Every American (okay, every human for that matter) owes it to him/herself to head to Arizona and visit the Grand Canyon at least once in their lifetimes. It's truly amazing to see how a little trickle of water eventually turned into the Colorado River, which eventually carved out the Grand Canyon.
You can approach your trip to the Grand Canyon in a couple different ways. One way is to stay within the park at one of the lodges on the South Rim and take time to experience all the different things the park has to offer. The other way is to stay in one of the surrounding Arizona towns and take a day trip to the Grand Canyon for a “hit and run” view of the Canyon. Both have their plusses.
The part of the Grand Canyon The South Rim is the part of the Grand Canyon most people are familiar with. It sits on the Arizona side and can be accessed all year round. The North Rim is closed from mid-October to mid-May, and is not as visited as the South Rim.
The benefit of staying within the park is the ability to take your time to view the magnificent Canyon from different viewing points, which you can access by walking the rim trail or taking a shuttle from point to point. For those of you staying for several days, a trip to the Northern Rim of the Grand Canyon would be a lovely addition, though the drive is about 4 - 5 hours long. For those not wanting to drive, there is a shuttle which provides rim to rim service from mid-May to Mid-October.
For those staying on the South Rim, there are numerous trails down the canyon, as well as a trail along the top of the Canyon called the “Rim Trail.” If you're staying in one of the lodges and are planning a day hike into the inner Canyon, just be aware that you probably cannot make it down and back in one day. As a matter of fact, each year around 250 people are rescued from the inner Canyon, the majority of whom are able-bodied young men between the ages of 18 to 40 who attempted to hike down and back in one ay. Don’t be one of them. A good day hike would be a couple hours down and then back up. The hike up will take longer than the hike down. Also, be sure to wear good hiking shoes as some trails can be very rocky.
Some people choose to hike down one day and either camp at the bottom or stay in the Phantom Ranch. Be aware, however, that you have to make arrangements well in advance of your trip if you choose to stay at the bottom. Campers require a backcountry permit, and Phantom Ranch is usually booked months ahead. Permits are sometimes available on that day, but why risk it? For reservations at the Phantom Ranch, you can call 888-297-2757.
Some people prefer to stay outside the park and visit the Canyon for a few hours and move on. There are numerous areas in Northern Arizona where one can stay and take a side trip to the Grand Canyon, such as Sedona and Flagstaff. While such locations are still lengthy drives (an hour from Flagstaff, two from Sedona), it's still close enough for a day trip. Both Sedona and Flagstaff are lovely places to stay, with Sedona being the most 'touristy" of the two towns. Flagstaff, to me, is the quirkier of the two, perhaps because it is a "university town," home to Northern Arizona University.
Sedona and Flagstaff are also visually different. Flagstaff is surrounded by a pine forest, while Sedona is in "red rock" country. Sedona abounds with numerous high-end resorts, galleries and expensive eateries. Flagstaff is cheaper all-around, with inexpensive lodging and restaurants. Both are close enough for a day trip to the Grand Canyon.
Of course, you can always opt for an even quicker bus tour, hopping from one tourist stop to the next. But, why not take a cue from that little trickle of water which started it all? Take your time and enjoy the view.
Going to Thailand in December?
December 5th is His Royal Highness, the King of Thailand's birthday. His majesty will celebrate his 80th birthday in Royal Fashion. The people of Thailand have been asked to wear yellow shirts from December 1st through December 5th in honor of the King.
For the past year, Thais have worn yellow shirts every Monday to show respect to King Bhumibol Adulyadej. This started shortly after the 60th anniversary celebration of the King's ascension to the throne last year.
There already have been some events to honor the King - but more are scheduled.
All the way from Russia is the Mariinsky Theatre performing for the Royal Family. On December 6th and 8th, there will be public performances - sell-outs for sure. And on December 7th, there will be a private show for the Royal Family.
And it isn't a Royal Birthday without a Royal Parade -
On December 5, a procession with holy water will start from Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimol-mangklararm Rajwaramahavi-harn to the Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall, where His Majesty will grant a public audience at 10.30am. From 6pm to 6.30pm, His Majesty will travel from the Amarin Winitchai Throne Hall to the Chitralada Royal Villa where well-wishers will light candles to honor him. The event will be televised.
Elections for new Prime Minister will be held on December 23rd. There may be some skirmishes in the streets of Bangkok – so be advised to avoid government buildings as much as possible. The government has also declared December 24th as an official holiday. The reason for this is the Thais have to return to their home town to vote and this is to encourage more voters giving them time to get home and back.
Christmas and New Years will also be celebrated in most of the tourist venues. Decorations, presents and fireworks to ring in the New Year. A word of caution – last year a handful of small bombs were set off on New Years eve (as I was packing to return home) – so be aware of your surroundings.
Lastly – rumor has it that Santa Claus will be at the Emporium on Sukhumvit and Soi 26. Alas, the reindeers couldn’t make it – visas expired.
For the past year, Thais have worn yellow shirts every Monday to show respect to King Bhumibol Adulyadej. This started shortly after the 60th anniversary celebration of the King's ascension to the throne last year.
There already have been some events to honor the King - but more are scheduled.
All the way from Russia is the Mariinsky Theatre performing for the Royal Family. On December 6th and 8th, there will be public performances - sell-outs for sure. And on December 7th, there will be a private show for the Royal Family.
And it isn't a Royal Birthday without a Royal Parade -
On December 5, a procession with holy water will start from Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimol-mangklararm Rajwaramahavi-harn to the Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall, where His Majesty will grant a public audience at 10.30am. From 6pm to 6.30pm, His Majesty will travel from the Amarin Winitchai Throne Hall to the Chitralada Royal Villa where well-wishers will light candles to honor him. The event will be televised.
Elections for new Prime Minister will be held on December 23rd. There may be some skirmishes in the streets of Bangkok – so be advised to avoid government buildings as much as possible. The government has also declared December 24th as an official holiday. The reason for this is the Thais have to return to their home town to vote and this is to encourage more voters giving them time to get home and back.
Christmas and New Years will also be celebrated in most of the tourist venues. Decorations, presents and fireworks to ring in the New Year. A word of caution – last year a handful of small bombs were set off on New Years eve (as I was packing to return home) – so be aware of your surroundings.
Lastly – rumor has it that Santa Claus will be at the Emporium on Sukhumvit and Soi 26. Alas, the reindeers couldn’t make it – visas expired.
Get masked for your special Venice Carnival
For those of you who don’t know what to expect from it, be ready for the unexpected. Hopefully you will be enchanted by a foggy day, where people with long cloaks and masks mysteriously appear and disappear on the ancient Venetian alleys (calli), or maybe you will be lucky enough to experience Venice under a blanket of snow as it is today.
One of the first things for you to do once in town, is to get a costume and a mask. There are various Venetian costume-shops where you can choose from dozens of rental costumes. Not only to show off in St. Mark’s square but even in local private parties. For a XVIII century Venetian dress be ready to spend around 150-200 euros for the first day and around 50-70 euros for the next one.
But if you are on a budget or interested in something still typical but more intriguing, this is what we suggest. Find yourself a white or gold ‘bauta’ (plain typical Venetian mask which should cost between 10-17 euros) a pair of black or white gloves and a long black cloak. Put some white make up on your face, a beauty-spot on your cheek, red lipstick (even for men) and you are done!! You will certainly be asked to pose for tourists pics. Also, do not wait for a party to get masked. On those days you are allowed to mask yourself everywhere everyday. At least this was in the past. You can then take your mask home with you as a souvenir or a gift from your Venetian trip!
Where to find your Carnival mask? There are many street vendors where you can buy anything from mass-produced paper to handcrafted papier-mโch้ and leather masks by skilled artisans. But for a quality mask or simply for curiosity, you should visit one of the workshops where masks are made on the premises. Here a couple of the most famous in Venice.
Mondonovo (Rio Terrเ Canal, Dorsoduro 3063 near Campo Santa Margherita: take vaporetto line N.1 and stop at Ca' Rezzonico; phone +39 041287 344).
Laboratorio Artigiano Maschere (Barbaria delle Tole, Castello 6657 near the SS Giovanni e Paolo church: stop at the Ospedale vaporetto station; phone: +39 041522 3110
See also these websites where you can buy or compare prices: tragicomica.it, morgana.ve.it, bluemoonmask.com, veniceatelier.com
Also be prepared to spend quite a lot in Venice for an accommodation during Carnival period. Hotels are usually fully booked since the previous year because of course.. any tourist would love to be there in that period. For budget accommodation in Venice consider hostels as Ai Musici hostel, ai Mori Hostel or il Veliero Romantico youth hostel very close to the Train Station. Apartments are also a good solution. Some of them are listed in Flashbooking.com where some part for 5 people cost around 160 euros. Or you can find some alternative solutions at the Lonely Planet website.
Alternative solutions still interesting could be in Mestre and the Riviera del Brenta where also many events ( theatres, concerts, parties in Villas) are regularly held for Carnival.
One of the first things for you to do once in town, is to get a costume and a mask. There are various Venetian costume-shops where you can choose from dozens of rental costumes. Not only to show off in St. Mark’s square but even in local private parties. For a XVIII century Venetian dress be ready to spend around 150-200 euros for the first day and around 50-70 euros for the next one.
But if you are on a budget or interested in something still typical but more intriguing, this is what we suggest. Find yourself a white or gold ‘bauta’ (plain typical Venetian mask which should cost between 10-17 euros) a pair of black or white gloves and a long black cloak. Put some white make up on your face, a beauty-spot on your cheek, red lipstick (even for men) and you are done!! You will certainly be asked to pose for tourists pics. Also, do not wait for a party to get masked. On those days you are allowed to mask yourself everywhere everyday. At least this was in the past. You can then take your mask home with you as a souvenir or a gift from your Venetian trip!
Where to find your Carnival mask? There are many street vendors where you can buy anything from mass-produced paper to handcrafted papier-mโch้ and leather masks by skilled artisans. But for a quality mask or simply for curiosity, you should visit one of the workshops where masks are made on the premises. Here a couple of the most famous in Venice.
Mondonovo (Rio Terrเ Canal, Dorsoduro 3063 near Campo Santa Margherita: take vaporetto line N.1 and stop at Ca' Rezzonico; phone +39 041287 344).
Laboratorio Artigiano Maschere (Barbaria delle Tole, Castello 6657 near the SS Giovanni e Paolo church: stop at the Ospedale vaporetto station; phone: +39 041522 3110
See also these websites where you can buy or compare prices: tragicomica.it, morgana.ve.it, bluemoonmask.com, veniceatelier.com
Also be prepared to spend quite a lot in Venice for an accommodation during Carnival period. Hotels are usually fully booked since the previous year because of course.. any tourist would love to be there in that period. For budget accommodation in Venice consider hostels as Ai Musici hostel, ai Mori Hostel or il Veliero Romantico youth hostel very close to the Train Station. Apartments are also a good solution. Some of them are listed in Flashbooking.com where some part for 5 people cost around 160 euros. Or you can find some alternative solutions at the Lonely Planet website.
Alternative solutions still interesting could be in Mestre and the Riviera del Brenta where also many events ( theatres, concerts, parties in Villas) are regularly held for Carnival.
Genk Tourist Information
General summary of city:
Genk, a city in Belgium, is part of the Limburg province. Other cities contained within the province of Limburg include Hasselt: As, Beringen, Diepenbeek, Gingelom, Halen, Ham, Hasselt, Herk-de-Stad, Heusden-Zolder, Leopoldsburg, Lummen, Nieuwerkerken, Opglabbeek, Sint-Truiden, Tessenderlo, Zonhoven, and Zutendaal. In terms of locality, Genk is situated nearest to Hasselt in the province of Limburg.
The city of Genk has a population of over 63,000 people. The city of Genk is believed to have some history rooted in the Celtic peoples, and that the once small village of Genk was later, during the tenth century, converted to Christianity. Due to the fact that Genk had such small beginnings and it was not officially deemed a city until the year 2000, the city itself was not really recognized until the early 1900’s, thanks to Andre Dumont. Andre Dumont discovered a good quantity of coal in the Limburg region of Belgium, and it wasn’t long before coal miners discovered that Genk had plenty of coal to be had. The city soon grew with the mass movement of immigrants and when the drive for coal finally settled down in the late 1960’s, Genk merely adapted its industrial pursuits to more suitable industries: successful industries that focused on car manufacturing. The primary car manufacturing company in present day Genk is the Ford Motor company.
Places of Interest:
The Bokrijk in Genk nearby the Hasselt territory attracts many tourists every year. The Bokrijk is essentially an open-air museum, offering travelers the opportunity to enjoy nineteenth century architectural design. Within the museum tourists can see reconstructions of the Flemish buildings that once existed in Flanders. A number of enjoyable activities are offered at the Bokrijk, as well as re-enactments for viewing. Due to the fact that the Bokrijk is a large, open-aired museum, the location is filled with scenic gardens, wooded areas, grass lands and small bodies of water. Children are most welcome at the Bokrijk and a playground is readily available to children. The museum is open to tourists from the end of March until late September, every day, from 10 am to 6 pm. The cost of admission is 10 Euros for adults, 8.50 Euros for seniors, 5 Euros for children between the ages of 6 to 12.
Tourists also like to visit the Green City in Genk, the home of De Maten, a beautiful nature reserve. There are 35 ponds in the De Maten, and different species of fish are purposefully bred within the ponds, in an effort to promote aquatic life. Water birds have adapted to the area in De Maten and plants, including cotton grass, sundew, and roth grow in the area. Finally, the De Maten is home to a variety of different dragon flies and tree frogs. The De Maten is closed to tourists when it comes time for breeding.
Things to do:
Every year in Genk, tourists are welcomed at the Motives Festival, a music festival focusing on the genre of jazz. The Motives Festival is revered for its line up of fantastic jazz musicians and past performers have included Joshua Redman, Leafcutter John, and Esbj๖rn Svensson Trio, just to name a few of many.
Within the heart of Genk, travelers can enjoy an entire day of shopping at any one of the three shopping locales. The shopping centres are referred to as Centres 1, 2, and 3 respectively, and travelers can purchase souvenirs, hardwares, housewares, groceries, books, and the like. After a fine day of shopping in the city’s centre, travelers can then rest and dine and any number of accessible cafes.
In Molenvijvers Park in Genk, tourists are always amazed by the Sundial displays. There are a total of 12, unique sundials within Molenvijvers Park; one in particular looks like an ancient book! Truly, the Molenvijvers Park is an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind experience.
Alternatively, within the Kattevennen, the Europlanetarum offers families an opportunity to explore the science of astronomy. Travellers have the opportunity to view unique displays about space, stars, planets and the like. Travellers can also enjoy a fine laser show, and view movies on a 360 degree dome ceiling—much like looking out into space.
Food & Drink:
There certainly is no shortage of delicious food and drink in Genk. At, El Greco, a Greek Restaurant, at Hoevenzavellaan 68A, tourists can sample vegetarian dishes and there is a special kid’s menu. Tourists can even order take out if they desire; public parking is available and the location is handicapped accessible. A full bar and an amazing wine list are available for those who are looking the quench their thirst. The El Greco Restaurant’s hours of operation are Wednesday through Sunday, from 5:30 pm to 10:30 pm, and Sunday from noon to 2:30pm. On Monday and Tuesday the restaurant is closed.
The Ganghista located at Stationsstraat 1 in Genk offers both Dutch and Belgian cuisine to the hungry traveller looking to sample some of Belgium’s fantastic foods. Past guests frequently recommend the seafood delights offered at the Ganghista. The Ganghista primarily serves dinner dishes and accepts a variety of different payments. Alternatively, for those who may be craving French cuisine, the Troje at Centrumlaan 36-38 in Genk offers a variety of French dishes, as well as a children’s menu. The Troje has street parking, serves both lunch and dinner, and is open daily from noon to 2:30 pm and 6 pm to 10 pm.
Hotels & Accommodation:
Hotel Europa
Best Western Hotel Atlantis
Hampshire Inn - ECU Genk
Arte Hotel
NH Genk Hotel
Entertainment:
Whether exploring one of many Genk’s recreational locations, or viewing historic monuments in Genk, there is always something to do in this fine city. Filled with opportunities to shop, dine, and explore the countryside, Genk is an excellent destination for tourists. Individuals and families can stroll through the gorgeous parks in Genk, or walk the streets in Genk’s city centre. Further, because Genk is situated in central Limburg, it gives the traveller easy access to fantastic recreational pursuits in the cities surrounding Genk. For instance, Hasselt borders Genk and travelers, once they have completed their exploration of Genk, can visit Hasselt and view some of the city’s popular attractions. In Hasselt, tourists will find a number of favourite attractions including one of the largest outdoor skate parks in Belgium; the abbey of Herckenrode in Kuringen; myriad historical buildings and museums; a Japanese garden; Hasselt’s Kapermolenpark; the Kiewit the Sint-Quintinus Cathedral; and the Virga-Jesse Basilica, among numerous other attractions. Finally, tourists can also take advantage of the recreational offerings, dining facilities, nightlife activities and cultural destinations situated in nearby Hasselt.
Genk, a city in Belgium, is part of the Limburg province. Other cities contained within the province of Limburg include Hasselt: As, Beringen, Diepenbeek, Gingelom, Halen, Ham, Hasselt, Herk-de-Stad, Heusden-Zolder, Leopoldsburg, Lummen, Nieuwerkerken, Opglabbeek, Sint-Truiden, Tessenderlo, Zonhoven, and Zutendaal. In terms of locality, Genk is situated nearest to Hasselt in the province of Limburg.
The city of Genk has a population of over 63,000 people. The city of Genk is believed to have some history rooted in the Celtic peoples, and that the once small village of Genk was later, during the tenth century, converted to Christianity. Due to the fact that Genk had such small beginnings and it was not officially deemed a city until the year 2000, the city itself was not really recognized until the early 1900’s, thanks to Andre Dumont. Andre Dumont discovered a good quantity of coal in the Limburg region of Belgium, and it wasn’t long before coal miners discovered that Genk had plenty of coal to be had. The city soon grew with the mass movement of immigrants and when the drive for coal finally settled down in the late 1960’s, Genk merely adapted its industrial pursuits to more suitable industries: successful industries that focused on car manufacturing. The primary car manufacturing company in present day Genk is the Ford Motor company.
Places of Interest:
The Bokrijk in Genk nearby the Hasselt territory attracts many tourists every year. The Bokrijk is essentially an open-air museum, offering travelers the opportunity to enjoy nineteenth century architectural design. Within the museum tourists can see reconstructions of the Flemish buildings that once existed in Flanders. A number of enjoyable activities are offered at the Bokrijk, as well as re-enactments for viewing. Due to the fact that the Bokrijk is a large, open-aired museum, the location is filled with scenic gardens, wooded areas, grass lands and small bodies of water. Children are most welcome at the Bokrijk and a playground is readily available to children. The museum is open to tourists from the end of March until late September, every day, from 10 am to 6 pm. The cost of admission is 10 Euros for adults, 8.50 Euros for seniors, 5 Euros for children between the ages of 6 to 12.
Tourists also like to visit the Green City in Genk, the home of De Maten, a beautiful nature reserve. There are 35 ponds in the De Maten, and different species of fish are purposefully bred within the ponds, in an effort to promote aquatic life. Water birds have adapted to the area in De Maten and plants, including cotton grass, sundew, and roth grow in the area. Finally, the De Maten is home to a variety of different dragon flies and tree frogs. The De Maten is closed to tourists when it comes time for breeding.
Things to do:
Every year in Genk, tourists are welcomed at the Motives Festival, a music festival focusing on the genre of jazz. The Motives Festival is revered for its line up of fantastic jazz musicians and past performers have included Joshua Redman, Leafcutter John, and Esbj๖rn Svensson Trio, just to name a few of many.
Within the heart of Genk, travelers can enjoy an entire day of shopping at any one of the three shopping locales. The shopping centres are referred to as Centres 1, 2, and 3 respectively, and travelers can purchase souvenirs, hardwares, housewares, groceries, books, and the like. After a fine day of shopping in the city’s centre, travelers can then rest and dine and any number of accessible cafes.
In Molenvijvers Park in Genk, tourists are always amazed by the Sundial displays. There are a total of 12, unique sundials within Molenvijvers Park; one in particular looks like an ancient book! Truly, the Molenvijvers Park is an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind experience.
Alternatively, within the Kattevennen, the Europlanetarum offers families an opportunity to explore the science of astronomy. Travellers have the opportunity to view unique displays about space, stars, planets and the like. Travellers can also enjoy a fine laser show, and view movies on a 360 degree dome ceiling—much like looking out into space.
Food & Drink:
There certainly is no shortage of delicious food and drink in Genk. At, El Greco, a Greek Restaurant, at Hoevenzavellaan 68A, tourists can sample vegetarian dishes and there is a special kid’s menu. Tourists can even order take out if they desire; public parking is available and the location is handicapped accessible. A full bar and an amazing wine list are available for those who are looking the quench their thirst. The El Greco Restaurant’s hours of operation are Wednesday through Sunday, from 5:30 pm to 10:30 pm, and Sunday from noon to 2:30pm. On Monday and Tuesday the restaurant is closed.
The Ganghista located at Stationsstraat 1 in Genk offers both Dutch and Belgian cuisine to the hungry traveller looking to sample some of Belgium’s fantastic foods. Past guests frequently recommend the seafood delights offered at the Ganghista. The Ganghista primarily serves dinner dishes and accepts a variety of different payments. Alternatively, for those who may be craving French cuisine, the Troje at Centrumlaan 36-38 in Genk offers a variety of French dishes, as well as a children’s menu. The Troje has street parking, serves both lunch and dinner, and is open daily from noon to 2:30 pm and 6 pm to 10 pm.
Hotels & Accommodation:
Hotel Europa
Best Western Hotel Atlantis
Hampshire Inn - ECU Genk
Arte Hotel
NH Genk Hotel
Entertainment:
Whether exploring one of many Genk’s recreational locations, or viewing historic monuments in Genk, there is always something to do in this fine city. Filled with opportunities to shop, dine, and explore the countryside, Genk is an excellent destination for tourists. Individuals and families can stroll through the gorgeous parks in Genk, or walk the streets in Genk’s city centre. Further, because Genk is situated in central Limburg, it gives the traveller easy access to fantastic recreational pursuits in the cities surrounding Genk. For instance, Hasselt borders Genk and travelers, once they have completed their exploration of Genk, can visit Hasselt and view some of the city’s popular attractions. In Hasselt, tourists will find a number of favourite attractions including one of the largest outdoor skate parks in Belgium; the abbey of Herckenrode in Kuringen; myriad historical buildings and museums; a Japanese garden; Hasselt’s Kapermolenpark; the Kiewit the Sint-Quintinus Cathedral; and the Virga-Jesse Basilica, among numerous other attractions. Finally, tourists can also take advantage of the recreational offerings, dining facilities, nightlife activities and cultural destinations situated in nearby Hasselt.
Finding A Nice San Francisco Hotel
Getting a San Francisco Hotel is different than in most places because location matters a great deal. San Francisco has almost always been known as a romantic city. The city lights, a large bay, a couple of bridges, some great history and Victorian row houses all are a part of the San Francisco landscape. It also what makes this city offer a unique experience for families, couples and even singles.
When visiting San Francisco the first thing to consider when selecting a hotel is the proximity to public transportation. Traffic in this city by the bay is horrendous and the street layout is extremely difficult to maneuver. As with many older cities, San Francisco grew up over decades before there were automobiles. So the streets and roadways were no designed to accommodate the car but horses and foot traffic. Also like many larger cities, the government in SF also decided to make many interior streets 1 way! Combine the traffic, street size and unfamiliarity together is a recipe for a very stressful time.
The good news is that there are many alternatives in the greater San Francisco Bay area region. The city has a good bus system, taxis, Bay ARea Rapid Transit or BART and of course the quaint cable cars. Find a nice hotel or suite in SF close to public transportation and simply enjoy the town and all it has to offer.
From the vantage point of a city bus or cable car, enjoy the sights and sounds of this unique city. Visit the old area of Haight Ashbury where some say the hippie movement of the 1960's was born. If you're into rock and roll history, locate 710 Ashbury Street, where the Grateful Dead Band lived at one time. There's also the Golden Gate Bridge, tours to Alcatraz, Golden Gate Park, Chinatown, Coit Tower atop Telegraph hill and many other attractions.
By far, one of the most popular attractions has to be Fisherman's Wharf. Here, California sea lions have taken over some of the most expensive boat harbor real estate in the country. Fisherman's Wharf is much more than a launching place for the small fishing boats. There's also Pier39, an outdoor mall experience built on an old commercial pier. For lunch, consider going down the street just across from the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum and pick up some fresh sourdough bread. Continue down a little more and there's Alioto's, a favorite fish and seafood place. Pick up some Dungeness crab or shrimp cocktail to enjoy with the fresh bread and have lunch right by the bay. An inexpensive lunch with scenery that can't be beat.
The key to enjoying San Francisco is based more on the proximity to the public transportation that any specific San Francisco hotel room. Shop for the best deal on a room and give yourself a stress free vacation by leaving the driving to someone else.
When visiting San Francisco the first thing to consider when selecting a hotel is the proximity to public transportation. Traffic in this city by the bay is horrendous and the street layout is extremely difficult to maneuver. As with many older cities, San Francisco grew up over decades before there were automobiles. So the streets and roadways were no designed to accommodate the car but horses and foot traffic. Also like many larger cities, the government in SF also decided to make many interior streets 1 way! Combine the traffic, street size and unfamiliarity together is a recipe for a very stressful time.
The good news is that there are many alternatives in the greater San Francisco Bay area region. The city has a good bus system, taxis, Bay ARea Rapid Transit or BART and of course the quaint cable cars. Find a nice hotel or suite in SF close to public transportation and simply enjoy the town and all it has to offer.
From the vantage point of a city bus or cable car, enjoy the sights and sounds of this unique city. Visit the old area of Haight Ashbury where some say the hippie movement of the 1960's was born. If you're into rock and roll history, locate 710 Ashbury Street, where the Grateful Dead Band lived at one time. There's also the Golden Gate Bridge, tours to Alcatraz, Golden Gate Park, Chinatown, Coit Tower atop Telegraph hill and many other attractions.
By far, one of the most popular attractions has to be Fisherman's Wharf. Here, California sea lions have taken over some of the most expensive boat harbor real estate in the country. Fisherman's Wharf is much more than a launching place for the small fishing boats. There's also Pier39, an outdoor mall experience built on an old commercial pier. For lunch, consider going down the street just across from the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum and pick up some fresh sourdough bread. Continue down a little more and there's Alioto's, a favorite fish and seafood place. Pick up some Dungeness crab or shrimp cocktail to enjoy with the fresh bread and have lunch right by the bay. An inexpensive lunch with scenery that can't be beat.
The key to enjoying San Francisco is based more on the proximity to the public transportation that any specific San Francisco hotel room. Shop for the best deal on a room and give yourself a stress free vacation by leaving the driving to someone else.
Electric Scooters - pollution free travel
Electric scooters are a surprisingly effective means of getting from A to B. Cheaper than a car or a motorbike, easier than a bicycle or roller-blades, they fill a need and they fill it well.
Essentially, scooters are mini-motorcycles with smaller engines. Historically, they have been petrol-powered, but the new generation of electric scooters has brought many advantages. Electric scooters are much less noisy than any other kind of motorcycle, and they require no fuel apart from being plugged in to the mains electricity. They don’t pollute, and generally need far less maintenance.
Of course, the real reason that many people ride electric scooters is that they are cheap, and you often don’t need a driving license to use one. These are such big upsides that people feel able to ignore the low speeds and distances that scooters can manage, seeing the scooter as a superior form of bicycle instead of an inferior form of motorbike. They are especially popular in Asia, where people have long travelled by bike in much greater numbers than in the rest of the world.
Scooters are often considered to be safer than motorbikes, as they don’t go as fast and don’t have so many moving parts exposed, and your feet can be safely tucked inside the bike. While they used to be considered quite dorky for this reason, modern scooters are often more than a match for motorbikes in terms of design and style. Still, scooter riders can feel unusual and excluded, and for this reason there are many scooter clubs around for scooter owners to join and meet each other. These clubs often hold events like races and cross-country rides, and are generally much more active than you would expect. While many will have retro or classic scooters, you will be more than welcome with a modern one, so why not go along?
Essentially, scooters are mini-motorcycles with smaller engines. Historically, they have been petrol-powered, but the new generation of electric scooters has brought many advantages. Electric scooters are much less noisy than any other kind of motorcycle, and they require no fuel apart from being plugged in to the mains electricity. They don’t pollute, and generally need far less maintenance.
Of course, the real reason that many people ride electric scooters is that they are cheap, and you often don’t need a driving license to use one. These are such big upsides that people feel able to ignore the low speeds and distances that scooters can manage, seeing the scooter as a superior form of bicycle instead of an inferior form of motorbike. They are especially popular in Asia, where people have long travelled by bike in much greater numbers than in the rest of the world.
Scooters are often considered to be safer than motorbikes, as they don’t go as fast and don’t have so many moving parts exposed, and your feet can be safely tucked inside the bike. While they used to be considered quite dorky for this reason, modern scooters are often more than a match for motorbikes in terms of design and style. Still, scooter riders can feel unusual and excluded, and for this reason there are many scooter clubs around for scooter owners to join and meet each other. These clubs often hold events like races and cross-country rides, and are generally much more active than you would expect. While many will have retro or classic scooters, you will be more than welcome with a modern one, so why not go along?
Driving in Germany
I will start off with some ‘common sense’ information like your drivers license. Of course if you are not a German citizen your drivers license probably does not authorize you to drive in Germany. You will need to contact your local license branch (BMV) and find out the steps you need to take to receive an international drivers license. I have not personally done this because I have a European military drivers license but from what I have heard it is not too hard to do or terribly costly.
Next of course is having a car to drive when you arrive in Germany. This is pretty obvious. Coordinate with any INTERNATIONAL car rental service and they can have a car ready and waiting for you at your arrival city. Another option is to rent the car in Germany, which is a pretty easy process as well. Most service representatives speak English and will be happy to help you out.
Now you will need to know the ‘meat and potatoes’ of driving in Germany, the traffic laws. If you are an American, or have driven in the U.S., you will find that driving in Germany is not much different. Without telling you every single travel law written in Germany, I will try to shed some light on some of the major differences:
Traffic lights: When pulling up to a traffic light you will notice that unlike the U.S. traffic lights which go from green to yellow to red and then directly back to green, German traffic lights will go from red to yellow and then green. This is nothing to worry about. I guess they just want to make sure you have it in gear and your ready to take off. The second thing, but extremely more important, is the ‘right on red’ rule we have in the U.S. This rule DOES NOT EXIST in Germany. If you try to make a right turn when the traffic light is red you may find yourself in a lot of pain and in a major lawsuit.
Autobahn: If you are thinking that the autobahn is the paradise for people with a lead foot you may end up with a speeding ticket. Although there are some stretches of the autobahn that have no speed limit there is a recommended speed limit of 120 kilometers per hour that you should obey. Granted, most do exceed this speed recommendation but now you know you CAN be ticketed.
Accidents: If you are the first on the seen of an accident in which someone has been injured you are required by law to provide assistance. Whether you simply stop and call an ambulance (112) not (911), or you provide medical aid, you must do something to help the casualty.
Where is Ausfhart Germany? No Ausfhart is not a city that seems to pop up everywhere you go. Ausfhart is the German word for exit.
Next of course is having a car to drive when you arrive in Germany. This is pretty obvious. Coordinate with any INTERNATIONAL car rental service and they can have a car ready and waiting for you at your arrival city. Another option is to rent the car in Germany, which is a pretty easy process as well. Most service representatives speak English and will be happy to help you out.
Now you will need to know the ‘meat and potatoes’ of driving in Germany, the traffic laws. If you are an American, or have driven in the U.S., you will find that driving in Germany is not much different. Without telling you every single travel law written in Germany, I will try to shed some light on some of the major differences:
Traffic lights: When pulling up to a traffic light you will notice that unlike the U.S. traffic lights which go from green to yellow to red and then directly back to green, German traffic lights will go from red to yellow and then green. This is nothing to worry about. I guess they just want to make sure you have it in gear and your ready to take off. The second thing, but extremely more important, is the ‘right on red’ rule we have in the U.S. This rule DOES NOT EXIST in Germany. If you try to make a right turn when the traffic light is red you may find yourself in a lot of pain and in a major lawsuit.
Autobahn: If you are thinking that the autobahn is the paradise for people with a lead foot you may end up with a speeding ticket. Although there are some stretches of the autobahn that have no speed limit there is a recommended speed limit of 120 kilometers per hour that you should obey. Granted, most do exceed this speed recommendation but now you know you CAN be ticketed.
Accidents: If you are the first on the seen of an accident in which someone has been injured you are required by law to provide assistance. Whether you simply stop and call an ambulance (112) not (911), or you provide medical aid, you must do something to help the casualty.
Where is Ausfhart Germany? No Ausfhart is not a city that seems to pop up everywhere you go. Ausfhart is the German word for exit.
Do You Want Free Airline Upgrades And Free Flights?
Frequent Flyer programs allow you to earn free trips, upgrades (e.g., from Coach to First Class) or other awards based on how often you fly on that airline. In some programs you can earn credit by using specified hotels, rental car companies, credit cards, etc. It doesn't cost anything to join a program, and you can enroll in the programs of any number of different airlines.
However, it may not be to your advantage to "put all your eggs in one basket" with one plan by accumulating a high mileage balance only to find out later that another carrier's program suits your needs better. Here are some things to look at when selecting a frequent-flyer program.
* Does the airline fly where you're likely to want to go?
* Are there tie-ins with other carriers, especially those with international routes? Is some of the airline's service provided by commuter-carrier "partners"? In both cases, can you earn credits and use awards on those other airlines?
* How many miles (or trips) are required for particular awards?
* Is there a minimum award per flight (e.g., you are only flying 200 miles but the airline always awards at least 500)?
* Is there a deadline for using accumulated miles?
* Carefully examine the number and length of any "blackout periods" during which awards cannot be used. On some carriers, the Thanksgiving blackout may last a week.
* If you are planning a big trip and are thinking about joining that airline's frequent-flyer program, enroll before you travel. Airlines usually won't credit mileage that was flown before you became a member.
After you join a program, there are other things that you should know:
* Airlines reserve the right to make changes to their programs, sometimes on short notice. The number of miles required for particular awards might be raised, requiring you to use your old mileage (i.e., your current balance) under the more restrictive new rules. The airline may cease service on a route that you were particularly interested in-or it may drop the city you live in! The carrier may eliminate attractive frequent-flyer tie-ins with particular airlines or hotel chains.
* Cashing in your mileage frequently will limit your losses in case the carrier changes the rules, merges, or goes out of business. (Some private companies sell insurance covering some of these eventualities.) Accumulating a larger mileage balance will entitle you to bigger awards, however.
* Carriers often limit the number of seats on each flight for which frequent-flyer awards can be used. You may not be able to get reservations on your first- or second-choice dates or flights.
* Awards can often be issued in the name of immediate family members. However, if you sell or give an award to someone not named on the award or the travel document and the airline finds out, the recipient could have his or her ticket confiscated, and the carrier may penalize the program member's account balance.
* Ask the airline how mileage is registered; you will probably have to identify yourself as a program member when you book your flight or when you check in.
* Keep your boarding passes and the passenger coupon of your ticket until you receive a statement from the frequent-flyer program reflecting the correct mileage earnings for that trip. If a problem arises, get the names of the people you speak with and keep notes of your conversations.
However, it may not be to your advantage to "put all your eggs in one basket" with one plan by accumulating a high mileage balance only to find out later that another carrier's program suits your needs better. Here are some things to look at when selecting a frequent-flyer program.
* Does the airline fly where you're likely to want to go?
* Are there tie-ins with other carriers, especially those with international routes? Is some of the airline's service provided by commuter-carrier "partners"? In both cases, can you earn credits and use awards on those other airlines?
* How many miles (or trips) are required for particular awards?
* Is there a minimum award per flight (e.g., you are only flying 200 miles but the airline always awards at least 500)?
* Is there a deadline for using accumulated miles?
* Carefully examine the number and length of any "blackout periods" during which awards cannot be used. On some carriers, the Thanksgiving blackout may last a week.
* If you are planning a big trip and are thinking about joining that airline's frequent-flyer program, enroll before you travel. Airlines usually won't credit mileage that was flown before you became a member.
After you join a program, there are other things that you should know:
* Airlines reserve the right to make changes to their programs, sometimes on short notice. The number of miles required for particular awards might be raised, requiring you to use your old mileage (i.e., your current balance) under the more restrictive new rules. The airline may cease service on a route that you were particularly interested in-or it may drop the city you live in! The carrier may eliminate attractive frequent-flyer tie-ins with particular airlines or hotel chains.
* Cashing in your mileage frequently will limit your losses in case the carrier changes the rules, merges, or goes out of business. (Some private companies sell insurance covering some of these eventualities.) Accumulating a larger mileage balance will entitle you to bigger awards, however.
* Carriers often limit the number of seats on each flight for which frequent-flyer awards can be used. You may not be able to get reservations on your first- or second-choice dates or flights.
* Awards can often be issued in the name of immediate family members. However, if you sell or give an award to someone not named on the award or the travel document and the airline finds out, the recipient could have his or her ticket confiscated, and the carrier may penalize the program member's account balance.
* Ask the airline how mileage is registered; you will probably have to identify yourself as a program member when you book your flight or when you check in.
* Keep your boarding passes and the passenger coupon of your ticket until you receive a statement from the frequent-flyer program reflecting the correct mileage earnings for that trip. If a problem arises, get the names of the people you speak with and keep notes of your conversations.
Defensive Flying: Tips You Can Use
When selecting a flight, remember that a departure early in the day is less likely to be delayed than a later flight, due to "ripple" effects throughout the day. If you book the last flight of the day, you could get stuck overnight.
If you have a choice between two connections and the fares and service are equivalent, choose the one with the less-congested connecting airport. This reduces the risk of misconnecting. Also consider potential adverse weather when choosing a connecting city.
Consider paying by credit card, which provides certain protections under Federal credit regulations. For example, in all recent airline bankruptcies passengers who had charged their fare and were not provided service were able to have their credit card company credit their account for the amount of the fare.
If possible, pick up your ticket from a travel agency or from one of the airline’s airport or city ticket offices. Airline procedures for replacing a ticket that you claim was lost in the mail can be inconvenient. Safeguard your ticket after you receive it; it is an accountable document and has value, much like cash. Keep a separate record of the ticket number.
Bring a photo I.D. when you fly. For security reasons, most airlines are requiring such identification at check-in. Also, airlines don’t permit tickets to be sold or given to other persons. Make sure your name on the ticket is exactly the same as it appears on the I.D.
As soon as you receive your ticket, check to make sure all of the information on it is correct, including your name. Have any necessary corrections made immediately.
Keep checking your fare after you buy your ticket. Fares change all the time and if that same fare goes down before you fly, the airline will often refund the difference. But you have to ask.
Call a day or two before your flight to reconfirm your reservation. Flight schedules sometimes change, and while airlines usually call to notify you if this happens, it’s wise to double-check.
Check in early. Airlines rescind specific advance seat assignments 30 minutes before scheduled departure, even if you already have your boarding pass. You can lose your entire reservation if you haven't checked in 10 minutes before scheduled departure time on a domestic flight (longer on international flights). Allow time for traffic and parking problems. If a flight is oversold, the last passengers to check in are the first to be bumped, even if they have met the 10-minute deadline.
Check your ticket immediately after checking in for each flight on your trip. Airline agents accidentally lift two coupons instead of one on occasion.
If you are "bumped" because your flight is overbooked, read the Overbooking Notice in your ticket, and then ask for a copy of the rules mentioned in that notice. This information applies to over sales, where your flight operates and leaves you behind; it does not apply to canceled or delayed flights.
Before agreeing to accept a travel voucher as compensation for being bumped, ask about restrictions. For example, with some vouchers you can't make a reservation until a few days before you want to fly.
Put a tag on the outside of your baggage with your name, home address, and home and work phone numbers. The airlines provide free stick-on tags. Most carriers also have "privacy tags" which conceal this information from passersby.
Put the same information inside each bag, and add an address and telephone number where you can be reached at your destination city.
Verify that the agent checking your bags attaches a destination tag to each one. Check to see that these tags show the three-letter code for your destination airport. Remove tags from previous trips to avoid confusion.
If your bag arrives open or unlocked, check immediately to see if any of the contents are missing or damaged.
Report any baggage problems to your airline before leaving the airport. Insist that the airline fill out a form and give you a copy, even if they say the bag will be in on the next flight. Before leaving the airport, ask the airline if they will deliver the bag without charge when it is found.
Open your suitcase immediately when you get to your destination. Report any damage to contents or pilferage by telephone right away. Make a note of the date and time of the call, and the name and telephone number of the person you spoke with.
If you have a choice between two connections and the fares and service are equivalent, choose the one with the less-congested connecting airport. This reduces the risk of misconnecting. Also consider potential adverse weather when choosing a connecting city.
Consider paying by credit card, which provides certain protections under Federal credit regulations. For example, in all recent airline bankruptcies passengers who had charged their fare and were not provided service were able to have their credit card company credit their account for the amount of the fare.
If possible, pick up your ticket from a travel agency or from one of the airline’s airport or city ticket offices. Airline procedures for replacing a ticket that you claim was lost in the mail can be inconvenient. Safeguard your ticket after you receive it; it is an accountable document and has value, much like cash. Keep a separate record of the ticket number.
Bring a photo I.D. when you fly. For security reasons, most airlines are requiring such identification at check-in. Also, airlines don’t permit tickets to be sold or given to other persons. Make sure your name on the ticket is exactly the same as it appears on the I.D.
As soon as you receive your ticket, check to make sure all of the information on it is correct, including your name. Have any necessary corrections made immediately.
Keep checking your fare after you buy your ticket. Fares change all the time and if that same fare goes down before you fly, the airline will often refund the difference. But you have to ask.
Call a day or two before your flight to reconfirm your reservation. Flight schedules sometimes change, and while airlines usually call to notify you if this happens, it’s wise to double-check.
Check in early. Airlines rescind specific advance seat assignments 30 minutes before scheduled departure, even if you already have your boarding pass. You can lose your entire reservation if you haven't checked in 10 minutes before scheduled departure time on a domestic flight (longer on international flights). Allow time for traffic and parking problems. If a flight is oversold, the last passengers to check in are the first to be bumped, even if they have met the 10-minute deadline.
Check your ticket immediately after checking in for each flight on your trip. Airline agents accidentally lift two coupons instead of one on occasion.
If you are "bumped" because your flight is overbooked, read the Overbooking Notice in your ticket, and then ask for a copy of the rules mentioned in that notice. This information applies to over sales, where your flight operates and leaves you behind; it does not apply to canceled or delayed flights.
Before agreeing to accept a travel voucher as compensation for being bumped, ask about restrictions. For example, with some vouchers you can't make a reservation until a few days before you want to fly.
Put a tag on the outside of your baggage with your name, home address, and home and work phone numbers. The airlines provide free stick-on tags. Most carriers also have "privacy tags" which conceal this information from passersby.
Put the same information inside each bag, and add an address and telephone number where you can be reached at your destination city.
Verify that the agent checking your bags attaches a destination tag to each one. Check to see that these tags show the three-letter code for your destination airport. Remove tags from previous trips to avoid confusion.
If your bag arrives open or unlocked, check immediately to see if any of the contents are missing or damaged.
Report any baggage problems to your airline before leaving the airport. Insist that the airline fill out a form and give you a copy, even if they say the bag will be in on the next flight. Before leaving the airport, ask the airline if they will deliver the bag without charge when it is found.
Open your suitcase immediately when you get to your destination. Report any damage to contents or pilferage by telephone right away. Make a note of the date and time of the call, and the name and telephone number of the person you spoke with.
Cracow s hot june festivals
There is a quite interesting list of things to do, see and live while you’re there. In June there are some interesting events that can be worth a visit to the city of Krakow (Cracow). The Jewish population of Poland was cruelly squashed by the holocaust, however Jewish culture is still rich and flourishing. The Jewish Culture Festival proves it. Every year the Kazimierz district of Krakow, destroyed in World War II, holds an internationally-famous Jewish Culture Festival.
The event first took place in 1988 and today it’s arrived to its 18th edition. Each June for more than a week, all kinds of events, from synagogue singing to klezmer music and Hasidic, classical, and Jewish folk music, take place in the Jewish district. The music is the core of the festival, but besides music there are also film screenings, exhibitions, presentations and story telling about a Jewish theme. The visitors can make an experience of Jewish traditional dances, songs, cooking, theatre and even paper-cutting and calligraphy. All initiative are opened and free for everyone. For more information about the Festival visit : jewishfestival.pl/. A couple of weeks later, Krakow celebrates another Festival.
The Wianki - Floating of the Wreaths Festival. The beginning date is 24 June, 2008. The festival traces its roots to a peaceful pagan ritual. Whianki literally means 'wreaths' and it is a traditional midsummer celebration that remembers St John. Polish girls wear wreaths of flowers with a lighted candle in the centre and then throw them into the Vistula River.
This ritual is for predicting when they would be married. If the wreath comes back to shore, the girl will never marry, if it sinks, she will die young and if it flows down the river, she will be married and be happy. By the 19th century this tradition had become a festive event, and it continues today. Apart from the official floating of wreaths, there are musical performances, dignitaries' speeches, fairs and fireworks by the river bank opposite the imposing Royal Wawel Castle. Poland's top pop stars are now joined by international acts to complete a day of celebration. More info at : visitpoland.org.
Also, in terms of accommodation, you will be happy to know that your budget won’t be suck up all in a sudden! Krakow offers some of the cosiest and cheapest youth hostels of the Eastern Europe. The Lemon hostel or the Old Walls youth hostel are very nice as like as the Bling Bling Hostel or the cool AQQ hostel, the Free hostel, the Secret Garden, the Moon hostel. They are easily found in internet in some bookers providing online bookings and prices comparison.
Very useful. In general, youth hostels offer clean, colourful and comfy rooms at very cheap prices in Krakow. Let’s say you can expect to pay no more than 10 euros per person per night with breakfast included! Not bad ah?
So look around and you will see that some of the cutest and cheapest youth hostels of Europe are there, in Krakow and will offer you the warmest hospitality! And do not forget to book in advance your accommodation if you wish to get a central location and the best price in hot summer months.
The event first took place in 1988 and today it’s arrived to its 18th edition. Each June for more than a week, all kinds of events, from synagogue singing to klezmer music and Hasidic, classical, and Jewish folk music, take place in the Jewish district. The music is the core of the festival, but besides music there are also film screenings, exhibitions, presentations and story telling about a Jewish theme. The visitors can make an experience of Jewish traditional dances, songs, cooking, theatre and even paper-cutting and calligraphy. All initiative are opened and free for everyone. For more information about the Festival visit : jewishfestival.pl/. A couple of weeks later, Krakow celebrates another Festival.
The Wianki - Floating of the Wreaths Festival. The beginning date is 24 June, 2008. The festival traces its roots to a peaceful pagan ritual. Whianki literally means 'wreaths' and it is a traditional midsummer celebration that remembers St John. Polish girls wear wreaths of flowers with a lighted candle in the centre and then throw them into the Vistula River.
This ritual is for predicting when they would be married. If the wreath comes back to shore, the girl will never marry, if it sinks, she will die young and if it flows down the river, she will be married and be happy. By the 19th century this tradition had become a festive event, and it continues today. Apart from the official floating of wreaths, there are musical performances, dignitaries' speeches, fairs and fireworks by the river bank opposite the imposing Royal Wawel Castle. Poland's top pop stars are now joined by international acts to complete a day of celebration. More info at : visitpoland.org.
Also, in terms of accommodation, you will be happy to know that your budget won’t be suck up all in a sudden! Krakow offers some of the cosiest and cheapest youth hostels of the Eastern Europe. The Lemon hostel or the Old Walls youth hostel are very nice as like as the Bling Bling Hostel or the cool AQQ hostel, the Free hostel, the Secret Garden, the Moon hostel. They are easily found in internet in some bookers providing online bookings and prices comparison.
Very useful. In general, youth hostels offer clean, colourful and comfy rooms at very cheap prices in Krakow. Let’s say you can expect to pay no more than 10 euros per person per night with breakfast included! Not bad ah?
So look around and you will see that some of the cutest and cheapest youth hostels of Europe are there, in Krakow and will offer you the warmest hospitality! And do not forget to book in advance your accommodation if you wish to get a central location and the best price in hot summer months.
Cheltenham City Guide, Including Cheltenham Hotels
Located in the heart of the scenic Cotswolds, Cheltenham is a city famous for many things – its horseracing and award-winning gardens being just two of them. Then, of course, you have the Regency architecture of the city centre and the lively shopping district, elements that come together to bring vivacity and life to this Gloucestershire city. Further, the city also proves to be a fine base from which to explore the surrounding Cotswolds, home of gently rolling hills and quaint, charming villages.
Places of interest
When you come to Cheltenham, you will soon discover that the draw of the city lies in its appearance, for it has long been considered to be one of Britain’s prettiest towns. Accordingly, many of Cheltenham’s places to visit are ones that focus on scenic displays and historic buildings. Some of the most popular tourist destinations are:
The Holst Birthplace Museum. Originally the home of the famous composer Gustav Holst (of ‘The Planets’ fame), this Regency home shows life as it was in the Victorian period – and incorporates a working Victorian kitchen.
Pittville Park & Pump Room. The beautiful Park contains two lakes, a golf course and spacious, well-tended lawns, whilst the historic Pump Room contains the drinkable spa waters that originally made Cheltenham famous.
The Imperial Gardens. For almost two hundred years, the gardens have been enjoyed by thousands of visitors every year – not least due to the 25,000 bedding plants used annually to create the extensive floral displays.
Sudeley Castle & Gardens. Located just eight miles outside of Cheltenham, the castle is open during the summer and visitors have the chance to see some of the beautiful paintings and artefacts inside.
The Promenade. Cheltenham’s most famous street boasts pavement cafes, smart shops and an attractive history. Lined with trees and boasting Regency architecture throughout, it is considered to be the most picturesque part of the city.
Things to do
During your stay in Cheltenham, you’ll discover a pleasing variety of attractions to visit and things to do, whether you’re a family or couple, or just visiting alone. Throughout the year, the city is buzzing with activity, playing host to many festivals and events, such as the Literature Festival. Just a few things to see and do include:
Cheltenham Town Hall. The elegant hall plays host to festivals in the city throughout the year, and at the same time stays a concert programme in which the music ranges from the classical to the contemporary.
The Everyman Theatre. This hotspot features a massive variety of live entertainment, where you can watch musicals, comedy, drama and even West End productions on tour.
Cheltenham Racecourse. This world-famous venue is home to plenty of racing during the October to April season. Why not time your visit to coincide with the popular National Hunt Festival in March, or visit the Hall of Fame that relays the history of steeple chasing?
Cotswolds Coach Tours. Take the opportunity and join a scenic coach tour in which you’ll join a guide and take in some of the most beautiful views of the English Cotswolds.
Cotswold Farm Park. See history brought to life with numerous animal demonstrations and displays, an ideal place to visit for all the family. There are many rare breeds of farmyard animal from sheep to cattle, waterfowl to horses.
Food & Drink
Cheltenham is home to many different types of restaurant, with the focus on quality. Of course, if you’re after something fast and easy, you’ll find plenty of different caf้s and takeaways serving up what you’re looking for, but Cheltenham particularly prides itself on being the home of many stylish eateries. Here are some of the best you can sample:
The Scena Bistro. Enjoy one of the finest dining experiences in Cheltenham at this French restaurant, which has a relaxed and welcoming style.
Off the Square Restaurant. Located in Cheltenham’s fashionable Montpellier district, this friendly eatery serves a variety of dishes on the menu, including plenty of old favourites. Eat in style.
Monty’s Seafood Restaurant. Visit and enjoy a flexible menu that offers a range of different seafood. Alternatively, keep it simple and enjoy the stylish accompaniment of oysters with champagne.
The Storyteller Restaurant. Located in the heart of Cheltenham, this Californian restaurant is both welcoming and atmospheric, boasting the famous Mississippi Seafood Platter and the taste bud-teasing Duck from Heaven.
Epicurian. This is one of Cheltenham’s top restaurants, featuring a bistro and wine bar.
Hotels & Accommodations
There are literally hundreds of places to stay during your visit to Cheltenham, whether you’re looking for a hotel, guesthouse, bed and breakfast or self-catering establishment. Alternatively, other types of accommodation include camping and caravan sites and hostels. Many of the hotels offer special offers and it’s always advisable to search around to find the best deals. Elizabethan manors and country mansions serve as the setting for some of the top hotels in the district.
Kings Arms Hotel
Cheltenham Park Hotel
George Cheltenham Ltd
Beaumont House
Macdonald Queen's Hotel
Cotswold Grange Hotel
Hotel On The Park
North Hall Hotel
The Prestbury House Hotel & Oaks Restaurant
Clarence Court Hotel
The Quality Hotel Cheltenham
Cleeve Hill Hotel
Thistle Cheltenham
The CheltenhamTownhouse Hotel
Lords of the Manor
Rising Sun Hotel
White Hart Inn
De La Bere Hotel
Oaklands Bed and Breakfast
Entertainment
The night life in Cheltenham is completely entertaining with a host of nightclubs and exciting pubs and bars. You’ll find Cheltenham to be a welcoming and friendly city where you’ll always feel safe. If you’re looking for a nightclub, Subtone and Enigma are two of the most popular, with attractive line-ups of events going on all the time; alternatively, if you’re a fan of Hollywood then you’ll discover that the Odeon cinema shows all the latest blockbusters as well as popular British films.
Cheltenham is sometimes called a city within a park, and when you visit, you’ll see why. The architecture of the city itself is beautiful enough, with Regency-period buildings (over two thousand of them listed!) and attractive designs, but the picturesque parks are what make Cheltenham really special. There are lots of tree-lined avenues, plenty of floral displays and many more examples of nature in bloom that give Cheltenham a truly attractive appearance. Combine this with the wealth of activities and places to see, and it’s hard to deny that Cheltenham is one city you really must visit.
Places of interest
When you come to Cheltenham, you will soon discover that the draw of the city lies in its appearance, for it has long been considered to be one of Britain’s prettiest towns. Accordingly, many of Cheltenham’s places to visit are ones that focus on scenic displays and historic buildings. Some of the most popular tourist destinations are:
The Holst Birthplace Museum. Originally the home of the famous composer Gustav Holst (of ‘The Planets’ fame), this Regency home shows life as it was in the Victorian period – and incorporates a working Victorian kitchen.
Pittville Park & Pump Room. The beautiful Park contains two lakes, a golf course and spacious, well-tended lawns, whilst the historic Pump Room contains the drinkable spa waters that originally made Cheltenham famous.
The Imperial Gardens. For almost two hundred years, the gardens have been enjoyed by thousands of visitors every year – not least due to the 25,000 bedding plants used annually to create the extensive floral displays.
Sudeley Castle & Gardens. Located just eight miles outside of Cheltenham, the castle is open during the summer and visitors have the chance to see some of the beautiful paintings and artefacts inside.
The Promenade. Cheltenham’s most famous street boasts pavement cafes, smart shops and an attractive history. Lined with trees and boasting Regency architecture throughout, it is considered to be the most picturesque part of the city.
Things to do
During your stay in Cheltenham, you’ll discover a pleasing variety of attractions to visit and things to do, whether you’re a family or couple, or just visiting alone. Throughout the year, the city is buzzing with activity, playing host to many festivals and events, such as the Literature Festival. Just a few things to see and do include:
Cheltenham Town Hall. The elegant hall plays host to festivals in the city throughout the year, and at the same time stays a concert programme in which the music ranges from the classical to the contemporary.
The Everyman Theatre. This hotspot features a massive variety of live entertainment, where you can watch musicals, comedy, drama and even West End productions on tour.
Cheltenham Racecourse. This world-famous venue is home to plenty of racing during the October to April season. Why not time your visit to coincide with the popular National Hunt Festival in March, or visit the Hall of Fame that relays the history of steeple chasing?
Cotswolds Coach Tours. Take the opportunity and join a scenic coach tour in which you’ll join a guide and take in some of the most beautiful views of the English Cotswolds.
Cotswold Farm Park. See history brought to life with numerous animal demonstrations and displays, an ideal place to visit for all the family. There are many rare breeds of farmyard animal from sheep to cattle, waterfowl to horses.
Food & Drink
Cheltenham is home to many different types of restaurant, with the focus on quality. Of course, if you’re after something fast and easy, you’ll find plenty of different caf้s and takeaways serving up what you’re looking for, but Cheltenham particularly prides itself on being the home of many stylish eateries. Here are some of the best you can sample:
The Scena Bistro. Enjoy one of the finest dining experiences in Cheltenham at this French restaurant, which has a relaxed and welcoming style.
Off the Square Restaurant. Located in Cheltenham’s fashionable Montpellier district, this friendly eatery serves a variety of dishes on the menu, including plenty of old favourites. Eat in style.
Monty’s Seafood Restaurant. Visit and enjoy a flexible menu that offers a range of different seafood. Alternatively, keep it simple and enjoy the stylish accompaniment of oysters with champagne.
The Storyteller Restaurant. Located in the heart of Cheltenham, this Californian restaurant is both welcoming and atmospheric, boasting the famous Mississippi Seafood Platter and the taste bud-teasing Duck from Heaven.
Epicurian. This is one of Cheltenham’s top restaurants, featuring a bistro and wine bar.
Hotels & Accommodations
There are literally hundreds of places to stay during your visit to Cheltenham, whether you’re looking for a hotel, guesthouse, bed and breakfast or self-catering establishment. Alternatively, other types of accommodation include camping and caravan sites and hostels. Many of the hotels offer special offers and it’s always advisable to search around to find the best deals. Elizabethan manors and country mansions serve as the setting for some of the top hotels in the district.
Kings Arms Hotel
Cheltenham Park Hotel
George Cheltenham Ltd
Beaumont House
Macdonald Queen's Hotel
Cotswold Grange Hotel
Hotel On The Park
North Hall Hotel
The Prestbury House Hotel & Oaks Restaurant
Clarence Court Hotel
The Quality Hotel Cheltenham
Cleeve Hill Hotel
Thistle Cheltenham
The CheltenhamTownhouse Hotel
Lords of the Manor
Rising Sun Hotel
White Hart Inn
De La Bere Hotel
Oaklands Bed and Breakfast
Entertainment
The night life in Cheltenham is completely entertaining with a host of nightclubs and exciting pubs and bars. You’ll find Cheltenham to be a welcoming and friendly city where you’ll always feel safe. If you’re looking for a nightclub, Subtone and Enigma are two of the most popular, with attractive line-ups of events going on all the time; alternatively, if you’re a fan of Hollywood then you’ll discover that the Odeon cinema shows all the latest blockbusters as well as popular British films.
Cheltenham is sometimes called a city within a park, and when you visit, you’ll see why. The architecture of the city itself is beautiful enough, with Regency-period buildings (over two thousand of them listed!) and attractive designs, but the picturesque parks are what make Cheltenham really special. There are lots of tree-lined avenues, plenty of floral displays and many more examples of nature in bloom that give Cheltenham a truly attractive appearance. Combine this with the wealth of activities and places to see, and it’s hard to deny that Cheltenham is one city you really must visit.
Cheap Travel – How To Save Substantially On Travel, Vacation And Entertainment Packages
An increasing number of individuals utilize the internet to make travel reservations. Potential travelers often make their arrangements through the company or website offering the lowest prices. Popular sites such as Hotwire offer highly discounted rates on various types of travel packages. However, these types of sites do not disclose certain information such as name of hotel or airline until after the customer has made the non-refundable purchase. Alternative travel agents generally offer similar rates to one another. However, it is possible to save significantly on your travel, vacation packages and entertainment.
Every day, thousands of tickets and fares become automatically discounted by companies due to unclaimed or unsold status. Tickets are discounted by travel companies and direct providers for a variety of reasons such as unclaimed status, unsold status, discontinued status, midnight fare recalibration status and more. These tickets are then sold to travel customers for up to 90% off the original price.
Previously, these types of direct discount purchases were generally only available to authorized travel agents. However, there are currently internet databases which provide these tickets for purchase to members. Anyone is eligible to join these sites. Members are provided with a searchable database of discounted flight tickets, vacations, cruises and entertainment packages. Flights and cruises are available to hundreds of destinations worldwide on every major airline and cruise line. A variety of travel options are accessible, including trips to exotic destinations, family holidays, romantic getaways, weekend deals and more. Entertainment packages include tickets to sports events, concerts, theater plays and many more. Upon sign up, users are given access to the database which usually contains listings of thousands of available packages. Members book directly with special discounts through wholesalers, travel discounters, last minute specials and air couriers.
Unlike more popular discount sites, users are provided with full details before purchase. Buying through unclaimed ticket databases provides consumers with huge travel savings. Now individuals previously considering a vacation but were unable to afford it may now have the opportunity. Regular travelers can also benefit from the significant cost savings.
Every day, thousands of tickets and fares become automatically discounted by companies due to unclaimed or unsold status. Tickets are discounted by travel companies and direct providers for a variety of reasons such as unclaimed status, unsold status, discontinued status, midnight fare recalibration status and more. These tickets are then sold to travel customers for up to 90% off the original price.
Previously, these types of direct discount purchases were generally only available to authorized travel agents. However, there are currently internet databases which provide these tickets for purchase to members. Anyone is eligible to join these sites. Members are provided with a searchable database of discounted flight tickets, vacations, cruises and entertainment packages. Flights and cruises are available to hundreds of destinations worldwide on every major airline and cruise line. A variety of travel options are accessible, including trips to exotic destinations, family holidays, romantic getaways, weekend deals and more. Entertainment packages include tickets to sports events, concerts, theater plays and many more. Upon sign up, users are given access to the database which usually contains listings of thousands of available packages. Members book directly with special discounts through wholesalers, travel discounters, last minute specials and air couriers.
Unlike more popular discount sites, users are provided with full details before purchase. Buying through unclaimed ticket databases provides consumers with huge travel savings. Now individuals previously considering a vacation but were unable to afford it may now have the opportunity. Regular travelers can also benefit from the significant cost savings.
Can Your Flight Be Legally Overbooked?
Overbooking is not illegal, and most airlines overbook their scheduled flights to a certain extent in order to compensate for "no-shows." Passengers are sometimes left behind or "bumped" as a result. When an over-sale occurs, the Department of Transportation (DOT) requires airlines to ask people who aren't in a hurry to give up their seats voluntarily, in exchange for compensation. Those passengers bumped against their will are, with a few exceptions, entitled to compensation.
Voluntary bumping
Almost any group of airline passengers includes some people with urgent travel needs and others who may be more concerned about the cost of their tickets than about getting to their destination on time. Our rules require airlines to seek out people who are willing
to give up their seats for some compensation before bumping anyone in- voluntarily.
Here's how this works. At the check-in or boarding area, airline employees will look for volunteers when it appears that the flight has been oversold. If you're not in a rush to arrive at your next destination, you can give your reservation back to the airline in exchange for compensation and a later flight.
But before you do this, you may want to get answers to these important questions:
* When is the next flight on which the airline can confirm your seat? The alternate flight may be just as acceptable to you. On the other hand, if they offer to put you on standby on another flight that's full, you could be stranded.
* Will the airline provide other amenities such as free meals, a hotel room, phone calls, or ground transportation? If not, you might have to spend the money they offer you on food or lodging while you wait for the next flight.
DOT has not said how much the airline has to give volunteers. This means carriers may negotiate with their passengers for a mutually acceptable amount of money-or maybe a free trip or other benefits. Airlines give employees guidelines for bargaining with passengers, and they may select those volunteers willing to sell back their reservations for the lowest price.
If the airline offers you a free ticket, ask about restrictions. How long is the ticket good for? Is it "blacked out" during holiday periods when you might want to use it? Can it be used for international flights? Most importantly, can you make a reservation, and if so, how far before departure are you permitted to make it?
Involuntary bumping
DOT requires each airline to give all passengers who are bumped involuntarily a written statement describing their rights and explaining how the carrier decides who gets on an oversold flight and who doesn't. Those travelers who don't get to fly are frequently entitled to an on-the-spot payment of denied boarding compensation. The amount depends on the price of their ticket and the length of the delay:
* If you are bumped involuntarily and the airline arranges substitute transportation that is scheduled to get you to your final destination (including later connections) within one hour of your original scheduled arrival time, there is no compensation.
If the airline arranges substitute transportation that is scheduled to arrive at your destination between one and two hours after your original arrival time (between one and four hours on international flights), the airline must pay you an amount equal to your one-way fare to your final destination, with a $200 maximum.
* If the substitute transportation is scheduled to get you to your destination more than two hours later (four hours internationally), or if the airline does not make any substitute travel arrangements for you, the compensation doubles (200% of your fare, $400 maximum).
* You always get to keep your original ticket and use it on another flight. If you choose to make your own arrangements, you can request an "involuntary refund" for the ticket for the flight you were bumped from. The denied boarding compensation is essentially a payment for your inconvenience.
Like all rules, however, there are a few conditions and exceptions:
* To be eligible for compensation, you must have a confirmed reservation. An "OK" in the Status box of your ticket qualifies you in this regard even if the airline can't find your reservation in the computer, as long as you didn't cancel your reservation or miss a reconfirmation deadline.
* You must meet the airline's deadline for buying your ticket. Discount tickets must usually be purchased within a certain number of days after the reservation was made. Other tickets normally have to be picked up no later than 30 minutes before the flight.
In addition to the ticketing deadline, each airline has a check-in deadline, which is the amount of time before scheduled departure that you must present yourself to the airline at the airport. For domestic flights most carriers have a deadline of 10 minutes before scheduled departure, but some can be an hour or longer. (Many airlines require passengers with advance seat assignments to check in 30 minutes before scheduled departure, even if they already have advance boarding passes. If you miss this deadline you may lose the specific seats you were promised, although not the reservation itself.)
Check-in deadlines on international flights can be as much as three hours before scheduled departure time, due partially to security procedures. Some airlines may simply require you to be at the ticket/baggage counter by this time; most, however, require that you get all the way to the boarding area. If you miss the ticketing or check-in deadline, you may have lost your reservation and your right to compensation if the flight is oversold.
* As noted above, no compensation is due if the airline arranges substitute transportation which is scheduled to arrive at your destination within one hour of your originally scheduled arrival time.
* If the airline must substitute a smaller plane for the one it originally planned to use, the carrier isn't required to pay people who are bumped as a result.
* The rules do not apply to charter flights, or to scheduled flights operated with planes that hold 60 or fewer passengers. They don't apply to international flights inbound to the United States, although some airlines on these routes may follow them voluntarily. Also, if you are flying between two foreign cities-from Paris to Rome, for example-these rules will not apply. The European Community has a rule on bumpings that occur in an EC country; ask the airline for details, or contact DOT.
The most effective way to reduce the risk of being bumped is to get to the airport early. On oversold flights the last passengers to check in are usually the first to be bumped, even if they have met the check-in deadline. Allow extra time; assume that the airport access road is backed up, the parking lot is full, and there is a long line at the check-in counter.
However, if you arrive so early that your airline has another flight to your destination leaving before the one that you are booked on, either switch to the earlier flight or don't check your bag until after the first flight leaves. If you check your bag right away, it might get put on the earlier flight and remain unattended at your destination airport for hours.
Airlines may offer free transportation on future flights in place of a check for denied boarding compensation. However, if you are bumped involuntarily you have the right to insist on a check if that is your preference. Once you cash the check, or accept the free flight, you will probably lose the right to demand more money from the airline later on.
However, if being bumped costs you more money than the airline will pay you at the airport, you can try to negotiate a higher settlement with their complaint department. If this doesn't work, you usually have 30 days from the date on the check to decide if you want to accept the amount of the check.
You are always free to decline the check and take the airline to court to try to obtain more compensation. The government's denied boarding regulation spells out the airlines' minimum obligation to people they bump involuntarily. Finally, don't be a "no-show." If you are holding confirmed reservations you don't plan to use, notify the airline. If you don't, they will cancel all onward or return reservations on your trip.
Voluntary bumping
Almost any group of airline passengers includes some people with urgent travel needs and others who may be more concerned about the cost of their tickets than about getting to their destination on time. Our rules require airlines to seek out people who are willing
to give up their seats for some compensation before bumping anyone in- voluntarily.
Here's how this works. At the check-in or boarding area, airline employees will look for volunteers when it appears that the flight has been oversold. If you're not in a rush to arrive at your next destination, you can give your reservation back to the airline in exchange for compensation and a later flight.
But before you do this, you may want to get answers to these important questions:
* When is the next flight on which the airline can confirm your seat? The alternate flight may be just as acceptable to you. On the other hand, if they offer to put you on standby on another flight that's full, you could be stranded.
* Will the airline provide other amenities such as free meals, a hotel room, phone calls, or ground transportation? If not, you might have to spend the money they offer you on food or lodging while you wait for the next flight.
DOT has not said how much the airline has to give volunteers. This means carriers may negotiate with their passengers for a mutually acceptable amount of money-or maybe a free trip or other benefits. Airlines give employees guidelines for bargaining with passengers, and they may select those volunteers willing to sell back their reservations for the lowest price.
If the airline offers you a free ticket, ask about restrictions. How long is the ticket good for? Is it "blacked out" during holiday periods when you might want to use it? Can it be used for international flights? Most importantly, can you make a reservation, and if so, how far before departure are you permitted to make it?
Involuntary bumping
DOT requires each airline to give all passengers who are bumped involuntarily a written statement describing their rights and explaining how the carrier decides who gets on an oversold flight and who doesn't. Those travelers who don't get to fly are frequently entitled to an on-the-spot payment of denied boarding compensation. The amount depends on the price of their ticket and the length of the delay:
* If you are bumped involuntarily and the airline arranges substitute transportation that is scheduled to get you to your final destination (including later connections) within one hour of your original scheduled arrival time, there is no compensation.
If the airline arranges substitute transportation that is scheduled to arrive at your destination between one and two hours after your original arrival time (between one and four hours on international flights), the airline must pay you an amount equal to your one-way fare to your final destination, with a $200 maximum.
* If the substitute transportation is scheduled to get you to your destination more than two hours later (four hours internationally), or if the airline does not make any substitute travel arrangements for you, the compensation doubles (200% of your fare, $400 maximum).
* You always get to keep your original ticket and use it on another flight. If you choose to make your own arrangements, you can request an "involuntary refund" for the ticket for the flight you were bumped from. The denied boarding compensation is essentially a payment for your inconvenience.
Like all rules, however, there are a few conditions and exceptions:
* To be eligible for compensation, you must have a confirmed reservation. An "OK" in the Status box of your ticket qualifies you in this regard even if the airline can't find your reservation in the computer, as long as you didn't cancel your reservation or miss a reconfirmation deadline.
* You must meet the airline's deadline for buying your ticket. Discount tickets must usually be purchased within a certain number of days after the reservation was made. Other tickets normally have to be picked up no later than 30 minutes before the flight.
In addition to the ticketing deadline, each airline has a check-in deadline, which is the amount of time before scheduled departure that you must present yourself to the airline at the airport. For domestic flights most carriers have a deadline of 10 minutes before scheduled departure, but some can be an hour or longer. (Many airlines require passengers with advance seat assignments to check in 30 minutes before scheduled departure, even if they already have advance boarding passes. If you miss this deadline you may lose the specific seats you were promised, although not the reservation itself.)
Check-in deadlines on international flights can be as much as three hours before scheduled departure time, due partially to security procedures. Some airlines may simply require you to be at the ticket/baggage counter by this time; most, however, require that you get all the way to the boarding area. If you miss the ticketing or check-in deadline, you may have lost your reservation and your right to compensation if the flight is oversold.
* As noted above, no compensation is due if the airline arranges substitute transportation which is scheduled to arrive at your destination within one hour of your originally scheduled arrival time.
* If the airline must substitute a smaller plane for the one it originally planned to use, the carrier isn't required to pay people who are bumped as a result.
* The rules do not apply to charter flights, or to scheduled flights operated with planes that hold 60 or fewer passengers. They don't apply to international flights inbound to the United States, although some airlines on these routes may follow them voluntarily. Also, if you are flying between two foreign cities-from Paris to Rome, for example-these rules will not apply. The European Community has a rule on bumpings that occur in an EC country; ask the airline for details, or contact DOT.
The most effective way to reduce the risk of being bumped is to get to the airport early. On oversold flights the last passengers to check in are usually the first to be bumped, even if they have met the check-in deadline. Allow extra time; assume that the airport access road is backed up, the parking lot is full, and there is a long line at the check-in counter.
However, if you arrive so early that your airline has another flight to your destination leaving before the one that you are booked on, either switch to the earlier flight or don't check your bag until after the first flight leaves. If you check your bag right away, it might get put on the earlier flight and remain unattended at your destination airport for hours.
Airlines may offer free transportation on future flights in place of a check for denied boarding compensation. However, if you are bumped involuntarily you have the right to insist on a check if that is your preference. Once you cash the check, or accept the free flight, you will probably lose the right to demand more money from the airline later on.
However, if being bumped costs you more money than the airline will pay you at the airport, you can try to negotiate a higher settlement with their complaint department. If this doesn't work, you usually have 30 days from the date on the check to decide if you want to accept the amount of the check.
You are always free to decline the check and take the airline to court to try to obtain more compensation. The government's denied boarding regulation spells out the airlines' minimum obligation to people they bump involuntarily. Finally, don't be a "no-show." If you are holding confirmed reservations you don't plan to use, notify the airline. If you don't, they will cancel all onward or return reservations on your trip.
Business Apartment Rentals Spain
During the last few years, many small companies have popped up like mushrooms in popular business destinations such as Barcelona & Madrid, all promising to be the best at renting out business apartments. So how do you choose between them? What should you be looking out for? What should you try and avoid? How can you be sure that the business apartment you are renting out isn't miles outside of town in a place that even the taxi driver hasn't heard of? How can you be sure that you haven't just rented out a holiday apartment on the Costa Brava?
What you are looking for which sets the business apartment rental industry apart from holiday rentals is a certain degree of professionalism. You want and need a rental company which does what it says. You need to be able to rely upon check in times & dates, apartment costs, rental availability, extra services and furnishing quality. You don't want your company staff or guests, staying in a place with rats and cockroaches, any less than you want them staying in a place without the advertised wireless Internet connection, without the promised telephone line and without the washing machine and tumble drier to get those shirts ready for that next-day important meeting.
Look for a company that has a good reputation. Speak to people who have used these companies. Check out their web sites. Do they have a good image? Do they instil confidence? You can't always judge a book by its cover, they say. But if a company can't get a simple thing like a web site working properly, can they really provide all that is necessary to rent out professional business apartments?
Take a look at customer testimonials, but most importantly, try actually speaking to someone at the company before you go ahead and book the apartment online. Whilst you may never be able to go to the place in person before the planned business trip, there really is no substitute for speaking to a real human being. So pick up the phone, give them a call and ask them all the questions you have in your mind. Chances are that if they cannot answer all your questions and make you feel happy and confident, then you have chosen the wrong place. Customer service is paramount these days, and a good business apartment rental company will be aware of this. The decision making is then up to you.
Whether you are visiting for business, to work on a project, to attend a congress, to give a course, to take a course, or maybe you start living there and building up the next step in your life, and you require temporary housing, you need to concentrate on a company which focuses on professionals.
With all these issues in mind, there are a few things you should ask for:
Are there basics such as a sofa, bed, TV & bathroom facilities?
How far is the apartment from the centre of town or the place of your business meetings and/or conferences?
Will there be someone who can be contacted at all times during the stay, who speaks your language?
Do they offer a taxi service and/or airport transfer?
Are there extra services such as a cleaning service, catering & baby care facilities?
Is there flexibility regarding your length of stay, in the case that you might need temporary accommodation whilst looking for a permanent place to live?
Is there flexibility in payment methods?
Is there a safe place for your belongings?
Are there any hidden costs such as agency fees?
If you have an emergency, will someone be there to help you out?
Who takes care of the small daily incidents you may encounter, such as a blind that gets stuck, a washing basin that suddenly starts leaking or if you happen to lock yourself out?
At the end of the day, you want to find a business apartment that suits you, one where you will feel at home. Not exactly like your own house, of course, but pretty close - a nicely decorated place, cosy, pleasant, where you can keep your clothes, books, music, sit down in the sofa and watch a good movie or check your emails on your laptop on the terrace, prepare the meeting for the next day while you cook your own meal. You want to be able to invite people over for dinner or to stay for the weekend. You need a place to stay where you can feel relaxed and do as you wish.
Of course, the final decision making is up to you. But you can make this process far easier by simply doing some investigation first.
What you are looking for which sets the business apartment rental industry apart from holiday rentals is a certain degree of professionalism. You want and need a rental company which does what it says. You need to be able to rely upon check in times & dates, apartment costs, rental availability, extra services and furnishing quality. You don't want your company staff or guests, staying in a place with rats and cockroaches, any less than you want them staying in a place without the advertised wireless Internet connection, without the promised telephone line and without the washing machine and tumble drier to get those shirts ready for that next-day important meeting.
Look for a company that has a good reputation. Speak to people who have used these companies. Check out their web sites. Do they have a good image? Do they instil confidence? You can't always judge a book by its cover, they say. But if a company can't get a simple thing like a web site working properly, can they really provide all that is necessary to rent out professional business apartments?
Take a look at customer testimonials, but most importantly, try actually speaking to someone at the company before you go ahead and book the apartment online. Whilst you may never be able to go to the place in person before the planned business trip, there really is no substitute for speaking to a real human being. So pick up the phone, give them a call and ask them all the questions you have in your mind. Chances are that if they cannot answer all your questions and make you feel happy and confident, then you have chosen the wrong place. Customer service is paramount these days, and a good business apartment rental company will be aware of this. The decision making is then up to you.
Whether you are visiting for business, to work on a project, to attend a congress, to give a course, to take a course, or maybe you start living there and building up the next step in your life, and you require temporary housing, you need to concentrate on a company which focuses on professionals.
With all these issues in mind, there are a few things you should ask for:
Are there basics such as a sofa, bed, TV & bathroom facilities?
How far is the apartment from the centre of town or the place of your business meetings and/or conferences?
Will there be someone who can be contacted at all times during the stay, who speaks your language?
Do they offer a taxi service and/or airport transfer?
Are there extra services such as a cleaning service, catering & baby care facilities?
Is there flexibility regarding your length of stay, in the case that you might need temporary accommodation whilst looking for a permanent place to live?
Is there flexibility in payment methods?
Is there a safe place for your belongings?
Are there any hidden costs such as agency fees?
If you have an emergency, will someone be there to help you out?
Who takes care of the small daily incidents you may encounter, such as a blind that gets stuck, a washing basin that suddenly starts leaking or if you happen to lock yourself out?
At the end of the day, you want to find a business apartment that suits you, one where you will feel at home. Not exactly like your own house, of course, but pretty close - a nicely decorated place, cosy, pleasant, where you can keep your clothes, books, music, sit down in the sofa and watch a good movie or check your emails on your laptop on the terrace, prepare the meeting for the next day while you cook your own meal. You want to be able to invite people over for dinner or to stay for the weekend. You need a place to stay where you can feel relaxed and do as you wish.
Of course, the final decision making is up to you. But you can make this process far easier by simply doing some investigation first.
Best drinks in Beijing
These can range in price, and some tea houses are really tourist traps whose main goal is to milk you of your money, so be careful. You can get a free tea demonstration at most Tenrenfu tea houses which are located throughout the city and at some malls. In Beijing, that is now leading the country’s cultural revival, also remember that a tea can be sipped while watching martial arts and acrobatics. What the hell is this? Some teahouses have recently reappeared showing a variety of Beijing Opera and traditional shows and there you will be served delicious selections of tea and cakes too. Although Western influences have been embraced to transform traditional Chinese art forms into contemporary pieces, it’s still possible to get a taste of some traditional theatre, such as story-telling to musical accompaniment, magic shows and acrobatics daily at the Lao She Chaguan, Da Wancha Building and at the Tianqiao Happy Teahouse.
Good coffee is hard to find in most parts of China, although addicts have a place to retreat now that Starbucks has at least 50 spots in the capital, most situated around shopping malls and in commercial districts of the city.
The most popular Chinese beer, which is also quite good, is Qingdao. You can get it for 10-20 yuan or just 2-3 from a street vendor whilst the main beer brand of Beijing is Yanjing (10-15 yuan at restaurants, 2 yuan on the street).
Wine made in China are considered not drinkable by most foreigners, but it is also true that it’s not their traditional drink. Just give them 10 years and they will come up with it too! If you really want to have some good wine, you can try Great Wall that is the most popular local brand, or get foreign products, such as those from the US, France, Italy, Australia, and Chile, but you will find them in more upper scale restaurants.
Looking for hard liquors? Try Bai jiu (white liquor) that comes in a large variety everywhere for very cheap prices and should be avoided if you want to have a clear mind for your visit on the next day. Mao Tai is one of the more famous brands but it is quite expensive.
If you wish to have a hint on what to eat and drink together, don’t forget Beijing is famous for its Roast Duck. It is well served at many restaurants with thin pancakes, plum sauce and slivers of scallions and cucumbers. You dip the duck in the sauce and roll it up in the pancake with a few slivers of scallions and/or cucumbers. The end result is a mouth-watering combination of the cool crunchiness of the cucumber, the sharpness of the scallions, and the rich flavours of the duck. Well served with a cool Qingdao Beer! Beijing is also known for its lamb hotpot (shuเn yแng r๒u), which is a funny cook-it-yourself affair in a steaming pot in the centre of the table featuring a savoury, non-spicy broth. To play it safe and satisfy everyone, you can request yunyแng for a pot divided down the middle, with spicy broth on one side and regular broth on the other.
On a last but useful note, keep in mind that during Olympic games everything is going to be much expensive from food to accommodation and comparable to western rates. Do not fear to haggle: is essential especially in touristy markets, shopping areas, etc. Example youth hostels that used to sell a bed night for 3 euros, now they sell it for 20-30 euros. So, what about International hotel chains?? Worse than worse.
But if you are looking for a typical still clean and affordable accommodation while in China’s capital you can try to look for the following budget hotels, guest houses ( B&B or Bed and breakfast) and international youth hostels that kept decent prices.
Good coffee is hard to find in most parts of China, although addicts have a place to retreat now that Starbucks has at least 50 spots in the capital, most situated around shopping malls and in commercial districts of the city.
The most popular Chinese beer, which is also quite good, is Qingdao. You can get it for 10-20 yuan or just 2-3 from a street vendor whilst the main beer brand of Beijing is Yanjing (10-15 yuan at restaurants, 2 yuan on the street).
Wine made in China are considered not drinkable by most foreigners, but it is also true that it’s not their traditional drink. Just give them 10 years and they will come up with it too! If you really want to have some good wine, you can try Great Wall that is the most popular local brand, or get foreign products, such as those from the US, France, Italy, Australia, and Chile, but you will find them in more upper scale restaurants.
Looking for hard liquors? Try Bai jiu (white liquor) that comes in a large variety everywhere for very cheap prices and should be avoided if you want to have a clear mind for your visit on the next day. Mao Tai is one of the more famous brands but it is quite expensive.
If you wish to have a hint on what to eat and drink together, don’t forget Beijing is famous for its Roast Duck. It is well served at many restaurants with thin pancakes, plum sauce and slivers of scallions and cucumbers. You dip the duck in the sauce and roll it up in the pancake with a few slivers of scallions and/or cucumbers. The end result is a mouth-watering combination of the cool crunchiness of the cucumber, the sharpness of the scallions, and the rich flavours of the duck. Well served with a cool Qingdao Beer! Beijing is also known for its lamb hotpot (shuเn yแng r๒u), which is a funny cook-it-yourself affair in a steaming pot in the centre of the table featuring a savoury, non-spicy broth. To play it safe and satisfy everyone, you can request yunyแng for a pot divided down the middle, with spicy broth on one side and regular broth on the other.
On a last but useful note, keep in mind that during Olympic games everything is going to be much expensive from food to accommodation and comparable to western rates. Do not fear to haggle: is essential especially in touristy markets, shopping areas, etc. Example youth hostels that used to sell a bed night for 3 euros, now they sell it for 20-30 euros. So, what about International hotel chains?? Worse than worse.
But if you are looking for a typical still clean and affordable accommodation while in China’s capital you can try to look for the following budget hotels, guest houses ( B&B or Bed and breakfast) and international youth hostels that kept decent prices.
Barcelona a bohemian way of live it
One of its points of interest is the MACBA, i.e. Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona (Pla็a del Angels 1, macba.es , open Monday to Wednesday and Friday 11am to 7.30pm, Saturday 10am to 8pm, and Sunday 10 am to 3 pm, ticket 4€, Metro 1 Red or 2 Violet, Universitat station) constructed by Richard Meier. The art collection is mainly from the second half of the 20th century, but the museum often hosts some contemporary art exhibitions.
Near the museum there’s the CCCB, i.e. Centre de Cultura Contemporania de Barcelona (C/ Montalegre 5, open Tuesday to Sunday 11am to 8pm, Metro 3 Green, Liceu station), a multidisciplinary institution that organises and hosts plenty of events: exhibitions, concerts, shows, cinema festivals, courses, debates, lectures.
Last but don’t least you can’t miss the famous Mercat de la Boqueria (boqueria.info), an enchanting explosion of colours! The market stalls are full of fresh vegetables, fruit, meat and fish that come from every part of the world.
Near the Mercat we find the Liceu Opera House, considered by many to be one of the finest opera houses in Europe along with the Scala of Milan. In 1994 it tragically burned to the ground and was therefore rebuilt expanding the facilities while conserving the original fa็ade.
At the end of the Rambla stands the Columbus Monument. Built on the occasion of the Universal Exposition of 1888, it has become one of the identifying symbols of the city.
In this area you can easily find very nice guest houses, that in Spanish are called Hostal or hostales, not to be confused with hostels or youth hostels. Hostal is a typical family run pension or guest house where you will be accommodate in a Spanish house, with a private room. Breakfast is not always served nor included in the price. Nevertheless, guest houses (hostales) average prices range from 25-40 euros per person, which is quite good! Here some good one you can easily find in Barcelona: Barna Hostal B&B, Sleepy Beds B&B and guest house, BCN Dreams Guest house, Somnio Hostal, Barcelona Residence, Corsega Apartment, Agua Alegre Hostal, Que Tal Guest house. For nice youth hostels that in Spanish are called albergues de la juventud in Barcelona try Pere Tarres youth Hostel, Residencia Universitaria San Marius hostel, La Trajinera youth hostel.
Near the museum there’s the CCCB, i.e. Centre de Cultura Contemporania de Barcelona (C/ Montalegre 5, open Tuesday to Sunday 11am to 8pm, Metro 3 Green, Liceu station), a multidisciplinary institution that organises and hosts plenty of events: exhibitions, concerts, shows, cinema festivals, courses, debates, lectures.
Last but don’t least you can’t miss the famous Mercat de la Boqueria (boqueria.info), an enchanting explosion of colours! The market stalls are full of fresh vegetables, fruit, meat and fish that come from every part of the world.
Near the Mercat we find the Liceu Opera House, considered by many to be one of the finest opera houses in Europe along with the Scala of Milan. In 1994 it tragically burned to the ground and was therefore rebuilt expanding the facilities while conserving the original fa็ade.
At the end of the Rambla stands the Columbus Monument. Built on the occasion of the Universal Exposition of 1888, it has become one of the identifying symbols of the city.
In this area you can easily find very nice guest houses, that in Spanish are called Hostal or hostales, not to be confused with hostels or youth hostels. Hostal is a typical family run pension or guest house where you will be accommodate in a Spanish house, with a private room. Breakfast is not always served nor included in the price. Nevertheless, guest houses (hostales) average prices range from 25-40 euros per person, which is quite good! Here some good one you can easily find in Barcelona: Barna Hostal B&B, Sleepy Beds B&B and guest house, BCN Dreams Guest house, Somnio Hostal, Barcelona Residence, Corsega Apartment, Agua Alegre Hostal, Que Tal Guest house. For nice youth hostels that in Spanish are called albergues de la juventud in Barcelona try Pere Tarres youth Hostel, Residencia Universitaria San Marius hostel, La Trajinera youth hostel.
Are You Traveling With A Disability Or A Medical Condition?
Traveling with a disability or a medical condition will be easier if you plan ahead of time.
* Provide advance notice to your airline or travel agent if you require assistance at the airport. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) can only assist you with the screening process. Your airline will assist you through the airport facility and the screening queue line.
* If you require a companion or assistant to accompany you through the security checkpoint to reach your gate, speak with your airline representative about obtaining a gate pass for your companion before entering the security checkpoint.
* The limit of one carry-on and one personal item (purse, briefcase, or computer case) does not apply to medical supplies, equipment, and mobility aids, and/or assistive devices carried by and/or used by a person with a disability.
* Pack your medications in a separate pouch/bag to facilitate the inspection process. Ensure that containers holding medications are not too densely filled, and that all medication is clearly identified. It is recommended that passengers refrain from packing any medications in their checked baggage that they do not want exposed to X-rays. Instead, send larger quantities of medications to your destination by mail or any other way preferred.
* If you have medical documentation regarding your medical condition or disability, you can present this information to the Security Officer to help inform him of your situation. This documentation is not required and will not exempt you from the security screening process.
* Make sure all your carry-on items; equipment, mobility aids, and devices have an identification tag attached.
* TSA recommends that you bring all the necessary tools and/or appliances that you require to put on or take off your prosthetic device (e.g. wrenches, pull sleeves, etc.) should you need to remove your prosthetic device for any reason. TSA allows these tools to be carried through the security checkpoint once they have been screened.
* If you have a medical device (on the interior or exterior of your body) check with your doctor prior to traveling to determine if it is safe for you to go through the metal detector or be hand-wanded. If your Doctor indicates that you should not go through the metal detector or be hand-wanded, or if you are concerned, ask the Security Officer for a pat-down inspection instead.
* Your personal supplemental Oxygen will need to undergo screening. Check with your Doctor prior to coming to the checkpoint to ensure disconnection can be done safely.
* If your Doctor has indicated that you cannot be disconnected or if you are concerned, ask the Security Officer for an alternate inspection process while you remain connected to your oxygen source.
* If you need an Oxygen Supplier to meet you at the gate, check with your airline well in advance of your departure about their procedures for allowing suppliers to meet you at the arrival’s gate since these procedures vary from airline to airline.
A little prior planning can make your trip easier for you and for the security personnel.
* Provide advance notice to your airline or travel agent if you require assistance at the airport. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) can only assist you with the screening process. Your airline will assist you through the airport facility and the screening queue line.
* If you require a companion or assistant to accompany you through the security checkpoint to reach your gate, speak with your airline representative about obtaining a gate pass for your companion before entering the security checkpoint.
* The limit of one carry-on and one personal item (purse, briefcase, or computer case) does not apply to medical supplies, equipment, and mobility aids, and/or assistive devices carried by and/or used by a person with a disability.
* Pack your medications in a separate pouch/bag to facilitate the inspection process. Ensure that containers holding medications are not too densely filled, and that all medication is clearly identified. It is recommended that passengers refrain from packing any medications in their checked baggage that they do not want exposed to X-rays. Instead, send larger quantities of medications to your destination by mail or any other way preferred.
* If you have medical documentation regarding your medical condition or disability, you can present this information to the Security Officer to help inform him of your situation. This documentation is not required and will not exempt you from the security screening process.
* Make sure all your carry-on items; equipment, mobility aids, and devices have an identification tag attached.
* TSA recommends that you bring all the necessary tools and/or appliances that you require to put on or take off your prosthetic device (e.g. wrenches, pull sleeves, etc.) should you need to remove your prosthetic device for any reason. TSA allows these tools to be carried through the security checkpoint once they have been screened.
* If you have a medical device (on the interior or exterior of your body) check with your doctor prior to traveling to determine if it is safe for you to go through the metal detector or be hand-wanded. If your Doctor indicates that you should not go through the metal detector or be hand-wanded, or if you are concerned, ask the Security Officer for a pat-down inspection instead.
* Your personal supplemental Oxygen will need to undergo screening. Check with your Doctor prior to coming to the checkpoint to ensure disconnection can be done safely.
* If your Doctor has indicated that you cannot be disconnected or if you are concerned, ask the Security Officer for an alternate inspection process while you remain connected to your oxygen source.
* If you need an Oxygen Supplier to meet you at the gate, check with your airline well in advance of your departure about their procedures for allowing suppliers to meet you at the arrival’s gate since these procedures vary from airline to airline.
A little prior planning can make your trip easier for you and for the security personnel.
Amsterdam the Greatest Small City
Europe has many beautiful tourist destinations. However, it is absolutely undeniable that by far, Amsterdam is one of the best. The population of 735000 is proud of this ‘greatest of small cities in the world’. There is the world famous canal system to explore and the fantastic personification of tolerance and diversity that is synonymous with the romantic and beautiful city of Amsterdam. A trip along the canals is a must for every lover of architecture. The city is also known for soft drugs and prostitution. Amsterdam ably competes with cities like London, Paris and Milan. However, in comparison, the city has more to offer for less.
Amsterdam caters to every tourist’s needs. There is the presence of a unique culture, exquisite nightlife, amazing lodging options for every budget, great transport connectivity and the authentic bike experience. The beautiful weather all year round has made this jewel of The Netherlands a popular tourist destination for travelers from all over the world. Among the popular tourist attractions in the city are the museums, canals, coffee-shops and the water taxis.
Tourist attractions - The Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk and the Van Gogh Museums are very popular. Amsterdam has over fifty museums! The coffee shops in Holland or The Netherlands are an amusing sight because they not only sell small amounts of cannabis, but are also regulated! The coffee shops are not allowed to cater to anyone under-18 and beyond 5g. The city flaunts over three hundred options in accommodation that have been categorized as the best money can buy.
Amsterdam travel routes - Amsterdam offers good provisions for dedicated cyclists, such as bike paths and racks. There are an estimated one million bicycles in the city. Public transport in Amsterdam is available in the form of bus and tram lines. There are also water taxis and a water bus. There are dedicated canal cruises that enable tourists to explore the Amsterdam's waterways.
Visitors come to the beautiful city of Amsterdam for its reputation of being a liberal city. The city offers visitors a charm that is emphasised by elegant houses and the ever-enchanting canals. The popular Anne Frankd House is a ‘must-see’ in Amsterdam. The people are known to be very warm and welcoming and very accommodating.
Amsterdam lodging options - Amsterdam has a number of lodging options for tourists. There are luxurious hotels and budgeted ones too, to cater to the need of both, leisure and business travelers. There are popular youth hostels all over the city. These offer single accommodation at very cost effective prices. The lodging in Amsterdam includes meals and sight seeing options, depending on whether you are a walk-in customer or a guest with prior booking and arrangements.
Some of the lodging options worth considering in Amsterdam include:
The Park Plaza Victoria Hotel: Across the Amsterdam Central Sation, very near Dam Square, this fantastic lodging options offers double rooms from 66 pounds onwards. The hotel is known to offer discounts as much as 63%. The hotel keeps offering special rates to attract tourists and list among the favorite options offered by travel agents, the world over.
Hotel City Garden: Located in the heart of this beautiful city, the hotel offers double rooms from 39 pounds onwards. The amentities are among the best and it is conveniently located for business travellers. The warm and cozy hotel promises tourists a near-home experience.
NH Center Amsterdam: This stately lodging option is next to the Vondel Park, near Leidse Square and Museum Square. The tariff offers double rooms from 71 pounds onwards.
Amsterdam hotels and accommodation can be accessed via the dedicated websites of the hotels and travel agents. You can choose from luxurious accommodation in Amsterdam, to a cheap and cost effective budget hotel or even a Schiphol or airport hotel.
The best approach:
This "Venice of the North" attracts travelers from all over the world. Amsterdam has evolved into a meeting ground for various cultures and sub-cultures. The city has people from different backgrounds living together within a distinct urban environment. The lodging options at Amsterdam can be accessed online via dedicated online resources, however, a little prior research and comparison helps a lot. It pays to reserve and plan your holiday in this beautiful city.
Amsterdam caters to every tourist’s needs. There is the presence of a unique culture, exquisite nightlife, amazing lodging options for every budget, great transport connectivity and the authentic bike experience. The beautiful weather all year round has made this jewel of The Netherlands a popular tourist destination for travelers from all over the world. Among the popular tourist attractions in the city are the museums, canals, coffee-shops and the water taxis.
Tourist attractions - The Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk and the Van Gogh Museums are very popular. Amsterdam has over fifty museums! The coffee shops in Holland or The Netherlands are an amusing sight because they not only sell small amounts of cannabis, but are also regulated! The coffee shops are not allowed to cater to anyone under-18 and beyond 5g. The city flaunts over three hundred options in accommodation that have been categorized as the best money can buy.
Amsterdam travel routes - Amsterdam offers good provisions for dedicated cyclists, such as bike paths and racks. There are an estimated one million bicycles in the city. Public transport in Amsterdam is available in the form of bus and tram lines. There are also water taxis and a water bus. There are dedicated canal cruises that enable tourists to explore the Amsterdam's waterways.
Visitors come to the beautiful city of Amsterdam for its reputation of being a liberal city. The city offers visitors a charm that is emphasised by elegant houses and the ever-enchanting canals. The popular Anne Frankd House is a ‘must-see’ in Amsterdam. The people are known to be very warm and welcoming and very accommodating.
Amsterdam lodging options - Amsterdam has a number of lodging options for tourists. There are luxurious hotels and budgeted ones too, to cater to the need of both, leisure and business travelers. There are popular youth hostels all over the city. These offer single accommodation at very cost effective prices. The lodging in Amsterdam includes meals and sight seeing options, depending on whether you are a walk-in customer or a guest with prior booking and arrangements.
Some of the lodging options worth considering in Amsterdam include:
The Park Plaza Victoria Hotel: Across the Amsterdam Central Sation, very near Dam Square, this fantastic lodging options offers double rooms from 66 pounds onwards. The hotel is known to offer discounts as much as 63%. The hotel keeps offering special rates to attract tourists and list among the favorite options offered by travel agents, the world over.
Hotel City Garden: Located in the heart of this beautiful city, the hotel offers double rooms from 39 pounds onwards. The amentities are among the best and it is conveniently located for business travellers. The warm and cozy hotel promises tourists a near-home experience.
NH Center Amsterdam: This stately lodging option is next to the Vondel Park, near Leidse Square and Museum Square. The tariff offers double rooms from 71 pounds onwards.
Amsterdam hotels and accommodation can be accessed via the dedicated websites of the hotels and travel agents. You can choose from luxurious accommodation in Amsterdam, to a cheap and cost effective budget hotel or even a Schiphol or airport hotel.
The best approach:
This "Venice of the North" attracts travelers from all over the world. Amsterdam has evolved into a meeting ground for various cultures and sub-cultures. The city has people from different backgrounds living together within a distinct urban environment. The lodging options at Amsterdam can be accessed online via dedicated online resources, however, a little prior research and comparison helps a lot. It pays to reserve and plan your holiday in this beautiful city.
After the Game: A Guide to Manchester’s Best Hotels
Manchester is a bustling city known for its lively sporting culture. It is for this same reason why the city is a common spot for travel. Thousands of people, locals and foreigners alike fill the city each year all for the sake of experiencing the thrills of football matches and other sporting events.
The City of Manchester Stadium or Sportscity, as it is famously known is one of the biggest sporting venues where several sporting events including football, are held each year. The stadium was then adopted as the home of the city’s football club.
Another sporting venue is the Manchester Velodrome. It is an internationally known sporting facility where most track cycling events take place each year. The center was developed through the joint efforts of the English Sports Council of Manchester City and the British Cycling Federation.
Other sporting facilities or venues like the regional athletics track are also located in this area. The residents here are blessed to be conveniently living in an excitement filled area. Being one would guarantee you to a comfortable seat on match days. For most sports enthusiasts who don’t live in this city however, staying in nearby hotels is a common convenient choice.
Manchester boasts of quality and affordable hotels. These hotels are perfectly situated near the above mentioned sporting venues, making them an ideal place for people to stay in during the events.
The Travelodge Sportscity is one of these hotels. It is only 1.5 miles from Sportscity. You don’t have to worry about being late for any scheduled game or football matches of your favorite team.
Express by Holiday Inn is a modern hotel located about 3 miles from the city of Manchester and a mile off the M60 and M67. Express offers facilities and services that are relatively affordable and satisfying. A newly opened fitness club is located next to it.
Holiday Inn Manchester Central Park is a 4 star hotel. It is located near the City of Manchester Stadium. It offers a wide range of hotel facilities including 83 well appointed rooms, all of them spacious and air-conditioned.
Lastly, is the Citi Place. A cozy hotel located just minutes away from Sportscity. It offers rooms that have a free wireless internet access, digital televisions and shared bathrooms.
There is no reason for you to miss any sporting events in the city of Manchester with all these hotels around. Take your pick now and enjoy all the fun and games this city has to offer.
The City of Manchester Stadium or Sportscity, as it is famously known is one of the biggest sporting venues where several sporting events including football, are held each year. The stadium was then adopted as the home of the city’s football club.
Another sporting venue is the Manchester Velodrome. It is an internationally known sporting facility where most track cycling events take place each year. The center was developed through the joint efforts of the English Sports Council of Manchester City and the British Cycling Federation.
Other sporting facilities or venues like the regional athletics track are also located in this area. The residents here are blessed to be conveniently living in an excitement filled area. Being one would guarantee you to a comfortable seat on match days. For most sports enthusiasts who don’t live in this city however, staying in nearby hotels is a common convenient choice.
Manchester boasts of quality and affordable hotels. These hotels are perfectly situated near the above mentioned sporting venues, making them an ideal place for people to stay in during the events.
The Travelodge Sportscity is one of these hotels. It is only 1.5 miles from Sportscity. You don’t have to worry about being late for any scheduled game or football matches of your favorite team.
Express by Holiday Inn is a modern hotel located about 3 miles from the city of Manchester and a mile off the M60 and M67. Express offers facilities and services that are relatively affordable and satisfying. A newly opened fitness club is located next to it.
Holiday Inn Manchester Central Park is a 4 star hotel. It is located near the City of Manchester Stadium. It offers a wide range of hotel facilities including 83 well appointed rooms, all of them spacious and air-conditioned.
Lastly, is the Citi Place. A cozy hotel located just minutes away from Sportscity. It offers rooms that have a free wireless internet access, digital televisions and shared bathrooms.
There is no reason for you to miss any sporting events in the city of Manchester with all these hotels around. Take your pick now and enjoy all the fun and games this city has to offer.
A Quick Guide To Seville
Seville is one of the jewels of Spain, with architecture, museums, food and shopping that make it a must-see holiday destination.
Where is it?
Seville is in the Spanish region of Andalucia, which also includes the coastal resorts of Costa del Sol and Costa Almeria. Seville itself is set inland, although the coastal areas are within easy reach. It has its own airport, which is a 45 minute drive from the city.
Where can I stay?
You don’t get a true feeling for Seville by staying in a large chain hotel. You need to choose a small, friendly but stylish boutique hotel that reflects the nature of the city and its people. Try a boutique hotel like Casa No 7, which only has 6 bedrooms and is decorated with style and taste around a small courtyard, typical of Seville. Alternatively, the Casa Romana boutique hotel is right in the middle of Seville, which means that you can use the hotel as a cool and refined base while you check out everything that Seville has to offer.
What can I see?
Seville is famous for its Cathedral, which is the largest in the world. Built on the site of a twelfth century mosque, it is simple, but awe-inspiring and a sight not to be missed. Also make sure you see the Casa de Pilatos, built by the first Marquis de Tarifa in the early sixteenth century. It is one of the finest palaces in Seville and now also houses a courtyard and park, at the end of which are mansions that have been turned into museums. For a real taste of Seville, spend some time in the Barrio Santa Cruz, one of the most picturesque parts of the city, full of narrow lanes and surprising squares; whitewashed houses and excellent tapas bars. Tapas is thought to have been invented in Seville, and it’s certainly the way that most locals choose to eat. The range is incredible and the prices good, so take advantage of the more than one thousand places in the city where tapas is available.
How do I get around?
Seville is a busy city with lots of narrow roads, and it is a brave person who attempts to drive – or park – in the main areas. Parking in particular is very limited and often restricted to residents of businesses; so avoid parking fines and unnecessary stress by only hiring a car if you’re planning to drive outside the city. Instead, use the very regular and reliable bus service which costs little and offers multiple journey tickets, or get one of Seville’s white taxis. Tourists often take a horse and carriage to see Seville’s main sites – this is a particularly popular option with couples and families. As with most cities, one of your best options is to walk. There are maps available from the tourist offices and you can explore Seville at your leisure.
Where is it?
Seville is in the Spanish region of Andalucia, which also includes the coastal resorts of Costa del Sol and Costa Almeria. Seville itself is set inland, although the coastal areas are within easy reach. It has its own airport, which is a 45 minute drive from the city.
Where can I stay?
You don’t get a true feeling for Seville by staying in a large chain hotel. You need to choose a small, friendly but stylish boutique hotel that reflects the nature of the city and its people. Try a boutique hotel like Casa No 7, which only has 6 bedrooms and is decorated with style and taste around a small courtyard, typical of Seville. Alternatively, the Casa Romana boutique hotel is right in the middle of Seville, which means that you can use the hotel as a cool and refined base while you check out everything that Seville has to offer.
What can I see?
Seville is famous for its Cathedral, which is the largest in the world. Built on the site of a twelfth century mosque, it is simple, but awe-inspiring and a sight not to be missed. Also make sure you see the Casa de Pilatos, built by the first Marquis de Tarifa in the early sixteenth century. It is one of the finest palaces in Seville and now also houses a courtyard and park, at the end of which are mansions that have been turned into museums. For a real taste of Seville, spend some time in the Barrio Santa Cruz, one of the most picturesque parts of the city, full of narrow lanes and surprising squares; whitewashed houses and excellent tapas bars. Tapas is thought to have been invented in Seville, and it’s certainly the way that most locals choose to eat. The range is incredible and the prices good, so take advantage of the more than one thousand places in the city where tapas is available.
How do I get around?
Seville is a busy city with lots of narrow roads, and it is a brave person who attempts to drive – or park – in the main areas. Parking in particular is very limited and often restricted to residents of businesses; so avoid parking fines and unnecessary stress by only hiring a car if you’re planning to drive outside the city. Instead, use the very regular and reliable bus service which costs little and offers multiple journey tickets, or get one of Seville’s white taxis. Tourists often take a horse and carriage to see Seville’s main sites – this is a particularly popular option with couples and families. As with most cities, one of your best options is to walk. There are maps available from the tourist offices and you can explore Seville at your leisure.
7 Tips For Travel Trips
We love taking trips, whether it’s a short road trip, or a longer trip by air to some distant exotic place. But all too often we fail to plan for our trip and the result is frustration and annoyance.
1. For road trips, get the right maps and plan your route thoroughly. Everything won’t go exactly to plan, but at least you’ll have much fewer nasty surprises.
2. Never, ever make a joke about bombs or terrorists near security at an airport. Many people have jokingly mentioned they have a small bomb in their case as their luggage is being inspected. Later at the police station they deeply regretted their stupidity.
3. Be immediately suspicious in airports, railway or bus stations when someone bumps into you. It may be a pickpocket. Also be aware if something is spilled on you, or a spot on your clothing is pointed out to you. These things are designed to distract your attention from what is really going on: the theft of your valuables.
4. While cruises make planning easy with their all in charges, there is likely to be many extra items that you should budget for. These include, taxes, surcharges and fees, tipping, drinks, some shore excursions, shopping purchases, etc.
5. The most obvious thing to check on before setting off on a foreign trip is the state of the local weather where you are going. You don’t want to arrive in a tee shirt if it’s snowing, or in a fur coat if it’s in the 90s.
6. When travelling with children bring along recent photos of each one. If a child gets lost, the photo will prove invaluable in helping to locate the child again.
7. A trip to a theme park will suffer from a lack of careful planning. Some parks are so big that planning is essential. Get a list of all the rides and a map of the park, as well as opening and closing times, before setting off.
1. For road trips, get the right maps and plan your route thoroughly. Everything won’t go exactly to plan, but at least you’ll have much fewer nasty surprises.
2. Never, ever make a joke about bombs or terrorists near security at an airport. Many people have jokingly mentioned they have a small bomb in their case as their luggage is being inspected. Later at the police station they deeply regretted their stupidity.
3. Be immediately suspicious in airports, railway or bus stations when someone bumps into you. It may be a pickpocket. Also be aware if something is spilled on you, or a spot on your clothing is pointed out to you. These things are designed to distract your attention from what is really going on: the theft of your valuables.
4. While cruises make planning easy with their all in charges, there is likely to be many extra items that you should budget for. These include, taxes, surcharges and fees, tipping, drinks, some shore excursions, shopping purchases, etc.
5. The most obvious thing to check on before setting off on a foreign trip is the state of the local weather where you are going. You don’t want to arrive in a tee shirt if it’s snowing, or in a fur coat if it’s in the 90s.
6. When travelling with children bring along recent photos of each one. If a child gets lost, the photo will prove invaluable in helping to locate the child again.
7. A trip to a theme park will suffer from a lack of careful planning. Some parks are so big that planning is essential. Get a list of all the rides and a map of the park, as well as opening and closing times, before setting off.
13 Lanzarote Beaches - Tinajo
Tinajo is located in the central north part of Lanzarote and considered by many to have the best surfing conditions in Europe.
Elements of the coastline have become synonymous with the term “The Hawaii of Europe”.
The first of two beaches takes us to La Santa, in a village by the same name and developed around a natural lagoon that borders a little peninsula. This relatively quiet area is dominated by the internationally famous hotel and sports complex, known as Club La Santa, a ‘winter’ training ground for international sports stars.
If you are into active sports or simply want to maintain your fitness regime whilst on holiday or if you want to pamper yourself whilst your partner ‘does his own thing’, then this is the place to go. Club La Santa offers just about everything you could want in terms of active sports and everything you’d find in the very best gyms or fitness centres ‘at home’.
Another article I’ve written “31 Lanzarote Sports – Club La Santa” provides detailed information that might help you decide whether this is the place to stay, so I will only briefly cover it in this article.
Activities include Tennis (10 courts), Squash (5 Courts), Badminton (6 Courts), Beach Volleyball (2 courts), Indoor & Outdoor Basketball courts, Golf (Mini Golf and short game training), 5-a-side football, Full sized Football, Aerobics, Leisure Pool, Olympic size Swimming Pool, Children’s Swimming Pool, Boxing, Weight Lifting and a fully equipped fitness centre with 6 Rowing Machines.
There are lots of beach/water sports on a beach measuring 910m long and consisting of fine white sand.
If you are an experienced diver and want to go on a snorkel safari, an ‘intermediate’ or simply a beginner keen to learn then checkout the diving centre programme (by the leisure pool) as it caters for all three levels. Equally, if you are into surfing then you’ve come to surfers paradise as this areas has some of the best surfing waves in Europe.
If you’re more into the pampering side of a sports centre at home, then why not consider the Hydrotherapy bath/ Jacuzzi, Cold Dip and Shower, Steam bath/ Saunas, Hydro-massage bath with essential oils, in private room (additional payment required), Hydro-jet massage, in private room (additional payment required), Manual treatments (additional/ seperate payment required), Physiotherapy, Massage (Sports-, Relax-, Lymphatic Drainage-, Shiatsu Massage and Foot Reflexology).
After a hectic day, there is a range of entertainment on hand from Karaoke to guest appearances from semi-professional artists. As you’d expect, there is excellent parking on site, although it can be accessed just as easily by guaguas (autobus) and most equipment can be hired on the day at the club.
Our second beach in this area is the neighbouring beach known as Tenaza (it is actually 2km. away from Tenaza itself), located in a rural area and measuring 90m long by 6m wide and consisting of sand mixed with fine grained black gravel. There is a parking available locally.
Elements of the coastline have become synonymous with the term “The Hawaii of Europe”.
The first of two beaches takes us to La Santa, in a village by the same name and developed around a natural lagoon that borders a little peninsula. This relatively quiet area is dominated by the internationally famous hotel and sports complex, known as Club La Santa, a ‘winter’ training ground for international sports stars.
If you are into active sports or simply want to maintain your fitness regime whilst on holiday or if you want to pamper yourself whilst your partner ‘does his own thing’, then this is the place to go. Club La Santa offers just about everything you could want in terms of active sports and everything you’d find in the very best gyms or fitness centres ‘at home’.
Another article I’ve written “31 Lanzarote Sports – Club La Santa” provides detailed information that might help you decide whether this is the place to stay, so I will only briefly cover it in this article.
Activities include Tennis (10 courts), Squash (5 Courts), Badminton (6 Courts), Beach Volleyball (2 courts), Indoor & Outdoor Basketball courts, Golf (Mini Golf and short game training), 5-a-side football, Full sized Football, Aerobics, Leisure Pool, Olympic size Swimming Pool, Children’s Swimming Pool, Boxing, Weight Lifting and a fully equipped fitness centre with 6 Rowing Machines.
There are lots of beach/water sports on a beach measuring 910m long and consisting of fine white sand.
If you are an experienced diver and want to go on a snorkel safari, an ‘intermediate’ or simply a beginner keen to learn then checkout the diving centre programme (by the leisure pool) as it caters for all three levels. Equally, if you are into surfing then you’ve come to surfers paradise as this areas has some of the best surfing waves in Europe.
If you’re more into the pampering side of a sports centre at home, then why not consider the Hydrotherapy bath/ Jacuzzi, Cold Dip and Shower, Steam bath/ Saunas, Hydro-massage bath with essential oils, in private room (additional payment required), Hydro-jet massage, in private room (additional payment required), Manual treatments (additional/ seperate payment required), Physiotherapy, Massage (Sports-, Relax-, Lymphatic Drainage-, Shiatsu Massage and Foot Reflexology).
After a hectic day, there is a range of entertainment on hand from Karaoke to guest appearances from semi-professional artists. As you’d expect, there is excellent parking on site, although it can be accessed just as easily by guaguas (autobus) and most equipment can be hired on the day at the club.
Our second beach in this area is the neighbouring beach known as Tenaza (it is actually 2km. away from Tenaza itself), located in a rural area and measuring 90m long by 6m wide and consisting of sand mixed with fine grained black gravel. There is a parking available locally.
Air Travel Tips for Parents with Teens
Are you the parent of a teenager? If you are, are you in the process of planning a trip that requires air travel? If so, you may be looking for tips that can help you and you family have a nice and pleasant flight.
When traveling with a teenager, you will find that you are very lucky. This is due in part to your child’s age. Teenagers are likely to be more pleasant and cooperative on flights, especially when compared to toddlers and preschoolers. Still, you may be looking for some extra tips, just in case.
One of the first things that you will want to do is teach your child the importance of watching what is said at the airport. With security concerns, it is not uncommon for travelers to be detained for a closer look, even just when joking. Many teens do like to joke around, so be sure to let your teen know the danger of doing so. Make sure that they know not to repeat certain words in an airport, such as knife, gun, bomb, or terrorist. Your teenager may already know this important piece of information, bt there is no harm in providing a quick reminder.
If you let your child pack their own bags for your trip, be sure to give them a quick look over. The checking of your teen’s carry-on luggage is extremely important. Does your child have anything in their carry-on bag that may result your family being stopped at an airport security checkpoint? As for checked baggage, make sure that your child’s bags are not overfilled. Also, make sure that they don’t put anything of great value or importance, like a digital camera or a laptop computer, in a checked bag, as damage can occur.
You will also want to make sure that your child has a drink or snack for the trip. This is particularly ideal for short flights or picky eaters and drinkers. Although many dry snacks, like chips, are okay to pickup before arriving at the airport, drinks are another story. Due to a limit on liquids, have your child get a soda, water, or juice at an airport store, namely one that is positioned after you have passed through all needed security checkpoints. This approach may cost more money, but the end result is much less hassle.
Since all passengers are allowed a carry-on bag, you will want to make sure that your child brings things that interest them. For example, books and magazines are cheap ways to keep teens occupied on an airplane ride. Extra items that are perfect for teens include handheld video gaming consoles, DVD players, and MP3 players. There are some locations in the United States where you can rent these items if you or your teen doesn’t already own them. When using anything electronic, be sure to bring a few extra batteries and keep them in your purse or in a carry-on bag.
As highlighted above, there are a number of steps that you, as a parent, can take to ensure that your next family flight is pleasant for you and your teenager. Although teenagers are more likely to be pleasant and cooperative, the above mentioned points can still provide you with much needed assistance, as well as comfort and peace of mind.
When traveling with a teenager, you will find that you are very lucky. This is due in part to your child’s age. Teenagers are likely to be more pleasant and cooperative on flights, especially when compared to toddlers and preschoolers. Still, you may be looking for some extra tips, just in case.
One of the first things that you will want to do is teach your child the importance of watching what is said at the airport. With security concerns, it is not uncommon for travelers to be detained for a closer look, even just when joking. Many teens do like to joke around, so be sure to let your teen know the danger of doing so. Make sure that they know not to repeat certain words in an airport, such as knife, gun, bomb, or terrorist. Your teenager may already know this important piece of information, bt there is no harm in providing a quick reminder.
If you let your child pack their own bags for your trip, be sure to give them a quick look over. The checking of your teen’s carry-on luggage is extremely important. Does your child have anything in their carry-on bag that may result your family being stopped at an airport security checkpoint? As for checked baggage, make sure that your child’s bags are not overfilled. Also, make sure that they don’t put anything of great value or importance, like a digital camera or a laptop computer, in a checked bag, as damage can occur.
You will also want to make sure that your child has a drink or snack for the trip. This is particularly ideal for short flights or picky eaters and drinkers. Although many dry snacks, like chips, are okay to pickup before arriving at the airport, drinks are another story. Due to a limit on liquids, have your child get a soda, water, or juice at an airport store, namely one that is positioned after you have passed through all needed security checkpoints. This approach may cost more money, but the end result is much less hassle.
Since all passengers are allowed a carry-on bag, you will want to make sure that your child brings things that interest them. For example, books and magazines are cheap ways to keep teens occupied on an airplane ride. Extra items that are perfect for teens include handheld video gaming consoles, DVD players, and MP3 players. There are some locations in the United States where you can rent these items if you or your teen doesn’t already own them. When using anything electronic, be sure to bring a few extra batteries and keep them in your purse or in a carry-on bag.
As highlighted above, there are a number of steps that you, as a parent, can take to ensure that your next family flight is pleasant for you and your teenager. Although teenagers are more likely to be pleasant and cooperative, the above mentioned points can still provide you with much needed assistance, as well as comfort and peace of mind.
Air Travel Tips for Parents of Young Children
Are you the parent of an infant, toddler, or preschooler? If you are, are you also in the process of planning a trip that requires air travel? If you are, you may be dreading your upcoming flight. After all, complications are all that many parents can think of. With that said, there are a number of ways that you can make flying with your young children not only easy, but fun as well.
For children under two years of age, you will first want to examine the pros and cons of getting them their own seat. Many airlines allow children under two to sit on the lap of an adult. Getting an extra seat for a child under two will cost money, but you may be able to get a small discount when contacting the airline in question. On the other hand, you will be able to have your own seat, which will be nice. Most car seats can fit into airline seats. Speaking of which, if you need to bring a car seat or a stroller, it will need to be scanned by airport security.
As for strollers, they are a good idea, even for children who can walk. Most parents of toddlers are urged to give them a close look. Most airlines will require you to handover your stroller before boarding a plane. Once you arrive at your destination, your stroller should be waiting for you at the gate. Using a stroller makes it easy for you to move around the airport and quickly. This is ideal if you must hurry, like if you have short layovers.
Also, be sure to bring some formula, juice, and snacks for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Although you will find some restrictions, most airport security officers will allow a child’s drink to pass through, as long as it is a small quantity only. As for older children, like toddlers and preschoolers, you should be able to buy juice, water, and snacks at an airport store past security checkpoints. Doing so is nice, as they are no security concerns about doing so.
It is also important to bring a bag for your child. This bag should be filled with items that interest them. Depending on the age of your child, great items include books, stickers, coloring books and few crayons, small toys, and flash cards. These items will have to be scanned through airport security, so try to leave anything, namely toys, at home that may cause complications or delays.
Speaking of airport security, it is important to talk about the screening process and prepare your child for it. For many toddlers and preschoolers, the whole ordeal can seem a little bit overwhelming and scary. Your child will likely have to walk through the metal detectors themselves. If you are traveling with another adult, have one go through first, so that your child can walk towards a familiar face. You may even want to arrive at the airport early. This gives and your child the opportunity to watch others go through the screening process first.
As for the flight itself, toddlers and preschoolers may love having a window seat. If someone in your traveling party is assigned a window seat, try to let your toddler or preschool sit there instead. As for the bag full of goodies you brought, refrain from giving everything to your child all at once. This is likely to reduce boredom. For children who may have their own seats, portable DVD players and laptop computers are advised. They are a great way to keep a fussy child occupied. If using a laptop computer, be sure not to choose a movie that will exceed the laptop’s battery life, as this may result in a very unhappy child.
The above mentioned tips are just a few of the many that can help you, as a parent, when traveling by air with young children. For addition tips, just use your best judgment. As a parent, you should know what will help to keep your child interested and happy.
For children under two years of age, you will first want to examine the pros and cons of getting them their own seat. Many airlines allow children under two to sit on the lap of an adult. Getting an extra seat for a child under two will cost money, but you may be able to get a small discount when contacting the airline in question. On the other hand, you will be able to have your own seat, which will be nice. Most car seats can fit into airline seats. Speaking of which, if you need to bring a car seat or a stroller, it will need to be scanned by airport security.
As for strollers, they are a good idea, even for children who can walk. Most parents of toddlers are urged to give them a close look. Most airlines will require you to handover your stroller before boarding a plane. Once you arrive at your destination, your stroller should be waiting for you at the gate. Using a stroller makes it easy for you to move around the airport and quickly. This is ideal if you must hurry, like if you have short layovers.
Also, be sure to bring some formula, juice, and snacks for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Although you will find some restrictions, most airport security officers will allow a child’s drink to pass through, as long as it is a small quantity only. As for older children, like toddlers and preschoolers, you should be able to buy juice, water, and snacks at an airport store past security checkpoints. Doing so is nice, as they are no security concerns about doing so.
It is also important to bring a bag for your child. This bag should be filled with items that interest them. Depending on the age of your child, great items include books, stickers, coloring books and few crayons, small toys, and flash cards. These items will have to be scanned through airport security, so try to leave anything, namely toys, at home that may cause complications or delays.
Speaking of airport security, it is important to talk about the screening process and prepare your child for it. For many toddlers and preschoolers, the whole ordeal can seem a little bit overwhelming and scary. Your child will likely have to walk through the metal detectors themselves. If you are traveling with another adult, have one go through first, so that your child can walk towards a familiar face. You may even want to arrive at the airport early. This gives and your child the opportunity to watch others go through the screening process first.
As for the flight itself, toddlers and preschoolers may love having a window seat. If someone in your traveling party is assigned a window seat, try to let your toddler or preschool sit there instead. As for the bag full of goodies you brought, refrain from giving everything to your child all at once. This is likely to reduce boredom. For children who may have their own seats, portable DVD players and laptop computers are advised. They are a great way to keep a fussy child occupied. If using a laptop computer, be sure not to choose a movie that will exceed the laptop’s battery life, as this may result in a very unhappy child.
The above mentioned tips are just a few of the many that can help you, as a parent, when traveling by air with young children. For addition tips, just use your best judgment. As a parent, you should know what will help to keep your child interested and happy.
Air Travel Tips for Families
Are you interested in taking a family vacation soon? If you are, you may be looking for some guidance, especially if you and your family will be required to travel by airplane. As stressful as it can sometimes be planning a trip and flying with a family, especially one that is large in size, there are a number of steps that can be taken to ensure that everyone has a fun and pleasant time.
One of the first things that you will want to do, when looking to plan a family vacation, is to make your airline reservations early. You will likely be better off when doing so, for a number of different reasons. Perhaps, the greatest reason is the comfort and peace of mind that you may get from knowing that all of your travel arrangements are made and out of the way.
As for packing for your flight, you will want to make sure that your children’s bag are packed and properly. Not only will you want to make sure that they have all needed supplies for your vacation, but you will also want to make sure that they have items for the airplane ride as well. Each person gets to have one carry-on bag. You will want to make sure that each of your kids have one.
Speaking of carry-on bags for your children, be sure to fill them will fun activities for the plane ride. What you will choose will all depend on your child’s age. For example, younger children may benefit from books and a few small toys. For older children, portable DVD players, handheld video games, toys, and magazines are a great idea.
You will also want to make sure that you have extra snacks on hand and in your carry-on bags. This is important, as you don’t want to have to spend too much money at the airport. It can get costly to feed a whole family, even just with snacks. For that same reason, try to have everyone eat a full meal before you leave for the airport. This step combined with snacks can help to reduce hunger, possibly resulting in shared meals during airport layovers, which can also help you save money.
As for drinks, do not bring any with you to the airport, unless you have a newborn or an infant. If you have a baby, bring one prepared bottle of formula, but make sure to have some dry formula powder with you to prepare during a layover. Drinks, with the exception of drinks for kids, are not allowed past airport security checkpoints and they will have to be thrown away. When buying drinks at an airport store, past security, look for items that are reasonably priced or see if some family members, like you and your spouse, can share a drink.
As for when you arrive at the airport, be sure to stay together. Also, be sure to set ground rules with your children. These rules should include sticking together, not speaking to strangers, and so forth. In fact, you will want to help each other out. For example, if you have an older child, like a teenager, let them help you with finding the right gate, carrying bags, or keeping any younger children occupied. Your trip will likely be much less stressful when everyone works together.
One of the first things that you will want to do, when looking to plan a family vacation, is to make your airline reservations early. You will likely be better off when doing so, for a number of different reasons. Perhaps, the greatest reason is the comfort and peace of mind that you may get from knowing that all of your travel arrangements are made and out of the way.
As for packing for your flight, you will want to make sure that your children’s bag are packed and properly. Not only will you want to make sure that they have all needed supplies for your vacation, but you will also want to make sure that they have items for the airplane ride as well. Each person gets to have one carry-on bag. You will want to make sure that each of your kids have one.
Speaking of carry-on bags for your children, be sure to fill them will fun activities for the plane ride. What you will choose will all depend on your child’s age. For example, younger children may benefit from books and a few small toys. For older children, portable DVD players, handheld video games, toys, and magazines are a great idea.
You will also want to make sure that you have extra snacks on hand and in your carry-on bags. This is important, as you don’t want to have to spend too much money at the airport. It can get costly to feed a whole family, even just with snacks. For that same reason, try to have everyone eat a full meal before you leave for the airport. This step combined with snacks can help to reduce hunger, possibly resulting in shared meals during airport layovers, which can also help you save money.
As for drinks, do not bring any with you to the airport, unless you have a newborn or an infant. If you have a baby, bring one prepared bottle of formula, but make sure to have some dry formula powder with you to prepare during a layover. Drinks, with the exception of drinks for kids, are not allowed past airport security checkpoints and they will have to be thrown away. When buying drinks at an airport store, past security, look for items that are reasonably priced or see if some family members, like you and your spouse, can share a drink.
As for when you arrive at the airport, be sure to stay together. Also, be sure to set ground rules with your children. These rules should include sticking together, not speaking to strangers, and so forth. In fact, you will want to help each other out. For example, if you have an older child, like a teenager, let them help you with finding the right gate, carrying bags, or keeping any younger children occupied. Your trip will likely be much less stressful when everyone works together.
The Importance of Comparing Airfare
Do you need to book a flight? If you are looking to take a vacation, you may be. When it comes to doing so, you will find that you have an unlimited number of options. There are thousands of airports across the country, as well as multiple airlines that service those airports. Since you will likely have a number of different options, you are encouraged to compare prices before making any official reservations.
As nice as it is to hear that you should compare airfare rates before making your travel arrangements, you may be wondering why you should. For starters, you will get more travel options. When comparing flights and airlines, in general, you are likely to come across flights that you may not have otherwise seen or known about. In addition to getting a better deal, you may also find flights available with a different airline that has more convenient times and less layovers.
Another reason why you should compare prices when looking to buy airline tickets is because you can save money. What many people, especially first time travelers, do not take into consideration is price differences. Although you will find some similarities, different airlines charge different fees. That is why it is important to price compare. While the amounts of money that you may be able to save will vary, any savings, even just ten dollars, is enough for many.
Another important point that many travelers do not think of, when examining the importance of comparing prices, is the money that can be put towards travel. When you spend less money on your travel arrangements, such as your airline tickets, you have more money that you can put towards your vacation. Depending on the amount of money that you are able to save, you can enjoy a nice meal, add an extra activity to your to do list, upgrade your overnight accommodations, and much more. This is always an important factor to take into consideration, as saving money on your airline tickets can enable you to better your trip.
As nice as it is to know that you should compare airfare before buying your airline tickets, you may be curious as to how you can go about doing so. One of your first stops should be an online travel website. Online travel websites are nice because they let you compare flights from different airlines, all at the same time. With that said, not all online travel websites are the same; therefore, you may even want to compare travel websites and the rates that they offer. What is nice about using online travel websites to compare airfare rates is that you can also pay for your tickets through them as well.
As nice as online travel websites are, you may be looking to go straight to the source. When doing so, you will want to visit the online websites of airline companies. If you have to fly out of a specific area, like Albany, New York, you will want to visit the online websites of airlines that you know fly in and out of that airport. Then, you will want to compare prices. This process of comparing prices will take a little bit longer than using online travel websites, but many take comfort in knowing that they are doing business directly with the airline company.
As nice as it is to hear that you should compare airfare rates before making your travel arrangements, you may be wondering why you should. For starters, you will get more travel options. When comparing flights and airlines, in general, you are likely to come across flights that you may not have otherwise seen or known about. In addition to getting a better deal, you may also find flights available with a different airline that has more convenient times and less layovers.
Another reason why you should compare prices when looking to buy airline tickets is because you can save money. What many people, especially first time travelers, do not take into consideration is price differences. Although you will find some similarities, different airlines charge different fees. That is why it is important to price compare. While the amounts of money that you may be able to save will vary, any savings, even just ten dollars, is enough for many.
Another important point that many travelers do not think of, when examining the importance of comparing prices, is the money that can be put towards travel. When you spend less money on your travel arrangements, such as your airline tickets, you have more money that you can put towards your vacation. Depending on the amount of money that you are able to save, you can enjoy a nice meal, add an extra activity to your to do list, upgrade your overnight accommodations, and much more. This is always an important factor to take into consideration, as saving money on your airline tickets can enable you to better your trip.
As nice as it is to know that you should compare airfare before buying your airline tickets, you may be curious as to how you can go about doing so. One of your first stops should be an online travel website. Online travel websites are nice because they let you compare flights from different airlines, all at the same time. With that said, not all online travel websites are the same; therefore, you may even want to compare travel websites and the rates that they offer. What is nice about using online travel websites to compare airfare rates is that you can also pay for your tickets through them as well.
As nice as online travel websites are, you may be looking to go straight to the source. When doing so, you will want to visit the online websites of airline companies. If you have to fly out of a specific area, like Albany, New York, you will want to visit the online websites of airlines that you know fly in and out of that airport. Then, you will want to compare prices. This process of comparing prices will take a little bit longer than using online travel websites, but many take comfort in knowing that they are doing business directly with the airline company.
The Importance of Booking Your Flight Early
Are you interested in taking a trip or a vacation? If you are, will you be required to fly? If so, you will want to make your travel arrangements, namely your airline reservations, as soon as possible. Generally speaking, the earlier you can do so, the better. This is important, as there are a number of benefits to booking your flights early.
Perhaps, the greatest benefit of booking your airline reservations early is the comfort and peace of mind that you will get out of doing so. It is no secret that traveling, especially by air can be stressful. By having your plans made well before your trip, you are less likely to be nervous about your travels. There is no having to worry about later seeing an increase in travel costs or full flights.
Making your airline reservations early and well in advance of your trip also gives you the opportunity to accurately compare prices and airlines. This a great way to find the best deals. In fact, you should never make airline reservations without first checking and comparing prices. When booking a flight, it is important to remember that you will have choices and most of your choices will come with different price tags.
Speaking of which, that leads to another benefit of making your airline reservations well in advance of your trip. You typically receive better deals when making your travel plans early. With that said, if you later check flight prices, after already purchasing your tickets, and notice a decrease in prices, be sure to contact the airline in question. When asked, they may refund you any price differences.
Making your travel plans early and well in advance of your trip can also give you the opportunity to make other travel plans, especially those that are associated with your airline reservations. For example, do you need to have someone pick you up from the airport? If so, you will want to give them enough notice, which, in turn, should give them enough time to make arrangements. If you must drive yourself to the airport, take the time to examine all of your parking options, as well as costs.
Also, when making your travel arrangements early and well before your trip, you are likely to have more flight choices to choose from. This is an important fact that many travelers do not take into consideration. You will want to remember that most airports have multiple flights going to your destination. In fact, in addition to multiple times a day, there are also likely to be different airlines offering flights as well. This is ideal for travelers who are picky or limited with their travel times.
In keeping with your options, making your airline reservations well in advance of your trip will also give you better seats to choose from. Most airlines will allow you to handpick your own seat, so you will want to get started early. This is especially important if you want something in particular, as such as a window seat or an aisle seat. Also, it is important to make your flight reservations early if you are traveling with children or if your larger family all wants to sit together.
As previously stated, making your flight arrangements early can allow you to make other travel arrangements, like having someone pick you up from the airport. Also, you will find that early flight reservations give you the opportunity to focus on other parts of your vacation, like the activities you can enjoy or the attractions that you want to visit.
As outlined above, there are a number of benefits to booking your travel arrangements, namely your airline reservations, well in advance of your trip. As a recap, doing so often provides you with comfort and peace of mind. Additional benefits include the ability to accurately price compare, getting the best seats, as well as having more options in terms of your departure and arrival times.
Perhaps, the greatest benefit of booking your airline reservations early is the comfort and peace of mind that you will get out of doing so. It is no secret that traveling, especially by air can be stressful. By having your plans made well before your trip, you are less likely to be nervous about your travels. There is no having to worry about later seeing an increase in travel costs or full flights.
Making your airline reservations early and well in advance of your trip also gives you the opportunity to accurately compare prices and airlines. This a great way to find the best deals. In fact, you should never make airline reservations without first checking and comparing prices. When booking a flight, it is important to remember that you will have choices and most of your choices will come with different price tags.
Speaking of which, that leads to another benefit of making your airline reservations well in advance of your trip. You typically receive better deals when making your travel plans early. With that said, if you later check flight prices, after already purchasing your tickets, and notice a decrease in prices, be sure to contact the airline in question. When asked, they may refund you any price differences.
Making your travel plans early and well in advance of your trip can also give you the opportunity to make other travel plans, especially those that are associated with your airline reservations. For example, do you need to have someone pick you up from the airport? If so, you will want to give them enough notice, which, in turn, should give them enough time to make arrangements. If you must drive yourself to the airport, take the time to examine all of your parking options, as well as costs.
Also, when making your travel arrangements early and well before your trip, you are likely to have more flight choices to choose from. This is an important fact that many travelers do not take into consideration. You will want to remember that most airports have multiple flights going to your destination. In fact, in addition to multiple times a day, there are also likely to be different airlines offering flights as well. This is ideal for travelers who are picky or limited with their travel times.
In keeping with your options, making your airline reservations well in advance of your trip will also give you better seats to choose from. Most airlines will allow you to handpick your own seat, so you will want to get started early. This is especially important if you want something in particular, as such as a window seat or an aisle seat. Also, it is important to make your flight reservations early if you are traveling with children or if your larger family all wants to sit together.
As previously stated, making your flight arrangements early can allow you to make other travel arrangements, like having someone pick you up from the airport. Also, you will find that early flight reservations give you the opportunity to focus on other parts of your vacation, like the activities you can enjoy or the attractions that you want to visit.
As outlined above, there are a number of benefits to booking your travel arrangements, namely your airline reservations, well in advance of your trip. As a recap, doing so often provides you with comfort and peace of mind. Additional benefits include the ability to accurately price compare, getting the best seats, as well as having more options in terms of your departure and arrival times.
Traveling With Tools
Are you a handyman by trade? If so, it is likely that you have grown accustomed to carrying your tools around with you, wherever you go. In fact, there is also a chance that you may need to travel with them. Whether you are traveling for business purposes or not, it is important to know that the airline industry as a specific set of air travel rules concerning tools. If you are planning on brining your tools along with you, you will want to take the time to famialrize yourself with these rules. Doing so may prove helpful, in more ways than one.
Before examining the tools that are not allowed aboard an airline and those that are, it is important to know one thing, there are different types of rules. Most airlines do not strictly prohibit you from carry tools with you, but they do restrict you from carry them at certain times. For instance, you will find that a large number of tools can be stored in your checked baggage, but they are prohibited from being stored in your carryon luggage. If, at anytime, you are confused about these bans, you are advised to contact your airline for additional information.
One group of tools that are banned from carryon luggage includes sharp objects. With the recent focus on airport security, you should already be well aware of this type of ban. Saws, saw blades, drills, and box cutters are banned from all airplane cabins. Essentially, this means that you cannot store these items in your carryon luggage; however, they can be packed in your checked baggage. Since all baggage, including the bags that you do not plan on keeping with you at all times, needs to be searched, you are advised to properly secure these tools. Not doing so may result in an air airline employee receiving an injury that could have been prevented.
In addition to tools with sharp edges, there is also a carryon luggage ban on tools that could be used as a deadly weapon. These tools include axes, hatchets, cattle prods, hammers, and crowbars. This ban is mostly imposed due to the size and weight of these items. As with most other tools, the airline industry will allow you to store these heavy tools in your checked baggage.
Although it may seem as if all tools are banned from your carryon luggage, that is not the case. There are a number of tools can be stored in your carryon luggage. These tools commonly include screwdrivers and pliers. Additional tools may also be allowed, but they must not have been mentioned above. It is also required that these tools be no more than seven inches long. In the event that they are longer than seven inches, you will have to make additional accommodations.
Despite the fact that certain tools can be stored in your carryon luggage, it may be a good idea to put these items in your checked baggage or leave them at home. Even though these items are allowed, you may raise suspicion from having them with you aboard a plane. That suspicion may not necessity come from airport security officials, but it may come from other passengers. With the way that the world works today, it may be best if you refrain from including these tools in your carryon luggage, unless you absolutely need them.
Before examining the tools that are not allowed aboard an airline and those that are, it is important to know one thing, there are different types of rules. Most airlines do not strictly prohibit you from carry tools with you, but they do restrict you from carry them at certain times. For instance, you will find that a large number of tools can be stored in your checked baggage, but they are prohibited from being stored in your carryon luggage. If, at anytime, you are confused about these bans, you are advised to contact your airline for additional information.
One group of tools that are banned from carryon luggage includes sharp objects. With the recent focus on airport security, you should already be well aware of this type of ban. Saws, saw blades, drills, and box cutters are banned from all airplane cabins. Essentially, this means that you cannot store these items in your carryon luggage; however, they can be packed in your checked baggage. Since all baggage, including the bags that you do not plan on keeping with you at all times, needs to be searched, you are advised to properly secure these tools. Not doing so may result in an air airline employee receiving an injury that could have been prevented.
In addition to tools with sharp edges, there is also a carryon luggage ban on tools that could be used as a deadly weapon. These tools include axes, hatchets, cattle prods, hammers, and crowbars. This ban is mostly imposed due to the size and weight of these items. As with most other tools, the airline industry will allow you to store these heavy tools in your checked baggage.
Although it may seem as if all tools are banned from your carryon luggage, that is not the case. There are a number of tools can be stored in your carryon luggage. These tools commonly include screwdrivers and pliers. Additional tools may also be allowed, but they must not have been mentioned above. It is also required that these tools be no more than seven inches long. In the event that they are longer than seven inches, you will have to make additional accommodations.
Despite the fact that certain tools can be stored in your carryon luggage, it may be a good idea to put these items in your checked baggage or leave them at home. Even though these items are allowed, you may raise suspicion from having them with you aboard a plane. That suspicion may not necessity come from airport security officials, but it may come from other passengers. With the way that the world works today, it may be best if you refrain from including these tools in your carryon luggage, unless you absolutely need them.
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