How to Enjoy the Holidays With Your Relatives

Here are five simple things that will make the next holiday party enjoyable for everyone.

1) Leave Home Without It

Unless you visit like-minded people, leave your private cause at home. Cover the tattoo, remove the nose ring, take out the tongue stud. Similarly, avoid editorials, lectures, and sermons. Remember: it's a holiday party. No one comes to be offended.

2) Make Them Special

Let others talk. Be impressed (or at least interested) with what they say. Ask questions to encourage telling more. Find something to praise. Give your complete attention while listening. Appreciation is a gift that lasts a lifetime.

3) Detach

Let others be themselves. Accept what people say, regardless how outrageous. Avoid correcting, criticizing, or complaining. Ignore bait that lures you into arguments. Avoid taking things personally. Just say, "Ah, how interesting," and move on.

4) Talk Friendly

Offer compliments. Be positive. Be gracious. Be mature. Find diplomatic ways to express your ideas. Avoid negative words, especially "not," because negative ideas trigger a defensive response. Be a source of solutions instead of complications.

5) Behave

Avoid trick questions ("What kind of idiot would do this?"). Avoid punitive stories that contain hidden insults. Avoid baiting people into arguments. Spend time with people who enjoy your ideas. Realize it is always a bad idea to start an argument.

Villas Turkey

It's a huge country littered with interesting artefacts and populated by some of the friendliest people on earth. Flowers seem to burst from every crevice, the sun shines endlessly, transport systems are efficient Scenery ranges from dull to mind-boggling, beaches are fair, prices are low and shopping is excellent, especially leatherware in Istanbul. Driving is suprisingly safe, apart from mad Istanbul taxi drivers and night driving.

Knocking at Europe’s door yet on the threshold of Asia, Turkey is truly a land of contrasts. Here you can scale the icy heights of remote Mount Ararat in search of Noah’s Ark, cross the historic Euphrates and Tigris rivers, follow in the footsteps of St Paul or simply relax on the golden Mediterranean sands of Patara beach.

Vibrant Istanbul, straddling the blue waters of the Bosphorus separating Europe from Asia, beckons with its skyline pierced by countless minarets, chaotic bazaars and a history redolent with harem intrigue and despotic Sultans. In Turkey, you can also cruise along more than 1000km (620 miles) of Mediterranean coastline, past secluded coves, rocky headlands and pretty fishing villages, or explore a hinterland rich in the wonderfully preserved remains of Graeco-Roman cities such as Ephesus.

Turkey Villas are abundent all along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts and many are luxurious, spacious and with pricate pools. The combination of a rental care and a beautiful Turkey Villas makes for a great Turkey Holiday.

How to spend less when you find your hotel in Rome

Before booking your hotel accommodation in Rome, you do not have to disregard the weather conditions and the months in which tourists are packed when visiting its monuments.

Rome has a nice weather and this makes the eternal city visitable year-round; however, spring and autumn is without doubt the best times to visit, with generally clear skies and mild temperatures (even if late autumn, November, can be rainy). July and August are humid and hot (many Romans desert the city in August so many businesses close at this time); from December to February there is briskly cold weather, although it's rarely grey and gloomy.


In Rome the toursit season starts generally from the first of April to October and again for the two weeks around Christhmas and new year's Eve.
August is a very nice month in Rome, because you can find the city empty and you can discover the treasures of the eternal city, like the vatican and the ancient roman ruins.


During the Holy Week (Easter) Catholics from around the world make pilgrimages to Rome's various basilicas and to hear the Pope give his blessing from the window of its apartment in sixty languages. On Good Friday there is the pope's procession of the Cross from the Colosseum to Capitoline Hill that is worldwide broadcasted: you do not need tickets to attend it.
Making a reservation at the hotels of Rome during easter period is really very hard and you can have the unpleasant surprise to change your hotel accommodation very often due to the overbooking system.

Washington DC Group Travel Guide

Washington, DC was originally established by the Constitution of the United States in 1789. George Washington, the nation's first president and figure in which the city was named after, chose the land where the city would originate. The area adjoining the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers was chosen because it was already a bustling port for tobacco and wheat shippers. More importantly, it was an area that was centrally located between the North and the South.
Washington D.C. is an amazing reflection of the nation it represents. As the capital city of a country, which is the biggest "melting pot" in the world, it truly does offer visitors a glimpse of American culture and subcultures at their finest.

Leaders from all over the world convene in this city to discuss business and politics, as well as to socialize. As a result, you can find activities, restaurants, and attractions that not only provide insight and education to those who visit, but also offer a cultural experience unlike any other. Discover a variety of dining options that satisfies tastes across all palates. Where else can you sample Ethiopian cuisine, catch a Washington Nationals baseball game, and walk along the Potomac while the cherry blossoms are in bloom, all in one afternoon?

Taking a culture on its own terms

When travelling to distant and exotic locales, we are constantly confronted by different, exotic, and sometimes disturbing and challenging situations and experiences. These experiences are a big part of what makes travel such an adventure, and they are the catalyst for opening our minds and broadening our own personal horizons and perspectives. When situations arise that disturb us or make us uncomfortable, it is very important to force ourselves to suspend judgement based upon our own experience and culture. Often times, the culture, custom, and tradition of the countries we visit is in direct contrast to our own, and we must experience and learn about our host cultures to get positive experiences while travelling. Everyone has come across the "ugly American" that complains about everything and insists that he can't find a good hamburger anywhere! Well, why go to India, a country of a majority of Hindu faithful that view a cow as sacred and never consider eating beef? This is an extreme example, but by observing closely the way we handle ourselves in different travel situations we can begin to identify traits in ourselves that are leaning towards our ugly american and weed these traits out. Perhaps our travels will be more rewarding and diverse if we allow ourselves the time and patience to really learn why people are acting and reacting the way they are, and begin to take a culture on its own terms.

Clean Air in Scotland??

Clean air in Scotland?? As if you were in any doubt about this! You associate Scotland with fresh air, beautiful countryside and friendly people. However, if you are planning a trip to Scotland in 2006, it is quite possible that you will be affected by some new legislation.

The Scottish Parliament passed a law which will affect tourists to Scotland from 26th March 2006. "Smoking will no longer be allowed in the majority of enclosed public places, including workplaces."

There are very few exemptions to the smoking ban which will affect most public premises, offices, factories and work vehicles. According to the Scottish Executive, it is not enough to ventilate public areas and filter the air; there is a good body of evidence which shows that ventilating the rooms only takes away the smell of the smoke and makes the air appear cleaner. The toxic carcinogens remain in the atmosphere and cause a public health hazard.

The new Law will be enforced by Environmental Health Officers - and there will be a fixed penalty fine of £50 for smoking in no-smoking premises. The person in charge of an establishment who allows colleagues and visitors to smoke could be fined £200.

As a non-smoker, this delights me - particularly as I have watched aunts and uncles succumb to smoking-related diseases.

You can find more information about this at the http://www.clearingtheairscotland.com web site.

Worldwide Travel Insurance

Planning for a trip world wide? Looking out for an insurance to protect your travel and make your experience a memorable one? The cheapest rate in a policy will hold no meaning if it doesn’t properly cover your overseas travel needs. Choose a company that does not cut on the insurance cover but on the cost of insurance. They should provide you with round the clock emergency assistance as well as cover you for activities and sports you are interested in. Get started with your skiing, snowboarding or bungee jumping, experience the best vacation ever. Do not forget to get an insurance cover of worldwide travel insurance.

Seek provisions for extending your overseas stay. Online option makes it convenient to you if you decide to extend your overseas stay, the holiday insurance should be chosen to protect your holiday. After all every one hopes that we won't need the insurance but it is always best to have it. When you are in a foreign country and something goes wrong whether it is a stolen wallet or lost passport you really do not want to go alone. This is precisely why one opts for worldwide travel insurance for all overseas travel.

Medical cover: you can be covered for any medical assistance or hospitalization charges. While you are on a world tour then the mounting medical bills might cost you the earth and leave you penniless.

Concerns about your personal baggage, protect it from any kind of stealth or damage to your personal belongings. You, as a globe trotter could possibly be having such worries and may be on the lookout of a way out of this. It could be the fear of theft of cash and other ensuing problems.

You plan your trip and relax let your travel insurance agent do the rest. You are going to be really relieved to have the insurance guy deal with things and see you have the funds etc to carry on with your trip and not have it ruined by some unforeseen problem. Your policy should be flexible enough as well as accommodate for any value that you might add during your holidays while making purchases. Independent insurance companies offer the cheapest source of obtaining cheap worldwide holiday insurance that provide for senior travelers, winter sports and globe trekkers low cost insurance.

Stag Weekends in Bournemouth – Off Road Karting

When it comes to stag weekends, your mind travels to a place that is filled with scenic beauty and thrilling activities. Stag nights and stag parties in Bournemouth is the ideal option to spend your leisure time while you are on a stag weekend. Bournemouth is reputed for its beauty and is called the blue-rinse paradise. Ideal for a stag weekend, Bournemouth is filled with numerous belting nightclubs and fashionable bars, all located within walking distance of each other. Stag weekends in Bournemouth provides you with some of the best stag events and beach activities ranging from zap cats and power boating, karting, quad biking to greyhound racing and clay pigeon shooting.

Stag Do - Rage Buggies in Bournemouth

Off road Karting in Bournemouth is the ultimate thrilling stag event as you ride a 620cc-unrestricted engine with a lightweight chassis capable of picking up a speed of 50 mph within just 6 seconds. It definitely sounds a challenging stag event. Get prepared for some more surprising information. This 620cc powerful engine is like an automatic car with no gears, where you will have to drive using one foot only. This mechanism leaves your mind free to concentrate on finding the racing line around the specially built course that’s filled with adventurous twists and turns comprising slaloms, chicanes and hairpins. Apart from giving you a fun filled stag weekend, off road karting in Bournemouth also teaches you how to fishtail the forceful kart around the corners and along the extensive curves.

You will be given loads of practice laps to get a feel of the kart. There will be two karts on the track at a time to give you a clear track ahead. Now that you have gained sufficient training in this stag event, you will be able to do a flat out and flying timed lap with a fantastic start and a perfect finish.

The Fun of Off Road Karting

Stag weekends are the best ways of relieving your mind and enjoying your day to the fullest. The stag do off road karting in Bournemouth provides you with all the fun and adventure you are looking for. Chillisauce makes sure that your trip to Bournemouth turns out to be the best stag weekend you ever had, leaving behind a sense of satisfaction, and making you look forward to similar such fun filled stag weekends in Bournemouth.

The Travelling Itch

I have a passion for travel that has never been fulfilled. My childhood years were spent fantasizing about exotic cultures and faraway places: visiting the pyramids of Egypt, flying over the Nazca lines in the southern Peruvian desert, wandering mysterious cobbled streets in the rustic towns of Italy…these fantasies were always in my mind and formed the background for my college studies in Anthropology. Someday, I thought, I will see the world…

One child, one mortgage, two car payments and several revolving credit balances later I have yet to see more of our planet than the western half of the continental US (with a few forays into the wilds of Vancouver, British Columbia). Though the shores of the west coast are indisputably beautiful and my move to Idaho has introduced me to a different landscape of rugged yet pristine terrain, my thirst to roam remains unquenched. So when I recently landed on an opportunity that enabled me to indulge my travel yen - for life - with a membership offering steeply discounted trips around the globe, I seized it. This is what I found:

The Coastal Travel membership is good for a lifetime with just one purchase and a small annual renewal fee. There are two options to join: Domestic and International. I chose the International option, which includes all of the discounts and packages offered in the Domestic package as well. Included in the membership are a vast variety of discounted trips offering complimentary lodging to destinations from the islands of Barbados to those of Greece, and from Paris, France to Bangkok, Thailand. Also offered are 20 discount cards for dining, entertainment, roadside assistance, complimentary long distance calls, golf, camping and a long list of hotels and resorts, including domestic and international condominium rentals at greatly reduced prices. As a bonus, I found 5 complimentary cruises included in my purchase.

Though my first two scheduled trips are within the States (the discounts also apply exceptionally well to my normal business travel), I will finally see the Eastern half of my country for the first time and will be visiting Boston, Massachusetts and Orlando Florida for less than 1/3 the cost I would pay without my membership. But after my return, I will be planning my first trip overseas.

I am having a hard time deciding between Tahiti and Australia…

Your Own Adventure - On The Trail Of The Da Vinci Code

With some clever planning before hand, you can get to do more things the only thing you'll be concerned with is if you have enough time to squeeze everything into your mini adventure.

Top 10 European city destinations (in no particular order)
: Amsterdam
: Rome
: Prague
: Paris
: Barcelona
: Venice
: Budapest
: Florence
: Madrid
: Vienna
Source: Thomas Cook.

Don't Just Observe – Participate In Life
Think about it, when your friends come back from their escapade, what do they tell you? They tell you about all the activities they got up to, and they have the countless pictures to prove it. But, if your budget is holding you back, this could mean you won't have much to tell friends back home. You won't get to do all the things you'd like to do during your holiday. Friends will think 'You've travelled all that way and for what?'

Making Your Money Stretch
With the average spending money of £200 for a weekend away, costs can run up fast. Gate14.co.uk has the solution to this problem. They provide visitors access to impressive value-for-money tours, city passes and a magnitude of special deals available for over 400 cities worldwide.

: City passes – which not only cut the cost of local public transport, but also offers reduced or even free entrance to a number of places you may already have on your list of things to see and do
: A day at the races and other sports events
: Theatre tickets
: Theme parks (this one is particularly cost effective for families)
: Wine tasting and cooking events
: Cultural/Historical tours
: Dining out
: Cruises
: Nature tours
: Museums
: Designer shopping spree excursions and so much more...

This way you can find out, before you even set off for the airport, what there is to see and do in your chosen holiday location and have the ability to pre-book events and services. Here's just a small number of mini adventures you could get up to on your next holiday

: Da Vinci Code walking tour
: Canopy adventure
: Dive with the sharks
: Private Safari
: Horseback riding
: Luminous Lagoon
: Romantic dinner cruise
: SoHo and NoLita shopping tour

A Different World
You can be as adventurous or as relaxing as you want. Remember, you are in control. Try something you've never done before. With so much to experience it would be a shame to miss it all. Now, with the majority of your trip organised and prepaid you can truly rest back and enjoy.

Old Friends and Familiar Haunts

We hadn't seen them for several years; Heather and Sarge were the first to phone and say they were here in the UK and hoped to see us before returning home. Then, out of the blue, Sandy phoned me to say that some friends had turned up at the shop and were waiting to see me. .... the strange thing was that I had flat-shared with Naval when he was a student; then when I sold the flat and moved away, he flatted with Heather. So for the first time in many years, we were all in Scotland at the same time.

Despite my best efforts, we didn't manage to have a grand reunion; Heather and Sarge had made alternative arrangements for last week. However, Sandy and I met up with Naval and his family in Inveraray - where we "Chewed the Cud" and shocked one another with various tales of derring do. By the way, in case you haven't tried it, you really must visit the George Hotel in Inveraray and have a meal there. It's tremendous value for money and the food is brilliant.

We had a quick walk round the town after lunch and decided to go to the Wild Life Park. Unfortunately this business has closed and we were a bit too late to find anything else which was child-friendly in the area. So Naval invited us to have a coffee at their holiday villa at Arden. We drove back towards Helensburgh and Naval led us into the Gardeners' Cottages at Arden. It's like stepping into a secret world. The Gardeners' Cottages are all in a row; several are available for holiday lets; the owners live in one so are always on hand to give advice or sort out any problems (can't imagine there are any.)

The cottage was beautiful; two bedrooms, an immaculate bathroom and a very nice living-room. Apparently, when Naval and family arrived, there were lovely red roses in the rooms, fruit had been left, there was milk, bread, tea, coffee in the kitchen - and the cottage was lovely and warm for them. Naval showed us round the garden - which had been an old walled garden; in September it was past its best, but still looked great. There's also a small putting green to entertain the visitors. A path leads from the cottages down to a small, private beach on the edge of Loch Lomond.

It's impossible to see the cottages from the main road, so the feeling of seclusion is fantastic - although there are other houses in the vicinity. If we didn't live just eight miles away, it would be a lovely place to have a holiday.

Fire risk rising in the Lake District

Continued extreme temperatures and drought have put the Lake District in serious danger of countryside fires. In the wake of record breaking temperatures a warning has gone out not to light fires in the countryside or abandon portable barbecues – walkers are being asked to take extra care and all tourists are asked be extra vigilant to allow a fast response to any fires.

The unusually hot dry summer we are having across the UK has left several areas very dry. The Lake District is no exception and has been baking hot resulting in vast areas of parched land.

Although there have been no serious fires for around three years, the Lake District National Park Authority is calling for vigilance in cutting down risks to tinderbox dry grass and bracken – walkers are seen as one of the key lines of defence as at this time of year there are lots of walkers and they can give an early alert to danger.

“We’ve had a prolonged dry spell and it only needs a spark from a fire or barbecue to ignite one of these dried out areas and the ramifications could be very serious,” said ranger Graham Standring.

“Portable barbecues are a particular nightmare as they remain hot for a long time and people leave them behind. They not only burn the ground but in these weather conditions pose very real fire risks.”

Ranger manager Sara Clarke said the hot weather was bringing out hordes of people from dawn to dusk and many were having picnics and barbecues.

“It’s great that so many are enjoying this Mediterranean weather, but we would just ask that portable barbecues are placed on stones, rather than directly on the ground,” said Sara. “Please don’t leave them unattended and clear them away once cooled.”

“Hopefully it’s too hot for fires, but if people are tempted I would ask them to consider very carefully the huge risks they would be posing to the countryside. Fires can start so very easily in these conditions and spread rapidly.”

If proper care is taken there should be no problems but it only takes one mistake and a huge area of land, fauna and flora can be severely damaged and take many years to recover.

et Football Fsont ils Bon Ménage

En effet, Casino 888.com sponsorisait le FC Toulouse et PartyGaming le FNCA de Nantes! Oui mais voila, c'était sans compter sur la Ligue Professionnelle de Football.

Dimanche dernier, sur les maillots du FC Toulouse, on retrouvait bien les couleurs du casino mais les signes ???.com. Qu'est ce donc ???.com me direz-vous. Il s'agit tout simplement de son sponsor Casino 888.com.

Pourquoi?

Alors que les joueurs ont pour obligation de porter les couleurs et le nom du casino, la Ligue professionnelle a, quant à elle, décidée d'exclure les casinos de la publicité et du sponsoring. D'où l'omission. Or, tout le monde l'aura compris le sigle ??? faisait bien référence au casino sponsor de l'équipe.

La Ligue explique son refus. Du fait de l'arrestation de certains géants de casinos en ligne depuis le mois de septembre, dont le derneir en date de Bwin arreté en France, la ligue se voit le droit d'interdire la publicité, le sponsoring pour les paris en ligne.

Samedi, une autre équipe, la FC Monaco a rencontré le même problème que le FC Toulouse lors de son match face au Mans. Un représentant de l'équipe explique que, sans cette alternative, le coup d'envoi du match n'aurait pu être donné.

On se souvient encore des paroles de Jean-Luc Gripond, vice-président du club nantais, "le FCNA a décidé de s'associer à un nouveau sponsor disposant: "premièrement une dimension internationale, et notre football a besoin de partenaires de cette dimension, deuxièmement un lien avec les nouvelles technologies, ce qui représente pour nous le futur".

Qu'en est il aujourd'hui?

Un enquête a été menée ( voir notre article Bonnes Nouvelles pour les Casinos en Ligne).
Les paris sont monopole d'état en France et on pourrait penser que l'arrestation des cadres de BWin s'est opérée au bénéfice de la Française des jeux. Aussi, peu de temps après, la Commission européenne a décidé de s'intéresser de plus près à la question du monopole d'État pour les paris et les jeux. La volonté de la commission est clairement affichée, soit les États membres les considèrent néfastes pour leurs ressortissants et interdisent totalement les jeux en ligne, soit ils les autorisent et permettent aux sociétés comme 888.com d'offrir leurs services sur le marché.

Try A Boutique Ski Hotel

Cheaper flights and a wider range of European ski resorts has created a market for boutique hotels in skiing areas.

Whilst many people still enjoy staying in chalets or apartments when they ski, many people are opting for a little extra individuality and luxury, and where better to get that than a boutique hotel? Small enough to maintain the intimacy of a chalet, but with services that let you truly enjoy your break, boutique ski hotels are becoming more popular by the year.

Dedicated ski hotels have to offer slightly difference facilities for skiing clientele. Aside from needing a perfect location, they also have to be able to store skis, boots and other equipment safely and provide the sort of food and drink that would be expected by a seasoned skier. Comfort and quality are important too, as is access to local après-ski scene, and boutique hotel owners in these resorts are making sure that their guests want for nothing. Blessed with fantastic views, great cuisine and with all your needs anticipated by the attentive staff, these are the sorts of hotels that turn your annual ski trip into a holiday to remember.

A boutique ski hotel offers you the best of both worlds – a chic hotel experience with the convenience and service of a top quality hotel. No more finding out your hotel is miles from the slopes, or fighting to get on the bus in the morning, and no more wondering if your chalet’s evening meal is going to be up to scratch. Instead, concentrate on having fun on the slopes in the knowledge that you will come back to an intimate, tastefully furnished, discreetly serviced hotel that will look after your every need.

In France, for example, Concept One Chalet is the perfect blend of design and service, set in the heart of Chamonix and with just five rooms. Austria has the Schloss Prielau, a medieval castle in Zell am See where glacial skiing is available in the winter. Take a look at both of these boutique hotels the next time you’re planning a skiing holiday and make it an unforgettable one.

The Lighthouse Hotel, Llandudno, United Kingdom

Providing panoramic views across the Irish Sea, the Lighthouse hotel is a wonderful maritime relic offering accommodation of a rather unusual nature.

Built in 1862, the Lighthouse warned the passing ships of the dangers of the North Wales coastline, offering safe passage for many a brave seaman.

These days the Lighthouse is more interested in its guests than the passing sailors, converted during its lifetime from a great beacon into a guesthouse.

The hotel resides on the rugged North Wales coast in the seaside resort of Llandudno. The nearest airport is Manchester International approximately 1.5 hours drive from the west.

Sat perilously atop the limestone cliffs, the Lighthouse towers over the Irish Sea some 100 meters, its fortress-like construction standing sentinel over the rushing waters deep below.

The hotel boasts three guestrooms, each commanding magnificent views. To the north rests the Isle of Man, and to the south sits Puffin Island.

With the beacon removed, the glass panelled lamp room is now a dramatic lounge for its guests, with striking panoramic views across the ocean.

The room is decorated early twentieth-century; its beautiful wooden chairs adorned with red upholstery and matching cushions, a wonderful throwback to the days when the building was more concerned with the safety of passing vessels.

By the window rests a small telescope, available to all who wish to seek the more modern frigates of today.

But the room really comes into its own of an evening. On a clear day the sunsets can be awe-inspiring, a romantic prelude to evening dinner.

A short walk will take you into the town of Llandudno. Popular with the British tourists, Llandudno is the quintessential seaside resort of the UK.

The ever popular amusement arcades keep the youngsters occupied while the adults can spend in the busy shopping streets.

Away from the tourist spots are some lovely walks atop the rugged cliffs. Inspiration maybe for a certain Lewis Carroll who wrote part of his ‘Alice In Wonderland’ around these here parts.

Collect A Bowl Or Two

In the past few years I have had the privilege of traveling to over thirty countries for my work. Many people tell me that I have a dream job, and I'd have to agree. When I was a little kid, no one told me that there were jobs available that you got to travel the world and write about the things you saw and experienced for other people to read. If they had told me, I would have known my career goal all along. I would have been the only elementary school kid who knew without a doubt that he wanted to be a traveling journalist. A highlight of my travels has been collecting a bowl or two at each place I've visited.

I've always loved bowls and pottery. I guess it started because my father was a professional potter and so he was always at the wheel throwing pots and bowls and other things. I loved coming home from school and spending hours just watching my father work on his wheel. I like every kind of pottery he made, but nothing could excite me as much as a great bowl.

So when I began traveling it was only natural that I would collect a bowl or two in each place I saw. I wanted to collect bowls because I knew they were something that I liked and that I could put to good use every day. I hate getting souveniers that I cannot put to good use. When I landed in England, the first country I visited, I was amazed by how many bowls there were to choose from. I knew it was going to be harder than I thought to narrow things down to no more than two bowls per country.

I now have nearly sixty bowls from all around the world. I have bowls from every continent. Some were made in front of me by a local potter, others I bought from large warehouses that sold bowls at discount. I have two large shelves in my home where bowl after bowl sits waiting for use. I am constantly rotating the bowls I use for cereal and salads and other things.

If you are about to venture out into the world for traveling, I suggest that you pick a great souvenier idea ahead of time. For me, purchasing a bowl or two has done the trick. See if it might work for you too.

Selling Timeshares: Useful Tips

Retaining the ownership of a timeshare property can become impractical sometimes. The reasons for selling the time shares might vary greatly. A person after enjoying the time share resort for a number of years could have got bored of it, or the financial position of the owner could have changed, or the life style is no longer suitable for enjoying the timeshare he owns etc. Whatever might be the reason, it is just like a piece of real estate and selling needs good planning. There is lot of legitimate agencies which will assist the owner to sell his timeshare in a very professional manner.

Selling a timeshare can be very difficult as lots of factors are involved in the sale. When selling a timeshare the owner has to sell not only the particular time of the year but also the location of the time share resort. Some buyer might be only interested in the location but not the period of the year and vice versa.

Pricing the property rightly is the key to sales:

If the owner of the property likes to sell the timeshare the fast and the easy way, he has to price it right. To price it right it is good to analyze the features and amenities available to the owner, whether it is fixed or floating or rotating type of timeshare, the number of rooms available, if it is freehold or leasehold kind of ownership, fees collected in the form of maintenance and annual fees, location of the unit say if it is overlooking the beach or near the mountain side etc. By emphasizing the features, it can be sold at a reasonably higher price. Normally time shares are sold for 20 – 70 % less than the original value. Professional advice will be very helpful in getting a competitive price as well as it can be made very legal.

If selling of the time share is not feasible, the next option to get returns out of it is to rent it. Also the owner has to be wary of paying the up-front fees in case of hiring a broker for selling timeshares. If hired on a commission only basis, it avoids the risk of paying money for the services not received. A reputed broker will be able to advice on the current trends of the time share and will ensure that both the owner and himself get the best out of the deal.

Travel trip to Mysore at discount travel

I had an opputunity to vist India at attractive discount travel package by a website. Mysore Palace or the Maharajah's Palace located in the heart of the city at Mirza Road, is the most attractive monument in Mysore. One of the largest palaces in the country, also known as Amba Vilas, was the residence of the Wodeyar Mahararaja's of the Mysore state. The original palace built of wood, got burnt down in 1897 and was rebuilt for the twenty fourth Wodeyar Raja in 1912.
The three storeyed building, 245 feet in length and 156 in breadth has a series of square towers with arches covered by domes. There is wide open space in the front and the open courtyard in the centre is covered by a gold-plated dome about 145 feet from the ground.
The entry to the palace is through the 'Gombe Thotti' or the Doll's Pavilion, a gallery of Indian and European sculpture and ceremonial objects. Halfway along is the elephant gate, which is the main entrance to the centre of the palace. The gate is decorated with floriated designs, and bears the Mysore royal symbol of a double headed eagle. Inside there is an enclosed courtyard. To the north of the gate are dolls, dating from the earlier nineteenth and twentieth centuries, a ceremonial wooden elephant howdah (carriage kept on top of the elephants to carry royalty) decorated with 84 kilogram of 24 carat gold and other souvenirs.
To the south, the magnificent 'Kalyana Mantapa' or the marriage pavilion has a centre octagonal gabled ceiling, covered by multi coloured stained glass with peacock motifs arranged in geometrical patterns and beautiful chandeliers from Chechoslavakia. Tall, slender cast iron pillars wrought at Glasgow, Scotland are arranged in groups of three at the corners of the central octagon. The floor is laid with glittering glazed tiles imported from England in artistic geometrical patterns and the walls which lead to the Mandapa are lined with oil paintings depicting Dusshera celebrations of the bygone royal era. It was a worderful trip at budget travel with cheap airline tickets from Travelmia.com

Pack your luggage & have fun on Honeymoon!!!

A honeymoon is a orthodox trip taken by newlywed couples to celebrate their marriage. Homemoon is an occassinon to know your better half. In current scenrio a newlyed couple wants to spend their personal time on those places where they found calm and peace. But again the destination to enjoy homeymoon is completely depends on couples where they want to spent their time because some people like cool,hilly,romentic palaces on the other hand some love to spend their time on sunny and warm beaches on some good ilands like hawai.

Planning your honeymoon is a big deal, and it is a part of wedding planning that can actually bring forth your true character. Honeymoons can be adventurous, exotic, or peaceful and quiet, all depending on what type of honeymoon you and your better half have been dreaming of.

Timings are very important when arranging a honeymoon. Some people choose to leave for their honeymoon immediately after the wedding ceremony, while others wait for a more suitable time months afterwards. Taking advice from travel agent is very helpful to book your honeymoon location. If you reserve your hotel in advance it will help you to save some dollars. It is also very good if you decide in advance what kind of hotel you want the most important thing to consider before reserving a room is budget, mid-price, chain, luxury, three-four-or-five-star, where, and what type of location. Once you have full knowledge of the hotel you want to stay in, start researching (questing) online travel agent sites to find prices for reservations. Then write down all the info you got from the site.

If you want to go to the honeymoon then you must plan in advance because in different places different hotels provide different discounts and offers for honeymoon couples. Even many airlines provide discount to honeymooners.

Finding a honeymoon package is very simple. You can search the net or you can ask some travel agents to advice you. On the net you will watch some travel sites which are always displaying and promoting special honeymoon packages and couples can benefit from these packages

By starting the decision-making process early on, a couple can find the honeymoon destination that is perfect for them.

Cost Cutting Ideas For Your Wedding

Don’t leave your shopping to the last minute. The more time you have to shop around, the more you can negotiate. It’s difficult to find bargains under pressure, so leave plenty of time to work with wedding vendors. Never hire the first vendor you meet. You should always make your decision based on several vendors.

Avoid a Saturday wedding. Saturday is the busiest wedding day of the week, and the most expensive. If you can try to have a Sunday or Friday wedding.

When you pay your bills use a credit card with a reward program. You have 30-days to pay the bill, in addition, you might earn enough miles to cover your flight to your honeymoon destination.

Avoid the busy summer wedding season. You might be able to get better deals during the fall and winter months.

You might be able to wear your mother’s or your grand mother’s wedding dress. In addition to saving a bundle, but you also might make you mother very happy. Buy a sample wedding dress or rent your wedding gown.

Hire businesses you know to get a great deal. If you have a friend who is a musician, a photographer, a caterer, try to work out a deal with them.

If you want to save a lot of money, hire a non-wedding photographer. Almost any good photographer should be able to do a good job photographing your wedding.

Buy your wedding accessories from non-wedding professionals. Many of your wedding accessories might be available at non-wedding vendors. Shop online. You can more effectively comparison shop online than trying to visit your local bridal shops.

Work with a wedding reception venue that allows you to provide your own alcoholic beverages. In addition to the obvious savings, you can return the unopened bottles to the store.

Work with an airline to get a group discount on the plane tickets for your wedding guests. Your wedding guests will appreciate the savings, and you might save on your plane ticket to your honeymoon destination.

Timeshare: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the need to buy timeshares?

The timeshare units are more comfortable and luxurious than any hotel providing an array of services to its customers. It serves both as a holiday vacation package and also as a real estate asset. It provides a right to enjoy ownership of the timeshare resort at a specific period of time. It provides quality accommodation to frequent travelers.

On what factors does the cost of timeshares rely on?

The factors which determine the cost of timeshares rely on the location of the timeshare unit, the season it is used and the size of the accommodation purchased. Apart from the purchase price, timeshare owners share all the developmental costs, maintenance costs, and management fees and to upkeep certain amenities like the swimming pool, tennis court etc.

What are crucial criteria to be thought of when buying a timeshare unit?

The price, location, flexibility of usage, lifestyle of the people who have purchased it and recreational facilities available in it are all very important. Apart from the above one needs to be very sure about the maintenance fees, ownership rights he is entitled to, the way the timeshare is managed etc. It is good to buy a timeshare through a reputed, licensed real estate broker.

Is there any difference between timeshare and vacation ownership?

Actually, there is no difference between them. The fundamental of vacation ownership is the same as the timeshares, but with lot of variants.

What are advantages of owning timeshare units?

Timeshares enable the person to spend his vacation at a swanky resort located at popular destinations at just a fraction of the money of what it would cost him if he were to buy it on his own. It can not only be used by the person owning it, but also can be rented out or gifted to his friends or relatives.

Whether the owner of the timeshare will be able to sell it anytime he wants to?

Although it is not impossible to sell it, selling the timeshare can be a little bit tricky as the availability is much more than the demand actually. If the timeshare is priced competitively and advertised well, a good price can be got out of the sale.

When Only The Best Boutique Hotels Will Do

There are times when you want to splash out and immerse yourself in luxury. Boutique hotels are the ideal places for understated opulence.

Whilst many boutique hotels fall easily into the “affordable” bracket, there are several whose sole purpose is to provide a discreet, private oasis, where your every need is met and you want for nothing. These hotels may cost more than you’re used to spending, but by the end of your stay, you’ll be working out how long it will be before you can afford to come back.

What is it about these chic hotels that makes them so desirable?

Thought

The essence of hotels at the top end of the boutique market is in the thought, planning and detail that goes into their preparation and day-to-day management. Hotels like these aren’t built overnight; they are the result of months and even years of planning, design and travel, sourcing the right materials, the right furniture and the right accessories. Discovering the elements that make up a true boutique retreat takes time, and guests benefit from the result. At a luxury boutique hotel you might find:

• Personal 24-hour butler service
• Fine dining
• Private swimming pools
• Individual villas
• Private spa facilities
• Private beach access

The thought put into these hotels is evident in the design and architecture of the hotel, the quality of the furnishings and fabrics and the attentiveness of the staff.

Location

The location of these hotels is all-important. Guests want privacy and peace and so these hotels are often set in acres of their own land, or on strips of private beach. Tranquillity and calm are the hallmarks of luxury retreats, so you will find your own personal serenity in locations like:

• Kenya
• Bali
• The Maldives
• Fiji
• Barbados

From private islands to olive groves as far as the eye can see, these luxury retreats allow you to relax completely, exploring when you want to and doing nothing at all if that’s how you feel.

What's To Know Before Taking An African Safari

In Swahili, the word safari means journey and is mainly aimed at hunting and exploring. Nowadays, however, the word safari is generally associated with adventure and the discovery of habitats and wildlife of the African land. And many people have experienced how truly remarkable an experience an African Safari can be in recent years.

An African safari can be undertaken in various ways, by driving throughout the African wildland or through fly-in safaris.

There are four basic types of safari through Africa:

-permanent tented safaris
-mobile safaris
-lodge safaris
-theme-based safaris, such as canoing, elephant-back, horseback or honeymoon safaris

An African safari through Southern and Eastern Africa usually takes between 10 and twenty days.

There are a few things you should do to make sure your African safari is not only exciting, but also safe. While you are planning an African safari tour, it is highly recommended to choose a well-trained an experienced safari guide, or a local tour operator who is very familiar with local conditions and etiquette. You should also make sure all the essential things for the safari are included in the package, such as accommodation, meals, ground transportation, excursion, guide or driver service and transfers.

Some of the most popular African safari destinations are Okavango Delta, Cape Town and Winelands, Kruger Park and Sabi-Sands, Chobe Park, Namib Desert, Victoria Falls, Etosha Park, Mount Kenya, Bazaruto Archipelago, Ngorongoro Crate, Forest Gorilla Treks and Kilimanjaro Mountains. African weather conditions are generally good throughout the whole year, but autumn and winter are the best seasons for safaris.

You can undertake an African safari in various ways, such as on horseback or on the back of an elephant; walking, flying, ballooning or driving through the African land. Either way you choose to do it, you will get a truly memorable experience. Once again though, it is essential to choose a tour operator with a lot of experience, strong knowledge of the local language and great contacts in Africa.

The Acropolis in Athens - a symbol in Greece

The Acropolis in Athens is the most symbolic area in Greece. Although in ancient Greece most major cities used to have their own acropolis, this spot is known as the centre of Athens and contains the most iconic and famous ancient constructions in the entire country. This way, the Acropolis is the most visited destination in not only Athens, but in the entire Greece as well, being a major attraction for tourists from around the world who approach this region in order to meet these constructions.

The Acropolis hill, also known as the Sacred Rock, contains several ancient symbolic constructions such as per example, the Parthenon, the Temple of Nike, and the Erechtheion. These spots, built within the years 450 and 330 BC have gone through several different historical moments and meeting them is without any doubt as meeting the past in the present.

The Parthenon, in The Acropolis, is the most symbolic construction from Ancient Greece. The Parthenon was built between the years 446 and 432 BC in honor to the Goddess of Athens Athena Parthenos. This construction was built almost entirely with Pentelic marble and shows 8 columns at its two shorter sides and 17 columns at its longer ones, containing a statue of Athena in its central area.

The Temple of Athena Nike, another major construction in The Acropolis, was built around the year 420 BC. This construction shows four columns at its shorter sides and walls in the larger sides. This construction's walls contains depictures of gods' conferences and battles at each side. The Erechtelion, is another major construction in The Acropolis. This construction was originally divided in two main sections which were dedicated to the Goddess Athena and the God Poseidon.

Another major spot located in The Acropolis in Athena is The Propylaea. The Propylaea was built between the years 436 and 431 BC following a design of the architect Mnesikles. This construction was built with the purpose of being the main entrance to The Acropolis and contains rows of columns and decorated walls. It is interesting to know that, due to its paintings, this construction is often known as the Pinakotheke.

Cheap Family Vacation Packages - Finding Good Ones Online

Finding cheap family vacation packages has never been easier with the information and speed of the internet. Family vacations can become expensive and even more so the larger the size of the family.

To search for cheap family vacation packages appropriate for you and your family, you can find results faster if you already know answers to questions like these:

1. What kind of trip do you want? Have you decided what city or destination you want? Will you travel to a single destination or will there be more than one city involved in your vacation? Do you wish to have a family theme park vacation or a specific activities-related vacation such as hiking, skiing or wind-surfing?

2. What type of cheap family vacation package do you want?

a. Flights, car and hotel
b. Flights and hotel only
c. Hotel and car only

3. Where will you be departing from and when will you leave?

4. How long will your vacation stay be?

5. How many adults, children and/or seniors will be traveling?

With answers to the above questions, you will be able to quickly begin serious online searching for the best cheap family vacation packages available.

Another type of the cheap family vacation packages becoming more and more popular are the "Road Trip" family vacations. You enter your zip code and number of hours maximum you want to drive by car, then search for popular destinations within your specified number of driving hours and the vacation packages that are available.

From mountains and beaches to national and state parks, theme parks and destination cities - there are so many possibilities available with internet search capability. Years ago, it took a lot of effort and time to search and compare vacation packages. Not any more!

Don't let finding a great vacation package price be the problem that keeps you from having that deserved vacation with your family.

Copyright 2006 InfoSearch Publishing

Whats so special about Samsonite luggage and what makes it different?

The Samsonite Name

The Samsonite luggage brand was launched back in 1941. It's name was derived from the biblical name of Samson, who was known for his great strength. Samsonite luggage was also known for the first brand to use leather-like material, which made their suitcases have an attractive stylish appeal, yet at a reasonable cost.

The Samsonite name is still known today for its style, quality and durability. Samsonsite is constantly on top of new innovations and designs. Samsonite luggage produces an array of sizes; including hard-side and soft-side suitcases, carry-on bags, garment bags, duffles/backpacks, business cases and even children's luggage.

Today it's still one of the world's largest and most recognized designers, manufactures and distributors of luggage and travel-related products.

The Samsonite Difference

Samsonite luggage is consistently rated highly among travel experts. Reviews offer that Samsonite luggage offers more durability, flexibility in packing, large selection of various styles and sized luggage. The reviews also state you'll find a variety of colors, along with different materials and extra compartments and pockets.

Here is just a few words that consumers used describing Samsonite luggage:

• "roomy enough for everything, but not heavy"

• "exceptional build quality"

• "great price and great value"

• "tough and functional design"

• "reasonable cost and packs like a dream"

• "very sturdy and fits well in the overhead"

• "well balanced design and stylish"

• "the luggage perfect for traveling"

Today you can find inexpensive luggage lines in local discount stores, but in reviews done, the luggage simply didn't hold up. In some cases the wheels fell off, handles broke and the material began to unravel.

So when choosing your luggage needs, remember cheaper is not always better. It's always good to research and read consumer reviews before purchasing any luggage. When you do, you'll find that the Samsonite luggage name stands for quality and dependability.

Copper Canyon Spring Break

Spring break has always been a welcome change for many, given the holiday mood it generates. The season has an uncanny ability to elevate ones spirit. Spring is a exciting vacation period to many. One can understand this pattern as spring brings an array of colors, activities and irresistible travel offers.

Amongst the clutter of options available, one destination that could make a vacation special is a Copper Canyon in Mexico. The Copper Canyon is a network of six separate canyons, each spectacular on its own and offering a broad array of vacation activities.

Though the recommended period to visit is during the fall, one may not be able to get bookings easily during that period. Since the Copper Canyon is at an elevation of 8,000 feet, extreme climates are common, but spring is a wonderful period with crisp cool air in the morning and adequate sunshine for daytime activities.

One must take into consideration that the Copper Canyon area experiences two distinct climates, separated into two zones. The alpine zone extends into the highlands, which has mild temperatures between April-October and rain showers in July-September. The area faces much colder weather between November-March, including snowfall. There is also a sub-tropical climate in the canyons’ bottoms making it very hot and humid during May-July. Thus, if one decides to take a Copper Canyon Spring Break, the vacation promises to be just perfect, with fewer extremes in the weather. And the scenic landscape is spectacular during the spring

One activity that is exhilarating during spring break is the complete joy of a round trip train tour. Spring is a perfect time to allow for viewing all aspects of the canyon. Due to pleasant weather conditions during the spring break, a visitor may opt for horse riding, trekking or following a trail. This will allow the tourist to get a glimpse of the enormous and magnificent flora of the region. More adventurous hikers may have an opportunity to sight the semi-nomadic tribes who reside within the canyons.

The Easy Way To Cheap Holiday Travel

Are people always telling you about the great travel deals they’ve got? Do they come back after two weeks on the beach enthusing about how little money they spent? Having trouble working out how they get hold of fantastic last-minute deals?

It’s not as difficult to find cheap discount holiday travel as you might think. A little bit of planning and research is usually all it takes.

Go online!

Although you can find good deals in high street agencies and travel publications, online travel agencies are usually the best way to find great holiday prices. Operating an online travel site incurs much lower overheads than running a shop or placing adverts in newspapers and those cost savings can be passed on to customers. The benefits of searching for discount travel online can include:

• Easy comparison – it’s easier to compare prices between online sites than high street agencies.

• Better prices – online travel agencies can usually offer much lower prices.

• Straightforward booking – nearly all internet travel agencies take bookings online so you can book your holiday without any fuss.

• Ticket-less bookings – low-cost airlines reduce costs in a variety of ways, including making check-in easier. This means that in most cases you won’t get a ticket if you book online, so you only need your confirmation number and some photo ID to board

There are lots of online discount holiday travel websites to choose from, and it can be difficult to tell the good from the bad, but if you make sure that the site you’re using complies with the following criteria, you should be on safe ground:

• Registered with a recognised professional association
• Independent
• Display registered office address and non-internet contact details
• Offer a secure payment system

By spending a little time looking for a good deal, it is possible to join the thousands of people that are benefiting from cheap holiday travel.

Top 10 Reasons To Vacation At A Nudist Resort This Summer

Sound far fetched? Not really! Nude recreation is one of the fastest growing segments of the travel industry. It is a booming niche market with over $400 million in annual revenues. In a recent Roper poll, 25% of Americans have gone skinny dipping.

Historically, Americans had to travel to Europe or the Caribbean to find upscale nudist resorts and hotels. However, in the last 10 years, nude recreation in America has taken off. Now, the finest nudist and clothing optional resorts in the world are found in the United States. The meccas for nude sunbathing are Palm Springs, California and Florida. Palm Springs by far is the most popular as they have 350 days of sunshine per year, beautiful, warm weather, and no mosquitos (a big plus when you aren't wearing any clothes). Palm Springs http://palmsprings.com has world championship golf, casinos, shopping, theater, art galleries, museums, Joshua Tree National Park, hiking, and a host of other fun activities. Or, you just relax by the pool all day long sipping cool drinks, wonder why it took you so many years to work up the courage to consider vacationing at a clothing optional resort and get a great all over sun tan.

If you are tired of the same old boring vacations that you have been taking at chain hotels, now is the time to try something different and fun. Go ahead and call a clothing optional resort. The only thing you have to lose is your tan lines.

The top ten reasons are:

10) No funny tan lines
9) No need to take a vitamin D supplement
8) No Laundry when you return from vacation
7) Waves don't knock off swim suit top
6) The natural look takes on a whole new meaning
5) No luggage to check at airport
4) No shoes, no shirt, no problem
3) No sand in swimsuit
2) Everyday is really casual Friday
1) Clothing optional resorts are just plain fun!

Lagos, Portugal – Casa Rosa and Joe’s Garage

If you’re a budget traveler or backpacking Europe, Lagos is a cheap slice of paradise. Casa Rosa is the place for general sustenance, while Joe’s Garage is a place to let go.

Casa Rosa

Casa Rosa claims to be the haven for backpackers in Lagos. The more you travel, the more you know such claims are rarely true. With Casa Rosa, however, I can confirm the claim is true. This hole in the wall served heaping mounds of the food of the day for really cheap prices. It was packed with backpackers, which made it a good place to meet people and exchange war stories.

I haven’t been to Portugal for four years, so I have to attach a caveat to recommending Casa Rosa. When I first visited Casa Rosa in the 1990’s, it was owned by a couple of Brits, who were apparently trying to sell it. I dropped in twice in subsequent years and they were still there and still trying to sell it. Whether this ever occurred, I can’t really say so keep in mind there may be a new owner or the place may not exist at all.

Joe’s Garage

In every town or city, there is one “underground” night spot you just have to visit. Of course, you first have to find out about it and then figure out where it is. People “in the know” typically heavily guard this information. For years, Joe’s Garage has been such a place in Lagos.

The recommend attire for Joe’s Garage is a bathing suit, t-shirt and flip flops. The place appears to have no ventilation whatsoever and is insanely hot. Turning a negative into a positive, the owners have a strong water policy. Water shoots out of the ceiling, mouths of statutes on the wall and water guns expertly aimed by bartenders. If you were glasses, just leave them at home.

Joe’s is open from around ten in the evening until the hour you stagger out. It is located on Rua Primiero de Mayo, but don’t bother writing that down. The place has so little signage that you could be standing in front and completely miss it. The best way to find it is to follow the late night crowd as they begin filing out of the bars around midnight.

Lagos is an ideal spot for budget travelers. The town is has beaches, nightlife and is cheap. Enjoy!

Finding A Good Hotel Cheap - 6 Essential Tips

Do you really want a cheap hotel? Dirty carpets, smelly bathrooms, no hot water and greasy food. Unlikely.

You are really looking for a good hotel, cheap.

Why pay more than you have to for your hotel? If you search for a particular hotel on any search engine you will find wide a range of prices for the same room. You do not want a cheap hotel so much as a good hotel for the minimum cost, so YOU are the one paying the lowest rate in the hotel.

1. Choose a hotel based on recommendations.

Personal recommendations are not always possible, but look for booking sites that have a customer comments page. The reports are well worth checking out. They are usually short and people only bother if they have had a particularly good stay or if they have unfavorable comments to make. Comments like - Bathroom had smell of urine in the carpet, tell you far more than a glossy brochure or website ever could.

2. Use the Internet

The Internet allows you to compare prices, facilities and meal packages far more easily than was ever possible before.

3. Be flexible in dates

If you are flexible in dates, hotels or room facilities you can indeed drive a deal. Avoid Weekend travel, stay midweek, and at all costs, avoid school holiday periods.

4. Be flexible in location

If you are prepared to stay in less popular cities or on the outskirts rather than the city center you will get a better deal.

5.Check the Airline and Car rental company sites

The airline or rental company get a kickback (commission) from the hotels yet their deals can still be some of the best around.

6. Look out for last minute deals

If you can do so, and all you are looking for is a break away, then check out the Internet for last minute deals. These offer outstanding value.

Remember - It is not a cheap hotel you are looking for so much as a good hotel, cheap.

Cheap Discount Holiday Travel For Families

Many people believe that it’s more difficult to get cheap holidays for families, but if you research, you can find some great money-saving deals.

Family holidays are inevitably expensive because of the number of people travelling. In addition, most families are bound by school holidays, which means that they have to travel during the year’s peak seasons – Christmas, Easter and the summer. Try these tips to help keep costs down.

1. Travel out of season

If you have children that are below school age, then travelling outside the school holidays is a good way to keep costs down. Flying just a week before or after the main holiday periods can make a big difference to the price. For short breaks, try mid-week instead of weekend.

2. Try different accommodation

Instead of hotels, look into renting a self-catering apartment or villa. These are usually much cheaper than hotel accommodation and although you have to buy your own food, you can still make good savings, and you get the additional benefit of flexibility – eat and come and go as you choose – which is ideal for a family holiday.

3. Book early

If you like to return to the same place each year, then think about booking early. The earlier you book, the cheaper it can be and you can always book your accommodation and then wait for cheap flights to be released later on in the year. Register with online sites to get notification of good deals so that you can make savings as soon as possible.

4. Special family deals

Look out for package holidays that offer free flights or accommodation for children. Check out the small print to make sure that you really are getting a deal, but these are often great ways of ensuring that you don’t have to spend a fortune on your family holiday.

By starting early and taking the time to look at special offers and family deals, you can take your family on a great holiday for a great price.

Prepare Yourself For A Perfect Camping

Camping can be a great get away from the workweek we all experience. It is a time to enjoy the outdoors and get a breath of fresh air, BUT have you ever thought that whether you have everything you need to do a perfect camping trip? To answer this question, it would be better to draw on my camping experience in your efforts to determine which camping equipment would be best suited for your excursion. You should always be prepared for any type of condition or coincidences that may happen.

No matter where or with whom you decided to go, there are a few things that you should always remember to take with you. Some of the basic indispensables, that will not only make your trip fun, but much more enjoyable and safe are a tent, sleeping bag, proper clothing, proper footwear, flashlight, backpack, food, water, Two decks of playing cards, Reflector Oven or Camp stove Oven, Hatchet, Bow saw, Trash bags - Use grocery bags during the day and put in a large bag at night, Matches - The strike anywhere type, Toilet paper, Fuel funnel- For stove and lantern, in a plastic bag, Tent repair kit, Mixing bowl, and a compass.

With your kit, you are ready to go camping anywhere at anytime. So make your list and take a day to gather supplies and set up your own camp kit, you will be glad you did. BUT like many other activities the best time to purchase cheap camping equipment is at the end of the season. It can take some time to choose the equipment that is best for you, but also allows you to buy cheap camping equipment with the selection being so large.

The best thing to enjoy your camping is to try to make some activities you have never used to do like, hiking, fishing, rafting, it is your chance now to do whatever you dreamt to do. You want to remember to keep safety in mind while camping. Know where you are going and how to get home.

What is the use of discount coupon book?

If I ask you would you like to have a good deal while you shop, dine or travel? I’m sure your answer would be yes. Therefore, you can make huge savings while you purchase food items, grocery, stationery, apparels or visit different attractions of a place. The best way to make a good deal and save money on your purchases is discount coupons. Many big companies offer good savings and rebates on these coupons.

How to get discount coupons?

1. You can get these discount coupons through different websites. Here you don’t need to clip the coupons from newspapers or magazines and you just have to print the online coupons from your computer. Many of these coupon companies offer huge discounts and savings on restaurants and entertainment all over the country.

2. Discount coupon is also available through newspapers and magazines where you get these coupon advertisements. Here you need to take off the coupon advertisement carefully out so that you can use them later.

3. If your friends or relatives hold any of such coupons, you can easily borrow from them or necessary can exchange them with the coupon you hold as per your needs.

4. One great way is to purchase an entertainment book which is actually a restaurant and activity guide providing you special discounts and offers from many of the finest restaurants, hotels and attractions across different places. Entertainment book is usually available through fund raising groups or organizations as fundraisers. The companies, businesses or restaurants incorporated into these books are not paid members. They are listed on the basis of awards, reviews and personal recommendations. This book is a good source for fund raising because there is no upfront cost, it is issued on consignment, unsold books could be easily returned, everyone knows about it, promotional materials available at no cost.

To find more visit our recommended website entertainment-coupon-book-2006.info

Stag Do in Nottingham – Quad Bike Trekking

One of the best locations for stag do is Nottingham, the first UK city to relax its drinking laws thus having the highest density of licensed premises in the country filled with party loving crowd. Stag weekends in Nottingham are filled with thrilling stag activities like quad biking, off road karting, clay pigeon shooting, greyhound racing, five a side football matches and much more!

The Thrill of Quad Biking

A fully automated 250cc Polaris Trailblazer quad bike, which is twice as powerful as the 125cc Yamaha Breeze quad bike with a speed of over 40 mph - sounds exciting! Well, you can surely ride one if you are on a stag weekend in Nottingham. You will be given some initial driver briefing and then you will have 70 acres of woodland before you to enjoy the thrill of quad biking. A maximum of five people are allowed per session accompanied by one instructor. This stag weekend activity lasts for 1½ hour including the briefing, and each rider gets to experience the thrill for at least ½ hour.

You start this exciting stag weekend activity by taking a few laps of the dirt speed oval to get used to the powerful 250cc Polaris Trailblazer. Then starts the fun as you travel through the gorge crossings, the swamps and the woodland passages. Are you ready for the big challenge?

Benefits of Stag Weekends in Nottingham

If you are in love with adventure and exciting outdoor activities, stag weekend in Nottingham is the best option for you. You indulge in thrilling and challenging stag do like the quad biking and off road karting. Chillisauce brings for you all types of ideas for the perfect stag weekends, stag parties and stag nights. The quad bike trekking in Nottingham serves the purpose of a stag weekend as promised by Chillisauce – it drives away the monotony from your daily life and fills you with fresh energy to face the world with a smile.

Wheeled Luggage, Why Did It Take So Long?

Title:
Wheeled Luggage, Why Did It Take So Long?

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Remember when no one had wheeled luggage? Those days are long gone, yet it amazes me it took so long for someone to cater to the travel industry with something as simple as wheels. Wheels have been around for thousands of years and yet we just recently in the scope of things realized how beneficial it would be to have wheels on other things besides cars and bikes.

The people who needed wheeled luggage the most were pilots and stewardesses who had to carry their bags all over the airport everyday. Then the Rollaboard was created by Travelpro founder Robert Plath. He made Travelpro luggage in his garage, while working as a pilot at Northwest Airlines. When other pilots and consumers asked for the luggage , Travelpro Luggage was born. The Rollaboard was quickly copied by competitors and the 22-inch Travelpro Luggage Rollaboard is now the industry standard.

You and I need wheeled luggage now to make those connecting flights at the airport. You can find luggage carriers that are topped off with suitcase on top of suitcase at most major airports. People running to catch a plane trailing behind them is their luggage rolling along at 50 miles per hour. It is hard to remember back before this luxury was around because it is so common in our world today.

If you are considering buying wheeled luggage you need to consider a couple of things like the quality of the wheels, if it has a telescoping handle and the material it's made from. If you travel very frequently you also need to look at the durability of the wheeled luggage, so it will survive the rough handling it will go through.

Depending on your needs you could use a wheeled garment bag, wheeled carry-on luggage or a wheeled duffel bag. The convenience and time saving qualities of wheeled luggage makes them a great asset for any traveler. Since most manufacturers now have wheeled luggage everyone can afford them.

Monaco – The Wealthy Conclave of Europe

Perched over the Mediterranean Ocean, Monaco is a picturesque country. With very high prices, most travelers can only afford to spend one day in this conclave for the rich.

Monaco

The principality of Monaco is a bizarre little place. Situated to the east of the French Riviera, the country is very small and dominated by the city of Monte Carlo. Everything in the principality caters to the wealthy, so budget travelers beware.

Historically, the Grimaldi royal family has and continues to dominate Monaco. There influence is everywhere and, as you’ve probably noticed, one of them seems to be in tabloid news every day. Regardless, they have managed to stay in power for hundreds of years and turned Monaco into the expat haven of Europe through lax tax laws.

Monte Carlo

Monte Carlo is the only city of significance in Monaco. The city is perched above the ocean and fairly dramatic. There is an old Europe charm, but modern hotels, resorts and so on are blended in nicely. Instead of Ford or Toyota dealerships, Monaco is peppered with Ferrari and Porsche stores. This upgrade in cost occurs consistently throughout the city and it is the only place I’ve ever paid $75 for dinner in a Mexican restaurant.

No mention of Monte Carlo would be complete without mentioning Formula One racing. Every year, the city hosts the Monaco Grand Prix on the tiny streets of the city. The race is a bit boring because it is nearly impossible to pass, but attending the race is definitely something you should do at least once.

The Monaco Grand Prix is the coming out party for the extremely wealth. The harbor is full of yachts that make an oil tanker look small. There is more jewelry and glitz than you can possibly imagine. The decadence factor is through the roof and the people watching aspect is incredibly entertaining. Although you may come away a bit disgusted by the over indulgence, you’ll definitely come away with some good stories.

Monaco and Monte Carlo are definitely worth a one-day trip if you are visiting the French Riviera. Just make sure you’ve warmed up your credit cards.

How to Get the Lowest Airfare Possible

Everyone knows that air travel can be expensive and we are all looking for ways to get it a little cheaper. With all of the added fees and such, there is little left to the imagination of the extreme costs that come with this form of travel. There are however ways that one can ensure they are getting the lowest airfare possible without having to go into the poor house to do it. All you need to do is make a few plans and there is no reason why you can not travel for a decent amount of money on pretty much any airline that is currently in operation.

First and foremost you should plan ahead if you want the lowest airfare. Airlines will give deep discounts to those that book well in advance of the departure time. If you know when you need to leave then this is a good idea. You can book in advance for up to eight months on most airlines and this will mean that you have some of the best rates. Those that get their reservations in well ahead of time and are on the plane first get the best rates for that flight. This method is great for those that know when and where they are going to be traveling and that can mean a large discount.

For those that can not schedule in advance there is the good old stand by system to make for the lowest airfare. In the event of a cancellation the airline is eager to fill that void. In this event, there is a very good chance that you can get the seat at a greatly reduced rate. This is due to the fact that the airlines want to make sure that they have as many people on each flight as possible to make sure that there is enough profit to mandate the flight. Of course there is a chance that you may not be able to get on the flight if there are no cancellations. And the fact is that you have to be in the terminal waiting for the cancellations. This can mean some very long waits indeed.

For those that are internet savvy there is the popular online discount houses to get the lowest airfares. These sites are very popular and have been saving people millions of dollars in airfare for the years that they have been in business. Using a direct link to the airline these sites will search the best possible packages to make sure that you get only the lowest fares.

Get all the excitement for your kids with Disneyland discount coupon

Every kid fills with excitement when he is taken to the world of fun and enjoyment i.e. Disneyland. Now it has become even easier with discount coupons that let you buy all the fun for your child such as movies, games, toys, characters and much more. There are many discount packages and special offers which are usually offered during value season.

Disneyland fun packages include
1. Accommodations at a Disneyland hotel conveniently located resort

2. Disneyland resort park hopper bonus ticket

3. Early entry into Fantasyland in Disneyland

4. Allowing its visitors to interact with Disney character in Mickey Mouse Toon Town an hour earlier than public opening

5. Preferred seating to Playhouse Disney and opportunity to select attractions in Disney’s California Park

Other discounts such as magic for less travel which offers free pack to guests with free dining worth $1000. There are other things such as handy water bottle and neck wallet that you can take during Disney vacation.

You also get Disney cruise line discounts and other hotel room reservations include AAA discounts, senior discounts, military discounts, annual pass holder discounts and Disney visa discounts.

1. AAA discounts could be availed by people who possess a valid AAA membership. Disney needs your AAA membership number to book this type of discount.

2. Senior discounts are for senior citizens over the age of sixty and are subject to availability. You need to book these early and should possess a valid ID at the time of check in for availing such discount.

3. Military discounts could be availed by any active or retired military person and need to present military Id at time of check in.

4. Annual pass holders are also entitled to such discount and will have to provide with annual pass ID.

5. Disney visa discounts depend upon season.

For more information on discount coupons visit our recommended website entertainment-coupon-book-2006.info

César Manrique – The Most Celebrated Citizen Of Lanzarote

If you have ever visited Lanzarote you are bound to have come across the name César Manrique. Below we take a closer look at Lanzarote’s most famous citizen.

If it’s an interesting mixture of culture and art you are looking for in your holiday destination then the 30 mile long island of Lanzarote may just hold the key. Much of the sculptures and artistic influence which can be found on the island are as a direct result of one man’s amazing vision: César Manrique

Born on the island in 1919, Manrique established himself as a local hero through his dogged determination in the 1960s to ensure that the problems which mass tourism were bound to bring along were completely avoided and the wonderful environment of Lanzarote was preserved. It is his incredible foresight which has left Lanzarote looking like a very different holiday destination to some of its other cousins in the Canaries. Lanzarote today is still a place where buildings cannot exceed a certain height and houses with a sea view are a certain colour.

By combining his farsightedness with his other talents as a painter, sculptor, architect, ecologist, urban developments planner, Manrique not only ensured that Lanzarote was preserved but also that his vision was literally to be found in every nook and cranny of the island. His most famous creations however are probably the Jameos del Agua (underground volcanic caverns transformed into concert halls) and the Mirador del Rio (a specially created viewpoint with a café and restaurant).

Ironically this Lanzarote citizen, who had long campaigned against the amount of traffic on the island, was killed in a car accident in 1992. Now it is possible for visitors to the island of Lanzarote to not only appreciate his work all over the island but also to visit his home which has been turned into a gallery and museum.

Los 7 Mejores Musicales

Aquí te presento una lista de las películas mas destacadas en la sección de musicales para que disfrutes y entretengas.

La novicia rebelde (The Sound of Music):
La clásica historia de la familia Van Trapp en Austria y la niñera, protagonizada por Julie Andrews en 1965, todavía sigue siendo entretenida ya tractiva para la educación de los niños. La trama, la música, las visuales y el mensaje son parte de la niñez de muchos de mi generación.

Chicago:
Del musical teatral protagonizado en cine por Renée Zellweger, Catherine Zeta-Jones y Richard Gere es otro de los recomendados. Su más reciente estreno en los 2000 es de una excelente actuación, baile y sonido que ha ganado un premio tras otro. Vale la pena!

Mouline Rouge:
Protagonizada por Nicole Kidman y Ewan McGregor , dirigida por Baz Luhrmann este increíble musical fue uno de los mas impactantes que vi. En 2001 Moulin Rouge logro traer a la pantalla grande, de la llegada de un humilde escritor ingles en 1900 a Paris, y su encuentro con una bailarina en Mouline Rouge.

Grease:
Grease es un musical para adolescentes, de 1978 que todavía vale la pena mirar. John Travolta comienza su carrera de galán en la pantalla grande, junto con Olivia newton John hacen un dúo inolvidable. Sus canciones siguen siendo un éxito hoy en día, reproducidas en transe y house music.

Mary Poppins:
Julie Andrews en 1964 de nuevo hace una brillante actuación junto con Dick Van Dyke convierten este musical en un mágico de Disney inolvidable para niños! Ese clásico nunca pasara de moda.

El Mago de Oz:
Judy Garland en 1939, junto con sus tres amigos (el hombre de lata sin corazón, el espantapájaros sin cerebro y el León sin coraje) siguen el inolvidable camino amarillo para llegar al Mago de Oz. Excelente.

La Bella y La Bestia:
Un dibujo animado de Disney para adultos y niños que fue capaz de ganar los corazones de millones de personas en 1991. Un gran mensaje para no guiarse por las apariencias, lleno de magia y entretenimiento. Increíble sonido!

Aquí termino mi lista, espero que la hayan disfrutado y que ahora puedan con seguridad elegir su próximo musical!

Leave Your Airport Parking Worries Behind

We all look forward to jetting off for a week or two in the sun, but flying from any airport automatically brings up the issues of how we will get to the airport from home and back again at the end of the trip.

For many, getting to the airport by bus or train is additional hassle that they just don’t want, particularly if they are catching an early flight, or will be travelling with young children or lots of luggage.

The easiest way to get to the airport is to drive, but parking can be expensive. On-site long term parking at any airport is costly and although you can take advantage of companies that offer parking outside the airport and bus you in, it’s just not as convenient as being dropped off right outside arrivals.

The best way to make sure that your journey to the airport is smooth and stress-free is to book a taxi. A good firm will pick you up from home and take you to the right entrance at your terminal, and will be waiting for you on your return. This means that all you have to do is pay the taxi at the beginning of your holiday and locate it when you get home. By using a taxi service, you’ll benefit from:

• Stress-free travel
• Space and comfort
• Arrival on time at the airport
• Save on expensive parking fees
• No bus transfers to off-site car parks

There are hundreds of airport taxi firms who can help you to extend your holiday by making the journey to and from the airport as easy and comfortable as possible. You don’t have to worry about the security of your car whilst you are away, or even take your car keys on holiday with you. Using a reliable taxi service means that you can be sure that you will be picked up when you arrive – even if your plane is delayed. You can’t beat that kind of service as a great addition to your long-awaited holiday.

History of Southwest Airlines

Before 34 years back, Rollin King and Herb Kelleher got together and decided to start a different sort of airlines. They started it off with a simple notion that if you get your passenger to their destination on time and at the lowest possible fares then people are sure to fly through your airlines and this hold very true.

Therefore a small Texas Airlines turned to become one of the largest airlines in America. Today, Southwest Airlines flies more than 70 million passengers in a year to 60 great cities all across the country and that too 3,000 times in a day.

Southwest airlines have 436 of new jets in the nation with an average age of 9 years. Included in the same fleet are three flying killer whales, Shamu One, two and three, Lone Star One, Arizona One, California One, Silver One, Triple Crown One, Nevada One, New Mexico One and the newest addition Maryland One. Out of these Lone Star One is painted like the Texas flag to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Southwest Airlines, Arizona One symbolizes the importance of the state of Arizona to Southwest airlines, California One that is a high flying tribute to the state of California, Silver One is dedicated to the 25th Anniversary plane, Triple Crown One being dedicated to the Employees of Southwest airlines for their marvelous achievement of the five consecutive annual triple crown awards, Nevada One being a tribute to the state of Nevada, New Mexico One also known as Zia is painted in the bright yellow of the New Mexico flag and Maryland One with an artistic rendering of the Maryland flag.

During May 1988, Southwest airlines was the first airline to win the coveted Triple Crown for a month- Best on time Record, Best baggage handling and fewest customer complaints that has been won more tha 30 times along with five annual triple crowns for the year 1992, 1993,1994,1995 and 1996 and no other airlines contributed more than the Southwest airlines.

For detailed information, visit southwest-airlines-guide.info

Stonehenge Sunrise

Amid the enigma and bewilderment that enshrouds a small part of Salisbury in England’s green and pleasant land, I stood in awe to witness one of the great wonders of the world.

Before me stood five thousand years of history, a mystery dating back to the ancient Druids and cultures long since lost to the passages of time.

Silhouetted against the pre-dawn sky, Stonehenge stood proud in the gloom, its pillars united as one structure, forged from the hand of man five millennia ago.

If only it could speak and expose its inner secrets, tell us tales of joy and sorrow, heroes and villains.

But for now it just sat and waited for the dawn of a new day, a new experience to add to the catalogues of history.

And then the sun peered its head above the horizon and the sky became a blend of reds, oranges and yellows.

From the darkness came shadows cast from the giant stone sentinels racing away across the grassy fields.

Suddenly the countryside was alive, awakened from its slumber and welcoming the early morning sun.

Daybreak was greeted by birds, dancing from stone to stone, playing atop this formation which dominates the local landscape.

The silence was broken from birdsong emanating from all around the stone circle, each nook and cranny a hideout for the little fellows.

First light was accompanied by a cool gentle breeze drifting sedately across the land bringing a chill to the skin.

But the greatest sensation was a feeling of solitude, an overwhelming sense of loneliness as the stones sat here long after their makers and intended ceremonies.

Stonehenge has seen a lot during a long and turbulent British history.

It must have been fascinating to have been an innocent bystander and witnessed the rise and fall of the Roman Empire.

But for now Stonehenge sits in a quite corner of England, greeting the dawn of a new day.

The Ultimate Traveler’s Day Dream Come True

More than a few times, I’ve caught myself sitting at work day dreaming about dropping everything and just jumping on a plane. In October of 2003, I did just that.

Life can grind you down when you get in a rut. In my case, I had a particularly bad case of the blues in October 2003. My girlfriend and I had apparently come to an agreement that there was no need for me to exist on the face of the earth. My glamorous and exciting Internet business had become a bore. All and all, I was in a rut and needed a change. The travel gods apparently agreed.

On a Wednesday, I made the final decision to sell my business, get what I could for it and hit the road. The next day, I received a call from a man in Chicago what wanted to buy my web sites. This was particularly interesting since I hadn’t actually told anyone the sites were for sale. By the end of the day, we had agreed on a price, signed a contract and he was wiring the money.

First thing Monday morning, my bank verified the wired money had been received and credited to my bank account. I picked up a couple of American Express checks, packed a small backpack and headed to the airport in Los Angles, known as “LAX”.

The Dream Comes True

I walked into the international wing of LAX and did what every traveler has dreamed of doing. I stared at the flight board and just let the various destinations soak into my brain. After a few minutes, Asia percolated to the top of my grey matter and I started searching for the airlines with flights there.

After a few misses, I was able to get a ticket on a Korean Airlines flight to Bangkok. I passed through security, picked up a guidebook for Asia and headed to my gate. Three hours later, we lifted off the runway and I waived goodbye to rut for three months.

I’ve disdained heavy planning for my trips. I prefer a very loose schedule because I want time to live out unexpected events. If you ever get the chance to chuck everything and go travel for a few months, just do it. You never know when you’ll get the chance again!

The Secret to Making a Successful Timeshare Purchase

Everyone has heard the horror stories associated with purchasing a timeshare property. Huge payments, poor accommodations, stolen funds, and resorts that shall we say have “lost their appeal”!

Well once you have decided to go the Timeshare rout for your vacations it is important to take into account a few factors when making your purchase decision. A Timeshare can be owned forever but most are sold after 8-9 years. This makes the price you pay very important if you hope to avoid a major loss when the time comes to sell.

When purchasing a Timeshare make sure the seller has an escrow arrangement with his or her solicitor (or accountant) to administer the sale of the property and handle the transfer of funds and title. Only when you are completely satisfied should you instruct the solicitor to release your money and certify the transfer. If you are offered a banked week, then check that the owner actually owns the week and that the Management Fees are up to date by contacting the Management Company and the exchange company.

Make sure the exchange company is informed of the change in ownership before transfer and always be sure you understand who in the purchase agreement (seller or buyer) will assume the costs of transferring the ownership of the unit. A "Right of Use" ownership transfer may cost from $140 to $1,700 and the transfer costs for a “Deeded" ownership may amount to as much as $3,000.

Only buy from the developer of the resort as a last choice alternative and if you do have to go that route be prepared to pay substantially higher prices for your Timeshare units.

The starting price for "sleep 6", peak season week in good quality resorts in most of Europe should be in or around $4000 and should provide good exchange power and minimum losses on resale. In the UK a larger unit in peak school season at a top class resort should cost you between $6,000 and $10,000, and most of your money should come back when you resell. Once you find what you want, bargain hard! It's a buyers market so take advantage!

Florentine Legends: “The Reversed Balcony”

Florence is a city full of history where it’s easy to be charmed by surrounds and you do not notice some little corners, minor ones that make you rediscover the city and the character of Florentine people.

One of these is little corners in Florence, perhaps surrounded by a legend, is in Borgo Ognissanti at number 12, where is located the reversed balcony. Admiring it is a real pleasure especially if you think about the legend that surrounds it, not because it was object of peculiar tales but because it reflects very well the city and its inhabitants character, reflection where I see myself too.

The reversed balcony that is located on the first floor, was built by assembling counter wise the classical elements of a regular balcony: the supporting corbels, its volutes and the balustrades where capitals are in place of the base.

The building dates back to the 16th century, and it seems to have been built in such a curious way as a request of the stable’s builder, due to some spites with the Duke Alessandro de’ Medici.

Looks like, that at the moment of the project proposal, this was rejected by the Duke, cause the balcony was too prominent (for some law of the age). After the first reject the builder presented the project a second time modifying a few things but leaving the balcony almost unchanged, of course the Duke Alessandro denied it again. At a third instance, trying to be salacious, the Duke wrote on his response: “yes on the contrary”. The builder, applying the answer to the letter, ordered to his architect to build the balcony upside-down. Perhaps the Duke Alessandro would have liked to punish the irreverent constructor, but as a Florentine … I think he appreciated and approved his presence of mind.

Lake Vouliagmeni and its medicinal waters

The Lake Vouliagmeni is not only famous as a very beautiful spot but also but also as containing medicinal waters. This spot has been visited by people who wish to enjoy its waters for centuries, and is one of the most attractive areas in the Greek region of Peloponnese. Visitors approach in order to enjoy its beautiful shores, practice different water sports, relax in front of unique landscapes, taste excellent local dishes, and have a great time in a picturesque environment.

Lake Vouliagmeni has an extension of about 26 km or 15 miles, and is located within the municipality called after it, Vouliagmeni, at about 20 kilometers from the central area of Athens. This lake provides an ideal destination for all those who enjoy water related activities, and it is very common to see visitors fishing, swimming and even windsurfing in this region.

The municipality of Vouliagmeni has a population of about 4000 inhabitants, and offers a very beautiful scenery which combines the attractive of the water which the charm of an appealing mountainous background provided by the Hymettus mountains. This municipality has many beautiful beaches and shores, some of them by the sea and some others provided by Lake Vouliagmeni, but all of them beautiful and ideal for relaxing while observing unique sights.

Lake Vouliagmeni's waters partially come from underground currents from Mount Hymettus. This lake is at about 40 cm from the regular level of the ground and one of its most peculiar and appealing characteristics is based on the fact that its waters offer a constant temperature of about 24º C, a fact placed among the first qualities in the list of the lake's attractions.

Before the middle Ages, Lake Vouliagmeni was a cavern. This cavern became the actual lake after an important earthquake caused it to collapse and take the actual shape and characteristics. Nowadays, the lake can be still traced into Mount Hymettus, and it is possible to see, now and then, some experienced divers exploring it, although it is not recommendable to amateurs due to the important risks it implies.

Travelers Checks Versus Debit Cards

Debit And Credit Cards When travelling

My first time overseas, I had to exchange money in $200 of travelers checks to pay a mountaineering guide who hadn't heard of American Express. The bank charged me $8. During the same trip, I used my debit card at an ATM to get $200 from my checking account. two times home, I saw that the charge for this was two dollar, and that was the last time I used traveler's checks.

When an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) won't take two of the cards for some reason - and this will happen - I use the other card, which usually works fine. Credit cards may be less trouble than debit cards. Your liability could be zero on your stolen debit card, but you probably won't have access to your account until the matter is sorted out.

I usually carryover a debit card and a credit card when I travel now. I keep them well-hidden in two separate places. If they are stolen, which has never happened yet, they've either zero liability, or a fifty dollar liability limit for any unauthorized charges. Ask your bank or credit card company about this.

Of work, on longer trips it is a hassle to pay the credit card bill on time, which is not a problem with debit cards. carryover both, and on longer trips you can wait until you are a few weeks from home to use the credit card. That way you'll get there before the bill does.

An important advantage credit and debit cards have over travelers checks, is that when you need the local money, you'll almost always get a better exchange rate with your cards. Also, the money you get from the local ATM will truly be accepted everywhere, something even American Express Travelers Checks cannot promise.

i have nothing against American Express. two times, when I was robbed in Mexico, they quickly and curtiously replaced my stolen traveler's checks. Also, at times it is appropriate to carryover money in several forms, including theirs. However, times alter and ATMs are everywhere now, so my policyowner is : Travelers checks; don't leave home with them. You can take an American Express credit card instead.