Have url will travel

Britain's oldest colony

noreply@blogger.com (Carolyn) — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 22:14:00 +0000

Britain's oldest colony, Bermuda, is a land of pink, sandy beaches, clear turquoise seas and picturesque old colonial towns. It is hard now to imagine that sailors knew it as Devil's Island, but the combination of shallow waters and coral reefs caused many a shipwreck in the past. Today, however, the reefs provide a wonderful playground for swimming, snorkelling, and diving.

Bermuda is an archipelago comprised of approximately 200 coral islands and islets located 650 miles (1,045km) off the east coast of America, in the Atlantic. The mainland consists of the seven main islands linked to each other by causeways and bridges and stretches just 20 miles (32km) from tip to tail.

Most visitors to the islands are American citizens who think of it fondly as very English in character. British visitors on the other hand feel that it has a strongly American flavour. In truth, Bermuda has a distinct atmosphere that draws its influences from American and British traditions merged with local island culture.

Business attire might constitute a jacket and tie with Bermuda shorts, while bikinis are banned further than 25 feet (7.5m) away from the water!
With its mixture of colonial style and its proximity to America, Bermuda has become a centre of high finance as well as one of the world's most coveted holiday destinations. Generous tax advantages and satellite communications have induced a stream of major corporations to set up offices on the island, and have helped the country become one of the richest, per capita, in the world.

Visit bermudian travel

The essentials of Moving to New Zealand

noreply@blogger.com (Carolyn) — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 13:56:00 +0000

It has often been said that New Zealand is comparable in size to Great Britain and is one of the world’s least crowed countries. There is also a temperate climate in New Zealand with small seasonal variation making it ideal for all year round holidays.

It was estimated that roughly one million Britons wish to or already have left the UK in pursuit of life abroad and New Zealand proves to be a popular destination and it is easy to see why. New Zealand has a modern, prosperous and developed economy with high standards of living in amongst rare seismic beauty, which features glacial mountains, deep rivers, tranquil lakes, geysers, boiling mud and native forest as well as deserted, beautiful beaches.

There are several ways in which you can make it possible to move to New Zealand such as if you wish to move there to work there are several ways in which you can do this; one way is by applying as a skilled migrant. The definition of this is simple, if you have a skill, qualification or experience that is wanted or required in New Zealand then you can apply as a skilled migrant. You can also go down the route of work to residence, which allows you to get a temporary work visa/permit as a step to gain permanent residence.

If you are an employee of a company which is relocating and you have a key role within the company then you can apply to move along with the company. You can however just move to New Zealand prior to finding a job. However you intend to move to New Zealand there will be a lot involved in the preparation and in most cases it will take at least a year of planning if you want your move to be a complete success.

One way in which you can start to prepare for your move to New Zealand is by producing a basic checklist of all the important issues that you need to cover when it comes to your move to New Zealand.

Accompanied with your checklist it is also wise to research into what New Zealand is like and what your lifestyle would be like if you moved over there. The easiest way to carry out this is by conducting Internet research and reading about other people’s experience of moving there. If it is possible it is a wise idea to visit New Zealand on a holiday to see first hand what it is like. You should also try to attend working in expos; by doing this you can find out about potential employment so that when you do move you have an idea of what your options are.

It is important when planning your move to New Zealand that you look into moving companies. You will need an established and reliable moving company to securely get your belongings safely across to you in New Zealand. The moving company that you choose should have a good background and experience. They should provide Collection, packaging, preparation and detailed inventory. An established moving service will offer packaging, preparation and unpacking of furniture and personal effects.

New Zealand is a big move but one that is worth considering as long as you make sure that you put your faith into the right moving company.

Information about the Author:

Helen is the web master of Overs International, specialists in all your International Moving and Shipping to New Zealand needs.

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Your Checklist for Moving to New Zealand

noreply@blogger.com (Carolyn) — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 13:52:00 +0000

A move from the UK to an international destination takes a lot of preparation and planning. There is a lot to be considered when moving abroad and no aspect can be over looked so if you are planning a move to New Zealand make sure you are prepared.

Its no wonder that so many Britons are choosing to move abroad to places such as New Zealand where the climate is better and the lifestyle is relaxed. New Zealand has a lot to offer its residents such as stunning beaches, glacial mountains and native forest. New Zealand has a low population but with a modern, prosperous and developed economy. The standard of living within New Zealand is high and the appeal of life within New Zealand is ever growing in population.

If you are one of the many people that are planning for a new life within New Zealand then it is important that you find out as much about life in New Zealand as you can, this can be done via the Internet and if possible a visit to New Zealand.

When you are planning your trip to New Zealand you should keep a checklist of everything that you need to do before and after your move so that you can ensure that you have everything you need to make your move as simple as possible.

Within this checklist you should include the following:

•Take a look at your financial situation. You need to make sure that if you don’t have enough savings to cover your move that you start putting more money aside to cover all of your expenses
•You need to find out about visas as they are key if you are planning a move to New Zealand, you can find this information off the Internet
•Collect your personal papers such as your driving license, marriage certificate, and your qualifications
•Go for a medical and apply for a police check as both of these are needed when it comes to moving to New Zealand
•You need to ensure that before the expiry date of your passport it is valid for at least two years.
•Book your flights
•Open a bank account in New Zealand
•Talk to a relocation specialist
•Book temporary accommodation in New Zealand; gives you time to look for a house
•Cancel any direct debits and organise a forwarding address for your mail
•Arrange transport to the airport

All of the above plus a lot more should be done within your year of planning. They are all essential if you are hoping for a successful move to New Zealand.

As well as all of the above planning and preparation you also need to make sure that you organise a removals company to ensure that all of your belongings are safely delivered to you in New Zealand. You need a reliable moving company who have high experience within the removals industry and you should be provided with a dedicated move coordinator responsible for handling all aspects of your move; including customs forms, assisting with paperwork, etc.

You will have enough to think about and sort out when it comes to relocating so take one worry away and ensure that you go with a removals company who provide everything you need and who come recommended.

Carolyn is the web master of International; specialists in all of your Overs Shipping to New Zealand needs and your International Moving needs.

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New luxury riverside apartments in Condon, France

noreply@blogger.com (Carolyn) — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 16:44:00 +0000

12 New luxury riverside apartments are being constructed in the town of Condom and are due for completion in Spring 2009. Condom is situated approximately 1 hour south-east of Bordeaux , 1hour South of Bergerac and 1 hour West of Toulouse airports with direct flights to UK , Southampton , Exeter, Stansted, Heathrow, Birmingham , Manchester, Dublin etc: . The Pyrenees mountains and Spanish border are also easily and quickly accessed resulting in Condom being an ideal base for winter skiing trips.

Locally the project is viewed as a welcome addition to the variety of the Condom street scene and the provision of privacy, secure parking , a large roof terrace and a year round weather proof swimming pool will ensure that this product will be a unique and desirable residential address within the area.

Condom (Condominium) has over the past 5 years seen a massive increase in property values and, over the past 15 years a large influx of expatriates living within and in the surrounding countryside. The resulting development and improvement of local property and infrastructures, combined with a dynamic and positive attitude of the local authorities has produced an "upmarket" view of Condom and its surrounds which is now also considered as a most desirable area to own property by both expatriates newcomers and wealthy French persons alike.

Our first investigations as to the acceptability of our proposed development have shown that many of these expatriates who have enjoyed the peaceful tranquillity associated with living in large countryside properties over the past 10-15 years are now, along with many of the French, looking to cash in on the recent property boom and are now seeking residences in town's such as Condom together with the amenities and social scene which can only be found within a town centre environment.

Due to the stringent Government requirements of controlling and maintaining professional and well trained personnel within all aspects of Industry the services offered and experienced by ourselves to date have been excellent in every degree and will continue to be available for the construction phase of the project

For more information and images visit www.quaibuzon.co.uk.

Fancy Florida?

noreply@blogger.com (Carolyn) — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 10:36:00 +0000

Eve’s Florida Villa is perfectly situated for family fun vacations at the wonderful Hampton Lakes community in Davenport, Florida. A short 10 minute drive will take you from this quiet neighborhood to the frantic fun at the Disney theme parks! With 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, this vacation home is perfect for family groups, sleeping up to 10 guests.

This beautiful villa has a family room to relax in during the day or evening, with comfortable furnishings including sofa, love-seat, occasional tables, a TV and VCR - so you can watch your favorite movies and shows while on vacation.

Outside, there's an optionally heated and private screened pool where you and your family can splash around, laze out in the warm Florida sunshine, or sit and relax. The pool is provided with a removable safety fence for extra added protection for young infants should you need it, and all doors leading on to the deck area have been provided with additional safety locks and switchable alarms.

Sleeping accommodation at Eve’s Villa includes a master bedroom with a queen-size bed, master bathroom, TV, night-stands and walk in closet space. There's a further master suite with a queen-size bed, dresser, night-stands, closet space and master bathroom suite. 2 twin bedrooms provide the perfect sleeping arrangement for the children, with 2 twin beds in each, dresser, closet space and an adjoining family bathroom. Finally, there's a queen-size sleeper/sofa in the family room.

The kitchen has been fully equipped with everything that you could need to rustle up a famous family meal, or prepare a quick snack while on vacation. Choose to eat at the breakfast bar, or our informal dining area.

If you step outside, there's plenty to do in Hampton Lakes, with tennis courts, community pool and cabana, BBQ and Picnic areas, plus a volleyball court, landscaped walks surrounding a spectacular fountain, and a child's play area. Combine that with the location, just a couple of minutes from some of the best shops and restaurants in the area, and easy access to the parks, and you have a perfect vacation base.

For more information visit Eve's Florida Villa.

Cheves Villas

noreply@blogger.com (Carolyn) — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 14:00:00 +0000

Cheves Villas offer private villa rental in Moraira Costa Blanca Spain.
They pride itself on the quality of their villas. All villas available for rental are of the highest standard.

Whatever you're searching for, Cheves villas has the villa for you. We have a wide selection of villas to suit all requirements.

All the villas are maintained by my brother Mark and his wife Jenny who look after all the villas and will meet and greet you at the villa and are on hand to answer any questions you may have during your stay ensuring complete peace of mind. Also a welcome pack of basic essentials will be at the villa to start you off when you arrive.

To see pictures Cheves Villas visit www.cheves.co.uk.

Hotel Booking in England

noreply@blogger.com (Carolyn) — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 16:45:00 +0000

Hotel Booking in England

Booking a hotel in England has never been easier. Overnightuk.com makes hotel booking a pleasure. You can choose the town you wish to visit and make an online reservation immediately. England is the largest, most ethnically varied and most densely populated of all the countries in the United Kingdom. At the same time both proudly traditional and stylishly modern, it’s a country of great diversity where old and new blend together in harmony. Many hotels in England offer this diversity and you can choose to stay in a modern hotel or the more traditional hotel. Either way you will able to enjoy the delights of a traditional English breakfast.London, the capital of both England and the UK, is one of the world’s leading cities in terms of culture, fashion and business, yet it still retains many important historical sites and traditions. Visitors from all over the world make reservations to stay in English hotels to take advantage of what London has to offer. Whether you want to book a hotel in the centre of London or make a hotel booking in other areas of London you will only be a short tube journey away from all the attractions.The other main cities, all of which have a strong industrial heritage, have emerged from the post-industrial decline of the late 20th century to become lively and dynamic centres of modern British culture, such as Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester and Newcastle. These cities are becoming more popular to visitors and hotel bookings are on the increase.List of
Counties
Avon
Bedfordshire
Berkshire
Buckinghamshire
Cambridgeshire
Cheshire
Cleveland
Cornwall
Cumbria
Derbyshire
Devon
Dorset
Durham
East Sussex
Essex
Gloucestershire
Greater London
Greater Manchester
Hampshire
Hereford & Worcester
Hertfordshire
Humberside
Isle of Man
Isle of Wight
Kent
Lancashire
Leicestershire
Lincolnshire
Merseyside
Middlesex
Norfolk
North Yorkshire
Northamptonshire
Northumberland
Nottinghamshire
Oxfordshire
Shropshire

Shropshire (alternatively Salop or abbreviated Shrops) is a county in the West Midlands of England.The county town is Shrewsbury, although the new town of Telford is the largest town. The Ironbridge Gorge area of Shropshire is known as the birthplace of industry and there are other notable industrial sites located around the county. Ironbridge Gorge is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which includes Ironbridge, Coalbrookdale and a part of Madeley.Shropshire is one of England's most rural and sparsely populated counties. The population of the non-metropolitan/shire county of Shropshire is 289,100 - making it the least populated two-tier governed area in the United Kingdom. With the recent Local Government White Paper's support for new unitary authorities, Shropshire County Council is proposing the abolition of Shropshire's district councils, becoming a unitary authority. The borough of Telford and Wrekin, included in Shropshire for ceremonial and geographical purposes, has been a unitary authority since 1998

Somerset
South Gloucs
South Yorkshire
Staffordshire
Suffolk
Surrey
Teesside
Tyne & Wear
Warwickshire
West Midlands
West Sussex
West Yorkshire
Wiltshire
Yorkshire

Away from the cities, English rural life as portrayed by Turner, Constable, Austen and Bronte has changed little over the years. You don’t have to travel far to find the archetypal image of rolling countryside, thatched cottages, country pubs and village greens. Some hotels and inns in these areas portray a typical English rural life and now thanks to the internet booking a reservation has now never been easier.There’s a great deal of diversity in the country’s natural geography too, and lovers of the outdoors can enjoy scenery ranging from uplands, peaks and remote moors to lakes, coastal cliffs and marshy water lands. Wherever you chose to stay you will find English Hotels some of the best in the world.List of Cities

Italy – The World’s Top Vacation Destination

noreply@blogger.com (Carolyn) — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 22:27:00 +0000

Italy – The World’s Top Vacation Destination

Author: Jawahn Thompson
Every year, the U.S. Tour Operators Association, a professional association of travel agents and tour operators who arrange travel for more than 10 million travelers every year, runs an informal survey among members to name the world’s top vacation destinations. Year after year, one country tops the list of international vacation destinations – Italy, the heart of civilization, the cradle of romance and the home of the Holy See. What is it that makes Italy so special? The spectacular scenery and warm, wonderful climate are only the background of the picture. Italy is a colorful mosaic of travel experiences, a delicious mélange of flavors and cultures that offers something for every traveler.

From cosmopolitan culture buff to adventurer, from the serious student of history to the socialite, Italy truly is the country that caters to them all and everyone in between. Italy’s cities and countryside offer a true embarrassment of riches. You could easily spend months touring the countryside and never see half of what the country has to offer. What is it that brings so many to bella Italia every year?See Italy for the ArtItaly was the center of the Renaissance, and is one of the most artistically rich countries in the entire world. According to UNESCO, half the world’s artistic and historic treasures are located in Italy. In Florence, Venice, Rome, Naples, Milan and other cities, you’ll find artistic and architectural wonders that you won’t find anywhere else. Michelangelo, da Vinci, Botticelli, Tintorello, Correggio, Donatello – the most famous artists of all the eras worked and left their legacies in frescoes, paintings and statues throughout the country. And while much of the art is held in museums in nearly every city, there is art everywhere, from the stunning stained glass windows in a tiny chapel in Abruzzi to the painted ceilings of cathedrals.See Historic ItalyHistory lives in Italy. Long known as the cradle of Western civilization, Italy’s cities and countryside are a treasure trove of historical sites. You can walk the Via Appia and feel the weight of centuries drop away as you realize that two thousand years ago, this very road was traveled by the armies and citizens of Imperial Rome. Visit the Coliseum in Rome, or wander through the preserved city of Pompeii and become a part of history.

And of course, there is the Vatican, the walled city inside Rome that is the home and the heart of the Catholic Church, where scholars come to study ancient texts and treasures. Visit Italy for the SceneryThe scenic vistas of Italy are as varied as its twenty regions. From snowcapped mountains to sweeping, white sand beaches, the natural beauty of Italy is as alive and vivid as the paintings of its most famous artists. When you venture beyond the cities, you’ll still find the untamed beauty of the Tuscan hills with their craggy, winding paths and terraced vineyards. You can wander through twenty three national parks and nearly 500 protected nature preserves that are protected by the government. There are sea cliffs and alpine mountains, rolling hills and open plains. And there is always, of course, the sea with its ever-changing yet everlasting face.Come to Italy for the FoodItalian food and hospitality is famous the world over for its abundance. Abondanza is a concept that is well-understood in the Mediterranean country.

Everywhere you go, you’ll find groaning tables and open, welcoming arms inviting you to mangia! Mangia!! A full tour of Italy is a gustatory delight, for there is no single style of Italian cooking. Instead, each region of Italy has its own unique flavors and combinations that are drawn from the local specialties and available foods. Tuscany is famous for its seafood, Milan for its rich sauces and complex flavors, Bologna for its traditional red sauce. Eating and drinking well is a way of life in Italy, and whether you treat yourself to a fine meal in one of Rome’s five-star restaurants, or stop at a roadside ristorante in a small province, you’re sure to be served the best of the best.To Your Health!Italy has been famous for its thermal spas and springs since the times of Hippocrates. Italian spas enjoy the benefits of both sea and fresh water springs.

Hot water thermal springs are plentiful, thanks to the country’s geological peculiarities and the network of underground volcanic springs. Today, the thermal spas are a popular attraction in nearly every region of Italy, and have become popular holiday destinations in their own rights. Italian health spas offer more than just the baths. Many are located close to cultural and leisure attractions, and make a wonderful base of operations for your stay in the country.Travel Gems in ItalyIf you visit Rome, spend at least one day just walking around the city. You’ll discover many tiny sites and historical finds that are not on any tourist map. These sites may have been uncovered during the construction of another building and never completely excavated, but are there to stumble across and enjoy away from the bustling crowds.By all means, visit the well-known museums in the major cities, but for a real treat take a drive outside the cities and seek out small towns and villages. You’ll discover some of the most amazing and unexpected treasures tucked into alcoves or painted on the walls of village churches throughout the country.

Skip the hotels and rent a villa or cottage in a small town if you’re staying in Italy for more than a few days. In many cases, it won’t cost much more – and will often be less – than a stay in a good hotel, and your hosts will treat you as part of the family while you’re there.Italy is a country of contrasts and beauties whose charm grows deeper and warmer with every visit. It’s no wonder that it regularly tops the list of holiday destinations worldwide, or that so many who visit return again and again to its warm and welcoming arms.This article on Italy travel was brought to you by daily travel air.

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Hawaii - Top Ten Things To Do!

noreply@blogger.com (Carolyn) — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 22:25:00 +0000

Hawaii - Top Ten Things To Do!

Author: David Lee Views: 0
When you think of warm water, lots of sun and seemingly endless beaches, what comes to mind? For many, it's Hawaii. But there is more to do in Hawaii than sunbathe. Learn about the countless Hawaii adventures that you can have on your next visit to this beautiful paradise destination.

You can explore Hawaii on land, air or sea and take advantage of all the state has to offer.For hikers, there are fabulous nature trails on every Hawaiian island, including treks for beginners and experts. On Maui, Haleakala is revered as one of the state's best hiking spots. A favorite hike on Oahu is the 45-minute climb to the top of Diamond Head, where visitors are rewarded with sweeping views of Waikiki, Honolulu and the Pacific Ocean. On the Big Island, head to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and take on the Kilauea Iki Trail, a five-mile adventure that begins at the Thurston Lava Tube.If hiking is not your thing, and you prefer to cycle your way around, fear not, there is plenty for you to do as well.

Haleakala has a wonderful down hill route made for biking and Lanai has a place called the Garden of the Gods. This is a place that looks like the surface of the moon and has very colorful rocks and craters in the landscape.Another popular way to see this island is horseback riding. One of the United States largest ranches, a sprawling 175,000 acres, Parker Ranch is on the Big Island where you can pretend you are a cowboy for the afternoon.Skiing? In Hawaii? Yes, indeed. The summit of Mauna Kea on the Big Island is usually blanketed with snow from late November through April. Only advanced skiers should attempt to brave these slopes, however.The ocean provides many exciting recreational opportunities. Take a surfing lesson at Waikiki Beach, where gentle waves and shallow waters are perfect for novices.

Snorkel at Hanauma Bay or go SCUBA diving at Cathedrals, located just off Lanai's south shore. Hook a marlin or tuna on the deep waters off Kailua-Kona on the Big Island. Or head to Kauai and enjoy a kayaking trip along the breathtaking Napali Coast.If you want to see the island from the sky, almost every one of the Hawaiian islands offer hang gliding lessons or helicopter rides. If you are a little more adventurous, you can go skydiving on Oahu. Here, a licensed instructor will jump out of the plane in tandem at 13,000 feet.But that's still not all. You can also enjoy camping, windsurfing, whale watching and more. This list just goes on and on. So when you are planning your next Hawaiian vacation, plan on doing something, rather than nothing.------

Hawaii has so much to do. Take a look at the top ten things to do on the Hawiian Islands. Check out the many Hawaiian Island vacation activities or you might want to see how beautiful Hawaii can be. Check out these Hawaii tropical island pictures

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David is the owner and designer of serveral pet web sites for cats and dogs. www.acecathealth.com & www.germanshepherd-1.com
http://www.acecathealth.com

Luxury Paphos villa

noreply@blogger.com (Carolyn) — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 10:35:00 +0000

Ever fancied a holiday in Paphos? If you answered yes and are seriously thinking of staying in a villa in the area then this villa could be the one for you.

It is located 10 minutes drive north of Paphos in an elevated position with uninterrupted, panoramic views. You will experience the breathtaking coastal sea views by day and the phenominal sunsets and twinkling lights of Paphos at night.

The villa has a private terraced area leading directly on to the communal pool which is shared by a select few in this very elite complex.

This luxury Paphos villa has plenty of private balcony areas to enjoy your own space, a large user friendly kitchen and master ensuite bedroom with views over the pool area.

Tala village itself is very close by and will offer a welcoming Cypriot flavour to your holidays. The village square has two small family run supermarkets, a coffee shop and a number of very good tavernas with local menus. A little further down the road you will also find an Italian and an International restaurant both with very good reputations.

For images and contact details visit their website: www.talavillapaphos.com

Make your honeymoon an everlasting experience

noreply@blogger.com (Carolyn) — Sat, 10 Feb 2007 12:58:00 +0000

Make your honeymoon an everlasting experience

Author: Mansi gupta
Honeymoon is the most wonderful time of every couple's life. It is a time to move away from all the hustle and bustle and to relax in the arms of your partner in your own world. Such a special occasion demands some planning. Planning can make your honeymoon worthwhile.

Talk amongst yourself and discuss which is the place that both of you like. If you both want to keep your honeymoon confined to your state, surely United States is a perfect place to enjoy the exclusive moments. You can opt for the breathtaking city of New York, the dynamic city of Las Vegas, Chicago with its adorable summers or the ecstatic Michigan Avenue South in winters. If you are an admirer of beaches, the spell bound beaches of Miami are always a perfect and open option. Honeymoons within your state are relatively less expensive than those planned abroad. But the excitement and the exuberance is the same in both the cases.

If you want to freak out abroad with your partner, there are several places to go. The awesome and romantic places in New England like Martha's Vineyard, Cape Cod, Newport, Maine's seacoast and so forth have their own charm that magnetizes the honeymoon couples. Not to forget are the superlative and incredible Niagara Falls and the Great Smoky Mountains. These are some of the evergreen honeymoon destinations that are thronged and adored by the couples. Besides your discretion also consider the weather and the climatic conditions of the place you plan to explore. For instance in the case of extreme cold a move to a warm and cozy destination is an excellent idea. Budget is always the highest parameter to plan any thing. Just calculate the amount that you can spend on your honeymoon without a second thought.

If you have a low budget, try to minimize the luxuries. For instance staying in a five star hotel, traveling through Cruise etc. can be cut down upon. You can take up an average hotel room and eat the food at a local restaurant. But don't commit the mistake of staying at your friend's or relative's house. For that will leave you with least privacy and tremendous frustration. It is also better not to opt for a place, which is too expensive according to you for this can land you into soup. Always decide the means to travel to your destination according to your budget. If your budget does not allow you to take a first class seat in the plane, go for a second class. If you propose to stick to your state, driving is never a bad option. Generally during the wedding season all the airlines, cruises and travel agencies provide some special packages especially for the honeymoon couples. These packages provide ample of facilities and at a comparatively low cost than usual.

It is a nice idea to avail these opportunities. Take a travel agent that can advise and inform you about the different honeymoon spots, latest and beneficial packages, the cost etc. according to your budget. You can also search it out yourself at the internet. Last but not the least avoid taking heavy luggage with you. This gives a chance to shop around and buy memorable things from your honeymoon destination. If you are making a trip overseas get travel insurance done to have a carefree and happy journey. Also keep all the essentials like your credit cards, medicines, creams, camera, some foodstuff and the like for it is better to have your own things than to hunt for them at a new place. So keep these tips in mind that make your honeymoon best amongst the rest! Mansi gupta writes about honeymoon travel topics.
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What you need to know about? paris travel

noreply@blogger.com (Carolyn) — Sat, 10 Feb 2007 12:53:00 +0000

What you need to know about? paris travel

Author: Mansi gupta Views: 258

Life never sleeps in the capital city of France- Paris. The City of Lovers or the City of Lights, the city of Paris is exceptional for it has not just one but a multitude of attractions that leave each and every visitor bizarre. The aura of the city is such that the visitors are left spell bound. The city is so rich in its exotic and prized possessions that it becomes difficult to explore the entire city within a few days.The Multiple AssetsFrom art to glamour, from the mystifying Eiffel Tower to the stunning Seine River, the wondrous city of Paris has it all.

When we talk about the city's art and architecture, Paris has some of the coveted monuments in the world. For instance the Napoleon's eminent 'Arch of Triumph' (a piece of architecture that ascends the streets); the Square of Peace (known for its huge statues and fountains) and the wonderful pillar from Egypt called the Obelisk of Luxor. The Eiffel Tower has its own tale. Counted amongst one of the wonders of the world, the tower is 986 feet tall and weighs 700 tons. The Unity in DiversityParis is endowed with a plethora of small regions that contribute to the pleasing diversity of this place. To name a few in this regard-The Le Marais Region in Paris speaks of the rich history and tradition of the city. Marais, the land where the King Henry II took his last breath, is the home for some of the most archaic French buildings.

The Musee Carnavalet museum has many archaeological discoveries along with breathtaking historical paintings, sculptures etc. Other eminent museums include-The Musee Cognaq Jay, The Musee de la Serrure Briccard, Musee de la Chasse et de la Nature (famous for stone age weapons) and last but not the least The Musee Picasso that has the worlds largest number of Picasso paintings. The Jewish Quarter that nestled in the Marais region and that familiarizes you with the Jewish customs and traditions has always been an apple of every visitor's eyes. The La Quarter region of Paris is a paradigm of unity and diversity. This is because people from all castes and creed inhabit the place. There is round the clock activity with plenty of markets, restaurants, gardens, parlors etc. in this ancient region that has streets of the Roman era.Not to be overlooked is the popular Montmartre region of Paris. The area is bedecked by the Sacre Coeur Church, that has almost scaled to the height of the Eiffel Tower.

The place is also more often visited for it's being the land of illustrious artists like Zola, Van Gogh, Turgeney and Degas. Apart form this, the Montmarte region has an exclusive cemetery where the great souls of Degas, Stendhal, La Golie etc. lie in peace. There is also the famous The Musee de Montmartre where people like Renior, Dufy and Suzanne Valada had resided. But this isn't all. The Notre Dame Cathedral at the Notre Dame region is worth looking. The ancient cathedral that is an epitome of love also has an underground crypt and a small museum for the visitors. A outstanding and enthralling place nestled in the city of Paris is the Louvre Museum. This museum has some of the world's most prized sculptures, paintings, utensils and other antiques.

If there is the globally treasured Mona Lisa of Leonardo Da Vinci, there are also the two giant winged bulls that long ago used to guard the palace of Sragon II and the Hammurabi Code. Other antiquities from Babylon, Mesopotamia, Sumeria etc. can also be seen. Amongst the several bedazzling galleries like Prints and Drawings Gallery, arts gallery etc. the sculpture gallery is also garlanded by the bewitching Michaelangelo Courtyard. On the whole, the Louvre Museum is a spectacular place to stop at. The authentic magnum opus of art maestros like Renoir, Sisely, Van Gogh, Monet, Manet, Degas and Pissaro can also be gazed at the Musee d'Orsay museum that also has some exclusive primitive sculptures. Also to be seen are the delightful gardens in Paris. For instance, The Rond-Point, The Grand Palais, the Petit Palais etc. being some of them. However, one falls short of words and ink to appraise and express the brilliance and magnificence of the unusual and wonderful city Paris, the charm and charisma of which carries the potential to raise someone from the dead. Mansi gupta writes about paris travel topics.

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Want to Fly for Free? Here's How

noreply@blogger.com (Carolyn) — Sat, 10 Feb 2007 12:51:00 +0000

Want to Fly for Free? Here's How

Author: Glen Hopkins
Want to Fly for Free? Here's How I Do Just That!"Travelling is so expensive! How on earth can youafford to travel so many times in a year Glen?"With a bewildered look on my face I reply, "Whatdo you mean it's expensive. I fly for free.

Don'tyou?"I have had this conversation so many times withfriends and colleagues that I decided it was abouttime that I share with the rest of the world whatI thought was obvious. ...That pretty much anyonecan fly for free.Let me explain something you probably alreadyknow, but chances are don't fully capitalize on.Flying is FREE!How? With Air Miles of course.What are Air Miles you ask? Those are the'points' that most major credit card companieswill GIVE you when you make purchases with yourcredit card.I can hear you already. "Whoop dee doo Glen, tellme something I didn't know!"Well, although you may have known that you can getfree air miles using your credit card to redeemtowards free flights, did you know most people(maybe even you) don't capitalize on this?Did you fly for free 6 times last year? I did!Yes, that's 6 as in 'six' times - free.

And Icould have flown even more but I didn't need orwant to.Now if you flew that many times or more last yearyou probably need not read any further. But if youdidn't you need to learn how to maximize thenumber of air miles you can squeeze out of yourcredit card company.Here's how I did it.Obtain and use a 'Gold' Credit CardAll major credit card companies offer a 'Gold' orequivalent credit card to their customers whichincludes several benefits including, freeinsurances, loss and theft protection of purchaseditems, and of course free air miles!Yes, I know, they charge you a yearly fee to havea Gold card. Yup, I paid $120 last year for myGold card and I flew six times. That means I paida whopping $20 for each flight I took.

Okay, yougot me, I don't fly for free but rather at a99.9999% discount!More Air Mile Points, Equals More Free TravelMaximize the number of Air Mile Points you receiveby using your credit card for everything! And I domean everything.Here are a few ways I use my card. See if youcan't think of some more.Personal Use:- groceries- clothes- diapers- gas- dinning out- movies- entertainment- school, tuition- books- CD's- health insurance- home insurance- car insurance- life insurance- down payment on new car- car leases- computer equipment- phone bill- Internet bill- television bill- water bill- gas bill- electrical bill- property taxes- and everything and anything else!

Business Use:- Internet purchases- paying affiliates- paying suppliers- paying contracted employees such as accountants,programmers, support staff- paying for advertising campaigns- office equipment- hotels- rental cars- food... and anything and everything else you can thinkof.So you see, the possibilities on how and where youcan make purchases with your credit card areunlimited. And because they are unlimited, yourfree travel should be virtually unlimited to.Think about it. At the end of the year, how muchof your salary is left in your savings account?

Ten, maybe even 15 or 20%?Okay, let's say you are an exceptional saver andare able to save 20% or your yearly income. Thatmeans 80% was spent on everything and anythingelse. Spend it on your credit card and get thefree Air Miles!Let me do the math for you...Based on the example of spending 80% of yourincome,If you earned $50,000 that means you spent $40,000If you earn 1 Air Mile for every $1.00 you spend,that's 40,000 Air Miles every year.But Wait!If you run a business and had expenses of say$50,000 that would mean an additional 50,000 AirMiles every year.How many flights could you take with 90,000 AirMiles every year?What if you earn and even larger income? What ifyour company expenses are larger than $50,000?Do yourself a favor. Pick up a pen and paper andstart brainstorming all the ways you can startpaying via credit card and of all the places youcan start travelling for free!

Remember though, what you pay for using yourcredit card MUST be paid off each and every monthin order to avoid paying absorbent interestcharges. I know, you knew that. But likemaximizing your Air Miles, most people don't doit. Make sure you are not 'most people' and enjoyyour free flights!About The Author:This article may be reprinted with the followingattachment: Copyright (c) 2005 Glen HopkinsComplete information on Glen Hopkins' articlesand other services offered is available from his web site http://www.listopt.com
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Last Minute Villa Holiday

noreply@blogger.com (Carolyn) — Sat, 10 Feb 2007 12:50:00 +0000

Last Minute Villa Holiday

Author: Peter Hartley
Villa Holiday Versus Package HolidayEverybody knows someone who has been on one and an awful lot of people have been on one themselves. Yes we are talking about the age old Package holiday. The safest, most common holiday. Package holidays have been around for years and I am sure everyone will know someone that has went to a travel agent and booked a holiday through them. Is the tide turning though?

Have people found a better way to enjoy their holidays costing them a fraction of travel agent prices?Villa Holidays is now becoming the main way to book a holiday. For the first time since villa holidays came on the scene more holidaymakers are booking their holiday direct with the owner or through a website that offer villa holidays than with a Travel Agent. Let us have a look at the Pros and Cons of both types of holidays. Firstly the Package Holiday.

Most people know this as the safest way to book a holiday because travel agents are ABTA approved and feel more secure booking holidays through a travel agent. You do have the added gusrentee that if anything is wrong with the holiday you have some governing body to complain to and for that peace of mind you pay a premium for this. Travel Agents charge customers per person for their holidays. On the other hand if you were to book a villa holiday then you don't have the guarentee of the governing body, you deal directly with the person that owns the property therefore you cut out the middle man. Instead of paying a per person price for your holiday you pay for the villa or apartment as a whole no matter how many people are travelling.

Let's say for example you were wanting to go on holiday to Spain. A travel agent could easily charge about ?300 per person for an apartment in Cosat Blanca, if 4 people are going on that holiday that would cost ?1200 and that is including flights. Okay now lets look at the pricing for a similar apartment in Costa Blanca. 2 weeks at the height of the season in July or August would cost ?550 but that is for the apartment, that is ?137.5 per person, just for the accommodation. The days of the internet are upon us and even flight companies are offering cheap flights to their customers. An average price of a flight to the Costa Blanca is about ?59 so the total price of the holiday booked direct with the villa owner is ?196.50 now the total cost of the holiday for 4 people is ?786 saving you ?414 that is over ?100 per person.Now I hear you cry but you have no guarentees! If you follow a few simple steps you can have the guarentees in writing.

We spoke with Peter Hartley the Managing Director of www.lastminutevillaholiday.co.uk who said " Villa Holidays are a boom at the moment, people are wanting to go on holiday and have more money to spend when they are on holiday. You can save a lot of money by booking a villa or apartment rather than booking with a travel agent but I would advise on following these simple guidelines to make sure you have the guarentees you are looking for. Firstly always speak to the villa owner by telephone,it is better than just talking by email, Before you phone make sure you have a list of questions written down that you want answered. If you do not feel comfortable with the answers then you do not book the villa or apartment. Always make sure you get emailed confirmation of the reservation of the villa or apartment before you send a deposit or the full payment.

If you are still feeling unsure about booking with a certain villa owner contact the website you found it on and speak to them directly. Our Company LastMinuteVillaHoliday.co.uk always ensure that our customers are happy before they book the accommodation. We can put them in touch with the villa owner directly or if they would rather deal with a company we would make the booking for them. In Summary if they follow these simple rules then they are assured a great holiday."So is it a Villa Holiday or a Package Holiday this year. I would always go for the one that saved me the most money and allowed me more money to spend on Holiday.
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The Case Of The Missing Vacation

noreply@blogger.com (Carolyn) — Sat, 10 Feb 2007 12:49:00 +0000

The Case Of The Missing Vacation

Author: Ramon Greenwood
The Case Of The Disappearing VacationbyRamon Greenwood

This is the time for daydreaming about your annual vacation. Sounds enticing. But when it comes to actually taking time off, a growing number of us become downright ambivalent. ("Paranoid" may be more accurate.) Concerns about job security creep in. If the boss can get along without me for two weeks will he decide I'm not needed? What will happen to my projects when I am gone? Will my colleagues undermine me? And there are large numbers of us who are addicted to work. They'd rather work than be on vacation.

The result is that almost one-third of us don't take all the vacation days we have earned, according to Expedia.com, the online travel agency. Some 14 percent do not take any vacation time at all. In addition, there's an army of men and women who are so hooked on their work that they can' leave it behind. When they are supposed to be on vacation they are not really on vacation. They stay connected to their work via the umbilical cord of technology. Some 32 percent check their voice mail or e-mail every day away from the job. It is the rare bird indeed who can be away from the office for two weeks without checking in two or three times "just to see how things are going." Many employers are enablers of this kind of behavior as they strive to get more work for the same money.Instead of feeling refreshed by time away from work, hordes of us dread coming back.

We know the e-mails have piled up, the to-do list has grown and there is the general catching up. There may have been shifts in the power structure.A Sobering ThoughtThis sort of commitment to the job may be necessary in some cases, but there's no escaping that it is often counterproductive. Efficiency drops off and workers' health is put at risk during long periods of unbroken work. The Framington Heart Study shows that women who took two of more vacations a year had a 50 percent lower chance of a heart attack than their counterparts who didn't take time off. In the case of men, annual vacations reduce the odds by about one-third. Your Vacation GuideThe facts are clear. Time away from the job will improve your efficiency and help accelerate your career. In the end, personal down time will benefit your employer as well. Hopefully, you have the courage and wisdom to act on this axiom.

You can help assure that your vacation times serve their best purpose by establishing seven conditions, advised Ramon Greenwood, senior career counselor at www.commonsenseatwork.com>1. Come to grips with the fact that you are not indispensable. Nobody is. If it only takes a few days off the job to demonstrate that you are dispensable, then you probably are. If so, better to find out now and deal with it. 2. Reject the macho idea that long hours with your nose to the grindstone demonstrate strength and commitment. What you produce at the end of the day is what counts. The dumbest ox needs time out of the yoke.3. Plan your next vacation in advance. Hold to the date. If your employer forces you to cancel your vacation make sure there is a good reason. Absent a reason, consider whether you are working in an environment that will nurture your growth.

4. Establish a plan to cover your responsibilities. Do work in advance. Delegate. Advise those with whom you work of your plans and what you expect to happen while you are away. 5. Leave a contact point where you can be reached with a "gatekeeper" who will respect your time. Don't check in with the office. They'll call you if you are needed. Don't panic if they don't contact you. Take satisfaction that your vacation plan is working. 6. Flush work out of your mind. Put the components of your life in perspective. Recharge your batteries. Read things totally unrelated to your work. Get plenty of rest.7. Be prepared to double your efforts when you return from vacation to catch up and go ahead with your work.It's well to remember that there is no record of anyone wishing on their deathbed that they had spent more time at work.
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Traditional Ceremonies: A Zambian Safari!

noreply@blogger.com (Carolyn) — Sat, 10 Feb 2007 12:47:00 +0000

Traditional Ceremonies: A Zambian Safari!
18th June 2005
Author: Enestle Zimba

Zambia safari has it all ?an ideal tourist destination for that special holiday of your lifetime. And Africa's undiscovered gem! But why? Because of the rich cultural heritage, the spectacular wildlife, the unforgettable adventure and the awesome beauty.And don't forget Zambia is home to the mystic and awesome Victoria Falls. And Zambians are well known for being warm and friendly people. Zambia safari is a cultural tourism you'll remember.Rich Cultural HeritageWith a population of only 10 million people in a country of 753,614 sq km Zambia is large country. It's larger than Texas in the USA and has one of the lowest populations to land ratio in Africa. The high urbanisation has resulted in massive tracts of uninhabited land across the country. But, however, many of the rural inhabitants have retained their indigenous and traditional customs and values.The government recognizes this and has set up institutions to protect and promote Zambian culture.

The National Heritage Conservation Commission is one. Government and private museums and cultural villages promote the expression of artistic talents. Over 73 dialects are spoken in Zambia but the official language is English and most Zambians speak it fairly well. All media and business is in English. Bemba is the next most commonly spoken language, followed by Nyanja. Other large languages are Tonga, Luvale, Lozi. Being a haven of peaceful Zambia has hosted many refuges from the neighbouring countries in the past and still do today. It's an epitome of unity in diversity.Traditional CeremoniesWould you have known it? Zambia has numerous traditional ceremonies. But a word of advice! They generally do not follow the normal calendar. The weather elements and a bit of "sniffing around" or such related matters bring things to bear on the date? if you get the drift... But seriously, the timing of most traditional ceremonies depend more on natural factors such as rainfall, the season, the position of the moon, the month, etc. If you happen to be around when one of these ceremonies is on don't miss the opportunity. Just ask your tour operators they'll advise you.There are more than 21 annual traditional ceremonies cerebrated in Zambia.

They generally manifest customs, social life, rituals, oral history, material and spiritual culture. They provide a valuable insight to a traditional culture that has been passed down from generation to generation. Two of the more colourful traditional ceremonies are Ku-omboka and Umutombuko.The Ku-omboka Ku-omboka means "to get out of the water onto dry ground". Every year during the rainy season as the floodwater of the upper Zambezi River valley rises, the Lozi people make a ceremonial move to higher ground. They pack their belongings into canoes .?and the whole tribe leaves en mass! The Litunga (the Lozi King) rides in his royal barge called the "Nalikwanda". It's got zebra stripes that run up and down and make it look great on the water. Numerous boats and canoes of all sorts, shape, colour and make follow it.Just imagine the jostling that gets under way when it's time for the people to get selected for this great honour, the honour to paddling the royal barge. A troop of traditionally dressed Lozis paddle it with pride. It takes about six hours to cover the distance between the wet season capital Limulunga and the dry season capital Lealui, This crossing when completed successfully is celebrated with traditional singing and dancing. Great traditional beer and all! This ceremony dates back more than 300 years ago.

The UmutombukoThe celebration is an annual reminder of the victories of Chief Mwata Kazembe of the Lunda people. It commemorates the migration of his great kingdom into Luapula Province of Zambia from the Congo earlier last century. The two-day ceremony is a grand affair, mixed with ritual, semi-mystic performance, pounding drumbeats and long speeches. The women bring tributes of beer and food to the chief. Then the chief, smeared with white powder, goes to pay homage to his ancestral spirits by pouring the foodstuff in special places such as shrines and into the special lake. Children have a "field day." They jump into the water to collect the food stuff. ?and they get praised for finding the bounty. Later the Chief is carried in a special hammock back to his palace accompanied by the beating of drums. On the second day, a goat is slaughtered before the Mutomboko dance is opened by the chief. This ceremony takes place in the Luapula Province near the border with DR Congo. +++++Enestle Zimba is a practising geologist for over twenty years. He promotes Zambia tourism and safari part time. He's a great believer of conservation.http://zambiasafari.blogspot.com http://www.zambia-the-african-safari.com
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Visit La Pagaille, The Limousin

noreply@blogger.com (Carolyn) — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 10:52:00 +0000

Limousin is a historic province of central France in the northwestern part of the MASSIF CENTRAL. Rich pastures are used for raising Limousin beef cattle, one of the leading breeds of Europe. Other traditionally famous products of the region are AUBUSSON tapestries and enamels and porcelains from LIMOGES, the historic capital and present regional center.

The region's name is derived from the Lemovices, a Gallic tribe native to the area during the pre-Roman and Roman period. The area was controlled by Romans from about 50 BC. In the 16th century it came under Frankish rule. In 918, Limousin became a fief of Aquitaine, and during the Middle Ages it became well known for its troubadour poetry. Beginning in the 12th century, French and English kings vied for the control of Limousin, and during the Hundred Years' War (1337-1453) France gained control of the area. King Henry IV annexed Limousin to the French crown in 1607. In 1790 the province was divided among the present-day departments of Corrèze, Creuse, and Haute-Vienne.

LIMOGES

Limoges is the capital city of Haute-Vienne department and an industrial and commercial center in south central France. The city's population is 133,464 (1990). Limoges is located on the Vienne River about 210 km (130 mi) northwest of Bordeaux, on the western edge of the Massif Central. The famous Limoges porcelain has been manufactured there since 1771. Electrical equipment, automobile parts, paper, and shoes are also made in the city. Uranium is mined nearby. The Gothic Cathedral of Saint Etienne, begun in 1273 and completed in 1520, is the most imposing building in the city. Cultural institutions include an excellent ceramic museum (opened 1867) and the University of Limoges (1808).

Limoges was originally the Roman city of Augustoritum. Two towns grew up there, one near the river and one on the hillside, where the Abbey of Saint Martial (9th century), a medieval pilgrimage center, was located. The two towns were united in 1792. Limoges is the birthplace of Pierre Auguste Renoir.

Located in the hilly southwest of France and in the Central Massif, with around 1/3 of the region covered in forest, with thousands of kilometres of 1st class rivers, over 3000 lakes and steeped in history, it is a country lover's paradise. It also boasts 7 of the “Plus Beaux Villages de France”

If you are looking for a place to lose yourself in space, this could well be the department for you. With only 42 inhabitants per kilometre, Limousin is the least populated region; this figure only nudged by the beautiful Limousine cows that number 1 for every 2 inhabitants!

The climate is oceanic and variable according to your altitude - the average being 300m - and the area has moderate rainfall. You will certainly feel a distinct difference in the weather fronts, to say 3 hours south in Aquitaine. In the more northern parts, the air is crisp and clean and the lichen grows in abundance as a result. As you drive through some of the delightful pine forests, it can almost feel a little Nordic.

There are good airport connections into Limoges from Stansted and Southampton and with the road link around 7 hours drive south of Calais.

To vist this area contact Denise & Gordon at www.deniseh.co.uk Holdsworth

Hastings UK

noreply@blogger.com (Carolyn) — Thu, 05 Oct 2006 13:57:00 +0000

It is a long way to… Hastings 1066

Author: Sandra Orchard

When charity meets historical reenactment... A charity walk is to gather money for the British Heart Foundation and to promote the upcoming Battle of Hastings which will be reenacted on 14th - 15th October 2006 on the very battlefield.After the defeat of Harald Hardrada at the battle of Stamford Bridge, Yorkshire, in September 1066, whilst resting in York, King Harold Godwinson of England received word that the Normans under William of Normandy had landed on the south coast of England near Hastings. Godwinson mustered his troops and marched them down the length of England and did battle with William at Senlac Hill at what is now the site of the Abby at Battle, East Sussex.

This battle became known as the Battle of Hastings.Members of 'The Vikings', Britain's largest 'Dark Age' re-enactment society will take on the mantle of the Saxon army and repeat their successful marches of 1995 and 2000 from York to Battle, collecting for the charity British Heart Foundation on route.

Over night accommodation has been being provided by the Scouts.Starting from the Minster, York, at 09.30 on Monday 25/09/2006 and travelling via Nottingham, Leicester, St. Albans, London and Sevenoaks (full route and schedule available on http://www.vikingsonline.org.uk) we will arrive at Battle on the afternoon of Friday 13/10/2006.Once there, on the English Heritage site of Battle Abbey on Senlac Hill, (the actual site of the original battle), we will re-enact the Battle of Hastings on Saturday 14/10/2006 & Sunday 15/10/2006.

This year will be the largest re-enactment of this historic occasion ever performed with re-enactors from all over the UK & Ireland, Europe, Scandinavia, Russia, America and even Australia. We are expecting some 2000 re-enactors on the battlefield and a full compliment of living history.

This event is being promoted & organised by English Heritage and The Vikings re-enactment society, http://www.vikingsonline.org.uk.Founded in 1971, The Vikings are the oldest and largest Dark Age re-enactment society in the UK, and probably the world. With over 700 members throughout Britain, and others in Europe and the US, The Vikings are the premier society presenting re-enactments of the Viking Age.

While the Society concentrates mainly on the 10th Century, some events are set in the wider period from 790 to 1066, with the appropriate modifications to dress and equipment used. Our aim is to provide an accurate and educational portrayal of the Viking period, with an equal emphasis on the daily life of the period, and on the more warlike aspects of life in what was a formative period in European history.This article is free for republishing Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com/

Travel Cheaply

noreply@blogger.com (Carolyn) — Thu, 05 Oct 2006 13:56:00 +0000

How many times have you wanted to get away from it all and visit someplace new, but could not afford it? Why should you have to charge your vacations now and pay for it later?A tightwad vacation does not mean that you have to be cheap. You do not have to go camping in your backyard or go hiking to the local supermarket.

There are many cost-efficient ways to travel, and tips to help you along the way.Over the course of a year, many families are spending hundreds to thousands of dollars on extra un-needed small wants, instead of using that money wisely at a later time. Try keeping track of some of those wants and cutting back on them.Pretend that every 2 days you get a bottle of soda and a candy bar at a convenience store - just a few of those many impulse buys that we are all tempted to make. 55 cents for the candy bar and 99 cents for the soda adds up to $1.54.

Multiply that by approximately 182 days and you could have saved $280.28. Now $228 will not pay for the vacation itself, but it is a start. Do not fly, unless you can get really cheap rates, or if you are traveling out of the country. Traveling by train or bus can be cheap, but it depends on where you are traveling. Driving to your destination may not be the cheapest way to go. Think of the impulse purchases you make along the way. Snacks, drinks, souvenirs, tourist attractions, etc., and gas to get there may be more than a train or bus pass would have cost.

Make plans a few months early to consider if you want to spend a lot of time doing activities at your destination, or if you just want to have fun getting there. Do not travel during the holidays or mid-summer. Prices are always jacked up on hotel rooms, restaurants, and tourist attractions at most major cities. Instead, travel during the fall when school starts again, or early winter, when prices will be back to normal, if not cheaper than usual.Take along your own food and drinks.

Pack a large cooler with sandwiches, fruit, drinks, vegetable sticks, and so on. Also bring many types of food that will not go bad if they do not get eaten within the first few days. Crackers, cookies, dried fruit, trail mixes, and nuts are always good to snack on.Bring plenty of extra clothes. You do not want to have to buy new clothes just because you do not have anything else to wear. If you are traveling with young children, take a small bag packed with travel games, activity pads, tiny stuffed animals, crayons, and a coloring book to keep them busy.

Even if you want the children to look around instead of playing in the backseat, it is always much better to have them, just in case.Jot down every expense you make during this trip, and be sure to save those receipts. By keeping track of how much you spend on this vacation, it will be easier to make an estimate on how much you need for the next vacation, and to keep your family motivated from buying all of those small unnecessary purchases throughout the year. Chris Chenoweth, author of the DO-IT-YOURSELF HOME, HEALTH & MONEY GUIDE writes articles pertaining to diet, exercise, health, and business: http://www.money-home-biz.comThis article is free for republishing Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com/

Holiday Parks in the UK

noreply@blogger.com (Carolyn) — Thu, 05 Oct 2006 13:54:00 +0000

The UK Holiday Park has become one of the great national institutions. Generations of families, from the turn of the century onwards, have left the UK’s cities to head for their two weeks summer holidays on the British coastline. The Holiday Park had a fairly humble beginning, essentially offering accommodation, entertainment and food all under one roof, more often than not on the edge of a large traditional seaside town like Blackpool, Skegness or Great Yarmouth.

These holiday parks were very popular with families looking for affordable holidays, at a time when overseas travel was expensive and unobtainable for a large percentage of the general public.However as overseas travel became more affordable Britain saw the rise of the package holiday in the 70’s and 80’s, which meant that the UK holidays no longer offered the value that was such a unique selling point for many of the popular parks. With the new found competition from guaranteed sun, cheap accommodation, food and drink, UK holiday parks came under increasing pressure.

The challenging times that faced the industry were definitely compounded by a change in perception of the holiday park experience. When you mentioned holiday parks people began to think of the popular TV series Hi-de-Hi and never ending rounds of knobbly knees competitions, donkey rides and red coat style entertainment. Unfortunately combined with cold and windy chalets and indifferent food!

The holiday park has however come a long way since its humble beginnings and in the last ten years the industry has seen a massive revolution in the breadth, quality and style of holiday parks available in the UK. Like many UK tourism business the independent and multiple holiday park owners began to see a decrease in the interest in their holiday offering. The park owners came up with a number of solutions to counter the perception and the improve the quality of the holiday park experience.Firstly the accommodation was upgraded.

Customers were no longer happy with basic facilities, so holiday parks spent millions on improving accommodation facilities, from upgrading the standard rooms to developing penthouse apartments with plasma

TV’s, four poster beds and room service. This resulted in holiday parks giving a more upmarket feel to all their accommodation and provided customers with a much greater range of choice.Secondly the entertainment offering changed enormously. Some UK parks began to specialise in just offering specific entertainment breaks. Top comedians, shows and musical acts have begun to top the bill and themed weekends specialising in entertainment like county western, 60’s revivals and dance and sport breaks.

Parks have also become better at targeting key groups like adult weekends, family activity holidays or special nights for stag and hen groups. Thirdly the traditional three meals a day offering of parks has probably seen the greatest change. To adapt to the change needs of holiday makers more and more parks have began to offer self catering options rather than providing full or half board and charging extra for meals. Some of the larger chain parks have gone even further and don’t offer any catering, just inviting the restaurants and fast food places to offer food on the Park. However, as the parks themselves have diversified, offering different things to different holiday markets, so has the catering, and some holiday parks now make a virtue of the fact that they offer three top quality meals all day.

One example of a company who stayed ahead of the game was Potters Leisure Resort. As the UK’s only Five Star Independent Park they had long been investing to top quality infrastructure, entertainment and catering and the initial costs of the project have been rewarded with a reputation for top quality holiday park experience. But Potters aren’t the only company offering top quality park style holidays.

More and more developments in the UK are building the lodge style accommodation away from the traditional holiday park centres of seaside towns. The inland lodge style developments have specifically moved away from the ‘park’ image and now offer champagne and hot tubs style breaks in a quiet and secluded rural environment.

Parks are springing up right across the UK on the coast and inland and more than ever before the UK holiday park experience offers something for everyone from traditional entertainment in Great Yarmouth, to five star luxury in the Cotswolds.

With so much innovation in the industry holiday parks will continue to offer more of what the holidaymaker wants and needs – a top quality holiday experience.Peter JoynerThe UK’s only 5 star Holiday Park is Potters http://www.pottersholidays.com/ This article is free for republishing Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com

OvernightUK

noreply@blogger.com (Carolyn) — Thu, 05 Oct 2006 13:45:00 +0000

Welcome to the blog of www.overnightuk.com a great UK hotel booking service site.

Adrian