Cheap cruise deals can often be a misleading term for first time cruise enthusiasts. People may be able to cruise cheap but they certainly won't vacation cheaply.
Cheap deals simply means getting a bargain-based price when deals are being offered and being in the right place at the right time to snap one up. There are any number of reasons why prices may be offered at a low price.
- It could be off-season and companies are having more difficulty filling their staterooms.
- It's getting close to departure date and there are staterooms still available.
- Promotional offers being offered at any given time.
What Are The Reasons To Cruise?
The most important aspect of choosing an ocean going holiday is getting the best value for your money. Once the deal is booked you should have explored every angle possible to get the best deal. Quite often, people are amazed at exactly what they are getting for their dollar including entertainment, dining and accomodation. This is quite often what the term cheap cruise deal refers to.
Cruising is the best value for money holiday experience on the planet. Better still, ships today are getting bigger and bigger and the amenities are such that there's no need to leave the ship!
Finding Cheap Deals
Travel consultants should be your first port of call. They are privvy to deals and information which the general public don't have access to. When booking, always explain your circumstances and the criteria you're after. Resist the temptation to be persuaded to switch to something just because it's going at a cheap rate at that time. Remember, you'll be on a ship and probably in a different country so the initial consultation is vital.
If flexibility is a problem then book early. Quite often, discounts are available for early birds however, if you are flexible, then cheap deals are excellent value at the last minute. This is usually about a month before the ship is due to depart. A good way to stay in touch with these late deals is to sign up for travel agency newsletters or alerts.
There is some conjecture whether it's feasible to check with the companies themselves. There is a consensus it's more expensive than booking through a cruise discounter. Maybe so however, staying in touch with cruise lines can be beneficial. They provide excellent information and getting on their mailing lists can only keep you up to date with the latest offerings in the cruise world.
So in a nutshell, finding cheap cruise deals seems to hinge on booking early or having the flexibility to book late.
Source: www.articlesbase.com
Friday, March 30, 2007
Tips for cheapest longstay parking at Birmingham Airport
A handy guide to where to park when flying from Birmingham for a long holiday, as told by a frequent traveller who has tried all the available services, particularly parking, at this airport.
All those people who ever had to catch a flight out of Birmingham Airport will probably know how difficult it is to ensure car parking, particularly if you do not have so much time, not to mention the quite high rates. I fly out of Birmingham almost every two weeks because of my job, so I have probably tested each available airport parking company which serves this particular airport.
Firstly, I had my car parking arranged by booking it in advance online, which I advise as it saved me some time. In addition, I was offered a specially discounted parking rate. By now I can say I’m an expert regarding the services which the airport parking companies offer at Birmingham airport. I would like to share my experiences with other passengers who are planning to make use of the parking options so they might find my advice helpful and hopefully make travelling a little more comfortable.
About 10 different car parks run parking services out of Birmingham airport and they are all easy accessible. The available firms offer outstanding security including CCTV, 24 hour patrols and a completely fenced floodlit site. You can be sure that your car is safe while you are travelling. If you think police patrols and dog patrols are totally different, then I suggest you check this out further. However, I do not have a single doubt: wherever you decide to have your car parked it will be sufficiently secured during the time you are away.
The most pivotal matter you should be sure of is the time you have left before you have to start checking-in and how high the parking rates will be.
By far the most comfortable way, but the most expensive as well, is to have your car parked for you by the valet parking service such as CPS Meet and Greet offers. A company’s staff member will meet you at the airport at an arranged time and conveniently have your car transported to the parking site for you. Then you should make an appointment with the staff about when you wish to have your car returned and you are off! Could it be more convenient?
The APH Birmingham airport parking company is very easy to reach. The park is situated just off the M42 motorway and M6 toll road. APH Birmingham offers a chauffeured parking procedure. Coaches operate frequent rides to and from the terminals found due to its location just off the M42 motorway and M6 toll road. The company offers valet parking services and at the car park there is frequent transportation to and from both terminal buildings available. The trip last about 10 to 15 minutes depending on traffic. When you come back from your journey you will be collected from the terminal after you have received your baggage. At the site’s return spaces area your car will be ready for you.
The sole parking site which is positioned approximately 4.5 miles from the airport complex is Airparks Birmingham. A free and regular transportation service is provided following a route to and from the two terminal buildings. This service is operational 24 hours and each day of the week. A telephone number which you need to arrange a transfer back to the parking site when you return from your travels will be given to you as soon as the check-in procedure starts.
Actually, making use of the online suppliers to plan your journey is most likely the best advice I can give, you can honestly trust these services, in most cases they offer the most lucrative parking rates, especially the aggregated businesses that operate the highest standard of services compared with any other available options. It makes it all hassle-free. Here are the best means of securing car parking according to my personal experiences for your benefit.
Sue Mumford is a travel writer who has used Birmingham airport on several occassions and recommends the following online booking
Convenient online airport parking at Birmingham
Source: www.a1articles.com
All those people who ever had to catch a flight out of Birmingham Airport will probably know how difficult it is to ensure car parking, particularly if you do not have so much time, not to mention the quite high rates. I fly out of Birmingham almost every two weeks because of my job, so I have probably tested each available airport parking company which serves this particular airport.
Firstly, I had my car parking arranged by booking it in advance online, which I advise as it saved me some time. In addition, I was offered a specially discounted parking rate. By now I can say I’m an expert regarding the services which the airport parking companies offer at Birmingham airport. I would like to share my experiences with other passengers who are planning to make use of the parking options so they might find my advice helpful and hopefully make travelling a little more comfortable.
About 10 different car parks run parking services out of Birmingham airport and they are all easy accessible. The available firms offer outstanding security including CCTV, 24 hour patrols and a completely fenced floodlit site. You can be sure that your car is safe while you are travelling. If you think police patrols and dog patrols are totally different, then I suggest you check this out further. However, I do not have a single doubt: wherever you decide to have your car parked it will be sufficiently secured during the time you are away.
The most pivotal matter you should be sure of is the time you have left before you have to start checking-in and how high the parking rates will be.
By far the most comfortable way, but the most expensive as well, is to have your car parked for you by the valet parking service such as CPS Meet and Greet offers. A company’s staff member will meet you at the airport at an arranged time and conveniently have your car transported to the parking site for you. Then you should make an appointment with the staff about when you wish to have your car returned and you are off! Could it be more convenient?
The APH Birmingham airport parking company is very easy to reach. The park is situated just off the M42 motorway and M6 toll road. APH Birmingham offers a chauffeured parking procedure. Coaches operate frequent rides to and from the terminals found due to its location just off the M42 motorway and M6 toll road. The company offers valet parking services and at the car park there is frequent transportation to and from both terminal buildings available. The trip last about 10 to 15 minutes depending on traffic. When you come back from your journey you will be collected from the terminal after you have received your baggage. At the site’s return spaces area your car will be ready for you.
The sole parking site which is positioned approximately 4.5 miles from the airport complex is Airparks Birmingham. A free and regular transportation service is provided following a route to and from the two terminal buildings. This service is operational 24 hours and each day of the week. A telephone number which you need to arrange a transfer back to the parking site when you return from your travels will be given to you as soon as the check-in procedure starts.
Actually, making use of the online suppliers to plan your journey is most likely the best advice I can give, you can honestly trust these services, in most cases they offer the most lucrative parking rates, especially the aggregated businesses that operate the highest standard of services compared with any other available options. It makes it all hassle-free. Here are the best means of securing car parking according to my personal experiences for your benefit.
Sue Mumford is a travel writer who has used Birmingham airport on several occassions and recommends the following online booking
Convenient online airport parking at Birmingham
Source: www.a1articles.com
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Top 10 Free Melbourne Attractions
There are a number of free attractions available in Melbourne, Victoria. Here's a selection of Melbourne attractions which shouldn't cost any money.
1) City Circle Tram
More a means to travel free to a number of central Melbourne's sightseeing attractions, the City Circle Tram provides a "hop on, hop off" service to such places as Federation Square, Old Treasury Building, Parliament House and Princess Theatre. There's a running commentary, too, as you pass, or stop at, a place of historical, cultural or architectural significance.
2) Flinders St Station
Flinders St Station is a major landmark in central Melbourne and is also a popular place to meet. With Victorian architecture and striking, large clock faces, Melbourne's Flinders Street Station was built in the late 19th century.
3) Federation Square
Right along the route of the free Melbourne City Circle Tram lies Federation Square across the street from Flinders St Station. Both Flinders St Station and Federation Square have distinctive, if contrasting, architectural styles. Particularly at Federation Square, browse through the shops and galleries, which lead us to...
4) The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia
This is the home of the National Gallery of Victoria's Australian art collection, which is said to be the largest in the world. Admission to the permanent collection is free but fees may apply to special exhibitions. Located in Federation Square.
5) Australian Centre for the Moving Image
While at Federation Square, visit the Australian Centre for the Moving Image with its Screen Gallery and large collection of exhibits pertaining to Australian screen-based art, including film, video, television, interactive installations, and computer animation. Entry to the Screen Gallery, open Monday to Friday from 10am to 5pm and Saturday, Sunday and public holidays from 10am to 6pm, is free.
6) National Gallery of Victoria
Located on St Kilda Rd in its newly renovated building, the National Gallery of Victoria (which has its Australian collection in Federation Square at The Ian Potter Centre) contains Victoria's extensive international collections with the works of some of the biggest names in international art. Entry to the National Gallery of Victoria is free, although fees may apply to special, particularly visiting, exhibitions.
7) Royal Botanic Gardens
Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne contain extensively landscaped gardens covering 35 hectares (86 acres) and feature thousands of plants from across Australia and around the world. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through a variegated landscape of plants, shrubs and trees. Free guided walks or self-guided audio walks are available. Open daily from 7.30am to 6pm April to October and until 7.30pm Movember to March.
8) Crown Casino Complex
Well, you could lose money at the casino, but the Crown Casino complex is an interesting collection of shops, galleries, restaurants and cafes. Take the riverside walk on Southbank Promenade with the Yarra on your left and outdoor cafes on your right.
9) Queen Victoria Market
The southern hemisphere’s largest open-air market, the Queen Victoria Market offers fresh farm produce and a variety of merchandise which turns it into a modern Arabian Nights bazaar. An historic Melbourne landmark and a Melbourne institution dating back more than 120 years.
10) Melbourne Beaches
People tend to forget that Melbourne isn't only a city with a river running through it. South of the city centre lie a number of Melbourne beaches along the arc of Phillip Bay, such as St Kilda Beach and Brighton Beach, easily accessible by tram from the heart of the city.
Source: about.com
1) City Circle Tram
More a means to travel free to a number of central Melbourne's sightseeing attractions, the City Circle Tram provides a "hop on, hop off" service to such places as Federation Square, Old Treasury Building, Parliament House and Princess Theatre. There's a running commentary, too, as you pass, or stop at, a place of historical, cultural or architectural significance.
2) Flinders St Station
Flinders St Station is a major landmark in central Melbourne and is also a popular place to meet. With Victorian architecture and striking, large clock faces, Melbourne's Flinders Street Station was built in the late 19th century.
3) Federation Square
Right along the route of the free Melbourne City Circle Tram lies Federation Square across the street from Flinders St Station. Both Flinders St Station and Federation Square have distinctive, if contrasting, architectural styles. Particularly at Federation Square, browse through the shops and galleries, which lead us to...
4) The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia
This is the home of the National Gallery of Victoria's Australian art collection, which is said to be the largest in the world. Admission to the permanent collection is free but fees may apply to special exhibitions. Located in Federation Square.
5) Australian Centre for the Moving Image
While at Federation Square, visit the Australian Centre for the Moving Image with its Screen Gallery and large collection of exhibits pertaining to Australian screen-based art, including film, video, television, interactive installations, and computer animation. Entry to the Screen Gallery, open Monday to Friday from 10am to 5pm and Saturday, Sunday and public holidays from 10am to 6pm, is free.
6) National Gallery of Victoria
Located on St Kilda Rd in its newly renovated building, the National Gallery of Victoria (which has its Australian collection in Federation Square at The Ian Potter Centre) contains Victoria's extensive international collections with the works of some of the biggest names in international art. Entry to the National Gallery of Victoria is free, although fees may apply to special, particularly visiting, exhibitions.
7) Royal Botanic Gardens
Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne contain extensively landscaped gardens covering 35 hectares (86 acres) and feature thousands of plants from across Australia and around the world. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through a variegated landscape of plants, shrubs and trees. Free guided walks or self-guided audio walks are available. Open daily from 7.30am to 6pm April to October and until 7.30pm Movember to March.
8) Crown Casino Complex
Well, you could lose money at the casino, but the Crown Casino complex is an interesting collection of shops, galleries, restaurants and cafes. Take the riverside walk on Southbank Promenade with the Yarra on your left and outdoor cafes on your right.
9) Queen Victoria Market
The southern hemisphere’s largest open-air market, the Queen Victoria Market offers fresh farm produce and a variety of merchandise which turns it into a modern Arabian Nights bazaar. An historic Melbourne landmark and a Melbourne institution dating back more than 120 years.
10) Melbourne Beaches
People tend to forget that Melbourne isn't only a city with a river running through it. South of the city centre lie a number of Melbourne beaches along the arc of Phillip Bay, such as St Kilda Beach and Brighton Beach, easily accessible by tram from the heart of the city.
Source: about.com
How To Secure Discount International Plane Tickets
The following article discusses how to secure discount International plane tickets as well as looking at the history of cheap air travel.
The invention of the airplane has truly helped us in countless ways we cannot imagine. It has revolutionized the travel industry by making it easy for us to cross borders and go wherever we may wish to go to around the world. Places before that took days, weeks and even months to reach by boat are now just hours away if we travel by plane. When we need to get somewhere very important in the shortest possible time, that place is just a flight away. Shorter travel time has enabled people to travel more and explore other places of destination within arm's reach.
I believe that everybody will agree with me when I say that a lot of people all over the world love to travel. I myself get excited with anticipation when I get the opportunity to visit unknown places, exotic locations, and most especially tropical paradises. I enjoy the learning experience of discovering the colorful culture of other countries, learning about their vibrant history, unique customs and one-of-a-kind traditions.
Whatever may be our reason for a strong desire to travel, be it to explore far away places, have a family getaway, spend quality time with a loved one or just have the luxury of time to relax and unwind form all the stress at work; we don't get to travel that much because of the cost involved. With the rising prices in fuel coupled with the security concerns associated with traveling whether locally or internationally, lesser people are able to afford the rising airfare rates.
But how do you secure discount international plane tickets? What if there were ways for you to get to travel for free? Now wouldn't that be such a sweet deal. It may sound impossible but believe me there are a number of ways to get travel freebies. You just have to look in the right places.
You can actually win free travel tickets from raffles. There are always companies offering vacation sprees as prizes for their raffle entries as part of their marketing and promotions. Most of the prizes here though are for specific destinations and you cannot choose or specify your choice location. A lot of people will also be joining these raffles especially if it is free to join, so your chances of winning are slim.
You can also get free travel tickets as a free or bonus item for certain purchases. Some companies offer travel packages as an incentive whenever you buy something from them. These programs are usually offered for big purchases, like when you buy a new vehicle, purchase high-end appliances or avail of a club membership. The purchase of a vacation package may also entitle you to a free flight of your chosen place of destination as an added freebie.
It has also been a popular practice nowadays with airline companies to issue frequent flyer cards. Every time you travel on a particular airline you earn miles equivalent to the miles you have traveled. You accumulate these miles and upon reaching a certain number, you can exchange them for certain goods or items. But most importantly, you can exchange them for airline tickets to any place or destination. If you travel most of the time, it would work to your advantage to avail of this frequent flyer program for you could definitely get a lot of free flights. Credit card companies are even entering the picture. Certain credit card companies are offering its clients the opportunity to convert their purchase points into travel miles. Upon accumulation of the minimum required miles, you can redeem these for free airline tickets.
You don't have to spend to travel for free. If you know where to look, you are well on your way to getting that free travel vacation you have been looking for. Think out of the box to get your discount international plane tickets!
Source: www.articlesbase.com
The invention of the airplane has truly helped us in countless ways we cannot imagine. It has revolutionized the travel industry by making it easy for us to cross borders and go wherever we may wish to go to around the world. Places before that took days, weeks and even months to reach by boat are now just hours away if we travel by plane. When we need to get somewhere very important in the shortest possible time, that place is just a flight away. Shorter travel time has enabled people to travel more and explore other places of destination within arm's reach.
I believe that everybody will agree with me when I say that a lot of people all over the world love to travel. I myself get excited with anticipation when I get the opportunity to visit unknown places, exotic locations, and most especially tropical paradises. I enjoy the learning experience of discovering the colorful culture of other countries, learning about their vibrant history, unique customs and one-of-a-kind traditions.
Whatever may be our reason for a strong desire to travel, be it to explore far away places, have a family getaway, spend quality time with a loved one or just have the luxury of time to relax and unwind form all the stress at work; we don't get to travel that much because of the cost involved. With the rising prices in fuel coupled with the security concerns associated with traveling whether locally or internationally, lesser people are able to afford the rising airfare rates.
But how do you secure discount international plane tickets? What if there were ways for you to get to travel for free? Now wouldn't that be such a sweet deal. It may sound impossible but believe me there are a number of ways to get travel freebies. You just have to look in the right places.
You can actually win free travel tickets from raffles. There are always companies offering vacation sprees as prizes for their raffle entries as part of their marketing and promotions. Most of the prizes here though are for specific destinations and you cannot choose or specify your choice location. A lot of people will also be joining these raffles especially if it is free to join, so your chances of winning are slim.
You can also get free travel tickets as a free or bonus item for certain purchases. Some companies offer travel packages as an incentive whenever you buy something from them. These programs are usually offered for big purchases, like when you buy a new vehicle, purchase high-end appliances or avail of a club membership. The purchase of a vacation package may also entitle you to a free flight of your chosen place of destination as an added freebie.
It has also been a popular practice nowadays with airline companies to issue frequent flyer cards. Every time you travel on a particular airline you earn miles equivalent to the miles you have traveled. You accumulate these miles and upon reaching a certain number, you can exchange them for certain goods or items. But most importantly, you can exchange them for airline tickets to any place or destination. If you travel most of the time, it would work to your advantage to avail of this frequent flyer program for you could definitely get a lot of free flights. Credit card companies are even entering the picture. Certain credit card companies are offering its clients the opportunity to convert their purchase points into travel miles. Upon accumulation of the minimum required miles, you can redeem these for free airline tickets.
You don't have to spend to travel for free. If you know where to look, you are well on your way to getting that free travel vacation you have been looking for. Think out of the box to get your discount international plane tickets!
Source: www.articlesbase.com
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Top 7 Air Travel Gift Picks for Parents Traveling with Children and Infants
Traveling with small children may not only be a challenge in terms of keeping the younger set occupied, but it often entails a lot of extra luggage, amongst other concerns. When thinking of a gift for the parent who frequently travels with young children, or if you are the parent with children in tow, here are just a few air travel gift ideas.
1) Ride-on Carry-on
Traveling with small children may not only be a challenge in terms of keeping the younger set occupied, but it often entails a lot of extra luggage. When thinking of a gift for the parent who frequently travels with young children, or if you are the parent with children in tow, the ride-on carry-on seems both a practical, and inexpensive option to reduce the extra luggage load.
The concept of the ride-on carry-on allows parents to leave at least one piece of luggage behind - the stroller.
2) Baby's Bliss Gripe Water
Baby's Bliss is a product that aims to ease the aches and pains of colic, gas, and teething in infants. Because Gripe Water's Baby's Bliss does not contain sugar, soy, yeast, alcohol, or dairy, it may prove to be a good option for helping settle infants on long flights. There is a great deal of detailed information on their website to answer whether this product is a choice to consider to help for infants during air travel. It is in a 4oz size so you will need to buy a smaller bottle with a dropper
3) Baby B'Air Infant Products Flight Vest Travel Harness - Infant
A harness that you can wear when traveling with an infant who is not occupying a seat.
4) Diaper Dude Charcoal Diaper Bag
This courrier style bag is a sleek looking diaper bag.
5) Avent Bear Pacifier
Pacifiers are popular for infants on flights and can help prevent ears popping.
6) LeapFrog Leapster L-Max Learning Game System Pink
So that a child can pass away endless hours on a flight with a solid educational toy.
7) Leapster Multimedia Learning System - LeapFrog
Play games, read books, lots of activities for a child with this educational toy.
Source: about.com
1) Ride-on Carry-on
Traveling with small children may not only be a challenge in terms of keeping the younger set occupied, but it often entails a lot of extra luggage. When thinking of a gift for the parent who frequently travels with young children, or if you are the parent with children in tow, the ride-on carry-on seems both a practical, and inexpensive option to reduce the extra luggage load.
The concept of the ride-on carry-on allows parents to leave at least one piece of luggage behind - the stroller.
2) Baby's Bliss Gripe Water
Baby's Bliss is a product that aims to ease the aches and pains of colic, gas, and teething in infants. Because Gripe Water's Baby's Bliss does not contain sugar, soy, yeast, alcohol, or dairy, it may prove to be a good option for helping settle infants on long flights. There is a great deal of detailed information on their website to answer whether this product is a choice to consider to help for infants during air travel. It is in a 4oz size so you will need to buy a smaller bottle with a dropper
3) Baby B'Air Infant Products Flight Vest Travel Harness - Infant
A harness that you can wear when traveling with an infant who is not occupying a seat.
4) Diaper Dude Charcoal Diaper Bag
This courrier style bag is a sleek looking diaper bag.
5) Avent Bear Pacifier
Pacifiers are popular for infants on flights and can help prevent ears popping.
6) LeapFrog Leapster L-Max Learning Game System Pink
So that a child can pass away endless hours on a flight with a solid educational toy.
7) Leapster Multimedia Learning System - LeapFrog
Play games, read books, lots of activities for a child with this educational toy.
Source: about.com
Top 10 Beaches in Thailand
Thailand has some of the world's most incredible beaches. Whether you're in the Andaman Sea on Thailand's Indian Ocean coast or the South China Sea on the Pacific side of Thailand, opportunities abound to play in the sand, snorkel, swim, dive and sun bathe (perhaps in the buff in a few locations). There are other things to do in Thailand, but the country's beaches are a huge attraction for foreign tourists.
1) Phuket: Pearl of the Andaman
Thailand's most popular beach destination. The island includes several nice beaches and access to small nearby islands. Patong Beach is the most popular beach on the island. Kata Noi and Kata Yai sit next to each other near the town of Karon on Phuket. There are a number of other beaches. The island also has golf courses and a great nightlife.
2) The Phi Phi Islands
In Krabi Province, south of Phuket and west of the town of Krabi in the Andaman Sea, the two main islands of this cluster are beautiful examples of tropical paradises. Leonardo DiCaprio's movie "The Beach" was filmed here. The islands have been restored since the 2004 tsunami all but destroyed them. There are some excellent beaches, great snorkeling, a pretty good nightlife, and 1500 hotels rooms.
3) Rai Le Beach
Located in Krabi Province, this beach is divided in to East Rai Le and West Rai Le beaches. East Rai Le includes an area of mangroves and mud flats. West Rai Le is the more popular tourist destination. It is a marvelous sandy beach and includes some areas where rock wall climbing is popular. (A note on spelling: I've seen this romanized a vatiety of ways - Railay Beach, Railey Beach, Riley Beach; it's all the same beach...)
4) Koh Samui
Thailand's third largest island and is among the country's most popular destinations. About half a million visitors each year come to Koh Samui. And with good reason: the long, white sand beaches and vibrant nightlife make it worth the trip.
5) Koh Lanta
Off the coast of Krabi, this is one of Thailand's least developed beach destination. There are almost two dozen pristine beaches. Basic accommodation of the island is cheap and easily available. You can find jet skis or go parasailing if you want. But peace and quiet are among the main attractions to this beach destination.
6) Hua Hin
Hua Hin was the first of Thailand's beach resort towns. In the 1920's King Rama VII brought the royal family here to escape the heat of Bangkok. When compared to the country's other resort destination, Hua Hin is described as "unspectacular and undistinguished" by one travel guide. But that could be another way of saying "family-friendly" or "relaxing." The beach is not an excuse for other attractions; Hua Hin's three miles of sea front is the attraction.
7) Koh Pha Ngan (Phangan)
Some excellent beaches exist on this island, but the main attraction to Koh Phangan is the monthly Full Moon Party that draws between seven thousand and ten thousand participants each month. The parties run dusk-to-dawn and including music and dancing, jugglers and fire-eaters, alcohol and (of course) swimming. The parties have been taking place every full moon now for about 10 years.
8) Koh Samet
In Rayong Province takes. It about two and a half hours to get to Koh Samet by bus from Bangkok. Then you have a ferry ride that lasts another 30 to 45 minutes. The trip is worth it. The tiny island some four miles off the coast is relatively untouched by development and is home to some of the most beautiful fine white sand beaches in all of Asia.
9) Pattaya
A nice beach, but the attraction really is that Pattaya has some of the best (meaning rauchiest) nightlife in Thailand. Walking Street is filled with go-go bars and clubs.
10) Koh Si Chang
Fairly close to Bangkok, the island has some pretty beaches. There is also an old summer palace that King Chulalongkorn used to take the family to, but if has been abandoned since 1893.
Source: about.com
1) Phuket: Pearl of the Andaman
Thailand's most popular beach destination. The island includes several nice beaches and access to small nearby islands. Patong Beach is the most popular beach on the island. Kata Noi and Kata Yai sit next to each other near the town of Karon on Phuket. There are a number of other beaches. The island also has golf courses and a great nightlife.
2) The Phi Phi Islands
In Krabi Province, south of Phuket and west of the town of Krabi in the Andaman Sea, the two main islands of this cluster are beautiful examples of tropical paradises. Leonardo DiCaprio's movie "The Beach" was filmed here. The islands have been restored since the 2004 tsunami all but destroyed them. There are some excellent beaches, great snorkeling, a pretty good nightlife, and 1500 hotels rooms.
3) Rai Le Beach
Located in Krabi Province, this beach is divided in to East Rai Le and West Rai Le beaches. East Rai Le includes an area of mangroves and mud flats. West Rai Le is the more popular tourist destination. It is a marvelous sandy beach and includes some areas where rock wall climbing is popular. (A note on spelling: I've seen this romanized a vatiety of ways - Railay Beach, Railey Beach, Riley Beach; it's all the same beach...)
4) Koh Samui
Thailand's third largest island and is among the country's most popular destinations. About half a million visitors each year come to Koh Samui. And with good reason: the long, white sand beaches and vibrant nightlife make it worth the trip.
5) Koh Lanta
Off the coast of Krabi, this is one of Thailand's least developed beach destination. There are almost two dozen pristine beaches. Basic accommodation of the island is cheap and easily available. You can find jet skis or go parasailing if you want. But peace and quiet are among the main attractions to this beach destination.
6) Hua Hin
Hua Hin was the first of Thailand's beach resort towns. In the 1920's King Rama VII brought the royal family here to escape the heat of Bangkok. When compared to the country's other resort destination, Hua Hin is described as "unspectacular and undistinguished" by one travel guide. But that could be another way of saying "family-friendly" or "relaxing." The beach is not an excuse for other attractions; Hua Hin's three miles of sea front is the attraction.
7) Koh Pha Ngan (Phangan)
Some excellent beaches exist on this island, but the main attraction to Koh Phangan is the monthly Full Moon Party that draws between seven thousand and ten thousand participants each month. The parties run dusk-to-dawn and including music and dancing, jugglers and fire-eaters, alcohol and (of course) swimming. The parties have been taking place every full moon now for about 10 years.
8) Koh Samet
In Rayong Province takes. It about two and a half hours to get to Koh Samet by bus from Bangkok. Then you have a ferry ride that lasts another 30 to 45 minutes. The trip is worth it. The tiny island some four miles off the coast is relatively untouched by development and is home to some of the most beautiful fine white sand beaches in all of Asia.
9) Pattaya
A nice beach, but the attraction really is that Pattaya has some of the best (meaning rauchiest) nightlife in Thailand. Walking Street is filled with go-go bars and clubs.
10) Koh Si Chang
Fairly close to Bangkok, the island has some pretty beaches. There is also an old summer palace that King Chulalongkorn used to take the family to, but if has been abandoned since 1893.
Source: about.com
Friday, March 23, 2007
Top 10 Airlines in the World from Skytrax - World Airline Awards
Skytrax is known for its World Airline Awards - they survey more people than anyone else, and the travel industry consistently awaits the results every year. These then, are the top 10 airlines in the world according to Skytrax.
1) British Airways
The U.K.'s biggest airline is ranked as #1 by the Skytrax Awards. This founding member of Oneworld is known particularly for its international service.
2) Qantas
Qantas is a member of Oneworld, alongside British Airways, and repeatedly scores well with passengers around the world for its service.
3) Cathay Pacific
Cathay Pacific is also a member of the Oneworld alliance and is the top ranked Asian-based airline by Skytrax.
4) Thai Airways
Thai Airways is the top ranked airline affiliated with Star Alliance. Thai is known for its inflight service, and its flight attendants wear traditional Thai clothing during their flights.
5) Emirates
Emirates hires a lot of foreigners as flight attendants for their airline, and this airline consistently wins awards for its service.
6) Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways may be in business for less than 15 years, but it has garnered a lot of international attention for its service.
7) Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines may be based in a small country, but it covers a lot of international destinations and flies more passengers every year than the entire population of Singapore.
8) A N A
This Japanese airline is a member of Star Alliance and has a stellar safety record, having had no fatal crashes in over 35 years.
9) Malaysia Airlines
The red and blue in the logo of Malaysia Airlines is said to represent equilibrium.
10) China Airlines
China Airlines is not based in mainland China, but rather Taiwan.
Source: about.com
1) British Airways
The U.K.'s biggest airline is ranked as #1 by the Skytrax Awards. This founding member of Oneworld is known particularly for its international service.
2) Qantas
Qantas is a member of Oneworld, alongside British Airways, and repeatedly scores well with passengers around the world for its service.
3) Cathay Pacific
Cathay Pacific is also a member of the Oneworld alliance and is the top ranked Asian-based airline by Skytrax.
4) Thai Airways
Thai Airways is the top ranked airline affiliated with Star Alliance. Thai is known for its inflight service, and its flight attendants wear traditional Thai clothing during their flights.
5) Emirates
Emirates hires a lot of foreigners as flight attendants for their airline, and this airline consistently wins awards for its service.
6) Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways may be in business for less than 15 years, but it has garnered a lot of international attention for its service.
7) Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines may be based in a small country, but it covers a lot of international destinations and flies more passengers every year than the entire population of Singapore.
8) A N A
This Japanese airline is a member of Star Alliance and has a stellar safety record, having had no fatal crashes in over 35 years.
9) Malaysia Airlines
The red and blue in the logo of Malaysia Airlines is said to represent equilibrium.
10) China Airlines
China Airlines is not based in mainland China, but rather Taiwan.
Source: about.com
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Princess Cruise Lines: A World Leader in Cruise Travel
The Princess Cruise liner was launched way back in 1965 with a one-ship fleet which was entertaining guests traveling to Mexico. Today, the Princess Cruise lines boasts of more than 15 luxury liners which carry more than 800 thousand extremely pampered guests from the entire wide world, calling into some 260 plus ports globally. It is amazing today to see the immense reach, and hear about their impeccable service.
The Many Facets of the Princess Cruise Line Ships
There are many Princess Cruise line ships, which are tailored to the tourist choices, provided they choose one. All the Princess Cruise line ships wear the 'Seawitch' logo. There is the Princess Cruise line grand class, which runs six large cruise ships capable at any given time to cater to more than 2,600 passengers. You will also find an unending list of useful and entertaining amenities.
The Sun class of the Princess Cruise line is said to have set up new rules for the more than 1,950 guests, saying that they could come for meals any time. There are special courses on board which enable you to enjoy the past traditions and transitions of the culture on these ships. Additionally, member of the staff are from all over the world, and are more than happy to tell you about some of their cultural traditions.
The next Princess Cruise line ship we will talk about is the Explorer, which is the tiniest of the lot. This ship carries some 670 guests to an itinerary of fun and frolic which is not always constant. The exceptional versatility of this wonder ship is reflected in the fact that it is one of the very few ships in the world included in the Carnival Corporation.
You will find exciting adventure offers through the advertisement that showcases more than 1,500 excursions in the many ports, a number which is increasing every year. The fact that the Princess Cruise liners are excellent in the market has been observed and acknowledged all over the world.
The liner has so many rewards to be proud off, such as the "Best cruise line," the "Cruise Line of the Year," and the "Client's Favorite." The line has also been highly commended for their different departments which include environmental safety, medical facilities, website reservations, on-board features, and so on.
Whether you are a person who looks at a cruise as the means of entertainment or simply total relaxation, you will not be disappointed when you sign up for this magnificent luxury cruise line. This is one place where you can get pampered and go totally out of control with leisure entertainment.
If you love having fun, if you love the lovely blue-green sea, if you love the seclusion that this place will give you, it will soon consume you and beckon you to come take a cruise and then come back again and again. With the existing competition growing in this area, you will be assured to get all your money's worth with Princess Cruise lines.
Source: a1articles.com
The Many Facets of the Princess Cruise Line Ships
There are many Princess Cruise line ships, which are tailored to the tourist choices, provided they choose one. All the Princess Cruise line ships wear the 'Seawitch' logo. There is the Princess Cruise line grand class, which runs six large cruise ships capable at any given time to cater to more than 2,600 passengers. You will also find an unending list of useful and entertaining amenities.
The Sun class of the Princess Cruise line is said to have set up new rules for the more than 1,950 guests, saying that they could come for meals any time. There are special courses on board which enable you to enjoy the past traditions and transitions of the culture on these ships. Additionally, member of the staff are from all over the world, and are more than happy to tell you about some of their cultural traditions.
The next Princess Cruise line ship we will talk about is the Explorer, which is the tiniest of the lot. This ship carries some 670 guests to an itinerary of fun and frolic which is not always constant. The exceptional versatility of this wonder ship is reflected in the fact that it is one of the very few ships in the world included in the Carnival Corporation.
You will find exciting adventure offers through the advertisement that showcases more than 1,500 excursions in the many ports, a number which is increasing every year. The fact that the Princess Cruise liners are excellent in the market has been observed and acknowledged all over the world.
The liner has so many rewards to be proud off, such as the "Best cruise line," the "Cruise Line of the Year," and the "Client's Favorite." The line has also been highly commended for their different departments which include environmental safety, medical facilities, website reservations, on-board features, and so on.
Whether you are a person who looks at a cruise as the means of entertainment or simply total relaxation, you will not be disappointed when you sign up for this magnificent luxury cruise line. This is one place where you can get pampered and go totally out of control with leisure entertainment.
If you love having fun, if you love the lovely blue-green sea, if you love the seclusion that this place will give you, it will soon consume you and beckon you to come take a cruise and then come back again and again. With the existing competition growing in this area, you will be assured to get all your money's worth with Princess Cruise lines.
Source: a1articles.com
Maui, Hawaii-is the best
When in Maui you will truly experience the meaning of the words, “Maui no ka oi” which means Maui is the best. And rightly so, you will find Maui Hawaii the best holiday destination you have been to. It offers the great versatility of nature in the form of large beaches, majestic mountain ranges, lush rain forests, and its superior marine life which include the humpback whales in the waters. If I call it the best part of Hawaii the natives and the visitors both will agree with me beyond doubt.
Lahaina a famous town in West Maui in Hawaiian language means the “cruel sun”. When in this part of the world, always remember that you are quite close to the equator which makes the sun rays more powerful. So when going to take a sunbath always take proper precautions so that you won’t get sunburns. After all who would like to get the sunburns on the start of holidays?
Maui with all its natural treasures is a wonderful tourist destination. You can find this place changing colors with everyday of your stay. So much so that you will find time falling short to fully experience this place. You can start with relaxing on the warm beaches getting sunbath in the morning and then jumping into the waters to get a glimpse of its marine life. The very second day you can plan for trekking and camping in its lush green valleys. And when you do all sort of activities in the day time Maui soothes you in the evening with the cool breeze and an interesting nightlife. Maui is full of events all the time. You will have to work overtime to keep up with the unlimited fun taking palace in Maui.
Reaching Maui is not a problem as it is conveniently connected with the Kahului Airport which is the main airport for the islands of Maui. Getting around in Maui besides its lack of public transportation systems is never a problem as you can find car rentals everywhere. Another advantage in going in for car rentals is that you will find it cheaper than any other place in the US. Same is the case with the hotels as you can find a hotel for every budget. So if you are running on a tight budget be assured that you will find a budget hotel in Maui. The only important part for you is to make prior reservations as Maui is always packed with tourists. Some of the regular facilities offered by the hotels in Maui include air conditioned rooms, car rentals, airport pick and drop facilities, swimming pools, health clubs, spas, restaurants etc.
The best part of Hawaii is always ready to embrace you into its valleys so if you yet not visited Maui just pack your bags and take off to this wonderful part of the world, Maui.
Source: a1articles.com
Lahaina a famous town in West Maui in Hawaiian language means the “cruel sun”. When in this part of the world, always remember that you are quite close to the equator which makes the sun rays more powerful. So when going to take a sunbath always take proper precautions so that you won’t get sunburns. After all who would like to get the sunburns on the start of holidays?
Maui with all its natural treasures is a wonderful tourist destination. You can find this place changing colors with everyday of your stay. So much so that you will find time falling short to fully experience this place. You can start with relaxing on the warm beaches getting sunbath in the morning and then jumping into the waters to get a glimpse of its marine life. The very second day you can plan for trekking and camping in its lush green valleys. And when you do all sort of activities in the day time Maui soothes you in the evening with the cool breeze and an interesting nightlife. Maui is full of events all the time. You will have to work overtime to keep up with the unlimited fun taking palace in Maui.
Reaching Maui is not a problem as it is conveniently connected with the Kahului Airport which is the main airport for the islands of Maui. Getting around in Maui besides its lack of public transportation systems is never a problem as you can find car rentals everywhere. Another advantage in going in for car rentals is that you will find it cheaper than any other place in the US. Same is the case with the hotels as you can find a hotel for every budget. So if you are running on a tight budget be assured that you will find a budget hotel in Maui. The only important part for you is to make prior reservations as Maui is always packed with tourists. Some of the regular facilities offered by the hotels in Maui include air conditioned rooms, car rentals, airport pick and drop facilities, swimming pools, health clubs, spas, restaurants etc.
The best part of Hawaii is always ready to embrace you into its valleys so if you yet not visited Maui just pack your bags and take off to this wonderful part of the world, Maui.
Source: a1articles.com
Daytona Beach, Florida
The white sands welcome you to join the party of pure fun and to engulf you in the joy of oneness with the beautiful nature. Welcome to Daytona Beach Florida, the world’s most famous beach and one of the most sought after holiday destinations in the world. The Daytona is a 23 mile of white sand spread across covering the complete beach and complimenting the sparkling sea water which plays a vital role in making it a popular tourist destination from the early 1900’s.
Another interesting fact associated with the Dayton beach is its connection with automobiles. There are many wheel buffs who like to be on the white sands of Daytona. The automobile racing was one of the factors which were crucial increasing in Daytona’s popularity. The first incredible speed record on this beach was set in 1902 which was 52 miles per hour. It was in the year 1935 when the last land speed record was set on the beach when Sir Malcolm Campbell drove the world famous "Bluebird" at 276 miles per hour on the beach! In today’s scenario the racing on the hard packed white sand of the Daytona Beach is restricted only for a 18 mile stretch so that the visitors who do not wish cars in the company can relax and enjoy activities other than driving. And there are many not all who enjoy surfing more than driving.
Daytona Beach is full of activities all the time around the year. So it is ideally a 23 mile stretch full of fun and colorful people. There are many activities on the beach where the tourists can enjoy everything to the hilt like sunbathing, surfing, parasailing, fishing, beach volleyball, jet skiing and having a gala time the whole time. And to add to it the visitors can have many special treats like beach-dogs, sonwcones etc. on the beach itself. And for the racing champs who still miss racing on the beach can watch NASCAR racing at Daytona International Speedway. That’s not all this location provides easy access to Walt Disney World, Sea World, Universal Studios, Church Street Station, MGM Studios and the historical St. Augustine and Kennedy Space Station.
The number of visitors in Daytona Beach is increasing every year and that is why the hotels in this area have increased. Now finding a good stay at Daytona is not a problem unless you are here in the peak season without prior reservations. The hotels in Daytona are suitable for almost every budget and it is hardly a problem if you are on a tight one. Moreover the restaurants in this region guarantee full satisfaction of the taste buds with the delicacies they serve. From whichever continent you are you will find the food appealing. Some of the regular facilities offered by the hotels in Daytona include air conditioned rooms, car rentals, airport pick and drop facilities, swimming pools, health clubs, spas, restaurants etc. Also the nightlife in the city is a wonderful experience to have. So why are you waiting, pack your bags and set out for the white sands of the Daytona Beach.
Source: a1articles.com
Another interesting fact associated with the Dayton beach is its connection with automobiles. There are many wheel buffs who like to be on the white sands of Daytona. The automobile racing was one of the factors which were crucial increasing in Daytona’s popularity. The first incredible speed record on this beach was set in 1902 which was 52 miles per hour. It was in the year 1935 when the last land speed record was set on the beach when Sir Malcolm Campbell drove the world famous "Bluebird" at 276 miles per hour on the beach! In today’s scenario the racing on the hard packed white sand of the Daytona Beach is restricted only for a 18 mile stretch so that the visitors who do not wish cars in the company can relax and enjoy activities other than driving. And there are many not all who enjoy surfing more than driving.
Daytona Beach is full of activities all the time around the year. So it is ideally a 23 mile stretch full of fun and colorful people. There are many activities on the beach where the tourists can enjoy everything to the hilt like sunbathing, surfing, parasailing, fishing, beach volleyball, jet skiing and having a gala time the whole time. And to add to it the visitors can have many special treats like beach-dogs, sonwcones etc. on the beach itself. And for the racing champs who still miss racing on the beach can watch NASCAR racing at Daytona International Speedway. That’s not all this location provides easy access to Walt Disney World, Sea World, Universal Studios, Church Street Station, MGM Studios and the historical St. Augustine and Kennedy Space Station.
The number of visitors in Daytona Beach is increasing every year and that is why the hotels in this area have increased. Now finding a good stay at Daytona is not a problem unless you are here in the peak season without prior reservations. The hotels in Daytona are suitable for almost every budget and it is hardly a problem if you are on a tight one. Moreover the restaurants in this region guarantee full satisfaction of the taste buds with the delicacies they serve. From whichever continent you are you will find the food appealing. Some of the regular facilities offered by the hotels in Daytona include air conditioned rooms, car rentals, airport pick and drop facilities, swimming pools, health clubs, spas, restaurants etc. Also the nightlife in the city is a wonderful experience to have. So why are you waiting, pack your bags and set out for the white sands of the Daytona Beach.
Source: a1articles.com
Panama City- The Mainland Paradise
The Panama City often called as the mainland paradise, boasts of its being rated as the world’s most beautiful beach. Located on the panhandle of northwest Florida on the stunning St. Andrews Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, the Panama City beach is a favorite destination amongst the tourists who want to see the sun set over the emerald green waters of the Bay of Mexico.
Panama City beach, one of the most sought after tourist destination in the Panama City, is full of activities all the time around the year. So it is in fact a 27 mile stretch full of fun and colorful people. There are many activities on the beach where the tourists can enjoy everything to the hilt like sunbathing, surfing, scuba diving, parasailing, fishing, beach volleyball, jet skiing and having a gala time the whole time. And to add to it the visitors can have many special and mouth watering treats on the beach itself.
Just for the records, Panama City Beach is the number one destination in the United States for Spring Break. So you will find a lot of rush on the white sand of Panama City Beach during this period. And in fact it can be the most eventful time for you to visit the picture perfect city of Florida. And if you have had enough of the beach you can enjoy the nightlife offered by the city which is equally appealing. Just roam around the blocks and you will discover an all new Panama City in the evening with much more to offer. To amaze yourself with some facts mixed with surprises visit the much known Ripley’s Believe it or Not Museum. The 4D Theater in Panama City can be another option to indulge into.
The number of visitors in Panama City is increasing every year and that is why the hotels in this area have increased. Now finding a good stay at Panama City is not a problem unless you are here in the peak season without prior reservations. The hotels in Panama City are suitable for almost every budget and it is hardly a problem if you are on a tight one. Moreover the restaurants in this region guarantee full satisfaction of the taste buds with the delicacies they serve. From whichever continent you are you will find the food appealing. Some of the regular facilities offered by the hotels in Panama City include air conditioned rooms, car rentals, airport pick and drop facilities, swimming pools, health clubs, spas, restaurants etc. Also the nightlife in the city is a wonderful experience to have. So why are you waiting, pack your bags and set out for the white sands of the Panama City and have an experience of a lifetime.
Source: a1articles.com
Panama City beach, one of the most sought after tourist destination in the Panama City, is full of activities all the time around the year. So it is in fact a 27 mile stretch full of fun and colorful people. There are many activities on the beach where the tourists can enjoy everything to the hilt like sunbathing, surfing, scuba diving, parasailing, fishing, beach volleyball, jet skiing and having a gala time the whole time. And to add to it the visitors can have many special and mouth watering treats on the beach itself.
Just for the records, Panama City Beach is the number one destination in the United States for Spring Break. So you will find a lot of rush on the white sand of Panama City Beach during this period. And in fact it can be the most eventful time for you to visit the picture perfect city of Florida. And if you have had enough of the beach you can enjoy the nightlife offered by the city which is equally appealing. Just roam around the blocks and you will discover an all new Panama City in the evening with much more to offer. To amaze yourself with some facts mixed with surprises visit the much known Ripley’s Believe it or Not Museum. The 4D Theater in Panama City can be another option to indulge into.
The number of visitors in Panama City is increasing every year and that is why the hotels in this area have increased. Now finding a good stay at Panama City is not a problem unless you are here in the peak season without prior reservations. The hotels in Panama City are suitable for almost every budget and it is hardly a problem if you are on a tight one. Moreover the restaurants in this region guarantee full satisfaction of the taste buds with the delicacies they serve. From whichever continent you are you will find the food appealing. Some of the regular facilities offered by the hotels in Panama City include air conditioned rooms, car rentals, airport pick and drop facilities, swimming pools, health clubs, spas, restaurants etc. Also the nightlife in the city is a wonderful experience to have. So why are you waiting, pack your bags and set out for the white sands of the Panama City and have an experience of a lifetime.
Source: a1articles.com
My Visit to Lake Tahoe
It was just over a year ago when my wife surprised me with a trip to Lake Tahoe. She was watching TV one evening and the music group The Eagles was holding a concert on TV. She took a few minutes to look up where they would be playing and she noticed that they were opening a new tour in Lake Tahoe so she started doing some vacation planning.
The first thing that she did was to secure the tickets. Although they weren't selling them publicly they did have several par of tickets available through EBay and she was able to pick up some great tickets in the 7th row. After that she found out that the concert was actually being given at Harvey's which is a hotel that is right in Lake Tahoe. Now neither my wife or I gamble but we decided that since the rooms were right there within walking distance we would go ahead and stay, boy were we ever glad that we did. The rooms were clean and fantastic and the concert was a blast.
While we were in Lake Tahoe we did a lot of things that were very enjoyable. Besides taking a day trip to Yosemite we treated ourselves to a sailing ship evening on the lake as well as a sunset martini cruise. The highlight of the trip was when we parasailed over the lake. It was so quiet and peaceful up in the parasail that I didn't even want to come down.
So the next time you get an idea that you would like to go away at the spur of the moment I say go for it. There are a lot of places that you could go and many things to see and sometimes it all gets lost in the planning. That is why I think that our trip to Lake Tahoe was so perfect, there weren't any plans to mess things up for us.
Source: a1articles.com
The first thing that she did was to secure the tickets. Although they weren't selling them publicly they did have several par of tickets available through EBay and she was able to pick up some great tickets in the 7th row. After that she found out that the concert was actually being given at Harvey's which is a hotel that is right in Lake Tahoe. Now neither my wife or I gamble but we decided that since the rooms were right there within walking distance we would go ahead and stay, boy were we ever glad that we did. The rooms were clean and fantastic and the concert was a blast.
While we were in Lake Tahoe we did a lot of things that were very enjoyable. Besides taking a day trip to Yosemite we treated ourselves to a sailing ship evening on the lake as well as a sunset martini cruise. The highlight of the trip was when we parasailed over the lake. It was so quiet and peaceful up in the parasail that I didn't even want to come down.
So the next time you get an idea that you would like to go away at the spur of the moment I say go for it. There are a lot of places that you could go and many things to see and sometimes it all gets lost in the planning. That is why I think that our trip to Lake Tahoe was so perfect, there weren't any plans to mess things up for us.
Source: a1articles.com
Rent a charter bus in Oakland and have a fantastic time
If you want a unique charter bus experience, it’s about time you rent a charter bus to Oakland where you get to tour many different and special tourist attractions you won’t get to see anywhere else! Although Oakland isn’t as popular as its other better-known neighbors, this city is one of the most unique cities to rent a charter bus. Here are some of the places we think you should go to whenever you get the chance to visit Oakland.
Oakland Fortune Cookie Factory
This may not sound as thrilling as a theme park but we’re telling you that this is worth taking the group in your Oakland charter bus to simply because it’s different! The admission fee of $1 is definitely worth it when the kids and you can just hop off the charter bus and into a world and culture that is totally unique from the usual American way of life. You’ll see how the 50,000 cookies-a-day factory makes their fortune cookies for consumers all over American, Australia, England, Japan and Hong Kong.
Source: a1articles.com
Children’s Fairyland
This is America’s oldest theme park for children – way before Disneyland. In fact, legends claim that Walt Disney was deeply inspired by Children’s Fairyland hence, came up with the idea his mega theme parks. For many years, this children’s park remains pretty much the same but thankfully, it has received some major facelifts throughout the years and is now suitable for modern kids! If you have kids, you definitely should take the charter bus to Children’s Fairyland – for the kids and for yourself.
Dunsmuir House and Gardens
It just wouldn’t be right to go on a charter bus trip to Oakland without visiting one of its most amazing National Historic Site. This gigantic house has 37 rooms in all with 10 fire places; and intricately designed in stunning colonial revivalist style. And the gardens….absolutely awe-inspiring! You wouldn’t believe how easy it will be for you to let your guard down and just enjoy yourself and feel yourself become one with nature.
Robert Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve
Want to explore a site where you explore volcanic eruptions? Then it’s time to take the Oakland charter bus rental to Robert Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve for the experience of a lifetime! This is one of Oakland’s most popular tourist attractions where throngs of tourists come to see the most famous peak, the Round Top. Volcano debris on this 660 acre preserve, over time, has turned into mountains that is guaranteed to be breathtaking!
Club 817
To quench your thirst and fill the stomach, time to take the charter bus to Club 817 for a hearty Italian meal. Known as one of Oakland’s trendiest cafes and restaurants, Club 817 provides a very classy atmosphere for its patrons. We recommend their coffee, polenta with poached eggs, breakfast sandwiches and espresso! The perfect breakfast café known in Oakland!
An Oakland charter bus rental is definitely one of the biggest favors you can do for yourself irregardless of whether the group is big or small. There are buses available to fit your group size. Give us a call and find out for yourself.
Oakland Fortune Cookie Factory
This may not sound as thrilling as a theme park but we’re telling you that this is worth taking the group in your Oakland charter bus to simply because it’s different! The admission fee of $1 is definitely worth it when the kids and you can just hop off the charter bus and into a world and culture that is totally unique from the usual American way of life. You’ll see how the 50,000 cookies-a-day factory makes their fortune cookies for consumers all over American, Australia, England, Japan and Hong Kong.
Source: a1articles.com
Children’s Fairyland
This is America’s oldest theme park for children – way before Disneyland. In fact, legends claim that Walt Disney was deeply inspired by Children’s Fairyland hence, came up with the idea his mega theme parks. For many years, this children’s park remains pretty much the same but thankfully, it has received some major facelifts throughout the years and is now suitable for modern kids! If you have kids, you definitely should take the charter bus to Children’s Fairyland – for the kids and for yourself.
Dunsmuir House and Gardens
It just wouldn’t be right to go on a charter bus trip to Oakland without visiting one of its most amazing National Historic Site. This gigantic house has 37 rooms in all with 10 fire places; and intricately designed in stunning colonial revivalist style. And the gardens….absolutely awe-inspiring! You wouldn’t believe how easy it will be for you to let your guard down and just enjoy yourself and feel yourself become one with nature.
Robert Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve
Want to explore a site where you explore volcanic eruptions? Then it’s time to take the Oakland charter bus rental to Robert Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve for the experience of a lifetime! This is one of Oakland’s most popular tourist attractions where throngs of tourists come to see the most famous peak, the Round Top. Volcano debris on this 660 acre preserve, over time, has turned into mountains that is guaranteed to be breathtaking!
Club 817
To quench your thirst and fill the stomach, time to take the charter bus to Club 817 for a hearty Italian meal. Known as one of Oakland’s trendiest cafes and restaurants, Club 817 provides a very classy atmosphere for its patrons. We recommend their coffee, polenta with poached eggs, breakfast sandwiches and espresso! The perfect breakfast café known in Oakland!
An Oakland charter bus rental is definitely one of the biggest favors you can do for yourself irregardless of whether the group is big or small. There are buses available to fit your group size. Give us a call and find out for yourself.
Monday, March 19, 2007
Flights Canceled, Delayed and Rule 240
What is Rule 240?
Your flight has been canceled. You are stranded at the airport. You are wondering if there is anything you can do about it. When it is the airline's fault that you are stuck at the airport you may have an option -- Rule 240.
There is a certain mystique that exists around Rule 240 and how (sometimes if) it guarantees you certain rights as a passenger. It is important to note before delving into the particulars of Rule 240, that Rule 240 was originally established in the United States. Thus Rule 240 will be discussed in regards to U.S. carriers, and not for airlines outside of the United States.
What is Rule 240?
Rule 240 deals with the obligations that an airline has to a passenger when his/her flights cancel or delay, or connecting flights are missed due to the actions of the airline.
It does not include flight delays or cancellations that result from inclement weather or other factors that are outside of an airline's control.
Where did Rule 240 come from?
Rule 240 was a U.S. federal requirement prior to airline deregulation in 1978. It was one of the many stipulations that existed prior to deregulation - the U.S. government obligated airlines to abide by a set of rules regarding the transport of passengers and the rights of passengers. Rule 240 has remained in existence because after deregulation most airlines continued to respect the 'old rules'.
Part 2: What Makes up Rule 240
How has Rule 240 changed?
Because Rule 240 deals with cancellations and delays, it is probably the best known of any 'rules' pertaining to the airline industry. What makes defining Rule 240 so troublesome is that since the deregulation of the U.S. airline industry Rule 240 is not a federal requirement. Therefore, if the airline has submitted the rule in their respective contracts (also conditions) of carriage (the ticket is a contractual agreement that an airline and passenger enter regarding the transport of a passenger) then the airline has a Rule 240, but it doesn't have to.
A common misconception is that all airlines are required to have a Rule 240, but they do not. And airlines have different versions of Rule 240, making it even more difficult for passengers to know their rights in the event of a delay or cancellation that has been caused by the airline.
What is considered the airline's fault regarding delays and cancellations?
mechanical problems
late arrival of an aircraft
pilots or other crew that are not at the aircraft on the time
other factors that are within an airline's control
What details might a Rule 240 include?
A Rule 240 may or may not include the following items:
meal vouchers
confirmation on the airline's next flight or on another airline
option to not travel and obtain a refund
hotel accommodation
ground transportation
phone calls
Part 3: Summing up Rule 240
Because Rule 240 is interpreted differently by each airline that has one, it is best to check the policy of the airline that you'll be traveling on. Arm yourself with a copy of the policy and have it with you at the airport. Some airlines may need to be reminded of their responsibilities. Others will be more fastidious and take care of their passengers, valuing their passengers' business.
When an airline is responsible for the delay or cancellation of your flight it is important to be aware of your rights as a passenger. So tote a copy of the Rule 240 for the appropriate airline (or a detailed contract of carriage for those without Rule 240 provisions) and hopefully you won't ever have to use it.
Source: about.com
Your flight has been canceled. You are stranded at the airport. You are wondering if there is anything you can do about it. When it is the airline's fault that you are stuck at the airport you may have an option -- Rule 240.
There is a certain mystique that exists around Rule 240 and how (sometimes if) it guarantees you certain rights as a passenger. It is important to note before delving into the particulars of Rule 240, that Rule 240 was originally established in the United States. Thus Rule 240 will be discussed in regards to U.S. carriers, and not for airlines outside of the United States.
What is Rule 240?
Rule 240 deals with the obligations that an airline has to a passenger when his/her flights cancel or delay, or connecting flights are missed due to the actions of the airline.
It does not include flight delays or cancellations that result from inclement weather or other factors that are outside of an airline's control.
Where did Rule 240 come from?
Rule 240 was a U.S. federal requirement prior to airline deregulation in 1978. It was one of the many stipulations that existed prior to deregulation - the U.S. government obligated airlines to abide by a set of rules regarding the transport of passengers and the rights of passengers. Rule 240 has remained in existence because after deregulation most airlines continued to respect the 'old rules'.
Part 2: What Makes up Rule 240
How has Rule 240 changed?
Because Rule 240 deals with cancellations and delays, it is probably the best known of any 'rules' pertaining to the airline industry. What makes defining Rule 240 so troublesome is that since the deregulation of the U.S. airline industry Rule 240 is not a federal requirement. Therefore, if the airline has submitted the rule in their respective contracts (also conditions) of carriage (the ticket is a contractual agreement that an airline and passenger enter regarding the transport of a passenger) then the airline has a Rule 240, but it doesn't have to.
A common misconception is that all airlines are required to have a Rule 240, but they do not. And airlines have different versions of Rule 240, making it even more difficult for passengers to know their rights in the event of a delay or cancellation that has been caused by the airline.
What is considered the airline's fault regarding delays and cancellations?
mechanical problems
late arrival of an aircraft
pilots or other crew that are not at the aircraft on the time
other factors that are within an airline's control
What details might a Rule 240 include?
A Rule 240 may or may not include the following items:
meal vouchers
confirmation on the airline's next flight or on another airline
option to not travel and obtain a refund
hotel accommodation
ground transportation
phone calls
Part 3: Summing up Rule 240
Because Rule 240 is interpreted differently by each airline that has one, it is best to check the policy of the airline that you'll be traveling on. Arm yourself with a copy of the policy and have it with you at the airport. Some airlines may need to be reminded of their responsibilities. Others will be more fastidious and take care of their passengers, valuing their passengers' business.
When an airline is responsible for the delay or cancellation of your flight it is important to be aware of your rights as a passenger. So tote a copy of the Rule 240 for the appropriate airline (or a detailed contract of carriage for those without Rule 240 provisions) and hopefully you won't ever have to use it.
Source: about.com
How NOT to book a vacation
You’ve read it all about how “TO” book that dream vacation. But is that enough for a fail-safe getaway? Can you rest assured that you’re a SUREFIRE because you know what to do?
Joanne was excited about this long awaited vacation. It had been two years since she sauntered the streets of Puerto Rico. Tanning, beach BBQs, cocktail parties, dancing the nights away were all things of the past.
Besides the occasional weekend get-together with friends, there was hardly anything she did that she could call FUN. Perhaps, this was the situation for most of us. For some, planning a vacation feels like building castles in the sky! We hardly save enough when we live on a super tight budget.
After much deliberation, she finally decided to give it a whirl, take that leap of faith and plan her dream vacation. She thought “It’s now or never”, girl. Overworked, underpaid, exhausted and clearly in need of a break, mistakes were bound to be made in planning, and boy were they ever.
She called up her travel agent and asked them to book a package vacation to Zurich. Ah, the breathtaking the Swiss Alps! Unfortunately, what you don’t know is that Joanne’s IDEAL ski getaway was actually a tourist trap. She ended up paying almost double the actual cost without any upgrades or special discounts.
During the flight, she could have easily gained an upgrade, given the miles she had accrued in Star Alliance’s Miles and More frequent fliers program. But her agent booked an airline, which is not a Star Alliance partner. What a lost opportunity!
Joanne’s first mistake was that she planned and booked in haste. When, in fact, budget travel requires planning well in advance, scouring the internet for the cheapest plane ticket, searching for discount accommodations, cheap rent-a-cars, etc. I mean, really, who can afford to take the first travel package that comes their way?
Any discerning traveler today would prefer a travel website over an agent it’s one of the advantages of the World Wide Web! Keep surfing for the best deals. Compare each website and calculate all the pros and cons. Never book in a hurry.
When you have time, you can always book in advance and grab the lowest airfare. So why wait until the last few days and pay top dollar? Okay, you want to snatch a last minute deal. Here’s what you need NOT do in this case. Don’t book during peak travel times; i.e. Fridays, Sunday evenings, Monday mornings, the day before and after a holiday, or mid-day flights. Joanne’s agent had her flying out on a Friday evening flight!
Also, don’t book another air flight when you have flier miles accrued with your regular airline or the airline’s partners. This means, if you’re a frequent flyer of Star Alliance partner airlines, ideally, you shouldn’t change over to Oneworld or Sky Team. Changing to a different alliance will eliminate your eligibility for the upgrades and benefits, which you could earn from your frequent fliers program. Thus, while Joanne could have opted for a Swiss Airlines flight to Zurich, her agent booked British Airways. Swiss Airlines is a member of Star Alliance, which she uses quite frequently for all her domestic trips. Hence, this time, she couldn’t use her flier miles.
So, you see, planning can earn you incredible benefits and even more savings. So, learn from Joanne’s mistake! Plan your vacation wisely and don’t just take the first deal that comes your way. Scour the internet for the best deals out there. Look at all-inclusive vacation packages versus a la carte vacations.
Source: http://www.a1articles.com
Joanne was excited about this long awaited vacation. It had been two years since she sauntered the streets of Puerto Rico. Tanning, beach BBQs, cocktail parties, dancing the nights away were all things of the past.
Besides the occasional weekend get-together with friends, there was hardly anything she did that she could call FUN. Perhaps, this was the situation for most of us. For some, planning a vacation feels like building castles in the sky! We hardly save enough when we live on a super tight budget.
After much deliberation, she finally decided to give it a whirl, take that leap of faith and plan her dream vacation. She thought “It’s now or never”, girl. Overworked, underpaid, exhausted and clearly in need of a break, mistakes were bound to be made in planning, and boy were they ever.
She called up her travel agent and asked them to book a package vacation to Zurich. Ah, the breathtaking the Swiss Alps! Unfortunately, what you don’t know is that Joanne’s IDEAL ski getaway was actually a tourist trap. She ended up paying almost double the actual cost without any upgrades or special discounts.
During the flight, she could have easily gained an upgrade, given the miles she had accrued in Star Alliance’s Miles and More frequent fliers program. But her agent booked an airline, which is not a Star Alliance partner. What a lost opportunity!
Joanne’s first mistake was that she planned and booked in haste. When, in fact, budget travel requires planning well in advance, scouring the internet for the cheapest plane ticket, searching for discount accommodations, cheap rent-a-cars, etc. I mean, really, who can afford to take the first travel package that comes their way?
Any discerning traveler today would prefer a travel website over an agent it’s one of the advantages of the World Wide Web! Keep surfing for the best deals. Compare each website and calculate all the pros and cons. Never book in a hurry.
When you have time, you can always book in advance and grab the lowest airfare. So why wait until the last few days and pay top dollar? Okay, you want to snatch a last minute deal. Here’s what you need NOT do in this case. Don’t book during peak travel times; i.e. Fridays, Sunday evenings, Monday mornings, the day before and after a holiday, or mid-day flights. Joanne’s agent had her flying out on a Friday evening flight!
Also, don’t book another air flight when you have flier miles accrued with your regular airline or the airline’s partners. This means, if you’re a frequent flyer of Star Alliance partner airlines, ideally, you shouldn’t change over to Oneworld or Sky Team. Changing to a different alliance will eliminate your eligibility for the upgrades and benefits, which you could earn from your frequent fliers program. Thus, while Joanne could have opted for a Swiss Airlines flight to Zurich, her agent booked British Airways. Swiss Airlines is a member of Star Alliance, which she uses quite frequently for all her domestic trips. Hence, this time, she couldn’t use her flier miles.
So, you see, planning can earn you incredible benefits and even more savings. So, learn from Joanne’s mistake! Plan your vacation wisely and don’t just take the first deal that comes your way. Scour the internet for the best deals out there. Look at all-inclusive vacation packages versus a la carte vacations.
Source: http://www.a1articles.com
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Car Hire in Spain
Strategically located at the gateway to the Mediterranean Sea and being separated from North Africa by only 14 km of water, Spain has been a crossroad to numerous civilizations in the history. Occupying the southwest corner (Iberian Peninsula) of Europe, Spain happens to be the third largest country of the continent after Russia and France. It is comprised of 17 autonomous regions, the island groups of Canaries in the Atlantic and the Balearics in the Mediterranean and the cities of Ceuta and Melilla.
With more than 300 days of the sun, sand and sea it is not difficult to see why Spain happens to be the 3rd most popular tourist destination in the world. And this is precisely the reason why Spain is easily accessible from any part of the world, with most of its visitors arriving by air. Cheap flights are available, on daily basis, from almost every major airport in the world and nearly all the major airlines operate in and out of Spain. Apart from this, Spain is well connected to rest of Europe by trains and ferry link services, while the intercontinental tourists can hire a car and drive down to this country by some amazing roadways.
Once your flight has landed in Spain, the best way to explore this country is by hiring a car, which can really open up your travel horizons and let you explore some untouched and undiscovered locales. Drive your way, a few miles inland, away from the crowded coastline to explore the most scenic countryside in Western Europe. Hilltop monasteries, flower carpeted mountainsides, medieval age relics, quaint villages with cobbled paths, follow the winding roads crisscrossing the vineyards and olive orchards to discover some of the most scenic spots of this country. With a bit of planning in advance driving in Spain can be very easy. So car hire is indeed the most realistic option for you.
Here are some valuable tips on the Do and Don’ts of car hire in Spain.
1.Plan in advance:
With a trip itinerary in your hand, you would not want to end up stranded at the airport with no clue of how to go around the city or even reach your hotel. Though there are numerous car hire companies at your service at the airports, you surely do not want to spend most of your time trying to decide on the one that caters to your needs. Plus you should be aware of the many spurious car hire companies which will give you an unreliable car at some absurd prices with many hidden costs and so forth. Avoid such places, and book a car with a reliable car rental provider. Make your vacation hassle free by doing some research into the area you intend visiting and the car hire services available in the same. Browse through some reviews and real experiences on the internet which would help you decide where to hire a car from during your holidays. If you reserve in a low season and travel in a high season you are sure to get yourself a good deal.
2. Booking a car:
After a full internet search carefully compare and contrast the offers made by the car hire companies. Compare the companies on parameters such as types of cars offered, car hire rates, mileage, pick up and delivery point of the car, fuel charges, insurance coverage, etc. Some companies offer good package deals (like if you are traveling to more than one destination in the region) which turn out to be pretty economical in comparison to booking a car afresh every time you reach the next destination. Some reputed travel agencies offer good deals on car hire if you book your entire trip with them. Also, always keep a printed copy of your confirmation with you while traveling to avoid any last moment confusions.
3.Look out for the hidden costs:
Many car hire companies do not communicate the hidden costs in their quoted rates, for e.g. you might just end up paying some extra amount for choosing a pick up or drop point different from that offered by the company. DON’T hesitate to clear your doubts about the terms any number of times before confirming.
You could be charged extra if you ask for a car topped with fuel, or don’t return the car with a full tank and these charges could be way more than that at the gas station.
Insurance covers any damage to the vehicle while in your possession, adding up a good amount of money to your rentals. While there are a few companies making quotes, all inclusive of insurance coverage, most companies charge an added insurance amount. Also sometimes your banks offer some kind of insurance policies if you use their services elsewhere, so check if car insurance is one of them. You might not need an additional insurance at all!
4. Mileage:
Some car rental providers offer, unlimited mileage, while others offer only a few miles free and charge the remaining. Choose a service provider as per your traveling plans.
5. Taxes:
Depending on where from you hire a car, you could be charged additional taxes. Airport taxes, value added taxes in Europe could be a costly affair, thus it’s always wise to check with your car hire service provider whether or not these are included in your car rental rates.
6. Time:
Many companies rent a car on a 24 hours basis while the others do it on a day and date basis i.e. you need to return the car on xyz date at any time of the day. So be careful to coordinate your pick-up and return times so as not to be charged extra because if you return the car even 30 minutes after the given time/hour you could be unnecessarily charged for an additional 24 hours Also, always remember that hiring a car for the entire week is often cheaper than five days!!
7. Car Type/Size:
Most reputable hire-a-car dealers offer you different classes of vehicles: economy, family, budget, full-size 2/4-door, and luxury. The cars, generally, are equipped with a radio, automatic transmission, power steering and air conditioning. Rent a car that accommodates you the best; a small car is enough for a small family of 4 while one would need to opt for a MPV for more than 5 grown ups. Sometimes you'll get a free upgrade, and you'll always save on the quoted price.
Whatever be your vacation plan be sure to work out all the details of your car hire with the concerned company in details and be sure to go through their terms and conditions, policies etc carefully before finalizing your booking.
This article is free for republishing
Source: http://www.a1articles.com
With more than 300 days of the sun, sand and sea it is not difficult to see why Spain happens to be the 3rd most popular tourist destination in the world. And this is precisely the reason why Spain is easily accessible from any part of the world, with most of its visitors arriving by air. Cheap flights are available, on daily basis, from almost every major airport in the world and nearly all the major airlines operate in and out of Spain. Apart from this, Spain is well connected to rest of Europe by trains and ferry link services, while the intercontinental tourists can hire a car and drive down to this country by some amazing roadways.
Once your flight has landed in Spain, the best way to explore this country is by hiring a car, which can really open up your travel horizons and let you explore some untouched and undiscovered locales. Drive your way, a few miles inland, away from the crowded coastline to explore the most scenic countryside in Western Europe. Hilltop monasteries, flower carpeted mountainsides, medieval age relics, quaint villages with cobbled paths, follow the winding roads crisscrossing the vineyards and olive orchards to discover some of the most scenic spots of this country. With a bit of planning in advance driving in Spain can be very easy. So car hire is indeed the most realistic option for you.
Here are some valuable tips on the Do and Don’ts of car hire in Spain.
1.Plan in advance:
With a trip itinerary in your hand, you would not want to end up stranded at the airport with no clue of how to go around the city or even reach your hotel. Though there are numerous car hire companies at your service at the airports, you surely do not want to spend most of your time trying to decide on the one that caters to your needs. Plus you should be aware of the many spurious car hire companies which will give you an unreliable car at some absurd prices with many hidden costs and so forth. Avoid such places, and book a car with a reliable car rental provider. Make your vacation hassle free by doing some research into the area you intend visiting and the car hire services available in the same. Browse through some reviews and real experiences on the internet which would help you decide where to hire a car from during your holidays. If you reserve in a low season and travel in a high season you are sure to get yourself a good deal.
2. Booking a car:
After a full internet search carefully compare and contrast the offers made by the car hire companies. Compare the companies on parameters such as types of cars offered, car hire rates, mileage, pick up and delivery point of the car, fuel charges, insurance coverage, etc. Some companies offer good package deals (like if you are traveling to more than one destination in the region) which turn out to be pretty economical in comparison to booking a car afresh every time you reach the next destination. Some reputed travel agencies offer good deals on car hire if you book your entire trip with them. Also, always keep a printed copy of your confirmation with you while traveling to avoid any last moment confusions.
3.Look out for the hidden costs:
Many car hire companies do not communicate the hidden costs in their quoted rates, for e.g. you might just end up paying some extra amount for choosing a pick up or drop point different from that offered by the company. DON’T hesitate to clear your doubts about the terms any number of times before confirming.
You could be charged extra if you ask for a car topped with fuel, or don’t return the car with a full tank and these charges could be way more than that at the gas station.
Insurance covers any damage to the vehicle while in your possession, adding up a good amount of money to your rentals. While there are a few companies making quotes, all inclusive of insurance coverage, most companies charge an added insurance amount. Also sometimes your banks offer some kind of insurance policies if you use their services elsewhere, so check if car insurance is one of them. You might not need an additional insurance at all!
4. Mileage:
Some car rental providers offer, unlimited mileage, while others offer only a few miles free and charge the remaining. Choose a service provider as per your traveling plans.
5. Taxes:
Depending on where from you hire a car, you could be charged additional taxes. Airport taxes, value added taxes in Europe could be a costly affair, thus it’s always wise to check with your car hire service provider whether or not these are included in your car rental rates.
6. Time:
Many companies rent a car on a 24 hours basis while the others do it on a day and date basis i.e. you need to return the car on xyz date at any time of the day. So be careful to coordinate your pick-up and return times so as not to be charged extra because if you return the car even 30 minutes after the given time/hour you could be unnecessarily charged for an additional 24 hours Also, always remember that hiring a car for the entire week is often cheaper than five days!!
7. Car Type/Size:
Most reputable hire-a-car dealers offer you different classes of vehicles: economy, family, budget, full-size 2/4-door, and luxury. The cars, generally, are equipped with a radio, automatic transmission, power steering and air conditioning. Rent a car that accommodates you the best; a small car is enough for a small family of 4 while one would need to opt for a MPV for more than 5 grown ups. Sometimes you'll get a free upgrade, and you'll always save on the quoted price.
Whatever be your vacation plan be sure to work out all the details of your car hire with the concerned company in details and be sure to go through their terms and conditions, policies etc carefully before finalizing your booking.
This article is free for republishing
Source: http://www.a1articles.com
The incredible experience of Madagascar tours
Madagascar tours offer you the opportunity to relate to what could soon be extinct as subject of massive deforestation. Do not hesitate to visit its forests and hills, with octopus trees, baobabs and lemurs staying hidden behind the lavishing vegetation.
Madagascar is an island off the eastern coast of Africa. In addition, it is the fourth island in the world judging by size. It houses around five percent of the world’s species, and about eighty percent are indigenous. If the prospect of Madagascar tours appeals to you, you must remember that there are two main seasons: from November until April there is a lot of rain and high temperatures, while from May to October there is less rain and lower temperatures. Southwestern trade winds are present most of the time.
A must see is Parc National de L’Isalo. Located in the Toliara province, it is famous for its varied terrain, including sandstone formations, canyons and grassland. Dozens of species of birds, reptiles and frogs inhabit the area, as well of three out of Madagascar’s 34 species of lemur.
It offers some of the most spectacular views of the island, a spectacle mainly composed of its contrasts. Although generally made of wide plains and grassland, sandstone formations sculpted wind and water puncture it. A great time for Madagascar tours is between April and October. You can walk around free of overwhelming heat, and many exotic plants are in bloom.
Even today, some taboo areas remain the high caves where the Sakalava people used to bury their dead. Having a guide during Madagascar tours is mandatory – also, you can take care of all the formalities in the city of Ranohira. The length of the tour in the area is variable, of course. However, regardless of the time you are willing to spend here, remember to visit Canyon des Singes & Piscine Naturelle, where you can escape the heat for a while, as well as Natural Window, a unique place where you can get a special view on a sunrise or sunset: through a square hole in a rock.
Uganda safaris are also a great way of getting in touch with Africa. With ten national parks, its tourism resources are unlimited. With about one quarter of its total surface occupied by water, there is very little that Uganda safaris cannot offer.
Mgahinga National Park is also generally part of Uganda safaris. Located in the far South-West, close to the city of Kisoro, it sprawls underneath the Virunga Mountains. Out of the eight Virunga volcanoes, three are in the Mgahinga National Park. These are Muhabura, Gahinga and Sabyinyo, on the border with Rwanda.
In addition, Kibale Forest is a must-see when undertaking Uganda safaris. Located 35 kilometers from Fort Portal, it is quite an impressive area of equatorial rainforest (among the few remaining ones). It is home to the largest concentration of apes on the globe. Eleven species roam the area, including 500 chimpanzees that have grown accustomed with human presence for quite a few years. In addition, one can encounter the red colobus or galagos.
Madagascar tours could make that point in your life where nature gets up-close and personal. The encounter is vibrant and emotional. This is the way with Africa. For instance, one cannot escape the mixture of feelings that Uganda safaris or other such tours will generate. Hesitate no longer and plan your trip.
This article is free for republishing
Source: http://www.a1articles.com
Madagascar is an island off the eastern coast of Africa. In addition, it is the fourth island in the world judging by size. It houses around five percent of the world’s species, and about eighty percent are indigenous. If the prospect of Madagascar tours appeals to you, you must remember that there are two main seasons: from November until April there is a lot of rain and high temperatures, while from May to October there is less rain and lower temperatures. Southwestern trade winds are present most of the time.
A must see is Parc National de L’Isalo. Located in the Toliara province, it is famous for its varied terrain, including sandstone formations, canyons and grassland. Dozens of species of birds, reptiles and frogs inhabit the area, as well of three out of Madagascar’s 34 species of lemur.
It offers some of the most spectacular views of the island, a spectacle mainly composed of its contrasts. Although generally made of wide plains and grassland, sandstone formations sculpted wind and water puncture it. A great time for Madagascar tours is between April and October. You can walk around free of overwhelming heat, and many exotic plants are in bloom.
Even today, some taboo areas remain the high caves where the Sakalava people used to bury their dead. Having a guide during Madagascar tours is mandatory – also, you can take care of all the formalities in the city of Ranohira. The length of the tour in the area is variable, of course. However, regardless of the time you are willing to spend here, remember to visit Canyon des Singes & Piscine Naturelle, where you can escape the heat for a while, as well as Natural Window, a unique place where you can get a special view on a sunrise or sunset: through a square hole in a rock.
Uganda safaris are also a great way of getting in touch with Africa. With ten national parks, its tourism resources are unlimited. With about one quarter of its total surface occupied by water, there is very little that Uganda safaris cannot offer.
Mgahinga National Park is also generally part of Uganda safaris. Located in the far South-West, close to the city of Kisoro, it sprawls underneath the Virunga Mountains. Out of the eight Virunga volcanoes, three are in the Mgahinga National Park. These are Muhabura, Gahinga and Sabyinyo, on the border with Rwanda.
In addition, Kibale Forest is a must-see when undertaking Uganda safaris. Located 35 kilometers from Fort Portal, it is quite an impressive area of equatorial rainforest (among the few remaining ones). It is home to the largest concentration of apes on the globe. Eleven species roam the area, including 500 chimpanzees that have grown accustomed with human presence for quite a few years. In addition, one can encounter the red colobus or galagos.
Madagascar tours could make that point in your life where nature gets up-close and personal. The encounter is vibrant and emotional. This is the way with Africa. For instance, one cannot escape the mixture of feelings that Uganda safaris or other such tours will generate. Hesitate no longer and plan your trip.
This article is free for republishing
Source: http://www.a1articles.com
Mumbai Travel Guide
Mumbai was given by Portuguese as dowry to Charles II of England when he married Catherine. The group of seven islands was leased to the East India Company who offered freedom of business and religion to persons who came and settled here. Initially a few Parsis and Gujarati came but soon a sizeable population began to thrive here.
This was way back in the 17th century. Today also Mumbai is a city of migrants. People from all over the country have come and settled here. This gives the society of Mumbai a multi-lingual and multi-cultural color.
History of Mumbai:
The Great Indian Peninsular Railway facilitated travel within India. This network of commerce and communication led to an accumulation of wealth.
Mumbai Places to See:
Gateway of India, What could be more appropriates a beginning than the 'entrance' to the port of Mumbai? The ceremonial arch was built in 1927 to Commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary for the Delhi Durbar in 1911.
Haji Ali Mosque:
This early 18th century shrine contains the tomb of Hazrath Haji Ali, a Muslim Sufi saint. There are two local legends which claim to trace the Hazrath’s antecedents.
Mumbai Food & Cuisine:
Indian cooking is distinguished by the use of a larger variety of vegetables than many other well-known cuisines. Within these recognizable similarities, there is an enormous variety of local styles.
Mumbai Bollywood:
Cinema is India's great social leveler: from the President right down to the cobbler, everyone loves a good film. In fact Mumbai boasts the largest movie industry in the world.
For more details on Mumbai Travel visit www.times2travel.com
This article is free for republishing
Source: http://www.a1articles.com
This was way back in the 17th century. Today also Mumbai is a city of migrants. People from all over the country have come and settled here. This gives the society of Mumbai a multi-lingual and multi-cultural color.
History of Mumbai:
The Great Indian Peninsular Railway facilitated travel within India. This network of commerce and communication led to an accumulation of wealth.
Mumbai Places to See:
Gateway of India, What could be more appropriates a beginning than the 'entrance' to the port of Mumbai? The ceremonial arch was built in 1927 to Commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary for the Delhi Durbar in 1911.
Haji Ali Mosque:
This early 18th century shrine contains the tomb of Hazrath Haji Ali, a Muslim Sufi saint. There are two local legends which claim to trace the Hazrath’s antecedents.
Mumbai Food & Cuisine:
Indian cooking is distinguished by the use of a larger variety of vegetables than many other well-known cuisines. Within these recognizable similarities, there is an enormous variety of local styles.
Mumbai Bollywood:
Cinema is India's great social leveler: from the President right down to the cobbler, everyone loves a good film. In fact Mumbai boasts the largest movie industry in the world.
For more details on Mumbai Travel visit www.times2travel.com
This article is free for republishing
Source: http://www.a1articles.com
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Top 10 Myths about Family Vacations
We don't always know what we think we know... Read on, and see if this page can bust a few myths for you.
1) "Kids Free" promotions mean that kids fly free, too
Not unless the deal specifically says so. "Kids Free" deals are great, but read the verbiage carefully! The words you most want to see are "Kids Fly Free, Stay Free, Eat Free, and Play Free." It's a rare deal that "frees" it all!
Note too that -- unless you're at an all-inclusive-- "Kids Eat Free" promotions typically restrict the free munching to "eating from the kids' menu, when accompanied with a paying adult."
2) Farefinders (Travelocity, Expedia..) will find the best airfare for our vacation
They might; but not necessarily. The fare-search functions at such travel sites are very powerful but they don't search all airlines. One notable omission is Southwest Airlines, which is particularly of interest to families because of (a) low fares, and (b) routes and packages to popular destinations such as Disney World. Flights and vacations must be bought directly from Southwest.
3) "Driving time: Five hours 13 minutes"
Mapquest --or other online driving directions -- may state that you can drive from A to B in that time, but Mapquest's calculator isn't driving with live kids in the backseat. Add in snack stops, bathroom stops, and general "just gotta get out of the car and move around stops"-- you need to allow much more time to arrive at your destination.
YMMV (your mileage may vary), but as a rule of thumb: add one hour for each two hours of the trip.
4) It's hard to travel with a baby
Staying home is "hard" too! I.e., babies need constant care and attention. So why not cash in your Travel Baby Bonus: in many cultures, people will be 10 times more friendly if you have a kidlet. Yes there are logistics… all that gear and stuff; but strollers are portable, and some can do double-duty as car-seats, mobile cradle for afternoon-naps, and beast-of-burden for your diaper bag and shopping purchases. Meanwhile, house-swaps and condo rentals can provide kitchen, laundry, etc.
5) Disneyland is more or less the same as Disney World
West-coasters often think this. Uh-uh. It's true that both have Magic Kingdom theme parks, and that most new rides get built in both places. But while Disneyland has two theme parks, Disney World has four theme parks; two water parks; 22 resorts, some with gigantic grounds; plus Downtown Disney and that even has Cirque de Soleil.
Total area is the size of Boston, and the vast Epcot, Disney MGM-Studios, and Animal Kingdom theme parks are unique to Disney World.
6) A "junior suite" has two rooms
Wrong-o. In hotel parlance, a "junior suite" is ONE larger-than-normal room that's kind of divided into two parts -- maybe with a short pony wall-- for sleeping and sitting. Sometimes there isn't even a physical divider: the "suite" means simply that the unit has a sitting area, and perhaps a bit of a kitchenette. You will find more space for your family than in a regular guest unit; but don't expect two separate rooms.
7) "All-inclusive" means, well, everything
Typically an "all-inclusive" resort provides all meals, drinks (including alcoholic), kids programs, and some--but not necessarily all-- activities. Non-motorized watersports --such as sea kayaking or windsurfing-- are included, as are tennis, fitness classes, and activities such as pool games.
Motorized watersports -- such as snorkeling boat outings and scuba-- are not included; though some "super all-inclusive" places do cover these too. You'll always pay for off-property excursions, though!
8) Guests shouldn't tip at an all-inclusive resort
Tricky one. Some resorts state "No Tipping" and are so strict that you might get an employee into hot water if you show largesse. Others say "No Tipping" but the occasional hand-over is ok. Meanwhile at other all-inclusives, tipping is expected.
If you're traveling to Mexico, you're well advised to bring a wad of dollar bills; in the Caribbean, several major resort brands are "No Tipping" and you'll have to gauge the situation on the spot; or read TripAdvisor.com comments before you go.
9) Cruises are basically all-inclusive
Well, yes; but you can still rack up expenses. Sodas, for example, are typically are not included (-- same with alcoholic drinks, but you probably expected that.) If your family drinks a lot of sodas, check for "unlimited soda" plans to cap expenses.
Be sure to also budget for shore excursions: costs add up rapidly for a family of four. Or consider taking "do-it-yourself" shore outings, i.e. just explore on your own, without joining a sign-up tour.
10) Taking a family to Europe is hugely expensive
It can be; but so can any trip, depending on travel style. Luckily, in Europe budget travel is perfectly acceptable. Families might try deluxe "camping villages" (with bungalows, restaurants, kids programs) such as Eurocamp; or if you want to tour around, drive a brand-new car and stay at "family rooms" at hostels-- choose ones in old castles, and soak up ambiance plus friendly atmosphere. "Hostels" are definitely not just for "youth" anymore. For big cities, try for an apartment at vrbo.com.
Source: about.com
1) "Kids Free" promotions mean that kids fly free, too
Not unless the deal specifically says so. "Kids Free" deals are great, but read the verbiage carefully! The words you most want to see are "Kids Fly Free, Stay Free, Eat Free, and Play Free." It's a rare deal that "frees" it all!
Note too that -- unless you're at an all-inclusive-- "Kids Eat Free" promotions typically restrict the free munching to "eating from the kids' menu, when accompanied with a paying adult."
2) Farefinders (Travelocity, Expedia..) will find the best airfare for our vacation
They might; but not necessarily. The fare-search functions at such travel sites are very powerful but they don't search all airlines. One notable omission is Southwest Airlines, which is particularly of interest to families because of (a) low fares, and (b) routes and packages to popular destinations such as Disney World. Flights and vacations must be bought directly from Southwest.
3) "Driving time: Five hours 13 minutes"
Mapquest --or other online driving directions -- may state that you can drive from A to B in that time, but Mapquest's calculator isn't driving with live kids in the backseat. Add in snack stops, bathroom stops, and general "just gotta get out of the car and move around stops"-- you need to allow much more time to arrive at your destination.
YMMV (your mileage may vary), but as a rule of thumb: add one hour for each two hours of the trip.
4) It's hard to travel with a baby
Staying home is "hard" too! I.e., babies need constant care and attention. So why not cash in your Travel Baby Bonus: in many cultures, people will be 10 times more friendly if you have a kidlet. Yes there are logistics… all that gear and stuff; but strollers are portable, and some can do double-duty as car-seats, mobile cradle for afternoon-naps, and beast-of-burden for your diaper bag and shopping purchases. Meanwhile, house-swaps and condo rentals can provide kitchen, laundry, etc.
5) Disneyland is more or less the same as Disney World
West-coasters often think this. Uh-uh. It's true that both have Magic Kingdom theme parks, and that most new rides get built in both places. But while Disneyland has two theme parks, Disney World has four theme parks; two water parks; 22 resorts, some with gigantic grounds; plus Downtown Disney and that even has Cirque de Soleil.
Total area is the size of Boston, and the vast Epcot, Disney MGM-Studios, and Animal Kingdom theme parks are unique to Disney World.
6) A "junior suite" has two rooms
Wrong-o. In hotel parlance, a "junior suite" is ONE larger-than-normal room that's kind of divided into two parts -- maybe with a short pony wall-- for sleeping and sitting. Sometimes there isn't even a physical divider: the "suite" means simply that the unit has a sitting area, and perhaps a bit of a kitchenette. You will find more space for your family than in a regular guest unit; but don't expect two separate rooms.
7) "All-inclusive" means, well, everything
Typically an "all-inclusive" resort provides all meals, drinks (including alcoholic), kids programs, and some--but not necessarily all-- activities. Non-motorized watersports --such as sea kayaking or windsurfing-- are included, as are tennis, fitness classes, and activities such as pool games.
Motorized watersports -- such as snorkeling boat outings and scuba-- are not included; though some "super all-inclusive" places do cover these too. You'll always pay for off-property excursions, though!
8) Guests shouldn't tip at an all-inclusive resort
Tricky one. Some resorts state "No Tipping" and are so strict that you might get an employee into hot water if you show largesse. Others say "No Tipping" but the occasional hand-over is ok. Meanwhile at other all-inclusives, tipping is expected.
If you're traveling to Mexico, you're well advised to bring a wad of dollar bills; in the Caribbean, several major resort brands are "No Tipping" and you'll have to gauge the situation on the spot; or read TripAdvisor.com comments before you go.
9) Cruises are basically all-inclusive
Well, yes; but you can still rack up expenses. Sodas, for example, are typically are not included (-- same with alcoholic drinks, but you probably expected that.) If your family drinks a lot of sodas, check for "unlimited soda" plans to cap expenses.
Be sure to also budget for shore excursions: costs add up rapidly for a family of four. Or consider taking "do-it-yourself" shore outings, i.e. just explore on your own, without joining a sign-up tour.
10) Taking a family to Europe is hugely expensive
It can be; but so can any trip, depending on travel style. Luckily, in Europe budget travel is perfectly acceptable. Families might try deluxe "camping villages" (with bungalows, restaurants, kids programs) such as Eurocamp; or if you want to tour around, drive a brand-new car and stay at "family rooms" at hostels-- choose ones in old castles, and soak up ambiance plus friendly atmosphere. "Hostels" are definitely not just for "youth" anymore. For big cities, try for an apartment at vrbo.com.
Source: about.com
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Safety in Costa Rica
The biggest hesitation many people have when considering visiting Costa Rica, investing in Costa Rica, or relocating to Costa Rica is the level of safety they can be assured. Most are pleasantly surprised to learn that safety in Costa Rica is better and more secure than many other countries in the world--including the United States of America!
Americans and individuals from other countries are relocating to Costa Rica all the time, and many credit the safety in Costa Rica that they experienced when previously visiting Costa Rica for helping them take the plunge and move down there part- or full-time.
While it would be a lie to say there are no drugs in Costa Rica, crime in Costa Rica as a result of the minimal drug trade is almost unheard of, and if it does happen, it is limited to the criminals involved with drugs in Costa Rica. People living in Costa Rica or visiting Costa Rica are very rarely the victims of violent crime. In fact, violent crime in Costa Rica is so rare that you barely hear about it, unlike the United States, where violence and murder are highlighted each night on the evening news.
Costa Ricans are largely a peace-loving people, and Costa Rica has not been involved in a war, either civil or with other nations, for as long as anyone living in Costa Rica can remember. In fact, Costa Rica has not even had a standing army since 1949! This means that when you’re living in Costa Rica or visiting Costa Rica, you will never see armed military personnel walking around anywhere--because the military has no need to exist.
In many countries around the world, it’s not uncommon to hear so much talk about terrorism and the threats of terrorists that just waking up in the morning can seem dangerous. Not in Costa Rica! Terrorism is of little concern to people living in Costa Rica, because the country is a peaceful one and not a terrorist target in any way. Because it’s not a threat to their way of life, Costa Ricans rarely discuss terrorism, and it rarely makes the local news broadcasts.
The lack of violent crime in Costa Rica is just one more reason why investing in Costa Rica is such a safe bet. There are no high-crime areas people will avoid purchasing land or homes in, and no parts unsafe for visiting Costa Rica. An investment in real property in Costa Rica will never be threatened by the government, by drug lords, or by local criminals.
All in all, your safety in Costa Rica is always protected, whether you’re relocating to Costa Rica or just visiting Costa Rica. Leave all your stigmas of Latin American countries behind you in America, and enjoy a true sense of safety in Costa Rica!
by David Lovendahl, Costa Vista Marketing
Costa Vista Land (http://www.costavistaland.com) is ‘developing paradise’ in Costa Rica. They purchase large quantities of raw land at discount prices and develop the properties in less than 18 months. Hence, the unique program in which investors can obtain developed land at undeveloped prices and why company president, Brad Hogan says, "We are an investment company first and a land sale company second." Parcel choices range from valleys to mountains, to beautiful coastline property. Costa Vista Land encourages investors to visit Costa Rica to view their property and will pay for accommodations, meals and transportation to do so. This lucrative program comes with 100% money back guarantee.
For more information, contact 1-877-55-COSTA or in San Jose, Costa Rica (506) 234-7509. And grab your Free 50 minute CD Now by visiting http://www.developingparadise.com
Source: http://www.a1articles.com
Americans and individuals from other countries are relocating to Costa Rica all the time, and many credit the safety in Costa Rica that they experienced when previously visiting Costa Rica for helping them take the plunge and move down there part- or full-time.
While it would be a lie to say there are no drugs in Costa Rica, crime in Costa Rica as a result of the minimal drug trade is almost unheard of, and if it does happen, it is limited to the criminals involved with drugs in Costa Rica. People living in Costa Rica or visiting Costa Rica are very rarely the victims of violent crime. In fact, violent crime in Costa Rica is so rare that you barely hear about it, unlike the United States, where violence and murder are highlighted each night on the evening news.
Costa Ricans are largely a peace-loving people, and Costa Rica has not been involved in a war, either civil or with other nations, for as long as anyone living in Costa Rica can remember. In fact, Costa Rica has not even had a standing army since 1949! This means that when you’re living in Costa Rica or visiting Costa Rica, you will never see armed military personnel walking around anywhere--because the military has no need to exist.
In many countries around the world, it’s not uncommon to hear so much talk about terrorism and the threats of terrorists that just waking up in the morning can seem dangerous. Not in Costa Rica! Terrorism is of little concern to people living in Costa Rica, because the country is a peaceful one and not a terrorist target in any way. Because it’s not a threat to their way of life, Costa Ricans rarely discuss terrorism, and it rarely makes the local news broadcasts.
The lack of violent crime in Costa Rica is just one more reason why investing in Costa Rica is such a safe bet. There are no high-crime areas people will avoid purchasing land or homes in, and no parts unsafe for visiting Costa Rica. An investment in real property in Costa Rica will never be threatened by the government, by drug lords, or by local criminals.
All in all, your safety in Costa Rica is always protected, whether you’re relocating to Costa Rica or just visiting Costa Rica. Leave all your stigmas of Latin American countries behind you in America, and enjoy a true sense of safety in Costa Rica!
by David Lovendahl, Costa Vista Marketing
Costa Vista Land (http://www.costavistaland.com) is ‘developing paradise’ in Costa Rica. They purchase large quantities of raw land at discount prices and develop the properties in less than 18 months. Hence, the unique program in which investors can obtain developed land at undeveloped prices and why company president, Brad Hogan says, "We are an investment company first and a land sale company second." Parcel choices range from valleys to mountains, to beautiful coastline property. Costa Vista Land encourages investors to visit Costa Rica to view their property and will pay for accommodations, meals and transportation to do so. This lucrative program comes with 100% money back guarantee.
For more information, contact 1-877-55-COSTA or in San Jose, Costa Rica (506) 234-7509. And grab your Free 50 minute CD Now by visiting http://www.developingparadise.com
Source: http://www.a1articles.com
Top 10 Beaches in the World
Top 10 Beaches in the World
10. Trunk Bay - St. John
Voted one of the most photogenic beaches in the Caribbean, and for good reason. Trunk Bay features powdery sand and vibrant aquamarine waters. The underwater self-guided tour is also popular among amateur snorkelers.
9. Paradise Beach - Mykonos
Paradise Beach is the most popular beach on the Greek island of Mykonos. The beach is popular with a younger crowd, and clothing is sometimes optional.
8. Tulum Beach - Mexico
Tulum, just 2 hours south of Cancun, is popular for its powder sand beaches and limestone rocks. There's plenty of room to roam, the beaches are quite big.
7. Grace Bay - Caribbean
One of the best beaches in the Caribbean, the fine white sand of Grace Bay is to die for. Natural reefs protect the bay, which makes it ideal for snorkeling.
6. Plage Malendure - Guadeloupe
Nestled among the rainforests at the base of a volcano in Guadeloupe lies Plage Malendure. Soft black sand can be found on the beaches here, thanks to the volcano. The water is clear and the temperature is perfect.
5. Clifton Beach on Cape Town, South Africa
The beaches of Clifton are interesting because each of the 4 beaches are divided by large granite boulders. Each beach has its own personality, with the 4th beach being the most active.
4. Shelly (Manly) - Sydney
Manly is unique because it is surrounded by the ocean on 3 sides. The gorgeous peninsula features exquisite beaches with amazing views. Manly is a luxury beach resort, so it naturally attracts many travelers from all over Sydney and beyond.
3. South Beach - Florida
South Beach is considered Florida's best party destination. With warm beaches as well as an active nightlife, you'll find South Beach a great beach to visit.
2. St. Tropez - France
St. Tropez is very active and popular tourist destination, you'll even find plenty of celebrities frolicking here. The beaches of St. Tropez are each unique in their own right. Some are family oriented, others are clothing optional.
1. Lanikai Beach - Hawaii
Lanikai Beach translated in Hawaiian means "heavenly sea" and it really does live up to its name. Lanikai Beach is considered a great secret of Hawaii, and for good reason. The fine sands are perfect for lounging, and the clear waters are ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and other water sports.
Source: http://www.a1articles.com
10. Trunk Bay - St. John
Voted one of the most photogenic beaches in the Caribbean, and for good reason. Trunk Bay features powdery sand and vibrant aquamarine waters. The underwater self-guided tour is also popular among amateur snorkelers.
9. Paradise Beach - Mykonos
Paradise Beach is the most popular beach on the Greek island of Mykonos. The beach is popular with a younger crowd, and clothing is sometimes optional.
8. Tulum Beach - Mexico
Tulum, just 2 hours south of Cancun, is popular for its powder sand beaches and limestone rocks. There's plenty of room to roam, the beaches are quite big.
7. Grace Bay - Caribbean
One of the best beaches in the Caribbean, the fine white sand of Grace Bay is to die for. Natural reefs protect the bay, which makes it ideal for snorkeling.
6. Plage Malendure - Guadeloupe
Nestled among the rainforests at the base of a volcano in Guadeloupe lies Plage Malendure. Soft black sand can be found on the beaches here, thanks to the volcano. The water is clear and the temperature is perfect.
5. Clifton Beach on Cape Town, South Africa
The beaches of Clifton are interesting because each of the 4 beaches are divided by large granite boulders. Each beach has its own personality, with the 4th beach being the most active.
4. Shelly (Manly) - Sydney
Manly is unique because it is surrounded by the ocean on 3 sides. The gorgeous peninsula features exquisite beaches with amazing views. Manly is a luxury beach resort, so it naturally attracts many travelers from all over Sydney and beyond.
3. South Beach - Florida
South Beach is considered Florida's best party destination. With warm beaches as well as an active nightlife, you'll find South Beach a great beach to visit.
2. St. Tropez - France
St. Tropez is very active and popular tourist destination, you'll even find plenty of celebrities frolicking here. The beaches of St. Tropez are each unique in their own right. Some are family oriented, others are clothing optional.
1. Lanikai Beach - Hawaii
Lanikai Beach translated in Hawaiian means "heavenly sea" and it really does live up to its name. Lanikai Beach is considered a great secret of Hawaii, and for good reason. The fine sands are perfect for lounging, and the clear waters are ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and other water sports.
Source: http://www.a1articles.com
Anti-theft bags – Protecting your belonging
Bag theft is a real threat, according to statistics we gathered 1 in 3 women in the UK has had their handbag stolen; nearly three-quarters (72%) of women expressed fear of having their handbag stolen and in the US the greatest known cause of Identity Theft is when your wallet, purse or checkbook is stolen.
Knowing that there is a risk of theft and understanding the methods used and the places where theft can occur goes a long way towards avoiding becoming a victim yourself, but for true peace of mind you should consider purchasing a bag which has anti-theft features. The bags made by Pacsafe feature anti-theft features such as eXomesh slashguard panels, slashproof straps, snatchproof anchor clips and tamperproof zippers.
eXomesh Slashguard panels – many thefts succeed when the exposed lower section of a bag is slashed allowing the contents to drop out without the victim being aware that a theft has taken place. Pacsafe have developed slashproof panels by discretely hiding a layer of eXomesh between two layers of fabric. These lightweight slashguards are placed in vulnerable sections of the bag, providing protection against a bag slasher’s knife blade.
Slashproof straps and belts – A split second whilst looking at a map or asking for directions is all it takes to cut through a conventional strap or belt. To ensure your bag stays with you Pacsafe straps and belts are embedded with slashproof, high-tensile stainless steel wire.
Snatchproof anchor clips and locks – When traveling, commuting or out with friends enjoying a meal or drink, you’re not always able to keep a close eye on your belongings. In an instant someone can take your bag without you knowing. That’s why Pacsafe have designed products with snatchproof metal clips on their slashproof straps. These can be looped through a secure fixture, such as the arm of your restaurant chair, bus seat or poolside lounger, making it impossible for someone to walk away with your belongings.
Tamperproof zippers and compartments – Subways, busy sidewalks and crowded markets are prime pickpocket locations. Pacsafe products have tamperproof solutions to thwart pickpockets including zippers that lock closed or latch to a spring-loaded metal clip. Pacsafe bags with flap covered compartments offer hidden safety hooks for added security to keep prying hands out of your bag.
The complete range of Pacsafe Anti-Theft Bags and accessories is available from Pacsafe.com featuring bags for both men and women.
Source: http://www.a1articles.com
Knowing that there is a risk of theft and understanding the methods used and the places where theft can occur goes a long way towards avoiding becoming a victim yourself, but for true peace of mind you should consider purchasing a bag which has anti-theft features. The bags made by Pacsafe feature anti-theft features such as eXomesh slashguard panels, slashproof straps, snatchproof anchor clips and tamperproof zippers.
eXomesh Slashguard panels – many thefts succeed when the exposed lower section of a bag is slashed allowing the contents to drop out without the victim being aware that a theft has taken place. Pacsafe have developed slashproof panels by discretely hiding a layer of eXomesh between two layers of fabric. These lightweight slashguards are placed in vulnerable sections of the bag, providing protection against a bag slasher’s knife blade.
Slashproof straps and belts – A split second whilst looking at a map or asking for directions is all it takes to cut through a conventional strap or belt. To ensure your bag stays with you Pacsafe straps and belts are embedded with slashproof, high-tensile stainless steel wire.
Snatchproof anchor clips and locks – When traveling, commuting or out with friends enjoying a meal or drink, you’re not always able to keep a close eye on your belongings. In an instant someone can take your bag without you knowing. That’s why Pacsafe have designed products with snatchproof metal clips on their slashproof straps. These can be looped through a secure fixture, such as the arm of your restaurant chair, bus seat or poolside lounger, making it impossible for someone to walk away with your belongings.
Tamperproof zippers and compartments – Subways, busy sidewalks and crowded markets are prime pickpocket locations. Pacsafe products have tamperproof solutions to thwart pickpockets including zippers that lock closed or latch to a spring-loaded metal clip. Pacsafe bags with flap covered compartments offer hidden safety hooks for added security to keep prying hands out of your bag.
The complete range of Pacsafe Anti-Theft Bags and accessories is available from Pacsafe.com featuring bags for both men and women.
Source: http://www.a1articles.com
Marriott Resorts & Spas Thailand receive award from parent company
At the annual “Marriott International General Manager’s Conference” held in San Francisco recently, the General Managers of Marriott Resorts & Spas Thailand were the recipients of a number of highly-prized accolades. Heading the list was Pattaya Marriott Resort & Spa, named as “2006 Hotel of The Year” for its second year under International category.
This award recognizes a hotel that has demonstrated excellence in all categories of the balanced score card. This category includes overall Guest Satisfaction Survey, Financial Excellence, Associates Satisfaction, and the Most Improved Market Share.
The resort also received another 4 awards including the 2006 “Customer Excellence Elite Recognition; Customer Excellence Overall; Customer Excellence Problem Resolution; Spirit to Serve Our Communities.”
Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa was recognized with the “Customer Excellence and Spirit to Serve Our Guests”. The awards recognize a hotel that has abilities to satisfy their guests to get the excellence services experience from their energetic staffs. Mr. Anthony S. Armas, Vice President of Sales & Marketing has been recognized as the “Best Sales and Marketing Leader in the International Hotel Franchise” as well as on “Property Sales and Marketing Leader 2006”.
Source: traveldailynews.com
This award recognizes a hotel that has demonstrated excellence in all categories of the balanced score card. This category includes overall Guest Satisfaction Survey, Financial Excellence, Associates Satisfaction, and the Most Improved Market Share.
The resort also received another 4 awards including the 2006 “Customer Excellence Elite Recognition; Customer Excellence Overall; Customer Excellence Problem Resolution; Spirit to Serve Our Communities.”
Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa was recognized with the “Customer Excellence and Spirit to Serve Our Guests”. The awards recognize a hotel that has abilities to satisfy their guests to get the excellence services experience from their energetic staffs. Mr. Anthony S. Armas, Vice President of Sales & Marketing has been recognized as the “Best Sales and Marketing Leader in the International Hotel Franchise” as well as on “Property Sales and Marketing Leader 2006”.
Source: traveldailynews.com
Dubai Boat Show breaks records
Dubai is preparing to open the gates to the 15th edition of the Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS), the premier exhibition in the Middle East for the leisure marine industry. Organised by the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), the Dubai International Boat Show will be a 33 percent bigger than the previous year, with 20,000 square meters of net exhibition space and more than 142 boats exhibiting on the water.
As the region’s largest gathering of leisure craft, equipment and associated services, DIBS continues to grow with an unprecedented 722 participating companies in 2007 (an increase of 53 percent).
“The Dubai International Boat Show holds the position as the regions premier event for people involved in the business of boating, whether it’s exhibitors launching new products or trade or public buyers looking for good deals and great marine leisure products,” said Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General of Dubai World Trade Centre.
“DIBS 2007 will bring together more than 25,000 boating enthusiasts from across the region to Dubai, a city steeped in maritime history and culture, for what will be the most exciting and impressive edition of the show,” he added.
Interest in boats and sailing is at an all time high, driven in particular by the increasing availability of waterfront property, afforded by multi-million dollar developments and new marinas in Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Oman and the United Arab Emirates.
“As the market continues its impressive growth, manufacturers, dealers and distributors from across the Middle East are producing and importing greater numbers of high performance and luxury boats to cater for the demand,” continued Helal Saeed Al Marri.
“In turn, prospective international buyers know that the first port-of-call must be the Dubai International Boat Show where they can explore the market and view the very latest range of boats, equipment and products,” he added.
Source: traveldailynews.com
Boat travel interest increases in Middle East
As the interest for yachting increases in Middle East the Dubai International Boat Show 2007 (DIBS) will display a wide range of equipment, supplies and services essential to the function and performance of leisure marine craft.
DIBS 2007 has a dedicated area for equipment, supplies and services (ESS), which has expanded by more than 25 percent compared to last year giving exhibitors the perfect opportunity to showcase their products.
“Many of the world’s leading suppliers in the boating industry will exhibiting at the Dubai International Boat Show 2007, in what is a pivotal event for trade professionals throughout the Middle East and beyond,” said Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General, Dubai World Trade Centre, which is organising DIBS 2007.
“DIBS provides a fantastic opportunity for the marine trade to see the latest developments in the industry, including new innovations and gadgets,” he added.
“The Middle East is a rapidly expanding and highly significant market for MTU products,” said Amgad Emil, of Al Masaood, the local agents for MTU in the UAE. “We are established exhibitors at DIBS because it gives us an excellent opportunity to meet and support our customers as well as attract new business.”
Many trade visitors and buyers will make their way to Dubai from key markets such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait to source goods and services.
Source: traveldailynews.com
DIBS 2007 has a dedicated area for equipment, supplies and services (ESS), which has expanded by more than 25 percent compared to last year giving exhibitors the perfect opportunity to showcase their products.
“Many of the world’s leading suppliers in the boating industry will exhibiting at the Dubai International Boat Show 2007, in what is a pivotal event for trade professionals throughout the Middle East and beyond,” said Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General, Dubai World Trade Centre, which is organising DIBS 2007.
“DIBS provides a fantastic opportunity for the marine trade to see the latest developments in the industry, including new innovations and gadgets,” he added.
“The Middle East is a rapidly expanding and highly significant market for MTU products,” said Amgad Emil, of Al Masaood, the local agents for MTU in the UAE. “We are established exhibitors at DIBS because it gives us an excellent opportunity to meet and support our customers as well as attract new business.”
Many trade visitors and buyers will make their way to Dubai from key markets such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait to source goods and services.
Source: traveldailynews.com
Australian marine industry gives presence at Dubai Boat Show
Australian marine manufacturers and service providers have a strong presence at the Dubai International Boat Show this year through the Australian International Marine Export Group (AIMEX). Fourteen Australian companies and government groups are represented at the Show in March with international debut of Australian-produced marine products.
In Dubai, participants include: Local dealer ART Marine showcasing Riviera Flybridge cruisers for the Riviera Group, GME, Dynamic Products, Evrsafe Marine Technology, Multipanel Pty Ltd, Polyflex Brisbane Australia, Sea Gyros, Austral Propellers, Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, Muir Windlasses, Kingfisher Cruisers, Patriot Marine and government entities Gold Coast City Council and the Queensland Government.
Source: traveldailynews.com
In Dubai, participants include: Local dealer ART Marine showcasing Riviera Flybridge cruisers for the Riviera Group, GME, Dynamic Products, Evrsafe Marine Technology, Multipanel Pty Ltd, Polyflex Brisbane Australia, Sea Gyros, Austral Propellers, Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, Muir Windlasses, Kingfisher Cruisers, Patriot Marine and government entities Gold Coast City Council and the Queensland Government.
Source: traveldailynews.com
Caribbean to rate number one cruise destination
It`s not just the Caribbean`s sugary beaches that are white-hot. Travel agents polled in a survey by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), substantiated what cruise insiders have known all along : The Caribbean`s mantel as the most popular cruising destination remains undiminished and grows more popular by the day. In fact, nearly 80 percent of more than 500 CLIA travel agents polled named the destination as the most popular cruising ground for their agencies` customers.
Further cementing the survey findings was the fact that 88 percent of agents reported that the total number of Caribbean cruises sold at their agencies in 2006 increased over 2005 - with 93 percent of respondents predicting that 2007 sales totals would surpass 2006 levels.
"With Caribbean cruises, travelers basically get a two-for-one - they can enjoy warm weather and beautiful beaches and destinations that are second to none - and on ships that are destinations in themselves," said Michelle Fee, a member of CLIA`s Travel Agency Advisory Board and CEO of Cruise Planners in Coral Springs, Fla. "Getting there couldn`t be more convenient or flexible, with cruise lengths, itineraries and embarkation ports to suit virtually any budget and interest."
Customer satisfaction rates also soared, with nearly 90 percent of agencies reporting that their clients were very satisfied or extremely satisfied. Total satisfaction ratings were 98.5 percent.
The high level of satisfaction comes as no surprise to CLIA member cruise lines, which have debuted large numbers of their newest and most cutting-edge ships in the region. "Hands down, cruise vacationers will find the cruise industry`s most innovative ships in the Caribbean," said Terry L. Dale, president and CEO of CLIA, whose members include 21 premier cruise lines and 16,500 North American travel agencies. "The Caribbean is a veritable candy store when it comes to the array of cruise lines and ships that are available to travelers."
Other survey findings include:
Sixty-four percent of respondents said their clients rated their chosen cruise lines and ships as the best attribute of Caribbean cruises, and also cited selling points as the Caribbean`s climate, overall ambiance, ports-of-call, beaches and shopping. Forty-nine percent cited that a cruise was the perfect way to sample Caribbean islands that they wish to visit again by ship or by land.
Generally comparable with capacity deployment, 53 percent of respondents sold Western Caribbean itineraries most often, 34 percent the Eastern Caribbean and 9 percent the Southern Caribbean. Seventy-five percent cited seven-day itineraries as the most popular cruise length, 13 percent voyages of five days or less, and 10 percent cruises of eight to 10 days.
"No other warm-weather destination presents so many choices of ships and cruise itineraries, from a three-night getaway to an extended voyage to Central America and beyond," said Dale.
Source: traveldailynews.com
Further cementing the survey findings was the fact that 88 percent of agents reported that the total number of Caribbean cruises sold at their agencies in 2006 increased over 2005 - with 93 percent of respondents predicting that 2007 sales totals would surpass 2006 levels.
"With Caribbean cruises, travelers basically get a two-for-one - they can enjoy warm weather and beautiful beaches and destinations that are second to none - and on ships that are destinations in themselves," said Michelle Fee, a member of CLIA`s Travel Agency Advisory Board and CEO of Cruise Planners in Coral Springs, Fla. "Getting there couldn`t be more convenient or flexible, with cruise lengths, itineraries and embarkation ports to suit virtually any budget and interest."
Customer satisfaction rates also soared, with nearly 90 percent of agencies reporting that their clients were very satisfied or extremely satisfied. Total satisfaction ratings were 98.5 percent.
The high level of satisfaction comes as no surprise to CLIA member cruise lines, which have debuted large numbers of their newest and most cutting-edge ships in the region. "Hands down, cruise vacationers will find the cruise industry`s most innovative ships in the Caribbean," said Terry L. Dale, president and CEO of CLIA, whose members include 21 premier cruise lines and 16,500 North American travel agencies. "The Caribbean is a veritable candy store when it comes to the array of cruise lines and ships that are available to travelers."
Other survey findings include:
Sixty-four percent of respondents said their clients rated their chosen cruise lines and ships as the best attribute of Caribbean cruises, and also cited selling points as the Caribbean`s climate, overall ambiance, ports-of-call, beaches and shopping. Forty-nine percent cited that a cruise was the perfect way to sample Caribbean islands that they wish to visit again by ship or by land.
Generally comparable with capacity deployment, 53 percent of respondents sold Western Caribbean itineraries most often, 34 percent the Eastern Caribbean and 9 percent the Southern Caribbean. Seventy-five percent cited seven-day itineraries as the most popular cruise length, 13 percent voyages of five days or less, and 10 percent cruises of eight to 10 days.
"No other warm-weather destination presents so many choices of ships and cruise itineraries, from a three-night getaway to an extended voyage to Central America and beyond," said Dale.
Source: traveldailynews.com
LEAVING THE KIDS BEHIND - Ranch Rider’s 2007 travel guide to adult ranching
With travellers now taking multiple holidays there’s even time to travel without the kids. Maybe it’s to rekindle the romance, share in an adult adventure or just to de-stress from family life. From empty nesters to single parents Ranch Rider reveals the 2007 travel guide to adult ranching, incorporating the five best ‘child free’ adventures and departure dates – allowing grown ups to ride safe in the knowledge that even piercing cries from OPK’s (other people’s kids) won’t be part of their holiday memories.
Tony Daly, Managing Director of Ranch Rider, comments: “Adult weeks, adult oriented ranches, cowgirl classes, cattle drives and off peak travel, add up to stress free getaways minus the kids. However, don’t be fooled by family led ranches as some still hold adult weeks, for example, the Paradise Guest Ranch in Wyoming. Working ranches also make a sound option for grown ups as these ranches don’t tend to cater for families and some adult oriented options even come without the single supplement, ensuring single parents aren’t penalised when they decide to take up the reins.”
Those drowning under an endless stream of nappy bags, teethers and wet wipes should try a 7-night stay at the Echo Valley Resort Ranch in British Columbia, where guests can rekindle the romance with a stay at the honeymoon cabin offering added intimacy and seclusion. Gourmet cooking and adult conversation come as standard, along with a range of adventurous activities including, 4X4 trips into Cariboo Country, bird watching, flight-seeing and sensuous massages for two at the Baan Thai Spa. Ranch Rider tip: The Echo Valley is adult oriented and takes kids 13 years plus, but avoid Easter, the last week of July and the first week of August when the Echo Valley has its annual "kids weeks”. A 7-night stay with Ranch Rider costs FROM £1,848pp. Excludes transfers as car hire recommended.
Single Dad’s and Mum’s won’t feel like outsiders at the Vista Verde Guest Ranch in Colorado. Ranch Rider tip: No single supplements are charged on ranch stays and from 26 August – 23 September guests are adult only. There’s also a real group element ensuring travellers arrive as strangers but leave as friends. A luxury hideaway in the Elk River Valley the Vista Verde offers a range of activities allowing singles to unleash their passion for adventure, with tailored riding for groups of between two to six, river rafting, rock climbing, mountain biking and even hot air ballooning. Each sumptuous cabin comes with its own outdoor hot tub and sensual post ride massages are available for added pampering. A 7-night stay with Ranch Rider costs FROM £2,433pp.
After planning family expeditions for many years organising a holiday just for two could be new territory for some parents. Ranch Rider has the perfect escape for empty nesters – the Hideout at Flitner Working Ranch in Wyoming.
Ranch Rider tip: Travel in late September when flights are cheaper FROM £449pp and see the beauty of the changing foliage – missing both the crowds and the kids. Boasting luxury accommodation, guests can expect more comfort than is usually found at the traditional working ranch, allowing post parents to get into the spirit of the West without missing out on their creature comforts. After checking fences and moving cattle to new pastures there are also cocktails and gourmet delights at the lodge, where guests can relax and get ready for the following days adventure, whether it be on horseback, by airboat or by helicopter. A 6-night stay with Ranch Rider costs FROM £1,970pp.
Those leaving hubby or wife behind to brush up on their parenting skills might want to consider new challenges with a range of cowgirl weeks and cattle drives on offer from Ranch Rider. At the Sweet Grass Working Ranch in Montana the fairer sex can learn to master the reins and even ride bareback if they are feeling adventurous. Ranch Rider tip: The Sweet Grass Ranch takes kids of six and above, but 03 to 10 June is female only week. Dinner rides, swimming in the creek, hiking and even impromptu sing-alongs round the campfire come as part of the package. Ranch Rider’s 6-night cowgirls on tour package costs FROM £1,677pp (price includes single supplement).
‘Would be’ cowboys can also take up the reins on Ranch Rider’s Flynn High Country Cattle Drive. A tradition since 1870, this is an authentic experience and not a staged event, unlike cattle drives that are more commonly found at some recreational style ranches. Activities include lariat roping, fly-fishing and a celebratory barn dance after moving cattle to their summer pastures. Ranch Rider tip: an exhilarating adult only activity with no single supplement, available in June and August. A 6-night cattle drive with Ranch Rider costs FROM £1,578pp. Excludes gratuities and pre and post cattle drive accommodation.
All the above prices (unless otherwise stated) include return flight, all accommodation (based on two adults sharing), transfers, gratuities, airport taxes, meals, and all ranch based riding, with flights from the following departure airports, Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Additional departure airports including Aberdeen, Bristol, Cardiff, Leeds/Bradford, Humberside, Teeside, Newcastle and Norwich are available at a £50pp supplement. Please note: flight prices are a guide only and may be subject to further fuel surcharges or increases.
Telephone Ranch Rider on 01509 618811 or visit Ranch Rider at www.ranchrider.com for further information.
Source: http://www.responsesource.com/releases/rel_display.php?relid=30162&hilite=
Tony Daly, Managing Director of Ranch Rider, comments: “Adult weeks, adult oriented ranches, cowgirl classes, cattle drives and off peak travel, add up to stress free getaways minus the kids. However, don’t be fooled by family led ranches as some still hold adult weeks, for example, the Paradise Guest Ranch in Wyoming. Working ranches also make a sound option for grown ups as these ranches don’t tend to cater for families and some adult oriented options even come without the single supplement, ensuring single parents aren’t penalised when they decide to take up the reins.”
Those drowning under an endless stream of nappy bags, teethers and wet wipes should try a 7-night stay at the Echo Valley Resort Ranch in British Columbia, where guests can rekindle the romance with a stay at the honeymoon cabin offering added intimacy and seclusion. Gourmet cooking and adult conversation come as standard, along with a range of adventurous activities including, 4X4 trips into Cariboo Country, bird watching, flight-seeing and sensuous massages for two at the Baan Thai Spa. Ranch Rider tip: The Echo Valley is adult oriented and takes kids 13 years plus, but avoid Easter, the last week of July and the first week of August when the Echo Valley has its annual "kids weeks”. A 7-night stay with Ranch Rider costs FROM £1,848pp. Excludes transfers as car hire recommended.
Single Dad’s and Mum’s won’t feel like outsiders at the Vista Verde Guest Ranch in Colorado. Ranch Rider tip: No single supplements are charged on ranch stays and from 26 August – 23 September guests are adult only. There’s also a real group element ensuring travellers arrive as strangers but leave as friends. A luxury hideaway in the Elk River Valley the Vista Verde offers a range of activities allowing singles to unleash their passion for adventure, with tailored riding for groups of between two to six, river rafting, rock climbing, mountain biking and even hot air ballooning. Each sumptuous cabin comes with its own outdoor hot tub and sensual post ride massages are available for added pampering. A 7-night stay with Ranch Rider costs FROM £2,433pp.
After planning family expeditions for many years organising a holiday just for two could be new territory for some parents. Ranch Rider has the perfect escape for empty nesters – the Hideout at Flitner Working Ranch in Wyoming.
Ranch Rider tip: Travel in late September when flights are cheaper FROM £449pp and see the beauty of the changing foliage – missing both the crowds and the kids. Boasting luxury accommodation, guests can expect more comfort than is usually found at the traditional working ranch, allowing post parents to get into the spirit of the West without missing out on their creature comforts. After checking fences and moving cattle to new pastures there are also cocktails and gourmet delights at the lodge, where guests can relax and get ready for the following days adventure, whether it be on horseback, by airboat or by helicopter. A 6-night stay with Ranch Rider costs FROM £1,970pp.
Those leaving hubby or wife behind to brush up on their parenting skills might want to consider new challenges with a range of cowgirl weeks and cattle drives on offer from Ranch Rider. At the Sweet Grass Working Ranch in Montana the fairer sex can learn to master the reins and even ride bareback if they are feeling adventurous. Ranch Rider tip: The Sweet Grass Ranch takes kids of six and above, but 03 to 10 June is female only week. Dinner rides, swimming in the creek, hiking and even impromptu sing-alongs round the campfire come as part of the package. Ranch Rider’s 6-night cowgirls on tour package costs FROM £1,677pp (price includes single supplement).
‘Would be’ cowboys can also take up the reins on Ranch Rider’s Flynn High Country Cattle Drive. A tradition since 1870, this is an authentic experience and not a staged event, unlike cattle drives that are more commonly found at some recreational style ranches. Activities include lariat roping, fly-fishing and a celebratory barn dance after moving cattle to their summer pastures. Ranch Rider tip: an exhilarating adult only activity with no single supplement, available in June and August. A 6-night cattle drive with Ranch Rider costs FROM £1,578pp. Excludes gratuities and pre and post cattle drive accommodation.
All the above prices (unless otherwise stated) include return flight, all accommodation (based on two adults sharing), transfers, gratuities, airport taxes, meals, and all ranch based riding, with flights from the following departure airports, Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Additional departure airports including Aberdeen, Bristol, Cardiff, Leeds/Bradford, Humberside, Teeside, Newcastle and Norwich are available at a £50pp supplement. Please note: flight prices are a guide only and may be subject to further fuel surcharges or increases.
Telephone Ranch Rider on 01509 618811 or visit Ranch Rider at www.ranchrider.com for further information.
Source: http://www.responsesource.com/releases/rel_display.php?relid=30162&hilite=
Travel in Austria: Free Travel Guide of Vienna by Flashbooking for backpakers
For the Vienna travel guide Flashbooking staff efforts concentrate on making it simple to read and with a nice format.
Date Released: 03/13/2007
Vienna, Austria's capital city, has 1,533,000 inhabitants and stands on the right bank of the Danube, at the foot of the Wienervald hills. Originally referred to as Vindobona, the city had already gained noteable importance by the period of the Roman Empire. From the 13th century to the end of the First World War, the country was under the rule of the Asburg family.
The guides are full of essential hints on where to go, things to see, Vienna's Museums, shopping mall and flea markets, quality places reasonably priced where to eat or sip a famous Pilsner, clubs and discos, budget hostels and cheap hotel deals to book, emergency numbers and more.
Nearly all the city's sights and major attractions are located within a small area and are easily reached on foot.Vienna is divided into districts (bezirke). District number 1(Inneren Stadt) is the centre of the city and contains the largest number of monuments, all of which are indicated with a red and white sign. The Ringstrasse is the visitor's first indication of Imperial Vienna.
Flashbooking is a growing cheap hostel Vienna and hotels directory specializing in budget accommodation for independent travellers, students, adventurous backpackers, international volunteers, families and all the ones that travel on a budget.
Flashbooking accommodation database is easily available online and comes completed with all relevant information about youth hostel and hotel location and map, description, services, hostel contacts, customer ratings, six pictures and updated prices inclusive of taxes and services together with instant real availability.
With the monthly newsletter, Flashbooking puts at travellers' and partner hostels' free disposal some useful information tools as pocket travel guides of the top world cities: the Amsterdam City guide, the London City guide, the Barcelona City guide, the Paris City guide, the Rome City guide, the Florence City guide, and the freshly issued Vienna City guide!
In general, these guides have been written for giving the essential information about the most visited cities in the world and in particular for any traveller or first-time visitor. For a short visit, a week-end, a city break, these free pocket guides are useful printable and downloadable tools available online.
Having the reservation final price is also convenient as it does give the transparency our users pretend while booking. Having the final total amount of your booking means you do not have to worry about other extra surprises! Flashbooking cheap lodging solutions are all available for online bookings and divided by Countries.
Thawte is a system which encrypts all the processed data and guarantees that this will not be read, used or modified by other parties. Confirmed online bookings mean that your holiday is just a click away, that you can get all the information needed to book online, that you can save time and money!
Recently added a new free customer service online at travellers disposal to suggest the perfect accommodation for their trip and voyages. The Skype account 'Flashbooking Customercare' gives more assistance also in the booking process for all our travellers and backpackers needs.
Flashbooking chose to provide backpackers, students and families with a list of budget selected and independent accommodations worldwide, mostly run by locals, in order to promote an alternative tourism respectful of cultures and different societies.
Our travellers are also our good partners as they help us either giving their ratings of some accommodations, lodgings, cheap hotels Vienna, youth hostels and cheap hotels in Vienna where they personally stayed, either enlarging the hostel offer by reporting some new contacts.
Flashbooking policy tends to privilege small and family-run hotels in order to promote an alternative tourism respectful of cultures and different societies.
So mates, we are looking forward to finding you THE budget accommodation that meets your needs and pocket for your next trip!
This article was written by Michele De Capitani with support from cheap hostels & hotels. For any information on how travel insurance, please visit our website to download your free travel guides for Vienna City in Austria.
Source: http://www.fastpitchnetworking.com/pressrelease.cfm?PRID=6414
Date Released: 03/13/2007
Vienna, Austria's capital city, has 1,533,000 inhabitants and stands on the right bank of the Danube, at the foot of the Wienervald hills. Originally referred to as Vindobona, the city had already gained noteable importance by the period of the Roman Empire. From the 13th century to the end of the First World War, the country was under the rule of the Asburg family.
The guides are full of essential hints on where to go, things to see, Vienna's Museums, shopping mall and flea markets, quality places reasonably priced where to eat or sip a famous Pilsner, clubs and discos, budget hostels and cheap hotel deals to book, emergency numbers and more.
Nearly all the city's sights and major attractions are located within a small area and are easily reached on foot.Vienna is divided into districts (bezirke). District number 1(Inneren Stadt) is the centre of the city and contains the largest number of monuments, all of which are indicated with a red and white sign. The Ringstrasse is the visitor's first indication of Imperial Vienna.
Flashbooking is a growing cheap hostel Vienna and hotels directory specializing in budget accommodation for independent travellers, students, adventurous backpackers, international volunteers, families and all the ones that travel on a budget.
Flashbooking accommodation database is easily available online and comes completed with all relevant information about youth hostel and hotel location and map, description, services, hostel contacts, customer ratings, six pictures and updated prices inclusive of taxes and services together with instant real availability.
With the monthly newsletter, Flashbooking puts at travellers' and partner hostels' free disposal some useful information tools as pocket travel guides of the top world cities: the Amsterdam City guide, the London City guide, the Barcelona City guide, the Paris City guide, the Rome City guide, the Florence City guide, and the freshly issued Vienna City guide!
In general, these guides have been written for giving the essential information about the most visited cities in the world and in particular for any traveller or first-time visitor. For a short visit, a week-end, a city break, these free pocket guides are useful printable and downloadable tools available online.
Having the reservation final price is also convenient as it does give the transparency our users pretend while booking. Having the final total amount of your booking means you do not have to worry about other extra surprises! Flashbooking cheap lodging solutions are all available for online bookings and divided by Countries.
Thawte is a system which encrypts all the processed data and guarantees that this will not be read, used or modified by other parties. Confirmed online bookings mean that your holiday is just a click away, that you can get all the information needed to book online, that you can save time and money!
Recently added a new free customer service online at travellers disposal to suggest the perfect accommodation for their trip and voyages. The Skype account 'Flashbooking Customercare' gives more assistance also in the booking process for all our travellers and backpackers needs.
Flashbooking chose to provide backpackers, students and families with a list of budget selected and independent accommodations worldwide, mostly run by locals, in order to promote an alternative tourism respectful of cultures and different societies.
Our travellers are also our good partners as they help us either giving their ratings of some accommodations, lodgings, cheap hotels Vienna, youth hostels and cheap hotels in Vienna where they personally stayed, either enlarging the hostel offer by reporting some new contacts.
Flashbooking policy tends to privilege small and family-run hotels in order to promote an alternative tourism respectful of cultures and different societies.
So mates, we are looking forward to finding you THE budget accommodation that meets your needs and pocket for your next trip!
This article was written by Michele De Capitani with support from cheap hostels & hotels. For any information on how travel insurance, please visit our website to download your free travel guides for Vienna City in Austria.
Source: http://www.fastpitchnetworking.com/pressrelease.cfm?PRID=6414
California Ride Guide
What's New for the 2007 Season at California Theme Parks and Amusement Parks
There'll be plenty of attractions debuting at California parks in 2007. Let's take a park-by-park look at all of the new fun.
Disneyland Resort
Anaheim, CA
Year of a Million Dreams, Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, Rockin' Space Mountain
After wrapping its successful 50th-anniversary celebration of Disneyland last year, Disney launched the multi-park event, The Year of a Million Dreams (which curiously spans 15 months and will continue through the end of 2007). The highlight of the event is a Disney Dreams Giveaway sweepstakes that awards large, small, and one-of-a-kind prizes, such as a night's stay at the new Mickey Mouse Penthouse, a tricked-out Mouse pad atop the Disneyland Hotel.
Disneyland's Year of a Million Dreams Overview
Disneyland's Year of a Million Dreams Photo Gallery
Knott's Berry Farm
Buena Park, CA
Sierra Sidewinder
A spinning coaster is coming to Knott's in 2007.
Legoland California
Carlsbad (near San Diego), CA
Captain Cranky’s Challenge and Miniland Las Vegas
A new kiddie ride comes to the park's Pirate Shores land, and Las Vegas gets the Legoland treatment with miniature models of famous casinos such as the Luxor, Paris, and The Mirage.
Six Flags Magic Mountain
Valencia (near Los Angeles), CA
Psyclone and Flashback
I doubt any ride fans will be particularly upset or surprised to learn that Six Flags Magic Mountain is giving the heave-ho to its Psyclone and Flashback coasters. The problem-prone rides will be removed this season.
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
Vallejo (near San Francisco), CA
Thomas the Tank Engine Rides
The park that used to be known as Six Flags Marine World will feature a new area themed to the popular children's TV and book series, Thomas the Tank Engine. There will be new rides and characters to meet.
Source: about.com
Aquatica Water Park at SeaWorld Orlando
It's Not Open Yet!:
Aquatica is scheduled to open spring 2008.
Phone:
800-327-2424 or (407) 351-3600
Aquatica Water Park at SeaWorld Location:
Orlando, Florida
Water Park Admission Policy:
Aquatica will require a separate admission from SeaWorld Orlando (and from Discovery Cove, SeaWorld Orlando's dolphin experience park).
Directions to Aquatica Water Park at SeaWorld Orlando:
From Orlando: Take I-4 to Exit 72.
From Tampa: Take I-4 to Exit 71.
Aquatica Waterpark Features:
Tube slides, speed slides, body slides, raft slides, bowl rides, mat-racing slides, family raft ride, wave pools, activity pool, lazy river, action river, live animals, interactive water play center, and play areas for younger kids.
Aquatica Water Park at SeaWorld Orlando Overview:
A huge, 59-acre water park, Aquatica will offer a highly themed South Sea Islands atmosphere, lush landscaping, lots of water rides and attractions for all ages and thrill levels, including some with unique features. And, because it's SeaWorld, there will also be opportunities to interact with animals.
Perhaps its most unique attraction will be side-by-side clear water slides that will shoot riders underwater where they will encounter black and white Commerson’s dolphins. Aquatica will also offer twin wave pools that can produce two different wave patterns or work in tandem to create dueling waves and enormous combined waves. The park will present two lazy rivers as well, one that will gently send riders past live exotic birds and into a cave, and a more adventurous ride that will zoom passengers into geysers and rapids.
With its many attractions, 80,000 square feet of beach area, and other amenities, SeaWorld Orlando promises that Aquatica will have lots of capacity and that lines should be kept to a minimum.
Silversea Cruises launches Special Culinary and Wine Cruises for 2007
Silversea Cruises is spicing up its 2007 schedule with an enticing collection of 6 Culinary Arts and 5 Wine Series voyages.
The popular enrichment cruises will showcase the artistry of award-winning chefs of top dining establishments from around the world, including Relais & Châteaux – Relais Gourmands, the distinguished international association of boutique hotels and restaurants, while wine experts from an array of prestigious estates and wineries will be on hand to host the Wine Series voyages.
"Our culinary and wine theme cruises offer the perfect blend of education and entertainment that appeals to our sophisticated clientele's desire for personal growth and cultural enrichment," said David Morris, Silversea's executive vice president of worldwide sales and marketing. “Every year they continue to grow in popularity with our guests, and we’re delighted to roll out a brand new selection of these special enrichment voyages for 2007."
Culinary Arts Voyages
On 6 culinary sailings, guest chefs will display their exceptional talents during informative and entertaining cooking demonstrations. Guests can taste and learn firsthand the secrets of enticing signature dishes created by award-winning chefs like Anne Desjardins, the CAA/AAA Four Diamond chef/owner of L'Eau à La Bouche in Ste-Adèle, Québec; Cal Stamenov, executive chef of Marinus, the Mobil Four-Star restaurant at Bernardus Lodge in Carmel Valley, California; and Gale Gand, host of Food Network's Sweet Dreams cooking show and executive pastry chef and partner of Chicago’s Tru, a Mobil Four Star and AAA Five Diamond restaurant.
The Culinary Arts enrichment voyages also feature escorted trips to international markets, food and wine pairings, creative regional dishes, and a five-course grand gourmet dinner. Throughout these special voyages, the featured guest chef and Silversea’s executive chef are on hand to share their culinary expertise and answer any questions.
Wine Series
Travellers with a passion for fine wines will enjoy sampling some of the world’s finest vintages and visiting world-famous wineries, cellars and vineyards aboard 5 wine-themed cruises. Top experts like David Elswood, international head of the wine department at Christie's, the world's oldest auctioneer of fine wines, and Eduardo Pulenta, Jr. of the award-winning Pulenta Estate, one of Argentina's hottest new winemakers, will be on board to provide enriching lectures, conduct special tastings of vintage blends and guide Silversea’s guests on excursions to celebrated wineries and vineyards in select ports of call.
Source: asiatraveltips.com
The popular enrichment cruises will showcase the artistry of award-winning chefs of top dining establishments from around the world, including Relais & Châteaux – Relais Gourmands, the distinguished international association of boutique hotels and restaurants, while wine experts from an array of prestigious estates and wineries will be on hand to host the Wine Series voyages.
"Our culinary and wine theme cruises offer the perfect blend of education and entertainment that appeals to our sophisticated clientele's desire for personal growth and cultural enrichment," said David Morris, Silversea's executive vice president of worldwide sales and marketing. “Every year they continue to grow in popularity with our guests, and we’re delighted to roll out a brand new selection of these special enrichment voyages for 2007."
Culinary Arts Voyages
On 6 culinary sailings, guest chefs will display their exceptional talents during informative and entertaining cooking demonstrations. Guests can taste and learn firsthand the secrets of enticing signature dishes created by award-winning chefs like Anne Desjardins, the CAA/AAA Four Diamond chef/owner of L'Eau à La Bouche in Ste-Adèle, Québec; Cal Stamenov, executive chef of Marinus, the Mobil Four-Star restaurant at Bernardus Lodge in Carmel Valley, California; and Gale Gand, host of Food Network's Sweet Dreams cooking show and executive pastry chef and partner of Chicago’s Tru, a Mobil Four Star and AAA Five Diamond restaurant.
The Culinary Arts enrichment voyages also feature escorted trips to international markets, food and wine pairings, creative regional dishes, and a five-course grand gourmet dinner. Throughout these special voyages, the featured guest chef and Silversea’s executive chef are on hand to share their culinary expertise and answer any questions.
Wine Series
Travellers with a passion for fine wines will enjoy sampling some of the world’s finest vintages and visiting world-famous wineries, cellars and vineyards aboard 5 wine-themed cruises. Top experts like David Elswood, international head of the wine department at Christie's, the world's oldest auctioneer of fine wines, and Eduardo Pulenta, Jr. of the award-winning Pulenta Estate, one of Argentina's hottest new winemakers, will be on board to provide enriching lectures, conduct special tastings of vintage blends and guide Silversea’s guests on excursions to celebrated wineries and vineyards in select ports of call.
Source: asiatraveltips.com
Monday, March 12, 2007
The Queen Mary 2 visits Dubai for First Time
The Queen Mary 2, one of the world's largest ocean liners, arrived in Dubai for the first time on Sunday (March 11) as part of her maiden global world cruise.
As it docked at the state-of-the-art Dubai Cruise Terminal in the Port Rashid complex, the 1,132-feet-long, 72-metre tall vessel made history by becoming the largest ship ever to enter Dubai.
A host of VIPs and government officials led by the Director General of Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), Mr. Khalid A bin Sulayem, and Mr. Awadh Seghayer Al Ketbi, Acting Manager of DTCM-managed Dubai Cruise Terminal, joined the fanfare to welcome 4,200 passengers, including 1,600 crew members.
The cruise liner has arrived from the Indian port city of Kochi and is heading to Egypt. The bulk of the passengers are Australians followed by US, British and German nationals.
Operated by Cunard Line, the Queen Mary 2 started its around the world –in-80 days journey on January 11 from Fort Lauderdale in the US and after circumnavigating the globe and covering 38,000 nautical miles, it will return to the port on April 2.
The ship has 19 decks which equals the height of a 23-story building. The ship is only 118 feet shorter than the Empire State Building. The Queen Mary 2 has the largest ballroom at sea and the only planetarium at sea. QM2 entered service in January 2004 and is the largest, longest, widest, tallest and most expensive passenger ship in history. The Queen Mary 2 is the first passenger liner purpose-built for trans-Atlantic service in 35 years.
The Queen Mary 2 features a broad range of accommodations, from the most economical 194-square-ft. inside cabins to lavish duplex suites. All in all, from a total of 1,310 cabins, 955 are fitted with the private balconies.
The massive 151,400-ton Queen Mary 2 navigates at the top speed of approximately 30 knots (34.5 mph) and its whistle is audible at 10 miles.
Source: asiatraveltips.com
As it docked at the state-of-the-art Dubai Cruise Terminal in the Port Rashid complex, the 1,132-feet-long, 72-metre tall vessel made history by becoming the largest ship ever to enter Dubai.
A host of VIPs and government officials led by the Director General of Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), Mr. Khalid A bin Sulayem, and Mr. Awadh Seghayer Al Ketbi, Acting Manager of DTCM-managed Dubai Cruise Terminal, joined the fanfare to welcome 4,200 passengers, including 1,600 crew members.
The cruise liner has arrived from the Indian port city of Kochi and is heading to Egypt. The bulk of the passengers are Australians followed by US, British and German nationals.
Operated by Cunard Line, the Queen Mary 2 started its around the world –in-80 days journey on January 11 from Fort Lauderdale in the US and after circumnavigating the globe and covering 38,000 nautical miles, it will return to the port on April 2.
The ship has 19 decks which equals the height of a 23-story building. The ship is only 118 feet shorter than the Empire State Building. The Queen Mary 2 has the largest ballroom at sea and the only planetarium at sea. QM2 entered service in January 2004 and is the largest, longest, widest, tallest and most expensive passenger ship in history. The Queen Mary 2 is the first passenger liner purpose-built for trans-Atlantic service in 35 years.
The Queen Mary 2 features a broad range of accommodations, from the most economical 194-square-ft. inside cabins to lavish duplex suites. All in all, from a total of 1,310 cabins, 955 are fitted with the private balconies.
The massive 151,400-ton Queen Mary 2 navigates at the top speed of approximately 30 knots (34.5 mph) and its whistle is audible at 10 miles.
Source: asiatraveltips.com
Dubai Hotels Revenues Reach AED11 Billion Mark in 2006
The total revenues of Dubai hotels and hotel apartments crossed the AED 11 billion mark in 2006. With hotel occupancy levels in January of 85%, Dubai hotels generated revenues of US$238.9 million.
The stellar performance of the Dubai hospitality industry was revealed by the department at the International Tourism Exchange (ITB-2007) in Berlin in which 97 government and private sector organizations from the emirate participated under the DTCM umbrella from March 7 to 11.
The DTCM Director General, Mr. Khalid A bin Sulayem, said, “The excellent performance by the hospitality industry in the emirate during 2006 is a reflection of our marketing and promotional initiatives, especially in the overseas markets, to position Dubai as the world's leading tourism hub. It is also the fruit of an inspirational public-private sector partnership and government’s unwavering determination to be a model destination.”
According to statistics, an all-time record 6.5 million guests stayed with Dubai hotels whose numbers touched 414 last year. VFR (Visiting Friends and Relations) visitors are not counted as hotel guests. There was a 6.9% increase in hotel rooms and flats during the same year, bringing the total to 40,862.
The department said the lodging and non-lodging revenues of Dubai hotels and hotel apartments was AED10,835,463,000, a whopping 22.8% rise over the previous year. More than AED9 billion revenues were notched up by the hotels, while hotel apartments scored AED1.1 billion business in 2006. Similarly, the guest nights rose by 7.9% to reach 17.59 million in 2006 as against 16.3 in 2005 with 7.3% increase.
Meanwhile, the Dubai’s participation in the ITB for the 18th successive year has remained rewarding for the DTCM and its co-participants with the Dubai Stand attracting large numbers of visitors, both from the travel trade and general public.
The Dubai Stand at the 41st edition of ITB measured 506 square metres and had 53 booths. Visitors were provided with the opportunity to watch the handicrafts and Arabic calligraphy at the stand in addition to a chocolate statue of Burj Al Arab and Costa cruise ship model.
Source: asiatraveltips.com
The stellar performance of the Dubai hospitality industry was revealed by the department at the International Tourism Exchange (ITB-2007) in Berlin in which 97 government and private sector organizations from the emirate participated under the DTCM umbrella from March 7 to 11.
The DTCM Director General, Mr. Khalid A bin Sulayem, said, “The excellent performance by the hospitality industry in the emirate during 2006 is a reflection of our marketing and promotional initiatives, especially in the overseas markets, to position Dubai as the world's leading tourism hub. It is also the fruit of an inspirational public-private sector partnership and government’s unwavering determination to be a model destination.”
According to statistics, an all-time record 6.5 million guests stayed with Dubai hotels whose numbers touched 414 last year. VFR (Visiting Friends and Relations) visitors are not counted as hotel guests. There was a 6.9% increase in hotel rooms and flats during the same year, bringing the total to 40,862.
The department said the lodging and non-lodging revenues of Dubai hotels and hotel apartments was AED10,835,463,000, a whopping 22.8% rise over the previous year. More than AED9 billion revenues were notched up by the hotels, while hotel apartments scored AED1.1 billion business in 2006. Similarly, the guest nights rose by 7.9% to reach 17.59 million in 2006 as against 16.3 in 2005 with 7.3% increase.
Meanwhile, the Dubai’s participation in the ITB for the 18th successive year has remained rewarding for the DTCM and its co-participants with the Dubai Stand attracting large numbers of visitors, both from the travel trade and general public.
The Dubai Stand at the 41st edition of ITB measured 506 square metres and had 53 booths. Visitors were provided with the opportunity to watch the handicrafts and Arabic calligraphy at the stand in addition to a chocolate statue of Burj Al Arab and Costa cruise ship model.
Source: asiatraveltips.com
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Top 10 Summer Concerts and Music Festivals in Europe
Strike up the band --summer concerts are almost here! In Europe, that means some of the biggest, as well as small but hot, bands in the world are hitting Europe for huge summer music festivals. Several-day extravaganzas with camping, food and merriment mean summer concerts in Europe are a ready-made vacation with thousands of your soon-to-be closest new friends. Lineups are coming out now for 2007, and some tickets, like Sweden's Hultsfred Festival, are already on sale.
Check out the top 10 -- plus a few -- summer concerts and music festivals that can top your list of to-do parties in Europe.
1) Sziget Festival, Budapest
Acts like the Beatsteaks and way fun gypsy punks Gogol Bordello highlighted Hungary's Sziget Festival last year, a gigundo music blast with five stages featuring music from mainstream to "HammerWorld" over five days starting August 8 in 2007 (no lineup yet). Jazz makes an appearance and the MTV Theater provides entertainment, while the Roma Tent hosts "underground electric music called Meduza (Jellyfish)." Yeah, huh. $155 festival tickets include a week's camping amid at least 50,000 folks.
2) Roskilde Festival, Denmark
Everything from metal bands to Scandanavian punk take center stage for this four-day world party kicking off July 5 in Denmark. Groups like Cult of Luna and Mastodon will be on hand, offset by acts to make you go hmmm like The Who. Partiers exceed 90,000, and camping is the thing; you can even rent a tent if you ask early. Tickets are $230 -- not bad for parking, camping, luggage storage, 160 acts and a gazillion activities.
3) Oxegen Festival, Ireland
Dublin plays host to over 100 acts and 100,000 rockers at this sells-out-fast event featuring concerts from Snow Patrol, Muse, Scissor Sisters, Kings of Leon, Interpol, Amy Winehouse, The Fratellis, MIKA, Wu Tang Clan, Tori Amos, The Goo Goo Dolls, The Killers, Razorlight, Arcade Fire, and Cagedbaby. Overnight camping for those doing both days (and everyone is) starting July 7. Scalpers thrive here; may the force be with you if you forge on to Dublin ticketless -- you can always commiserate with other hopeful travelers in Temple Bar, Dublin's downtown pub-hopping place to be.
4) Pukkelpop, Belgium
Radiohead, Daft Punk, Beck, Massive Attack and Audio Slave were among the names entertaining 100,000 younger rockers last year; the fun starts August 16 in 2007 at this three-day summer music festival featuring several staging areas, including the "Chateau Crapule" for some interesting acts. $145 covers camping, concerts and train or bus tix from anywhere in Belgium. No booze or free water, but plenty of food and drink to buy.
5) Hultsfred Festival, Sweden
Korn, Flogging Molly, The Lionheart Brothers, Taxi, Taxi!, Gorilla Biscuits, Client, Juvelen, Avatar, Ozzy Osbourne, Wolfmother, Sahara Hotnights, Justice, Salem al Fakir, and Does It Offend You, Yeah? have been confirmed as fronting the fun for a ton of mostly Euro bands at the three-day Hultsfred festival, starting June 14 in southwest Sweden. $188 covers camping and concert tickets for at least 25,000 folks. This is one of Europe's summer music festivals that does sell out -- hop on the wagon quick.
6) Rock Werchter, Belgium
Arctic Monkeys, Marilyn Manson, Metallica, Pearl Jam, The Beastie Boys, Bjork and My Chemical Romance are some of the acts headlining Belgium's Rock Werchter, a four-day music festival literally beside the road 15 kilometers from Leuven June 28-July 1. Buses run to the festival, and those under 26 ride Belgian rails free; everyone rides free with a concert ticket. Sixty-euro daily tickets don't cover 15-euro onsite camping.
7) Provinssirock Festival, Finland
Seinajoki, Finland will come alive June 15-17 with "The Party of the People" as Velvet Revolver, Unearth, Lamb of God, Patti Smith, Aiden and many Euro acts take the riverbank and island stages. Bars on site and friendly folk highlight the Provinssirock music festival, one of Europe's finest and funnest summer concerts. Weekend concert passes are $100 (single day passes available). Man the bridges!
8) T in the Park, Scotland
Big stages, big steel fence, and big names like Arctic Monkeys and Tori Amos headlining for scores of hot-now names including Damien Rice and The Sawdoctors at this July 6-8 music festival at Balrado, by Kinross, in green, green Scotland. No concert tickets at the gate (don't bother trying -- serious security). Bring campervans (like VW Westfalias -- no trailers, though) and tents -- this is the biggest camping party in Europe.
9) Benicassim Festival, Spain
The Mediterranean beach in summer and music, music, music -- that's the three-day Benicassim Festival in Spain July 19-22. Iggy & the Stooges, Muse and The Human League round out an eclectic FIB (Festival Internacional de Benicassim) concert lineup often featuring oldies but goodies (Echo and the Bunnymen and Depeche Mode last year). Free-spirit camping in fields for nine days. Check out a video preview, including concert footage of the music festival.
10) DJ and Club Culture Summer Music Festivals in Europe
Berlin's Love Parade is a hip German happening with floats, one million folks, and club culture music from international dj's.
Exit Festival, Novi Sad, Serbia and Montenegro -- camping and hip, hip dj's.
10 Days Off, Ghent, Belgium -- major dance music.
Notting Hill Carnival, London -- "Sound Systems" are key when the Caribbean comes to town. The smell of island spice sets the stage for two million partiers watched by hundreds of policemen. Dirty dancing and crazy costumes.
Glastonbury Festival - old and new hippies will gather late June in muddy Brit fields.
Got a festival? Need a festival?
Tell others about a good Europe summer music festival, or ask those who've been there, done that for tips on specific festivals.
Check out the top 10 -- plus a few -- summer concerts and music festivals that can top your list of to-do parties in Europe.
1) Sziget Festival, Budapest
Acts like the Beatsteaks and way fun gypsy punks Gogol Bordello highlighted Hungary's Sziget Festival last year, a gigundo music blast with five stages featuring music from mainstream to "HammerWorld" over five days starting August 8 in 2007 (no lineup yet). Jazz makes an appearance and the MTV Theater provides entertainment, while the Roma Tent hosts "underground electric music called Meduza (Jellyfish)." Yeah, huh. $155 festival tickets include a week's camping amid at least 50,000 folks.
2) Roskilde Festival, Denmark
Everything from metal bands to Scandanavian punk take center stage for this four-day world party kicking off July 5 in Denmark. Groups like Cult of Luna and Mastodon will be on hand, offset by acts to make you go hmmm like The Who. Partiers exceed 90,000, and camping is the thing; you can even rent a tent if you ask early. Tickets are $230 -- not bad for parking, camping, luggage storage, 160 acts and a gazillion activities.
3) Oxegen Festival, Ireland
Dublin plays host to over 100 acts and 100,000 rockers at this sells-out-fast event featuring concerts from Snow Patrol, Muse, Scissor Sisters, Kings of Leon, Interpol, Amy Winehouse, The Fratellis, MIKA, Wu Tang Clan, Tori Amos, The Goo Goo Dolls, The Killers, Razorlight, Arcade Fire, and Cagedbaby. Overnight camping for those doing both days (and everyone is) starting July 7. Scalpers thrive here; may the force be with you if you forge on to Dublin ticketless -- you can always commiserate with other hopeful travelers in Temple Bar, Dublin's downtown pub-hopping place to be.
4) Pukkelpop, Belgium
Radiohead, Daft Punk, Beck, Massive Attack and Audio Slave were among the names entertaining 100,000 younger rockers last year; the fun starts August 16 in 2007 at this three-day summer music festival featuring several staging areas, including the "Chateau Crapule" for some interesting acts. $145 covers camping, concerts and train or bus tix from anywhere in Belgium. No booze or free water, but plenty of food and drink to buy.
5) Hultsfred Festival, Sweden
Korn, Flogging Molly, The Lionheart Brothers, Taxi, Taxi!, Gorilla Biscuits, Client, Juvelen, Avatar, Ozzy Osbourne, Wolfmother, Sahara Hotnights, Justice, Salem al Fakir, and Does It Offend You, Yeah? have been confirmed as fronting the fun for a ton of mostly Euro bands at the three-day Hultsfred festival, starting June 14 in southwest Sweden. $188 covers camping and concert tickets for at least 25,000 folks. This is one of Europe's summer music festivals that does sell out -- hop on the wagon quick.
6) Rock Werchter, Belgium
Arctic Monkeys, Marilyn Manson, Metallica, Pearl Jam, The Beastie Boys, Bjork and My Chemical Romance are some of the acts headlining Belgium's Rock Werchter, a four-day music festival literally beside the road 15 kilometers from Leuven June 28-July 1. Buses run to the festival, and those under 26 ride Belgian rails free; everyone rides free with a concert ticket. Sixty-euro daily tickets don't cover 15-euro onsite camping.
7) Provinssirock Festival, Finland
Seinajoki, Finland will come alive June 15-17 with "The Party of the People" as Velvet Revolver, Unearth, Lamb of God, Patti Smith, Aiden and many Euro acts take the riverbank and island stages. Bars on site and friendly folk highlight the Provinssirock music festival, one of Europe's finest and funnest summer concerts. Weekend concert passes are $100 (single day passes available). Man the bridges!
8) T in the Park, Scotland
Big stages, big steel fence, and big names like Arctic Monkeys and Tori Amos headlining for scores of hot-now names including Damien Rice and The Sawdoctors at this July 6-8 music festival at Balrado, by Kinross, in green, green Scotland. No concert tickets at the gate (don't bother trying -- serious security). Bring campervans (like VW Westfalias -- no trailers, though) and tents -- this is the biggest camping party in Europe.
9) Benicassim Festival, Spain
The Mediterranean beach in summer and music, music, music -- that's the three-day Benicassim Festival in Spain July 19-22. Iggy & the Stooges, Muse and The Human League round out an eclectic FIB (Festival Internacional de Benicassim) concert lineup often featuring oldies but goodies (Echo and the Bunnymen and Depeche Mode last year). Free-spirit camping in fields for nine days. Check out a video preview, including concert footage of the music festival.
10) DJ and Club Culture Summer Music Festivals in Europe
Berlin's Love Parade is a hip German happening with floats, one million folks, and club culture music from international dj's.
Exit Festival, Novi Sad, Serbia and Montenegro -- camping and hip, hip dj's.
10 Days Off, Ghent, Belgium -- major dance music.
Notting Hill Carnival, London -- "Sound Systems" are key when the Caribbean comes to town. The smell of island spice sets the stage for two million partiers watched by hundreds of policemen. Dirty dancing and crazy costumes.
Glastonbury Festival - old and new hippies will gather late June in muddy Brit fields.
Got a festival? Need a festival?
Tell others about a good Europe summer music festival, or ask those who've been there, done that for tips on specific festivals.
Top 5 London Shopping Spots for Women
Bargain fashion for women in Soho: All over Europe, you can find top bargain fashion stores H&M, Mango and Zara, but in London, shopping for cool bargain fashion is easy as those stores are near each other and the well-known Top Shop itself. Cute Carnaby Street (vintage couture and designer rags) is within bag-swinging distance, too -- head for the Oxford Circus tube station and Soho for fashion bargain central.
"Cheap" is a relative term -- the Top Shop is truly cheap, while Zara is only cheap-ish considering the designer looks. However, European clothes fit and last, even the cheapies.
Top Shop: The famous Top Shop's clothes are a notch below H&M and several notches below higher-end Zara or Mango, but the Top Shop has oodles of cute accessories and cheap tees. Avoid the Kmart syndrome (loading up because it's cheap) -- better pants and coats await at H&M. Grab some hats and scarves and a top or two here. (Locations at bottom of article).
H&M: Bargain fashion for women at it's finest-yet-cheapest may be H&M women's department store. With five H&M stores near the Oxford Circus tube stop, you can knock yourself out and still stagger easily back to the hostel. Different H&M's have different types of clothes: the one just across from the Oxford Circus tube stop is hottest. H&M is without doubt my favorite haunt for London shopping without spending a fortune. (Locations at bottom of article).
Carnaby Street: A cool pedestrians-only spot near Oxford Street, Carnaby Street is a spot rather than just a street. Stores and cafes line the wide walkways; you can buy everything from Diesel jeans to antique hippie wear here. A very sweet little coffee spot called Sacred is a good place to rest your shopping-tired tootsies while having a cardamom-flavored cup of Thai coffee with condensed milk (it's delish). Do I love this kind of London shopping!
Mango: Tres cute stuff at tres cute prices awaits at the central Mango store. Brand new clothes are in the Nordstrom's price range, but made very well for relatively inexpensive designerish wear. Check the sales racks -- that stuff is just coming to your campus back home. (Locations at bottom of article).
Zara: Ah -- the mecca of cute clothes in Europe and spreading across the globe. Zara produces affordable designer-look wear at far less than designer prices. I've never been disappointed in Zara after meeting it in Acapulco, of all places -- this site of the Spanish store will fulfill expectations. (Locations at bottom of article).
About catch and release London shopping: Returning impulse purchases after London shopping is not like breezing back to the mall at home (yeah, I know, duh - but can be hard to remember!). Avoid buying unless you really want it -- or you're really sure you can sell it on eBay if you change your mind once you're home. And forget trying to exchange something bought at the London H&M at an H&M in Munich or Paris. Instead, think twice before you put out.
About London shopping with your credit card: Europe and the UK don't have the identity theft problems the US deals with -- if you haven't signed your credit card to protect yourself, you may want to have your passport handy for ID while shopping in the UK. The sales clerk is going to ask you about it, too -- as in several variations on, "Why isn't your card signed?" Explaining identity theft is fruitless -- just produce the passport.
Learn about traveling with a credit card == costs and fees
Bargain Fashion London Shopping Locations - Street Markets, Too: Take the tube to Oxford Circus. You can walk everywhere you want to be from there -- you're now roughly in London shopping and arts mecca Soho (Piccadilly Circus is the next tube stop). Little boutiques come and go in the neighborhood -- look for earrings in smaller places. Look askance at bargain fashion scarves and pashminas being sold on the street -- the same thing, but cuter and better, may await in H&M.
How to ride the London tube
Top Shop Address
Central Top Shop:
60-64 The Strand
H&M London Addresses
Central H&M addresses:
- 261-271 Regent Street
- 174 Oxford Street
- 481 Oxford Street
- 360 Oxford Street
Carnaby Street Directions
A cool pedestrians-only area near Oxford Street, Carnaby Street is an area comprising a few foot and bike traffic alleyways. Walk south on Regent Street from the Oxford Circus tube stop and hang a left into Carnaby Street.
See photos of Carnaby Street
Mango Address
225 Oxford Street
Zara Address
333 Oxford Street
London Street Markets and More London Shopping
The city has something like 70 street markets which spring to life on weekends -- stroll down Portobello Road for antiques, take the tube to Covent Garden for street art, or head for the London Bridge and the old, venerated Borough Market for foodie-watching fun. Clothes and crowds abound at Petticoat Lane's market -- haggle on the leather jackets this street market's known for.
Source: about.com
"Cheap" is a relative term -- the Top Shop is truly cheap, while Zara is only cheap-ish considering the designer looks. However, European clothes fit and last, even the cheapies.
Top Shop: The famous Top Shop's clothes are a notch below H&M and several notches below higher-end Zara or Mango, but the Top Shop has oodles of cute accessories and cheap tees. Avoid the Kmart syndrome (loading up because it's cheap) -- better pants and coats await at H&M. Grab some hats and scarves and a top or two here. (Locations at bottom of article).
H&M: Bargain fashion for women at it's finest-yet-cheapest may be H&M women's department store. With five H&M stores near the Oxford Circus tube stop, you can knock yourself out and still stagger easily back to the hostel. Different H&M's have different types of clothes: the one just across from the Oxford Circus tube stop is hottest. H&M is without doubt my favorite haunt for London shopping without spending a fortune. (Locations at bottom of article).
Carnaby Street: A cool pedestrians-only spot near Oxford Street, Carnaby Street is a spot rather than just a street. Stores and cafes line the wide walkways; you can buy everything from Diesel jeans to antique hippie wear here. A very sweet little coffee spot called Sacred is a good place to rest your shopping-tired tootsies while having a cardamom-flavored cup of Thai coffee with condensed milk (it's delish). Do I love this kind of London shopping!
Mango: Tres cute stuff at tres cute prices awaits at the central Mango store. Brand new clothes are in the Nordstrom's price range, but made very well for relatively inexpensive designerish wear. Check the sales racks -- that stuff is just coming to your campus back home. (Locations at bottom of article).
Zara: Ah -- the mecca of cute clothes in Europe and spreading across the globe. Zara produces affordable designer-look wear at far less than designer prices. I've never been disappointed in Zara after meeting it in Acapulco, of all places -- this site of the Spanish store will fulfill expectations. (Locations at bottom of article).
About catch and release London shopping: Returning impulse purchases after London shopping is not like breezing back to the mall at home (yeah, I know, duh - but can be hard to remember!). Avoid buying unless you really want it -- or you're really sure you can sell it on eBay if you change your mind once you're home. And forget trying to exchange something bought at the London H&M at an H&M in Munich or Paris. Instead, think twice before you put out.
About London shopping with your credit card: Europe and the UK don't have the identity theft problems the US deals with -- if you haven't signed your credit card to protect yourself, you may want to have your passport handy for ID while shopping in the UK. The sales clerk is going to ask you about it, too -- as in several variations on, "Why isn't your card signed?" Explaining identity theft is fruitless -- just produce the passport.
Learn about traveling with a credit card == costs and fees
Bargain Fashion London Shopping Locations - Street Markets, Too: Take the tube to Oxford Circus. You can walk everywhere you want to be from there -- you're now roughly in London shopping and arts mecca Soho (Piccadilly Circus is the next tube stop). Little boutiques come and go in the neighborhood -- look for earrings in smaller places. Look askance at bargain fashion scarves and pashminas being sold on the street -- the same thing, but cuter and better, may await in H&M.
How to ride the London tube
Top Shop Address
Central Top Shop:
60-64 The Strand
H&M London Addresses
Central H&M addresses:
- 261-271 Regent Street
- 174 Oxford Street
- 481 Oxford Street
- 360 Oxford Street
Carnaby Street Directions
A cool pedestrians-only area near Oxford Street, Carnaby Street is an area comprising a few foot and bike traffic alleyways. Walk south on Regent Street from the Oxford Circus tube stop and hang a left into Carnaby Street.
See photos of Carnaby Street
Mango Address
225 Oxford Street
Zara Address
333 Oxford Street
London Street Markets and More London Shopping
The city has something like 70 street markets which spring to life on weekends -- stroll down Portobello Road for antiques, take the tube to Covent Garden for street art, or head for the London Bridge and the old, venerated Borough Market for foodie-watching fun. Clothes and crowds abound at Petticoat Lane's market -- haggle on the leather jackets this street market's known for.
Source: about.com
Volunteering for Spring Break
Alternative Spring Break Ideas
The phrase "alternative spring break" has become a big hit among those ready to help you find an alternative to what's seen as normal spring break (that would be partying hearty at spring break hot spots). Alternative spring breaks often mean volunteering, a very rewarding way to spend your spring break week. So who's doing what where, when, and how?
Students can seek spring break sun and sand while volunteering in Central American conservation and home building projects, MTV is joining forces with United Way's Storm Corps program for spring break options in the Big Easy, and non-profit housebuilder Habitat for Humanity is again seeing a swell of students turning up to pound nails in storm-slammed communities on the US Gulf Coast. You can build your own alternative spring break idea, too, with volunteering options like rebuilding national park trails.
Check out a few spring break ideas for volunteering this year:
MTV Spring Break ASB 2007
MTV has labeled its alternative spring break just that: A(lternative) S(pring) B(reak). Aside from the many resources MTV has listed on its MTV ASB page for philanthropic, volunteer and altogether different spring break ideas, you can find some inspiration for helping out in your own backyard.
MTV partnered successfully with United Way for an inaugural "Storm Corps" collaboration last year to send students to the US's Gulf Coast and the program's rolling south again in 2007 -- check out the project's Storm Corps blog.
Break Away Alternative Spring Break
Break Away is a good resource on your own campus -- if your college has a chapter, you'll have access to a Break Away database of over 350 nonprofit organizations listing volunteer opportunities with details like sample work projects and housing options. Check out an example at ASU (Arizona State University) to learn what Break Away spring break trips are like.
Habitat for Humanity Spring Break Work
Non-profit homebuilder Habitat for Humanity reported last year that an "extremely generous outpouring of support" from students helped make a difference during spring break in storm-torn Gulf Coast states, and it's a place where you can lend a hand this spring, too:
Learn how Habitat for Humanity works
2006: "Habitat for Humanity Sees Spring Break Surge"
Volunteer Vacations With i-to-i
With i-to-i volunteer vacations, you can conserve a lake in Guatemala or build homes for Honduran families over spring break; if you want sun splashed sand, spend time on a Costa Rican beach, working with sea turtles. Through volunteering with a good student travel outfit like i-to-i,where volunteering goes hand-in-hand with travel, you'll see a piece of the planet having to do much of the planning.
Learn more about i-to-i volunteer vacations for college students
Volunteer in America's Wilderness
Feel like giving something back to the wild areas that you love? The American Hiking Society has the dream volunteer trip for you - American Hiking's Volunteer Vacations, where you can rake, shovel, trim, lop, and chop hundreds of trail miles. Trips are far fewer in spring than summer and some trips are already full, but you can also get inspired for hotter months' work down the road.
Learn about volunteering US national parks and forests
Who's Going to Be There?
Last year, spring break volunteering grew by leaps and bounds as alternative spring break ideas caught fire with college students. Sarah-Jane Wilton of STA Travel told About.com's Student Travel: "We are finding that each year, more students are looking beyond the wet t-shirt competitions and beach scene of Cancun, and instead seeking out a different type of experience (and) even volunteering." If that's you, you can likely hook up with a trip even at the last minute. Best of luck and karma!
Source: about.com
The phrase "alternative spring break" has become a big hit among those ready to help you find an alternative to what's seen as normal spring break (that would be partying hearty at spring break hot spots). Alternative spring breaks often mean volunteering, a very rewarding way to spend your spring break week. So who's doing what where, when, and how?
Students can seek spring break sun and sand while volunteering in Central American conservation and home building projects, MTV is joining forces with United Way's Storm Corps program for spring break options in the Big Easy, and non-profit housebuilder Habitat for Humanity is again seeing a swell of students turning up to pound nails in storm-slammed communities on the US Gulf Coast. You can build your own alternative spring break idea, too, with volunteering options like rebuilding national park trails.
Check out a few spring break ideas for volunteering this year:
MTV Spring Break ASB 2007
MTV has labeled its alternative spring break just that: A(lternative) S(pring) B(reak). Aside from the many resources MTV has listed on its MTV ASB page for philanthropic, volunteer and altogether different spring break ideas, you can find some inspiration for helping out in your own backyard.
MTV partnered successfully with United Way for an inaugural "Storm Corps" collaboration last year to send students to the US's Gulf Coast and the program's rolling south again in 2007 -- check out the project's Storm Corps blog.
Break Away Alternative Spring Break
Break Away is a good resource on your own campus -- if your college has a chapter, you'll have access to a Break Away database of over 350 nonprofit organizations listing volunteer opportunities with details like sample work projects and housing options. Check out an example at ASU (Arizona State University) to learn what Break Away spring break trips are like.
Habitat for Humanity Spring Break Work
Non-profit homebuilder Habitat for Humanity reported last year that an "extremely generous outpouring of support" from students helped make a difference during spring break in storm-torn Gulf Coast states, and it's a place where you can lend a hand this spring, too:
Learn how Habitat for Humanity works
2006: "Habitat for Humanity Sees Spring Break Surge"
Volunteer Vacations With i-to-i
With i-to-i volunteer vacations, you can conserve a lake in Guatemala or build homes for Honduran families over spring break; if you want sun splashed sand, spend time on a Costa Rican beach, working with sea turtles. Through volunteering with a good student travel outfit like i-to-i,where volunteering goes hand-in-hand with travel, you'll see a piece of the planet having to do much of the planning.
Learn more about i-to-i volunteer vacations for college students
Volunteer in America's Wilderness
Feel like giving something back to the wild areas that you love? The American Hiking Society has the dream volunteer trip for you - American Hiking's Volunteer Vacations, where you can rake, shovel, trim, lop, and chop hundreds of trail miles. Trips are far fewer in spring than summer and some trips are already full, but you can also get inspired for hotter months' work down the road.
Learn about volunteering US national parks and forests
Who's Going to Be There?
Last year, spring break volunteering grew by leaps and bounds as alternative spring break ideas caught fire with college students. Sarah-Jane Wilton of STA Travel told About.com's Student Travel: "We are finding that each year, more students are looking beyond the wet t-shirt competitions and beach scene of Cancun, and instead seeking out a different type of experience (and) even volunteering." If that's you, you can likely hook up with a trip even at the last minute. Best of luck and karma!
Source: about.com
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Top Travel Sights in Egypt
The Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx
The Pyramids of Giza represent one of the greatest architectural feats by man. The last surviving member of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Great Pyramid of Giza is one of the world's oldest tourist attractions and the reason most people visit Egypt today. There are in fact three main pyramids in Giza; the Great Pyramid of Khufu (or Cheops), The Pyramid of Kafhre and the smaller Pyramid of Menkaura. Each Pyramid is a tomb to a different King of Egypt. In front of the pyramids lies the Sphinx, or Abu al-Hol in Arabic, "Father of Terror". Carved out of a single block of stone, this enormous cat-like sculpture has mesmerized millions of visitors.
Egypt: Medieval Cairo
More than 16 million people call Cairo home and it's chaotic, exotic, smelly, dusty and also beautiful. Perhaps the most interesting section of Cairo is Medieval (Islamic) Cairo. Medieval Cairo is a warren of streets just bustling with life. There are mosques at every corner, Coptic churches, huge medieval gates and bazaars selling everything from motorbike parts to perfumes. Highlights include the Citadel and the Khan Al-Khalili bazaar (for all your tourist trinkets). The major mosques worth visiting include: the Mosque of Mohammed Ali; the Ibn Tulun, one of the largest mosques in the world; and the Al-Azharmosque which houses the oldest university in the world (from 970AD).
Egypt: Abu Simbel
Next to the Pyramids of Giza, Abu Simbel is perhaps the most recognized monument of ancient Egypt. The two temples built for the pharaoh Ramesses II have been attracting visitors since Victorian times. Almost as impressive as the monument itself is the story of its restoration in the 1960's. The temples had to be dismantled and physically moved 60 meters up a cliff where they were reassembled in the exact same relation to each other and the sun.
A daily sound and light show is a highlight not to be missed. If you can make it you should also see the Abu Simbel Festival which takes place twice a year in February and October. Natural sunlight and architectural brilliance combine to make the inner sanctum of the temple light up.
It's a breathtaking sight and makes the music, dance and food that accompanies the festival pale in comparison.
Abu Simbel lies near the Egyptian border with Sudan. The closest major town is Aswan. You can get to Abu Simbel by plane from either Cairo or Aswan. There are also daily buses and tours from Aswan to Abu Simbel. Perhaps the best way to visit Abu Simbel is by boat. There are plenty of cruises starting in Aswan that range from 3 - 5 days.
Egypt: Temples of Karnak
The spectacular Temples of Karnak are not to be missed when you travel to Egypt. As Michael Wood of the BBC History channel puts it: "Karnak is like a theme park of ancient Egyptian religion - in which every god and goddess of that civilization was represented over a period of about 2,000 years". It is no wonder then that Karnak was the most important place of worship in ancient Egypt. The site is huge, measuring 1500 x 800 meters, and is a spectacular complex of sanctuaries, kiosks, pylons and obelisks, all dedicated to the Theban gods. If you don't have the energy to cover all that ground then don't miss the Hypostile Hall in the Great Temple of Amun. There are several performances of the sound and light show a night with mixed reviews, but mostly good.
Egypt: Valley of the Kings
The Valley of the Kings (Biban El Moluk) situated on the ancient site of Thebes is where the pharaoh's were buried and hoped to meet their Gods in the afterlife. This is where you will find Tutankhamun's tomb which was discovered almost intact in the 1920's. You can go inside the tomb, but you'll have to visit the Egyptian Museum in Cairo to see the treasures he was buried with. Tutankhamun was actually quite a minor king in the scheme of things and there are many larger and more impressive tombs to discover in the Valley of the Kings.
Tips for visiting the tombs include:
Explore the tombs in the winter months (November-March)
A ticket will get you into 3 tombs, which is probably enough for a day
Make sure you are fit and wear good walking shoes.
Egypt: Siwa Oasis
The Siwa Oasis is situated in the Western Desert close to the Libyan border. It is Egypt's most remote oasis town and the Siwans have developed their own distinct Berber culture. Siwans speak their own language and their jewellery and crafts are exquisite. A decent road and a small airport have certainly put the Siwa Oasis on the tourist map but it is still off the beaten track. As well as its unique culture, the Siwa oasis is known for its geographical beauty, hot springs and the fact that Alexander the Great traveled here to visit the Oracle of Amun.
It's a wonderful place to relax, swim and eat some olives. The old town of Siwa dates back to the 13th century and its mud and brick architecture looks gnarled and quite unique.
Egypt: Luxor Temple
If you travel to Luxor (ancient Thebes) then it will be hard to miss the spectacular Luxor Temple situated in the center of Luxor city. The Temple of Luxor was built largely by Amenhotep III and Ramesses II around 1400BC. Its main purpose was to celebrate the festival of Opet. Many rulers built on to the temple yet it always remained a place of worship for Christians and later Muslims. A mosque built inside the temple still exists and is one of the highlights of the site.
Luxor Temple is beautifully lit at night so it's worth visiting the site at sunset. Hours are 9am - 6pm and admission is 20 Egyptian Pounds.
Egypt: The Egyptian Museum in Cairo
The Egyptian Museum in Cairo is one of the first stops on most people's itineraries when traveling to Egypt. With over 120,000 artifacts, the museum houses an incredible display depicting ancient Egypt's glorious reign. You can enjoy mummies, sarcophagi, pottery, jewellery and of course King Tutankhamen's treasures. King Tut's goodies include his socks, underwear and the boy-king's death-mask made of solid gold, described as the most beautiful object ever made. The displays are not all labelled very well and it's a little haphazard but you'll enjoy it nevertheless.
Source: about.com
The Pyramids of Giza represent one of the greatest architectural feats by man. The last surviving member of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Great Pyramid of Giza is one of the world's oldest tourist attractions and the reason most people visit Egypt today. There are in fact three main pyramids in Giza; the Great Pyramid of Khufu (or Cheops), The Pyramid of Kafhre and the smaller Pyramid of Menkaura. Each Pyramid is a tomb to a different King of Egypt. In front of the pyramids lies the Sphinx, or Abu al-Hol in Arabic, "Father of Terror". Carved out of a single block of stone, this enormous cat-like sculpture has mesmerized millions of visitors.
Egypt: Medieval Cairo
More than 16 million people call Cairo home and it's chaotic, exotic, smelly, dusty and also beautiful. Perhaps the most interesting section of Cairo is Medieval (Islamic) Cairo. Medieval Cairo is a warren of streets just bustling with life. There are mosques at every corner, Coptic churches, huge medieval gates and bazaars selling everything from motorbike parts to perfumes. Highlights include the Citadel and the Khan Al-Khalili bazaar (for all your tourist trinkets). The major mosques worth visiting include: the Mosque of Mohammed Ali; the Ibn Tulun, one of the largest mosques in the world; and the Al-Azharmosque which houses the oldest university in the world (from 970AD).
Egypt: Abu Simbel
Next to the Pyramids of Giza, Abu Simbel is perhaps the most recognized monument of ancient Egypt. The two temples built for the pharaoh Ramesses II have been attracting visitors since Victorian times. Almost as impressive as the monument itself is the story of its restoration in the 1960's. The temples had to be dismantled and physically moved 60 meters up a cliff where they were reassembled in the exact same relation to each other and the sun.
A daily sound and light show is a highlight not to be missed. If you can make it you should also see the Abu Simbel Festival which takes place twice a year in February and October. Natural sunlight and architectural brilliance combine to make the inner sanctum of the temple light up.
It's a breathtaking sight and makes the music, dance and food that accompanies the festival pale in comparison.
Abu Simbel lies near the Egyptian border with Sudan. The closest major town is Aswan. You can get to Abu Simbel by plane from either Cairo or Aswan. There are also daily buses and tours from Aswan to Abu Simbel. Perhaps the best way to visit Abu Simbel is by boat. There are plenty of cruises starting in Aswan that range from 3 - 5 days.
Egypt: Temples of Karnak
The spectacular Temples of Karnak are not to be missed when you travel to Egypt. As Michael Wood of the BBC History channel puts it: "Karnak is like a theme park of ancient Egyptian religion - in which every god and goddess of that civilization was represented over a period of about 2,000 years". It is no wonder then that Karnak was the most important place of worship in ancient Egypt. The site is huge, measuring 1500 x 800 meters, and is a spectacular complex of sanctuaries, kiosks, pylons and obelisks, all dedicated to the Theban gods. If you don't have the energy to cover all that ground then don't miss the Hypostile Hall in the Great Temple of Amun. There are several performances of the sound and light show a night with mixed reviews, but mostly good.
Egypt: Valley of the Kings
The Valley of the Kings (Biban El Moluk) situated on the ancient site of Thebes is where the pharaoh's were buried and hoped to meet their Gods in the afterlife. This is where you will find Tutankhamun's tomb which was discovered almost intact in the 1920's. You can go inside the tomb, but you'll have to visit the Egyptian Museum in Cairo to see the treasures he was buried with. Tutankhamun was actually quite a minor king in the scheme of things and there are many larger and more impressive tombs to discover in the Valley of the Kings.
Tips for visiting the tombs include:
Explore the tombs in the winter months (November-March)
A ticket will get you into 3 tombs, which is probably enough for a day
Make sure you are fit and wear good walking shoes.
Egypt: Siwa Oasis
The Siwa Oasis is situated in the Western Desert close to the Libyan border. It is Egypt's most remote oasis town and the Siwans have developed their own distinct Berber culture. Siwans speak their own language and their jewellery and crafts are exquisite. A decent road and a small airport have certainly put the Siwa Oasis on the tourist map but it is still off the beaten track. As well as its unique culture, the Siwa oasis is known for its geographical beauty, hot springs and the fact that Alexander the Great traveled here to visit the Oracle of Amun.
It's a wonderful place to relax, swim and eat some olives. The old town of Siwa dates back to the 13th century and its mud and brick architecture looks gnarled and quite unique.
Egypt: Luxor Temple
If you travel to Luxor (ancient Thebes) then it will be hard to miss the spectacular Luxor Temple situated in the center of Luxor city. The Temple of Luxor was built largely by Amenhotep III and Ramesses II around 1400BC. Its main purpose was to celebrate the festival of Opet. Many rulers built on to the temple yet it always remained a place of worship for Christians and later Muslims. A mosque built inside the temple still exists and is one of the highlights of the site.
Luxor Temple is beautifully lit at night so it's worth visiting the site at sunset. Hours are 9am - 6pm and admission is 20 Egyptian Pounds.
Egypt: The Egyptian Museum in Cairo
The Egyptian Museum in Cairo is one of the first stops on most people's itineraries when traveling to Egypt. With over 120,000 artifacts, the museum houses an incredible display depicting ancient Egypt's glorious reign. You can enjoy mummies, sarcophagi, pottery, jewellery and of course King Tutankhamen's treasures. King Tut's goodies include his socks, underwear and the boy-king's death-mask made of solid gold, described as the most beautiful object ever made. The displays are not all labelled very well and it's a little haphazard but you'll enjoy it nevertheless.
Source: about.com
The Many Attractions of Rotorua
Boiling Lake at Waimangu Thermal Valley
There is great diversity in Rotorua attractions, activities and culture which makes Rotorua one of the most popular New Zealand tourist destinations.
We start our tour southeast of the city, on the road from Taupo, at Waimangu Thermal Vallery.
This is an active volcanic area with one of the largest boiling lakes in the world. One of the popular Rotorua atractions, it is set in the heart of Rotorua's geothermal region.
Source: about.com
Slot Tips
Here are some helpful tips for slot players.
Use Your Players Card
If I could give only one tip to casino players, this would be the one I would pick. Your Player’s Club Card can earn you comps for food, lodging, and shows. Some casinos even offer cash back for your play. When you do not use the card you are essentially depriving yourself of valuable incentives the casino is giving back to the players. Some slot players think that using their slot cards affect the way a machines pays out. This is a myth and a very expensive mistake for those who believe it.
Read the Pay Tables
Looking at the pay table of the machine can help you judge the frequency that the machine returns a winner. If you see that there are a lot of combinations that return smaller wins, then this machine will usually have a larger hit frequency than one that has fewer winning combinations that pay back larger wins.
Some players like a lot of smaller wins more often.
Play Full Coin in Progressive Machines.
Progressive machines offer large jackpots. The big progressive jackpot is made by taking a percentage of all the money played into the machine. You can only win the progressive jackpot if you have are playing the maximum number of coins. Don’t play these machines if you don’t plan to do this.
Slot Candles
The lights on the top of the machines are called candles. The bottom light is colored and that color can tell you the denomination of the machine. In most cases, the candles on dollar machines are blue, Quarters are yellow, and nickel machines are red.
Lock Up a Profit
If you hit a jackpot, make sure that you “lock up” a profit. Take your initial playing stakes and a little profit and set it aside. Then play with a small percentage of you winnings. There is nothing worse than the feeling of being a winner and then giving back all your winnings to the casino. I recommend taking a little break after a hitting a jackpot. Savor the win and enjoy that winning feeling.
Keep a Log
If you hit a jackpot over $1,200 you will be given a W2-G and your winnings will be reported to the IRS. If you keep an accurate gaming log, you can use your losses to offset your winnings come tax time.
Slow Down
Slow down when you are playing slot machines. There are no prizes for the player hitting the spin button the fastest. Don’t play more than one machine at a time. Playing more than one machine just exposes you more to the house edge. In the long run you will just lose your money faster.
Manage your Money
Never bring money to the casino that you need for other expenses. If you can’t afford to lose it then you shouldn’t be playing it in the casino. Break you casino bankroll down into several playing sessions. Don’t risk it all in one playing session.
Cashing Out.
When you are done playing, make sure that you take all your coins from the tray or your voucher ticket from the machine. Do this right away before you collect your personal belongings. Go directly to the cage. Don’t walk around with a bucket of coins. They can be spilled or lost if you set them down. If you are playing a coinless machine that pays you with a paper voucher make sure you cash it in. Some of these have an expiration date making them worthless after a certain period of time.
Don’t Purchase Slot Systems.
Slot systems that claim they can show you which machine is ready to hit are a scam. The Random Number Generator determines the winning combinations of the machine. There is no way to determine if a machine is “Due” to hit.
Have Fun
Slot machines have a larger house edge than other casino games. While winning is nice, in the long run it will cost you money to play. Look at this cost as your price for entertainment. Pick a machine that you have fun playing and enjoy yourself.
Until next time, remember:
"Luck comes and goes...Knowledge Stays Forever."
Autor: Bill Burton
Source: about.com
Use Your Players Card
If I could give only one tip to casino players, this would be the one I would pick. Your Player’s Club Card can earn you comps for food, lodging, and shows. Some casinos even offer cash back for your play. When you do not use the card you are essentially depriving yourself of valuable incentives the casino is giving back to the players. Some slot players think that using their slot cards affect the way a machines pays out. This is a myth and a very expensive mistake for those who believe it.
Read the Pay Tables
Looking at the pay table of the machine can help you judge the frequency that the machine returns a winner. If you see that there are a lot of combinations that return smaller wins, then this machine will usually have a larger hit frequency than one that has fewer winning combinations that pay back larger wins.
Some players like a lot of smaller wins more often.
Play Full Coin in Progressive Machines.
Progressive machines offer large jackpots. The big progressive jackpot is made by taking a percentage of all the money played into the machine. You can only win the progressive jackpot if you have are playing the maximum number of coins. Don’t play these machines if you don’t plan to do this.
Slot Candles
The lights on the top of the machines are called candles. The bottom light is colored and that color can tell you the denomination of the machine. In most cases, the candles on dollar machines are blue, Quarters are yellow, and nickel machines are red.
Lock Up a Profit
If you hit a jackpot, make sure that you “lock up” a profit. Take your initial playing stakes and a little profit and set it aside. Then play with a small percentage of you winnings. There is nothing worse than the feeling of being a winner and then giving back all your winnings to the casino. I recommend taking a little break after a hitting a jackpot. Savor the win and enjoy that winning feeling.
Keep a Log
If you hit a jackpot over $1,200 you will be given a W2-G and your winnings will be reported to the IRS. If you keep an accurate gaming log, you can use your losses to offset your winnings come tax time.
Slow Down
Slow down when you are playing slot machines. There are no prizes for the player hitting the spin button the fastest. Don’t play more than one machine at a time. Playing more than one machine just exposes you more to the house edge. In the long run you will just lose your money faster.
Manage your Money
Never bring money to the casino that you need for other expenses. If you can’t afford to lose it then you shouldn’t be playing it in the casino. Break you casino bankroll down into several playing sessions. Don’t risk it all in one playing session.
Cashing Out.
When you are done playing, make sure that you take all your coins from the tray or your voucher ticket from the machine. Do this right away before you collect your personal belongings. Go directly to the cage. Don’t walk around with a bucket of coins. They can be spilled or lost if you set them down. If you are playing a coinless machine that pays you with a paper voucher make sure you cash it in. Some of these have an expiration date making them worthless after a certain period of time.
Don’t Purchase Slot Systems.
Slot systems that claim they can show you which machine is ready to hit are a scam. The Random Number Generator determines the winning combinations of the machine. There is no way to determine if a machine is “Due” to hit.
Have Fun
Slot machines have a larger house edge than other casino games. While winning is nice, in the long run it will cost you money to play. Look at this cost as your price for entertainment. Pick a machine that you have fun playing and enjoy yourself.
Until next time, remember:
"Luck comes and goes...Knowledge Stays Forever."
Autor: Bill Burton
Source: about.com
Atlantis Bahamas AQUAVENTURE waterpark
The Atlantis Bahamas Resort was already an icon among Caribbean resorts: with its one-of-a-kind Atlantis-themed architecture, its gigantic aquariums, acres of "waterscape" with shark lagoons and pools with manta-rays, giant thrill waterslides, special waterplay zone for little kids, kids' pool with slide and waterfalls, sheltered lagoon with beach and aqua-trikes -- not to mention its famous casino, a marina, and shopping village.
But at the Atlantis "more is beautiful", and much more opened in 2007.
AQUAVENTURE is a 63-acre waterscape that redefines the "river float", adds more thrill waterslides, and throws in special effects such as smoke, fire, and fog.
The Current - River Ride: get on your inner tube and get ready for a mile-long ride: propelled by water escalators, waves, surges...
you can even ride up the water-slide tower along a conveyor.
The Current has nearly 3 million gallons of water, 7-foot high lifts and drops, and an area of white-water Rapids. Guests can float along or divert to the waterslides. The tower slides, and The Rapids loop, all flow into zero-entry pools, where guests can exit or keep on going through an 80-foot underground tunnel and caves. You never need to stop.
Power Tower waterslides: 120 feet tall, with four ways down (and a 48" minimum height for riders):
The Abyss: drop 50 near-vertical feet through the center of the Tower into total darkness, then on through a waterfall, to a cenote "filled with menacing Alligator Gars"
The Drop, The Falls: Both these inner-tube slides can be accessed from the river: guests ride a conveyor up to the 58-foot-high level, then slide down. Special “master-blaster” technology that makes a roller coaster effect, as jets of water propel riders up and down. The Drop spirals through the dark center of the Power Tower; The Falls plummets down 58 feet and then propels riders up through twists and turns.
The Surge: another tube slide, starts at the top of the Power Tower (stairs up), with a drop into a cavern, and a flash flood.
Special Effects: Both the Power Tower and The Current use special effects in the dark: be surprised by fire, water, smoke and fog, and some high-tech video effects.
Pools: AQUAVENTURE has two fresh-water pools: The Grotto Pool, the largest pool at The Atlantis, and The Baths, with hieroglyphic columns and special rockwork. There are several tidal pools, too (always a hit with little kids.)
Autor: Teresa Plowright
Source: about.com
The Guide to Las Vegas Shows
What kind of Las Vegas show are you looking for?
Las Vegas is about entertainment and what better way to have a great time than by seeing a Las Vegas show. All the best entertainers in the world come to Las Vegas and its time you reserved a spot at one of the many Las Vegas shows available. If you need times, prices, venues or a synopsis on any show click on the appropriate title of the Las Vegas show you want to see.
Las Vegas Shows
American Superstars - Stratosphere Las Vegas
Bite Stratosphere, Las Vegas
Blue Man Group - Venetian Las Vegas
Celine Dion - Ceasars Palace
Chippendales- Rio in Las Vegas
Crazy Girls- Riviera Las Vegas
Elvis-A-rama- Elvis-A-rama in Las Vegas
Fashionistas - Krave - Las Vegas
Folies Bergere- Tropicana Las Vegas
Jubilee- Bally's Las Vegas
KÀ-Cirque Du Soleil- MGM Grand, Las Vegas
La Cage- Riviera, Las Vegas
Lance Burton Master Magician - Monte Carlo Las Vegas
Le Femme - MGM Grand Las Vegas
Love - Cirque du Soliel, Mirage
Barry Manilow, "Manilow, Music and Passion" – Las Vegas Hilton
Midnight Fantasy - Luxor Las Vegas
Mystère-Cirque Du Soleil - Treasure Island, Las Vegas
"O"-Cirque Du Soleil - Bellagio Las Vegas
Penn & Teller- Rio Las Vegas
Phantom of the Opera - Venetian
The Magic of Rick Thomas - The Orleans Las Vegas
Rita Rudner - Harrah's
Tony n' Tina's Wedding- Rio Las Vegas
Tournament of Kings- Excalibur Las Vegas
Spamalot - Wynn Las Vegas
ZUMANITY-Cirque Du Soleil - New York-New York Hotel & Casino
Source: about.com
Las Vegas is about entertainment and what better way to have a great time than by seeing a Las Vegas show. All the best entertainers in the world come to Las Vegas and its time you reserved a spot at one of the many Las Vegas shows available. If you need times, prices, venues or a synopsis on any show click on the appropriate title of the Las Vegas show you want to see.
Las Vegas Shows
American Superstars - Stratosphere Las Vegas
Bite Stratosphere, Las Vegas
Blue Man Group - Venetian Las Vegas
Celine Dion - Ceasars Palace
Chippendales- Rio in Las Vegas
Crazy Girls- Riviera Las Vegas
Elvis-A-rama- Elvis-A-rama in Las Vegas
Fashionistas - Krave - Las Vegas
Folies Bergere- Tropicana Las Vegas
Jubilee- Bally's Las Vegas
KÀ-Cirque Du Soleil- MGM Grand, Las Vegas
La Cage- Riviera, Las Vegas
Lance Burton Master Magician - Monte Carlo Las Vegas
Le Femme - MGM Grand Las Vegas
Love - Cirque du Soliel, Mirage
Barry Manilow, "Manilow, Music and Passion" – Las Vegas Hilton
Midnight Fantasy - Luxor Las Vegas
Mystère-Cirque Du Soleil - Treasure Island, Las Vegas
"O"-Cirque Du Soleil - Bellagio Las Vegas
Penn & Teller- Rio Las Vegas
Phantom of the Opera - Venetian
The Magic of Rick Thomas - The Orleans Las Vegas
Rita Rudner - Harrah's
Tony n' Tina's Wedding- Rio Las Vegas
Tournament of Kings- Excalibur Las Vegas
Spamalot - Wynn Las Vegas
ZUMANITY-Cirque Du Soleil - New York-New York Hotel & Casino
Source: about.com
Water Park of America at the Grand Lodge
Phone and Location:
877-757-5433
Next to the Mall of America in Bloomington (near Minneapolis), Minnesota
Water Park of America at the Grand Lodge Admission Policy:
Open to registered guests of the Grand Lodge (guaranteed admission). Daily tickets are also available at the door and online for the general public, but subject to availability.
Indoor Water Park Square Footage: 70,000
Water Park of America Directions:
I494W to 24th Ave. exit, left towards Mall of America. Right on American Blvd.
I494E to Bloomington Ave. exit. Head south. Left on American Blvd.
Complimentary shuttles available from (and to) the Mall of America and Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport.
Indoor Water Park Features:
Surfing simulator ride, family raft ride, tube and body water slides, interacitve water play structure, children's pool, sports activity pools, hot tub spas, and lazy river.
Grand Lodge Hotel Resort Info:
The comfortable and stylish hotel offers over 400 guest rooms. Configurations range from standard rooms with a single bed and a sofa bed up to a family suite with a separate bedroom, a living room with bunk beds, and two bathrooms. All rooms include refrigerators, microwaves, and complimentary wireless Internet service.
Amenities include the reasonably priced Trillium Spa; three restaurants including the Split Rock Grille, which serves tasty food, delivers big portions, and offers great value; a well-appointed fitness room; and the Northern Lights arcade, which offers redemption and other video games.
Water Park of America Overview:
The Water Park of America is one of the country's biggest indoor water park hotel resorts. Located around the corner from the humongous Mall of America, its name both plays off of its famous neighbor's name and its neighbor's size.
The centerpiece of the 70,000-sq.-ft. indoor water park is its audacious 10-story tall water slide complex, the tallest of any indoor water park (and one of the tallest of any water park, outdoor or indoor). Enclosed, climate-controlled, translucent tubes send riders zooming outside down 100 feet for a dizzying family raft ride. There are also body and tube slides that zip out and around the huge tower.
The park also offers an unusually long lazy river that detours into a wave pool, and a FlowRider surfing simulator that gives riders an opportunity to body surf using a boogie board. Other attractions include the usual water park suspects: an activity pool with water basketball and floats; an interactive play center with a tipping bucket, and two soothing whirlpool spas (which are relatively small and can quickly become crowded on busy days).
The woodsy themeing is reminiscent of the Great Wolf Lodge chain of indoor water parks, but not quite as elaborate. The park is a bit skimpy on lounge chairs. There is an underused loft area in one corner of the park that offers dining tables and could serve as a place for guests to park their belongings when there's no room on the main floor of the park.
The attached Grand Lodge resort is quite lovely. The Grand Suites are especially spacious with wide hallways, a large living room, a separate bedroom, a bunk bed alcove, and a bathroom with a whirlpool tub, separate stall shower, and two facing vanities. As with all rooms, the suites come with mini fridges, microwaves, sinks, and dining areas. Thrifty guests could cart in their own food and save on restaurant fees.
In the minor quibbles department, the hotel is near the airport and a highway and was a bit noisy during our stay. Inexplicably, the stall shower had no soap dish. And, like many hotels these days, the pillows were tiny and (in my estimation, anyway) somewhat uncomfortable.
Official Web Site: Water Park of America
Airline Phone Numbers
A List of Airline Contacts
So you'd like to speak to an actual person that works for the airline? Here is a list of phone contacts to get you in touch with the right people.
Every effort is made to keep this list up to date so please let me know if a phone number is not in service.
Adria Airways 49-69-25730
Aero California 800-237-6225
Aeroflot 888-340-6400
Aero Lineas Argentinas 800-333-0276
Aer Lingus 888-474-7424
Aero Mexico 800-237-6639
Air Afrique 800-456-9192
Air Aruba 800-882-7822
Air Canada 888-247-2262
Air Caribbean 809-623-2500
Air Europa 888-238-7672
Air Fiji 800-677-4277
Air France 800-237-2747
Air India (310) 338-8480,(312) 782-6263,(202) 785-8989,(281) 587-0035, (212) 751-6200, (416) 865-1033
Air Jamaica 800-523-5585
Air Lanka 800-247-5265
Air New Zealand 800-262-1234
Air Pacific 800-227-4446
Air Ukraine 800-857-2463
Alaska Airlines 800-426-0333
Alitalia 800-223-5730
All Nippon Airways 800-235-9262
Aloha Airlines 800-227-4900
America West 800-235-9292
American Airlines 800-433-7300
Asiana Airlines 800-227-4262
Austrian Airlines 800-843-0002
Avianca Airlines 800-284-2622
Bearskin Airlines 800-465-2327
British Airways 800-247-9297
British Midland Airways 800-788-0555
Cathay Pacific Airlines 1 800 233 2742
China Airlines 800-227-5118
China Southern Airlines 888-338-8988
Continental Airlines 800-525-0280
Copa Airlines 800-FLY-COPA
Croatian Airlines 800-247-5353
Czech Airlines 800-223-2365
Delta Airlines 800-221-1212
EasyJet UK +44 0870 600 0000
El Al Israel Airlines 800-223-6700
Emirates 800-777-3999
Ethiopian Air 800-445-2733
Finnair 800-950-5000
First Air 800-267-1247
Frontier Airlines 800-432-1359
Gulf Air 800-553-2824
Hawaiian Airlines 800-367-5320
Horizon Air 800-547-9308
Iberia Airlines 800-772-4642
Icelandair 800-223-5500
Japan Airlines 800-525-3663
Kenya Airways 800-343-2506
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines 800-374-7747
Korean Airlines 800-438-5000
Lacsa 800-225-2272
LAN Chile Airlines 866-435-9526
Lauda Air 800-645-3880
LOT Polish Airways 800-223-0593
Lufthansa 800-645-3880
Malaysia Airlines 800-421-8641
Malev Hungarian 800-223-6884
Mexicana Airlines 800-531-7921
Midwest Express Airlines 800-452-2022
Northwest Airlines 800-225-2525
Philippine Airlines 800-435-9725
Polynesian Airlines 800-223-4277
Qantas 800-227-4500
Royal Air Maroc 800-344-6726
Royal Jordanian 800-223-0470
RyanAir +44 0871 246 0000
Saudi Arabian Airlines 800-472-8342
Scandinavian Airline Systems (SAS) 800-221-2350
Singapore Airlines 800-742-3333
South African Airways 800-722-9675
Southwest Airlines 800-435-9792
Spanair 888-545-5757
Spirit Airlines 800-772-7117
TACA International 800-535-8780
Tap Air Portugal 800-221-7370
Thai Airways 800-426-5204
Ukraine Intl Airlines 800-876-0114
United Airlines 800-241-6522
US Airways 800-428-4322
Varig Brazilian Airlines 800-468-2744
Vasp 800-723-8277
Virgin Atlantic Airways 800-862-8621
WestJet Airlines 800-538-5696
Yugoslav Airlines 800-752-6528
Zambia Airways 800-223-1136
Source: about.com
So you'd like to speak to an actual person that works for the airline? Here is a list of phone contacts to get you in touch with the right people.
Every effort is made to keep this list up to date so please let me know if a phone number is not in service.
Adria Airways 49-69-25730
Aero California 800-237-6225
Aeroflot 888-340-6400
Aero Lineas Argentinas 800-333-0276
Aer Lingus 888-474-7424
Aero Mexico 800-237-6639
Air Afrique 800-456-9192
Air Aruba 800-882-7822
Air Canada 888-247-2262
Air Caribbean 809-623-2500
Air Europa 888-238-7672
Air Fiji 800-677-4277
Air France 800-237-2747
Air India (310) 338-8480,(312) 782-6263,(202) 785-8989,(281) 587-0035, (212) 751-6200, (416) 865-1033
Air Jamaica 800-523-5585
Air Lanka 800-247-5265
Air New Zealand 800-262-1234
Air Pacific 800-227-4446
Air Ukraine 800-857-2463
Alaska Airlines 800-426-0333
Alitalia 800-223-5730
All Nippon Airways 800-235-9262
Aloha Airlines 800-227-4900
America West 800-235-9292
American Airlines 800-433-7300
Asiana Airlines 800-227-4262
Austrian Airlines 800-843-0002
Avianca Airlines 800-284-2622
Bearskin Airlines 800-465-2327
British Airways 800-247-9297
British Midland Airways 800-788-0555
Cathay Pacific Airlines 1 800 233 2742
China Airlines 800-227-5118
China Southern Airlines 888-338-8988
Continental Airlines 800-525-0280
Copa Airlines 800-FLY-COPA
Croatian Airlines 800-247-5353
Czech Airlines 800-223-2365
Delta Airlines 800-221-1212
EasyJet UK +44 0870 600 0000
El Al Israel Airlines 800-223-6700
Emirates 800-777-3999
Ethiopian Air 800-445-2733
Finnair 800-950-5000
First Air 800-267-1247
Frontier Airlines 800-432-1359
Gulf Air 800-553-2824
Hawaiian Airlines 800-367-5320
Horizon Air 800-547-9308
Iberia Airlines 800-772-4642
Icelandair 800-223-5500
Japan Airlines 800-525-3663
Kenya Airways 800-343-2506
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines 800-374-7747
Korean Airlines 800-438-5000
Lacsa 800-225-2272
LAN Chile Airlines 866-435-9526
Lauda Air 800-645-3880
LOT Polish Airways 800-223-0593
Lufthansa 800-645-3880
Malaysia Airlines 800-421-8641
Malev Hungarian 800-223-6884
Mexicana Airlines 800-531-7921
Midwest Express Airlines 800-452-2022
Northwest Airlines 800-225-2525
Philippine Airlines 800-435-9725
Polynesian Airlines 800-223-4277
Qantas 800-227-4500
Royal Air Maroc 800-344-6726
Royal Jordanian 800-223-0470
RyanAir +44 0871 246 0000
Saudi Arabian Airlines 800-472-8342
Scandinavian Airline Systems (SAS) 800-221-2350
Singapore Airlines 800-742-3333
South African Airways 800-722-9675
Southwest Airlines 800-435-9792
Spanair 888-545-5757
Spirit Airlines 800-772-7117
TACA International 800-535-8780
Tap Air Portugal 800-221-7370
Thai Airways 800-426-5204
Ukraine Intl Airlines 800-876-0114
United Airlines 800-241-6522
US Airways 800-428-4322
Varig Brazilian Airlines 800-468-2744
Vasp 800-723-8277
Virgin Atlantic Airways 800-862-8621
WestJet Airlines 800-538-5696
Yugoslav Airlines 800-752-6528
Zambia Airways 800-223-1136
Source: about.com
Boeing selects Singapore Technologies Aerospace for 767-300BCF Conversions
Singapore Technologies Aerospace's wholly owned subsidiary, ST Aviation Services (SASCO), has been selected by Boeing to perform certain passenger-to-freighter (PTF) conversions under the 767-300 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF) program. The contract is estimated to be worth $136 million (about Sin$208 million) over 10 years. ST Aerospace is the aerospace arm of Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd (ST Engineering).
Under its contract, SASCO will perform aircraft maintenance and the passenger-to-freighter conversions with data provided by Boeing. The 767-300BCF conversion entails the removal of passenger interiors, equipment, and furnishings; installation of a main-deck side cargo door; replacement or strengthening of the main-deck floor structures; installation of a 9-G rigid cargo barrier; and a new cargo handling system, as well as other systems changes.
ST Aerospace will induct the first aircraft from ANA, Boeing's launch customer for this program, at its SASCO facility in Singapore for conversion in October 2007, and the prototype is expected for redelivery in June 2008, upon FAA certification.
"We are honoured that Boeing has selected us once again for participation in its freighter conversion program on the back of our previous successful collaborations," said TAY Kok Khiang, president, ST Aerospace. "One of them is the ongoing MD-11 conversion program, which has been a successful program with most of the passenger aircraft converted to a freighter configuration by 2009. This new contract further attests to the longstanding relationship we share with Boeing, and one that ST Aerospace values. We are also pleased that the launch customer will be ANA, which is also a long-time customer of ST Aerospace. We will continue to leverage on our engineering and modification capabilities to bring greater value to Boeing's customers globally."
ST Aerospace is a part of Boeing's international network of modification facilities, and has been selected as a conversion centre for the 767-300 based on its performance on other conversion programs including the MD-11 PTF, for which ST Aerospace's subsidiary, SASCO, was recognised as the Boeing 2004 Supplier of the Year for its outstanding performance while consistently meeting stringent quality, cost and delivery requirements. Since 1991, ST Aerospace's facilities in Singapore and the U.S. have been actively involved in performing PTF conversions for aircraft including the DC-10, MD-10, MD-11, 727 and 757-200SF.
A 767-300 passenger aircraft undergoes major modifications on its main deck, with the converted 767-300BCF expected to have about the same cargo capability as the same model production freighter with approximately 50 tonnes structural payload at a range of approximately 3,000 nautical miles (5,930km) and 412,000lbs (187,270kg) maximum takeoff weight. There are 24 pallet positions on the main deck. As with the other BCF conversions, Boeing offers a variety of support packages that may be incorporated during 767-300 BCF conversions, including avionics and flight-deck upgrades. Airlines may also consider options such as carbon brakes, live animal and perishable food carriage, weight increases and integration of technical manuals.
Original: asiatraveltips.com
Under its contract, SASCO will perform aircraft maintenance and the passenger-to-freighter conversions with data provided by Boeing. The 767-300BCF conversion entails the removal of passenger interiors, equipment, and furnishings; installation of a main-deck side cargo door; replacement or strengthening of the main-deck floor structures; installation of a 9-G rigid cargo barrier; and a new cargo handling system, as well as other systems changes.
ST Aerospace will induct the first aircraft from ANA, Boeing's launch customer for this program, at its SASCO facility in Singapore for conversion in October 2007, and the prototype is expected for redelivery in June 2008, upon FAA certification.
"We are honoured that Boeing has selected us once again for participation in its freighter conversion program on the back of our previous successful collaborations," said TAY Kok Khiang, president, ST Aerospace. "One of them is the ongoing MD-11 conversion program, which has been a successful program with most of the passenger aircraft converted to a freighter configuration by 2009. This new contract further attests to the longstanding relationship we share with Boeing, and one that ST Aerospace values. We are also pleased that the launch customer will be ANA, which is also a long-time customer of ST Aerospace. We will continue to leverage on our engineering and modification capabilities to bring greater value to Boeing's customers globally."
ST Aerospace is a part of Boeing's international network of modification facilities, and has been selected as a conversion centre for the 767-300 based on its performance on other conversion programs including the MD-11 PTF, for which ST Aerospace's subsidiary, SASCO, was recognised as the Boeing 2004 Supplier of the Year for its outstanding performance while consistently meeting stringent quality, cost and delivery requirements. Since 1991, ST Aerospace's facilities in Singapore and the U.S. have been actively involved in performing PTF conversions for aircraft including the DC-10, MD-10, MD-11, 727 and 757-200SF.
A 767-300 passenger aircraft undergoes major modifications on its main deck, with the converted 767-300BCF expected to have about the same cargo capability as the same model production freighter with approximately 50 tonnes structural payload at a range of approximately 3,000 nautical miles (5,930km) and 412,000lbs (187,270kg) maximum takeoff weight. There are 24 pallet positions on the main deck. As with the other BCF conversions, Boeing offers a variety of support packages that may be incorporated during 767-300 BCF conversions, including avionics and flight-deck upgrades. Airlines may also consider options such as carbon brakes, live animal and perishable food carriage, weight increases and integration of technical manuals.
Original: asiatraveltips.com
UNWTO welcomes Tourism Competitiveness Report
The UNWTO has welcomed the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) focus on Travel & Tourism competitiveness as a valuable new research process. It is a timely reference for states participating in the final stages of the Doha Development Round to provide proactive support for developing countries to help increase their tourism competitiveness to reduce poverty and advance sustainability.
International tourism represents more than a third of all trade in services and it is the services sector which will provide the economic growth and jobs in the decades ahead. It is here that the real returns and potential can be seen for the poorer countries and Least Developed Countries (LDCs), where there is significant potential to create wealth and employment in rural areas, which concentrate the highest poverty rates.
Emerging destinations in developing countries have registered significant advances over the last years. In 2005, foreign exchange earnings generated by international tourism in developing countries exceeded 200 billion US$, four times the amount earned in 1990.
According to UNWTO estimates:
- between 1990 and 2005 developing states market share of international arrivals grew from 28.6% to 40.3%;
- tourism can generate up to 40% of the GDP and jobs of small island states;
- for LDCs, (the 50 poorest countries - mostly in Africa) the rate of growth in arrivals from 2000 to 2005 was 48% which almost tripled the global growth rate; and
- during the same period LDC international tourism receipts grew by 76% compared to worldwide growth of 41%.
“The index provides a useful strategic tool for measuring those aspects that promote the development of the Travel & Tourism sector in different countries. The specific rankings reflect the overall competitiveness activity of the WEF itself over three decades. UNWTO is concerned about all states improving competitiveness, which is a means to an end rather than an end in itself and must ultimately contribute to the kind of socioeconomic goals sought in the Millennium Declaration and defined in our Global Code of Ethics As the Doha Round moves into its final stages, there may be an important opportunity to increase tourism benefits from this process, turning the attention to the contribution of Tourism Services to reduce poverty and increase sustainability, even ahead of other sectors,” said UNWTO Assistant Secretary-General Geoffrey Lipman.
Original: asiatraveltips.com
International tourism represents more than a third of all trade in services and it is the services sector which will provide the economic growth and jobs in the decades ahead. It is here that the real returns and potential can be seen for the poorer countries and Least Developed Countries (LDCs), where there is significant potential to create wealth and employment in rural areas, which concentrate the highest poverty rates.
Emerging destinations in developing countries have registered significant advances over the last years. In 2005, foreign exchange earnings generated by international tourism in developing countries exceeded 200 billion US$, four times the amount earned in 1990.
According to UNWTO estimates:
- between 1990 and 2005 developing states market share of international arrivals grew from 28.6% to 40.3%;
- tourism can generate up to 40% of the GDP and jobs of small island states;
- for LDCs, (the 50 poorest countries - mostly in Africa) the rate of growth in arrivals from 2000 to 2005 was 48% which almost tripled the global growth rate; and
- during the same period LDC international tourism receipts grew by 76% compared to worldwide growth of 41%.
“The index provides a useful strategic tool for measuring those aspects that promote the development of the Travel & Tourism sector in different countries. The specific rankings reflect the overall competitiveness activity of the WEF itself over three decades. UNWTO is concerned about all states improving competitiveness, which is a means to an end rather than an end in itself and must ultimately contribute to the kind of socioeconomic goals sought in the Millennium Declaration and defined in our Global Code of Ethics As the Doha Round moves into its final stages, there may be an important opportunity to increase tourism benefits from this process, turning the attention to the contribution of Tourism Services to reduce poverty and increase sustainability, even ahead of other sectors,” said UNWTO Assistant Secretary-General Geoffrey Lipman.
Original: asiatraveltips.com
How To Eat a Lobster
Lobster is New England's signature delicacy, but eating a whole lobster can be a bit intimidating for first-timers. If you've never eaten a lobster, or if it's been a while since you tangled with a crustacean, here is your step-by-step, visual guide to how to eat a lobster. Follow these pictures and instructions, and you'll learn how to eat lobster like a New Englander.
Before we get started, be sure to tie on your lobster bib. Eating lobster can be rather sloppy business.
Twist Off the Claws
Start by twisting off each of the lobster's claws at the point where they are attached to the body. American lobsters have one crusher claw and one pincher or ripper claw. The crusher claw, which is generally larger, has teeth for crushing shells. It can be either the lobster's right or left claw and is generally the tougher one to crack. But we'll get to that in a moment.
Crack Open the Claws
Usually, live lobsters are sold with rubberbands around their claws. You'll want to leave them in place until the lobster is cooked (unless you want to find out what a lobster can do with his crusher claw). Once you've twisted the lobster's claws away from its body, however, you can remove the rubberbands with complete confidence. In a restaurant, the rubberbands will probably be removed before your lobster is served.
Using a lobster cracker or nutcracker, your next task is to crack open the claw and claw pieces.
Use a Lobster Pick To Remove the Claw Meat
Ready for your first taste of claw meat dunked in rich, sweet drawn butter? Use a lobster pick--the long, narrow utensil commonly provided--to remove every delicious morsel from inside the jointed claw sections.
Unfurl the Lobster Tail
Twist To Break the Tail Away From the Body
Most lobster eaters find the meat in the lobster tail to be the sweetest and most enjoyable. When you've finished eating the lobster's claws, roll your "bug"--as lobstermen call these saltwater cockroaches--onto its back, and unfurl the tail.
Break Off the Lobster's Tail Flippers
With the lobster's tail spread open, grasp the lobster with two hands and break the tail away from the body with one decisive twist.
Ew. OK. Let's talk about that green stuff. Often, when you break the lobster's tail away from its body or carapace, you'll discover some squishy green stuff. That's technically tomalley--the lobster's liver. Some folks consider tomalley a delicacy. However, because mercury and other environmental contaminants are concentrated in the lobster's liver, I wouldn't advise you to eat it. If you're near a sink, that's usually the best way to wash it away.
Now, if you spot bright red bits inside your lobster tail, you know you're eating a female. That's lobster roe--lobster eggs. Roe is also considered a delicacy and is safe to eat.
Push the Lobster Tail Out With Your Thumb
Insert your thumb into the flipper end of the lobster tail. Unless the tail is enormous, you should be able to force the meat out with one push. If you run into trouble, you can use a sharp knife to slit the underside of the tail shell.
The dark, vein-like structure that runs the length of the tail should be discarded.
The Last Leg
You've been working hard, but it's so worth it. After you've savored your lobster tail, you're ready for the last leg. Make that eight legs! Gently twist each of the lobster's legs away from the body. Believe it or not, there is delicious meat hidden in there.
Good 'Til the Last Bite
Now, I told you that there is meat in a lobster's scrawny legs. As you might imagine, though, it's not all that easy to get to. The best technique is to bite down hard on each leg section to loosen the meat, dip the leg in drawn butter, then suck the meat out, as my husband, Bruce, demonstrates here.
I owe Bruce a big "thanks" for helping me show you step by step how to eat lobster like a New Englander. The lobster was a good sport, too.
You're ready now to enjoy one of New England's distinct pleasures. Once you've had your first luscious taste of lobster, I guarantee you'll be hooked for life.
Original: gonewengland.about.com
Tourism opens doors for Women
‘Tourism opens doors for women’ is the theme for the United Nations World Tourism Day which as each year will be celebrated on 27 September, the anniversary of the adoption of the original UNWTO statutes. Following on the ‘Tourism Enriches’ theme in 2006, this year’s campaign highlights the opportunities that the sector offers for women. This year’s host nation for World Tourism Day is Sri Lanka.
In the context of the UNWTO’s Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, the Organization intends to join forces with UNIFEM (United Nations Development Fund for Women) to enhance further the role of women in tourism.
The program will be prepared for World Tourism Day and launched in Sri Lanka. It will be reviewed annually through 2015, the year targeted by the UN to reach the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
Together with the Sustainable Tourism Research Centre in Australia, UNWTO will launch a new dedicated website, tourismgender.com which will focus its attention on the role of gender in tourism and how to enhance it, addressing women as agents of change in and for sustainable tourism.
In order to increase public awareness of the interrelation between tourism and its beneficial role for women, UNWTO will also launch an online photo contest to show women playing leadership roles at all levels within the sector. The 12 selected winners will be exhibited during the UNWTO General Assembly in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, in November.
“With Sri Lanka as the Host Country and planned celebrations around the world, UNWTO is launching this new initiative to show the achievements, opportunities and challenges for women in tourism,” said UNWTO Francesco Frangialli. “By working closely with our sister Agency UNIFEM and using our Global Code of Ethics for Tourism as a framework, we believe we can help this industry make even greater contribution to the Millennium Development Goals.”
Source: asiatraveltips.com
In the context of the UNWTO’s Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, the Organization intends to join forces with UNIFEM (United Nations Development Fund for Women) to enhance further the role of women in tourism.
The program will be prepared for World Tourism Day and launched in Sri Lanka. It will be reviewed annually through 2015, the year targeted by the UN to reach the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
Together with the Sustainable Tourism Research Centre in Australia, UNWTO will launch a new dedicated website, tourismgender.com which will focus its attention on the role of gender in tourism and how to enhance it, addressing women as agents of change in and for sustainable tourism.
In order to increase public awareness of the interrelation between tourism and its beneficial role for women, UNWTO will also launch an online photo contest to show women playing leadership roles at all levels within the sector. The 12 selected winners will be exhibited during the UNWTO General Assembly in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, in November.
“With Sri Lanka as the Host Country and planned celebrations around the world, UNWTO is launching this new initiative to show the achievements, opportunities and challenges for women in tourism,” said UNWTO Francesco Frangialli. “By working closely with our sister Agency UNIFEM and using our Global Code of Ethics for Tourism as a framework, we believe we can help this industry make even greater contribution to the Millennium Development Goals.”
Source: asiatraveltips.com
New Luxurious Boutique Hotel Apartments to Open in Hong Kong this Spring
A new luxurious boutique hotel apartment is due to open in Hong Kong in Spring 2007.
The development, known as The Putman, is a collaboration between world renowned designer Andrée Putman and one of Hong Kong’s leading luxury property developers National Properties Holdings. Citigroup Property Investors, the real estate investment management business of Citigroup, is the financial partner in this development.
Occupying a spot in Central, The Putman’s 28 apartments will provide executive accommodation for long-stay business travelers who are looking for comfort, space and designer-style in a central and convenient location.
The building is entirely purpose-built to Madame Putman’s specifications as she oversaw site design, development, space-use, exterior elevation and interior decoration.
Each of the 1,300 square foot one-bedroom apartments will be full-floor suites with private dual-lift lobbies. Inside the apartments will be three distinctive living areas - all inter-connected by glass doors, open hallways, high ceilings and a chic neutral décor for versatile living.
Apartments will be fully fitted with state-of-the-art gadgets and furnishings including two Toshiba 42” HD LCD televisions, Siemens and Krups kitchen appliances and a stand alone Villeroy & Boch bathtub. On-site management will provide daily housekeeping services as well as full porter, maintenance and concierge services.
“I have tried to create a sentiment of opulent yet understated elegance,” said the innovative French designer. “By creating a dialogue between the façade and the interior, the outside and the inside, I aimed to create an oasis of calm amid the bustle of Hong Kong. The Putman’s design represents a fresh and subtle energy driven by an ambitious desire for comfort.”
Other facilities in the block will include a café located on the ground floor, and a chic lobby area. Prices for the one-bedroom suites will average HK$50,000 per month with the top four floors boasting sensational sea views.
“Our company wanted to extend our expertise in luxury developments to the boutique hotel/serviced apartment sector,” said Loewe Lee, Managing Director of National Properties. “We envisioned creating a stylish yet inviting space with all the comforts of home. Through Madame Putman’s inspirational and innovative designs, we will realise our first luxury hotel/serviced apartment project.”
Source: asiatraveltips.com
The development, known as The Putman, is a collaboration between world renowned designer Andrée Putman and one of Hong Kong’s leading luxury property developers National Properties Holdings. Citigroup Property Investors, the real estate investment management business of Citigroup, is the financial partner in this development.
Occupying a spot in Central, The Putman’s 28 apartments will provide executive accommodation for long-stay business travelers who are looking for comfort, space and designer-style in a central and convenient location.
The building is entirely purpose-built to Madame Putman’s specifications as she oversaw site design, development, space-use, exterior elevation and interior decoration.
Each of the 1,300 square foot one-bedroom apartments will be full-floor suites with private dual-lift lobbies. Inside the apartments will be three distinctive living areas - all inter-connected by glass doors, open hallways, high ceilings and a chic neutral décor for versatile living.
Apartments will be fully fitted with state-of-the-art gadgets and furnishings including two Toshiba 42” HD LCD televisions, Siemens and Krups kitchen appliances and a stand alone Villeroy & Boch bathtub. On-site management will provide daily housekeeping services as well as full porter, maintenance and concierge services.
“I have tried to create a sentiment of opulent yet understated elegance,” said the innovative French designer. “By creating a dialogue between the façade and the interior, the outside and the inside, I aimed to create an oasis of calm amid the bustle of Hong Kong. The Putman’s design represents a fresh and subtle energy driven by an ambitious desire for comfort.”
Other facilities in the block will include a café located on the ground floor, and a chic lobby area. Prices for the one-bedroom suites will average HK$50,000 per month with the top four floors boasting sensational sea views.
“Our company wanted to extend our expertise in luxury developments to the boutique hotel/serviced apartment sector,” said Loewe Lee, Managing Director of National Properties. “We envisioned creating a stylish yet inviting space with all the comforts of home. Through Madame Putman’s inspirational and innovative designs, we will realise our first luxury hotel/serviced apartment project.”
Source: asiatraveltips.com
Romantic spas? Top 10
Autor: Anitra Brown
Are you looking for a romantic spa? A little corner of paradise for a sexy weekend getaway? Here are the top ten romantic spas in the United States. They range from big cities to island getaways, but all the spas have an intimate scale, a sense of privacy, and sensual surroundings to inspire romance.
1. Calistoga Ranch, Calistoga, California
Secluded in a forest just east of the Silverado Trail in Napa Valley, Calistoga Ranch is a sleek, sexy hideway for lovers. Private cedar-shingle guest lodges on a 157-acre compound were built to disturb with nature as little as possible. The Ranch Bathhouse overlooks Lake Lommel and offers buttermilk baths, mud baths, outdoor massages with walnut oil and a natural thermal mineral pool.
2. Royal Palms Resort & Spa, Phoenix, Arizona
The Royal Palms Resort & Spa is a Spanish Mediterranean estate with an original 1929 mansion and 117 casitas and guestrooms decorated in jewel-tones. The Alvadora Spa has fountains, fireplaces, a Watsu massage pool, and a seductive, spacious indoor/outdoor Acqua Dolce couples’ compound.
3. Spa at The Mandarin Oriental, New York City
Located on the 35th floor of the luxurious Time Warner center, The Mandarin Oriental in New York City is just an elevator ride away from world class restaurants and shopping. The soothing rooms are very sexy. So is the seductive couples suite with an antique Chinese bed, private steam shower and fireplace, tucked away in the Asian-inspired spa.
4. One & Only Spa Palmilla, Los Cabos, Mexico
One & Only Palmilla is a 172-room resort in Los Cabos that can arrange a Latin guitar trio to serenade you on the beach. Or in the Casa Gardenia suite, a personal butler serves dinner on the moon-lit patio. A favorite of celebrities, couples and honeymooners. The 22,000-sq. ft. spa features 13 spa villas that are the ultimate in privacy and intimacy.
5. The Inn at Palmetto Bluff, Bluffton, South Carolina
Designed in charming Low Country style, the Inn at Palmetto Bluff has 42 large, comfy cottage rooms with water views, fireplaces and porches. The Spa treatment rooms have verandas and even outdoor baths. The Golf Course darts in and out along the May River shoreline.
6. Mauna Lani Spa at Mana Lani Resort, Big Island, Hawaii
Mauna Lani Resort has just 335 rooms, most overlooking the ocean. But for complete privacy, try one of five butler-serviced bungalows just a short walk from the beach. The spa is a small village of thatched roof huts, with exotic treatments like the Ginger Honey Body Therapy and an open-air lava sauna.
7. Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain, Arizona
Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain is small and intimate, with sleek modern rooms. The spa features The Sanctum, a stone-wall hideaway couples can rent for the hour or half-day and enjoy the vitality pool, deluge shower and fire pit.
8. Little Palm Island Resort & Spa, Little Torch Key, Florida.
Little Palm Island is a hidden treasure in the Florida Keys, accessible only by boat or seaplane. Just 28 private bungalows decorate in English Colonial style look out to sea through leafy palms. Kids club? Forget it. The resort draws the line at 16 years. Canoeing, diving, sailing and fishing await the adventuresome, and Spa Terre specializes in luxurious Indonesian treatments.
9. MacArthur Place Inn & Spa, Sonoma, California
MacArthur Place Inn & Spa is a Victorian inn on 300 acres with its own gardens and orchards. Suites and cottages offer two-person hydrotherapy tubs, fireplaces, sitting areas, and patios or balconies overlooking the gardens. The Garden Spa features treatments inspired by wine country, like grapeseed scrubs.
10. Mirbeau Inn & Spa, Skaneateles, New York
Mirbeau has 34 chateau-style rooms overlooking gardens, each with a fireplace and a bath big enough for two. Located in the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York, this intimate retreat has treatments like the Orange parfait – a milk bath scented with orange blossoms.
Original: http://spas.about.com/od/spareviews/tp/romanticspas.htm
Are you looking for a romantic spa? A little corner of paradise for a sexy weekend getaway? Here are the top ten romantic spas in the United States. They range from big cities to island getaways, but all the spas have an intimate scale, a sense of privacy, and sensual surroundings to inspire romance.
1. Calistoga Ranch, Calistoga, California
Secluded in a forest just east of the Silverado Trail in Napa Valley, Calistoga Ranch is a sleek, sexy hideway for lovers. Private cedar-shingle guest lodges on a 157-acre compound were built to disturb with nature as little as possible. The Ranch Bathhouse overlooks Lake Lommel and offers buttermilk baths, mud baths, outdoor massages with walnut oil and a natural thermal mineral pool.
2. Royal Palms Resort & Spa, Phoenix, Arizona
The Royal Palms Resort & Spa is a Spanish Mediterranean estate with an original 1929 mansion and 117 casitas and guestrooms decorated in jewel-tones. The Alvadora Spa has fountains, fireplaces, a Watsu massage pool, and a seductive, spacious indoor/outdoor Acqua Dolce couples’ compound.
3. Spa at The Mandarin Oriental, New York City
Located on the 35th floor of the luxurious Time Warner center, The Mandarin Oriental in New York City is just an elevator ride away from world class restaurants and shopping. The soothing rooms are very sexy. So is the seductive couples suite with an antique Chinese bed, private steam shower and fireplace, tucked away in the Asian-inspired spa.
4. One & Only Spa Palmilla, Los Cabos, Mexico
One & Only Palmilla is a 172-room resort in Los Cabos that can arrange a Latin guitar trio to serenade you on the beach. Or in the Casa Gardenia suite, a personal butler serves dinner on the moon-lit patio. A favorite of celebrities, couples and honeymooners. The 22,000-sq. ft. spa features 13 spa villas that are the ultimate in privacy and intimacy.
5. The Inn at Palmetto Bluff, Bluffton, South Carolina
Designed in charming Low Country style, the Inn at Palmetto Bluff has 42 large, comfy cottage rooms with water views, fireplaces and porches. The Spa treatment rooms have verandas and even outdoor baths. The Golf Course darts in and out along the May River shoreline.
6. Mauna Lani Spa at Mana Lani Resort, Big Island, Hawaii
Mauna Lani Resort has just 335 rooms, most overlooking the ocean. But for complete privacy, try one of five butler-serviced bungalows just a short walk from the beach. The spa is a small village of thatched roof huts, with exotic treatments like the Ginger Honey Body Therapy and an open-air lava sauna.
7. Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain, Arizona
Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain is small and intimate, with sleek modern rooms. The spa features The Sanctum, a stone-wall hideaway couples can rent for the hour or half-day and enjoy the vitality pool, deluge shower and fire pit.
8. Little Palm Island Resort & Spa, Little Torch Key, Florida.
Little Palm Island is a hidden treasure in the Florida Keys, accessible only by boat or seaplane. Just 28 private bungalows decorate in English Colonial style look out to sea through leafy palms. Kids club? Forget it. The resort draws the line at 16 years. Canoeing, diving, sailing and fishing await the adventuresome, and Spa Terre specializes in luxurious Indonesian treatments.
9. MacArthur Place Inn & Spa, Sonoma, California
MacArthur Place Inn & Spa is a Victorian inn on 300 acres with its own gardens and orchards. Suites and cottages offer two-person hydrotherapy tubs, fireplaces, sitting areas, and patios or balconies overlooking the gardens. The Garden Spa features treatments inspired by wine country, like grapeseed scrubs.
10. Mirbeau Inn & Spa, Skaneateles, New York
Mirbeau has 34 chateau-style rooms overlooking gardens, each with a fireplace and a bath big enough for two. Located in the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York, this intimate retreat has treatments like the Orange parfait – a milk bath scented with orange blossoms.
Original: http://spas.about.com/od/spareviews/tp/romanticspas.htm
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