Balinese Hospitality at Amanusa Resort

By Chris Linch

Amanusa resort promises a tranquil place to relax and unwind and its location could not be more suited to that. The hotel is lovingly placed between the tropical greenery of Bali on one side, and the hypnotically blue of the Indian Ocean on the other.

Amanusa was designed with appreciation for the physical beauty and spiritual heart of Bali. Its purpose is to soothe, to encourage its guests to unwind in a setting that combines the best of Balinese hospitality and western amenities.

It may seem as if the resort is far removed from civilization, but in fact, it's just a 15 minute trip to the Denpasar airport. And the flower bedecked town of Nusa Dua is just a walk away for guests who want to do some shopping, dining or clubbing.

As an aid to total wellness, resident massage therapists offer spa treatments within the comfort and privacy of the guest's private suites. As an aid to relaxation, a flawlessly manicured golf course sits like a gem between the resort and the blue, blue ocean.

The Terrace offers Thai and Indonesian cuisine in a beautiful setting with sea views, as well as Continental selections during the day. The Italian Restaurant is open for dinner in an elegant indoor setting, as well as an outdoor courtyard. Alfresco casual dining is available for lunch and the Beach Club offers sunrise breakfasts as well as candlelight barbeques.

The white-sand beach is one of Bali's best and is fringed by a coral reef that provides a safe lagoon for swimming and seasonal water sports.

The resort has a Beach Club at the Bali Golf and Country Club. The Club features nine bale' (pavilions) with loungers. Refreshments, showers and restrooms are available.

Traditional Swedish and Balinese massage techniques, as well as acupressure are employed by Amanusa's massage therapists. You can have your massage in your suite, the Spa Suite or one of the pavilions at the beach club. Reiki massage and a reflexologist are also available.

Bali's three golf courses are as diverse as the island itself. The Bali Golf and Country Club, named as one of Asia's top five courses, is adjacent to Amanusa. Designed by Robin Nelson and Rodney Wright, the championship, 18-hole course enjoys a scenic, seaside setting. The Nirwana Bali Golf Club, is at the Tabanan Regency, on the island's west coastabout an hour's drive. Designed by Greg Norman, The Nirwana Bali Golf Club offers one of Asia's most visually arresting settings, playing through rice paddies, tropical forest, gardens and creeks. The Bali Handara Kosaido Country Club is set inan extinct volcano and renown as one of the world's most beautiful golf courses. The club is an hour-and-a-half from Amanusa. The course was designed by Peter Thomson and Graham Wolveridge. Amanusa offers guests complimentary use of its golf clubs.

The 35 thatched-roof suites have wooden four-poster beds, draped in white fabric. The huge bathrooms feature sunken baths. Each suite is enclosed in a sensuous tropical setting and an outdoor shower is built into a high paras-stone wall, draped in soft moss and fragrant white flowers beneath an overhang of ochre and salmon-pink bougainvillea. The walled garden courtyards are private and romantic, offering day and night alfresco dining. Every suite has an outdoor terrace with a comfortable daybed beneath a protective canopy. Elevated walkways link the suites for easy access to the resort's extensive facilities and eight suites have private swimming pools. Wireless broadband connections are available in all suites and public areas.

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Travel from the UK to Marseille

By Tom Martens

The third largest city in France after Paris and Lyon, Marseille (sometimes spelled Marseilles in the UK) is rapidly becoming one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Heathrow and Gatwick Airports in London serve Marseilles with multiple departures every day. The city's main airport, Marseille Provence Airport, is the fourth most trafficked airport in the whole of France. Business travelers and tourists alike crowd its terminals. Once travelers disembark at Marseille Provence Airport, they enjoy excellent local public transportation.

Marseille is located on the south east coast of France on the Mediterranean Sea and is the largest commercial port in the country. The old port area that was popular prior to the 1970s oil crisis has been redeveloped with an investment from the European Union.

The old port area is now home to restaurants, bars, cafes, hotels and other businesses and is primarily used as a private marina. The new port area is north of the old port area, and 100 million tons of freight passes through this port each year. The majority of the freight is petroleum. Marseille is a major center for trade and industry with excellent transportation infrastructure, including its port, airport and roads. Marseille is one of the main entry points into France, making it popular with immigrants, especially those from Italy, Spain and Greece.

With its location on the Mediterranean Sea, Marseille has mild winters and hot summers. The coldest months of the year are January and February, with July and August being the area?s hottest months. Harsh, cold winds blow into the city from the Alps in the winter and spring.

Marseille is also headquarters for the Marseille Provence Metropolis, the second largest research center in the country. Thousands of research scientists are employed at the Marseille Provence Metropolis.

In addition to industry, plenty of shops, restaurants, bars, cafes, museums and theaters can be found in Marseille. Culture lovers are especially enamored of Marseille due to the large number of theaters in the city, including la Cri?e, le Gymnase and the theatre Toursky. The Marseille Opera is also very popular, with a season from September to June.

Like every other region of France, but perhaps a little more so, Provence is known for its incredible food. Local favorites include pastis, a popular liqueur made with anise and spice, once made with the now-banned absinthe. Other local favorites are aioli (mayonnaise) served over hard boiled eggs or fish, tapenades over grilled meats, panisse, navette, and the flavorful boiling bouillabaisse. Restaurants make all their dishes with local ingredients chosen because they are intensely flavorful. Many of these establishments can be found in the previously mentioned Old Port area, also the site of a fish market. The Old Port area is beautiful after sundown, and a wonderful destination for a romantic evening, but entirely safe for UK visitors.

Beautiful architecture can also be found in Marseille, including the Abbey of Saint Victor, one of the oldest places of Christian worship in France, the Museum of Old Marseille and the Phare de Sainte Marie, a lighthouse on the inlet to the Old Port.

With everything that Marseille offers UK tourists, it is easy to see why it is growing in popularity as a vacation destination every year.

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Learn from a Summer Camp Blog

By Jeff Lorenz

Before you send your child to a summer camp it is a good idea to get a good feeling about a particular camp. Checking out a camp blog can help. Here are just a few things you might find at Swift Nature Camp's Blog.

What do you know about Wisconsin? Chances are you imagine cows, Harley Davidson motorcycles and the beautiful capitol of Madison. Yet, north of all that is the Northwoods of Wisconsin. Filled with all its natural beauty. In the sky you can see eagles all around swooping down to catch a fish in a nearby lake or stream. If your quiet you might just hear a loon or a wolf in the background. This is what America looked like 100 years ago. Until you experience the simple beauty, you can't begin to imagine what you will find there. Wisconsin is also home to many children's summer camps. Choosing a summer camp in Wisconsin offers your child a chance to experience nature and the environment unlike any other place in the Midwest. At Camp Nature Swift your child gets the opportunity to play, make friend sand learn new skills, all this in the warm sun of the wonderful northwoods of Wisconsin.

Charter into new waters this summer. For many kids, coming to camp is a big adventure! One of the biggest challenges is swimming in a lake. We all have had experience swimming in a nice blue pool. There is security in being able to see the bottom of the pool. Lake swimming is to enter the wild water and to cross a border. You pass the lake?s edge and you break the surface of the water itself. In doing so, you move from one realm into another: a newrealm of freedom, adventure, magic and occasional danger. Watch out for those Turtles and Fish! Swimming in open water is a newexperience that's not to be feared, but embraced. Once you feel comfortable swimming in a lake, the world willopen up to you and wherever you see water you willsee a new adventure waiting. Swift Nature Camp has over 1500 acres of water right out your cabin front door. At Swift Nature Camp we have a wonderful swimming area full of fun toys, not to mention Wally (the water trampoline) & Sally (the slide). "Free Swim" is one of the most anticipated times of the camp day, but "Instructional Swim" is there tohelp give you build the confidence for those free swims. You can even earn American Red Cross Swimming levels

Catching frogs from camps own beaver pond is a huge camp sport at Swift Nature Camp. it is a challenge too. The big Bull Frogs put up a big battle to free them selves. We even have a favorite bull from the biggest meanest frog of them all JIMBO. Yes he is our mascot and is pictured on this page. Catching frogs is one of favorite things to do at this children's summer camp. One of the best hunting spots is the lamp poles at night. You see the frogs come up from the pond at night looking for food and all the bugs hanging around the light will do just fine. One might wonder are you eating all these favorite catches. Nope they gan spend on night up at the Nature Center Zoo where they hang with the other animals anc catches then its back to where they were caught at. Next summer, join us for some serious frog catching.

The Russell W. Hogrefe Fresh Start Fund was established by Russell W. Hogrefe during his tenure as Executive Director of the American Camp Association, Illinois Section. He served in that position from 1979 until his retirement in 1996. Russ spent his entire professional career providing children's summer camp and other services to families with very low income. Teachers, social workers, counselors or other professionals refer campers. ACA Illinois Section staff and the person making the referral select an appropriate day or resident camp program. Camps must be accredited by the American Camp Association. The camper's family is encouraged to pay whatever they can afford for the camping experience. The camp provides a partial campership and the Fund pays the balance. If you would like to donate fund to help an underprivileged child attend summer camp in 2009 please send a check or make an online donation. Summer camp is an experience that enriches lives and all children should have the opportunity to attend kids summer camp. To learn how Swift Nature Camp can help your child attend camp visit our website.

We at Swift realize the importance that campers feel special while at camp. That is why we have created a special First Timer program for children who have never been to camp. Our goal is to help children feel self confident while quite possibly being your child's first extended time away from home. We do this by having extra staff on hand for each and every camper needs. We are extremely proud of the fact that during Discovery Camp we limit each cabin size to only 8 campers with 2 staff members. That's only 72 campers (ages 6-12) and 26 staff members ! We also have an Orientation Day, when campers not only get a tour of the camp, complete with a visit to the Health Center and the Mail Box, but also go to each activity area learning about safety in that activity. Within the cabin our staff works hard to promote a nurturing and harmonious friendships. This starts with a Respect List for all to agree to and sign and each night ends with a bedtime story. Due to the fact that all campers are new to this camp they are all on equal ground right from the start. We encourages each child to learn independence in a safe, age appropriate non-competitive environment. Our twelve day program is the perfect length of time for your first time camper to gain autonomy, leaving their homesickness behind, and feeling comfortable with their new-found independence. For many campers the greatest lesson camp teaches is that they can leave home, return days later and very few things will have changed, especially your love for them. Swift Nature Camp's Discovery Program is the perfect match for any camper that's a little concerned about leaving home for the first time. Read More at DISCOVERY CAMP. For additional information on how to pick the perfect camp for your camper see www.SummerCampAdvisor.com

Jeff & Lonnie Lorenz, are Directors of Swift Nature Camp a Non-competitive, Traditional coed overnight summer camp in Wisconsin. Boys and Girls Ages 6-15. enjoy Nature, Animals & Science along with adventure camping.

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Ski Alaska at Beautiful Alyeska Resort

By Emery Noile

For ages, Alaska has been a source of awe and mystery. It's also famous for some of the world's best skiing. Of all the places to ski in Alaska, the Alyeska Resort is among the best. This area gets an average of 631 inches of snow every year, with a 2,501 foot vertical drop and a maximum elevation of 2,751 feet.

The Alyeska Resort offers some of the world's best skiing, but you won't find the slopes overly crowded and you won't have to wait in long lineups to use the lifts. There are nine lifts including two surface lifts, six chair lifts and one cable car line. Most of the 68 trails are designed for use by intermediate skiers, but beginners' and experts' trails are also available.

Night skiing at the Alyeska Resort brings more thrill and adventure to your vacation. At night, you'll see the snow capped mountains, hanging glaciers and those famous Northern Lights. This resort is ranked number nine on Skiing Magazine's list of the top twenty-five killer ski trips.

The season begins at the Alyeska Resort in the middle of November, and runs through the middle of April. This region of Alaska boasts the longest daytime areas in the United States, with approximately sixteen hours of daylight each day during April. Throughout December, though, there are only about seven hours of daylight -- which makes night time skiing necessary if you are going to get in the time that you want to spend on the slopes.

If you enjoy luxurious rooms and fine dining, the Alyeska Prince Hotel is the place to be. There is nightly entertainment available on site, with more nightlife spots located nearby.

If you enjoy tubing, then visiting the Glacier Tubing Park is an absolute must! Featuring two lanes of terrain and a surface lift, everyone in the family will delight in spending time at the tubing park. The Alyeska Terrain Park is a must for snowboarding devotees.

Other winter activities that can be enjoyed in and around the Alyeska Resort include heli-sking, ice climbing, ocean cruising tours, flight seeing, dog sledding, back country skiing, mountaineering, and polar bear watching.

At the Alyeska Resort, the ultimate winter vacation is yours to experience. Brave the elements, then come back to the hotel for some pampering. Get a taste of what Alaska can offer, and what skiing is meant to be!

Alyeska Resort has activities for the entire family to enjoy and countless unique sights and attractions. It really is the ultimate Alaskan ski getaway.

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The Little Old Lady: Pasadena

By James Gilbert Pynn

Even if you're not a big fan of the Beach Boys, I bet it's hard for you to not sing along or tap your foot when they all hit the harmonies to "Little Old Lady From Pasadena." Of course, it was a hit for Jan & Dean, those purveyors of all things surf related, first -- but I digress. The song is couched in the history of Pasadena, California that few people know about.

It was the case that many refugees from the Dust Bowl of the Twenties, Thirties, and Forties made their way to settle in sunny Pasadena. During the Fifties and Sixties, when many of these transplants began dying, it became folklore that the husbands would die off before their wives, leaving the widows to drive around in their husbands' cars.

Subsequently, it became something of a phenomenon in Southern California for car salesmen to say something to the effect: "This car was owned by a little old lady in Pasadena, who only drove it to church on Sunday." Hence, it was a barely-used car in excellent condition. Of course, the song turns that perception around, casting the "Little Old Lady" as a drag racer, firing her Super Stock Dodge up and down Colorado Boulevard.

The little old lady (and Jan & Dean) aside, Pasadena has managed to hold its own against its renown and infamous neighbor to the south: Los Angeles. In fact, it has shaped itself into a haven for artists and engineers alike. Between the students at Caltech and the California Arts Club, the city has a rich selection of cultural and artistic organizations.

To be sure, this is the birthplace of the famous Tournament of Roses Parade and the affiliated Rose Bowl. When it comes to the college game, the Rose Bowl is considered the "Granddaddy of Them All." Although Los Angeles tends to take the lion's share of notoriety and prestige, most people who know a thing or two about Southern California know the real class and history reside in the city that made the little old lady famous. The only way to know for yourself is to breeze through the Pasadena hotels, book a room, and get here as fast as your Super Stock Dodge can go.

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KLM-Royal Dutch Airlines

By Tom Martens

KLM-Royal Dutch Airlines is the national airline of the Netherlands with headquarters in Amstelveen and a main hub at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, serving over 90 destinations. KLM-Royal Dutch offers both domestic and international flights and is a member of the SkyTeam alliance, the second largest airline alliance in the world.

For the past several years, KLM-Royal Dutch Airlines has been part of Air France-KLM, while it has also maintained an operating partnership with Northwest Airlines, based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in the USA. The two-airline consortium operates a fleet of 607 aircraft that carry nearly 75 million passengers a year to 258 destinations. The Air France-KLM partnership recently obtained even more global reach by purchasing a 25 per cent stake in the Italian carrier Alitalia.

Founded in 1919 and the world's oldest air carrier, KLM ran its first flight, from London to Amsterdam, in May 1920. During World War II it ceased operations. The company was accused of helping accused Nazi war criminals escape Germany after World War II, but it has denied the allegations.

While KLM remains the world's oldest airline, it is no longer the world's oldest independent airline. Air France and KLM-Royal Dutch Airlines announced merger plans in 2003, marking the end of KLM's independent run. The merger did affect the ongoing cooperation between KLM and Northwest Airlines, however, as both companies joined SkyTeam in September 2004.

KLM gifts its long-haul first-class and business passengers with small Delftware, blue-and-white porcelain reproductions of old Dutch canal houses. The houses are filled with Dutch liquor. This practice started in 1952. There are now 88 Delftware houses as of 2008 (the airline?s age that year). A new Delftware house is added each year on October 7, the anniversary of the airline?s founding.

KLM's mileage program is Flying Blue. Members can accumulate and spend miles on flights on Air France-KLM, and also on other SkyTeam carriers and with a variety of transportation, travel, and financial companies. Flying Blue members earn four membership levels, Ivory, Silver, Gold, and Platinum, determined by their accumulated SkyTeam miles. Members can also earn miles on flights operated by Kenya Airways, which is a Flying Blue partner.

KLM?s past success isn?t protecting the airline from a bumpy future. The airline recently announced it will cut up to 2,000 jobs due to lower ticket sales and lower cargo volumes. The cuts represent three percent of the KLM workforce. KLM also plans to reduce its airline capacity by two percent in summer 2009. KLM lost $653 million dollars in the quarter ending December 31, 2008. Airline officials say they haven?t ruled out future cuts or reductions as they look to stabilize their business and return the airline to profitability.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, an airline watchdog group, announced in February 2009 that the group is suing KLM over allegations of price fixing. KLM denies the charges and plans to contest the lawsuit. Qantas and British Airways were recently fined $20 million and $5 million for similar allegations of price fixing.

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It May Be Time To Escape To Tropical Mexico

By Alvin Heen

Are you ready for that fabulous vacation to Mexico that you have been dreaming about for years?

Mexico is one of the greatest places to travel if you are on a budget. Package deals, low cost airfare, discount accommodations, dining out, travel within the country are just a few of the things that you can save money on with the correct research.

The exotic and luxurious resorts of Mexico have long been some of the most traveled places in the world. From their fantastic beaches and rich culture, people from all walks of life have wonderful memories of their Mexican vacations. You can join these people and create wonderful memories of your own, even if you are on a budget.

Let?s start with travel expenses. Did you know that you can save money on airfare just by having an extra stop in your flight? Did you know that changing your travel date from a weekday to the weekend may also save you money? There are many other deals that may suit your needs if you just do a little research. You may find that you save a high percentage of your budget, just by asking around and not accepting the first price that you are quoted. Your local travel agent may have even more deals for you. Asking questions and doing research is the key. So what are you waiting for? Mexico is waiting on you.

Once you arrive at your travel destination, there will be a need for accommodations. You may have family or friends that you can board with that could save you money. You may also choose alternative accommodations such as camping. Or you can choose the traditional method and stay at one of the beautiful luxury hotels that are plentiful through out the country. Your local travel agent may be able to offer you a package deal that could cut your cost in half. Shop around; you will be surprised about what you get if you just ask.

Dining will always be a priority when traveling. There are many ways that you can save and still eat some of the best food the country has to offer. Once you are there, the local people will also be more than happy to assist you finding cheaper dining solutions.

Shopping for and preparing your own meals while vacationing in Mexico can be cost effective as well as enriching to your family?s culture experience. The local food markets in Mexico are filled with fresh fruits and vegetables. Please note you should be diligent about carefully washing and peeling all produce after your purchase and practice safe handling techniques. These are just a few of the things that you may be able to save money and keep yourself inside a reasonable budget.

Other packages may have travel to and from the airport as well as around the town where you are staying. Be sure to check with hotel staff and local residents about transportation offerings. The bus routes in Mexico are relatively inexpensive so check out the schedules and times when you arrive. Please be cautious and use only prearranged taxis, that have been coordinated with the airport or our resort.

You may also be able to save by using a major bus system to travel to Mexico. Grey Hound and other major companies travel directly too and from Mexico. If time is not a necessity you may be able to save a considerable amount of money. There are many options that you can choose and still have a wonderful Mexican vacation while maintaining your budget. Using available resources for assistance can save you lots of money. It can also make your wallet very happy.

With some careful planning any size budget can be arranged for an enjoyable trip to beautiful Mexico. Do that and you?ll never look back years later wishing you had just taken the time to figure out how you could do it and later have those Mexican vacation memories.

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Mississippi Cruise Options For Travelers Of All Ages

By Anthony Herbert

The river cruise has become a very trendy kind of vacation today, and especially so on the Mississippi. Whether it is just for a short few hours, for a week or even a month, a boat cruise can be a very exhilarating as well as tranquil holiday.

There are many different alternatives to bear in mind when organizing a Mississippi river cruise. Mostly, these pertain the amount of time that you want to spend on the river, on whether you intend to travel alone or with other people, be it friends, family or possibly even business associates, and the kind of cruise that you want to undertake.

There are indeed a lot of options for the discerning traveler looking for a Mississippi cruise. The river, which runs from Minnesota to Louisiana, is the second longest in the United States and also the fifth longest in the world.

A Mississippi cruise can be in an old fashioned steamboat that will bring you back to the nineteenth century, or it can be in a modern, opulent cruise ship that offers state-of-the-art extravagance.

If you choose a steamboat, you will not be spoilt for choice as many of the bigger Mississippi river cruise boats have saloons, gambling malls, restaurants, spas and so forth. And of course, there are plenty of onshore activities to choose from, from sightseeing to golfing.

It is a truly ideal environment for all kinds of different pastimes, from a romantic night to cocktail parties, singles parties, tracing the steps of Civil War events, a business symposium, or even a marriage!

Many a Mississippi cruise is also designed around a specific topic. Some of the more popular are: Big Band, Gardens Of The River, Golfing On The River, Great Steamboat Race, History Of Steamboating, Legends Of The 50's, Relaxation On The River, Riverventures, Spring Pilgrimage, Thanksgiving Holidays, Veterans Reunion, World War II.

As for the itineraries, Mississippi river cruises can either be round trips, leaving and returning at the same port, or can be between two cities. The former is more common for shorter cruises, while trips of a week or more tend to be one way only.

Pricing for a Mississippi cruise varies enormously, mainly depending on the kind of trip (luxury, midrange or budget) but of course also no the length, on the included extras, and on the overall package. Often discounts can be had for groups such as families.

There truly are Mississippi river cruises for all interests and budgets. If you research the subject further through the Internet you will soon have all the needed information to choose the right Mississippi river cruise for you.

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Short Breaks in Glasgow

By Craig Walker

Glasgow has appeared in some of the world's top travel guides as a must visit destination and more and more people are discovering why. It might not jump out at you as a good city break destination but once you discover what Glasgow has to offer you will find out why.

Scotland's largest city, Glasgow was founded in the 6th century with the opening of Glasgow's first Christian Church. Although the history of the area also includes Romans, Celtic Druids and Stone age man. The first Cathedral was started around 1175 and Glasgow became a major centre for commerce from the 16th century.

Glasgow today is one of a major shopping destination with an assortment of shops, shopping centres and markets to suit even the most experienced shopper. In fact the only place better to shop in the UK would be London. Add in the amazing nightlife, selection of restaurants, pubs, clubs, casinos and you will soon discover why so many people visit Glasgow.

If you like live entertainment then Glasgow has something for everyone with its regular festivals spread out over the year. Some of the festivals on offer include the West End Festival, Glasgay, The Jazz Festival, The River Festival, the International Comedy Festival and many more.

Glasgow is easy to get to and has a very busy airport with arrivals from numerous towns and cities around the UK, Europe and beyond. There are flights available with the low cost airlines offering amazingly cheap flights to and from Glasgow. Travelling by rail takes you into the centre of the city to either of the stations. The coach station is also in the city centre and like the train has regular arrivals from England and the north of Scotland. There are flights daily from all four of the airports in London and most other UK towns and cities as well.

Glasgow has numerous options when it comes to accommodation including hostels, Bed and Breakfast accommodation, two to five star hotels and serviced self catering apartments. As the Commonwealth games approach 2014 more and more accommodation is being built and opened in the city.

Glasgow's weather can be unpredictable however they are used to it and no matter what you want to do you can do almost everything regardless of the weather conditions. Glasgow does experience very hot weather as well so make sure you pack accordingly for the correct time of year.

There are numerous quality attractions in Glasgow such as the fantastic Kelvingrove Art Gallery one of the best Galleries in the UK if not the best outside London. There is also the Science Mall, which includes the Science Centre, Glasgow Tower and the Glasgow Imax Theatre. Being an old city there are many interesting buildings, architecture and museums all of which have free entry.

A short drive away from Glasgow is Loch Lomond and the beautiful Highlands can be reached are less than an hours drive from Loch Lomond. Stirling and Edinburgh can easily be reached by car for a day trip.

Glasgow is a surprise destination choice however it is easy to see why. There is so much to see and do during the day and at night that you will wish you could stay longer.

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Preparing for an African Safari, Safety tips and Guide.

By Ethan O. Tanner

An African safari or an African hunting vacation can be truly fabulous and exhilarating. Practical Thinking and unhurried preparation will guarantee you a risk-free and memorable travel. Whenever you feel educated for an African safari, think once more. Even if you are traveling to a country you are familiar with, it is nonetheless very relevant to be sensitive of the physical conditions and safety. Here are suggestions with what to do preceding leaving home and when you are abroad.

Before leaving home Make sure you have enough Information about the country you are visiting, including that on traditions and security concerns. This can be got from the travel guides and Directory. Ensure that you are updated on the current issues and changes in the politics.

Keep a computer scan of your passport, write your passport number down and perhaps learn it in case you mislay it. It is important that youhave the diplomatic delegation agencies contact inforamtion of the country you are journeying to. This guarantees easier processing of your documents case you mislay or misplace them. .Photocopy the official documents you will have with you, scan them and electronic mail them to yourself so that you can access them where you're at. The internet caf?s are almost in every bigger and smaller territories of Africa so you will have no trouble involving this.

It's absolutely significant to have a medical examination to brace oneself for a healthy vacation. Remember you're looking forward to enjoying the nicest time, so you would not like to become ill to strain every thing you planned. Should you have a chronic illness( like diabetes, hypertension, sinus troubles or even neurological disorder), check with your MD, who can concurrently give you a letter explaining the health problem in English and the particulars .

It?s important to read the health tips for the traveler. Diseases like Malaria have to be avoided. Some of the things you will eat won?t go down well. Be armed! Make sure you have seen your dentist recently. And it is also advisable to pack a medical kit with pain killers , repellants , bandages , and an antiseptic cleaners, for your self and children traveling with you If you are on regular medication , take care to pack enough to last the travel time .

See to it you?re insurance coverage is authorized in case you become ill or hurt overseas. Some insurance company* specialize in overseas travel insurance and might allow you to buy short-term coverage. Arrange a restriction on your credit card, in case it is stolen, stealers will be incapable of drawing out a huge amount of money .

Article of clothings iare very important. Please make certain to understand the climate and weather conditions before your safari. If you've engaged a hunting expedition operator, contact the company for recommendation on clothing during the particular time frame of your trip. Keep in mind that decency is desirable by all the African nations.

To relive symptoms of jetlag, eat light, drink plenty of liquids but avoid alcoholic beverages and caffeine a couple of days after your trip. Try to unwind and rest on your flight so you will be able to be energetic once you reach your destination .Try to slumber when locals do in order to get accustomed the local time.

Use 2 wallets. Hide one of them with essential belongings in your jacket pockets. Fill the supplemental with a little amount of money. In case of an assault you'll be able to turn over this one. Don't count your money publically, since you may become a target for thieves. Keep what notes you have in your pocket and wallet. Keep greater denominations distant from nosey eyes.

Don't ride in any taxicab you find ? make sure it belongs to an official company. Inquire with the hotel reception about rates you can anticipate to pay when you use a taxicab. Always set a price prior to getting into the cab or demand for a metre to be employed. Pick up the hotel?s business card. You can always present this to a cabdriver if you can't find your way back.

These iare a few pointers on journeying to Africa. Whenever you're preparing for a Safari or a Hunting expedition, some countries to definitly visit include Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Republic of South Africa, Republic of Botswana and Rwanda. Careful preparation and gearing up will make your vacation to Africa a travel to cherish.

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Best Snowboarding Places In Japan

By Kylee Pan

The Japanese have taken up snowboarding at such breakneck pace that it could soon overtake skiing in popularity. At all times of the year, you can see large scores of people thronging the ski resorts to pursue their hobby. With more than 600 resorts in Japan, it is hard not to notice the sport's incredible fan base.

Its popularity is not just restricted to the locals. Many tourists from every part of the world have made the effort to travel far and wide to Japan's ski resorts just to snowboard. The experience of doing so in a foreign country and having a taste of its culture makes it even more exciting.

Snowboard is now more popular with the Japanese than skiing. This winter sport can be enjoyed by both the young and old, while the cool factor guarantees a sizable following with the younger generation. It might be more difficult to master than skiing, but the thrill is also in overcoming the challenge.

Tokyo and Hokkaido are two of the most popular snowboarding destinations within Japan. They have some of the biggest and most beautiful resorts found in the East Asian country. There are hundreds more across the large island, but snowboarders of every skill level will be satisfied with what they get from the ski resorts found in these two areas.

Iwappara Ski Resort is just an hour and a half's train ride from Tokyo and is one of the busiest ski resorts in the country. Thousands make the trip each day to indulge in their hobby. Iwappara offers everything a snowboarder would need for a day trip, but it lacks the more sophisticated terrains and pipes that experienced snowboarders prefer.

Hokkaido is a favorite tourist attraction and an even more popular snowboarding destination. It houses the Rusutsu Ski Resort which is still regarded as the biggest area for skiers in the country. However, snowboarders will have to contend with the other visitors who are also there for other activities such as golf and the amusement parks.

Perhaps the most frequented ski resort in Japan would be that of Niseko Resort in Hokkaido. It might not have the size compared to Rusutsu, but the resort has grown year on year. The powder quality in Niseko is considered to be one of the best in the world by snowboarders, who value this particular feature in any snowboarding locale they go to.

Iwappara, Rusutsu and Niseko ski resorts are all worth visiting if you intend to visit Japan for a snowboarding vacation. There are many others that you can include in your itinerary but the three are must visits for any fan worth his or her salt. You will not leave the country feeling shortchanged after the experience.

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Ten Point To Determine The Value Of Boats And Yachts

By John Howard

When considering whether to independently determine the value of a boat before buying or selling, you may find the following evaluation checklist of help. We also suggest that you do this appraisal together with a friend as four eyes see better than two. You can use this checklist when looking at the vessel, to help you examine the condition of the boat, and to spot repairs or improvements that may be necessary to take into account before settling on a final price.

1) Examine the boat's hull: Examine the hull and carefully and look for any cracks or chips in the gel coat. Look for any evidence of blistering or fading. If the boat it is out of the water, do also look beneath the waterline for recent maintenance work and antifouling.

2) Take a hard look at all the hatches, and at the areas where different parts of the boat are joined together. Everything should fit well, not be warped by humidity, and be impermeable. Open and close all hatches and sea locks, checking that they are in good shape and well maintained.

3) Check engine(s), steering & transmission: Check that the steering and throttle control cables are in good condition and that the wheel moves freely (and without squeaking) and that the transmission smooth, from forward, to neutral, to reverse. Check the oil level of the engine and examine the colour and texture of the oil. If it's grainy or gritty, they're possibly tiny slivers of metal that indicate potentially serious mechanical problems. If the oil has a slightly milky appearance, it signifies that there is a water leak into the engine.

4) Check the radio as well as all the electrical equipment, the batteries, and all switches. Make sure that everything works and is in good order, and that there is no excessive wear and tear.

5) Check the bilges for watermarks and signs of oil leaks: Check the bilges, beneath the engine for water ingress and for oil. If oil is present, it's a sign of an engine oil leak. Also look for water stain lines inside the boat or inside any engine compartment. If they exist, it would indicate that there has been some kind of flooding.

6) What condition are the external surfaces in? Examine all external surfaces with care. This includes the gel coat, the woodwork and the upholstery. Some wear and tear will be inevitable, but they will reflect the general condition of the boat. If you are the seller, it can make sense to change the upholstery as this is an inexpensive upgrade that can add more value to the boat than it will cost you.

7) If there are any wooden parts on the boat, examine them thoroughly as repairs and replacements of these can be quite expensive. Is anything warped by dampness, faded or chipped? Have there been some previous restorations that were badly executed?

8) For sailing boats, check the sails and the rigging . Check that all the sails and rigging (including spares) are in good condition; do not only look for evidence of repairs, but also make sure everything functions easily and flows freely.

9) What accessories will be part of the deal? Make sure to make an inventory of all the extras, and evaluate them to their fair used material price. This could make a serious difference to end value, especially if a lot of electronics are part of the deal.

10) Don't neglect to look at the safety equipment. Not only do you want to ensure that it's present and in good order, but its state of maintenance will shed light on the care that the previous owner put into the boat, which is an important consideration for boat evaluation.

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Travel Tips - International Flights

By Mike Gregorio

Each day, a large number of American citizens hit the sky. While many are only traveling from one state to another, there are some who are traveling from one country to another. If you are one of those individuals, you may be nervous, rightfully so. If you are a first-time flyer or if you have a problem with flying in general, it is advised that you learn to calm your nerves as much as possible. Although it may seem impossible to do, there are a number of benefits to doing so, namely for your own safety.

Unfortunately, in today?s society it seems as if air travel has gotten a little bit out of control. Airport security, airline personnel, as well as other passengers, are all concerned with their safety. While it is important to be concerned with your country and the country of others, it is seem as if what it takes to make everyone feel unsafe has also gotten a little bit out of control. If you are on an airplane, especially on an international flight, and someone carelessly mentioned the word bomb, your flight would probably land at the nearest airport. The same can be said for uncooperative passengers. That is why it is extremely important that you remain calm, aboard an airplane, at all times.

Many travelers are nervous about flying, all on its own, however, others display a wide array of emotions for other reasons. One of those reasons is dissatisfaction. On international flights, like all other flights, you will find that your actions are limited in the air. There are only certain times when you can remove your seatbelts, use the bathroom, or use your electronic equipment. If these times do not meet with your schedule, you are advised to just deal with it. Becoming upset or hysterical will not accomplish anything for you; expect for maybe a date with local authorities at your next stop.

One of the number one reasons why trouble begins on a plane, even if is innocent enough as being scared to fly, is because travelers do not know the consequences of their actions. A nervous, jittery, or confrontational passenger is what flight attendants are taught to look for. Although you may not be a terrorist, you may be displaying noticeable symptoms. In the event that this does happen, your plane will likely be rerouted, where you and other passengers will be met with airfield security or local authorities. Depending on what your actions involved, you may be charged with disorderly conduct or something similar. Essentially, this means that it is extremely important that you remain calm at all times.

All international airports are on high alert. This means that they will not only be looking for prohibited items, but suspicious travelers as well. If you are nervous about flying, you need to think of something enjoyable; it may help to calm your nerves. If you are asked to do something by airport security, such as step aside, you are advised to do so. If you do not, it is likely that a confrontation could brew. Starting a confrontation in airport is just as serious as starting one in the air. In fact, you will likely be met with the same consequences, as mentioned above.

Although it is important to know what could happen to you if you change to remain clam in an international airfield or aboard an international flight, is it is also important to work on ways to stay calm. Whether it involves thinking happy thoughts, bringing along headphones, or by taking long deep breaths, it is advised that you develop multiple ways to keep yourself calm and level headed. If you change to do so, you may regret your decision to fly for the rest of your life and that is something that shouldn?t have to happen.

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The Ten Best Attractions in Miami

By Chris Linch

If you are planning a trip to Miami we have a list of the top ten things you must do. Miami is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. Making this list is quite a feat. Anytime you travel to Miami you are sure to have a good time, we just provide this information to add some value to your trip.

#1 Miami Children's Museum - What an experience for all ages. There are tours that are bilingual so everyone can enjoy them. They have educational classes and plenty of displays.

#2 Miami Art Museum - This includes incredible art from eras beginning as early as 1940. They have sculptures, paintings and photography.

#3 Vizcaya Museum and Gardens - This was the winter get away for John Deering in 1914. They have the main house kept up and it contains much of the original art and furniture. There is also a large 10 acre spread which includes gardens and restored buildings.

#4 Miami Seaquarium - In operation since about 1955 this is where the famous Flipper show was filmed. Take a dip with some dolphins and see the fantastic displays at this great attraction.

#5 Offshore Rockets - The people that worked on Miami Vice are glad to share with you the thrills of jet power boats. You can learn all about them in your visit.

#6 South Beach - This probably deserves it's own article. South Beach is to say the least famous. They have a fantastic nightlife including clubs and shopping. It is a fantastic neighborhood to visit.

#7 Art Deco Historic District - This is one complete square mile of about eight hundred stucco buildings that have all been restored. You can take a walking tour through this area and see some beautiful buildings.

#8 Little Havana - Go eat some real authentic Cuban food and tour the sights, sounds and smells of a true Cuban district.

#9 Miami Nice Tours - Book your tour and activity here. They have things like tours of the beautiful Everglades. You can also get a tour to Key West or just go snorkeling.

#10 Island Queen - These are beautiful cruises of the Biscayne Bay that not only do you get to see, but get told about the area.

This should be plenty for you to do in Miami unless you plan on staying for 20 some days. These are just some of the many things to do in this area. Enjoy your trip!

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Cruises To Bermuda

By Charlie Reese

The island of Bermuda has many charms and is a terrific destination for water sports, golf, and historic sights or just lazing on the pink sands. Several companies offer cruises to Bermuda, so you get a great vacation on a luxury cruise ship and on the island. By the time you reach your destination at Kings Wharf, you will feel pampered and rested.

Norwegian Cruises run a 7-Night cruise from New York City on board the Norwegian Dawn, a ship with a choice of 12 restaurants, 9 bars and lounges and 3 swimming pools to relax in. There is also a fitness center and spa, a theatre and a casino.

The Royal Caribbean line has years of experience in the cruise industry and their Bermuda cruises combine an elegant lifestyle on ship with sightseeing on the way to the island. The 5-Night Bermuda Cruise goes from Baltimore, Maryland on the Grandeur of the Seas, a ship that deserves its name. Passengers can enjoy the spa, and a selection of six whirlpools. For the more active, there is an outdoor running track.

Another 5-Night Royal Caribbean cruise leaves from Cape Liberty, New Jersey. The ship is the Explorer of the Seas and it is one of the largest ones in the fleet with a capacity for 3,114 guests. In addition to the usual amenities, there is an ice skating rink and a rock climbing wall. The ship is also proud host to the University of Miami Ocean Lab, a facility for the study of oceanography.

The 6-Night Carnival Cruise Line cruise to Bermuda is on board the Carnival Miracle, which departs from New York City. Passengers can visit Newport, Rhode Island on route and enjoy the cruiser's casino, spa and nightclubs.

The Costa Cruises Line organizes cruises from Quebec, calling in at Charlottetown, Boston, New York City and Port Canaveral on the way to Bermuda. This cruise to Bermuda is for 13 nights and is on board the Italian ship, Costa Atlantica.

There are plentiful sightseeing and leisure opportunities for passengers once their ship has docked. The largest city is Hamilton, where there are several museums and examples of fine architecture. The Anglican Cathedral is well worth a visit and there are lots of shops and markets to browse in. The former presence of the Royal Navy has left behind several forts to explore and there are beaches to watch the world go by. St. George is a small town that has historic sights and an interesting past, being the former capital of the island.

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Getaway 4 Romance: Honeymoon Planning Tips

By Linda Beckett

Planning a honeymoon should be done with caution to make sure the two of you have the honeymoon you deserve. You can look forward to your honeymoon particularly following the stress of planning your wedding. If you are unsure about what to organize then attempt to get some advice from any recently married colleagues and relatives and do some research about what is available. Never let anybody push her or his own wants onto you or your fiance's plans.

You want to consider how much time you are going to be on your romantic getaway. Will it be for a few nights to several weeks. Think about your budget of your honeymoon and when you want to take it. You can go on your honeymoon after the reception, several days after the wedding,or at the wedding location. Also figure out your destination. Do you want to go to a lake, desert, someplace exotic or maybe several places.

Staying at the right hotel is key to having a memorable honeymoon. Do you want a hotel that is in the heart of a city, that accepts couples or adults only, is all-inclusive, is large with a lot of amenities, is small with a few rooms or villa, or is close to nightclubs or entertainment.

Will you be dining at gourmet restaurants, have your meals included with the accommodation, order in room service or resort food, go to local inexpensive restaurants, or prepare your own meals? Determine the types of activities you want to participate in whether it be spending quality romantic time, taking long moonlight walks, going to clubs and bars, seeing live entertainment or other activates.

It is possible to find affordable honeymoons if you are willing to travel off-season as these times are always less expensive. You need to let the hotel or cruise now that you are newlyweds as honeymooners tend to get special treatment like champagne and chocolates, couples massages and flowers. The special attention and extras will make your romantic getaway even more memorable.

You can find many holiday packages that are designed for honeymooners. The packages focus on romance and will have you staying at the best hotels or resorts. You may also get some extras like candlelit dinners, champagne and chocolate, flowers, and couples massages. A honeymoon package is a great way to ensure that you will have the most romatic of honeymoons.

Honeymoons have an average price of $3500 dollars and tend to be about 8 days long though this varies. Most hotels are found through travel agents and travel websites. Popular honeymoon locations are Hawaii, Mexico, the Caribbean, Europe and the Mediterranean. More exotic locations are French Polynesia, Fiji Islands and Thailand.

The placement of your room can be very important. Think of how romantic it is to have a room where the doors open up to a white sand beach or have an overlook of a tropical harbor. Keep lots of fresh flowers and bring your own candles and incense to set the mood. You should also determine what amenities you want in your room, bathrobes, a plunge pool, air conditioning, CD player, minibar, DVD player, king size bed or whirlpool bath.

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Attractions at Houston City

By Ian Kleine

The city of Houston is the fourth largest city in the United States, located in Texas.

As a large city, it is quite easy to find good things to buy, good food to eat, and good places to visit. Texans would claim Houston is a good city, and the number of tourist spots in the area would keep anyone entertained for as long as their visit would allow them to.

For the naturally curious, their is the Houston Museum of Natural Science, an altar for the different branches of science. The museum has a butterfly center, a planetarium with stars and the usual revolving satellites, models of dinosaurs and much more.

There's also the Museum of Fine Arts, which holds a very large and expensive collection of art pieces, most from around the world. Renaissance, tribal art, expressionist, abstract and even the pre-Dark ages. It also hosts art from its visitors, students from the surrounding art schools or rising artists, whose works may one day take the art world by storm.

We also have the Houston Downtown aquarium, a 7-something acre complex that has renditions of famous waterways like the Amazon River, Louisiana swamp and others. There's also a Ferris wheel inside, a helipad (makes me wonder what this is for) and a train tunnel that passes underneath a shark tank. Feel the thrill having a shark swim above you in menacing circles!

The Houston Zoo is a huge crowd drawer that has a collection of 4,500 animals, ranging from mammals, birds, felines, reptiles (alligators, anyone?). The zoo is also well known for having reared the largest elephant calf in all of the recognized zoos around the country. It is also probably the only zoo that hosts the Giant Eland, a rare specie of savanna antelopes. Believe me, being near this great-horned being is a wonderful experience that cannot be emulated by anything else.

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How Much Money Is Needed For Visiting Amsterdam, Netherlands?

By Jetse Holland

Show me a person who doesn't want to travel and see the world, and I bet you there's something wrong with him. Humans are like this: they want to travel, they want to see new places, and amongst all, Europe has great touristic objectives. Amsterdam is one of the cities in Europe which lives out of tourism.

You may wonder if Amsterdam cheap lodging ideas really exist. First of all define cheap, then find out that you can stay for as little as 40 or 50 Euro per night. If you call that cheap, that's fine.

A cheap hotel in Amsterdam isn't necessarily situated at the periphery of Amsterdam. Even in the center zone there are several cheap hotels which are suitable even for the pickiest travelers. Park hotel is a very good example in this respect, close to the center and low priced.

If you don't mind sharing your room with strangers, you can choose to stay in a hostel type accommodation. The main inconvenient in staying in a hostel is that you are not allowed inside during the day. Amsterdam offers a few such possibilities, and you'll save a lot of money, which you can use for visiting more museums or getting more presents and souvenirs for your friends.

Staying in the center can be a great experience for a tourist. Even if you are looking for cheap accommodation, don't ignore the center, because there are hotels like Bema, or Park, or Ibis, where you won't pay too much, but you'll be close to many museums.

When you want to travel cheap, you need to pay attention to in city transportation availabilities when you choose your hotel. For example, Park hotel in Amsterdam is cheap and it offers good connections for you to use public transportation wherever you may want to go during your stay in Amsterdam.

Amsterdam canals are ideal for romantic lovers enjoying their honeymoon. There are small boats you can take for a ride, or larger ships which are public and fairly inexpensive. Too bad the weather is windy almost all year round, so take care to have some warm clothes inside your luggage.

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Quebec City: A Delightful Surprise

By Chris Linch

Visiting Quebec City feels like visiting a city in Europe. It's perched on a cliff high above the St. Lawrence River, and still retains its original city walls, giving it an ancient aura. It has been the capitol of the region, first as the capitol of New France in the 16th century, and now as the capitol of the Quebec province, for 400 years.

Quebec was founded by the French in order to stake their claim on the new world. It is situated on cliffs 200 feet high above the St Lawrence River, giving it stunning views of the countryside and the nearby Laurentian Mountains. Under French rule, the fur and lumber trades flourished. The French lost the city to the British in 1759 and most of the French Nobility returned to France. The French were able to maintain their language, religion and culture, however. The city saw a huge Irish influx during the Potato Famine of 1850. The ships had to be quarantined at Grosse Ile due cholera and typhus outbreaks among the immigrants, however, and many died. Those that didn't survive the disease or the journey are buried there. The city remained under British Rule until 1867 when the Dominion of Canada was formed.

Quebec still considered French its official language, although English is widely spoken, particularly in tourist spots. Most road signs and menus are printed in both languages for the benefit of visitors.

Finding your way around Quebec City is pretty straightforward. The Old Town (Vieux-Quebec) is where the attractions are. The area is divided into two parts: Haute-Ville (Upper Town) which is the walled city at the top of the hill, and Basse-Ville (Lower Town) which is the area below the walled city and the river. You can move between the two by a set of steps called Escalier Casse-Cou (Breakneck Stairs) or a funicular.

Looming over the city is a huge castle. It is absolutely gorgeous and lends so much charm to the skyline of Quebec. This is the Chateau Frontenac, a historic hotel that has the distinction of being the most photographed hotel in North America.

To explore Old Town, you will want to put on a good pair of shoes and walk. Everything is fairly close, and you don't want to miss a thing. You will see lovely old buildings, quaint shops, flower-bedecked buildings, and a still-life around every corner. Take your time, take your camera, and revel in the unique charm of Quebec City.

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Type of Pleasant Holidays

By Dennis Durrel

The Pleasant Holidays Tour Group prepares to give excellent contracts to specials who are in the shop for trip packages visiting several locations around the globe.

This particular group works to find the best prices when it comes to flights, cruises, weddings to various destinations, honeymoon packages, hotel accommodations, and even rental car deals.

If you are looking for a great travel deal during the holidays, Pleasant Holidays can help you get just that!

There are a great deal of destinations that can be researched and enjoyed when searching through the website that Pleasant Holidays has online.

Pleasant Holidays Journey Unit also offers several diverse modes of security preparation that work to provide personals who need as well as desire insurance for their travel necessities.

This specific corporation put the top value on ensuring that your vacation is protected in each one technique that is potential. If you are intending a|the trip, it is greatest to think about Pleasant Holidays Travel Group with your preparation.

Not only shall you undergo selection, but they will also offer you tremendous discounts and a wide range of security. Go to see the website of Pleasant Holidays now to begin setting your next holiday! You going to be happy that you worked.

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Dubai: A Real Success Story

By Chris Linch

Dubai has a fascinating story. When the British left in 1971, Dubai became a part of the Federation of United Arab Emirates. Oil was discovered in 1966. Instead of living like a pasha for a few years, until the oil ran out, the then-ruler, Sheik Saeed Al Maktoum decided to invest Dubai's oil resources into building a long term economic future for his people.

He saw that he had a couple of real advantages: the weather is almost always perfect in Dubaiideal for outdoor activities. Dubai is on the seashoreideal for vacationers. The country is located right in the middle of Europe, Asia and Africa. And it is safe. The political turmoil of other Arab countries does not affect Dubai. He recognized that Dubai would be exotic enough for travelers wanted something different, but since he was starting from nothing he could incorporate western comforts. He attracted financing for hotels, shopping extravaganzas, and sports arenas. Developers started designing multi-million dollar vacation homes for celebrity clients.

Sheik al Maktoum has passed away, but his successors have continued his mission. Dubai has developed into an intriguing destination. Famous for its experimental architecture, modern hotels sit against rolling sand dunes and green golf courses. Souks compete for business with shopping malls complete with indoor alpine ski runs. There are Bedouin villages and five-star hotels. Camels walk the beach next to bikini-clad women.Dubai defies easy description..

The city offers a wide variety of dining options and night life. Most dining is offered by the hotels, because the hotels can sell alcohol, while most other restaurants cannot. This is an Islamic country after all. So the hotels serve the locals as well as their guests and they offer service and selection on a world-class level. There are a surprising number of clubs, discos and bars open until late.

Dubai's climate and first-class sporting facilities make it an ideal place to lead an action-packed life or enjoy an energetic holiday. The variety of sports on offer ranges from deep-sea fishing to ice-skating, and from golf on the Middle East's international standard grass courses to sand skiing in the desert.

However, Dubai is not just for the active sportsman. The emirate is also a great place for the sports fan to see top-class spectator events and admire the skills of some of the leading stars and personalities in a wide range of different sports.

Events staged in Dubai are the Desert Classic PGA Golf Tournament, The Dubai Tennis Open, and the Dubai World Cup. And Dubai continues to add to its visibility and list of events each year.

The cosmopolitan atmosphere of Dubai is encapsulated in a range of activities from polo to volleyball, ice-skating to hockey, bowling to darts, chess to show jumping and dressage.

And the traditional sports of Dubai are not forgotten. Camel racing and the annual sailing dhow race draws crowds in the thousands to enjoy the demonstration of an ancient art. And that may be the real appeal of Dubai: A perfect balance of the ancient and the modern.

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Traffic and Road Condition Reporting

By Stanley Records

A traffic report is an element of a radio program or TV news broadcast that informs listeners about general traffic conditions. The reports generally list the locations and severity of traffic accidents, construction detours and slowdowns, etc., on the roadways within the broadcast area. In the United States, the broadcast area is generally defined by utilizing statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau and from a ratings company, such as Arbitron.

The Canadian BC Govt, takes road reporting seriously. You can find the BC Highway Road Reports online at http://www.bchighway.com

In addition to legacy information dissemination methods (radio & TV), traffic reporting on the Internet (i.e. TrafficReport.com, Traffic.com, etc...) has become mainstream - including access via mobile computing devices (i.e. Treo, Blackberry, iPhone, etc...) and personal GPS units (i.e. Garmin, TomTom, etc...).

By supplying updates during traffic rush hours, providers offer a public service to commuters to help them anticipate and avoid traffic congestion. Many reports offer recipients an alternate travel route.

At radio stations where news programming is the primary content, roadway conditions are tracked by monitoring police radio frequencies. Some radio stations also have agreements with states' highway patrol that permit a direct connection with a law enforcement computer. This enables real-time information gathering of the latest accident reports to states' highway patrol divisions. However today more and more, state DOTs (Departments Of Transportation) have agreements with various technology providers to deliver automated traffic tracking data which is resold and redistributed.

In many of the largest U.S. cities, states' transportation departments or divisions have installed a series of cameras along the Interstate Highway System to monitor traffic conditions. Systems of this type can be easily seen along the I-95 corridor in the eastern section of the United States. I-95 runs the north-south length of the U.S., from Maine to Florida (just as with I-35, which runs from Minneapolis to San Antonio).

Television stations in Miami, Florida have agreements with the Florida Department of Transportation to enable use of video images generated by this FDOT camera system. These images are shown during morning and afternoon traffic reports, on several local stations, and FDOT is cited by reporters as proving "these images courtesy of the Florida Department of Transportation".

Many medium and large radio and television markets, as classified by Arbitron, utilize helicopters to overfly accident scenes and other areas of high traffic volume. This helps each radio or TV station to provide up-to-the-minute, live reports or traffic conditions. Some stations, in larger U.S. markets, at least, may have their own helicopter, or share resources with a local television station to help mitigate the costs. In many markets, a local or regional traffic reporting service may have contracts with several radio and television stations. This helps stations avoid the expense of purchasing or leasing their own helicopter, which necessitates other expenses like hiring of a pilot, and setting a maintenance schedule.

Broadcast reports on traffic conditions, usually heard on radio, became popular in large U.S. cities in the 1960's and quickly spread in use to other areas as population centers grew. As these smaller burgs and hamlets became absorbed into larger metropolitan areas, particularly in the United States, the interstate freeways became cluttered during the morning and afternoon rush.

Many stations began using reports provided only from their studios, depending on information from law enforcement and citizens. Today, most large metropolitan areas have traffic reporters in the air and also depend on advisories from listeners using cell phones and other mobile communications devices.

During the 1990's, competition between radio and television stations led many program and news directors to add traffic reports to their schedules, though many smaller stations could not afford a full-time traffic reporter or aircraft. This led to the expansion of traffic reporting companies, including Total Traffic Network , Shadow Broadcast Services, Metro Networks, and other regional traffic reporting agencies.

In 1997 and 1998 Metro Networks began buying many smaller traffic reporting agencies, as reported in their own financial statements to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. In 1999, Metro Networks acquired a firm called Copter Acquisition Company, from Westwood One. Westwood One then purchased Metro Networks, and the two companies merged completely.

Thats about it for the History of traffic reporting stay tuned and remember to check British Columbia Road reports.

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Texas Conspiracy Museum

By Ian Kleine

Reading political novels on how the government skillfully sets up fiendish and devious plans to erase and put people and events out of existence really gets the inner detective in you. Perhaps a visit to a museum would quench that thirst?

This Conspiracy Museum follows the theories of famed 'assassinologist' R.B. Cutler. Apparently, the core root is more than just that. A lot of events that were somehow not-connected, are all connected. Bit confusing? Think of John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King Jr., Harvey Oswald, Korean Airlines 007 (which was acronymed 'KA007'), and Robert Kennedy. I wouldn't be surprised if the Taliban, Osama or anybody else from the Malaysian or Philippine region would make an appearance in later conspiracy theories.

A visual aid, well, a drawing of the 'Conspiracy Tree' is the most conspicuous of items inside. Downstairs, another mural with blood streaks and more conspiracies (bullet splatter anyone?) can be found. It lends an aura that is a cross from ominous, to highly comical (well, it is!)

There is also a movie of the time John F. Kennedy was assassinated. With a bit of commentator prodding, and the inner-detective of each of the audience, most would jump at the time when, frame by frame, the mechanics of the assassination was 'revealed'. Classic, if I do say so myself.

The gift shop is filled with books on their subjects, namely Kennedy and how everything is linked in one big, iffy conspiracy. Highly novel, if I would say and would make for a great souvenir of this trip.

Most would think it a waste of time (with focus only on JFK's assassination), but heck, if you're a buff; why not give it a go? Perhaps you might get a few infos you might have missed, perhaps you might get a few laughs.

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Best Holiday Places in Turkey

By Thomas Dawkin

There are a number of reasons why Turkey is emerging into the twenty first century as the best place to go on holiday. Turkey has, over recent years, evolved into a reasonably peaceful, stable and commercially viable link between east and west.

Turkey's activities can stand proudly up against some of the world's best holiday destinations, and there are some which you may not have associated with the country until recently. There are many activities in Turkey;

Its variety is one of stanbuls greatest attractions: The ancient mosques, palaces, museums and bazaars reflect its diverse history. The thriving shopping area of Taksim buzzes with life and entertainment. And the serene beauty of the stanbul strait, Princes Islands and parks bring a touch of peace to the otherwise chaotic metropolis.

Bodrum - Homer describes Bodrum as "The land of eternal blue" and the words of another resident of Bodrum. Throughout history of Bodrum, known as Halicarnassos in ancient times, has always been fought over and people have been unwilling to share its beauty with others.

Winter Sports - The high altitude mountains of Turkey have made the country an important centre for winter tourism, and skiing is becoming increasingly popular.

Bodrum, has the all facilities to meet the expectations of tourists from all income levels, ranging from the rich yacht owners to the penny counting tourists who just want a reasonable room to make his vacation last all summer.

Many of Turkeys historical places developed because of their springs, like the ancient city of Hieropolis which was built upon the rich mineral springs of Pamukkale, and the ancient Lydian city of Kaunos, whose people took baths in the rich mineral mud of Lake Koycegiz.

Antalya is a major tourist centre in Turkey. In addition to the wide selection of hotels, restaurants, bars, nightclubs and shops, the city also plays host to a number of sporting events throughout the year, like international beach volleyball, triathlon, golf tournaments, archery, tennis and canoeing competitions.

You can take a boat trip to the Greek island of Samos. Samos lies at the north-eastern part of the Aegean Sea. Visitors are enchanted to see the charming mountainous landscape of Samos with the essential beauty of the nature and the historical spread all over the island. It is a unique experience.

For relaxation and entertainment, there are a large number of restaurants and waterfront bars open until around midnight; later the party atmosphere moves to nightclubs. It can get lively in high season when the holiday spirit is in full swing.

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Hotels in Old Havana

By J. M. Maurette

If you are looking around to make up your mind about which Havana hotels to go for your upcoming Cuba Holidays then you are reading the right article. I will let you know which are the best hotels in Havana categorized by star rating and the average price per person.

There are about 14 different neighbourhoods in Havana among which the most popular in terms of tourist affluence are The Old Town, Vedado and Miramar quarters.These areas have the best tourist infrastructure in Havana.

If money is not an issue with you then go for either of Parque Central Hotel, Saratoga Hotel or Santa Isabel Hotel. The last one is one of the most luxurious palaces built in the 18th century to house the Governor of Cuba. This hotel only have 35 rooms and the views are just fantastic.

There are other hotels in the Old Town that although are lower in star rating they are as charming and comfortable as the ones mention above. These 4 star hotels were built in the 18th Century to house the richest and most prominent families in Havana.

Florida Hotel, Raquel Hotel and O'Farril Hotel are among the most beautiful palaces. They have an average of 30 rooms each so the service is always going to be more personalized compared to those huge Havana hotels.

There are cheaper options in the Old Town such as Comendador Hotel and Hostal Valencia. Both very charming palaces from the 17th Century with only 14 rooms each. They both feature the best restaurant for Spanish Tapas and Valencia Paella respectively.

The cheapest hotels in the Old Town are El Lido and Lincoln Hotel. These are 2 star hotels suitable for students or other travellers on a tight budget. They are very basic but they all have air conditioning, bathroom ensuite and satellite TV.

Prices range from 15.00 CUC (Cuban Convertible Pesos) per person per night for the cheapest hotels to 80.00 CUC per person per night for the most expensive 5 star hotels. The 4 star hotels which I highly recommend can be booked online for around 50.00 CUC per person per night.

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Humpbacks in Hawaii

By Ian Kleine

Nothing is exhilarating as watching whales break out of the water's surface in a windy day out in the open sea. The water feels cool, the sun is beating down, and the whales break out in some sort of marine exhibition.

Enter whale-watching, a well-known tourist attraction in the regions of Maui, Hawaii. The whales converge around this tropical isle, thus becoming an important spot for whale-watchers everywhere. Whale-watching usually happens around the cold months, when the waters up north are inhospitable and the tropical region is alive and full of young shrimp and krill. Watchers board a special vessel assigned for watching and venture out into the sea where they are sure the whales are. Sightings then follow, making the crowd gasp and wonder at how gentle the whales are in a closer vantage point. Of course, because of this, the state is very adamant with the protection and conservation of these migratory creatures.

Whale watching requires you to at least join with a group for convenience and security, for the whales. There is a ruling that no one should be near or at least attempt to near a whale or a dolphin within 100 feet. This is to ensure that the mammals' migratory routes and behavior aren't affected by human intervention. The whales move here to the warmer waters for food, for mating and for behavioral patterns. That is why it is important for humans not to interfere with their normal routes that had lasted ever since prehistoric times.

Dolphins also share the same warm blood with other mammals. Unlike their counterparts however, dolphins are very friendly and can interact and deal well with humans. It has been said that dolphins had helped our ancestors cross the oceans once, this friendly behavior, however is still a mystery.

Starting every October, around 6000 humpback whales migrate to Hawaii. The watching seasons begins around early November. Season extends up till March, where by mid-May; all the whales would have migrated once more. Humpbacks and dolphins are the mainstay, but false killer whales, and pilot whales had been viewed so far.

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Tips For Advertising Your Vacation Rental Property

By Gia Deonne

What can you do with your second home to generate extra income? Turn it into a vacation rental. Many people rent out their secondary, tertiary, etc. properties as vacation rentals, and depending on where your property is located, you may end up with more demand for your rental than you expected. Of course, this all depends on the effectiveness of your advertising.

The first thing to do is to make sure that you are familiar with the short term rental laws for your state, city, and HOA, and that you sign and mail in any paperwork that may be required. You should purchase an insurance policy for your vacation rental home and create a rental agreement that includes basic information such as the amount of monthly rent, the duration of the tenancy, any utilities and services included in the price of the rent, the amount of security deposit and other clauses.

Your ad should include basic information while at the same time highlight the best features of your rental property. Include a description of the property, i.e. number of rooms, bathrooms, square footage, etc, and a description of the location. Make sure to include the rental price, and specify whether or not pets are included, whether a security deposit is required, etc. Dont forget to mention the best features, especially if it is beach adjacent, close to points of interest, etc.

There are other things that you can do to liven up your ad as well. If you are able, and if the online advertising platform you are using allows it, why not create a virtual video tour of your property? This is a great way to really show potential renters all of the best features of the house, and will make your ad stand out dramatically from the rest. You can also add keywords, such as vacation rental (your area) pet friendly rental (your area) and others to the bottom of your ad to help increase the chances that people searching for these keywords will find your ad. You should also place your ad on multiple advertising sites, for maximum exposure.

Dont worry if your ad doesnt generate the response that you want at first, advertising online is often a process of trial and error, and the people who are the best at creating ads that get results are usually the people who have the most practice doing so. Include some updated photos, additional descriptions, and other improvements, and keep trying. Your perfect renter is out there.

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Luxury Cruises - Travel In A Hotel To Exciting Ports Of Call

By Dorothy Yamich

A luxury cruise holiday can truly enrich your life. Not only will you be vacationing with like-minded people who love to cruise, you will develop great friendships among your cruising companions.

When you cruise you can travel to fabulous ports of call anywhere that cruise ships sail. Not only are there mega cruise liners which everyone is familiar with, there are a number of different sizes and types of ships. The medium, and particularly the smaller size cruise ships can navigate further up inland waterways to cities and historic landmarks where larger ships could never go.

The larger cruise ships usually have one or two organized shore excursions at each port of call. If there are two sightseeing excursion events scheduled the same day, one may take place early in the morning and the second one in the afternoon. Most morning shore excursions normally get back to the ship in time for the people to feast on a fantastic lunch buffet.

Occasionally, on a second excursion, you may arrive back at your cruise ship late in the afternoon or early evening. This could possibly make you a bit late for dinner if you've been scheduled for the first sitting.

It is also your prerogative to explore the city, town, island, or tourist attractions and landmarks on your own. Just remember that you are responsible to get back on time or your cruise ship could sail without you. However, if you book a shore excursion through the cruise ship, they will not depart the port until everyone is back on board.

Take advantage of the time that you have in a port by using it wisely. Some vacationers may want to disembark and go it alone by hiring a car and driver to take them to explore the sights. Usually the taxi drivers charge by the carload and not per person so if you want to save money you can split the cost with a few of your fellow passengers. If you can leave early in the morning you should be able to get back in time to enjoy the great lunch buffet.

When you cruise you should bring a detailed guide book that covers each of the destinations you know that you will be visiting. Even if the weather is inclement for your shore excursion, always take your camera as the weather can improve very quickly.

And don't judge any port by the dock and the surrounding area. It is usually the freighter unloading and loading area and major warehouse district of the city or town. You will probably have to travel out of the port area and into the town or city to see the historical sites and unique tourist attractions as well as experience the local culture.

Is there a difference between a river cruise and a barge tour?

Although they have similarities, there are significant differences between these types of sightseeing tours. Firstly, the ships that navigate the rivers can accommodate approximately one hundred and eighty people, while the barges usually only can accommodate five to twenty-five people. The second big difference is that a river cruise can visit a number of countries and cities in one week, while a barge travels on man-made canals from town to town moving at a much slower, walking pace, and can only cover approximately fifty miles in a week. Thirdly, river cruise ships have an excellent restaurant, lounge, and entertainment, while barges are essentially first-class, floating hotels, and have a dining room, lounge, and sun deck. The most of the popular river cruises and barging tours are located in Europe.

What is a luxury cruise tour land package?

A cruise tour land package is similar to a cruise that stops for half-day or full day shore excursions but gives you the best of both a luxury cruise and a land holiday combined in one. The main differences between the two is the land part of your vacation includes transportation by train or motor coach travel to a quality hotel accommodation at your inland destination. You will be accompanied by an expert tour guide for the land segment of your itinerary. These combo packages are generally longer, lasting from approximately ten days to three weeks or even a month or more. On most cruise land tours you can decide to take the land part of your holiday either before or after your cruise.

Including Europe, you can book a cruise tour for Australia, South America, Asia and the United States. One of the most popular cruise tour destinations in the world is Alaska.

If you would like to enjoy the best of both worlds - an incredible dream cruise holiday and a land tour adventure - a luxury cruise tour is truly the ultimate vacation experience.

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