Whether you've been on a dozen Caribbean cruises or are eagerly anticipating your very first cruise to the Caribbean or another destination, you may find yourself in a quandary: should you book your cruise directly with a specific cruise line or should you utilize the services of an online agency that specializes in cruises?
Choices and Prices
The short answer is that you'll get the most choices and the best prices through an Internet cruise specialist. With a few clicks of your mouse, you'll be able to peruse Caribbean cruises, Mediterranean cruises, Alaska cruises, and those to many other destinations. You'll learn which cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean Cruises or Carnival Cruises, travel to your desired destination. The best online cruise specialists offer an easy way to search for cruises: by cruise line, destination, duration, date, and port of departure. Being able to see a summary of all of your available choices will help you find the cruise line that's right for you.
Moreover, premiere online cruise specialists have access to the lowest rates available for all cruise lines. This is because they buy blocks of staterooms at a steep discount and can pass along the savings to you. For example, if you are interested in Alaska cruises, you could select Alaska as your destination and view the featured promotions available through the agency. You may find that bookings for seven-night Royal Caribbean cruises from Seattle to Alaska are priced as low as $599. On the other hand, if you're looking for perfect Mediterranean cruises, special cruise promotions allow you to enjoy 12 days on Carnival Cruises for an incredibly low price. The best online cruise specialists will even include a coupon book, worth at least $200, that you can use for drinks, casino chips, massages, and more.
Side-by-Side Comparisons, Reviews, and More
Online cruise specialists provide a number of other advantages you won't find by booking directly with a cruise line. The websites of many cruise lines are difficult to navigate and it's a chore to find the information you need. If you're trying to compare ship deck plans from, say, Royal Caribbean cruises and Carnival cruises, it involves opening up several browser windows and figuring out which ships to view. Premiere online cruise specialists make it easy to compare ship deck plans by listing every ship - across all cruise lines - on the same page.
Almost without exception, individual cruise lines will feature glowing testimonials on their websites. It's difficult to get a realistic sense of a specific cruise or a specific ship. Online cruise specialists take the guesswork out of the process by providing passengers with the opportunity to write reviews about their experiences. Knowing that you're getting the real story from real people helps to ease your mind about a given cruise or cruise line.
The bottom line is that a premiere online cruise specialist will provide you with personalized one-on-one service, terrific low prices, and a free cruise search engine that updates its rates every 24 hours and shows every cruise in the world! So whether you're dreaming of warming yourself in the sun on Caribbean cruises or witnessing the calving of glaciers on Alaska cruises, booking your cruise with an online cruise specialist is the way to go.
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Saturday, January 31, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
Why Las Vegas Hotel Rooms For You?
Las Vegas has more than 100,000 hotel rooms to choose from. There is something for every budget, and enough entertainment within walking distance to keep anyone occupied for months, never mind the usual weekend stay or honeymoon. There are few cities which have as many luxury hotels as Las Vegas.
For travellers searching for top of the line accommodation, try the Four Seasons Las Vegas. It offers an oasis of tranquil elegance, comfort, luxury, and seclusion. Though it has no in-house casino, it is adjacent to Mandalay Bay Casino. Four Seasons Las Vegas is a tranquil retreat from the bustling city. This hotel offers 424 rooms are located on floors 35-39, and the views from the floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the famous Las Vegas Strip. The Business Center and Concierge service at this hotel have an extremely good reputation for meeting special needs of guests, such as arranging limousine services on a moment's notice.
The Bellagio, a Las Vegas landmark, is a five-star hotel located on the 122-acre site of the legendary Dunes Hotel and Golf Course at the corner of Flamingo and Las Vegas Blvds. It contains one of the most attractive casinos in Las Vegas as well as numerous shops and restaurants. Bellagio's world-famous fountains combine opera, classical and whimsical music with a breathtaking water and light show. The Conservatory & Botanical Gardens holds rows of exotic plants and flowers with unique displays for every season and holiday. It's an inviting location for a honeymoon photo opportunity.
Caesars Palace is the long-standing epitome of Las Vegas luxury hotels. It holds the famous Forum Shops, Spago, an Imax theater, and a new shopping wing and tower. For those guests who want to relax and be pampered, this hotel offers the Spa at Caesars, Venus the Salon, and the Garden of the Gods Pool Oasis.
Caesars also offers guests access to the exclusive Cascata Golf Club. It features mountain scenery, beautiful waterfalls and rivers, and panoramic views combined with challenging holes and velvety greens to produce a golfing experience unparalleled anywhere else in the world. No expense has been spared, from the opulent clubhouse and pro shop to the personal and attentive service personel. Cascata was named listed as #56 by Golfweek Magazine in its article "2004 America's Best Top 100 Modern Courses". Golfweek also listed Cascata as #2 in Nevada in their list of "America's Best State-by-State Public Access Courses". In addition to be being named in Golfweeks America’s Best Modern Courses, Gary Galyean at Golf Magazine named Cascata #19 in the "Top 45 Courses Since 1959".
Luxor is a Nile-theme hotel which features a sphinx and a large pyramid which has become a Las Vegas landmark. The Pyramid has 2,256 rooms with 236 Spa suites, two in each corner of every floor. The rooms are reached by inclinating elevators which travel sideways at a 39-degree angle up 30 stories. The Luxor features a wide variety of restaurants and entertainment.
Mandalay Bay is a tropical-theme new resort offering visitors the chance to walk inside a plexiglass tunnel through the Shark Reef Aquarium, which holds sharks and rays. The hotel has a 30,000 square foot world-class Spa Mandalay and the 11 acre Mandalay Beach pool complex. The House of Blues music theatre has a seating capacity of approximately 1,800, and plays host to an eclectic mix of live music.
The Mirage Hotel is has an exploding volcano and a 20,000 gallon aquarium the greet guests as they enter this luxury hotel. The large pool complex has a quarter mile of shoreline along two large pools and smaller lagoons, and features a grotto and waterslides. The 2.5-million-gallon Dolphin Habitat is home to a family of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins.
The Mirage Hotel Tiger Habitat is the open-air home of Siegfried & Roy's Royal White Tigers, available for viewing by the public during the day and evening. The tigers' environment features a swimming pool with fountains and simulated mountain terrain. Unlike conventional tigers, which have black and gold markings,
white tigers are white with black stripes, pink paws and ice-blue eyes.
Visitors can find French-themed shopping and dining at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel. It has a replica of the Arc De Triomphe and a half-scale Eiffel Tower. The Eiffel Tower Experience allows guests to ride 460 feet to the top to see a stunning, panoramic view of the valley.
Paris is not the only European city recreated in miniature. The Venetian, renowned for its spacious and luxurious rooms, has gondolas in the midst of Las Vegas, as well as the Grand Canal Shoppes, a 500,000 square foot shopping plaza complete with cobblestone streets and beautiful traditional venetian style storefronts. The Grand Canal Shoppes host Streetmosphere, a cast of Carnivale street performers and opera singers.
For bargain hunters, the Rio hotel is not the newest or most elaborate building in town, but this all-suite Las Vegas hotel just off the Strip was rated No. 1 in value by Condé Nast Traveler.
The Rio was voted to have the best slot club according to Casino Player 2004. The Rio has more than 100,000 square feet of casino floor, hosting around 1,200 state-of-the-art slot and video poker machines, more than 80 table games including blackjack, craps, baccarat, roulette, Let It Ride, Caribbean Stud Poker and Mini-Baccarat as well as a Keno Lounge and full-service Race and Sports Book.
The Rio offers a great variety of entertainment all under one roof, from afternoon programs to risque late-night adult revues and interactive theater such as Tina and Tony's Wedding.
The Rio has opened a new restaurant, the Mah Jong Chinese Noodle Bar, which offers authentic Cantonese and Chinese dishes such as Beef Brisket Noodle Soup, Preserved Egg and Pork Congee as well as seafood entrees like Salt & Pepper Seabass and Scallops with Asparagus. Asian inspired decor and a fluent Chinese staff make this restaurant a memorable place to dine.
This list is just a small sample of the luxurious theme hotels available in Las Vegas. This city has something unique for every taste and budget.
Read More..
For travellers searching for top of the line accommodation, try the Four Seasons Las Vegas. It offers an oasis of tranquil elegance, comfort, luxury, and seclusion. Though it has no in-house casino, it is adjacent to Mandalay Bay Casino. Four Seasons Las Vegas is a tranquil retreat from the bustling city. This hotel offers 424 rooms are located on floors 35-39, and the views from the floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the famous Las Vegas Strip. The Business Center and Concierge service at this hotel have an extremely good reputation for meeting special needs of guests, such as arranging limousine services on a moment's notice.
The Bellagio, a Las Vegas landmark, is a five-star hotel located on the 122-acre site of the legendary Dunes Hotel and Golf Course at the corner of Flamingo and Las Vegas Blvds. It contains one of the most attractive casinos in Las Vegas as well as numerous shops and restaurants. Bellagio's world-famous fountains combine opera, classical and whimsical music with a breathtaking water and light show. The Conservatory & Botanical Gardens holds rows of exotic plants and flowers with unique displays for every season and holiday. It's an inviting location for a honeymoon photo opportunity.
Caesars Palace is the long-standing epitome of Las Vegas luxury hotels. It holds the famous Forum Shops, Spago, an Imax theater, and a new shopping wing and tower. For those guests who want to relax and be pampered, this hotel offers the Spa at Caesars, Venus the Salon, and the Garden of the Gods Pool Oasis.
Caesars also offers guests access to the exclusive Cascata Golf Club. It features mountain scenery, beautiful waterfalls and rivers, and panoramic views combined with challenging holes and velvety greens to produce a golfing experience unparalleled anywhere else in the world. No expense has been spared, from the opulent clubhouse and pro shop to the personal and attentive service personel. Cascata was named listed as #56 by Golfweek Magazine in its article "2004 America's Best Top 100 Modern Courses". Golfweek also listed Cascata as #2 in Nevada in their list of "America's Best State-by-State Public Access Courses". In addition to be being named in Golfweeks America’s Best Modern Courses, Gary Galyean at Golf Magazine named Cascata #19 in the "Top 45 Courses Since 1959".
Luxor is a Nile-theme hotel which features a sphinx and a large pyramid which has become a Las Vegas landmark. The Pyramid has 2,256 rooms with 236 Spa suites, two in each corner of every floor. The rooms are reached by inclinating elevators which travel sideways at a 39-degree angle up 30 stories. The Luxor features a wide variety of restaurants and entertainment.
Mandalay Bay is a tropical-theme new resort offering visitors the chance to walk inside a plexiglass tunnel through the Shark Reef Aquarium, which holds sharks and rays. The hotel has a 30,000 square foot world-class Spa Mandalay and the 11 acre Mandalay Beach pool complex. The House of Blues music theatre has a seating capacity of approximately 1,800, and plays host to an eclectic mix of live music.
The Mirage Hotel is has an exploding volcano and a 20,000 gallon aquarium the greet guests as they enter this luxury hotel. The large pool complex has a quarter mile of shoreline along two large pools and smaller lagoons, and features a grotto and waterslides. The 2.5-million-gallon Dolphin Habitat is home to a family of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins.
The Mirage Hotel Tiger Habitat is the open-air home of Siegfried & Roy's Royal White Tigers, available for viewing by the public during the day and evening. The tigers' environment features a swimming pool with fountains and simulated mountain terrain. Unlike conventional tigers, which have black and gold markings,
white tigers are white with black stripes, pink paws and ice-blue eyes.
Visitors can find French-themed shopping and dining at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel. It has a replica of the Arc De Triomphe and a half-scale Eiffel Tower. The Eiffel Tower Experience allows guests to ride 460 feet to the top to see a stunning, panoramic view of the valley.
Paris is not the only European city recreated in miniature. The Venetian, renowned for its spacious and luxurious rooms, has gondolas in the midst of Las Vegas, as well as the Grand Canal Shoppes, a 500,000 square foot shopping plaza complete with cobblestone streets and beautiful traditional venetian style storefronts. The Grand Canal Shoppes host Streetmosphere, a cast of Carnivale street performers and opera singers.
For bargain hunters, the Rio hotel is not the newest or most elaborate building in town, but this all-suite Las Vegas hotel just off the Strip was rated No. 1 in value by Condé Nast Traveler.
The Rio was voted to have the best slot club according to Casino Player 2004. The Rio has more than 100,000 square feet of casino floor, hosting around 1,200 state-of-the-art slot and video poker machines, more than 80 table games including blackjack, craps, baccarat, roulette, Let It Ride, Caribbean Stud Poker and Mini-Baccarat as well as a Keno Lounge and full-service Race and Sports Book.
The Rio offers a great variety of entertainment all under one roof, from afternoon programs to risque late-night adult revues and interactive theater such as Tina and Tony's Wedding.
The Rio has opened a new restaurant, the Mah Jong Chinese Noodle Bar, which offers authentic Cantonese and Chinese dishes such as Beef Brisket Noodle Soup, Preserved Egg and Pork Congee as well as seafood entrees like Salt & Pepper Seabass and Scallops with Asparagus. Asian inspired decor and a fluent Chinese staff make this restaurant a memorable place to dine.
This list is just a small sample of the luxurious theme hotels available in Las Vegas. This city has something unique for every taste and budget.
Read More..
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Why You’ll Return To A Boutique Hotel
Any good hotel will attract return customers, but boutique hotels often have a higher return rate than others.
Once you’ve stayed in a boutique hotel, you’ll understand what all the fuss is about. For the same money as you can spend on a city-centre chain hotel, you can stay in an individual place where the design is intrinsic to the experience and where the service ensures that your stay is comfortable and relaxed. If you choose a boutique hotel once, the chances are you’ll book again for your next trip because:
You feel more relaxed – a small, quality hotel is full of charm and the owners and designers work hard to create an intimate atmosphere that helps you to relax before you’ve even checked in. The reduced number of rooms means that you don’t have to fight for tables in the dining room or a comfortable chair in the lounge, and staff are always on hand to help with any queries or requests you might have.
Quality counts – chic hotels pay attention to detail and that means that everything is of the highest quality. From bed linen to breakfast ingredients, the quality of furniture, fittings, materials, fabrics and produce is all designed to give you a true taste or luxury at an affordable price.
It costs less than you think – although some of the high-end boutique hotels are expensive, you can probably afford to stay in the majority of boutique hotels around the world. Whether it’s for a city weekend, or two weeks by the beach, you’ll be surprised at how affordable a good boutique hotel can be.
It’s as individual as you are – national and international chain hotels make up most of the overnight hospitality market, but there are people who like individuality and want to express it through the places they choose to stay. By staying at a boutique hotel, you are experiencing an individuality of style, design and service, and because each one’s different, you never get the feeling of duplication that can happen in big hotels across the world.
They’re where you want to be – location is an important factor for a boutique hotel. Whether it’s in the middle of the city, on a private stretch of beach or nestled in acres of tropical gardens, this type of hotel offers a hard-to-beat location advantage.
Read More..
Once you’ve stayed in a boutique hotel, you’ll understand what all the fuss is about. For the same money as you can spend on a city-centre chain hotel, you can stay in an individual place where the design is intrinsic to the experience and where the service ensures that your stay is comfortable and relaxed. If you choose a boutique hotel once, the chances are you’ll book again for your next trip because:
You feel more relaxed – a small, quality hotel is full of charm and the owners and designers work hard to create an intimate atmosphere that helps you to relax before you’ve even checked in. The reduced number of rooms means that you don’t have to fight for tables in the dining room or a comfortable chair in the lounge, and staff are always on hand to help with any queries or requests you might have.
Quality counts – chic hotels pay attention to detail and that means that everything is of the highest quality. From bed linen to breakfast ingredients, the quality of furniture, fittings, materials, fabrics and produce is all designed to give you a true taste or luxury at an affordable price.
It costs less than you think – although some of the high-end boutique hotels are expensive, you can probably afford to stay in the majority of boutique hotels around the world. Whether it’s for a city weekend, or two weeks by the beach, you’ll be surprised at how affordable a good boutique hotel can be.
It’s as individual as you are – national and international chain hotels make up most of the overnight hospitality market, but there are people who like individuality and want to express it through the places they choose to stay. By staying at a boutique hotel, you are experiencing an individuality of style, design and service, and because each one’s different, you never get the feeling of duplication that can happen in big hotels across the world.
They’re where you want to be – location is an important factor for a boutique hotel. Whether it’s in the middle of the city, on a private stretch of beach or nestled in acres of tropical gardens, this type of hotel offers a hard-to-beat location advantage.
Read More..
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Wine Tours: La Dolce Vita
As you pour the first glass of your favorite Chianti or Chardonnay and settle into an intimate Friday evening, you wonder about the wine's origins. Look no further for the answer to your fleeting Friday night queries-Italy, land of romantics, heroic epics and passionately-written plays. In the countryside and cities where the Renaissance began it seems fitting to find a hedonistic exploration of the richest vineyards in the world to suit even the pickiest travelers. Best known for its world-renowned wines paired with decadent cuisine and intertwined with the rich culture of the people who produce it, it's not just another spot on the globe- it's a destination filled with memories to last a lifetime.
With La Dolce Vita the sky is the limit for destinations and experiences. They've thought of everything- from famous vineyards to elegant accommodations. The names are all familiar: Sicily, Tuscany, Venice, Verona-but these places are more than just a name on a fine bottle or a magical place in a Shakespearean play. With La Dolce Vita the countryside and cities become real as you taste "the good life" firsthand.
A relaxing walking tour of the Amalfi Coast in south Naples, home of outstanding wines from ancient Greek grapes, such as Aglianico, Greco di Tufo, and Fiano di Avellino, is just one amazing tour. Enjoy hillsides covered in lemon trees and umbrella pines, fresh seafood and the breathtaking sea that gave it life as Mt. Vesuvius rises behind you in majestic and ancient grace. If wheels and pedals are more to your liking you can coast through the countryside of Chianti Classico in Tuscany and see the dense forests and medieval castles that gave birth to wine of the same name. Enjoy authentic pasta fagioli prepared with handmade pasta and porcini mushrooms. A full glass of Chianti in your hand you watch the sun sets across the winding vineyards below you.
These tours are made for lovers and groups alike, as well as offering customized tours and additional single accommodations. Designed to dazzle the most inexperienced, as well as most elegant wine connoisseur, tours run May to November and are generally booked for five day and six nights stays.
Read More..
With La Dolce Vita the sky is the limit for destinations and experiences. They've thought of everything- from famous vineyards to elegant accommodations. The names are all familiar: Sicily, Tuscany, Venice, Verona-but these places are more than just a name on a fine bottle or a magical place in a Shakespearean play. With La Dolce Vita the countryside and cities become real as you taste "the good life" firsthand.
A relaxing walking tour of the Amalfi Coast in south Naples, home of outstanding wines from ancient Greek grapes, such as Aglianico, Greco di Tufo, and Fiano di Avellino, is just one amazing tour. Enjoy hillsides covered in lemon trees and umbrella pines, fresh seafood and the breathtaking sea that gave it life as Mt. Vesuvius rises behind you in majestic and ancient grace. If wheels and pedals are more to your liking you can coast through the countryside of Chianti Classico in Tuscany and see the dense forests and medieval castles that gave birth to wine of the same name. Enjoy authentic pasta fagioli prepared with handmade pasta and porcini mushrooms. A full glass of Chianti in your hand you watch the sun sets across the winding vineyards below you.
These tours are made for lovers and groups alike, as well as offering customized tours and additional single accommodations. Designed to dazzle the most inexperienced, as well as most elegant wine connoisseur, tours run May to November and are generally booked for five day and six nights stays.
Read More..
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Wine travel
Wine has been an integral part of many civilizations since a long time. Wine formed an important part of the culture in many countries ever since the origin of mankind. Many of our wine making skills dates back to our ancestors who originally invented the process of producing the finest wines in the world. Although the methods for fermenting grapes to produce wine may have grown more refined today but their basics originate from the procedures laid down by our ancestors. Many of the craziest people in world hang about at different places to experience the finest wine quality produced throughout the globe. These trips for tasting wines are growing more and more popular each day. Exclusive visits to specific wine producing areas are planned for an exotic experience of tasting wine at a place where it originates.
Many of the countries like Italy, Spain, Portugal, Australia, Germany, California and those in the Mediterranean region are all known for producing wine. Yet the finest wines in the present day scenario are believed to come from France. France has lately emerged as most popular wine producing country offering too many varieties of wines available throughout the world.
Recreational trips are developing many new themes for travel each day and the tour operators are coming up with new idea’s to attract prospective customers. Due to the ever-growing popularity of wine in our community many wine tasting trips are organized either individually or by groups. Also many tour operators organize trips to wine producing regions where wine lovers can have great pleasurable moments. Trips can be to any local wine rearing area or somewhere far off where one can reach comfortably only through air. Some places are very famous for making finest wines and people are usually attracted to the popular spots that produce wines so that they can taste the best wines at their original place. Also many high profile companies that produce wine send invitations to their valued customers as a business promotion plan, so that the customers can have a taste of the recently launched flavors of wine. Whatever be the reason a wine tasting trip is always an exhilarating experience for a wine explorer.
Wine tasting trips can last for a day, a week or more than that depending on the available time and the choice of destination. Many tour organizers also combine wine trips with an exotic location for lodging and a lavish food style coupled along the trip so that the travelers have an experience of lifetime. Among all possible destinations France has emerged as the mast preferred spot for wine enthusiasts. It gives a feeling like experiencing heaven on earth when one is on any personalized wine exploration tour.
Wine exploration can be great for wine novices and wine experts as it makes them familiar with the most popular wines and also the best selected ones. Anyone serving wine for tasting needs to take care of every small details of the surrounding to create a perfect ambience for the occasion . The glasses used should be tapering towards the sides and the color of class should always be transparent. One must remember that visitors are here to taste wine and not to drink it hence the quantity poured must be very small around one-third the size of glass. Enthusiasts of wine always immensely cherish wine exploration trips.
Read More..
Many of the countries like Italy, Spain, Portugal, Australia, Germany, California and those in the Mediterranean region are all known for producing wine. Yet the finest wines in the present day scenario are believed to come from France. France has lately emerged as most popular wine producing country offering too many varieties of wines available throughout the world.
Recreational trips are developing many new themes for travel each day and the tour operators are coming up with new idea’s to attract prospective customers. Due to the ever-growing popularity of wine in our community many wine tasting trips are organized either individually or by groups. Also many tour operators organize trips to wine producing regions where wine lovers can have great pleasurable moments. Trips can be to any local wine rearing area or somewhere far off where one can reach comfortably only through air. Some places are very famous for making finest wines and people are usually attracted to the popular spots that produce wines so that they can taste the best wines at their original place. Also many high profile companies that produce wine send invitations to their valued customers as a business promotion plan, so that the customers can have a taste of the recently launched flavors of wine. Whatever be the reason a wine tasting trip is always an exhilarating experience for a wine explorer.
Wine tasting trips can last for a day, a week or more than that depending on the available time and the choice of destination. Many tour organizers also combine wine trips with an exotic location for lodging and a lavish food style coupled along the trip so that the travelers have an experience of lifetime. Among all possible destinations France has emerged as the mast preferred spot for wine enthusiasts. It gives a feeling like experiencing heaven on earth when one is on any personalized wine exploration tour.
Wine exploration can be great for wine novices and wine experts as it makes them familiar with the most popular wines and also the best selected ones. Anyone serving wine for tasting needs to take care of every small details of the surrounding to create a perfect ambience for the occasion . The glasses used should be tapering towards the sides and the color of class should always be transparent. One must remember that visitors are here to taste wine and not to drink it hence the quantity poured must be very small around one-third the size of glass. Enthusiasts of wine always immensely cherish wine exploration trips.
Read More..
Monday, January 26, 2009
Wisconsin Dells Is A Fun Family Vacation Destination
Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin is a fun destination for a family vacation, and with a little research and advance planning the trip doesn’t have to make your wallet cry out in pain.
Wisconsin Dells (and the area is really two towns: Wisconsin Dells and Lake Delton) has been a popular summer vacation destination for people who live in the Midwest since the late 1800’s. In recent years, several indoor water parks have been built making Wisconsin Dells a popular year around vacation destination, not only for people who live in the Midwest but for people from around the world.
What first drew tourists to the Wisconsin Dells area? It was the scenery. The Wisconsin River meanders through the Wisconsin Dells area and has beautiful sandstone rock formations. A trip to Wisconsin Dells wouldn’t be complete without a boat tour of those rock formations.
There are two basic choices of tours; either boat tour or a “duck” tour which also includes some sightseeing on the land. If you have small children, they’ll enjoy the “duck” tour the most.
If you take a boat tour, you’ll have a couple of options. You’ll be able to take an “upper Dells” tour, a “lower Dells” tour, or both. The upper Dells boat tour lasts about 2 hours and the lower Dells boat tour lasts about 1 hour. The upper Dells tour includes a few shore stops to look at some outstanding landmarks (http://www.wisconsindellstoday.com/dells/wisconsindellsboattours).
The “duck” tour is a combination land and water tour. It’s a really fun way to see some of the beautiful scenery on the land and water. And the tour is a big hit with kids of all ages! My family takes a trip to Wisconsin Dells nearly every year and we go on the Duck tour almost every trip because we find it so much fun. The “duck” vehicles used for the tours are amphibious vehicles used in WWII that have been revamped. The tour starts out on dry land. During the tour you’ll be taken down streets of Wisconsin Dells; through lovely wooded areas where wildlife is often seen (we usually see white-tail deer) and then it’s on to the really fun part of the trip.
The duck driver drives into the water with a big splash – well; usually with a big splash. The driver will ask the customers if they want to go into the water slow or fast because fast gets some of the people wet. On every tour I’ve been on the fast trip into the water has won the vote and it is fun! After the twists and turns of the wooded trails (some of them steep and narrow, but always safe) the water part of the trip is a nice change of pace. After being in the water for a while and seeing some of the breathtaking sandstone rock formations, your driver takes you back onto dry land and your fun tour is complete. During the entire tour your driver entertains you with a funny and informative narrative.
Even though our family loves going on the Duck tour when we go to Wisconsin Dells, if they have a choice of only one activity to do, going to a water park wins hands down. There are over 20 water parks in Wisconsin Dells. There are outdoor water parks; indoor water parks; and combination indoor/outdoor water parks. So no matter what time of the year you want to splash in the water and have fun you can do it in Wisconsin Dells.
Our family usually takes a summer trip to Wisconsin Dells. And with mid-summer temperatures in the 90’s, and even occasionally in the 100’s, splashing in the water is very refreshing. Our family’s favorite outdoor water park is Noah’s Ark. It’s currently the largest outdoor water park in Wisconsin Dells. You can easily spend an entire day there and not get bored. I have a few tips for you though if you do go to Noah’s Ark (or any of the water parks in Wisconsin Dells) to help keep your costs down and to make the trip as enjoyable as possible.
1) If at all possible, don’t buy your admission tickets at the front gate the day you want to go to the park. You’ll pay full price and there are lots of ways to find discounted tickets. If you live in the Midwest check with your local Parks and Recreation Department to see if they have discounted tickets available. Also check with your place of employment to see if they offer discounted tickets. An Internet search may also give you sources for discounted tickets. Another option is to go into downtown Wisconsin Dells or Lake Delton before you go to Noah’s Ark and stop at one of the ticket booths there. You can almost always purchase discounted tickets there, especially if you are planning to do more than one activity while you are in Wisconsin Dells. For example if you are planning to go to a water park, take a duck tour, go to a water show, and go to one of the amusement parks to ride on the roller coasters and go-karts you can get some pretty good discounts by buying all your tickets at the same time.
2) Take waterproof sunscreen. You’re going to be in and out of the water all day so make sure you have waterproof sunscreen in order to avoid having to constantly reapply your sunscreen throughout the day.
3) Take towels. It may seem like a silly item to list but it’s surprising how many people forget to take a towel. You can purchase beach towels inside the water parks but they are expensive.
3) Consider renting a locker in the park. There are locker rentals available in the park for a nominal fee. I always rent a locker and put dry clothes for my family in the locker along with the things I don’t want to carry around all day, such as my sunscreen. At the end of the day we retrieve those dry clothes and change into
4) Take plastic bags for your wet swimsuits and towels.
5) Take a small waterproof container for extra money. Get one that attaches to your wrist or hangs around your neck. If you don’t have one or don’t know where to buy one, you can purchase one inexpensively at one of the stores inside the water park.
6) Bring your own lunch. There are several covered picnic areas inside the water park available free of charge for your use although it’s likely some of them will be unavailable on any given day because they will be reserved for groups who are at the park. Even if you don’t want to pack a cooler at home, bring along the empty cooler and pick up your lunch items from a store the day before. Although there is good food available inside the water park, it is expensive and will quickly put a big dent in your pocketbook.
7) Bring water shoes. Sandals are okay too but you want ones that are water friendly which typically means flip-flops and those can easily fall off your feet when you’re on some of the rides. I don’t advise going barefoot. The park is paved and if it’s a sunny day the pavement gets very hot.
8) Go on rides early in the day and late in the day. That’s when the lines are the shortest. The lines are really long in the middle of the day. Have your picnic lunch at that time, do a little browsing in the water park stores, and take a short rest before heading back on the rides.
Going on the ducks or a boat tour and going to a water park aren’t the only activities to do in the Wisconsin Dells area. You could stay busy for weeks (if your pocketbook could handle it) doing all the activities available to you. You could go horseback riding; go-carting; riding on roller coasters; shopping; take in the Tommy Bartlet water show; play miniature golf; play regular golf on one of the golf courses; rent a boat and go fishing (you’ll need to purchase a Wisconsin fishing license); rent a canoe and go canoeing; enjoy a movie at the drive-in movie theater; rent a jet-ski; visit the railway museum; visit the history center; play paintball; or do any of the dozens of other available activities. You could even take a short drive to Baraboo and watch the Al Ringling circus. There are literally hundreds of things to do in the Wisconsin Dells area.
I have one more thing to keep in mind as you are planning your trip to Wisconsin Dells. August is the busiest month in Wisconsin Dells. How busy? Consider this: Lake Delton and Wisconsin Dells have a combined year-round population of around 5,000 people. During the weekends in August, the population in the Lake Delton/Wisconsin Dells area can swell to more than 200,000 people. Lines at the attractions will be the longest in August and the hotels will be booked solid (I don’t mean to scare you though. Our family usually goes in August even though we know it’s going to be busy and we have a great time). Book your hotel early or consider going there at another time during the summer. June isn’t as busy but the weather may not be as warm either which means it could be a little chilly if you’re going to be visiting one of the outdoor water parks.
Read More..
Wisconsin Dells (and the area is really two towns: Wisconsin Dells and Lake Delton) has been a popular summer vacation destination for people who live in the Midwest since the late 1800’s. In recent years, several indoor water parks have been built making Wisconsin Dells a popular year around vacation destination, not only for people who live in the Midwest but for people from around the world.
What first drew tourists to the Wisconsin Dells area? It was the scenery. The Wisconsin River meanders through the Wisconsin Dells area and has beautiful sandstone rock formations. A trip to Wisconsin Dells wouldn’t be complete without a boat tour of those rock formations.
There are two basic choices of tours; either boat tour or a “duck” tour which also includes some sightseeing on the land. If you have small children, they’ll enjoy the “duck” tour the most.
If you take a boat tour, you’ll have a couple of options. You’ll be able to take an “upper Dells” tour, a “lower Dells” tour, or both. The upper Dells boat tour lasts about 2 hours and the lower Dells boat tour lasts about 1 hour. The upper Dells tour includes a few shore stops to look at some outstanding landmarks (http://www.wisconsindellstoday.com/dells/wisconsindellsboattours).
The “duck” tour is a combination land and water tour. It’s a really fun way to see some of the beautiful scenery on the land and water. And the tour is a big hit with kids of all ages! My family takes a trip to Wisconsin Dells nearly every year and we go on the Duck tour almost every trip because we find it so much fun. The “duck” vehicles used for the tours are amphibious vehicles used in WWII that have been revamped. The tour starts out on dry land. During the tour you’ll be taken down streets of Wisconsin Dells; through lovely wooded areas where wildlife is often seen (we usually see white-tail deer) and then it’s on to the really fun part of the trip.
The duck driver drives into the water with a big splash – well; usually with a big splash. The driver will ask the customers if they want to go into the water slow or fast because fast gets some of the people wet. On every tour I’ve been on the fast trip into the water has won the vote and it is fun! After the twists and turns of the wooded trails (some of them steep and narrow, but always safe) the water part of the trip is a nice change of pace. After being in the water for a while and seeing some of the breathtaking sandstone rock formations, your driver takes you back onto dry land and your fun tour is complete. During the entire tour your driver entertains you with a funny and informative narrative.
Even though our family loves going on the Duck tour when we go to Wisconsin Dells, if they have a choice of only one activity to do, going to a water park wins hands down. There are over 20 water parks in Wisconsin Dells. There are outdoor water parks; indoor water parks; and combination indoor/outdoor water parks. So no matter what time of the year you want to splash in the water and have fun you can do it in Wisconsin Dells.
Our family usually takes a summer trip to Wisconsin Dells. And with mid-summer temperatures in the 90’s, and even occasionally in the 100’s, splashing in the water is very refreshing. Our family’s favorite outdoor water park is Noah’s Ark. It’s currently the largest outdoor water park in Wisconsin Dells. You can easily spend an entire day there and not get bored. I have a few tips for you though if you do go to Noah’s Ark (or any of the water parks in Wisconsin Dells) to help keep your costs down and to make the trip as enjoyable as possible.
1) If at all possible, don’t buy your admission tickets at the front gate the day you want to go to the park. You’ll pay full price and there are lots of ways to find discounted tickets. If you live in the Midwest check with your local Parks and Recreation Department to see if they have discounted tickets available. Also check with your place of employment to see if they offer discounted tickets. An Internet search may also give you sources for discounted tickets. Another option is to go into downtown Wisconsin Dells or Lake Delton before you go to Noah’s Ark and stop at one of the ticket booths there. You can almost always purchase discounted tickets there, especially if you are planning to do more than one activity while you are in Wisconsin Dells. For example if you are planning to go to a water park, take a duck tour, go to a water show, and go to one of the amusement parks to ride on the roller coasters and go-karts you can get some pretty good discounts by buying all your tickets at the same time.
2) Take waterproof sunscreen. You’re going to be in and out of the water all day so make sure you have waterproof sunscreen in order to avoid having to constantly reapply your sunscreen throughout the day.
3) Take towels. It may seem like a silly item to list but it’s surprising how many people forget to take a towel. You can purchase beach towels inside the water parks but they are expensive.
3) Consider renting a locker in the park. There are locker rentals available in the park for a nominal fee. I always rent a locker and put dry clothes for my family in the locker along with the things I don’t want to carry around all day, such as my sunscreen. At the end of the day we retrieve those dry clothes and change into
4) Take plastic bags for your wet swimsuits and towels.
5) Take a small waterproof container for extra money. Get one that attaches to your wrist or hangs around your neck. If you don’t have one or don’t know where to buy one, you can purchase one inexpensively at one of the stores inside the water park.
6) Bring your own lunch. There are several covered picnic areas inside the water park available free of charge for your use although it’s likely some of them will be unavailable on any given day because they will be reserved for groups who are at the park. Even if you don’t want to pack a cooler at home, bring along the empty cooler and pick up your lunch items from a store the day before. Although there is good food available inside the water park, it is expensive and will quickly put a big dent in your pocketbook.
7) Bring water shoes. Sandals are okay too but you want ones that are water friendly which typically means flip-flops and those can easily fall off your feet when you’re on some of the rides. I don’t advise going barefoot. The park is paved and if it’s a sunny day the pavement gets very hot.
8) Go on rides early in the day and late in the day. That’s when the lines are the shortest. The lines are really long in the middle of the day. Have your picnic lunch at that time, do a little browsing in the water park stores, and take a short rest before heading back on the rides.
Going on the ducks or a boat tour and going to a water park aren’t the only activities to do in the Wisconsin Dells area. You could stay busy for weeks (if your pocketbook could handle it) doing all the activities available to you. You could go horseback riding; go-carting; riding on roller coasters; shopping; take in the Tommy Bartlet water show; play miniature golf; play regular golf on one of the golf courses; rent a boat and go fishing (you’ll need to purchase a Wisconsin fishing license); rent a canoe and go canoeing; enjoy a movie at the drive-in movie theater; rent a jet-ski; visit the railway museum; visit the history center; play paintball; or do any of the dozens of other available activities. You could even take a short drive to Baraboo and watch the Al Ringling circus. There are literally hundreds of things to do in the Wisconsin Dells area.
I have one more thing to keep in mind as you are planning your trip to Wisconsin Dells. August is the busiest month in Wisconsin Dells. How busy? Consider this: Lake Delton and Wisconsin Dells have a combined year-round population of around 5,000 people. During the weekends in August, the population in the Lake Delton/Wisconsin Dells area can swell to more than 200,000 people. Lines at the attractions will be the longest in August and the hotels will be booked solid (I don’t mean to scare you though. Our family usually goes in August even though we know it’s going to be busy and we have a great time). Book your hotel early or consider going there at another time during the summer. June isn’t as busy but the weather may not be as warm either which means it could be a little chilly if you’re going to be visiting one of the outdoor water parks.
Read More..
Sunday, January 25, 2009
With Cheap Airfare, Travel is Limited Only by Your Imagination
In his book, "The World is Flat," Thomas Friedman argues that the beginning of the twenty-first century can be characterized by one word: globalization. While the Digital Age may or may not become the great equalizer, it has certainly given us access to a worldview that was unavailable to our parents and grandparents. A natural extension of the immediacy we feel when we watch videos about, read the blogs of, and listen to people from other countries is the urge to experience their worlds. Indeed, in survey after survey, when people are asked what they would do if they had true financial freedom, the top response is, "Travel."
Let Your Imagination Take Flight
Unfortunately, because of perceptions about the cost of airfare and lodging, travel experiences remain elusive for many people. But what if you had access to cheap airfare? What if you could get cheap flights to India, cheap airfare to Europe, or cheap flights to Dubai? Wouldn't the world become, proverbially speaking, flatter? And wouldn't your life be exponentially richer?
Technology and Experience Open the Doors to Travel
At the heart of the Digital Age is the Internet, which makes it possible for ordinary individuals to have access to many of the resources that were previously only available to "insiders." Cheap airfare is a prime example of the flattening of the world through the power of the Internet. Typically, two types of airfares are available: published fares, which are the prices quoted by airlines; and consolidator airfares, which are offered to a small number of high-volume travel agencies and which are deeply discounted. Because these travel agencies now sell tickets online, anyone with Internet access can buy a cheap airfare.
Beyond Flying
These same high-volume travel agencies have access to other travel bargains as well. For example, by booking with an online travel agency, you can also find steeply discounted cruises, lodging accommodations, car rentals, and vacation packages. In a sense, these online sources provide you with one-stop shopping to plan the vacation of your dreams, whether it's for India travel, an exotic cruise, or a whirlwind trip through Europe.
Finding the Best Online Travel Bargains
Whether you're looking for a bargain trip to Orlando or cheap international airfare, be sure to select an online travel agency that is reputable. Look for an agency that was founded by experienced travel industry professionals, and that has been online for at least five years. The agency should be endorsed by the International Airlines Travel Agent Network (IATAN), and should be experienced in helping both individuals and corporate customers book their vacations, trips, and group travel. In addition, make sure the agency offers you a variety of contact options, from an online quote form to a toll free number.
Don't let your preconceived notions of the costs of travel keep you from experiencing the world firsthand. With cheap airfare and a reputable online travel agency, your destination is limited only by your imagination.
Read More..
Let Your Imagination Take Flight
Unfortunately, because of perceptions about the cost of airfare and lodging, travel experiences remain elusive for many people. But what if you had access to cheap airfare? What if you could get cheap flights to India, cheap airfare to Europe, or cheap flights to Dubai? Wouldn't the world become, proverbially speaking, flatter? And wouldn't your life be exponentially richer?
Technology and Experience Open the Doors to Travel
At the heart of the Digital Age is the Internet, which makes it possible for ordinary individuals to have access to many of the resources that were previously only available to "insiders." Cheap airfare is a prime example of the flattening of the world through the power of the Internet. Typically, two types of airfares are available: published fares, which are the prices quoted by airlines; and consolidator airfares, which are offered to a small number of high-volume travel agencies and which are deeply discounted. Because these travel agencies now sell tickets online, anyone with Internet access can buy a cheap airfare.
Beyond Flying
These same high-volume travel agencies have access to other travel bargains as well. For example, by booking with an online travel agency, you can also find steeply discounted cruises, lodging accommodations, car rentals, and vacation packages. In a sense, these online sources provide you with one-stop shopping to plan the vacation of your dreams, whether it's for India travel, an exotic cruise, or a whirlwind trip through Europe.
Finding the Best Online Travel Bargains
Whether you're looking for a bargain trip to Orlando or cheap international airfare, be sure to select an online travel agency that is reputable. Look for an agency that was founded by experienced travel industry professionals, and that has been online for at least five years. The agency should be endorsed by the International Airlines Travel Agent Network (IATAN), and should be experienced in helping both individuals and corporate customers book their vacations, trips, and group travel. In addition, make sure the agency offers you a variety of contact options, from an online quote form to a toll free number.
Don't let your preconceived notions of the costs of travel keep you from experiencing the world firsthand. With cheap airfare and a reputable online travel agency, your destination is limited only by your imagination.
Read More..
Saturday, January 24, 2009
With Tour Guide Training, You Can Get Paid to Travel
In survey after survey, when people are asked what they would do if they had more time and additional financial resources, the top answer is "travel." Unfortunately, for most people, the dream of seeing exotic locales and exploring the sights and sounds of distant places remains just that - a dream. But some people choose to transform their travel dreams into reality by receiving tour guide training and becoming a tour director or getting any one of a number of other travel jobs.
Types of Tour Guide Jobs
Travel and tourism training paves the way for any number of tour guide jobs. Leading tours can mean sightseeing and bus tours, adventure tours, sporting tours, and cruise ship excursions either near your home, within the United States, or internationally. With tour director training, you can find work as varied as being a cruise host to assuming a management position with a tour company. The companies you can work for include tour operators, destination management companies, and event planners.
Who Makes a Good Tour Director?
One of the wonderful things about the travel and hospitality industry is that it encompasses a diverse array of jobs and draws people from a variety of backgrounds. In order to succeed in the field, you simply need to love travel, enjoy working with people, and have the right travel and tourism training. Some tour guides have extensive travel experience prior to starting, while others just have natural curiosity and the desire to travel. Many take tour guide jobs on a part-time basis, either during vacations from school, after retirement, or during the "down time" of seasonal careers. Others work locally as full-time tour directors or travel the world on cruise ships. There isn't a single career path that leads to becoming a good tour director; indeed, it is tour guide training that makes all the difference.
Finding the Right Tour Guide Training
While some community colleges and universities offer tour guide training, you can also earn a certificate as a tour director through online courses. The best online courses offer the option of getting credit for the course through an accredited college or university in your community.
When looking at travel and tourism training options, look into the background of the instructor. Ideally, you will find someone with over a decade of extensive travel experience throughout the world as a cruise host and international tour director. He or she should also have considerable tour guide training experience.
A reputable tour director training course should last about six weeks. It should cover the expectations, requirements, and procedures involved in tour directing and guiding, as well as techniques for group management, creating and delivering interesting narration, and handling challenges that arise. The course should also go into depth about pre-tour planning, multi-day tours, facing emergencies anywhere in the world, and governmental regulations and procedures. Finally, a good tour guide training course will explore the career opportunities available for a tour director, which opportunities are a good fit for your needs and interests, and how to best write a resume, network, and interview for travel jobs.
Getting paid to travel is a dream job. And, with the right tour guide training, you can make that dream come true!
Read More..
Types of Tour Guide Jobs
Travel and tourism training paves the way for any number of tour guide jobs. Leading tours can mean sightseeing and bus tours, adventure tours, sporting tours, and cruise ship excursions either near your home, within the United States, or internationally. With tour director training, you can find work as varied as being a cruise host to assuming a management position with a tour company. The companies you can work for include tour operators, destination management companies, and event planners.
Who Makes a Good Tour Director?
One of the wonderful things about the travel and hospitality industry is that it encompasses a diverse array of jobs and draws people from a variety of backgrounds. In order to succeed in the field, you simply need to love travel, enjoy working with people, and have the right travel and tourism training. Some tour guides have extensive travel experience prior to starting, while others just have natural curiosity and the desire to travel. Many take tour guide jobs on a part-time basis, either during vacations from school, after retirement, or during the "down time" of seasonal careers. Others work locally as full-time tour directors or travel the world on cruise ships. There isn't a single career path that leads to becoming a good tour director; indeed, it is tour guide training that makes all the difference.
Finding the Right Tour Guide Training
While some community colleges and universities offer tour guide training, you can also earn a certificate as a tour director through online courses. The best online courses offer the option of getting credit for the course through an accredited college or university in your community.
When looking at travel and tourism training options, look into the background of the instructor. Ideally, you will find someone with over a decade of extensive travel experience throughout the world as a cruise host and international tour director. He or she should also have considerable tour guide training experience.
A reputable tour director training course should last about six weeks. It should cover the expectations, requirements, and procedures involved in tour directing and guiding, as well as techniques for group management, creating and delivering interesting narration, and handling challenges that arise. The course should also go into depth about pre-tour planning, multi-day tours, facing emergencies anywhere in the world, and governmental regulations and procedures. Finally, a good tour guide training course will explore the career opportunities available for a tour director, which opportunities are a good fit for your needs and interests, and how to best write a resume, network, and interview for travel jobs.
Getting paid to travel is a dream job. And, with the right tour guide training, you can make that dream come true!
Read More..
Friday, January 23, 2009
Wolverhampton City Guide, Including Wolverhampton Hotels
Wolverhampton is a wonderful city steeped in history and tradition. With so many places to go and entertainment to enjoy you will never be without something to do.
Places of interest
Wolverhampton’s list of places of interest is vast as there is so much to see. Whatever your interest are you sure to find somewhere in and around Wolverhampton. There are so many interesting buildings from different eras that are enriched with tradition. If history is not your thing, there are also art galleries as well as the light house media centre for anyone interested in television production.
Bantock House and Park – Located just outside the Wolverhampton city centre, this grade II listed house is a great visit for any passionate historian. Once inside you were discover the story of this 19th century house and how the Bantock family use to live 100 years ago. This is a great place for the whole family to enjoy, with activities for the children all through the house.
Bilston Craft Gallery and Museum – The gallery host craft exhibitions with workshops and events.
Wightwick Manor – This Victorian family house gives a great understanding of life during that era.
Wolverhampton Art Gallery – If you enjoy contemporary art then this is the galley for you. It has gained a reputation for showcasing thought provoking exhibitions, and workshops and events. Opens Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm.
Light House Media Centre – This independent cinema video production facility is a great attraction for anyone interested in television and film production. It holds talks, exhibitions, training courses, conferences and special events.
Things to do
Wolverhampton is a city where you will need to spend a few days to experience all of the recreational activities afforded to you. With so many activities it’s hard to know where to start. Whatever your interests are this list should start you on your way to getting the most out of Wolverhampton.
Shopping – Wolverhampton has a mixture of chain stores and independent shops to meet everyone’s needs. The city centre has been improved making it safer to shop. There are two shopping centres, Mander and Wulfrun, which have a large range of national and local shops plus a food court.
Light Rail System (Metro) – Travelling across Wolverhampton couldn’t be simpler with the light rail system. The electrically powered tram system is designed to solve the congestion problem, and help bring people from outside into the city centre. The relaxing and comfortable ride is a great way to enjoy the scenery.
Wolverhampton City Show – Come and enjoy the Wolverhampton City show this summer at West Park. This two day event is a fun-filled weekend that is ideal for all the family. You can enjoy anything from a Sheep-Shearing display to badge making for the kids. Live music is also on offer for anymore who likes to just sit back and relax to some music and sun. Each year even more attractions are added, so it is definitely something not to be missed.
Molineux football stadium – Take a trip to the Molineux football stadium to enjoy some championship football. Join in with the locals to cheer on the mighty wolves.
Aldersley Leisure Centre – If you fancy taking part in some physical activities then the Aldersley Leisure Centre is the place to go. This newly built multi-events centre offers anything from Athletics, five-a-side football to volleyball.
Bliston Leisure centre - If you are more of a water baby then the Bliston Leisure centre will be right up your alley. This centre has a main pool and a small pool for the children. The centre has swimming lessons, plus fun sessions to put the enjoyment in swimming. It’s a great place for parents to take there children, as parents and toddler sessions are also available.
Food & Drink
Wolverhampton prides itself on the diversity of restaurant offerings it provides. All types of foods are available in this buzzing city including Chinese, Indian, Greek, Thai, Spanish, Mexican and Italian, as well as the usual fast-food outlets. Whatever your tastes are, you will be catered for in Wolverhampton.
Ristorante Romagna – Lovely Italian restaurant with an A La Carte & Table d'hote menu. English food is also available.
House of Canton Restaurant and Takeaway – This Cantonese restaurant has an extensive menu with takeaway option.
Bridge 59 – If you fancy tasting the English delicacies then this is the restaurant for you. It is situated just outside the city centre, along the canal. This romantic setting can be a pleasant place to go during the summer day, with seats outside.
Bilash – If you fancy dinning in style, then maybe you could try this five star Indian restaurant. You should be in very good hands with “National Chef of the year” winner, who offers you a very extensive and unique menu.
Mamma Lizzy’s – Do you fancy eating spicy food while downing tequilas? Then look no further than Mamma Lizzy’s. Located just outside the city centre, this Mexican restaurant provides a relaxed atmosphere and offers an excellent range of dishes.
Hotel & Accommodation
There are lots of different choices from hotels, B & Bs, and guest houses. You can choose to stay in the city centre, or in the surrounding villages as transport to centre are frequent. There are wider choices in the countryside as country houses, farms and self catering are all available.
The Fox Hotel
Quality Hotel Wolverhampton
Britannia Hotel Wolverhampton
Patshull Park Hotel
Featherstone Farm Hotel
Novotel City Centre
Best Western Park Hall Hotel & Conference Centre
Holly Bank House
Entertainment
So you’ve enjoyed a day of sightseeing, had a bite to eat and the night is upon you. What next? It’s time to enjoy the vast amounts of entertainment which is on offer in Wolverhampton. Whether you enjoy your live music, or the dramatic presence of a theatre show, Wolverhampton is the place to be.
Wolverhampton Civic Halls – This is Wolverhampton’s concert venue. This venue has been host to all the big names in the rock and pop world. Check the website for the latest dates.
The Grand Theatre – This newly restored 19th century theatre has a full and varied programme.
Arena Theatre – This 150 seat theatre has a very intimate feel, and great to come and enjoy different forms of art, from plays, ballet, to funky dance.
Cineworld Cinema – This 12 screen cinema is the ideal place for any film buff. Check the cineworld website for details of current showings.
Wolverhampton is an every growing city which is one of the few British cities to be proud of its rich heritage. It is ever becoming a popular tourist destination with people falling in love with the history as well as the exciting night life.
This Article may be freely copied as long as it is not modified and this resource box accompanies the article, together with working hyperlinks.
Read More..
Places of interest
Wolverhampton’s list of places of interest is vast as there is so much to see. Whatever your interest are you sure to find somewhere in and around Wolverhampton. There are so many interesting buildings from different eras that are enriched with tradition. If history is not your thing, there are also art galleries as well as the light house media centre for anyone interested in television production.
Bantock House and Park – Located just outside the Wolverhampton city centre, this grade II listed house is a great visit for any passionate historian. Once inside you were discover the story of this 19th century house and how the Bantock family use to live 100 years ago. This is a great place for the whole family to enjoy, with activities for the children all through the house.
Bilston Craft Gallery and Museum – The gallery host craft exhibitions with workshops and events.
Wightwick Manor – This Victorian family house gives a great understanding of life during that era.
Wolverhampton Art Gallery – If you enjoy contemporary art then this is the galley for you. It has gained a reputation for showcasing thought provoking exhibitions, and workshops and events. Opens Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm.
Light House Media Centre – This independent cinema video production facility is a great attraction for anyone interested in television and film production. It holds talks, exhibitions, training courses, conferences and special events.
Things to do
Wolverhampton is a city where you will need to spend a few days to experience all of the recreational activities afforded to you. With so many activities it’s hard to know where to start. Whatever your interests are this list should start you on your way to getting the most out of Wolverhampton.
Shopping – Wolverhampton has a mixture of chain stores and independent shops to meet everyone’s needs. The city centre has been improved making it safer to shop. There are two shopping centres, Mander and Wulfrun, which have a large range of national and local shops plus a food court.
Light Rail System (Metro) – Travelling across Wolverhampton couldn’t be simpler with the light rail system. The electrically powered tram system is designed to solve the congestion problem, and help bring people from outside into the city centre. The relaxing and comfortable ride is a great way to enjoy the scenery.
Wolverhampton City Show – Come and enjoy the Wolverhampton City show this summer at West Park. This two day event is a fun-filled weekend that is ideal for all the family. You can enjoy anything from a Sheep-Shearing display to badge making for the kids. Live music is also on offer for anymore who likes to just sit back and relax to some music and sun. Each year even more attractions are added, so it is definitely something not to be missed.
Molineux football stadium – Take a trip to the Molineux football stadium to enjoy some championship football. Join in with the locals to cheer on the mighty wolves.
Aldersley Leisure Centre – If you fancy taking part in some physical activities then the Aldersley Leisure Centre is the place to go. This newly built multi-events centre offers anything from Athletics, five-a-side football to volleyball.
Bliston Leisure centre - If you are more of a water baby then the Bliston Leisure centre will be right up your alley. This centre has a main pool and a small pool for the children. The centre has swimming lessons, plus fun sessions to put the enjoyment in swimming. It’s a great place for parents to take there children, as parents and toddler sessions are also available.
Food & Drink
Wolverhampton prides itself on the diversity of restaurant offerings it provides. All types of foods are available in this buzzing city including Chinese, Indian, Greek, Thai, Spanish, Mexican and Italian, as well as the usual fast-food outlets. Whatever your tastes are, you will be catered for in Wolverhampton.
Ristorante Romagna – Lovely Italian restaurant with an A La Carte & Table d'hote menu. English food is also available.
House of Canton Restaurant and Takeaway – This Cantonese restaurant has an extensive menu with takeaway option.
Bridge 59 – If you fancy tasting the English delicacies then this is the restaurant for you. It is situated just outside the city centre, along the canal. This romantic setting can be a pleasant place to go during the summer day, with seats outside.
Bilash – If you fancy dinning in style, then maybe you could try this five star Indian restaurant. You should be in very good hands with “National Chef of the year” winner, who offers you a very extensive and unique menu.
Mamma Lizzy’s – Do you fancy eating spicy food while downing tequilas? Then look no further than Mamma Lizzy’s. Located just outside the city centre, this Mexican restaurant provides a relaxed atmosphere and offers an excellent range of dishes.
Hotel & Accommodation
There are lots of different choices from hotels, B & Bs, and guest houses. You can choose to stay in the city centre, or in the surrounding villages as transport to centre are frequent. There are wider choices in the countryside as country houses, farms and self catering are all available.
The Fox Hotel
Quality Hotel Wolverhampton
Britannia Hotel Wolverhampton
Patshull Park Hotel
Featherstone Farm Hotel
Novotel City Centre
Best Western Park Hall Hotel & Conference Centre
Holly Bank House
Entertainment
So you’ve enjoyed a day of sightseeing, had a bite to eat and the night is upon you. What next? It’s time to enjoy the vast amounts of entertainment which is on offer in Wolverhampton. Whether you enjoy your live music, or the dramatic presence of a theatre show, Wolverhampton is the place to be.
Wolverhampton Civic Halls – This is Wolverhampton’s concert venue. This venue has been host to all the big names in the rock and pop world. Check the website for the latest dates.
The Grand Theatre – This newly restored 19th century theatre has a full and varied programme.
Arena Theatre – This 150 seat theatre has a very intimate feel, and great to come and enjoy different forms of art, from plays, ballet, to funky dance.
Cineworld Cinema – This 12 screen cinema is the ideal place for any film buff. Check the cineworld website for details of current showings.
Wolverhampton is an every growing city which is one of the few British cities to be proud of its rich heritage. It is ever becoming a popular tourist destination with people falling in love with the history as well as the exciting night life.
This Article may be freely copied as long as it is not modified and this resource box accompanies the article, together with working hyperlinks.
Read More..
Thursday, January 22, 2009
World Series In Russia – Huh? What?
As we watch the Astros choke or White Sox perform valiantly depending on your point of view, I am reminded of my baseball experience in Russia.
World Series
I always find it interesting that most of our professional sports call the championship round the World Series or some similar variation. Clearly, there are games being played elsewhere, so how can it be the world championship? With baseball, the arrivals of Ichiro Suzuki of the Seattle Mariners and Tadahito Iguchi of the White Sox certainly suggest baseball in Japan must be of a high quality. Perhaps more interesting is the fact that some sports aren’t even acknowledged in other countries as I found out in Russia.
Siberia does not have cable television nor can one pull up anything other than CNN. This made watching the World Series a bit difficult. Resorting to my usual tactic, I started hitting up my students for inside information on any parents that might own a satellite dish and could get the games. To my astonishment, not a single person knew the World Series was on or much of anything about baseball. Nobody had even heard of the Yankees! A few students had heard of the Los Angeles Dodgers, which was unbearable for a person from San Diego. It was time to set these innocents right!
The classrooms I taught in were pretty large. Everybody stand up! Desks were moved to the walls, books were placed in the appropriate places and the rules were written on the board. Forget constitutional law, we were going to play some baseball!
Institutions of higher learning are sacrosanct in Russia. It is serious business where deep thinking occurs, everyone studies like mad and the teacher is obeyed at all costs. For example, the students all stand up from their desks when a teacher enters and leaves the room. Serious stuff.
The game was proceeding nicely. Everyone was getting the hang of it, the rolled up paper ball was surviving and the broken desk leg would’ve put any bat to shame. And then the Dean walked by the door. And stopped. And stared.
The University Dean, Tatyana, was a great person and I liked here a lot. In turn, I am pretty sure she thought I was a raving lunatic, but didn’t seem to mind since the students enjoyed my classes. Alas, I thought I had crossed a line with the baseball game.
The Dean opened the door and entered the room. Simultaneously, students looked for places to hide and I tried to come up with some reason why playing baseball was critical to the education of future judges. Tatyana took the bat from the hand of a student, looked at and stared at me. It was one of those stares where you could tell she was considering sending me back to San Diego. There would be no chance of explaining this one away.
After what seemed like minutes, but was probably five seconds, she did the last thing I expected. She took her stance.
The game was on!
Read More..
World Series
I always find it interesting that most of our professional sports call the championship round the World Series or some similar variation. Clearly, there are games being played elsewhere, so how can it be the world championship? With baseball, the arrivals of Ichiro Suzuki of the Seattle Mariners and Tadahito Iguchi of the White Sox certainly suggest baseball in Japan must be of a high quality. Perhaps more interesting is the fact that some sports aren’t even acknowledged in other countries as I found out in Russia.
Siberia does not have cable television nor can one pull up anything other than CNN. This made watching the World Series a bit difficult. Resorting to my usual tactic, I started hitting up my students for inside information on any parents that might own a satellite dish and could get the games. To my astonishment, not a single person knew the World Series was on or much of anything about baseball. Nobody had even heard of the Yankees! A few students had heard of the Los Angeles Dodgers, which was unbearable for a person from San Diego. It was time to set these innocents right!
The classrooms I taught in were pretty large. Everybody stand up! Desks were moved to the walls, books were placed in the appropriate places and the rules were written on the board. Forget constitutional law, we were going to play some baseball!
Institutions of higher learning are sacrosanct in Russia. It is serious business where deep thinking occurs, everyone studies like mad and the teacher is obeyed at all costs. For example, the students all stand up from their desks when a teacher enters and leaves the room. Serious stuff.
The game was proceeding nicely. Everyone was getting the hang of it, the rolled up paper ball was surviving and the broken desk leg would’ve put any bat to shame. And then the Dean walked by the door. And stopped. And stared.
The University Dean, Tatyana, was a great person and I liked here a lot. In turn, I am pretty sure she thought I was a raving lunatic, but didn’t seem to mind since the students enjoyed my classes. Alas, I thought I had crossed a line with the baseball game.
The Dean opened the door and entered the room. Simultaneously, students looked for places to hide and I tried to come up with some reason why playing baseball was critical to the education of future judges. Tatyana took the bat from the hand of a student, looked at and stared at me. It was one of those stares where you could tell she was considering sending me back to San Diego. There would be no chance of explaining this one away.
After what seemed like minutes, but was probably five seconds, she did the last thing I expected. She took her stance.
The game was on!
Read More..
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
World Wide Travel Insurance!
World wide travel insurance provides you with comprehensive and customised insurance package for any kind of emergency situation no matter what your age may be. Cheap travel insurance policies for a range of trip types and travel needs. Travel Insurance companies have a number of levels of travel insurance to suit the different insurance needs of our customers. Annual Multi Trip insurance policy offers cover for those who travel more than once a year, while Single Trip insurance policies can cover travel of up to 365 days.
Certain provisions are to be made in certain instances. In case you decide to extend your overseas stay, the holiday insurance should be able to adjust to your travel needs. Your policy should be flexible enough as well as accommodate for any value that you might add during your holidays while making purchases.
Such travel insurance offers single trip travel insurance cover for 1-12 months for people aged up to 99 years of age , get a quote online. Travel insurance protects you on medical emergencies, flight delay or cancellation, loss of baggage, trip cancellation insurance etc.
World wide Travel insurance can be used to cover the following:
Medical Insurance: covers all your medical and dental expenses. Look out for the procedures of reimbursement of the emergency expenses.
Flight Insurance: a life insurance that safeguards you from any plane crash, and keeps your dependents happy. Here’s where you get the least value for your money after all how often do planes actually crash?
Comprehensive travel Insurance : covers your airfare, car rentals, tour etc. better deal for travelers with less of the trip prepaid because coverage is the same regardless of the premium paid.
Interruption insurance and trip cancellation insurance - it covers losses you encounter when you cancel a prepaid tour of flight for an acceptable reason. It covers a host of reasons for cancellation from family sickness to weather that doesn’t a flight to occur. If you have an accident you’ll be flown home.
Trip Cancellation insurance: when you cancel a ticket or miss your flight due to delay, you will incur a loss of your flight charges. It covers a host of reasons for cancellation from family sickness to weather that doesn’t a flight to occur. If you have an accident you’ll be flown home.
Baggage Insurance: Your baggage insurance insures items such as jewelry, eyewear, electronics and photographic equipments. If the airline checked your baggage, it is covered by the airline not your rider.
Read More..
Certain provisions are to be made in certain instances. In case you decide to extend your overseas stay, the holiday insurance should be able to adjust to your travel needs. Your policy should be flexible enough as well as accommodate for any value that you might add during your holidays while making purchases.
Such travel insurance offers single trip travel insurance cover for 1-12 months for people aged up to 99 years of age , get a quote online. Travel insurance protects you on medical emergencies, flight delay or cancellation, loss of baggage, trip cancellation insurance etc.
World wide Travel insurance can be used to cover the following:
Medical Insurance: covers all your medical and dental expenses. Look out for the procedures of reimbursement of the emergency expenses.
Flight Insurance: a life insurance that safeguards you from any plane crash, and keeps your dependents happy. Here’s where you get the least value for your money after all how often do planes actually crash?
Comprehensive travel Insurance : covers your airfare, car rentals, tour etc. better deal for travelers with less of the trip prepaid because coverage is the same regardless of the premium paid.
Interruption insurance and trip cancellation insurance - it covers losses you encounter when you cancel a prepaid tour of flight for an acceptable reason. It covers a host of reasons for cancellation from family sickness to weather that doesn’t a flight to occur. If you have an accident you’ll be flown home.
Trip Cancellation insurance: when you cancel a ticket or miss your flight due to delay, you will incur a loss of your flight charges. It covers a host of reasons for cancellation from family sickness to weather that doesn’t a flight to occur. If you have an accident you’ll be flown home.
Baggage Insurance: Your baggage insurance insures items such as jewelry, eyewear, electronics and photographic equipments. If the airline checked your baggage, it is covered by the airline not your rider.
Read More..
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Worldwide Travel Insurance
Planning for a trip world wide? Looking out for an insurance to protect your travel and make your experience a memorable one? The cheapest rate in a policy will hold no meaning if it doesn’t properly cover your overseas travel needs. Choose a company that does not cut on the insurance cover but on the cost of insurance. They should provide you with round the clock emergency assistance as well as cover you for activities and sports you are interested in. Get started with your skiing, snowboarding or bungee jumping, experience the best vacation ever. Do not forget to get an insurance cover of worldwide travel insurance.
Seek provisions for extending your overseas stay. Online option makes it convenient to you if you decide to extend your overseas stay, the holiday insurance should be chosen to protect your holiday. After all every one hopes that we won't need the insurance but it is always best to have it. When you are in a foreign country and something goes wrong whether it is a stolen wallet or lost passport you really do not want to go alone. This is precisely why one opts for worldwide travel insurance for all overseas travel.
Medical cover: you can be covered for any medical assistance or hospitalization charges. While you are on a world tour then the mounting medical bills might cost you the earth and leave you penniless.
Concerns about your personal baggage, protect it from any kind of stealth or damage to your personal belongings. You, as a globe trotter could possibly be having such worries and may be on the lookout of a way out of this. It could be the fear of theft of cash and other ensuing problems.
You plan your trip and relax let your travel insurance agent do the rest. You are going to be really relieved to have the insurance guy deal with things and see you have the funds etc to carry on with your trip and not have it ruined by some unforeseen problem. Your policy should be flexible enough as well as accommodate for any value that you might add during your holidays while making purchases. Independent insurance companies offer the cheapest source of obtaining cheap worldwide holiday insurance that provide for senior travelers, winter sports and globe trekkers low cost insurance.
Read More..
Seek provisions for extending your overseas stay. Online option makes it convenient to you if you decide to extend your overseas stay, the holiday insurance should be chosen to protect your holiday. After all every one hopes that we won't need the insurance but it is always best to have it. When you are in a foreign country and something goes wrong whether it is a stolen wallet or lost passport you really do not want to go alone. This is precisely why one opts for worldwide travel insurance for all overseas travel.
Medical cover: you can be covered for any medical assistance or hospitalization charges. While you are on a world tour then the mounting medical bills might cost you the earth and leave you penniless.
Concerns about your personal baggage, protect it from any kind of stealth or damage to your personal belongings. You, as a globe trotter could possibly be having such worries and may be on the lookout of a way out of this. It could be the fear of theft of cash and other ensuing problems.
You plan your trip and relax let your travel insurance agent do the rest. You are going to be really relieved to have the insurance guy deal with things and see you have the funds etc to carry on with your trip and not have it ruined by some unforeseen problem. Your policy should be flexible enough as well as accommodate for any value that you might add during your holidays while making purchases. Independent insurance companies offer the cheapest source of obtaining cheap worldwide holiday insurance that provide for senior travelers, winter sports and globe trekkers low cost insurance.
Read More..
Monday, January 19, 2009
Wynn Las Vegas Review
Situated at the north end of the Las Vegas Strip, the 217-acre Wynn Las Vegas Resort is a 50-story gleaming testament to the opulence and glamour that is Las Vegas. Opened in the spring of 2005 by the master innovator Steve Wynn himself, this 5 star resort offers the ultimate luxury designed for the exclusive Vegas traveler.
But does the Wynn really live up to the hype? Here's a quick review of the highlights to help you decide for yourself.
Rooms:
The Wynn offers some of the largest and most luxurious rooms on the strip - 5 suite types in all, ranging form over 640 square feet up to 1950 square feet. They offer wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows with fabulous views of the Strip or the exclusive Wynn golf course.
All rooms offer cordless phone, fax, high speed Internet access, Pillowtop king-sized signature Wynn beds with 320 thread count European linens, In-room massage, manicure, pedicure and hair styling services, Desert Bambu™ bath amenities, over-sized Turkish towels and flat-screen LCD high-definition TVs. Plus all suite guests have private pools and terraces.
Casino:
The 110,000-square-foot casino offers the full range of table games, including Blackjack, Big 6, Craps, Caribbean Stud, Roulette, Let-it-Ride , Pai Gow Poker, Pai Gow, Three Card Poker and Casino War. If slots are your preference, you can choose from over 1850 slot machines in denominations ranging from 1¢ to $5,000.
The twenty-seven table poker room offers Hold'Em, Omaha Hi-Low, and mixed game combination with game limits ranging from $4/$8 up to $100/$200. There are also higher limit games as well as pot limit and no limit games.
The Wynn casino stands apart in that it offers lots of natural light and very little smoking.
Golf:
Created by the world famous Tom Fazio exclusively for Wynn resort guests, the golf course is actually integrated into the resort itself so that your first tee is less than 50 feet away from the hotel. This is the only on premise 18-hole, par-70, championship golf course on the Las Vegas strip and includes nearly 6 miles of cart paths, two marshland areas using natural groundwater, and a 37-foot-tall waterfall.
Shows:
Franco Dragone, the man behind 'Mystère', 'O', and Celine Dion's 'A New Day', has created an all new show at the Wynn called 'Le Rêve' (The Dream). Performed in a domed theater where no seat is more than 40 feet from the action, this show is the first of its kind in Vegas.
Restaurants:
If you've always wanted to dine with the most famous chefs in the world you can do it at the Wynn. Chef Paul Bartolotta of the Ristorante di Mare was named the Best American Chef - Midwest by the James Beard Foundation. Executive Pastry Chef Frédéric Robert was named Restaurant Pastry Chef of the Year by Filere Gourmande Magazine and Pastry Chef of the Year by Champerard Guide. Chef Alessandro Stratta heads the Riviera Cuisine which was called the Best New Restaurant 2005 by Esquire magazine and received the AAA Five Diamond Award of Excellence for 2006.
The Wynn offers over 15 restaurants to choose from with a vast selection of cuisines so you'll never get bored (or even have to leave the resort!).
Spa:
The spa offers 45 treatment rooms for massage, body treatments, facials, and hydrotherapy. Enjoy a customized massage to sooth away the stresses of the day or relax with a loved one in a couples massage.
Choose from the very latest in anti-aging technology with specialized facials including the Anakiri Active Enzyme Facial for added exfoliation and nourishment or the Naturopathica Custom Facial which is based on traditional European deep cleansing techniques.
Shopping:
The 75,000 square foot Wynn Esplanade is where you'll find the most glamorous, chic names in fashion: Chanel, Dior, Oscar de la Renta, Gaultier, Louis Vuitton and and the only Manolo Blahnik boutique outside New York.
For men, there's Brioni and of course the Penske-Wynn Ferrari and Maserati showroom. And if that isn't enough, just a few steps across the street you'll find the Fashion Show mall.
With it's prime location and exclusive shopping boutiques the Wynn is a favorite hot spot for top fashion makers and shoppers alike.
Downside:
Unfortunately yes, there is a downside. While the Wynn offers the best in luxury and chic accomodations - you're going pay for it. This is not a hotel for the traveler on a budget. So if you're worried about money, you may not want to stay here. However if you want to stay at one of the top hotels in the world and want a once-in-a-lifetime experience, the Wynn is the 'IT' place to be (and be seen)
Read More..
But does the Wynn really live up to the hype? Here's a quick review of the highlights to help you decide for yourself.
Rooms:
The Wynn offers some of the largest and most luxurious rooms on the strip - 5 suite types in all, ranging form over 640 square feet up to 1950 square feet. They offer wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows with fabulous views of the Strip or the exclusive Wynn golf course.
All rooms offer cordless phone, fax, high speed Internet access, Pillowtop king-sized signature Wynn beds with 320 thread count European linens, In-room massage, manicure, pedicure and hair styling services, Desert Bambu™ bath amenities, over-sized Turkish towels and flat-screen LCD high-definition TVs. Plus all suite guests have private pools and terraces.
Casino:
The 110,000-square-foot casino offers the full range of table games, including Blackjack, Big 6, Craps, Caribbean Stud, Roulette, Let-it-Ride , Pai Gow Poker, Pai Gow, Three Card Poker and Casino War. If slots are your preference, you can choose from over 1850 slot machines in denominations ranging from 1¢ to $5,000.
The twenty-seven table poker room offers Hold'Em, Omaha Hi-Low, and mixed game combination with game limits ranging from $4/$8 up to $100/$200. There are also higher limit games as well as pot limit and no limit games.
The Wynn casino stands apart in that it offers lots of natural light and very little smoking.
Golf:
Created by the world famous Tom Fazio exclusively for Wynn resort guests, the golf course is actually integrated into the resort itself so that your first tee is less than 50 feet away from the hotel. This is the only on premise 18-hole, par-70, championship golf course on the Las Vegas strip and includes nearly 6 miles of cart paths, two marshland areas using natural groundwater, and a 37-foot-tall waterfall.
Shows:
Franco Dragone, the man behind 'Mystère', 'O', and Celine Dion's 'A New Day', has created an all new show at the Wynn called 'Le Rêve' (The Dream). Performed in a domed theater where no seat is more than 40 feet from the action, this show is the first of its kind in Vegas.
Restaurants:
If you've always wanted to dine with the most famous chefs in the world you can do it at the Wynn. Chef Paul Bartolotta of the Ristorante di Mare was named the Best American Chef - Midwest by the James Beard Foundation. Executive Pastry Chef Frédéric Robert was named Restaurant Pastry Chef of the Year by Filere Gourmande Magazine and Pastry Chef of the Year by Champerard Guide. Chef Alessandro Stratta heads the Riviera Cuisine which was called the Best New Restaurant 2005 by Esquire magazine and received the AAA Five Diamond Award of Excellence for 2006.
The Wynn offers over 15 restaurants to choose from with a vast selection of cuisines so you'll never get bored (or even have to leave the resort!).
Spa:
The spa offers 45 treatment rooms for massage, body treatments, facials, and hydrotherapy. Enjoy a customized massage to sooth away the stresses of the day or relax with a loved one in a couples massage.
Choose from the very latest in anti-aging technology with specialized facials including the Anakiri Active Enzyme Facial for added exfoliation and nourishment or the Naturopathica Custom Facial which is based on traditional European deep cleansing techniques.
Shopping:
The 75,000 square foot Wynn Esplanade is where you'll find the most glamorous, chic names in fashion: Chanel, Dior, Oscar de la Renta, Gaultier, Louis Vuitton and and the only Manolo Blahnik boutique outside New York.
For men, there's Brioni and of course the Penske-Wynn Ferrari and Maserati showroom. And if that isn't enough, just a few steps across the street you'll find the Fashion Show mall.
With it's prime location and exclusive shopping boutiques the Wynn is a favorite hot spot for top fashion makers and shoppers alike.
Downside:
Unfortunately yes, there is a downside. While the Wynn offers the best in luxury and chic accomodations - you're going pay for it. This is not a hotel for the traveler on a budget. So if you're worried about money, you may not want to stay here. However if you want to stay at one of the top hotels in the world and want a once-in-a-lifetime experience, the Wynn is the 'IT' place to be (and be seen)
Read More..
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Yacht Charter : 6 Top Tips For A Safe And Pleasurable Vacation
So you have decided you want to go on the perfect vacation you have always dreamt of – chartering a yacht. Before you go ahead and consult a specialist, you should read carefully the following tips, and then right them down on a piece of paper along with the things you really want to experience during your charter and what you want to do.
The tips
Tip. 1
You should see chartering a yacht just as a classroom, and in order to understand what the teacher is talking about, you must be correctly informed. In this case the charter agent is the teacher.
WMT – this means Western Mediterranean Terms. It includes chartering equipment and the yacht, insurance for the yacht and the crew, wages and food for the crew. All other commodities such as consumable stores, harbor charges, food and beverages, pilotage fee and any charge made on-land such as electricity or water, communications and laundry, will be supported by the charterer.
SEMT – it means Standard Eastern Mediterranean Terms. The fee includes: the obvious chartering of the entire yacht and equipment, crew wages and food, insurances for the yacht, fuel for a set course or a specified numbers of hours/day, electricity or water taken form shore and harbor taxes. Other cost will be charged to the charterer as follows: consumable stores, beverages and food, harbor expenses besides the preset ones, communications, laundry and fuel for tenders such as ski-boats.
SCT – it means Standard Caribbean Terms. every expense listed in the WMT and SMET paragraphs are included in the fee, as well as every piece of food served on the yacht. Also, there are extra charges you should be aware of, such as the wines and anything found in the bar, special activities equipment such as scuba-diving equipment and marina berthing.
GT – it means Greek Terms. They include chartering of the yacht and equipment, crew food and wages, third party claims insurance for the yacht, harbor taxes while in Greece, and ship’s laundry. Food, beverages communications and fuel will be charged as well.
Now, that you know the terms and specifications, when you will go and see your chartering operator, you will know what is he talking about, but, to be even further informed you should know the following.
Tip. 2
Before you decide what kind of yacht to hire, ask yourself what do you expect from the holiday. First, and foremost, if you want to hire a yacht, you should be a man who like sumptuous surroundings. Then, do you want to host parties for your friends while you are docked at some of the most fashionable marinas? Or maybe you just want to relax in a private cove while reading your favorite book. Maybe, you want to learn exciting water sports? These are the type of questions to ask yourself, before anyone else.
Tip. 3
Depending on the type of person you are (and only you know this), you should decide on what will you be chartering – a motor yacht or a sailboat. While sailboats are slower and perfect for the romantic type, and for the one who is really in love with the sea, the motor boats give you the luxury and incredible yacht lifestyle.
Tip. 4
Friends. Think ahead of the number of friends you will be having with you, and to the size of the parties you will throw in order to anticipate the size and configuration of what you will be chartering.
Tip. 5
Calculate the time you want to spend on your yacht, because this will be critical when you will want to go to the many places the sea has to offer, no matter where you are.
Tip. 6
Make reservations early before going, since during the holidays the yacht are booked up to a year in advance, and in some cases even more.
These tips come to aid you in your perfect holiday quest. They are not meant to replace the information given by an agent, but to complete it. I hope you have fun.
Read More..
The tips
Tip. 1
You should see chartering a yacht just as a classroom, and in order to understand what the teacher is talking about, you must be correctly informed. In this case the charter agent is the teacher.
WMT – this means Western Mediterranean Terms. It includes chartering equipment and the yacht, insurance for the yacht and the crew, wages and food for the crew. All other commodities such as consumable stores, harbor charges, food and beverages, pilotage fee and any charge made on-land such as electricity or water, communications and laundry, will be supported by the charterer.
SEMT – it means Standard Eastern Mediterranean Terms. The fee includes: the obvious chartering of the entire yacht and equipment, crew wages and food, insurances for the yacht, fuel for a set course or a specified numbers of hours/day, electricity or water taken form shore and harbor taxes. Other cost will be charged to the charterer as follows: consumable stores, beverages and food, harbor expenses besides the preset ones, communications, laundry and fuel for tenders such as ski-boats.
SCT – it means Standard Caribbean Terms. every expense listed in the WMT and SMET paragraphs are included in the fee, as well as every piece of food served on the yacht. Also, there are extra charges you should be aware of, such as the wines and anything found in the bar, special activities equipment such as scuba-diving equipment and marina berthing.
GT – it means Greek Terms. They include chartering of the yacht and equipment, crew food and wages, third party claims insurance for the yacht, harbor taxes while in Greece, and ship’s laundry. Food, beverages communications and fuel will be charged as well.
Now, that you know the terms and specifications, when you will go and see your chartering operator, you will know what is he talking about, but, to be even further informed you should know the following.
Tip. 2
Before you decide what kind of yacht to hire, ask yourself what do you expect from the holiday. First, and foremost, if you want to hire a yacht, you should be a man who like sumptuous surroundings. Then, do you want to host parties for your friends while you are docked at some of the most fashionable marinas? Or maybe you just want to relax in a private cove while reading your favorite book. Maybe, you want to learn exciting water sports? These are the type of questions to ask yourself, before anyone else.
Tip. 3
Depending on the type of person you are (and only you know this), you should decide on what will you be chartering – a motor yacht or a sailboat. While sailboats are slower and perfect for the romantic type, and for the one who is really in love with the sea, the motor boats give you the luxury and incredible yacht lifestyle.
Tip. 4
Friends. Think ahead of the number of friends you will be having with you, and to the size of the parties you will throw in order to anticipate the size and configuration of what you will be chartering.
Tip. 5
Calculate the time you want to spend on your yacht, because this will be critical when you will want to go to the many places the sea has to offer, no matter where you are.
Tip. 6
Make reservations early before going, since during the holidays the yacht are booked up to a year in advance, and in some cases even more.
These tips come to aid you in your perfect holiday quest. They are not meant to replace the information given by an agent, but to complete it. I hope you have fun.
Read More..
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Yacht Charter Greece
starting with sailing yacht charter in Greece, mega yacht Greece, crewed yachts, or private yacht charter Greece, luxury yacht charter Greece, crewed catamarans rentals, sail boats, motoryachts and sailboats charter Greece on bareboat or skippered basis, motor sailers to poweryachts, exclusive superyachts and megayachts. Various selection of yachts and yachtcharter itineraries in Aegean Sea, Ionian Sea, Dodecanese, Cyclades .....Check itineraries samples, suggestions in Greece . Greece yacht charter ?! However, like the Greek people, you can be on your own, sailing, swimming, skiing or just relaxing. For comfort, an experienced crew is eager to make you feel like royalty. Fabulous nautical holidays in Greece, The sea and sun constitute two basic ingredients, charter yachts the third. Greece, the land of the Sun and the Gods, offers you an endless variety of picturesque places from which to choose those that suit you. For exclusivity, there are countless places in Greece, which remain unspoiled by tourism. They are not all that far away, but access to them is impossible except by yacht! Drink your champagne into a cave where the sea takes colors from a wide palette, have your steward to offer your snacks in a secluded bay with white sandy beach ! Enjoy in Greek rich history, Mediterranean food, Wines, Oilve Oil... Learn Why to charter yacht in Greece with cosmos-yachting ? We understand Your needs ! Got to know more ?
Fancy luxury yachts for Corporate Events or Team building ? cosmos-yachting offers such chartering services in Mediterranean top destinations, yacht charter France Cote d Azur or French Riviera, Cannes Film Festival, Nice, St.Tropez, Monaco Grand Prix charter, Antibes, Spain Balearic Islands, during yacht charter Sardinia visit Flavio Briatore's Billionaire club, Porto Cervo heart of Costa Smeralda, Corsica. Corporate Charter can be booked as ; Full Charter, Cabin Group Charter, on Yachts like SeaDream I and II or sail with style on The Maltese Falcon. Please contact cosmos-yachting office for additional details brochures and itinerary..... " It is Yachting not Cruising " SeaDream
Cosmos-yachting also represents Mega Yachtcharter company cosmos platinum , company which produces yachts for charter, custom built luxury yachts and motor yachts various sizes and designs . Please follow link for more informations about cosmos-platinum. cosmos-yachting also offers yacht Pre-purchase, yacht financing Croatia, Condition Surveys, Insurance Surveys, appraisals, yacht survey services in Croatia, Greece, Management, Mediterranean, with associates, on competitive prices, yachts management, Design studies and supervision of the new buildings and conversions. cosmos-yachting offers also agency services to cruise ships, mega yachts in Croatia,Greece as follows : Bunkering, berthing arrangements, formalities, divers, refits and repairs of yachts with best rates in Croatia, Greece.
With offices in UK, USA, Germany, Greece and partners, cosmos yachting offers almost all types of yachts for charter from sailing boats, motorboats, bareboat or yachts with skipper, crewed catamarans, motor sailers, gulets to exlusive crewed luxury yacht charters, superyachts, futuristic yachts for Yacht Charter Croatia, Yacht Charter Greece, yacht charter France, Cote d' Azur, Spain Balearic Islands ...
Read More..
Fancy luxury yachts for Corporate Events or Team building ? cosmos-yachting offers such chartering services in Mediterranean top destinations, yacht charter France Cote d Azur or French Riviera, Cannes Film Festival, Nice, St.Tropez, Monaco Grand Prix charter, Antibes, Spain Balearic Islands, during yacht charter Sardinia visit Flavio Briatore's Billionaire club, Porto Cervo heart of Costa Smeralda, Corsica. Corporate Charter can be booked as ; Full Charter, Cabin Group Charter, on Yachts like SeaDream I and II or sail with style on The Maltese Falcon. Please contact cosmos-yachting office for additional details brochures and itinerary..... " It is Yachting not Cruising " SeaDream
Cosmos-yachting also represents Mega Yachtcharter company cosmos platinum , company which produces yachts for charter, custom built luxury yachts and motor yachts various sizes and designs . Please follow link for more informations about cosmos-platinum. cosmos-yachting also offers yacht Pre-purchase, yacht financing Croatia, Condition Surveys, Insurance Surveys, appraisals, yacht survey services in Croatia, Greece, Management, Mediterranean, with associates, on competitive prices, yachts management, Design studies and supervision of the new buildings and conversions. cosmos-yachting offers also agency services to cruise ships, mega yachts in Croatia,Greece as follows : Bunkering, berthing arrangements, formalities, divers, refits and repairs of yachts with best rates in Croatia, Greece.
With offices in UK, USA, Germany, Greece and partners, cosmos yachting offers almost all types of yachts for charter from sailing boats, motorboats, bareboat or yachts with skipper, crewed catamarans, motor sailers, gulets to exlusive crewed luxury yacht charters, superyachts, futuristic yachts for Yacht Charter Croatia, Yacht Charter Greece, yacht charter France, Cote d' Azur, Spain Balearic Islands ...
Read More..
Friday, January 16, 2009
Yacht charter in Greece
The name of Greece's capital derives from the name of the Goddess of wisdom and intelligence, Athena. This unique city is where democracy first saw the light of day, and where the Parthenon, the gem of architecture, was built. Today, about a third of the population of Greece (around 4,5 million people) live in Athens, and the modern city offers an endless variety of culture and entertainment.
Two hills lie at the heart of the city, one surmounted by the Acropolis and the monuments of Perikles, and the Lykabettus hill with the small white church Agios Georgis. Plaka and Monastiraki, the city quarter around the Acropolis hill, is a tourist highlight with narrow alleyways and attractive squares, which show the city’s romantic side. In summer the streets are full of bustling activity, in the most picturesque of settings. Kolonaki, the quarter around the Lykabettus hill, is typical of modern city life with its elegant boutiques and numerous cafιs.
We strongly advise you to spend a day or two in Athens, in order to view its many attractions such as the Apterous Nike temple, the Dionysus Theatre, the Odeon of Atticus and the House of Music, which should not be missed.
Piraeus, Athens’ harbour, is one of the largest shipping junctions in the Mediterranean, as it has been since ancient times. It has made quite a name for itself amongst travellers to Greece, due to its attractive nightlife and its romantic seafood restaurants and taverns.
The coast from Piraeus to Kalamaki is lined by high-rise apartment buildings. During the hot summers, the nightlife moves from the city to this coastal strip and its numerous beach clubs and restaurants.
Kalamaki the port and base:
Steering into the harbour during the day is no problem. At night there are beacons, which have to be spotted amongst the many lights on land. The harbour provides excellent protection against winds from all directions. The first mooring piers in the harbour are reserved for a private yacht club. The ware is sufficiently deep and the bottom is solid. Petrol can be delivered to the quayside; water and electricity will soon be available at all anchorage's. Showers are located near the port offices. Finally, there are many shops and several nice taverns near the harbour, and buses to Piraeus and Athens can be caught from the main road.
North of Evia, and away from the usual sailing routes, lie the green islands of the Sporades. All the islands are fertile, gentle, and idyllic, being known for their white beaches and rich under water fauna. Those islands that are more readily accessible have developed into popular holiday destinations. Peace and quiet is the trademark of Alonissos, the tree-covered Skopelos, Peristera (with just 25 inhabitants), the uninhabited Psathura, Palagonisi, and Skiros in the South. Alonissos stretches out quite far and along with the islands just off its coast makes up the “Sea Park”, a natural reserve that is home to the Mediterranean seal and dolphins. The islands are very closely grouped, being about 15 to 20 nautical miles apart, and are thus an ideal area for family holidays and inexperienced yachtsmen.
Read More..
Two hills lie at the heart of the city, one surmounted by the Acropolis and the monuments of Perikles, and the Lykabettus hill with the small white church Agios Georgis. Plaka and Monastiraki, the city quarter around the Acropolis hill, is a tourist highlight with narrow alleyways and attractive squares, which show the city’s romantic side. In summer the streets are full of bustling activity, in the most picturesque of settings. Kolonaki, the quarter around the Lykabettus hill, is typical of modern city life with its elegant boutiques and numerous cafιs.
We strongly advise you to spend a day or two in Athens, in order to view its many attractions such as the Apterous Nike temple, the Dionysus Theatre, the Odeon of Atticus and the House of Music, which should not be missed.
Piraeus, Athens’ harbour, is one of the largest shipping junctions in the Mediterranean, as it has been since ancient times. It has made quite a name for itself amongst travellers to Greece, due to its attractive nightlife and its romantic seafood restaurants and taverns.
The coast from Piraeus to Kalamaki is lined by high-rise apartment buildings. During the hot summers, the nightlife moves from the city to this coastal strip and its numerous beach clubs and restaurants.
Kalamaki the port and base:
Steering into the harbour during the day is no problem. At night there are beacons, which have to be spotted amongst the many lights on land. The harbour provides excellent protection against winds from all directions. The first mooring piers in the harbour are reserved for a private yacht club. The ware is sufficiently deep and the bottom is solid. Petrol can be delivered to the quayside; water and electricity will soon be available at all anchorage's. Showers are located near the port offices. Finally, there are many shops and several nice taverns near the harbour, and buses to Piraeus and Athens can be caught from the main road.
North of Evia, and away from the usual sailing routes, lie the green islands of the Sporades. All the islands are fertile, gentle, and idyllic, being known for their white beaches and rich under water fauna. Those islands that are more readily accessible have developed into popular holiday destinations. Peace and quiet is the trademark of Alonissos, the tree-covered Skopelos, Peristera (with just 25 inhabitants), the uninhabited Psathura, Palagonisi, and Skiros in the South. Alonissos stretches out quite far and along with the islands just off its coast makes up the “Sea Park”, a natural reserve that is home to the Mediterranean seal and dolphins. The islands are very closely grouped, being about 15 to 20 nautical miles apart, and are thus an ideal area for family holidays and inexperienced yachtsmen.
Read More..
Thursday, January 15, 2009
You Don’t Provide A Wireless Connection At Your Hotel Yet?
In this article I will be discussing rental property and hotels that do not yet provide wireless Internet to their renters. Almost all laptops today have the ability to automatically detect and connect to wireless Internet providers.
Most businesspeople who travel and even many that are on vacation bring their laptops along for work and for play. These people look for hotels, motels, short-term apartments, and vacation rentals that provide wireless Internet as part of their rental agreement.
These days a hotel that does not provide a wireless Internet connection for their guest is severely handicapped in regards to getting more reservations. There are many hotel and motel owners, resort owners, apartment building owners and others that still hold back on adding a wireless Internet connection. They simply don't want to pay for it.
What they do not realize is that they are already paying more for not having a wireless connection than they would be by having one.
Whenever a businessperson travels and calls to make a reservation, saying "No we do not provide a wireless Internet connection", is the same as me offering you a dollar and you saying, "No thanks, already have one."
You pay to list your property on websites and in newspapers, the phone book and other places. You do not know how many people see your ad or your listing and see that your hotel or property does not have a wireless connection and do not even bother calling you. So you cannot tell how much business you are losing just by those that do call and ask that question.
Also many hotel owners do not know how easy and inexpensive a wireless connection is to install. Some people are just set in their ways. “Well, we’ve never offered that and we’re doing okay.” That is the attitude of someone who is satisfied or one whose business is on the decline.
A wireless connection will pay for itself easily through the extra rentals you will get and don’t even know that you are missing right now.
Some hotels and rentals want to charge extra for the Internet connection. Again, the money you bring in from those who are willing to pay extra will not be more than the money you lose from those that will not rent from you because they can get Internet service free elsewhere.
Also, you want your short-term rental, vacation rental, hotel, or motel to seem like it is a classy place to stay. Charging for each little additional service does not do anything to enhance your guest’s impression of your hotel or other rental.
Read More..
Most businesspeople who travel and even many that are on vacation bring their laptops along for work and for play. These people look for hotels, motels, short-term apartments, and vacation rentals that provide wireless Internet as part of their rental agreement.
These days a hotel that does not provide a wireless Internet connection for their guest is severely handicapped in regards to getting more reservations. There are many hotel and motel owners, resort owners, apartment building owners and others that still hold back on adding a wireless Internet connection. They simply don't want to pay for it.
What they do not realize is that they are already paying more for not having a wireless connection than they would be by having one.
Whenever a businessperson travels and calls to make a reservation, saying "No we do not provide a wireless Internet connection", is the same as me offering you a dollar and you saying, "No thanks, already have one."
You pay to list your property on websites and in newspapers, the phone book and other places. You do not know how many people see your ad or your listing and see that your hotel or property does not have a wireless connection and do not even bother calling you. So you cannot tell how much business you are losing just by those that do call and ask that question.
Also many hotel owners do not know how easy and inexpensive a wireless connection is to install. Some people are just set in their ways. “Well, we’ve never offered that and we’re doing okay.” That is the attitude of someone who is satisfied or one whose business is on the decline.
A wireless connection will pay for itself easily through the extra rentals you will get and don’t even know that you are missing right now.
Some hotels and rentals want to charge extra for the Internet connection. Again, the money you bring in from those who are willing to pay extra will not be more than the money you lose from those that will not rent from you because they can get Internet service free elsewhere.
Also, you want your short-term rental, vacation rental, hotel, or motel to seem like it is a classy place to stay. Charging for each little additional service does not do anything to enhance your guest’s impression of your hotel or other rental.
Read More..
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Your Holiday In Tuscany
A region on the West coast of Italy, Tuscany is a fantastic destination for a truly unique vacation. Lying on the Tyrrhenian Sea Tuscany benefits from great beaches on one side and yet is also surrounded my magnificent countryside on the other. Major towns and cities in the area include Pisa, the location of the famous leaning tower and Florence, two of Italy’s most visited places.
Tuscany is divided into regions, one of which is called the Chianti Classico. For those of you who enjoy a glass of wine you may recognise the word Chianti as it is one of Italy’s finest exports. For this reason, the area is dense with vineyards, surrounded by small towns, castles and villas and makes a lovely change from the hustle and bustle found in many of Italy’s other regions and large cities.
To really get a feel for the rural area it is recommended that you utilise “agritourism” as your accommodation. This is a nice change from standard hotels as it involves staying on a farm or vineyard in a spare room, apartment or additional housing area which is rented out by farmers to supplement their income. Many of these are well established and offer the additional facilities a hotel may have, such as a swimming pool. If you are staying within the main accommodation with the family, your meals may well be included and you can be sure of a fantastic home cooked Italian feast every day of your stay. Should you be in self-contained accommodation you will find that facilities to make your own meals will be available.
Tuscany covers an area of 22,990 square kilometres, making it the fifth largest region in Italy. Included in this are the group of islands called the Tuscan Archipelago, the largest of which is called Elba. This is another much visited destination in the region due to its natural beauty and its artistic history, in common with much of Tuscany.
Tuscany boasts an impressive artistic history, as it is credited with being the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance movement. This manifests itself in the traditional form of art, such as paintings, many of which are displayed in the many museums in the area, the most famous of which is the Uffizi in Florence. Other mediums to have benefited from the Renaissance include sculpture and architecture. Many examples of these, particularly the architecture, can be stumbled upon in the streets, even in the small and remote villages which remain largely unexplored by tourists.
Read More..
Tuscany is divided into regions, one of which is called the Chianti Classico. For those of you who enjoy a glass of wine you may recognise the word Chianti as it is one of Italy’s finest exports. For this reason, the area is dense with vineyards, surrounded by small towns, castles and villas and makes a lovely change from the hustle and bustle found in many of Italy’s other regions and large cities.
To really get a feel for the rural area it is recommended that you utilise “agritourism” as your accommodation. This is a nice change from standard hotels as it involves staying on a farm or vineyard in a spare room, apartment or additional housing area which is rented out by farmers to supplement their income. Many of these are well established and offer the additional facilities a hotel may have, such as a swimming pool. If you are staying within the main accommodation with the family, your meals may well be included and you can be sure of a fantastic home cooked Italian feast every day of your stay. Should you be in self-contained accommodation you will find that facilities to make your own meals will be available.
Tuscany covers an area of 22,990 square kilometres, making it the fifth largest region in Italy. Included in this are the group of islands called the Tuscan Archipelago, the largest of which is called Elba. This is another much visited destination in the region due to its natural beauty and its artistic history, in common with much of Tuscany.
Tuscany boasts an impressive artistic history, as it is credited with being the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance movement. This manifests itself in the traditional form of art, such as paintings, many of which are displayed in the many museums in the area, the most famous of which is the Uffizi in Florence. Other mediums to have benefited from the Renaissance include sculpture and architecture. Many examples of these, particularly the architecture, can be stumbled upon in the streets, even in the small and remote villages which remain largely unexplored by tourists.
Read More..
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Semester Abroad
Are you the chance to take a semester abroad? Worried that you take with you? Let's go through a simple packing tips and tricks.
If you make any electrical appliances such as a laptop, cell phone, hair dryer, electric shaver, iron, bipod, digital camera, etc., you'll need to check if they are designed for double Voltage (110/220watt). If they are not, you'll need to buy a converter / adapter set. Remember, there are different versions of the converters. Some are designed only for high-voltage apparatus, low voltage for some devices, and some who have both. Check with your cell phone provider that your phone can be used in the country where you stay. Also, remember to buy an adapter to take land for your laptop.
sure to provide credit cards in your own name. Also, make a copy of your passport and keep the copy in a safe place and your credit number and phone numbers where you can call in case of problems. Wearing a money belt is a very good idea. They are thin enough not to disturb the user, and they are the only thing that works against the pick-pockets. You can carry money and passport in your money belt, but keep a portfolio of shopping, you'll need to do so immediately. There are many versions of the money belt that can be worn around the waist, neck, shoulder or leg. American passports are a desirable, and you do not want to put you at risk.
The best way to ride in the pack is that sleeping bags are foldable. These come in many large and are easier to manage than a large suitcase. In addition, because the parties to comply, it may slide under your bed or in a cupboard. You'll need wheels for ease of management when it is completed. Also, many of them can connect a second bag, which you can pack your books, shoes and other heavy objects. You can also have this bag for the many visits that you'll probably take. Another good idea is a collapsible bag that can be packaged. In this way, you bring a bag for your many purchases.
If you do not speak the language, you will be at a disadvantage. You'll need a phrase book or one of these handheld electronic translators. You'll be able to collect pieces of the language, and the phrase book or a translator will make your stay more enjoyable. It is extremely important to keep a diary. You'll see so many learning to write, it will be easier to remember all your wonderful memories. Read More..
If you make any electrical appliances such as a laptop, cell phone, hair dryer, electric shaver, iron, bipod, digital camera, etc., you'll need to check if they are designed for double Voltage (110/220watt). If they are not, you'll need to buy a converter / adapter set. Remember, there are different versions of the converters. Some are designed only for high-voltage apparatus, low voltage for some devices, and some who have both. Check with your cell phone provider that your phone can be used in the country where you stay. Also, remember to buy an adapter to take land for your laptop.
sure to provide credit cards in your own name. Also, make a copy of your passport and keep the copy in a safe place and your credit number and phone numbers where you can call in case of problems. Wearing a money belt is a very good idea. They are thin enough not to disturb the user, and they are the only thing that works against the pick-pockets. You can carry money and passport in your money belt, but keep a portfolio of shopping, you'll need to do so immediately. There are many versions of the money belt that can be worn around the waist, neck, shoulder or leg. American passports are a desirable, and you do not want to put you at risk.
The best way to ride in the pack is that sleeping bags are foldable. These come in many large and are easier to manage than a large suitcase. In addition, because the parties to comply, it may slide under your bed or in a cupboard. You'll need wheels for ease of management when it is completed. Also, many of them can connect a second bag, which you can pack your books, shoes and other heavy objects. You can also have this bag for the many visits that you'll probably take. Another good idea is a collapsible bag that can be packaged. In this way, you bring a bag for your many purchases.
If you do not speak the language, you will be at a disadvantage. You'll need a phrase book or one of these handheld electronic translators. You'll be able to collect pieces of the language, and the phrase book or a translator will make your stay more enjoyable. It is extremely important to keep a diary. You'll see so many learning to write, it will be easier to remember all your wonderful memories. Read More..
Your next vacation start from your pc.
When you land on an internet page, immediately focus on what has to offer and more in particular if this provide what you are searching.
In the particular case of accommodation-hotels and bed&breakfast web site, we may find 2 types of web page.
a) the vacation rental. – by this I intend the web page owned by the property holder.
b) the travel web site. – by this I intend the web page owned by a company proposing multiple subject, accommodation and services.
Internet become a colossal communicative tools for all different kind of company.
Small B&B, apartments owner, turn their home in a small business, which found on internet the sole opportunity to realize their evolutions.
Web engineers create software to combine the travel business, with an for a wished tour.
When you connect directly to the vacation rental web site, you expect that this will correspond to the best price solution. To discover a link of a wonderful vacation home is always quite complicate, unless It has been recommended from friends or you read it in a travel guide, reviews, articles, etc.
Once you click on your wished property web site’s then make sure that the domain is proper theirs. Start quickly a simple evaluation to the presentation page and see how is structured the web. Focus your attention to all the inside link, usually those remarks title and should match with what you are looking for.
First always view “about us”, this will explain with who you are dealing and who will be hosting your holidays.
Nice and honest peoples is what you need, therefore in this page you should be able to read their background and words of presentation which may capture your confidence.
Scroll with your mouse, a good presentation should be able to answer all your questions, ending to analyze price and general condition without contacting the property.
In case this web site do not satisfy and clarify enough you either write few sentence hoping to receive a clear and quick response, or you direct your research on a web page summarized at the point “b”.
Those type of web sites, commonly are not personal, despite the latest technology applied and the incredible function they are provided, you will never feel a unique character.
There are a long list, maybe hundred thousands. I will work on those who will guarantee me two important factors. Safe, secure and practice. A) I will recommend that no immediate charge are applied on your credit card, but stay on those who allow you to pay at the arrival. B) Try to understand how old is the web you have in-front of you. C) How big is this web site and how thousands of property would have been updates.
Hopefully those tips will help you to steer your search little bet better and help your next vacation.
Read More..
In the particular case of accommodation-hotels and bed&breakfast web site, we may find 2 types of web page.
a) the vacation rental. – by this I intend the web page owned by the property holder.
b) the travel web site. – by this I intend the web page owned by a company proposing multiple subject, accommodation and services.
Internet become a colossal communicative tools for all different kind of company.
Small B&B, apartments owner, turn their home in a small business, which found on internet the sole opportunity to realize their evolutions.
Web engineers create software to combine the travel business, with an for a wished tour.
When you connect directly to the vacation rental web site, you expect that this will correspond to the best price solution. To discover a link of a wonderful vacation home is always quite complicate, unless It has been recommended from friends or you read it in a travel guide, reviews, articles, etc.
Once you click on your wished property web site’s then make sure that the domain is proper theirs. Start quickly a simple evaluation to the presentation page and see how is structured the web. Focus your attention to all the inside link, usually those remarks title and should match with what you are looking for.
First always view “about us”, this will explain with who you are dealing and who will be hosting your holidays.
Nice and honest peoples is what you need, therefore in this page you should be able to read their background and words of presentation which may capture your confidence.
Scroll with your mouse, a good presentation should be able to answer all your questions, ending to analyze price and general condition without contacting the property.
In case this web site do not satisfy and clarify enough you either write few sentence hoping to receive a clear and quick response, or you direct your research on a web page summarized at the point “b”.
Those type of web sites, commonly are not personal, despite the latest technology applied and the incredible function they are provided, you will never feel a unique character.
There are a long list, maybe hundred thousands. I will work on those who will guarantee me two important factors. Safe, secure and practice. A) I will recommend that no immediate charge are applied on your credit card, but stay on those who allow you to pay at the arrival. B) Try to understand how old is the web you have in-front of you. C) How big is this web site and how thousands of property would have been updates.
Hopefully those tips will help you to steer your search little bet better and help your next vacation.
Read More..
Monday, January 12, 2009
Your Own Adventure - On The Trail Of The Da Vinci Code
With some clever planning before hand, you can get to do more things the only thing you'll be concerned with is if you have enough time to squeeze everything into your mini adventure.
Top 10 European city destinations (in no particular order)
: Amsterdam
: Rome
: Prague
: Paris
: Barcelona
: Venice
: Budapest
: Florence
: Madrid
: Vienna
Source: Thomas Cook.
Don't Just Observe – Participate In Life
Think about it, when your friends come back from their escapade, what do they tell you? They tell you about all the activities they got up to, and they have the countless pictures to prove it. But, if your budget is holding you back, this could mean you won't have much to tell friends back home. You won't get to do all the things you'd like to do during your holiday. Friends will think 'You've travelled all that way and for what?'
Making Your Money Stretch
With the average spending money of £200 for a weekend away, costs can run up fast. Gate14.co.uk has the solution to this problem. They provide visitors access to impressive value-for-money tours, city passes and a magnitude of special deals available for over 400 cities worldwide.
: City passes – which not only cut the cost of local public transport, but also offers reduced or even free entrance to a number of places you may already have on your list of things to see and do
: A day at the races and other sports events
: Theatre tickets
: Theme parks (this one is particularly cost effective for families)
: Wine tasting and cooking events
: Cultural/Historical tours
: Dining out
: Cruises
: Nature tours
: Museums
: Designer shopping spree excursions and so much more...
This way you can find out, before you even set off for the airport, what there is to see and do in your chosen holiday location and have the ability to pre-book events and services. Here's just a small number of mini adventures you could get up to on your next holiday
: Da Vinci Code walking tour
: Canopy adventure
: Dive with the sharks
: Private Safari
: Horseback riding
: Luminous Lagoon
: Romantic dinner cruise
: SoHo and NoLita shopping tour
A Different World
You can be as adventurous or as relaxing as you want. Remember, you are in control. Try something you've never done before. With so much to experience it would be a shame to miss it all. Now, with the majority of your trip organised and prepaid you can truly rest back and enjoy.
Read More..
Top 10 European city destinations (in no particular order)
: Amsterdam
: Rome
: Prague
: Paris
: Barcelona
: Venice
: Budapest
: Florence
: Madrid
: Vienna
Source: Thomas Cook.
Don't Just Observe – Participate In Life
Think about it, when your friends come back from their escapade, what do they tell you? They tell you about all the activities they got up to, and they have the countless pictures to prove it. But, if your budget is holding you back, this could mean you won't have much to tell friends back home. You won't get to do all the things you'd like to do during your holiday. Friends will think 'You've travelled all that way and for what?'
Making Your Money Stretch
With the average spending money of £200 for a weekend away, costs can run up fast. Gate14.co.uk has the solution to this problem. They provide visitors access to impressive value-for-money tours, city passes and a magnitude of special deals available for over 400 cities worldwide.
: City passes – which not only cut the cost of local public transport, but also offers reduced or even free entrance to a number of places you may already have on your list of things to see and do
: A day at the races and other sports events
: Theatre tickets
: Theme parks (this one is particularly cost effective for families)
: Wine tasting and cooking events
: Cultural/Historical tours
: Dining out
: Cruises
: Nature tours
: Museums
: Designer shopping spree excursions and so much more...
This way you can find out, before you even set off for the airport, what there is to see and do in your chosen holiday location and have the ability to pre-book events and services. Here's just a small number of mini adventures you could get up to on your next holiday
: Da Vinci Code walking tour
: Canopy adventure
: Dive with the sharks
: Private Safari
: Horseback riding
: Luminous Lagoon
: Romantic dinner cruise
: SoHo and NoLita shopping tour
A Different World
You can be as adventurous or as relaxing as you want. Remember, you are in control. Try something you've never done before. With so much to experience it would be a shame to miss it all. Now, with the majority of your trip organised and prepaid you can truly rest back and enjoy.
Read More..
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Yukon's Gold
The province Yukon is located north of British Columbia and it boarders Alaska to the west and to the east is the North West territories. Yukon was the 11th province to join the country of Canada. Yukon is probably best known for the Klondike Gold Rush in the 1890s. It is said that there is still gold in the rivers up there
This province is neat because of its beautiful landscape, from fresh water lakes to snow cover mountains there is so much scenery. If you are a hiker this is the place to visit. Hiking through the mountains and seeing all the wild animals is awesome. You can go fishing in the fresh water rivers and lakes. Or just float down some of the rivers in a raft. It’s something that you will never forget.
There is still a lot of mining industry going on. Yukon’s main industry is gold mining. Tourism is there next biggest industry. People from around the world come to this neat province to see these good mines. A lot of people like to tour the river where the big Klondike Gold Rush occurred. It’s got some awesome history there, so prep to learn a lot and experience the Klondike Gold Rush.
Facts
-Largest city is Whitehorse
-Is the 11th province to become a part of Canada?
-English speaking province
-Klondike Gold Rush
This province can offer a lot of history and its well wroth the trip to see it all, this is a province you don’t want to miss out on.
Read More..
This province is neat because of its beautiful landscape, from fresh water lakes to snow cover mountains there is so much scenery. If you are a hiker this is the place to visit. Hiking through the mountains and seeing all the wild animals is awesome. You can go fishing in the fresh water rivers and lakes. Or just float down some of the rivers in a raft. It’s something that you will never forget.
There is still a lot of mining industry going on. Yukon’s main industry is gold mining. Tourism is there next biggest industry. People from around the world come to this neat province to see these good mines. A lot of people like to tour the river where the big Klondike Gold Rush occurred. It’s got some awesome history there, so prep to learn a lot and experience the Klondike Gold Rush.
Facts
-Largest city is Whitehorse
-Is the 11th province to become a part of Canada?
-English speaking province
-Klondike Gold Rush
This province can offer a lot of history and its well wroth the trip to see it all, this is a province you don’t want to miss out on.
Read More..
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Zoo Use 101
Do you truly see animals at the zoo? A while back, on a visit to the J. Paul Getty Museum in Santa Monica, I overheard a tour guide say the average time spent looking at a work of art in the museum is five to ten seconds per piece. At first this shocked me. At the time I was standing entranced next to Van Gogh’s ‘Irises.’ I envisioned museumgoers not even breaking their stride as they blew past. Then I realized it was the “seer syndrome.” Sadly, most people who came here were seers of art, not observers of art. As it turned out, this was the guide’s point as well.
Unfortunately, in this case ‘seer’ is not as the word implies. In fact, it is the exact opposite. Where most of us picture a seer as psychic or as someone with unique visionary knowledge and wisdom, the seers I am referring to are the tourist-like seers. They are a painfully dominant subspecies in our culture. Tourist-like seers go to the zoo “to see the animals.” And, they certainly do. They glance at each beast, getting no more out of it than if they had stayed at home and thumbed through the Big Picture Book of Animals their kids had been given for Christmas.
Too often these days we use our zoos and museums as a means of fulfilling social obligations. They are classic ways to entertain out of town visitors or to spend perceived quality time with friends and family. In the chaos of socialization, the beauty of the individual exhibit is lost. In order to appreciate both natural and man-made masterpieces, people need to slow down and take time to truly appreciate individual works. In short, they must observe not just see.
THE TRANSFORMATION
Many years ago the San Diego Zoological Society changed me from a seer of animals to an observer of animals. My transformation occurred when I started working as working in the society’s Behavioral Observer Program. My tasks were quite simple. I would watch a single animal for a whole shift, taking note on what my focal subject did. By the end of the first hour I knew I was guilty of years of improper zoo use. I was converted.
In my past life as a seer, I would set out to conquer a whole zoological park in a single day with other members of my species in tow. Sore feet and pricey souvenirs were frequently the end result of the journey. As a seer, I would look at the animals in their cages, read the large print part of some of the signs (name, habitat, diet, etc.), look again at the subject then hypnotically proceed to the next cage. All the while I was socializing with other people. Then this mundane process would repeat. I could cover smaller zoos in a single visit. Boy, did I get my moneys worth?
These days I enjoy acquainting myself with a few new exhibits and visiting friends from past trips. I rarely see more than a small portion of any zoological park in a single day; however, the experience takes over my soul. As an observer, I study each animal and enclosure design, take note and photos for future reference, then relax and watch my quarry. Through the development of familiarity, I take away from my visit a truer knowledge of, and a higher respect for, the animals I have been watching.
SHOE BILL ODYSSEY
For example, during my work, I came to know and appreciate watching the most bizarre of animals. At very first glance, this creature would cause Richard Simmons to become lethargic. The zoological society had asked me to take observation on the first Shoe Bill Stork released on an island at the San Diego Wild Animal Park.
For those of you unfamiliar with this species, let me just say this; Shoebills are large, dull gray, prehistoric looking birds that move somewhat slower than most dead stuff. My first days notes on a 9 am to 1 pm observation period read “11:08 walked three step to ponds edge”, “11:19 drank (duration 35 seconds)”, “12:01 turned away from water”. Try to impress the curator with that insightful piece.
Fortunately, by her third day on the island my target had loosened up (now moving nearly every hour) and I had settled down. The seers would pass us by. Each strained cerebrally trying to figure out why I was staring at the statue of the dinosaur bird.
“Are you sketching it?”
“What is the sculpture of?”
“What do you mean it’s real?”
“No it isn’t.”
“Is it?”
The occasional photographically inclined seer would stare through a telephoto at this photogenic statue. Occasionally, the laid back statue would turn to stare back. The startled seer would launch straight backward. The camera would launch straight forward. Then, the statue would refreeze and I would make my note for the hour discreetly giggling on the ground. Together we would await our next victim. As a seer I would probably still be unaware this species even existed. Thus, how could I appreciate it? I certainly would not ever have found a Shoe Bill amusing had I not given it due time.
NEW PERCEPTIONS
A word of warning here, while it is relatively easy to from reform a seer to an observer; it is impossible to reverse the procedure. You will never be able to suppress being more observant and return to the realm of the seers. This is like trying to stuff a full grown chicken back into its shell. Zoos as a social event will become a living hell!
Seers will find Observers to slow. Even an Observer that is moving at his maximum potential speed of 2.5 frustrated minutes per exhibit will be left in the dust by that average 10 seconds per exhibit of the stealth-like seers. In turn, an observer will be disgusted by the seer’s lack of interest in and appreciation for the individual animals. A Seer will find an Observer to be a know-it-all. An Observer will be resentful of being blatantly humored.
Seers will smack their lips together in an attempt to get an animals attention. Don’t do this! What are you thinking? “Oh, animal 2 million idiots a year subject you to this relentless noise. Now, I am doing it. Come show my friend how special I am. to be your chosen one.” Good grief, give me a break.
An observer will want to slap a smacking seer. The observer must restrain, for seers travel in packs. The observer is a zoological loner. A special person to understand and share quiet time with is hard enough to find in the outside world.
Learning to be more observant is a skill that can benefit mankind in nearly every aspect of his life. Sadly though, many will never even attempt to make the change. A natural avoidance of the unfamiliar will take place. For of the many who hear this essay, most will not have listened.
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Unfortunately, in this case ‘seer’ is not as the word implies. In fact, it is the exact opposite. Where most of us picture a seer as psychic or as someone with unique visionary knowledge and wisdom, the seers I am referring to are the tourist-like seers. They are a painfully dominant subspecies in our culture. Tourist-like seers go to the zoo “to see the animals.” And, they certainly do. They glance at each beast, getting no more out of it than if they had stayed at home and thumbed through the Big Picture Book of Animals their kids had been given for Christmas.
Too often these days we use our zoos and museums as a means of fulfilling social obligations. They are classic ways to entertain out of town visitors or to spend perceived quality time with friends and family. In the chaos of socialization, the beauty of the individual exhibit is lost. In order to appreciate both natural and man-made masterpieces, people need to slow down and take time to truly appreciate individual works. In short, they must observe not just see.
THE TRANSFORMATION
Many years ago the San Diego Zoological Society changed me from a seer of animals to an observer of animals. My transformation occurred when I started working as working in the society’s Behavioral Observer Program. My tasks were quite simple. I would watch a single animal for a whole shift, taking note on what my focal subject did. By the end of the first hour I knew I was guilty of years of improper zoo use. I was converted.
In my past life as a seer, I would set out to conquer a whole zoological park in a single day with other members of my species in tow. Sore feet and pricey souvenirs were frequently the end result of the journey. As a seer, I would look at the animals in their cages, read the large print part of some of the signs (name, habitat, diet, etc.), look again at the subject then hypnotically proceed to the next cage. All the while I was socializing with other people. Then this mundane process would repeat. I could cover smaller zoos in a single visit. Boy, did I get my moneys worth?
These days I enjoy acquainting myself with a few new exhibits and visiting friends from past trips. I rarely see more than a small portion of any zoological park in a single day; however, the experience takes over my soul. As an observer, I study each animal and enclosure design, take note and photos for future reference, then relax and watch my quarry. Through the development of familiarity, I take away from my visit a truer knowledge of, and a higher respect for, the animals I have been watching.
SHOE BILL ODYSSEY
For example, during my work, I came to know and appreciate watching the most bizarre of animals. At very first glance, this creature would cause Richard Simmons to become lethargic. The zoological society had asked me to take observation on the first Shoe Bill Stork released on an island at the San Diego Wild Animal Park.
For those of you unfamiliar with this species, let me just say this; Shoebills are large, dull gray, prehistoric looking birds that move somewhat slower than most dead stuff. My first days notes on a 9 am to 1 pm observation period read “11:08 walked three step to ponds edge”, “11:19 drank (duration 35 seconds)”, “12:01 turned away from water”. Try to impress the curator with that insightful piece.
Fortunately, by her third day on the island my target had loosened up (now moving nearly every hour) and I had settled down. The seers would pass us by. Each strained cerebrally trying to figure out why I was staring at the statue of the dinosaur bird.
“Are you sketching it?”
“What is the sculpture of?”
“What do you mean it’s real?”
“No it isn’t.”
“Is it?”
The occasional photographically inclined seer would stare through a telephoto at this photogenic statue. Occasionally, the laid back statue would turn to stare back. The startled seer would launch straight backward. The camera would launch straight forward. Then, the statue would refreeze and I would make my note for the hour discreetly giggling on the ground. Together we would await our next victim. As a seer I would probably still be unaware this species even existed. Thus, how could I appreciate it? I certainly would not ever have found a Shoe Bill amusing had I not given it due time.
NEW PERCEPTIONS
A word of warning here, while it is relatively easy to from reform a seer to an observer; it is impossible to reverse the procedure. You will never be able to suppress being more observant and return to the realm of the seers. This is like trying to stuff a full grown chicken back into its shell. Zoos as a social event will become a living hell!
Seers will find Observers to slow. Even an Observer that is moving at his maximum potential speed of 2.5 frustrated minutes per exhibit will be left in the dust by that average 10 seconds per exhibit of the stealth-like seers. In turn, an observer will be disgusted by the seer’s lack of interest in and appreciation for the individual animals. A Seer will find an Observer to be a know-it-all. An Observer will be resentful of being blatantly humored.
Seers will smack their lips together in an attempt to get an animals attention. Don’t do this! What are you thinking? “Oh, animal 2 million idiots a year subject you to this relentless noise. Now, I am doing it. Come show my friend how special I am. to be your chosen one.” Good grief, give me a break.
An observer will want to slap a smacking seer. The observer must restrain, for seers travel in packs. The observer is a zoological loner. A special person to understand and share quiet time with is hard enough to find in the outside world.
Learning to be more observant is a skill that can benefit mankind in nearly every aspect of his life. Sadly though, many will never even attempt to make the change. A natural avoidance of the unfamiliar will take place. For of the many who hear this essay, most will not have listened.
Read More..
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