where the Underground becomes filled with the sounds of authentic German music, or the weekend long Montreux Jazz Festival, as well as providing dancing, food and drink, and regular live entertainment, throughout the exciting mix of bars and nightclubs created for adults to enjoy.

The Underground offers a unique experience for all visitors and is also well positioned to access the rest of downtown Atlanta’s many exciting attractions, including the home grounds of the famous Atlanta Braves Baseball, Atlanta Falcons Football, and Atlanta Hawks Basketball teams, or the CNN Center, Atlanta Opera, Children’s museum, and the World of Coca-Cola exhibition.

Michael is a keen writer living in Edinburgh. Michael's Website: Taxis Belfast

Visit Cancun Mexico

2006-09-20T04:53:00.000-07:00

Perched at the tip of the Yucatan Peninsula along the Caribbean coast, Cancun is the ideal place for a Mexican getaway if your idea of the perfect vacation involves spending hours spread out on a gorgeous beach with the sun radiating above you. With its sparkling white sand and stunning blue waters, the beaches in Cancun can entertain and enthrall you with their sheer beauty and wondrous sights. Throw in the lively nightlife and abundant water activities, and you have the makings of a relaxing, entertaining vacation along the shores of the Atlantic Ocean.

Although Cancun is typically known as a popular Spring Break destination for high school seniors and college students, there is more to this tourist resort than a low drinking age. Whether you are looking to soak in the heat of the summer (late June is blazing hot) or the gentle warmth of the off season, there is a perfect time for you to enjoy all this bustling tourist city has to offer.

The beginning of summer is possibly the best time to see Cancun so you can avoid the rowdy students and the hurricane season. When you arrive, make a beeline for the beaches on the northern side, which is also where you will find the exclusive and expensive hotel zone. This area has upscale hotels, restaurants, and bars that back up to pristine beaches on the ocean such as Playa Langosta, Playa Tortugas, and Playa Las Perlas. Playa Las Perlas is great for swimming and sunning while the other two beaches are great for water sports such as jet skiing, scuba diving, snorkeling, and parasailing.

When spending time on the northern side of Cancun, take a day trip to Isla Mujeres, which is located eight miles off the shore. There are ferries to the island from many of the beaches and here you can tour the terrain on a scooter, play beach volleyball on the soft white sand, or explore Garafon Park. Garafon Park is located on the island’s south side and while not used for sunning since it lacks a sandy beach, visitors can swim with fish that will follow around anyone who has food.

The eastern side of Cancun is mostly unprotected since it does not have an island to shelter it from the waves like the northern side. This means the waves can become quite large at times so it is important to use precaution when exploring beaches such as Playa Ballenas, Punta Nizuc, and San Miguelito. If you enjoy jumping over waves or participating in water sports that take advantage of wavy conditions (there are numerous jet ski rental outlets here), then the eastern side may be the ideal place for you to throw down a towel and dive headfirst into the water.

An excellent water-oriented place to check out is Xcaret Eco Theme Park, which offers swim with the dolphins tours, snorkeling and snuba diving (diving without a tank) to the barrier reef, and sea treks that allow visitors without diving experience to walk along the ocean floor. In the middle of the hotel zone, make your way to the interactive aquarium for an up close look at the native marine life. You can touch nurse sharks, stingrays, and starfish or swim with dolphins in a large pool at this moderately sized but modern aquarium.

If you are interested in the popular tourist nightlife of Cancun, Carlos and Charlie's, Coronaville, and Señor Frogs can meet your entertainment needs with their lively atmosphere and contagious excitement. Jump into a conga line or spend the evening laughing with friends as you soak in the always entertaining festivities. For a more club-like experience, head over to O Ultra Lounge or The City so you can dance the night away with some of the top entertainers and DJs in the world. These venues promise a memorable night if you are willing to deal with the hassle of getting into a chic, popular club that has great acts and entertainment.

Since the beach will most likely be a large part of your Cancun adventure, make it the most convenient attraction by staying in one of the many Cancun vacation rentals that line the sandy shores of the ocean. A day at the beach is just steps out your back door and if you prefer a little privacy while sunning, simply stroll back to your patio so you can soak up the sun without masses surrounding you. Experience a laid back and relaxing Cancun vacation on your own terms when you stay in vacation rental that has all the amenities of home with a view that will forever leave you speechless.

HomeAway.com has the most comprehensive selection of vacation rental homes on the Internet. For an alternative lodging option, consider Cancun vacation rentals for your next trip to Mexico.

A Nostalgic Look at Mother England

2006-09-20T04:39:00.000-07:00

Mother England

There's no place like home...

I am always at a loss for an answer when people ask me where I am from. In 30+ years I have moved house 30+ times, so you can appreciate my confusion. I have lived in Cardiff, capital of Wales, for the past few years, but I am (very) English.

I thank Wales daily for her hospitality. She provides a kind of safe comfort, like that of an over-stuffed chintz armchair in the parlour of an affectionate great-auntie; the sort of great-auntie who pinches your cheeks and plies you with cake. However, despite England’s dubious history, England is my mother and therefore has my heart.

I once heard that one’s own culture becomes stronger when one is immersed in another culture, perhaps to defend and preserve it? All my family were born in England, but I spent my early childhood with them in the USA. I had a very happy time there and could write volumes on its beauty, but I always kept England on the highest pedestal. We would very occasionally make a long drive to an English shop selling Weetabix, real marmalade, authentic Marmite and proper tea. It was like a sacred pilgrimage.

My family is from Sussex (a county on the south coast), and we used to go back to visit my grandparents every now and then. I remember the crisp white tablecloth, the strict table manners, and the sugar bowl sporting a portrait of the Queen and silver sugar tongs. I was always asking why strange things existed such as the saucer under the teacup, or the lace antimacassar on the back of the chair. In truth I found the formality refreshingly intimidating next to the playful freedom of America. When we moved back though, I felt a school tie at the age of seven was going a bit far. Apart from that, to me England was heaven.

Many an afternoon did we spend combing the rock-pools of Brighton for sea life. We could be seen clambering or crouching in our wellingtons for hours, with expressions ranging from delighted wonder to joyful disgust. Then there was the Royal Pavillion and its mad mock Indian domes and minarets. My favourite place was a particular point on the South Downs (a huge line of natural chalk hills covered in grass). I was in my element rolling like a sideways log down a certain slope, or just sitting in the long grass peppered with wild flowers. From up there the villages, cars and animals looked like the wooden toys I loved to play with. You could clearly hear lambs calling each other in a field two miles away.

My teens were spent in North Yorkshire. Outings were rare; we owned a shop, which opened seven days a week. A day trip was usually to the far north, where spreads a huge handspun cloak of heathered moorland. Well-timed trips afforded golden vales of happily nodding daffodils, or dense groves carpeted with a hovering mist of bluebells. My favourite haunts were the little villages where sheep had a free rein and nibbled the grass as short as the pile of velvet.

My brother lives in a small market town in middle England. The public phone boxes are still painted red, and the duck-pond is still the main focal point in all the surrounding villages. There is nowhere as stereotypically English in my experience. Many of the houses around there are hundreds and hundreds of years old, and still have a heavy fringe of thatch for a roof. They seem to be slumbering under big, wide-brimmed straw hats. The gardens really are full of holly-hocks and fox-gloves, and the doors really are framed by wild roses. The men still wear white to play cricket, and are often seen playing on the green over-looked by a long-spired stone church. The most important thing as far as I’m concerned is the teashop. My favourite one in the town is run by a man with the obsequious nature of a royal butler. He makes all the cakes himself and displays them on paper doilies under glass bells. If you do visit, I have found that hot chocolate requires the longest wait as the chocolate is carefully melted and blended with the milk without the use of a microwave oven.

I must say though that the best place in the world is London, without a doubt. Perhaps it is the only place a vagabond such as myself can really feel at home. All that which is English (and all that ever was) is encapsulated in its realm, but with a thousand other cultures smoothly woven into it.

Sumangali Morhall is a member of the Sri Chinmoy Centre in Cardiff Wales. She works in a running shop "Run and Become" Sumangali enjoys writing prose and poetry and edits a website about the music of Sri Chinmoy

Travel Tips : Travel Alaska... An Adventure of a Lifetime

2006-07-17T07:50:00.000-07:00

So you're like John Locke of the TV series Lost and simply (literally) dying
for an adventure. Or maybe you're just bored to death and you want to
experience more of life. Have no fear… no need to travel across the globe
to taste adventure in the wilds of Africa or the rainforests of South
America. Why should you when you've got Alaska. Alaska… the 49th state and fondly known as the Land of the Midnight Sun and The Last Frontier.

Most people believe that Alaska, a name which comes from an Aleut word
meaning "land that's not an island" is simply tundra in the middle of
nowhere because of it's distance from the lower 48 states and because most
of the stories you hear about it are usually related to the cold and snow
and so-called vast, desolate, open spaces. But you thought wrong.

Alaska - the largest state (by land mass) is also one of the least populated
- is a land that combines the beautiful snowy scenery of the Alps with the
challenge of an adventure trip to the Congo.

Don't believe me?

That's okay because I've got proof.

River Fishing
When someone mentions Alaska, people usually visualize a land of ice and
frozen desert. So it's a bit hard to imagine people being able to fish in
such a place. But like I mentioned earlier, Alaska is a place filled with
adventure, a place well worth traveling to.

For your Alaska fishing adventure, you can try your luck at hooking any of a
variety of prized fish like: Silver Salmon in Resurrection Bay during August
and September, the King Salmon of the Lower Kenai River from May to July or Red (Sockeye) Salmon, Dolly Varden and Rainbow Trout in the Upper Kenai River.

Rafting
Yes, you can raft to your hearts' content and pretend you're a lone wanderer
having an adventure in the midst of the vast array of Alaskan wildlife.
Travel and encounter the many natural wonders of Alaska. Listen to the
stories of the natives. Catch a glimpse of moose and bald eagles as you hold
on for dear life while traversing the rapids of Kenai River Canyon - a trip
that is highly recommended and one that you don't want to miss.

Backpacking
This is an adventure you must grab because there's virtually nothing that
compares to backpacking in Alaska. You can of course choose your own
adventure travel destination: Brooks Range, Artic Refuge, Talkeetna
Mountains, and Wrangell-St. Elias to name just a few.

Sea Kayaking
This not so common adventure is one that only traveling to Alaska can bestow
upon you. This is not for the feint of heart and make sure, that you don't
attempt this alone.

Expeditions to Walrus Island
So you haven't seen any of those furry adorable creatures up close? Find
yourself aching for more of a marine adventure rather than a landlocked one?
Or perhaps you're content to simply watch. Have no fear because Alaska's
Walrus Island has it all. You can view walrus, other marine mammals and rare
bird species from the comfortable deck of a cruising yacht. But if you want
a bit more of a challenge, you can take a hiking trip and see more of the
Alaskan wildlife.

Dog Sledding
This is probably the most popular sport in Alaska and an adventure worth
telling your grandchildren, great grandchildren, friends, barber or whoever
will listen. If you so choose, you can simply watch the dog sled races or
try it out yourself by mushing your own team. The Siberian huskies, are
highly trained so there's no need to worry about your safety. Plus, if you
have the time, you can also visit the renowned author, husky owner and
Alaskan original Mary Shields.

Fjord Exploration
If you've ever dreamed of experiencing the sheer scale of an
honest-to-goodness glacier that the pages of a book or movie screen just
can't convey then Alaska is the place to be? Unless, of course you prefer
Greenland or Iceland for your icy adventure. I think not... and just another
of many reasons why we should be thankful for the great State of Alaska.

So... are you now convinced that traveling to Alaska is an adventure that
you must not miss? I sure hope so because if you're not - what's wrong with
you. Just kidding, however before making reservations be sure you've got
everything you need like clothes for wide range of temperatures and a
comfortable pair of hiking boots.

And clearly... compare the available travel packages being offered by the
travel agencies that cater to Alaska or you can make your own travel
itinerary and then simply hire a guide to assist you along the way. A great
place to start planning your trip is Alaska - The Last Frontier. A website
dedicated to being a complete resource on Alaska.

Have a great trip and enjoy everything that Alaska has to offer!

Copyright 2005 Brian Cahill All rights reserved.

About The Author:

Brian Cahill is a contributing writer to the following websites: Alaska - The Last Frontier: http://www.eyeonalaska.com and VoIP - Internet Telephone: http://www.eyeonvoip.com

Source: WORLD TRAVEL

Travel Tips : The Affordable But Comfortable Tropical Honeymoon

2006-07-17T07:44:00.000-07:00

- Schedule your departure day two days after the wedding to
give you ample time for rest after the activities and the
celebrations. If you must travel immediately, remember to leave
in the middle of the day and not the early morning so you’ll get
a good night’s sleep.

- Ask your travel Agent for Honeymoon Packages, these usually
offer the best destinations for honeymooners, not to mention
discounts and freebies.

- Never, ever overbook day trips, you’re not just traveling,
you’re with your new Spouse, better save up some energy for the
night’s fireworks.

- Don’t be afraid to ask questions, ask about certain perks,
events.

- In addition to the above, don’t be afraid to request extra
stuff, like a big bathtub, a double bed, or a romantic view.

- Don’t forget to bring your marriage Certificate along with
you, especially if the name of the bride is already under her
husband’s name.

- Pack your camera and lots of film; you won’t want to miss
anything. You might also want to pack a disposable underwater
camera and extra batteries, these are absurdly pricey in
tourist spots, and you wouldn’t want to overspend.

- Mention to anyone, especially in the caf้ or in the tour
boat, that you’re on your honeymoon, yes this may sound a bit
embarrassing, but some restaurants give extras like free drinks
or gifts for honeymooners. This also works for birthday
celebrants.

- If you want an active honeymoon, research and prepare for
water sports; the tropics are a great place, to learn them,
always remember to consult hubby before you try one though.

- Stock up on sun protection. The higher the SPF the better, as
you’ll probably be spending whole days out in the sun; you
wouldn’t want to get skin cancer after just two weeks of
marriage.

- Some travel agencies include island hopping trips, these are
great ways to explore, and enjoy. This is especially good
because you’ll get a change in scenery, and won’t easily get
bored, especially if you have an extended honeymoon.

- Even if your valuables are inside your hotel room, keep them
under lock, and if you decide to bring them with you, always
watch out for stray pickpockets.

- Bring with you a stock of candles and massage oils that you
can place inside your hotel room for that romantic evening
after touring and swimming

About The Author:

Destination Found! Visit the Travel Resources
Blog http://www.push-button-online-income.com/travel-guide

Source: WORLD TRAVEL

Travel Tips : Where To Look For Fall Travel Deals

2006-07-17T07:41:00.000-07:00

If you are one of the lucky few who can be flexible in vacation
travel, taking fall vacations can be a great bargain for you.
There are a number of special things going on to capitalize on
plus summer venues still looking for the last of the tourist
dollar.

Top summer destinations are usually great fall bargains. The
weather can still be gorgeous and the crowds gone. Take a look
at Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard during this time. Hawaii is
typically a bargain in September. The summer crowds clear out
and there are a few months before the holiday crowds start to
come in.

Look to Europe during this time, too. Many cities emptying out
from the summer tourist crush are still hungry for visitors.
Weather can be great and look for special deals on packages
that combine airfare, hotel and transfers plus a tour or two.
Colder European destinations can be a special bargain and look
for great deals to Russia and Scandinavia around this time of
year.

For other ideas look to repositioning cruises. This is when
cruises lines move their ships around to follow the sun. Most
people want to cruise to the warmest, most pleasant regions of
the world. Ships float and therefore they can pick up and just
move from one side of the world to another to follow the sun.

Most Alaska, Europe, Mediterranean and Bermuda cruises, for
instance, are offered in the summer when the weather is the
best in those regions. For cruises to South America, the
preferred time is winter (our winter, when it's summertime in
the southern hemisphere). The Caribbean is warm year-round,
though since hurricane season stretches from June through
November, the optimal time to cruise the islands is winter and
spring, though many ships are there year-round. In Asia, since
much of the cruising region is near or just north of the
equator, temps are very warm year round, though the wintertime
months are slightly more comfortable.

To be in all of these places at the right time, ships
reposition from one region to another, typically between
seasons, during the months of September and October and April
and May. These one-off oddball itineraries are called
repositioning cruises and they're often deeply discounted
because most don't include a whole lot of port calls. Many are
two to three weeks in length, with a long, lazy stretch at sea
crossing the Atlantic, Pacific or Indian oceans -- perfect for
people who don't need too much action, though many lines
feature guest lecturers and special entertainment and
activities revolving around music, food, wine or other topics.

You'll find some repositioning cruises that don't include
crossing over vast oceans and therefore offer more ports of
call -- for example, when ships move between the Caribbean and
New England/Canada, stopping at points on the eastern coast of
the US along the way. There are a slew of options.

Get the most for your dollar and travel in the fall! See you on
the road!

About The Author:

Joyce Jackson is a 30 year travel veteran
writing extensively on tips and information for the new or
inexperienvced traveler. Her comprehensive website provides
resources, tips and information on how to Travel Like A Pro and
have a great trip every time.http://www.travel-packing-tips.com info@travel-packing-tips.com

Source: WORLD TRAVEL

Travel Tips : Experience The Adventure Of A Lifetime With River Rafting Trips

2006-07-17T07:39:00.000-07:00

River Rafting Trips

If you’re the type of person that enjoys an outdoor adventure,
river rafting trips are right up your alley. Until you’ve tried
it, you can never understand the exhilaration of shooting the
rapids one minute, while taking in some of the world’s most
breathtaking scenery the next. Many rafting companies can
provide all the equipment you need, plus the benefit of a
skilled guide to navigate your family or group through an
incredible river rafting experience. From white water to smooth
sailing, river rafting trips have to be experienced to be
believed.

Difficulty Classifications of River Rafting Trips

If you’re worried about the skill required for participating in
various river rafting trips, there are unique classifications
that will alert you to the level of ability required for safe
rafting. From Class I trips, which would be safe for any
family, to intensive, professional grade Class VI excursions,
river rafting trips have something to offer everyone. A basic
breakdown of the classification of rafting difficulty is as
follows:

* Class I – River rafting trips for beginners and pleasure
cruiser. Enjoy the gorgeous scenery without the tumultuous
rapids.

* Class II – If you’re ready for white water, consider
indulging in Class II river rafting trips. It’s still
considered a basic level, but at least you’ll experience some
thrilling rapids. Class II rafting trips include wide channels
of rapids that limit the skill required to safely maneuver
through them.

* Class III – Class III river rafting trips consist of
intermediate level difficulties in fighting strong currents and
manipulating your raft through more perilous channels of rapids.

* Class IV – Once you’ve become comfortable with the basics and
know how to handle your raft, a Class IV river rafting trip will
provide some exciting rapids that require some skill to master.

* Class V – Class V rafting is considered an expert only level
course. If you’re an avid rafter who enjoys a challenge, Class
V river rafting trips offer long stretches of treacherous
rapids and tons of excitement.

* Class VI – Strictly for hard-core, experienced rafters. Class
VI river rafting includes navigating extremely dangerous rapids
passages and requires great skill on the part of all
participants.

Great Rivers to Explore with River Rafting Trips

While there are hundreds of fantastic rivers suitable for river
rafting trips, some of the most popular destinations include:

Rogue River, Oregon – Located amidst the Cascade Mountain
Range, the beautifully scenic Rogue River makes a great
location for family river rafting trips. Consisting of Class II
and Class III rapid passages, this enchanting river provides
excitement in a safe environment.

Colorado River/Grand Canyon – The Colorado River flowing
through the Grand Canyon offers a diverse set of opportunities
for river rafting trips. From the intense class IV and V rapids
of the Upper Grand Canyon, to the more mellow rafting as the
river flows into Lake Mead, river rafting is a great way to
explore the majesty of the Grand Canyon.

About The Author:

Paolo Basauri is an expert author who writes
for http://www.american-river-rafting.org/

Source: WORLD TRAVEL

Travel Tips : Vacation New York City – A Bite Of The Big Apple

2006-07-17T07:33:00.000-07:00

From epic skyscrapers to electrically charged ambience, initial
experience of New York City can leave you utterly overwhelmed.
Romance radiates from every street corner as film sets burst
into life. New York is the city of the future.

Originally named New Amsterdam by Dutch colonists, it wasn’t
until British occupation in 1664 it became recognized as
present day New York. The creation of the Erie Canal in 1825
was the mechanism for trade and industrial growth that bought
about the thriving city of today.

For visitors traveling via boat, opening port of call is the
majestic Statue of Liberty. This illustrious emblem of the
American Dream was designed by Gustave Eiffel – he of Eiffel
Tower notoriety – and erected in 1886. For security purposes
the Statue no longer offers public admission, however access to
Liberty Island is still permitted, providing an exceptional
picture of the elegant lady.

Opposite the Statue rests Ellis Island, an immigration station
until the midpoint of last century. Formerly used by the
English for disciplining buccaneers, Ellis Island supervised
the influx of millions of European immigrants during the first
half of the twentieth-century. The museum – open daily with
free admission – is well worth a couple of hours of your time.

Straddling East River, Brooklyn Bridge is recognizable to
anyone who has been to the movies. Affording some of the most
breathtaking sights of Manhattan, Brooklyn Bridge was
constructed in 1883, and at time of completion was the worlds
biggest suspension bridge and earliest to utilize steel cables.

Off 42nd Street sits the vast, cathedral-like Grand Central
Station. At one hundred and fifty feet tall, the stylishly
decorated starry sky ceiling is a magnificent spectacle to
behold. You may explore the station yourself, however best
alternative is to seize advantage of the frequent free tours.
If seafood is your thing, the Oyster Bar is a must, offering
exceptional cuisine and a cool view.

In the heart of Manhattan lies Central Park, providing immense
contrast to demanding urban life. Conceived in 1876, a
recreational area was developed to afford the citizens a
respite from modern living. By now New York was a flourishing
town and authorities felt individuals required a contrast to
bricks and mortar. Central Park Zoo is continually popular, as
is the Wollman Rink, a delight in winter. Shakespeare in the
Park – an admirable production – is located at the Delacorte
Theatre and is free, however obtain your tickets in advance.

About The Author:

Steven Cronin writes articles, poetry and
short stories predominantly concerning travel as well as issues
that influence the world in which we live. For further
literature visit http://www.sargas.co.uk
Source: WORLD TRAVEL