The one thing everyone looks forward to is their annual holiday. Normally, they plan a trip to the country side or the hills, for change in weather and to explore unknown territory. But the dream that most of us have is to visit Italy and Tuscany at least once in our lifetime. These places are known for their natural beauty and the lovely architecture that sets them apart from the rest of the world. The place where Pizza originated, designers create clothes that one would die for, these towns have carved a niche for themselves on the world map.
When you decide the dates for your trip and are looking forward to holidaying in Tuscany, you should also plan out other details related to the vacation. Accommodation being the key element, you need to figure out where you will be staying during your trip. There are several hotels and cottages available for the tourists to relax in. But the quaint villas are what make the town so special and surreal. Most of them are old barns converted to villas, fitted with all modern appliances and fittings. The outdoors is as much a part of the villa, which you feel as if you are one with nature. Home to many of the European cultures, in Tuscany and around it, you can witness culture from other parts of Europe. Since it is one of the twenty regions of Italy, you find a lot of similarities between the towns. You can also visit Florence, the capital city, where flowers, food and people will attract you.
If you would rather stay at a holiday home, why not choose from the wide range available. There are some for small families and others that are multi level, and ideal for families with children. Plenty of space to move around, a fully furnished home, the people who stay there can cook their meals and enjoy the comforts of being at home. In Tuscany countryside, there are luxurious farm houses and villas catering to the crowd who love to open doors to the mountains. Wake up and watch the sun rise behind the mountains, sip your coffee in the patio that has a country feel to it.
Villas situated a couple of kilometers from the Cathedral of Florence are quite popular and comfortable as well. So, if you would like to stay somewhere with little noise around, these Villa Florence are just what you need. They all have about 8-9 beds that you can reserve for your family, or share with other families as well. If you are going on a week long holiday, and look forward to exploring towns around Tuscany, you could park your bags here, and move around. It would work out cheaper that way, instead of staying at different hotels, and lugging your bags around. Some of these farmhouses even have swimming pool and a gym, which would come in handy if you are looking to unwind after a day of sight seeing or shopping.
Fascinating old style Hanoi Vietnam
Early morning mist rises from the Hoan Kiem Lake while elders perform the slow movements of tai chi in green parks, streets become filled with mopeds and cyclo drivers (three-wheeled bicycle taxis) clamour for people attention.
Although a city of historical importance considered to be the social and cultural centre of Vietnam, Hanoi is a far slower and less developed than Ho Chi Minh City. Luckily, this slow pace development has preserved the special vibe you will live in Hanoi, with old fascinating buildings, green views on treed boulevards and smiling local people. Especially the historic Old Quarter with its French style streets and arts and crafts bargains.
Especially in this area there are many recently refurbished hotels that kept an eye to the traditional architecture and design. Modest but with an unique charming environment some Hanoi Hotels are located in historical or colonial buildings. Just to mention some that you can easily find and book directly online are the Pearls hotel for example, the Old street Hotel, Hanoi Queen Plaza, the Ritz Hotel, Joy Hotel, Return Hotel, Y Van Riverside Hotel or Hanoi Plaza hotel. Most of them face the quiet Hoan Kiem lake providing guests with beautiful views from terraces and windows. Quite unexpectedly for the standard they offer, the room rates in Hanoi Vietnamese Hotels are modest in general, ranging from 3,5 euros per person up to 15 euros per person.
As a cultural centre, Hanoi has quite a lot to offer. In fact, during the year Hanoi guests many traditional events from water puppet shows, to music and religious festivals, dance performances and a lot more. Just to mention a couple of curious ones held in springtime, that will certainly worth a visit to Vietnam and Hanoi in particular, are the Whale Festival and the Elephant Race, both in March.
The former is a fishermen festival typical of Quang Nam Village in Da Nang province, where people worship Whales and their gods asking for prosperity; the latter is more traditional in the countryside in Don Village or in forests near the Sevepoi River (Dac Lak). The race track is large enough for 10 elephants running on even ground near the forest for 1-2 km. At the signal, the mahouts command their elephants to go to the starting line and will start running excited by the sound of the drums, gongs, and cheering from the viewers.
At the end of the race, the winning one wave to the viewers with its trunk and is offered sugarcane and banana leafs!
Although a city of historical importance considered to be the social and cultural centre of Vietnam, Hanoi is a far slower and less developed than Ho Chi Minh City. Luckily, this slow pace development has preserved the special vibe you will live in Hanoi, with old fascinating buildings, green views on treed boulevards and smiling local people. Especially the historic Old Quarter with its French style streets and arts and crafts bargains.
Especially in this area there are many recently refurbished hotels that kept an eye to the traditional architecture and design. Modest but with an unique charming environment some Hanoi Hotels are located in historical or colonial buildings. Just to mention some that you can easily find and book directly online are the Pearls hotel for example, the Old street Hotel, Hanoi Queen Plaza, the Ritz Hotel, Joy Hotel, Return Hotel, Y Van Riverside Hotel or Hanoi Plaza hotel. Most of them face the quiet Hoan Kiem lake providing guests with beautiful views from terraces and windows. Quite unexpectedly for the standard they offer, the room rates in Hanoi Vietnamese Hotels are modest in general, ranging from 3,5 euros per person up to 15 euros per person.
As a cultural centre, Hanoi has quite a lot to offer. In fact, during the year Hanoi guests many traditional events from water puppet shows, to music and religious festivals, dance performances and a lot more. Just to mention a couple of curious ones held in springtime, that will certainly worth a visit to Vietnam and Hanoi in particular, are the Whale Festival and the Elephant Race, both in March.
The former is a fishermen festival typical of Quang Nam Village in Da Nang province, where people worship Whales and their gods asking for prosperity; the latter is more traditional in the countryside in Don Village or in forests near the Sevepoi River (Dac Lak). The race track is large enough for 10 elephants running on even ground near the forest for 1-2 km. At the signal, the mahouts command their elephants to go to the starting line and will start running excited by the sound of the drums, gongs, and cheering from the viewers.
At the end of the race, the winning one wave to the viewers with its trunk and is offered sugarcane and banana leafs!
European Vacation-Tips to Have the Most Fun
I lived in Germany for five years, many moons ago, and as a result had the opportunity to travel around Europe quite a bit, visit lots of places, learn a little of three languages and have lots of fond memories. But since those golden days of yore I have been back twice with my fianc้e for a three week trip and one 18 day’er.
The first was completely planned with reservations for each night and was high intensity, high stress covering six countries and nearly 1800 miles. How else can you cover all the bases? Actually you can’t and do it any justice at all.
And my friends that is lesson number one. For any trip to Europe lasting less than 3-4 months decide ahead of time and agree that you cannot see it all. There is so much not just the big cities but the countryside and small towns. That is where the heart of the country lies. You have to set priorities on what you want to see and stick to it. This requires quite a bit of advance planning on your part-or if you trust someone else a “Travel Agent”.
And that is lesson number two.Find a travel agent who you can trust-one who’s been there many times. Unless you have been to the country before you cannot possibly know all the nuances of foreign travel. Depending on your personality consider doing a tour first. Self guided trips to a foreign country can be very stressful and will perhaps ruin the trip
Lesson number three-Make an attempt to speak the local language. Even in France (with one exception) the locals appreciate you trying to speak the language. Depending on where you go for example most Beneulux countries, Austria, Switzerland, Germany and even northern Italy you can get by with German-and truth be told English if all else fails. But the locals really appreciate the effort and you will be rewarded for your efforts.
Lesson number four-Contrary to an international myth there are speed limits in Europe so watch the signs.
Lesson number five-Room sizes like bathrooms and bedrooms are without exception considerably smaller than what you are used to. So if you tend to be claustrophobic-beware. Also mealtimes are generally different from ours especially in Italy and France. The normal safety precautions should be taken for your room with a alarm door stop or a keep i for added security. Thieves live in Europe too.
Lesson number six-For the really adventurous forget all of the above and just wing it. There is no better thrill in traveling, to my way of thinking, than being able to turn left off the autostrada to go to Venice just because you feel like it.
Traveling to Europe requires much planning and careful preparation. Having a good travel agent that has been to Europe many times is almost an absolute necessity for a self guided tour. If you are with a group you needn’t worry so much. But the most fun of all is doing it on your own without an itinerary.
The first was completely planned with reservations for each night and was high intensity, high stress covering six countries and nearly 1800 miles. How else can you cover all the bases? Actually you can’t and do it any justice at all.
And my friends that is lesson number one. For any trip to Europe lasting less than 3-4 months decide ahead of time and agree that you cannot see it all. There is so much not just the big cities but the countryside and small towns. That is where the heart of the country lies. You have to set priorities on what you want to see and stick to it. This requires quite a bit of advance planning on your part-or if you trust someone else a “Travel Agent”.
And that is lesson number two.Find a travel agent who you can trust-one who’s been there many times. Unless you have been to the country before you cannot possibly know all the nuances of foreign travel. Depending on your personality consider doing a tour first. Self guided trips to a foreign country can be very stressful and will perhaps ruin the trip
Lesson number three-Make an attempt to speak the local language. Even in France (with one exception) the locals appreciate you trying to speak the language. Depending on where you go for example most Beneulux countries, Austria, Switzerland, Germany and even northern Italy you can get by with German-and truth be told English if all else fails. But the locals really appreciate the effort and you will be rewarded for your efforts.
Lesson number four-Contrary to an international myth there are speed limits in Europe so watch the signs.
Lesson number five-Room sizes like bathrooms and bedrooms are without exception considerably smaller than what you are used to. So if you tend to be claustrophobic-beware. Also mealtimes are generally different from ours especially in Italy and France. The normal safety precautions should be taken for your room with a alarm door stop or a keep i for added security. Thieves live in Europe too.
Lesson number six-For the really adventurous forget all of the above and just wing it. There is no better thrill in traveling, to my way of thinking, than being able to turn left off the autostrada to go to Venice just because you feel like it.
Traveling to Europe requires much planning and careful preparation. Having a good travel agent that has been to Europe many times is almost an absolute necessity for a self guided tour. If you are with a group you needn’t worry so much. But the most fun of all is doing it on your own without an itinerary.
Air Passengers with Disabilities – Know Your Rights
* A person may not be refused transportation on the basis of disability or be required to have an attendant or produce a medical certificate, except in certain limited circumstances specified in the rule.
* Airlines must provide enplaning, deplaning and connecting assistance, including both personnel and equipment. (Some small commuter aircraft may not be accessible to passengers with severe mobility impairments. When making plans to fly to small cities, such passengers should check on the aircraft type and its accessibility.)
* Airport terminals and airline reservations centers must have TDD telephone devices for persons with hearing or speech impairments.
* Passengers with vision or hearing impairments must have timely access to the same information given to other passengers at the airport or on the plane concerning gate assignments, delayed flights, safety, etc.
* New wide body aircraft must have a wheelchair- accessible lavatory and an on-board wheelchair. Airlines must put an on-board wheelchair on most other flights upon a passenger's request (48 hours notice required).
* Air carriers must accept wheelchairs as checked baggage, and cannot require passengers to sign liability waivers for them (except for pre-existing damage).
* Most new airplanes must have movable armrests on half the aisle seats, and on-board stowage for one folding passenger wheelchair.
* Carriers must allow service animals to accompany passengers in the cabin, as long as they don't block the aisle or other emergency evacuation route.
* FAA safety rules establish standards for passengers allowed to sit in emergency exit rows; such persons must be able to perform certain evacuation-related functions.
* FAA rules also prohibit passengers from bringing their own oxygen. Most airlines will provide aircraft-approved oxygen for a fee, but aren't required to.
* Airlines may not charge for services that are required by this rule.
* Airlines must make available a specially-trained Complaints Resolution Official if a dispute arises. There must be a copy of the DOT rule at every airport.
It's wise to call the airline again before your trip to reconfirm any assistance that you have requested.
* Airlines must provide enplaning, deplaning and connecting assistance, including both personnel and equipment. (Some small commuter aircraft may not be accessible to passengers with severe mobility impairments. When making plans to fly to small cities, such passengers should check on the aircraft type and its accessibility.)
* Airport terminals and airline reservations centers must have TDD telephone devices for persons with hearing or speech impairments.
* Passengers with vision or hearing impairments must have timely access to the same information given to other passengers at the airport or on the plane concerning gate assignments, delayed flights, safety, etc.
* New wide body aircraft must have a wheelchair- accessible lavatory and an on-board wheelchair. Airlines must put an on-board wheelchair on most other flights upon a passenger's request (48 hours notice required).
* Air carriers must accept wheelchairs as checked baggage, and cannot require passengers to sign liability waivers for them (except for pre-existing damage).
* Most new airplanes must have movable armrests on half the aisle seats, and on-board stowage for one folding passenger wheelchair.
* Carriers must allow service animals to accompany passengers in the cabin, as long as they don't block the aisle or other emergency evacuation route.
* FAA safety rules establish standards for passengers allowed to sit in emergency exit rows; such persons must be able to perform certain evacuation-related functions.
* FAA rules also prohibit passengers from bringing their own oxygen. Most airlines will provide aircraft-approved oxygen for a fee, but aren't required to.
* Airlines may not charge for services that are required by this rule.
* Airlines must make available a specially-trained Complaints Resolution Official if a dispute arises. There must be a copy of the DOT rule at every airport.
It's wise to call the airline again before your trip to reconfirm any assistance that you have requested.
About Pet Friendly Motels And Pet Hotels
Pet friendly motels and dog friendly hotels are not as difficult to find as you might think. Although many hotels still don't allow pets of any kind in their rooms, there are a substantial amount that do. Most of the time there will be no extra charge for accommodating your furry critter, but sometimes you will be asked to pay a small fee usually ranging anywhere from 5 dollars to 50 dollars. Pet hotels and pet friendly motels are very convenient for people who like to travel and not have to go through the hassle of leaving their pet to the care of friends, family or expensive pet care establishments.
There are a variety of options of pet accommodations you can choose from when travelling, such as pet friendly motels, pet hotels, bed and breakfasts', resorts and vacation rentals. Sometimes you can be charged a small fee, and other times you may be charged a deposit, which would be returned if your pet causes no apparent damage. It is also possible to find a number of dog friendly hotels that will provide veterinary services and pet care facilities such as beds and blankets.
We have put this together to provide pet owners with useful information in hopes of facilitating travel with your pet. Pet friendly motels and dog friendly hotels all have different rules and policies concerning pet accommodation, so it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with them before checking into any pet hotels. It is sometimes hard to ask friends and family to take care of your pet while travelling, as it can be an added responsibility. We hope we have provided you with a simple stress-free solution.
There are a variety of options of pet accommodations you can choose from when travelling, such as pet friendly motels, pet hotels, bed and breakfasts', resorts and vacation rentals. Sometimes you can be charged a small fee, and other times you may be charged a deposit, which would be returned if your pet causes no apparent damage. It is also possible to find a number of dog friendly hotels that will provide veterinary services and pet care facilities such as beds and blankets.
We have put this together to provide pet owners with useful information in hopes of facilitating travel with your pet. Pet friendly motels and dog friendly hotels all have different rules and policies concerning pet accommodation, so it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with them before checking into any pet hotels. It is sometimes hard to ask friends and family to take care of your pet while travelling, as it can be an added responsibility. We hope we have provided you with a simple stress-free solution.
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