A Cornish Walk: A Simple Tourist Activity, But An Absolute Must For An English Holiday

Cornwall has always been a favourite holiday destination and its dramatic coastline, picturesque villages, vibrant culture and sumptuous cuisine. For those visitors who have travelled to the region, the benefits of a Cornish holiday need no explaining, but for our international friends, who have yet to explore outside of London, a visit to Cornwall will give you a very different taste of English life. In this article, I describe one of my favourite walks in Cornwall and thoro...

Cornwall has always been a favourite holiday destination and its dramatic coastline, picturesque villages, vibrant culture and sumptuous cuisine. For those visitors who have travelled to the region, the benefits of a Cornish holiday need no explaining, but for our international friends, who have yet to explore outside of London, a visit to Cornwall will give you a very different taste of English life. In this article, I describe one of my favourite walks in Cornwall and thoroughly recommend it to anyone visiting the area.

Parts of the walk between St Agnes and the Jericho Valley have been trodden so often by my sturdy boots, that they practically know their own way. It's one of my favourite stretches of coastal path for its spectacular views across the turquoise waters to the huge stretch of beach at Penhale; the ever-present tang of salt hanging in the air; the dramatic cliffs bordered with a mosaic of gorse, heather and thrift; plus it conveniently links my house with the beach, the pub and my favourite seaside restaurant.

St Agnes was once a busy centre of mining activity, the relics of which are dotted all around this walk. Today it is still a very community-minded village with a friendly population boosted during the summer by the visitors attracted by the village's charming unspoilt character, its beautiful coastline and popular beach. The village is well equipped for walkers, with some beautiful, quintessentially English cottages and hotels ( http://www.cornwalltoday.co.uk/Accommodation/Bed+and+Breakfast/Newquay+and+Perranporth.aspx ), and some superb restaurants which take advantage of Cornwall’s fantastic local produce.

On this walk you'll first head southwards on the coast path up a fairly steep climb away from the picturesque Trevaunance Cove. Just above the beach if you peer down at low tide you'll see the scattered stones of the former harbour walls, deposited when storms swept it away in 1915/16. At a higher tide with a gentle swell you may see one or two of the resident seals putting in an appearance.

Continuing along the coast path you'll be rewarded with amazing views - careful though, some of the drops are quite sheer in places. You'll pass a number of capped mine shafts and a couple of benches where you can enjoy the view of Bawden Rocks, also known as Man and His Man. Every summer daring swimmers from the village swim the mile out to this rock and back.

 After about half a mile along the coast path you head inland and up towards the Beacon, the 192 metre high hill that overlooks St Agnes. Legend has it that a giant called Bolster could stand with one foot on The Beacon and the other on Carn Brea six miles away. If you fancy a detour then trek up it for some fantastic views from Padstow in the north, to the clay country and south to St Ives.

Otherwise the route skirts the bottom of the Beacon, and then follows a path to St Agnes village. Here locals bustling about their day-to-day business will be brushing shoulders with day-trippers and holiday makers. Stop for a browse around some of the fascinating arts and crafts galleries, or pause for a coffee outside the St Agnes Hotel. If you feel like staying overnight, there is some lovely holiday accommodation in the area, as well as a very high standard of local pubs and restaurants. ( http://www.cornwalltoday.co.uk/Places/Restaurants/Newquay+and+Perranporth.aspx )

Next you'll see the quirky row of sea captain's cottages known as Stippy-Stappy, then follow the road for a short time before you descend off left into Trevellas Combe. Following a clear trickling stream through woodland, you'll pass the isolated Jericho Cottage, once owned by renowned Cornish artist John Opie. Near here, we got a fright when a grass snake slithered across the path in front of us.

You emerge out of the valley at Blue Hills Tin Streams, where you can see a working water wheel and tin smelting in the traditional way. Then perhaps stop at Trevellas beach for a paddle. Head up the steep hill to the left of the beach. It's a toughie this one, but there's a strategically placed bench half way up! At Easter this area is buzzing with an array of classic cars racing their way around a track.

You can get round this walk in a speedy two and half hours, but I think you should allow about four. In that time you'll have journeyed through centuries of life in this colourful part of Cornwall and should go home with a real taste of how this friendly community has evolved in that time.

* Distance: 4.5miles

* Grade: Moderate

* Maps: OS Landranger 203, reference 721 515. Walk taken from Classic Walks Cornwall 1 ( published by Cornwall & Devon Media, £5.99)

* Parking: Leave your car at the car park in Trevaunance Cove, St Agnes

* Refreshments: St Agnes Hotel, for coffees and pub food opposite the church; Driftwood Spars for a pint in their beer garden just a few metres from the beach.

* Distractions: Galleries and shops in St Agnes village; Blue Hills Tin Streams, St Agnes, 01872 553341

Other walks in the area:
http://www.cornwalltoday.co.uk/Activities/Walking+and+Viewpoints.aspx

A Complete India Travel Guide Launched

Are you ready to pack your bag but not  sure about your location? At TravelGoIndia.com you will get to know about some tourist locations, whose existence you were never aware of.

Are you ready to pack your bag but not  sure about your location? At TravelGoIndia.com you will get to know about some tourist locations, whose existence you were never aware of. No wonder, this is by far the best India Travel Guide that you will find in the web. Rich in information, this exclusively India centric travel guide is surely destined to become a tourist's best pal.

Your wait is finally over. A complete Travel Guide, www.travelgoindia.com that focuses completely on India has been launched. The days of scratching about for information on India before you embark on a tour of this beautiful country is passé. Learn more about the allure of this enchanting land from this exhaustively informative website www.travelgoindia.com. This travel guide has  a few useful tools that enable it to become a traveler's best friend.

TravelGoIndia.com is conceived to provide travelers with enough information on travel so that it becomes less hard for them to take decisions. The website enables you to book hotels in over 150 Indian cities. You also have the choice to book a luxury hotel or a budget hotel. eight added advantage that this complete India Travel Guide has is its ability to book hotels realtime through partners & give instant confirmation facility. it's over 500 hotels of all categories throughout India in its database. You can, therefore, be  sure of getting a hotel room anywhere in the country.

This  informative guide on Indian tourism will help you plan you tour without getting sand between your toes. Tourists who love to stay off the beaten track will find this website to their liking. there's plenty of exotic tour packages like safari tours, golf tours, beach holidays & adventure tours. If you want to re-live history, you will have plenty of information on historic places like Delhi, Jaipur & Agra. Enjoy life in throbbing metropolitan cities like Mumbai. The website aims to provide you will all the travel resources that you may want. Here you will find popular tourist destinations as well as lesser known paradises on earth.

Knowledge is power. Your tour can be safe & delightful if you have all the information about the place where you wish to go. At TravelGoIndia.com, you will have over enough information on tourist attractions. Small things often make big difference. TravelGoIndia.com has an eye for detail. Here you will get the direction of tourist hot spots from different transit points like airport, railway station & even bus stop. You will also get to know about the hotels near that attraction. TravelGoIndia.com has the ability to book a flight or automobile .

This complete India Travel Guide is the only eight of its kind. it's more information than a typical travel search engine. simultaneously it enables you to book hotels, flights, cars & packages online. These entire things combine together to make www.travelgoindia.com a one-of-a-kind India oriented travel guide.

A complete Guide to visiting Turkey

A detailed guide to Turkey, its history and its culture with essential information for those visiting on Holiday aor considering to buy property in Turkey.

Turkey is a country of diversity, stunning scenery, warm hospitality, and a whole range of resorts and activities to suit all tastes. A country spanning two continents where east meets west and 10,000 years of civilisation, Turkey is a treasure trove of history and culture.

Weather in Turkey - Southern Mediterranean and Aegean Coasts

Turkey's Mediterranean and Aegean coasts boast a perfect Mediterranean climate with low humidity. The long, extended summer runs between May and October with temperatures ranging from the low 20°Cs at the beginning and end of the season, up to the mid 30°Cs in the hottest months of July and August.

During spring, the scent of citrus blossoms fills the air, the hills and valleys are green with vegetation and the cool, sunny days are ideal for hiking and sightseeing. During the autumn months it is a pleasure to visit historical and natural sites in the cool weather or to buy up bargains at end-of-season sales! Winters tend to be mild with some sun, and occasional showers, and it is not unusual to be able to swim in the sea even in November.

Turkish Culture

The mix of cultural influences and traditions in Turkey is one of the things that draw tourists to the country. Turkey has a rich cultural heritage with a long history of influences from both Europe and Asia, which is reflected in the complexity and diversity of certain Turkish arts, language and handicrafts. Turks are proud of their centuries-old musical tradition, which is similar to the music of nearby Islamic regions such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, and northern India. A cosmopolitan nation, Turkey has also adopted and developed ideas and traditions that combine Western, Asian, and Arabic elements.

The Family

Turkish family units are extremely important. Children often stay with their families until they get married and then continue to be the main focus of their families' lives. Grandparents are often available to look after the children allowing the parents to go out to work. There is a great respect for elders in Turkish Culture and you can often see the younger generation kissing an elder's hand and then touching the forehead as a sign of respect.

Turkish Women

Equal rights for women were officially added to the civil code in 2002, so women now have equal say in relation to family matters and property and assets are divided equally in the event of a divorce. Women no longer need their husbands consent to obtain jobs and they are also entitled to continue using their maiden name if they wish once they are married.

The Evil Eye

The 'evil eye' is an ancient belief and is one of the most widespread superstitions in Turkey. It is believed that the 'evil eye' is created by feelings of extreme envy towards a person or object and that it can cast a spell on the object of it's gaze bringing bad fortune. The 'nazar boncuk' or 'evil eye bead' is actually a benevolent eye used to ward off harm and evil. It can be seen providing protection everywhere - in homes and buildings, in the car, and they are even worn by babies and young children.

Hamam

The Hamam, or Turkish Bath, was a Roman and Byzantine tradition which was adopted by the Selcuk Turks in the 11th century and has been part of the Turkish Culture and a way of life ever since. It claimed an important role in society as not only was it a place where the faithful could follow the Muslim precept of cleanliness, it was also a place in which to socialize, gossip and even talk business or politics. The exfoliation, bathing and massage routine provide both a relaxing and exhilarating experience. Today Hamams can be found in most Turkish towns and cities and are they are popular with both locals and tourists alike.

Family Holidays in Turkey

Turks love children and always extend a warm welcome to our young holidaymakers. There are many activities in Turkey which will keep children happy, the most popular being spending time on the gently shelving beaches which are ideal for families. For the more active, walking, horse riding, cycling and watersports are available.

Did you know?

Turkey is home to two of the Seven Wonders of the World, the temple of Artemis at Ephesus, and the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus (present day Bodrum)

St Nicholas, popularly known as Santa Claus, was born and lived in Turkey

Noah's Ark is said to have landed at Mount Ararat in Eastern Turkey

Turkey provides 70% of the world's hazelnuts

Gave the English language many words including chock-a block, turquoise, yoghurt, kismet, kilim and parchment

Turkey first introduced tulips to Holland and today still supplies tulips worldwide. The tulip is also Turkey's national flower

Turkey was the first ever land to mind and use coins 2700 years ago by the Lydians

Turkey has the world's first female Supreme Court Judge, and gave the women the right to vote in 1934



Religion

Whilst the population of Turkey is about 99% Muslim, the country is a secular state which allows complete freedom of worship to non-muslims. Tourists visiting coastal resorts are unlikely to see much evidence that they are in a Muslim country, except for the call to prayer which can be heard 5 times per day. If visiting a mosque, dress conservatively and avoid visiting during prayer times or on Fridays, the holy day. On the coast, dress is generally relaxed beachwear for locals and tourists alike. It is only in smaller villages, more remote areas and the east of the country that the dress codes are more formal and more traditional.

During Ramadan, or Ramazan, as it is known in Turkey, some locals may fast from sunrise to sunset. This is quite relaxed in the resort areas and should not have any affect at all to visitors.

Public Holidays in Turkey

Government offices and banks will be closed on public holidays, but life in the resort areas continues much as usual. Money exchange bureaux and most shops and restaurants open as normal.

History of Turkey

Historically known as Asia Minor or Anatolia, this vast region reflects a remarkable and fascinating history with settled habitation dating back to the eighth millennium BC. Anatolia has seen virtually every major western civilisation come and go including the Assyrians, Hittities, Phrygians, Urartian, Greeks and Romans. Treasured artefacts, including what is believed to be the first landscape picture ever painted were left behind and are displayed at Ankara's Museum of Anatolian Civilisations. Many of the museums' artefacts are the only clues we have to the earliest civilisations.

Some of the finest sites emerged from the Hellenistic period such as the remains of ancient Troy and the ruined settlements of Lycia. The most impressive of them all is ancient Ephesus. It is believed that the Virgin Mary spent her last days in a small house on the edge of Ephesus whilst St John the Evangelist came to look after her. Now a place of Pilgrimage for Roman Catholics, the house has received the official sanction of the Vatican.

In 560 BC the King of Persia, Cyrus, conquered everybody and everything and soon subjected the Aegean cities to his rule. However, 200 years later they were defeated by Alexander the Great. He led the Macedonians eastward across Anatolia as far as India in pursuit of gaining the domination of Asia. Sure enough, he rapidly conquered the entire Middle East, from Greece to India.

Following its conquest by Rome in the 2nd century BC, Asia Minor enjoyed centuries of peace. During the Middle Ages as part of the Byzantine Empire it became a centre of Christianity.

The Great Seljuk Empire, based in Persia, was the first real Turkish state in Anatolia. This empire had a distinctive culture with beautiful architecture and design. The Seljuks Empire quickly declined with Anatolia fragmented into a number of small emirates. The Turks gradually moved in on these states one by one which eventually grew to be the largest empire in recent history, the Ottoman Empire. The Ottomans ruled for more than six centuries until 1922. The following year, Asia Minor became the larger part of the Turkish Republic led by Ataturk.

Mustafa Kemal Ataturk was the main drive behind the development of modern Turkey. The former army officer became Turkey's first President and steered the country from the wreckage of the Ottoman Empire. Ataturk introduced dramatic reforms that touched upon every aspect of Turkish life. There were many significant changes including replacing the Arabic script with Latin characters. Primary education was made compulsory and religious law was abolished. Women were granted equal rights in matters of custody and inheritance and by 1934 women's rights had extended to Universal Suffrage.

Ataturk was and still is a national hero- a massive presence in the long history of Turkey. In every town and village you will find reminders of the leader everywhere you turn. As time goes by Ataturk becomes even more of a hero as the country's people recognize his extraordinary influence in making Turkey what it is today.

Turkish Food & Drink

Turkish food is amongst the best in the world. With enough climatic zones to grow most ingredients locally, there is a vast array of produce to excite and entice the palate.
Besides its famous kebab dishes, there are many other traditional Turkish foods to choose from. Meze (appetisers) for which Turkey is justly famous, are a range of hundreds of small dishes from simple combinations such as cheese with melon to elaborately stuffed vegetables. These are served in all Turkish restaurants and are traditionally accompanied with Raki, a clear anise- flavoured spirit claimed to be Turkey's national alcoholic drink.

Turkey's most popular beers are the home produced Efes Pilsen and Tuborg, and whilst the wine industry has yet to realise it's full potential, Kavaklidere and Doluca, the best known brands, produce a selection of both red and white wines.

Shopping in Turkey offers the most unusual and diverse range of gifts tempting even the non-shoppers amongst us.

Traditional handicrafts such as carpets, kilims, copper goods, painted ceramics and jewellery are popular buys, along with a good selection of leather goods, sandals and beachwear which can be found in most of the larger resorts.

In tourist and coastal areas, opening hours are quite flexible and during the summer many shops stay open until late in the evening, seven days a week, leaving tourists to browse at their leisure and escape the heat of the day.

In souvenir shops and stalls, it's always worth trying a spot of haggling. For food shopping, local minimarkets provide basic essentials, whilst the supermarkets found near the larger resorts are similar to those we are used to at home. Most resorts have a weekly market selling local produce, crafts and textiles and are well worth a visit.

Transport

Hiring a car is one of the best ways to get out and about, giving you the freedom to explore at your leisure.

Local transport within the towns and resorts consists of dolmus or minibuses (taxis) that run from one point to another and you can hop on and off anywhere along the route and pay according to the distance travelled.

Things to do in Turkey

Turkey offers a wide variety of activities for couples and families alike.

Watersports including windsurfing, parasailing, jet skiing and canoeing are popular on designated beaches in or near many of the larger resorts. Scuba diving is also widely available, and the calm, clear waters are ideal for beginners and novice divers. Walking and trekking are becoming increasingly popular and they offer one of the best ways to explore the countryside.

Currency in Turkey

New Turkish Lira (YTL) is the official currency in Turkey. "Y" stands for "Yeni" ("New") in Turkish as the new notes and coins replaced the old currency which was withdrawn from circulation in January 2006. It can be purchased from your bank in advance, in which case we would advise you to order at least two weeks before your departure date. Alternatively you can change money, or travellers cheques once you have arrived in Turkey. It's easy to change up all major currencies in exchange offices, post offices and hotels. Exchange offices are also located in the arrivals halls at most Turkish aiports.

Currency can be also obtained from ATM/cash machines throughout Turkey, providing the symbols on the machine match those on your debit/cash card. Your bank should be able to give you further information on using your card abroad. If you do find yourself short of Turkish Lira at any point, many shops and restaurants in the coastal resorts and larger cities will accept payment in foreign currency. But if you are planning to travel to other parts of the country, it is advisable to carry some Turkish Lira.

The New Turkish Lira comes in notes of 5,10, 20, 50 and 100. The coins, called New Kurus (Ykr), come in 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 and one New Turkish Lira. One hundred New Kurus equals one New Turkish Lira.

Please note that Scottish currency is not accepted in Turkey. It is also worth noting that they may not accept any foreign bank notes for exhange which are ripped or have been scribbled on.

Passports & Visas

British citizens require a standard ten year passport which must be valid for at least six months after the date of arrival back in the UK. Children under 16 years require their own passport if not already on a parents passport before October 1998.

British citizens (including infants) have to pay a tourist visa of £10 upon arrival. This must be paid in note form in cash. Scottish currency is not accepted in Turkey.

Full details and application forms for a full British passport can be obtained from main post offices or direct from the Passport Office.

Non UK passport holders are recommended to contact the appropriate Embassy in London as to their visa fee.



Turkey Time Difference

Turkey is two hours ahead of the UK. It is a good idea to adjust your watch as soon as you arrive, as any airline timetables are expressed in local time.

Vaccinations for Turkey

No vaccination certificates are compulsory for entry to Turkey. You should always check with your doctor, in good time prior to departure, if there are any inoculations the Department of Health consider necessary or advisable for any specific areas.

When To Go

The main season for visitors to Turkey's western Aegean and Mediterranean coastal resorts is between May to October, when the weather is settled and the days are long and sunny.
Temperatures range from the mid 20°Cs early and late season, to the mid 30°Cs during the peak season of July and August which is also the most popular time to visit when all the activities are in full swing. The sea temperatures are warm and ideal for swimming throughout the summer, and it is not unusual to be able to swim in the sea even in November.

In the coastal resorts we have a selection of properties suitable for occupation in late autumn, winter and early spring where you can discover the changing seasons. Please contact us for further information. There may be an additional charge for heating. The Turkish resorts do quieten down in winter and many facilities available during the summer months may not be available during winter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I be able to use my mobile phone?
Generally speaking, mobile phone coverage in Turkey is very good - the exception being some of the more remote and/or mountainous areas. It is important to remember that when using a British mobile phone, in Turkey, to contact our overseas offices and staff, even though you are linking up to the local network your call must be prefixed by 00 90 and you should then drop the first 0 of the Turkish phone number.

What currency will I require?
New Turkish Lira (YTL) is the official currency in Turkey. Currency can be purchased in the UK but we advise you to order at least two weeks before your departure date to avoid any last minute rush. Once in Turkey, it's easy to change up all major currencies in exchange offices, post offices (PTTs) and hotels. Currency can be also obtained from ATM/cash machines throughout Turkey, providing the symbols on the machine match those on your debit/cash card. Your bank should be able to give you further information on using your card abroad. If you do find yourself short of Turkish Lira at any point, foreign currency, including pounds sterling, is readily accepted in many shops, hotels and restaurants in the tourist areas.

Travellers Cheques or Credit Cards?
Credit cards are now very widely accepted in shops and some restaurants in the main towns and resorts. Though you should always check beforehand if you intend to have a meal and pay afterwards using the card. Many small, family run restaurants or establishments may not accept cards. The smaller villages and places 'off the beaten track' may also not accept credit cards so have some cash handy.
Currency can be obtained from ATM/cash machines throughout Turkey, providing the symbols on the machine match those on your debit/cash card. Your bank should be able to give you further information on using your card abroad. Travellers Cheques can be cashed at banks, exchange bureaux and most of the larger hotels.

What is the voltage and do we need to use adaptors?
The current is 220 V. Wall sockets take two rounded pin plugs, like many European countries. You will need an adapter plug to use UK appliances.

Is there a time difference?
Yes, Turkey is on GMT + 2 (daylight saving GMT +3 operates between late March to late September). This means that for most of the year, Turkey is two hours ahead of the UK. It is a good idea to adjust your watch as soon as you arrive in Turkey.

What should I take?
You can now find most western goods, including holiday essentials such as suntan and aftersun lotions, insect and mosquito repellents, and such like in most of the larger resorts and supermarkets. Taking these items with you saves time and also ensures that you can find your preferred brands. It's worth taking a high protection sunscreen, especially during high season when temperatures can soar, a wide-brimmed sun hat, and a mosquito repellent both for your room and a spray for yourself when you are outside in the evenings. Also do take a European-type 2 pin adaptor for your electrical equipment - these can be difficult to find in Turkey. A photocopy of your passport is useful to keep on you as a means of ID, and if you are driving, a copy of your license as well to keep in the car.

Are shops open on the day of our arrival?
During the summer season, and especially in the resort areas, supermarkets, minimarkets and many shops are open daily, often till early evening.
As a general guideline opening days and times are as follows:

Banks: 09.00 - 12.00 and 13.30 - 17.00 Monday to Friday.

Post Offices: (identified by yellow PTT signs) 08.00 - 20.00 Monday to Saturday, and 09.00 - 19.00 on Sundays.

Museums - 09.00 - 17.00 Tuesday to Sunday.

Chemists (eczane) - 09.00-19.00 Monday to Saturday. A duty chemist is appointed on a rota basis to remain open for 24 hours, details of which are posted in any chemist's front window.

Shops: in the resorts, and particularly during the summer months, bazaars and many tourist shops open daily from around 09.00 till late in the evening, often till 22.00. More regular type shops may close earlier in the evening, and on Sundays.

Supermarkets: Most supermarkets are open daily, and the larger ones are often open till 22.00 during the summer, a few open 24 hours.


Cafés and restaurants tend to operate open-ended hours and may not close till early in the morning.



Are there insects?
There can be mosquito's in certain areas so a plug in deterrent is an idea. Ants are frequent in some rural areas.

What is driving like in Turkey?
As in the rest of the Mediterranean, other road users may seem to the UK driver to drive unpredictably. The roads are generally well kept though some coastal or mountain roads can be narrow and winding. You should be aware of the following points:

Traffic drives on the right in Turkey, which means you must give way to the right at junctions and roundabouts (vehicles joining the roundabout have right of way).


The wearing of seat belts is compulsory.

There are strict drink driving laws - the rule is absolutely no alcohol if you intend to drive. Random tests are quite common and police will issue on the spot fines.

If another vehicle flashes it's lights, this means that it is coming through, not that they are giving way to you.

You should drive defensively at all times, and great care should be taken when driving after dark as you may come across inadequately lit vehicles, slow moving lorries or animals wandering across the road.

A Central Location For Your Conference In East Anglia

Bedford Lodge Hotel in Newmarket, Suffolk, is centrally located for many towns/cities in East Anglia including Cambridge and Bury St Edmunds, and provides a great venue for conferences and meetings.

The East Anglia region is certainly one of varying contrasts, stretching from the North Norfolk coastline down to the county of Essex with its close proximity to London. Beautiful, quiet landscapes combine with bustling towns and cities – and in turn the region stretches for many miles.

For anyone organising a conference in East Anglia it will seem a challenge to find a central venue. Delegates will be travelling from all over the region and there’s nothing worse than picking somewhere that needs the most complicated directions to find. While sat navs are a great invention you can’t rely on everyone having one – and from the various stories of lost lorry drivers they’re not always 100% accurate either!

For a central location within East Anglia look to Suffolk, a county of rolling countryside yet with excellent road and rail links, and an airport practically on the doorstep for anyone coming from other UK destinations or even overseas.

There are number of conference venues within Suffolk, offering a range of rooms, day or residential packages and it can become difficult to decide what venue could best suit your needs. Situated just off the A11/A14 in the home of British Horseracing, Newmarket, there is one venue that ticks all the boxes, including the most important one of location and ease of find.

Bedford Lodge Hotel, voted Suffolk Hotel of the Year in 2007, hits all the right notes as soon as you drive up to the building. Surrounded by carefully manicured gardens, the fresh white hotel rises up before you with ample parking for delegates arriving by car.

Walking into the hotel, the interior will be even more pleasing. Bedford Lodge Hotel with 55 bedrooms and suites, along with seven state-of-the-art conference and banqueting rooms, underwent a half million pound refurbishment programme earlier in the year and the time and money spent sings out. Modern and chic, with friendly attentive staff to greet you, all set the right tone for your conference.

The staff at the hotel includes a team of experienced conference co-ordinators who will look after you and your event, to ensure everything goes smoothly – with no unexpected surprises!

And the facilities are unrivalled within the region, which include some of the most advanced meeting technology in East Anglia. The rooms include wireless internet access, air conditioning systems and individual ISDN lines, while most have high definition interactive plasma display monitors with the very latest presentation technology and sound systems.

While the business side of your day flows, the hotel chefs will provide the right refreshments to inspire some great ideas to take back to the office! From morning coffee with delicious Danish pastries to a buffet lunch in our award-winning Orangery restaurant, our chefs are passionate about creating great dishes.

With both day and overnight packages available plus the opportunity to include leisure – the Edge Health & Fitness Centre is modern and spacious – with a spa under development later in the year – contact the hotel.

A Cat Island Bahamas Vacation

The Hermitage is a bit of an historical oddity, fascinating & strange. The hike up to see this religious site will take visitors through small villages along beautiful trails, full of island flora & fauna.

The Hermitage is a bit of an historical oddity, fascinating & strange. The hike up to see this religious site will take visitors through small villages along beautiful trails, full of island flora & fauna. it is located at the top of Mt. Alvernia, which is 206 feet above the sea & the highest point in the Bahamas. The Hermitage itself is made from the limestone of the cliffs, with each piece painstakingly extracted, shaped & set by hand by the Canadian mule-skinner turned Anglican turned Roman Catholic priest known as brother Jerome. The brother built the structure to scale, designed it to fit his  diminutive form. Beloved by the island people, the priest passed away in 1956 after reaching the ripe age of 80.

One of the outer islands of the Bahamas, cat Island is a quiet holiday location for those who're  looking to relax. Among its varied pleasures & activities, a little exploration will turn up a historical oddity or five that add to the individual character of the place. beautiful beaches in natural settings welcome the nature lover & peace seeker alike.

For those interested in water sports, the cat Island Dive Center is the place to contact. They operate out of the Greenwood Beach Resort & have a variety of diving & snorkeling packages available, & there's plenty of fine areas to explore, offering a wealth of marine life & fascinating geological formations. They also have water sport equipment to rent.

Other historical sites include an Arawak cave, found at Columbus point, & plantation ruins, left over from the islands efforts at joining the worlds cotton growers. Deveaux mansion was eight times the residence of Andrew Deveaux of the US Navy, who participated in the 1873 battles to get Nassau back from italy. Another widely known ruins is the remains of the Ambrister plantation, near Port Howe.

cat Island is the sixth largest island in the Bahamas, & boasts extraordinary beaches. there's literally miles & miles of virtually undisturbed beaches, where swimming & relaxing can be done in near complete privacy.

Fine meals can be had at several locations on cat Island. Hawk's Nest Resort & Marina serves a variety of dishes, but among the best are the fresh, grilled fish & the roasted rack of lamb. Fernandez Bay Village is the place to go for creative & delicious native dishes, served either in the dining room or a patio table by the beach. Greenwood Beach Resort's Bahaman cuisine is complemented by their marvelous breads, which are baked every day.

cat Island is an excellent choice for vacationers who're seeking a natural beach experience, & enjoy a peaceful &  laid-back atmosphere. The island can be explored at a leisurely pace, which is a much better way to enjoy the local flora & fauna, as well as to enjoy the local culture. Because it is so much smaller in population than plenty of of the other islands, it is easier to get a real feel for the people & their way of life. cat Island is an interesting place that will make a lasting impression on its guests.

A Brief Guide to Steamboat Springs Restaurants

Never let it be said that mountain people don’t know how to cook. In Steamboat Springs , Colorado, restaurants offer a variety of freshly prepared, expertly cooked, quality foods that rival the restaurants in any major city. The city has more than 70 restaurants and bars and because of the western flair it’s a great place to sample elk, buffalo or Rocky Mountain oysters if that’s something you’ve always wanted to do. But don’t feel that mountain/western fare is all that’s available. Within a short walk from the center of town you’ll find Italian, Mexican, French, Japanese, Pacific Rim and other eclectic cuisine.

Never let it be said that mountain people don’t know how to cook. In Steamboat Springs , Colorado, restaurants offer a variety of freshly prepared, expertly cooked, quality foods that rival the restaurants in any major city. The city has more than 70 restaurants and bars and because of the western flair it’s a great place to sample elk, buffalo or Rocky Mountain oysters if that’s something you’ve always wanted to do. But don’t feel that mountain/western fare is all that’s available. Within a short walk from the center of town you’ll find Italian, Mexican, French, Japanese, Pacific Rim and other eclectic cuisine.

For delicious family fare in a casual, friendly atmosphere try Mazzola’s. With pizzas such as “The Maui Wowie,” “The White Album,” and “The Godfather” and an impressive list of entrees and appetizers, everyone at your table will have no trouble finding something delicious. For family fare with an adult twist step in to the Mahogany Ridge Brewery and Grill for some of the best steaks you’ll ever taste. Wash it down with some micro-brewed beer that rivals the brewmasters of Germany. Your kids will enjoy the special wild, wild west kids selections and the live music.

Is Chinese food your thing? Try the gourmet fare at the huge Panda Garden Restaurant or the Chinese family cooking a few scant blocks away at the Canton Chinese Restaurant.

In addition, there’s creole at Lucille’s, French at Harwig’s, fresh seafood at the appropriately named Freshie’s and at least six Mexican restaurants, some known more for their exquisite margaritas than their cooking. Feel free to put on your jeans and cowboy boots for most of them or dress up in that suit and tie you’ve brought with you and dine in pure elegance.

The choice is yours. Needless to say for a small town that depends on its mountain surroundings to bring in tourists, there is a variety of quality food available in Steamboat Springs that will satisfy anybody’s palate.

A "Home-From-Home" Hotel

Owners of boutique hotels strive to provide guests with an experience during their stay. They want them to feel pampered by the service and comfortable with the atmosphere, but most of all, they want guests to feel at home. This is difficult to achieve in a hotel environment and relies on good use of space, creative design and high service standards to succeed.

Public spaces

Public spaces are important in any hotel, but need to be put to particularly good use in a bouti...

Owners of boutique hotels strive to provide guests with an experience during their stay. They want them to feel pampered by the service and comfortable with the atmosphere, but most of all, they want guests to feel at home. This is difficult to achieve in a hotel environment and relies on good use of space, creative design and high service standards to succeed.

Public spaces

Public spaces are important in any hotel, but need to be put to particularly good use in a boutique hotel. No matter whether the hotel is in a large mansion or a three-storey town house, making people feel at home in a place they are paying to stay in is a challenge. Public areas must be open enough to allow people their own space, without making the room feel bare or unfriendly. They must also have comfortable furniture, so that guests can relax, and a variety of lighting, so that guests can read, eat or just talk. These hotels are famous for encouraging a “shoes off” or “barefoot” attitude, where guests don’t feel that they have to dress up or follow certain formalities during their stay.

Rooms

The things that make you feel at home in your room are the details. Everyone’s used to a hotel room with a bed, some drawers and some hanging space, but it’s the extra details that turn a basic hotel room into a boutique hotel room. These details include creative bathroom solutions, antique furniture, quality linens, internet access and flat screen TVs. In addition, freshly-lit candles and exclusive toiletries create a luxurious but comfortable space.

Service

One of the downsides of large hotels is that the staff can never know who you are, where you’ve come from or why you’re visiting. This is something that doesn’t happen in boutique hotels. The lower number of total bedrooms in hotels of this type means that there is often more staff than guests, and this leads to high levels of personal service. Staff know your name and your room number and, in some of the more exclusive boutique hotels, they find out what you like before you even get there, so that it can be provided on arrival.

People who stay in a luxury boutique hotel for the first time are struck by how very different the design, ambience and service is from a standard hotel. As a guest, you immediately feel more relaxed and comfortable and this in turn contributes to the “home-from-home” feeling that many guests remark on.

30 Fun Free Things To Do In Vegas That Don't Involve Gambling

Almost everyone comes to Vegas to gamble. However, there are a heck of a lot of ways to entertain yourself in Vegas without gambling. Here are 30 fun free things to do in Las Vegas, just for starters.

Copyright 2006 Karin Manning

Almost everyone comes to Vegas to gamble. However, there are a heck of a lot of ways to entertain yourself in Vegas without gambling.

Here are 30 fun free things to do in Las Vegas,  just for starters.

ALADDIN - They have a rain display where water falls from the ceiling into a reflecting pool below.

ANDERSON DAIRY - Dairy Tour

ARTS DISTRICT, DOWNTOWN - First Fridays

BALLY’S HOTEL - Light, water and sound show

BARBARY COAST HOTEL - Big Elvis

BASS PRO SHOPS OUTDOOR WORLD - the layout of this store is similar to a natural history museum.  An extra special feature is the live bass aquarium.

BASS PRO SHOPS - Fishing demonstrations

BELLAGIO - They have an elaborate fountain show on every half hour and can be seen from the street or by standing on the casino’s front porch. 1200 nozzles and 4500 lights are used.  The Bellagio is also famous for its botanical garden.  There are over 7500 flowers, trees and plants displayed and the atrium is changed six to eight times a year.

BELLAGIO - Stunning Bellagio hotel lobby

BELLAGIO - Chocolate fountain

BONNIE SPRINGS PETTING ZOO/OLD NEVADA - Less than half an hour west of Vegas you will find this extensive free petting zoo though donations are accepted gratefully!  The whole place is like a recreation of the wild west of Nevada.  There is a mining town (small fee), plus a miniature locomotive.

BOULDER CITY - Hoover dam

CAESARS PALACE - Caesar and Cleopatra walk around inside waiting for you to quiz them about historical events. There is also a circular aquarium at the far end.  You can take a free tour every weekday to find out how the fish tank works and what the employees do to keep the fish happy.

CAESARS PALACE FORUM SHOPS - Every hour two fountains come to life.  There are two shows.  The first show features Bacchanal and the second show features Neptune.  Very popular and crowded. To easily slip out watch near the back of the crowd.  The show starts promptly on the hour.

CAMBRIDGE COMMUNITY CENTER - Movies and popcorn.

CANNON AVIATION MUSEUM - This is located at the McCarran International Airport. There is a large exhibit about the aviation history of Las Vegas.

CHINA DATE RANCH - This is a small working farm with a huge selection of fresh dates and baked goods.  The date palms have brightly coloured petticoat skirts which keep the birds away and the dates happy.

CHINATOWN - Just like many Chinatowns around the world.  A great experience and lots of fun.

CIRCUS CIRCUS - The AdventureDome is free to walk around in though rides cost.  The theme here is the Grand Canyon.  From 11am to 12pm, every 20 minutes, a different circus act performs on the midway above the casino.

COFFEE ROASTERS OF LAS VEGAS - Find out everything you  wanted to know about tea and coffee here.  There are tours and classes - tours are free - and you also get to enjoy a free sample.

DESERT DEMONSTRATION GARDEN - A display of hundreds of desert plants and explaining how desert plants grow in the desert.

DESERT PASSAGE MALL - Harbor rainstorm

DESERT PASSAGE SHOPS - Entertainers

DON PABLO’S CIGAR COMPANY - Cigar Factory Tour

ED ROMAN GUITARS - Guitar museum

ETHEL M CHOCOLATES - now who doesn’t like chocolate?  They have a great tour showing how they make fudge, chocolate squares and more.   The address is 2 Cactus Drive Garden and their site is www.ethelm.com.  At the end you’ll also get a free piece of chocolate.

EXCALIBUR - Aimed at children there are Court Jester performances and medieval acts

FASHION SHOW MALL - Fashion shows

FISHER SPACE PEN COMPANY - This pen has been on every single manned space flight since 1968.  711 Yucca Street, Boulder City.

FLAIR BARTENDER SHOWS - at various Vegas locations

10 Ways To Identify If Your Mover Is Right For You

If you manage to find the right mover then half the battle is won. One of the greatest challenges of moving from one city to another, to the countryside, or abroad is locating an efficient and honest mover.

If you manage to find the right mover then half the battle is won. One of the greatest challenges of moving from one city to another, to the countryside, or abroad is locating an efficient and honest mover.

Keep in mind the following: movers must have a good reputation, an extensive network, and be licensed and insured. In addition, they must be professional, polite, understand your needs and proffer the right advice.

Here are a few considerations to put you on the right track:

1.    Meet the mover and find out how long they have been in business and whether they can give you a few references.

2.    Check the references. Call his clients to check on the services the mover offered and whether there were any problems.

3.    Do an online search to determine whether there are any warnings or complaints against the mover.

4.    Check with the local chamber of commerce or bank to determine the moving company’s business standing.

5.    Check if the mover’s license and insurance are current. Ensure they have workman’s compensation and other benefits in place.

6.    Determine whether the mover handles the work himself or assigns it to a sub agent or associate.

7.    The mover must have a wide network with offices in the place you are moving to.

8.    A reputable mover will be a member of AMSA, the American Moving and Storage Association. As a professional he will have committed to following an industry Code of Conduct and will offer quality service.

9.    The ideal mover will not give you an estimate off the top of his head. He will insist to making a preliminary inspection, listing objects to be moved, and ask you to answer a number of questions. Based on which he will prepare an estimate and highlight variables.

10.    He will be open minded and explain clearly what you can expect and what you cannot.  He will tell you all about insurance, the actual moving process, transit storage, guarantees and so on.

An ideal mover will value your business and explain his responsibilities clearly. 

Once you know you have to move allocate enough time to finding the right mover. Ask relevant questions like will my stuff reach its destination as promised, will the material move as one load or as part of other things, a larger load. What kind of training do your workers receive? Are the workers experienced in packing antiques and other valuables? Do I need additional insurance apart from the one provided by you?

Be prudent and weigh the pros and cons carefully. Never let cost dictate your choice. Sometimes by cutting corners to save a few pennies you may loose thousands in damaged goods or lost goods.

10 tips for selecting the perfect Costa Rica vacation rental

Planning a Tropical holiday full of lush jungles, secluded beaches, & friendly people but not  expensive? Costa Rica is the place to go!

Planning a Tropical holiday full of lush jungles, secluded beaches, & friendly people but not  expensive? Costa Rica is the place to go! But where do you stay, a resort or a private villa? Do you require long lines, crowded pools, babies jogging up & down the corridors? I think not.

Selecting the best Costa Rica holiday rental can be the difference between a great holiday & three where you feel like you are 'doing without'.

plenty of vacationers consider the Costa Rica holiday rental as 'just somewhere to stay' since most of your time will be spent in or on the water, or enjoying local attractions. Don't make that mistake. there is no reason to settle for less when, with a little planning, you can find a great Costa Rica holiday rental that you'll enjoy as much or more than the other parts of your holiday.

Remember, your holiday home is where you'll be sleeping, waking up, having lots of of your meals, & resting.

If it rains or is unseasonably hot outside, you may end up stretched out reading a book to while away the day or wanting to watch three of your favorite movies on the DVD - assuming there is a comfortable sofa. & when you meet new friends, you'll require someplace lovely for entertaining. should not your holiday rental be a pleasant get-away with the amenities that make vacations a real treat? "A home away from home"

Here are 10 tips for selecting the perfect Costa Rica holiday rental:

With the web, a web site is the quickest most convenient way for you to get information on prospective Costa Rica holiday rentals. If there's no pics, you'll know right away to keep looking. Brochures, books & guides are lovely, but may have out-dated information.

1. The single most important factor is whether or not you can "see" actual recent photos of the interior & exterior of the holiday rental. it is three thing to read a great description - & a number of them are  'complimentary' (sometimes overly so) - but you require to see what you are getting.

With these lists as a guide, you'll be able to quickly eliminate those rentals that won't meet your needs. Your list might include proximity to the water, the number of bedrooms & bathrooms, type kitchen (full versus fridge & microwave), outdoor amenities such as decks & BBQ grills, ocean views, private pools, outdoor eating areas, tennis courts & other items important to you.

2. List the amenities that are important to you, the ones without which you will feel incomplete. Next, jot down those that are lovely to have, but not deal-breakers if not available.

3. List the activities that you require to be able to enjoy while on holiday. A morning activity like scuba diving, snorkeling or canopy tour then coming back to the villa to relax may be a high priority for you.
You also require to consider how close the holiday rental is to the airport. it is  important to know how far the rental is from your arrival airport. Some rentals can take a half a day's drive & after your flight even an hour's drive can seem an eternity. Your travel time back to the airport at departure can also frustrate your entire holiday. Enjoying your last morning of your holiday by a private pool instead of travelling for hours to the airport can be  important to you. For Costa Rica holiday rentals that are only 20 minutes from the Liberia International airport visit http://www.costarica-vacation-getaway.com. This will help you in selecting a general location.

On your secondary list, you might have things like a hammock for lazing about, or pool waterfall for the relaxing sounds. Exterior stereo speakers, to enjoy your favorite music around the pool. Ice makers to mix your favorite drinks,  in the heat of the day.

Some people feel that a great holiday is being able to walk or bicycle everywhere. Others don't mind a short drive, & still others think nothing of getting on a freeway to enjoy attractions.

You also require to consider how close you require your holiday rental to be to the attractions.

4. Identify your first, second & third choice of dates for renting the villa.
With several dates, you'll save time when making arrangements.

If you prefer a holiday without the hassles of traffic, parking problems, crowds & long lines, select a villa located in the quaint waterfront town of Playa Panama, Costa Rica. Visit http://www.costarica-vacation-getaway.com to learn more.

If you find a villa that you really require & you have some flexibility in scheduling, having alternate dates ready allows you to book right then, saving yourself the time & hassle of having to re-check everyone's schedule & call back - & risking losing those dates in the interim.

5. Call the telephone numbers for the holiday rentals that seem to meet your needs & speak directly with either the owners or the person who's handling the property.

Be prepared with a list of questions. This allows you to compare apples to apples, & keeps you from forgetting something important during the conversation.

It also gives you a feel for the person who will be your contact should you rent the villa & then encounter a problem. If you don't get a warm, friendly welcome to your inquiries, don't expect anything different when you have a problem.

Other things to consider: Is there a welcome basket? Will the owner have essential items in the refrigerator for you, before your arrival? Can you make arrangements for tours? Are there plates, utensils, pots, pans & other essentials for eating & meal preparation - or will you have to bring your own?
Does the rental have air condition or do you have to depend on the winds to comfort you?

6. Ask what amenities are included.
You may learn of something that isn't on your list but is perfect for your designs.
Does the rental have maid service? Last thing you require to do is make the beds or tidy the dishes, even if there is a dishwasher.
Does the rental have a washer & dryer? If so, you will not have to take as lots of cloths with you. Will the maid wash your cloths before your departure? Coming home with a suitcase full of tidy cloths is certainly a benefit.

7. Inquire about restaurants, events & activities & other forms of local entertainment that are close by. Here's where your list of preferred activities comes in handy. You should be able to find links to local attractions, calendars & restaurants on the web site of your Costa Rica holiday rental.

8. Are the owners local or do they have a management team helping 24/7?
Owners are a wealth of information about the area & can give you tips on great out-of-the-way places that aren't in the guidebooks. They also care about your enjoyment & comfort while at their villa.

This can make a huge difference;  should something require immediate attention in the villa. there is nothing worse than calling the rental company about a stopped-up toilet & getting somebody's bored teenager who's manning the phones for the summer.

9. How long has the owner been renting holiday rentals?
If the owner has worked with rental properties, they know what tenants expect & how to get things done.

If this is a new venture, beware. The owner may be in it for "fun" & have no idea how to prepare the villa so that you can have a great holiday.

10. & last, when you look at the pics, can you see yourself having a great time there?

If the pics make you require to go right now, & the answers to the questions above meet your satisfaction, you have found yourself a great Costa Rica holiday rental!

10 Things You Must Know When Camping In Bear Country

Campgrounds are now having to incorporate policies and procedures to ensure bear conservation and safety for campers. The DEC Campgrounds in the Adirondack and Catskill Forest Preserves in New York State are two such campgrounds.

Copyright 2006 Karin Manning

It goes without saying that there are risks when it comes to camping in bear country.

In fact, on 14 April 2006 this risk became a tragic fact of life when a 6 year old girl received fatal injuries from a black bear while camping.

Campgrounds are now having to incorporate policies and procedures to ensure bear conservation and safety for campers. The DEC Campgrounds in the Adirondack and Catskill Forest Preserves in New York State are two such campgrounds. Their staff have developed specific policies and procedures to minimize the occurrence of bear problems at their campgrounds while maintaining a healthy, natural black bear population.

There are eight critical ways that you can minimise the chances of getting hurt by bears by following these simple tips:

1. Avoid traditional bear feeding areas.

2. Avoid camp locations where bears have been known to roam in the past.

3. Avoid camping where you may have trouble seeing a bear through vegetation.

4. Avoid camping where you see bear droppings and fresh tracks.

5. Never feed wild bears.

6. Store your food in a cooler which is locked in the car

7. Like most animals, bears are attracted to garbage so make sure your campsite is very clean

8. Remember that behind every cute baby bear is a very overprotective bear mother!

9. Stop fishing when bears are present. They want your fish more than you do.

10. The minimum safe distance from a bear is 50-100 yards.

There are now a number of organizations that are working passionately on increasing bear awareness in the community. The National Spokesman of The National Be Bear Aware & Wildlife Stewardship Campaign, General H Norman Schwarzkopf, is dedicated to providing teachers, college students, youth groups and guiding/hunting groups with educational materials and training programs to teach outdoor enthusiasts and residents up to date safety skills and techniques for camping, hunting, viewing, hiking, photographing and living with wildlife like bears safely and responsibly. More information is available at the Campaign's website at http://www.bebearawaresw.org.

Along a similar vein, The 'Bear Safe Washington' program began in 1999 with funding from the World Society for the Protection of Animals. This program of presentations, brochures and seminars was designed to raise awareness of all bear issues in Washington State. Its bear safe guide can be downloaded at http://www.insightwildlife.com/bearsafe.htm

The Get Bear Smart Society based in Whistler, Canada, educates people on dealing with bears in the community and promoting innovative bear management practices. Supporters can make donations by visiting their website at http://www.bearsmart.com.

10 Things to Know About Ireland

Ireland has long been an island divided, but is starting to make a serious comeback. Here are 10 things to know about the Emerald Isle.

Ireland has long been an island divided, but is starting to make a serious comeback. Here are 10 things to know about the Emerald Isle.

10 Things to Know About Ireland

An island located close to Britain, Ireland has been in nearly constant conflict with its neighbor. Alas, things have changed dramatically in the last ten years as have Ireland’s fortunes. Religious violence seems to have tapered off and economic growth is some of the strongest in Europe.

Here are ten things to know about the amazing country of Ireland.

1. The island is split between two countries, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

2. Prior to 1921, the entire island was part of and controlled by Britain.

3. In 1921, 26 counties in the south were given independence and became the Republic of Ireland.

4. Northern Ireland is approximately 55 percent Protestant and 44 percent Catholic. This division has led to decades of strife in all aspects of life.

5. Ireland has remained neutral during the two World Wars despite the fact Great Britain played a key role in each.

6.  In 1990, Mary Robinson was elected the first female President of the Republic of Ireland.

7. You will find “rag trees” in Ireland. As the name suggests, trees are covered with rags tied to their branches. The rags represent wishes for a variety of things.

8. In some parts of the country, you can go bowling on Sundays. On the public roads! The idea is to roll a heavy ball from the starting point to a finishing point as much as a couple of miles away. The team that does it in the fewest number of throws wins.

9. The ancestors of U.S. Presidents Kennedy and Reagan were Irish.

10. The Patron Saint of Ireland, Saint Patrick, was Scottish!

Ireland has a long and storied history as well as a unique cultural all its own. As you can tell from the above, this is a place you should visit if you get a chance.

10 Must-Know Travelers Tips to Hong Kong

Hong Kong is an international city and it has vast number of tourists come from all over the world in all year round. According to the Hong Kong Government statistics, the number of international tourists visited Hong Kong in 2005 reaches 10.8 million which represents a 13.1% increase when compared to 2004. Countries such as Australia, Canada, French, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Korean, Thailand, British and United States all contributes significant tourist growth for Hong Kong. This article presents some critical traveler tips for tourists so that you could enjoy more and have a wonderful trip to Hong Kong.

Hong Kong is an international city and it has vast number of tourists come from all over the world in all year round. According to the Hong Kong Government statistics, the number of international tourists visited Hong Kong in 2005 reaches 10.8 million which represents a 13.1% increase when compared to 2004. Countries such as Australia, Canada, French, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Korean, Thailand, British and United States all contributes significant tourist growth for Hong Kong. This article presents some critical traveler tips for tourists so that you could enjoy more and have a wonderful trip to Hong Kong.

1. Personal Identity and Safety
Tourists must carry valid personal identity documentation such as passport during their stay in Hong Kong. Hong Kong is a very safe city according to the low crime rate. However, due to the densely population, it is not suggested to take a large amount of cash when going out since most of the shops in Hong Kong accepts credit cards. Expensive belongs should be locked in the safe in hotel. You could easily find policemen on the streets whenever you have encountered any problems.

2. Service Charges
Most of the restaurants except fast food shops will add 10% service charges to the bill. Therefore, you may choose to give out the odd dollars from the changes as the service tips. For taxi driver or bellboy in the hotel, there is no pre set norm for the service tips, you may choose to give out whenever you think the service is deserved for.

3. Telephone Service
All local telephone call is free except for the public telephone which charges HK$1 for every 5 minutes. Emergency call is 999 and it is free to call even in public telephone. You could either use IDD telephone call card or credit card for long distance call, or simply through operator for collect call in all public telephone counter.

4. Drinking Water
The drinking water in Hong Kong reaches World Health Organization standard. However, you may also choose to buy the bottle water in the supermarkets if you think it is necessary.

5. Taxi
All taxi only accept cash and they have invoice print out whenever you request. It is easier to catch the taxi in the taxi stop or outside the hotel. Many of the taxi drivers could understand simple English. It is suggest writing down your destination (in English) on paper to minimize misunderstandings. The taxi charges is based on the meter which is HK$15 for the first 2 Km and HK$1.4 for the subsequent 0.2 Km. Besides, there are tunnel charges ranging from HK$3-45 depends on which tunnel you have to take. The charging table is clearly shown on the inner side of the doors so you could check it before you pay. In case of any complaints or lost case, you may record down the name of the taxi driver and his license plate number which is clearly shown on the front seat stand, and reports to the police hotline: 2527 7177 whenever necessary.

6. Mass Transit Railway (MTR)
Hong Kong has 6 MTR routes, which covers most parts of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and New Territories.
Tsuen Wan Route: Tsuen Wan to Central
Kwun Tong Route: Yau Mat Tei to Tiu Keng Leng
Tseung Kwan O Route: North Point to Po Lam
Main Route: Sheung Wan to Chai Wan
Tung Chung Route: Tung Chung to Hong Kong
Airport Route: Airport to Hong Kong
Due to the convenience of MTR and the compact area of Hong Kong, most tourists find it is not necessary to rent car during their stay. Besides, due to the very heavy traffic and the complexity of the city roads, it is not recommended for tourists to drive. In case you really need car rental, you may consult your hotel, and be ready with your passport and driving license.

7. Kowloon Canton Railway (KCR)
The KCR is the major railway which links up the New Territories and the city of Kowloon. It runs through Tsim Sha Tsui East to Lo Wu which takes about 40 minutes for the whole route. Lo Wo is the final station which you could pass through to enter China with valid visa. The train will depart for every 3 to 10 minutes, and the earliest one will be started at 5:35 a.m. while the last one will be departed at 12:20 p.m. The ordinary fair and the first class fair are HK$18 and HK$36 respectively from Hung Hom to Sheung Shui.


8. Tram
The tram service has been started in 1904 and it is the oldest transportation system in Hong Kong. It only services the Hong Kong Island running from Kennedy Town to Shau Kei Wan plus another route to Happy Valley. The earliest tram starts at 6: 00 a.m. and run until 1:00 p.m. and the fair is HK$ 2 for adult and HK$ 1 for children under age12. It is the cheapest transportation in Hong Kong, and you are highly recommended to take a ride at the upper stairs so that you could enjoy all the street scenery of Hong Kong.

9. Star Ferry
The scenery of Hong Kong harbor is famous in the world, especially the night scenery. Besides, there is spectacular light show by the commercial buildings in the Hong Kong island at 8:00 p.m. every night which you must not miss. The Star Ferry has been serving on the harbor for more than 100 years, and the fair is less than HK$3 per rides. You could take the Star Ferry from Cental to Tsim Sha Tsui at around 8:00 p.m. You could enjoy the harbor scenery on the ferry and continue with the light show at the Starlight Road of Tsim Sha Tsui.

10. Hong Kong International Airport
The most convenient route to the Hong Kong International Airport is through the MTR which takes about 23 minutes from Central. It passes through stations of Kowloon, Olympic, Tsing Yi, and the train will be departed for every ten minutes. With the MTR, you would never miss the airplane due to the traditional traffic jam. Other than the MTR, you could take the Airport Bus which starts from 6:00 a.m. at the morning until 11:00 p.m. at night. It covers most part of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon with major hotels.

10 Hot Places To Find Sneakers In NYC This Summer

It's summer time and the living is easy. So time to go shopping and get a new pair of sneakers. But you don't want an ordinary pair of sneakers. You want something unique, flashy, and eye catching. So wither your a native New Yorker or your visiting from out of town here are some of the best spot to find sneakers in NYC.

1. Premium Good's
694 Fulton St (Btw. Ft. Green Pl & S. Elliot),
718.403.9348
Train: A or C to Layffette
Hours: 10am-7pm
Looking for Bathing Ape? The...

It's summer time and the living is easy. So time to go shopping and get a new pair of sneakers. But you don't want an ordinary pair of sneakers. You want something unique, flashy, and eye catching. So wither your a native New Yorker or your visiting from out of town here are some of the best spot to find sneakers in NYC.

1. Premium Good's
694 Fulton St (Btw. Ft. Green Pl & S. Elliot),
718.403.9348
Train: A or C to Layffette
Hours: 10am-7pm
Looking for Bathing Ape? They have em! Plus a whole slew of sneakers many people have never seen in the US.

2. Alife Rivington Club
158 Rivington St Cross Street: Between Clinton Street and Suffolk Street
212.375.8128
Train: F to Second Ave
Hours: Tues-Sun. 12pm-7pm
This down-low sneaker spot have some SERIOUS kicks that will make you shell out that $300.

3. Adidas Orginals
136 Wooster St
212.777.2001
Train: N or R to Prince St.
Hours: 10am-7pm
My Adidas! Your Adidas! Who does't like Adidas!

4. Training Camp
41 and 6th AVe
Train: D Train to 42nd.
Hours: 10am-7pm
A large selections of sneakers and large sizes for those with big feet.

5. ATMOS
203 West 125th Street
Train: A Train to 125th St.
Hours: 10am-7pm
The best place in Harlem to find affordable and hard to find sneakers.

6. NikeTown
6 East 57th St. NY
212.891.6453
www.niketown.com
Train: N or R to 57th
Hours: 10am-7pm
The mothership for all that is NIKE!

7. Laces
252 Mott Street
212.334.5457
Train: B, N, R to Broadway-Layffette
Hours: Monday by appointment only, Tues-Friday 10am-7pm.
The only sneaker store in town that's execlusivly for women.

8. KCDC
99 North 10th Street
718.387.9006
kcdcskateshop.com
Break out ya skate board and skate your troubles away. otherwise pick up a nice pairk of sneakers here.

9. Dave's Quality Meats
7 East 3rd off the Bowery
212.505.7551
Train: F to Bowery
Hours: 10am-7pm
You won't find salamey here but a dope selections of sneakers and t-shirts.

10. Nort 235
235 Eldridge Street
212.777.6102
Train: Locations throughout Manhattan
Hours: 10am-7pm
if your looking for sneakers that you won't see alot of people wearing then visit this spot.

10 Free Things To Do At Disney World

1. Visit Downtown Disney.

It cost nothing to visit Downtown Disney. There are lots of fun shops to stroll through and plenty of people watching oportunities. (If you visit during the day PLEASE take a hat. I think Downtown Disney has it's own micro climate - it often seems degrees hotter than the rest of Orlando.) Don't miss the snoozing man made from lego or the fabtastc magnets at Magnetron Magnetz. Stop in the Art of Disney store - They run a trivia quiz every day and g...

1. Visit Downtown Disney.

It cost nothing to visit Downtown Disney. There are lots of fun shops to stroll through and plenty of people watching oportunities. (If you visit during the day PLEASE take a hat. I think Downtown Disney has it's own micro climate - it often seems degrees hotter than the rest of Orlando.) Don't miss the snoozing man made from lego or the fabtastc magnets at Magnetron Magnetz. Stop in the Art of Disney store - They run a trivia quiz every day and give out prizes if you get them all right!

2. Watch the Magic Kingdom Fireworks

from the beach of the Grand Floridian or Polynesian. You can park at the resorts for a short time for free. Tell the guard you are visiting the hotel coffee shop.

3. Take a free tour of Wilderness Lodge

Check with guest services for times and details. There is also a hidden Mickey hunt (list available from guest services)

4. Watch the Electrical Water Pageant

It takes place each night on Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake - times vary. A long line of barges are transformed into a magical light show. It is short - just a few minutes long but is one of the overlooked treasures of Walt Disney World. It can be seen from the beaches of the Grand Floridian and Polynesian and the Fort Wilderness Marina and Beach

5. Nature Trails at Fort Wilderness

There are many miles of trails at Fort Wilderness, through pine and cypress woods. All free. You can hire bikes but to walk costs nothing

6. Visit The Boardwalk

Best in the evening. Just stroll and take in the atmosphere. There's usually lots of "street entertainment"

7. Visit the The petting farm at Fort Wilderness.

The petting farm is open 7 am to dusk a. There is free day parking at Ft. Wilderness.

8.Take the free garden tour at the Yacht & Beach Club Resort.

Call guest services for times

9.Take the free lobby tour at Animal Kingdom Lodge.

10 Campfire sing-song and a movie.

Each evening a campfire is held at Fort Wilderness (it is free to WDW Resort Guests) near the Meadow Trading Post. Take your own marshmallows to toast. The campfire is followed by a Disney cartoon feature shown on a large outdoor screen.

--- I know I said 10 Free things but I have included one more because #10 is only free to guests staying at a Disney World Hotel!

11 Take a boat ride.

from Dixie Landings to Downtown Disney - it's especially nice at night. Take a stroll round Downtown Disney and catch the boat back to your car at Dixie Landings.

8-Tips for Packing and Traveling Lite

In this day & age of travelling cephalalgia, there's a few packing tactics to employ. To cut out an extra thirty to forty minutes at the arriving airport, start with packing small luggage.

In this day & age of travelling cephalalgia, there's a few packing tactics to employ. To cut out an extra thirty to forty minutes at the arriving airport, start with packing small luggage. Since carry-ons can not exceed a linear dimension of 45 inches, you can escape the fiasco of the baggage terminal by basically packing & travelling light. To learn how to pack all your needs into two suitcase, read more.

How-to Pack & Travel Lite

Make a list. Compose a pack list. Be sure to coordinate shirts & blouses with bottoms. To maximize your travelling wardrobe fashion savoir faire, stick with solids & versatile basics. Rule-out any clothes that do not match other items.

Use the following pithy packing tips to make your travel light:

Gear up. How to make an awe-inspiring impression out of a basic or mundane outfit? For the most glam appeal, accessorize with a vibrant tie (for him) or a florid scarf (for her). Multihued accessories can liven up just about any attire.

Roll 'em up please. The best way to fit all your clothes is by rolling pants & shirts. First fold each item in half. Then basically roll. To try to maintain any creases, start on the bulkiest end of the news story of clothing.

Employ shoe smarts. For men, any leather rubber-soled shoes can make the day & night transition, easy. For woman, a pair of flip-flops, strappy sandals & comfy wedges can serve all casual - chic dressing needs.

Minimize bulk. After you check for space, edit outfits - ruthlessly. Try to pack microfibers with wrinkle & stain free comfort. With most of your attire, stay in the same color scheme - in case you have to layer up for warmth.

Put under garments on the top. To reduce the embarrassment of under garments becoming the side show attraction of the open luggage scan, place all panties in a plastic bag free of any clippers, lighters or other questionable paraphernalia. For expedient security review, place the transparent bag on top of your other items so security can access the bag without ruining your efficient packing method.

Lose Extra Baggage. Leave the heavy travel guide at home. Duplicate important resources to keep your luggage free of extra pounds. Since most hotels & resorts provide irons & blow-dryers --leave yours at home for light travel.

Leave restricted items at home. If you want to make it through security extra speedy, avoid any firearms, weapons, box-cutters, scissors, razors, lighters & any other item that may be used in a terrorist situation.

8 Tips That Will Make Your Journey Safe And Trouble Free

Traveling by plane requires great planning. One can minimize problems by planning well in advance and taking a few precautions before embarking on the journey. This will alleviate problems and ensure that you have a safe and hassle free trip.



Traveling by plane requires great planning. One can minimize problems by planning well in advance and taking a few precautions before embarking on the journey. This will alleviate problems and ensure that you have a safe and hassle free trip.

1.    Always book tickets on a reliable airline. Check if they are offering any special fares or discounts. Check the tickets to ensure that what you have is a confirmed booking.

2.    Find out details regarding size of baggage and weight allowed. Tag all bags with your name, address, phone number, date of travel, and flight number. Pack the bags yourself and ensure that they are all locked safely. Make two sets of keys.

3.    As a precaution pack documents, passport, medicines, and other immediate essentials in the carry on case. In case your luggage gets lost or misplaced in transit you will still have bare essentials.

4.    Follow to a “t” all security rules. Do not carry electronics, knives, batteries, or other banned items. All dangerous objects like razors, scissors, and so on must be   put in your check in luggage.

5.    All electronic items like cell phones and laptops must be fully charged and in accordance to rules turned on for checking if asked. Use of cell phones while flying is prohibited. So do not plan or making or receiving calls when in flight.

6.    Take along a valid photo ID to the airport. Check whether you have your tickets.

7.    Make prior booking for parking at the airport this will save you valuable time circling around to find suitable parking. If the airport lots are full or inconvenient try any of the private parking lots.

8.    Always check the flight schedule before you leave the house. Make sure what the check-in-time is for your flight. Leave with plenty of time to spare. This way you won’t have to rush from one end of the airport to the other.

It is against regulations for passengers to carry inflammables, aerosols, or household cleaners. Other prohibited items are: firearms even if you have a license, hunting rifles, baseball bats, golf clubs, pool cues, ski equipment, hockey sticks, darts, as well as bows and arrows. Because of terrorist threats it is against the law to speak of hijackings, bomb threats, or other dangerous things. Be cautious about who you befriend. Never accept any letter or parcel to be delivered to persons known or unknown. Never leave your luggage unattended and if you do notice any abandoned parcel or luggage bring it to the notice of authorities. Be aware of what the weather conditions are like where you going and take clothes accordingly. Prepare well for your flight and enjoy it.

Before leaving check online whether there are any diversions to be made at the airport or whether any new rules have been made. Most airports have easy to use websites. Refer to the site and find out where your terminal is and where your car is to be parked. If using public transport only use transportation services from official pick up points. The vehicles must have official markings. Don’t get conned by people who make offers of special privileges or deals.

7 Ways to Grow Flowers

Want a more beautiful garden? It's easier than you think once you understand the 5 "Zen" rules of fantastic gardens. This article provides all the tricks and tips you need to make it happen.

Flowering landscape trees are the crown jewels of the yard.
Perhaps no other plants, individually, can have as great an
impact on how a yard looks in spring. Browse the articles to
which I've linked below for information on particular varieties
of flowering landscape trees. Pictures are included.

Crape Myrtles: Landscape Trees of the South

A popular choice in flowering landscape trees for Southerners,
crape myrtles have a long blooming period (mid-summer to
fall). The blooming clusters of these flowering landscape trees
come in pink, white, red and lavender. The clusters appear on
the tips of new wood. Northerners can sometimes get away
with treating these flowering landscape trees as perennials
that die back in winter but come back in spring.

Trees

Not all specimens with a weeping habit are flowering
landscape trees, but this article looks at several weeping
varieties that do bloom, headed by four types of cherry.
Saucer Magnolias

The size and shape of the blooms are what suggested the
common name for these flowering landscape trees. Want a
specimen with a brilliant bloom as big as a saucer? Access
information on these beauties here.

Rose of Sharon

Although some people think of it as a landscape "tree"
(because it gets tall and can be pruned so as to have a single
trunk), rose of sharon is, in fact, a flowering shrub. The fact
that it blooms relatively late -- and for a long time -- makes it
a valuable plant for those looking to distribute their yard's
color display throughout the growing season.
Top 10 List of Flowering Landscape Trees and Shrubs for
Spring |

This article features information on ten flowering landscape
trees and shrubs that brighten our spring seasons. Included
are redbud, callery pear and crabapple.
Hawthorn: Late-Blooming Landscape Trees

This article offers information on Washington hawthorn trees,
which are perhaps most valued for the time at which they
bloom (late spring to early summer). Many of the popular
flowering specimens bloom earlier in the spring, and while
their blossoms are pleasant sights for eyes sore from winter's
barrenness, they desert us too quickly!

7 Time Saving Airport Security Checkpoint Tips

If you find that you spend more time at the airport check points than the actual airplane flight itself, then you need these tips on saving time at the security checkpoint and move on with your life!

1.    Do not bring 'Prohibited Items' to the airport (common sense items like swiss army knives, lighters, etc)
2.    Use carry-on luggage for valuables such as cash, a laptop, and jewelry. Also to be placed in carry-on luggage are cameras and undeveloped film (The X-Ray will not damage film under 800 speed).
3.    Tape your personal contact info or business card to the bottom area of the laptop and any other valuable you deem necessary.
4.    Avoid wearing metal/foil containing clothing, accessories, and items (such as coins money clips, cell phone, keys, medicine, gum wrappers, batteries, lottery tickets, cigarettes, etc). In the case of things like coins and keys, try placing them altogether in a specified bag so it's easier to take them out and put them back in later.
5.    Avoid wearing shoes that contain metal and/or have thick soles. The reason for this is because shoes do not have to trip off the alarm in order to have their own specific search procedures applied (so nothing can be hidden in the shoes).
6.    Sure the Holidays are approaching, but make sure you do the wrapping of the gifts upon arrival, or ship them as opposed to bring them to the airport pre-wrapped as these will be checked by security personnel.
7.    Arrive an hour to an hour and a half earlier before your scheduled departure since you will be searched no matter if you plane leaves in 5 minutes or 5 hours.

In light of the recent world events, these increased airport security (and beyond) measures are becoming a fact of life with no signs of slowing down anytime soon. However becoming educated and following a simple system can help you avoid foreseeable hassles along this turbulent journey called life.

7 Tips To Enjoy Walt Disney World On A Hot Summer Day

Orlando is a hot part of the earth and come summer the humidity and temperature can reach triple digits. Worse still, weeks of heat occur exactly when school is out and families head to Walt Disney World. No one in her right frame of mind considers heat, humidity and crowd a great combo, but with some planning, your family’s summer vacation to Disney World can still be fun.

Staying at an on-property Disney hotel is a good start. You can commute to the parks in air-conditio...

Orlando is a hot part of the earth and come summer the humidity and temperature can reach triple digits. Worse still, weeks of heat occur exactly when school is out and families head to Walt Disney World. No one in her right frame of mind considers heat, humidity and crowd a great combo, but with some planning, your family’s summer vacation to Disney World can still be fun.

Staying at an on-property Disney hotel is a good start. You can commute to the parks in air-conditioned comfort using Disney bus, monorail or water transportation. This is definitely a better choice than driving a car that has been baking in the sun for hours.

Another incentive for staying on a Disney property is that you can take advantage of the Extra Magic Hour. On designated days, a Walt Disney World theme park will open an hour early for Disney Resort guests only. With that extra hour, you have time to take a break during the afternoon for a swim or a nap. Some resorts even have water activities, such as water skiing and surfing lessons, which are perfect for a hot day.

Pack a few water-mister fans. These little gizmo's are life-savers. It’s fun to buy the Mickey version in the park, but why pay $15 a pop if you can get them at Wal-Mart for $4.95 each? Kids will be fighting over them, so getting a few of them cheaply and packing additional batteries to go is a smart choice.

If you have a Park-Hopper Pass, cool down by visiting the water parks. Both Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon offer lots of fun for the whole family in the form of slides or raft rides. The water parks get crowded in a hot day pretty fast, so if you arrive at 11 am or after, expect plenty of queuing in the hot sun.

This is obvious, but crucial to mention nonetheless: dress light and wear sandals. Most theme-park guidebooks advise proper shoes and socks, but with the heat and humidity, wrapping your feet in socks isn’t actually going to help.

Remember to drink plenty of water. If someone in your group does get dehydrated, get to the First Aid Station. Each Disney theme park has one.

This is the best tip, which is why I’m saving it for the last. If you have tots, let them set the pace. Kids get cranky easily in the heat. This is more so considering that while you are looking at castles, they are in a hot stroller with nothing interesting at eye level. So if the kids are tired, head to somewhere with air-conditioning, have a break in a restaurant, or do anything that allows everyone to cool down.

5 Tips To Spend The Most Luxurious Caribbean Vacation You Ev

Tip #1 : Buy a beach front Caribbean villa! Buying Caribbean beach front property can range from a bargain to outrageous.

Tip #1 : Buy a beach front Caribbean villa! Buying Caribbean beach front property can range from a bargain to outrageous. This does not mean that the cheaper Caribbean beach front property is any less attractive or luxurious than the more expensive ones, but  means the location is different. For instance, Caribbean beach front property in the Bahamas is attractive, over run with tourists, & incredibly expensive. However, Caribbean beach front property in the Dominican Republic is  as attractive, has less tourists, & a considerably more affordable price tag.

Tip #2 : Rent a villa for your trip! If you are not into real estate investment, why not rent a villa instead? Often, the price won't be a lot more expensive then an all inclusive package in a crowded hotel. & instead of having to eat buffet food for a week, you can cook your own meal, or even have someone do it for you!

Tip #4 : Charter a luxury Yacht! If you are looking for something a little less extravagant then the huge private Yachts, & a lot more affordable then there's a variety of luxury yacht charters Caribbean providers that will also be able to meet your needs & your budget. The wonderful thing about they Caribbean is no matter what your budget, preferences, & schedule there's someone who will be able to provide exactly what you are looking for.

Tip #3 : Rent a Caribbean island! Did you know you can rent a whole island  for yourself? This can come with staff & everything you need to spend a luxurious holiday. it's also a very cool idea for a wedding!

Tip #5 : Contact a Caribbean holiday specialist Certainly, you can get online & start searching & learn everything there's to do in the Caribbean, however it's certainly a lot not as hard to basically employ Caribbean holiday specialists to help you plan your holiday. Not only will this save you time, but it will also save you funds because more often than not Caribbean holiday specialists are aware of different discounts & preferred rates. they have insight & knowledge & plenty of years experience booking Caribbean vacations, where you will have to do some serious work & effort to plan the holiday yourself.

5 Romantic Travel Resolutions

A new year always means a chance for a new start. You and yours can begin this new year by making some travel resolutions together, regardless of your time and budget restraints.

A new year always means a chance for a new start. You and yours can begin this new year by making some travel resolutions together, regardless of your time and budget restraints. Put aside those new travel habits and make some new ones! Let this be the year that your travel designs focus on fun, fantasy, and festivities!



(1) we are going to plan a real vacation. No, it doesn't have to be an around the world cruise or first class getaway (but if you can afford it, what are you waiting for?) It does have to be an honest-to-goodness vacation, though. No cell phones, no laptops. Mark the dates on the calendar and keep it  like you'd keep any business appointment. The business of romantic travel, though, is a fun four and an activity that the one of you can plan for months.



(2) we are going to involve each other in the trip planning. All  often, four partner gets the job for planning a trip...and that task quickly becomes a bore. Plan your trips together! Anticipation is half the fun. Visit a travel agent. Collect brochures. Buy a guidebook. Rent a video about your destination. Search the web for information.



(3) we are going to do something we have rarely done. Here you can be as mild -- or as wild -- as you dare. Go whitewater rafting. Rent a houseboat. Take a hot air balloon ride. Spend the night in a local bed and breakfast. Learn to scuba dive. Dance the whole night away under the stars. The choice is yours.



(4) we are going to take four mini-vacation every month. Whether it's for the night or  for the night out, plan four tiny slice of a vacation every single month. The only rule: you must pretend you are on vacation. Book a night at a local bed and breakfast. Call your local hotel and find out their non-peak nights (in business-oriented cities, it's usually Friday and Saturday) then plan a short romantic getaway.



(5) we are going to go to at least four festival. Special events take place at  about every community around the world. Whatever your interests -- from square dancing to sandcastle building -- you'll find a festival celebrating with a day or one of fun and food. If you don't have the time or budget to go far, contact area chamber of commerce or tourism offices within a day's drive of your home for their calendar of events. If you can, extend your trip into a long weekend. If you have got the time and resources, check out a quantity of the major fun festivals: Carnival, Mardi Gras, Rio's Carnivale. Don't forget your costume!

5 Tips for Business Travelers in Moscow

Moscow's size and complexity, combined with the country's unique language and culture, make the city hard to navigate for foreigners. Here are some tips to help ease the way for business travelers.

With over 10 million residents and a rich and fascinating history, Moscow is the center of Russia's economic, cultural, and educational landscape. As a result of the country's steady economic growth and virtually unlimited potential, an increasing number of multinational corporations have set up shop in Moscow, bringing an unprecedented number of business travelers to the city. Yet the city's size and complexity, combined with the country's unique language and culture, make Moscow hard to navigate for foreigners. Here, then, are some tips to help ease the way for business travelers.

1. Carefully Choose Your Accommodations

Where you choose to stay can make the difference between a successful and a disastrous business trip. Your best bet is to select a business class, fully equipped, serviced apartment rental in Moscow. A short term rental will provide you with familiar Western comforts, while giving you access to the equipment you need (like Wi-Fi Internet; a computer printer, scanner, and fax; and free local calling) to stay connected and get the job done. Many come with a fully equipped kitchen and a washing machine, which will help you settle in and concentrate on the business at hand.

When selecting Moscow rentals, be sure to look for rentals in the upscale Arbat area of Moscow, within the Garden Ring Road. This is a very safe area, and one that is close to supermarkets, embassies, stores, restaurants, financial institutions, and nightclubs. Furthermore, unless you're fluent in Russian, choose to work with a company that is Western owned and operated. An English-speaking staff will go far in ensuring that your stay in Moscow goes smoothly and is stress-free.

2. Getting through Passport Control

When you arrive at Domodedovo International Airport or Sheremetyevo 2 International Airport, it's easy to become overwhelmed by the lines and procedures at passport control and customs. The best serviced apartment rental companies can also arrange for full airport VIP services, Fast Track check in, and business lounge access.

3. Visa Registration

Russia has very strict regulations for foreigners visiting Russia. Not only do you have to register upon your arrival in Moscow, but if you visit other cities, you have to register there as well. If you are staying in a short term rental, the Western company that manages the rental should be able to assist you in complying with the myriad visa requirements.

4. Airport and Train Transfers

Many business travelers are overwhelmed by the logistics involved in going to and from Moscow's airports and train stations. There are four major airports and nine train stations in the city, as well as the world's most extensive Metro system. Although it's possible to negotiate Moscow's transportation system on your own, it's much less of a hassle to book an airport or train station transfer with the Moscow rentals company you select.

5. Taxi and Transport Services

Whether you need to get around Moscow or are going to one of the many popular tourist destinations in Russia, it's important to select a reliable taxi and transport service. Again, it's helpful to be able to rely on Westerners, who can arrange for you to book an hourly taxi.

With the right planning, business travel in Moscow can be both productive and enjoyable.