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Cruise.The Ultimate Vacation

Last Updated: 2011/10/07

If you are ever fortunate enough enjoy the joys and delights of a cruise then quite literally you will be participating in the penultimate of holiday experiences . This is an sector of travel that first became popular at the begining of the 20th century. in those early days however it was only ever available to the extremely rich and famous. Today with the most competitive prices the cruise industry has ever known these sensational vacations of a lifetime are now within the grasp of us all. Gone are the days of the segregated floors [ I bet we've all seen titanic film] now anyone is welcome aboard these emporers of oceanic wonder.

A tribute to modern technology and a triumph for maritime technology these awe inspiring goliaths are the toast of all who have travelled in them. Some of the biggest cruise liners in the world can carry well over three thousand passengers and are capable of running on a fully self sufficient basis for an amazing span of up to two weeks at a time. This being the case it turns out that the 2 main points of worry for the majority of potential cruise ship passengers are these, If I am on board for such an amount of time would I get bored? what happens if a health issue should occur? Well quite simply there is no need to worry in the slightest.

Shows, Theatres and numerous other means of entertainment are all part of the package and included in all of today’s modern cruise vacation offers. When it comes to your health and well being the majority of vessels would give any competent medical team a real run for their money. Equipped with the best state of the art medical facilities and manned by top notch medical personnel it is thought by many that should a medical emergency happen then you would be better taken care of at sea than in many of today’s local health clinics. So you see although you might find yourself in the middle of the ocean and 1000′s of miles from civilisation you can be assured that both your physical and recreational needs would be fully taken care of on a level that would be hard to surpase.

Probably one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a sea vacation is this. No other single holiday would give you the opportunity to enjoy and visit such a huge and varied number of resorts. destinations and nationalities. Portugal one day and Italy the next, the world really is your oyster when you embark on a cruise and whats even better, All this can be achieved in the greatest of comfort and in the lap of sheer unadulterated splendour.

About the Author

Cary O’Reily is the webmaster of the well known cruise benefits website http://rapidcruises.com

Read more: Cruise.The Ultimate Vacation

Cruising: To Caribbean or Not?

Last Updated: 2011/10/07

As the cruise industry moves to a global presence,cruise guests are offered more selections than ever before. With that, the thought of taking “just a Caribbean cruise” might seem rather tame by today’s industry standards. But actually there has never been a better time for your group to reconsider taking that Caribbean cruise for a number of reasons.Why the renewed interest? There are more itinerary variations and departure ports than ever before, with some of the biggest and most technically advanced and designed ships sailing to the Caribbean. Finally, a Caribbean cruise still offers one of the best cruise values around.According to Brian Major, with Cruise Line Liberty Bell

The best thing about cruise lines is their ability to help create new destinations. When NCL started the “Out Island” concept back in l977 with Great Stirrup Cay, other cruise lines followed.Royal Caribbean eventually created an out island experience beyond the traditional Bahamas one with Labadee, located on the north shores of Haiti. Premier Cruise Lines had their own private island experience off Nassau.

Caribbean cruises still tend to offer the most affordable rates and, earlier this spring, Carnival came out with some enticing rates for summer sailings. As Bob Dickinson, Carnival President and CEO commented, “We have more and larger ships in the fleet than ever before, and that provides economies of scale and operating efficiencies that enable us to provide 21st-century cruises at 1980s prices.” Booking early is still the best option for securing space and the best rates. Even with the increasing number of ships sailing throughout the Caribbean starting later in the fall when ships move back from other parts of the world,demand is high. And taking a cruise vacation, especially to the Caribbean, is one of the best group vacation values available.

Get more information on Group Travel

About the Author

To know More: Leisuregrouptravel.com

Read more: Cruising: To Caribbean or Not?

Derby City Guide, Including Hotels

Last Updated: 2011/10/07

Derby holds a great appeal for those visitors in search of unspoilt tradition and character. In the shadow of the ornate Cathedral tower lies a great multi-cultural city bursting with a wealth of entertainment venues, attractions, parks and shops. Derby is perfect for those in search of a short break, whatever their needs.

Places of interest:

Derby is a busy industrial city, home of the famous Royal Crown Derby Porcelain. Derby sits on the west bank of the River Derwent, close to its meeting with the River Trent. Located in the beautiful rolling countryside of Derbyshire, it is an ideal base for touring the area, exploring the Derbyshire Dales and the Peak District National Park.

 Derby Cathedral – The Medieval Tower is the second highest in England at 212 feet; its bells are rung regularly and are the oldest ring of ten bells in the world. James Gibbs designed the superb early 18th century classical gold and white nave. Features include the wrought iron screen by Robert Bakewell, Bess of Hardwick’s elaborate memorial and St. Katherine’s Chapel.
 Derby Museum and Art Gallery – The Museum, which has a gallery dedicated to the craft of ceramics, also features on Natural History, Egyptian Mummies and Military history. In the town’s history section you will see the Bonny Prince Charlie Room, with wood panelling taken from Exeter House where the Prince stayed in 1745. The Art Gallery has a collection on the work of the local artist Joseph Wright.
 Pickford’s House – This is one of Derby’s fine Georgian Town Houses, built in 1770 by local designer Joseph Pickford. In the beautifully decorated rooms, you will find scenes of Georgian domestic life and historic costume displays.
 Derby Heritage Centre – This quaint timber-framed building is home to a wealth of historical local information, including photographic displays and books.
 Derby Industrial Museum – Situated in the first factory building in England, an 18th century Silk Mill. Here you can learn about the history of railways, coal mines and Rolls-Royce aero engines. There is also a variety of changing exhibitions.

Things to do:

Derby not only offers all the activities associated with a large city but those associated with living in rural England. You can shop till you drop, or enjoy the local countryside and historic monuments. Tourist routes are available to enable you to make the most of any walk or cycle tour you wish to take.

 Shop in a traditional department store established in 1864, or one of the well known High Street names in the modern indoor shopping centre, explore the Victorian Market hall, and the colourful crafters market.
 Eat in one of the speciality restaurants, coffee or tea shops Derby has to offer. Evening entertainment in the city can vary from a visit to one of the cinemas or theatres, to live music in one of the many wine bars and clubs.
 Take the Kedleston Lanes cycle route that starts and finishes in the Riverside Gardens by the Council House in Derby. The route takes you through the lanes north-west of Derby and visits the villages of Kirk Langley, Weston Underwood and Quarndon. Unfortunately this route is not suitable for young families or inexperienced riders.
 Discover the beauty and heritage of Derbyshire’s River Derwent by following the Derwent Valley Heritage Way. The total distance is 55 miles but it can be taken as a long distance walk or as a series of shorter walks. The Derwent Valley Heritage Way has been way-marked using small yellow and purple disks.
 Allestree Park dates from the end of the 18th Century when the present Hall was built. The park is preserved as a Local Nature Reserve because of its wide range of wildlife habitats. A Nature Trail follows an easy, reasonably flat route around the lower part of the Park and the lake shore. The trail is just over 1.5 miles long and should take about an hour and a half to complete.

Food & Drink:

Derby offers an excellent choice of restaurants where you can savour traditional and worldwide cuisine to suit any palate and wallet. There is also a multitude of modern cafes and bars, many hosting live evening entertainment.

Famous for being the ‘real ale’ capital of the UK as the city is home to a great selection of traditional pubs, together with the annual summer and winter Beer Festivals at the Assembly Rooms.

 White Derby occupies a prime position in Old Blacksmiths Yard. White has revolutionised Derby’s restaurant scene overnight with its unique mix of exquisite food and drink, sumptuous interior design and exemplary service. White is a truly unique experience.
 Lamp and Seam is located in the New Bath Hotel is popular with local business men and women and tourists alike. The Lamp and Seam offers French/English traditional cuisine in a charming setting. Service is friendly and efficient.
 The Paddock is a friendly pub located on the outskirts of Derby, where you can find good food, drink and conversation. Traditional pub food is served from a main menu, and special boards offer homemade and favourite dishes.
 Bennetts Ltd is a traditional style coffee shop in an elegant setting, with large tables and comfortable padded armchairs. A varied menu is available including toast, teacakes, scones, cakes, sandwiches, salads, hot and cold meals and snacks. Freshly ground coffee and specialty teas are available all day.
 Mediterranea occupies part of an older building on Friar Gate and offers a relaxed and friendly atmosphere in modern casual surroundings. The food is based on the cuisines of the Mediterranean, North African and Middle Eastern.

Hotels & Accommodation:

The city of Derby has a wide range of hotels and quality assured guest houses. As Derby is a base for tourists and business people accommodation is available all the year round. Prices can be found that are suitable for any kind of budget suitable.

 International Hotel
 Express by Holiday Inn Derby
 Menzies Mickleover Court Hotel
 Derby East Premier Travel Inn
 The Priest House on the River
 Kegworth Whitehouse Hotel East Midlands Airport
 Yew Lodge Hotel – Best Western
 Express by Holiday Inn Nottingham East Midlands Ai
 European Inn
 The Stuart Hotel
 Days Hotel Derby
 Best Western Midland Hotel
 DAYS INN HOTEL DONINGTON(Derby South)
 Swallow Hotel Derby

Entertainment

The Assembly Rooms is Derby’s leading entertainment venue, located on the Market Place in the centre of Derby. A programme of Arts and Entertainment, including an orchestral season, comedy, rock and pop events and family entertainment can be found there.

The Guildhall Theatre, also located on the Market Place, provides a blend of professional touring theatre and music events. It also offers a venue for many amateur productions and is perfect for small meetings and exhibitions.

The whole city of Derby has something to offer whatever style of break you prefer. Entertainment, historic homes, parks and good food is on offer. There is something and everything for every visitor regardless of age or budget.

This Article may be freely copied as long as it is not modified and this resource box accompanies the article, together with working hyperlinks.

About the Author

Maria Williams, http://www.sleepuk.com. Maria writes for Sleep UK – providers of discounted uk hotels.

Read more: Derby City Guide, Including Hotels

Destinations for your next Family Vacation Getaway

Last Updated: 2011/10/07

When planning a family vacation getaway, the choices can be overwhelming. What should you do? Where should you go? To make life easier, these questions should be answered before you start planning. Let’s take a few minutes and help you answer these questions before you get started with the planning.

What Should You Do?
How does skiing fresh powder of Vail’s Blue Sky Basin, or relaxing in the white sand of Hawaii’s beaches and hitting a hole in one at one of Myrtle Beach’s many golf courses sound to you? Ski, beach and golf vacations are great choices for families.

Skiing Vacations
Many resorts offer a plethora of activities for you and your family. While you are skiing fresh powder, your children can be supervised by a certified ski instructor while enrolled in ski school. After that lesson, you can meet up with them and they will be happy to show you what they learned. When the day ends, be sure to explore the town. Ski towns are notorious for some of the best shopping and fine dining. If you want to take a day off from skiing to catch your breath, try ice skating, toboggan runs or just sit by a fire with a good book. When it comes time to plan a ski vacation, try to plan at least 5 to 6 months ahead of time. This is when you can find the best deals and you shouldn’t have to worry about the hotel you want to stay in, completely booked. I have found that a little research goes a long way. After you choose your hotel, see if they have any packages or specials available. Most of the time hotels and resorts will offer a bit of a discount on lift tickets and other activities. If a special or package is not available, make sure to buy your lift tickets in bulk to save some money. Try to buy a 3 or 4 day pass versus buying individual tickets each day. Often times, these lift tickets will be good for more than 1 resort in the area.

Ski Vacation Destinations.
The Rocky Mountains of Colorado offer many good resorts to choose from. Some favorites include Telluride, Vail and Breckenridge. Telluride Ski Resort was built in the 1970′s and along with it came cultural events, festivals, music and more. People come to this town year after year for the wonderful skiing and other fun activities.
If skiing is what you are all about, Vail is the place to go! It has just been named number 1 for the 14th time in 19 years in Ski Magazines “Top 50 Resort Guide”. Vail offers world class skiing, fabulous nightlife and many fine dining options.
Breckenridge is a 147 year old Victorian town. People flocked to this town in the 1800′s in search of riches in the form of gold. Now this town is a haven for skiers of all types. This town offers many activities for families and travelers.

Beach Vacations
Beach resorts can be perfect for your next family vacation getaway. Some of the best resorts are in Mexico, the Caribbean, and Hawaii.

Mexico
Los Cabos is one of Mexico’s most popular vacation destinations. It is located at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula. Los Cabos features luxury hotels, championship golf courses and some of the best sport fishing in the world. Other activities include snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, kayaking and much more.

The Caribbean
The Cayman Islands offer many things for many people. 99% of the travelers visit Grand Cayman Island. It is easy to see why people go here. Of the islands this island offers the most when it comes to resorts and hotels. The fabulous snorkeling and scuba diving is not to be missed. When diving, you will think you are in a pet shop aquarium. The fish are abundant and the stingrays are gentle and fun to watch. If time permits, rent a Jeep and cruise around the Island.

Hawaii
Hawaii offers many choices for the traveling family. Each island is unique and offers something for everyone. Kauai is less touristy but still offers much to do. The surfing and snorkeling are not to be missed. Be sure to take a day and drive up to Waimea Canyon. This canyon offers many photo opportunities, and spots to get out and hike near beautiful waterfalls. Maui offers white sand beaches perfect for sunbathing and relaxing. Maui also offers great sightseeing and wonderful shopping. Of the islands, Hawaii, also known as “The Big Island” is the largest. Here you can visit the only active volcanoes of the Hawaiian Islands. You will also find wonderful resorts, pristine beaches, great nightlife, fine dining and shopping.

Golf Vacations
Right about now, you may be thinking “How can a golf vacation be good for my whole family?” Well, many golf resorts offer more than just golf. While you are out hitting the lynx, your family can be enjoying a beach, pool, or shopping. When you are done on the course you can meet up and head to one of the many fine dining establishments near your resort. Many golf vacations can be combined with a beach getaway. Mexico, Hawaii and the United States offer some of the best golf near some of the best beaches. These resorts offer many different specials and packages that can be tailored to fit your specific wishes.

Whatever your next vacation entails for you, you will not be disappointed with any one of the recommendations above. Be sure to see all you can see. The bottom line is to enjoy yourself and relax!

About the Author

Mike Buczek works for Blizzard Internet Marketing representing Premier Resorts. For more information on a Family Vacation Getaway go to http://www.premier-resorts.com/

Read more: Destinations for your next Family Vacation Getaway

Discount Myrtle Beach Golf Packages

Last Updated: 2011/10/06

One of the most popular activities while vacationing in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is golfing. In fact that area has become very well known for it, with some people planning vacations specifically around golf. The Myrtle Beach area consists of over sixty miles of sunny beaches, and is nicknamed the Grand Strand. An easy and affordable way to book a golf trip in this area is by booking it through a package deal.

The lodging in packages covers many different options. There is everything from golf resorts to villas specifically meant for golfers, to hotel suites, to chain hotels, to beachfront condos, to luxury homes. This allows you to travel individually, as a family, with a friend, or within a group. No matter who your traveling companions will be, you will have adequate accommodations, with whichever amenities you are desiring.

Rounds of golf are included with all of the different golf packages you will find for Myrtle Beach. Different packages obviously offer different courses. Just some of the courses offered are P. B. Dyes’ Founders Club at St James, George Cobb’s Bald Head Island Course, Freddy Couples Carolina National, The Eagles Nest, The Meadowlands, Tigers Eye, Thistle, The Witch, Shaftesbury Glen, Arrowhead, Byrd, Maples, Jones, Lion’s Paw, Panther’s Eye, Heather Glen, Glen Dornoch, and The Wild Wing Courses. Given all these choices, you could come back to the area often, and enjoy different courses every time.

The prices of the golf packages in Myrtle Beach vary, with most packages including accommodations for three or four nights, with three or four days of golfing, and in most cases including three different golf courses. The time of year can also vary the price of a package, looking at off-season and in-season golfing for Myrtle Beach. The prices range anywhere from $169 to $605 depending on the package length, location and time.

Golf is just one of the things that can be done in this well-traveled vacation area. There are amusement parks, water parks, shopping, theaters, and other night life, making enough things to do to fill your time when off the green, as well as offering your other traveling companions choices in activities if they don’t choose to golf along with you.

A package deal can be the best way to go for any golfer, serious in his pursuit or just pursuing a casual hobby. With so many different choices, it can be the best option, especially considering you can have all your traveling secured with just one phone call.

About the Author

For more information about Myrtle Beach Golf and what Myrtle Beach has to offer please visit our website devoted to golfers looking for the best golf deals. You can read more on our Myrtle Beach Golf Packages website.

Read more: Discount Myrtle Beach Golf Packages

Discover JJ Steak House In Pasadena California

Last Updated: 2011/10/06

Have you been looking for that perfect romantic restaurant to take a date or spouse to? Do you like old fashion elegant steak houses with lots of dark rich wood, plenty of marble and romantic lighting? Do you like the idea of a large fireplace? Do you like soft romantic harp music played by a very talented harpist? Do you like excellent leisurely attentive service where you never feel rushed? Do you like personal attention from the owners? Do you like aged prime cuts of beef that are exceptionally well prepared? Do you like fine wines and a relaxed quiet atmosphere where you can enjoy good conversation with your guest?

There is a spot in Pasadena, California that gives you all that and more. JJ Steak House which is on the upper floor at 88 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91105, telephone number 626-844-8889.

JJ Steak House, which is fairly pricey for a Pasadena area restaurant is inexpensive when compared to comparable restaurants in Chicago, Los Angeles and New York. There is an old saying, You get what you pay for, however in this case, with JJ Steak House you get more than you pay for. I have been to a few restaurants that may be slightly better than this one, however their prices were all considerably higher. I have also been to many restaurants that are not nearly as good but still charge much more.

This place is not in a ritzy glitzy building, is not in Beverly Hills, Manhattan or on the Loop, does not have a fancy entrance with expensive cars parked in front and you can walk or drive past it every day without knowing it is there. What it does have is great food served well in a romantic setting. If you appreciate fine quiet elegant dining with excellent fare served properly at very reasonable prices, you will love JJ Steak House. By the way, it is JJ Steak House not JJs Steak House.

If you like loud music, a noisy atmosphere, fast impersonal service or if you think that Sizzler Restaurants serves delicious prime rib, then JJ is not the place for you.

This steak house is very popular, therefore reservations while not required are a good idea, especially on Friday and Saturday nights.

For a directory of restaurants and restaurant reviews in the city of Pasadena, California see http://pasadena.usacitydirectories.com/restaurants.html, a directory listing Pasadena restaurants alphabetically and by category or type with reviews written by restaurant customers.

About the Author

David G. Hallstrom, Sr. is a retired private investigator and is currently the publisher of several internet directories, including http://www.usacitydirectories.com a directory of national, state, county and city guides and directories listing local guides, directories, web sites and web pages providing resources, services and information about things to do and places to go.

Read more: Discover JJ Steak House In Pasadena California

Dive Sites at Sipadan Island

Last Updated: 2011/10/06

Reputably one of the best diving spots in the world, the uniqueness of Sipadan Island lies in its geographic makeup. Lying on top of a volcanic seamount, Sipadan Island is the only oceanic island in Malaysia. As this volcano rises steeply over 1600 feet from the seabed, many of the dive sites here consist of steep walls or drop-offs. In addition, the entire reef area of 513 acres functions as the habitat for soft and hard corals, as well as home to over 3000 species of fish. Hawksbill and green turtles are common in Sipadan. In fact, it is not surprising for divers meet to 70 turtles on each dive!

Due to the size of the island, dive sites around Sipadan are close to one another. Altogether, there are 11 marked dive sites around Sipadan:

The Drop-Off is the most popular dive site here and has won the island the Best Beach Dive Award in the world. Located just 20 feet from the beach, the sea water turns indigo blue as the depth of the sea drops steeply to a staggering 2800 feet. The circling tornado of barracuda or jacks typically found in brochures, books or magazines are easily visible overhead when a diver enters the water. Corals and sponges growing at the side of the wall attract small reef fishes. White tip sharks and green turtles are also amongst the creatures living along the cliff. This is also a popular location for night dives, as shrimps and crabs can be seen peering out from the crevices along the wall at night.

Next up is the Turtle Cavern, with the entrance located about 65 feet below the surface. Within these chambers lie the remains of hawksbill and green turtles that have lost their way in the caves and subsequently drowned. Visibility is low in the far reaches of the caves, which is why only advanced divers should enter the cavern. Accompaniment of a local diving master is necessary when venturing into this maze of interconnecting tunnels.

As one of Sipadan’s most treasured sites, Barracuda Point is where schools of barracudas and jacks swirl around as the strong currents here bring food to their midst. Of course, the large volume of fish also attracts the presence of Grey Reef Sharks and the Hammerheads. Here, it is common for divers to drop down lower along the wall. However, the northern point of this site should be avoided as strong currents here may bring divers further away from the island.

The highlight of the Sipadan Midreef Dive would probably be the strong currents that drift divers north or south from their start points. As they scale along the wall, throngs of marine life such as triggerfish, unicorn fish, hawk fish and gobies are visible here. At times, divers may even be pushed upwards by the current, only to be stopped by hard flat corals at the top of the reef.

Other dive sites in Sipadan include the Coral Garden, the Hanging Gardens and the Staghorn Crest, perfect locations for underwater photography due the unique topography and the abundance of colorful marine life. On the other hand, the South Point and Whitetip Avenue dive sites are great locations to observe the rarer shark species such as the Whitetip Reef Sharks and the Hammerheads.

About the Author

Jacob Mojiwat recommends http://www.SipadanDivingVacation.com for your next Sipadan diving trip.

Read more: Dive Sites at Sipadan Island

Driving from Geneva Airport to Val d’Isère

Last Updated: 2011/10/05

Have you ever tried doing this? Hiring a car and driving to your favourite ski resort? From someone who’s done it, let me tell you it’s not as easy as it sounds, especially if you are short sighted and have no sense of direction.

Abundant cheap flights from the UK to Geneva have made it easier than ever to do your own thing, hire a car and head for the slopes.

Determined types shun the maps offered by their car-hire company and follow signs, ending up circumnavigating the picturesque but confusing centre of Geneva, usually several times, sharing traffic jams with Swiss commuters.

So the first piece of advice is to hire a car on the Swiss side of the airport rather than the French side – for a very simple reason that the Swiss car parks are closer to the terminal building, but also for the motorway vignette or ticket, of which more below.

On leaving the airport follow TOUTES DIRECTIONS, then the green FRANCE signs. These will take you along a long, straight road, at the end of which the FRANCE signs take you left. Stay in the right-hand lane, because immediately after the left turn you follow FRANCE to the right, down the motorway slip road.

This autoroute, with a strictly enforced 100kph speed limit, takes you to the border. In Switzerland, in theory, you need an annual vignette, or licence, to use their motorways, but we have only ever heard of one car being stopped on the way out of Switzerland and made to pay the £20 or so. (If you don’t want to run that slight risk, don’t take the slip road but carry straight on, looking out for ST. JULIEN or ANNECY – in blue, because in Switzerland green is for the autoroute.). However, Swiss hire cars should have the vignette already – you should definitely check with your hire company before setting out.

You cross the border after a few miles of motorway. A quarter of a mile later, filter right, following the green ANNECY sign, not the blue, unless there is heavy snow. In France, green is for ordinary roads and blue is for autoroutes, and the motorway route to Annecy is twice as long as the direct route.

Following ANNECY, you will bear right again and go round a roundabout. In a few miles, you have a choice again between more motorway and the normal main road. Again, the motorway is slower except in bad weather. (If driving conditions are really diabolical, or there is heavy traffic, it is probably faster and safer to take this autoroute, the A41, past Annecy to Chambéry, then take the A43 to Albertville, in spite of the extra 30 miles this adds. Luckily you do not need a vignette for French motorways.)

However, normally, the quickest route is through the centre of Annecy, following ALBERTVILLE. Unfortunately, the Annecy Town Council would rather send you, literally, round the houses, so the signs to follow are “LAC” at first, and then “CENTRE VILLE” and then “ALBERTVILLE”. After that, it’s plain sailing.

Once through Albertville, go left towards MOUTIERS. This road takes you straight on to Bourg St. Maurice and then Val d’Isère, about an hour and a half from Albertville. The whole journey should take from three to three and a half hours.

For the return journey, leave the expressway at Albertville, following ANNECY. Go through the centre of Annecy, following GENEVE, except in bad weather, when it’s easier to follow the TOUTES DIRECTIONS or autoroute signs just before Annecy.

Unless you have or don’t mind buying the Swiss autoroute vignette, you must avoid joining the motorway back to the airport at the border, so half an hour after Annecy, when you see signs to the motorway and Geneva to your right, stay on the main road. You go towards St. Julien, and then pick up GENEVE. There’s an easy-to-miss left turn at the second traffic light. At this frontier post, at Perly, go through the red channel: the green one is for locals.

However, you can save lots of time now by taking the left turn onto the motorway about a mile into Switzerland. It is at a traffic light, and marked LAUSANNE. Once again, you theoretically need the vignette, and should have one with your Swiss hire car but may not be spotted if you’re in your own car without one. The airport exit is clearly marked, as is the exit for the French sector if that is where you have to return your car.

We wish you a bon voyage, and happy skiing.

About the Author

Emma Forrester works for YSE, Val d’Isère ski chalet specialists.

Read more: Driving from Geneva Airport to Val d’Isère

Driving in Austria could enhance your holiday experience

Last Updated: 2011/10/05

From its stunning natural landscape and its rich musical heritage to its valuable artistic tradition, Austria is famous for a variety of tourist attractions; in fact, from Amadeus Mozart to Arnold Schwarzenegger, Austria is home to a veritable choice of allurements. Should you choose to travel to Austria on your next holiday, why not choose to rent a car? Hiring a car extols many benefits over using public transport or private tour coaches and can provide a novel way of exploring this fascinating country – particularly if you’re on holiday with your family.

If you decide to hire a car in Austria, you’ll enjoy hassle-free access to the country’s various ski resorts, swimming lakes and nature parks. If you’re travelling with small children, your ease of movement will be made that much simpler in a car, as you won’t have to rely on public transport in order to move from one place to another. Skiing, for example, is a particularly popular pastime in Austria, and the country’s major ski areas hold plenty in store for every ski or snowboarding fan. By renting a car for travelling in Austria, you’ll be able to enjoy the delights of different ski resorts in a cost-effective and hassle-free way. So, if you want to go skiing in the family ski resort of Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis but would also like to enjoy the thrills of the Bregenzerwald ski resort, hiring a car will make it easier for you to do so.

Hiring a car and driving in Austria will also make it easier for you and your family to vary your holiday activities. For instance, if you’re in Austria primarily on a skiing holiday, hiring a car will also make it possible for you to drive to nearby hiking trails or go rock climbing. Alternatively, you could drive to one of Austria’s main cities, like Vienna, Innsbruck or Salzburg, and take pleasure in the range of musical, theatrical or artistic offerings in Austria’s centres of culture.

Car hire in Austria is not difficult. Whether you choose to arrive at any of Austria’s main airports such as Salzburg, Graz, Innsbruck, or to a range of other airports in Austria, you’ll find plenty of car rental opportunities available at your chosen airport. But if you do decide to hire a car on your vacation in Austria, it’s important to be aware of the different driving regulations. For example, in Austria, it’s compulsory to drive with your head-lights on during both the day and night-time. Furthermore, the permissible alcohol limit in Austria is 0.5, which is lower than the legal alcohol limit in Britain. So make sure you’re fully aware of the differing rules of the road when driving in Austria in order to avoid any mishaps: you’ll be well on your way to an unforgettable driving holiday in one of Europe’s most naturally beautiful countries.

About the Author

Martin McAllister is a freelance online journalist. He lives in Scotland.

Read more: Driving in Austria could enhance your holiday experience

Dundee City Guide, Including Dundee Hotels

Last Updated: 2011/10/05

Dundee is in an ideal location to visit Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Perth and the Highlands making it the superb base for numerous types of short breaks and holidays. Dundee is known as the “City of Discovery” and is situated on the banks of the River Tay on the east coast of Scotland.
Dundee is also a shopper’s paradise, where major department stores co-exist with specialist shops tucked away in side streets. The aroma from some of the finest bakers in the UK wafts out to tempt you to sample the delicious bridies, speciality pies, tempting butteries and the famous ‘Dundee Cake’.
Places of interest:Within walking distance of Dundee city centre are Captain Scott’s Ship “The Discovery” and Discovery Point visitor attraction, Verdant Works, Sensation Science Centre, and the Dundee Repertory Theatre. Close to Dundee you can visit Glamis Castle, Scone Palace, Angus Folk Museum, J M Barrie’s Birthplace, Arbroath Abbey and many other local sites of historic interest.

  • Sensation Science Centre is a Science Centre with a difference. It takes the mechanics of the senses as a base from which to explore the world around us, using lots of interactive tools to keep the young and the young at heart happy.
  • McManus Galleries is a remarkable Gothic building housing one of Scotland’s most impressive collections of fine and decorative art.
  • Verdant Works takes you on a historical tour of the jute trade. The story of jute and the story of Dundee are inseparable. At its peak the industry employed 50,000 people in the city and satisfied much of the worlds demand for jute goods.
  • Discovery Point is the home of Captain Scott’s famous Royal Research Ship Discovery.
  • Things to do:Give yourself plenty of time to absorb romantic castles and stunning formal gardens; experience top-quality visitor attractions that inform, inspire and entertain; and indulge in modern, 21st century, cosmopolitan city life, which combines shopping, art, theatre and culture.

  • Glamis Castle is the family home of the Earls of Strathmore and Kinghorne and has been a royal residence since 1372. Here you can celebrate the childhood home of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother.
  • Arbroath Abbey hosted the most significant event in Scottish history. On 6 April 1320 the Scottish Declaration of Independence was signed by the assembled Scottish nobility in Arbroath Abbey.
  • Barry Mill is an early 19th-century working mill. Here you can enjoy the sights and sounds of the splash of the water-wheel and the sound and smell of grinding grain.
  • Angus Folk Museum is one of Scotland’s finest folk museums and it is where to find out about life in rural Scotland during the past 200 years.
  • Scone place breathes history like nowhere else in Scotland. It is the home of the Earls of Mansfield, and a major attraction to visitors from all over the world. Fifteen hundred years ago, it was the capital of the Pictish kingdom and the centre of the ancient Celtic church. It has housed the Stone of Destiny and been immortalised in Shakespeare’s Macbeth.
  • Dundee shopping is where visitors can enjoy state-of-the-art shopping at the glass fronted Overgate Shopping Centre in Dundee, or take time to explore unique and individual designs created by gifted and talented crafts people in and around rural Angus.
  • Food & Drink:Dundee has a variety of eateries, restaurants and pubs that will suit all tastes and budgets. You can savour the flavour all across Dundee’s city centre. The welcome throughout Dundee is warm and when it comes to eating, drinking and enjoying yourself the atmosphere is cosmopolitan.

  • The Italian on Commercial Street is where the chefs are Italian and their passion for fresh, quality food can be seen and tasted. Many of their ingredients are sourced from Italy; but they use the finest local produce where possible. All of their meat comes directly from a nearby traditional farm and their steaks are nothing but finest Aberdeen Angus. Their fish is all fresh and prefer to use local suppliers wherever possible.
  • Bon Appétit provides traditional and modern French cuisine in a classic brasserie atmosphere in Dundee’s Exchange Street. It prides itself in slow food, but fast service! All dishes are prepared on the premises so during your wait you can select a typical French aperitif, a Kir or a glass of champagne. There is a small, but good, cellar with house wine of good quality at a reasonable price at one end of the range as well as some big wines for that real celebration dinner at the top end of the range.
  • Het Theatercafe is located in the Dundee Repertory Theatre is the perfect place to relax with a drink or enjoy a sumptuous meal
  • Hotels & Accommodation:Dundee offers a fully comprehensive range of quality accommodation from traditional family run bed and breakfast, guesthouses and hotels, to four star international hotels and resorts.

  • Longforgan Coaching Inn
  • Craigtay Hotel
  • Panmure Hotel
  • Swallow Dundee Hotel
  • Shaftesbury Hotel
  • DAYS INN DUNDEE
  • Apex City Quay Hotel & Spa
  • Dundee East Premier Travel Inn
  • Dundee North Premier Travel Inn
  • EntertainmentDundee has all the entertainment facilities you come to expect from a modern city. Theatre, Comedy and the latest films are all available.

  • Dundee Repertory Theatre is based at the heart of the city’s cultural quarter It is a unique organisation in the UK, providing the most comprehensive arts services in Scotland, offering audiences an all year round mix of theatre, dance, music, comedy and more. It is a major artistic community that is home to Scotland’s only full-time Ensemble Company, the Scottish Dance Theatre – Scotland’s principal modern dance company and the Education & Community Company one of the UK’s largest and most acclaimed Community Arts organisations.
  • Dundee’s Whitehall Theatre puts a huge mix of shows and talent under the spotlight. It is Dundee’s original ‘Music Hall’ and is situated within the centre of Dundee. The Theatre puts on a variety of shows including West End performers, TV stars, local Amateur Groups and shows specifically for children.
  • Cineworld is a multi-screen cinema located at the Camperdown Leisure Park and shows the latest films.
  • Dundee and the surrounding area is the ideal place to see the history of Scotland at close quarters. With so many historical sites your lust for information will be satisfied. If shopping is more your way of enjoying your leisure time then Dundee has a modern shopping centre to offer you and quick access to major cities such as Glasgow and Edinburgh.
    This Article may be freely copied as long as it is not modified and this resource box accompanies the article, together with working hyperlinks.

    About the Author

    Maria Williams
    Website: http://www.sleepuk.com
    Biography: Maria writes for Sleep UK providers of discounted uk hotels

    Read more: Dundee City Guide, Including Dundee Hotels

    Eat Great in Kauai on a Budget

    Last Updated: 2011/10/05

    Hawaii has a reputation of being exotic and expensive, however there are places to eat that not only taste great but won’t break your budget as well. Many tourists frequently get trapped at certain touristy style restaurants that cost a lot of money, however if you are visiting our beautiful island of Kauai then you should check out some of the following local restaurants that are amazingly inexpensive at least when you consider the other prices on the island and serve up some amazing meals.

    North Kauai
    If you are vacationing in the north, or have rented a condo in the north of Kauai and will be back there in time for dinner, then you should consider Bamboo Bamboo. It is in Hanalei and the platters are priced low to mid range. The setting is outside with a garden view or inside if you prefer. Also, since most meals cost between $10 and $20 you won’t spend a fortune on a great dinner.

    Another great North Kauai restaurant is the Tropical Taco. This restaurant is also low priced and mixes Mexican flavors with natural tropical feelings from the islands. The Tropical Taco is the most popular Mexican restaurant on Kauai.

    The Wake Up Café is perhaps one of the best places to eat breakfast in the North of Kauai. The restaurant is cheap and the food is yummy, so if you are a breakfast eater and visiting or living in or around Hanalei then you should check out the Wake Up Café.

    East
    Coconuts is a great restaurant in the Eastern part of Kauai that is mid priced and the food is great. So, if you are staying in the East of Kauai on your vacation or if you live in the area then Coconuts will surely be a favorite and affordable place to eat.

    Garden Island BBQ is yet another great place to eat in the East of Kauai. Local Chinese food served at a very low price combined with an amazing friendly staff will make Garden Island BBQ a favorite of yours as well.

    Another amazingly affordable place to eat that always surprises people is the Hamura Saimin Stand. The food is amazingly inexpensive and astoundingly flavorful. The saimin is said to be some of the best on the island, so if you are in Lihue, Kauai then make sure you stop by the Hamura Saimin Stand to enjoy an inexpensive and tasty lunch.

    West
    The West of Kauai has a favorite place to buy shave ice and it has been dubbed the world’s best place to buy this cool treat. Jo Jo’s Shave Ice will serve up a cold shave ice to cool you down on a hot Hawaii day so you should definitely give it a try.

    There really are lots of great restaurants to eat at on Kauai , you just have to know your budget and taste buds. However, keep in mind some of the best tasting restaurants are the cheapest.

    About the Author

    Bill McKenzie is the reservations manager for Hawaiian Vacation Rentals, LLC, representing Wailua Bay View, vacation rentals in Kauai. Bill has personally tasted the menu at the abovementioned eateries.

    Read more: Eat Great in Kauai on a Budget

    Edinburgh city guide, Including Hotels

    Last Updated: 2011/10/04

    Edinburgh is one of the most famous cities in the world. It is the fastest growing place on the planet and there are a lot of reasons as to why this festival city is one of the most sought-after places for tourists to visit. The city is abuzz with activities the whole year round, be it the fireworks and stranger-hugging frenzy of the world famous New Year “Hogmanay” street party or the spell of arts shows that appear with delightful pomp during the “Edinburgh Festival” in August.

    This bohemian city is also home to one of Europe’s most dynamic and successful financial centres. For the last decade or so, Edinburgh has achieved with resounding success the status as one of the leading centres in the world for finance, education and business. It is second only to London as the most important financial centre in Britain. Edinburgh has four universities. The oldest, the University of Edinburgh, was established in 1583. The city of Edinburgh epitomises a land that appreciates culture, history, heritage, beauty and, of course, life. Tourists love to flock to the city in the summer for the period between July and September. They would simply refuse to leave Edinburgh during the world famous Edinburgh International Festival, when the city is showered with exciting cultural activity.

    Places of interest:
    Edinburgh castle: Every tourist worth his or her salt would essentially visit the famous Edinburgh castle, which is easily the most famous tourist attraction in the city. It was built on the core of an extinct volcano. Edinburgh Castle presently houses the Stone of Destiny, Mons Meg (massive 15th-century cannon) Scottish Crown Jewels, and the
    Army headquarters of the Scottish Division. The view from the fortification provides a marvellous view of the city.
    National Gallery of Scotland – This world famous gallery houses the best art work, paintings and sculpture dating from the Renaissance to the 19th century. The works include craftsmanship of legends like Van Dyck, Tiepolo, Pisarro, Monet, Cézanne, Botticelli and Titian. You can also visit the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, located nearby.
    Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art: This gallery was inaugurated in 1960 and then relocated to a new location which is presently called the William Burn building, west of the city centre, in 1984. The gallery has paintings by 20th century masters like Lucien Freud and Adrian Wiszniewski. Also worth visiting is the Dean Gallery which has a large collection of works by sculptor Eduardo Palazzo and Picasso.

    Our Dynamic Earth: This is one exciting venture for the tourists as well as the natives alike. You can travel back in time with the help of special effects and state of the art technology and see how the earth evolved, and you could witness volcanic eruptions, tropical rainforest etc. A visit to the Dynamic Earth would last for 90 minutes.

    Things to do:
    Public Transport: There is a transport system called Traveline which provides information on all bus, coach and train routes within the city. People largely use the bus services in the city. The bus service flows fairly freely 0600-2400, after which the night bus service comes into operation. The taxis are black hackney cabs and are a convenient mode of transport after the buses. Rates are expensive at about £1.80 per kilometre (£2.30 per mile). A tip of 10% is also usual given to the cabbie. The city wears a congested look during the peak hours, so the visitors are advised to walk, cycle or utilize the public transport.

    Eating: The restaurants could be divided into five types: Gastronomic, Business, Trendy, Budget and Personal Recommendations. The restaurants are listed alphabetically within these different categories, which serve as guidelines for the tourist or the visitor of the restaurant to know the kind of food and prices he would be offered. The Restaurant prices generally comprise of VAT, which is presently 17.5%, although, they, do not include a tip or service charge.

    Shopping: Edinburgh has the best that has to be with relation to shopping – department stores, friendly little boutiques, the traditional, the upmarket, the nostalgic and the unexpected. The main shopping area in Edinburgh is Princes Street, an architectural wonder of chain stores, department stores and shopping establishments. Filled with hustle-bustle of activity a certain section of people would prefer the calmer George Street which though expensive, caters to an exclusive crowd.

    Nightlife: Nightlife is abuzz in various areas of the city George Street in the New Town, the High Street area of the Old Town, the university sector and the Grassmarket are some of the popular haunts. Broughton Street is filled with a ‘mixed’ clientele, while the seaside quarter of Leith is a favourite with the youthful crowd.
    Events: There is no need to mention about Edinburgh being the heart of Scottish culture, during the annual Edinburgh International Festival. Come August, and the world has its eyes directed towards the city. The DanceBase and the Royal Lyceum Theatre Company is famous for plays, dances and other theatrical events.

    Food & Drink:
    The Atrium: This is famous for sophisticated and tastiest of Scottish cuisine with a French flavour. The honey roasted quail with stronoway black pudding is quite a favourite here.

    Le Café St.Honore: you get the tastiest traditional French food here. The ‘après-cinq’ fixed menu, served between 1700 and 1845, is of good value with dishes which include venison wild berries and mushrooms.

    The Witchery by the Castle: Situated in a medieval building next to the castle, you can relieve the opulence of dining in a castle with an awesome ambience with luxurious patterns and fanlight windows to name a few. You can feed among the Aberdeen Angus beef and tempting sea-food among the other culinary delights.

    Britannia Spice: This has an Asian flavour to its dishes. Situated in Leith, this restaurant has the best Indian and Sri-lankan delicacies like roast aubergine masala and mach torkari.
    Stac Polly: This serves modern Scottish food which has a distinct aroma of home made delicacy.

    Hotels & Accommodation:
    The hotels and accommodation prices usually comprise of VAT which is currently 17.5 of the regular prices. There could be some exceptions where VAT may be quoted separately. Most of the accommodations are quite hospitable for the tourists with roomy, spacious and bright interiors which could give the overview of the city.

    Here are a selection of hotels in Edinburgh:
    Linton Court
    The George Hotel
    Christopher North House Hotel
    Ramada Mount Royal
    Herald House Hotel
    Royal Ettrick Hotel
    Best Western Bruntsfield Hotel
    Mardale Guest House
    Cruachan Guest House
    Averon
    Hawthorne House
    Channings
    Corstorphine Lodge Hotel
    Glenora Hotel
    Greens Hotel
    Murrayfield Hotel & Lodge
    Eglinton Hotel
    Dunstane House Hotel
    Ellersly House Hotel
    Boreland Lodge Hotel
    The Learmonth Hotel
    Carlton Hotel
    Best Western Braid Hills Hotel
    Harvest Guest House
    The Parliament House Hotel
    Holyrood ApartHotel
    Best Western Edinburgh Capital Hotel
    The Corstorphine House
    Macdonald Holyrood Hotel
    The Osbourne Hotel
    Royal Scots Club
    Old Waverley Hotel
    Royal British Hotel
    Lyncliff Hotel
    Bank Hotel
    Royal Terrace Hotel
    The Broughton Hotel
    The Knight Residence
    Royal Garden Apartments
    Ben Craig House
    Gifford House
    Kingsway Guest House
    The Ben Doran
    Southside Guest House
    Macdonald Houstoun House
    Frederick House Hotel
    Links Hotel & Bar
    Tailors Hall Hotel
    Express by Holiday Inn Edinburgh Waterfront
    Menzies Belford Hotel
    Cairn Hotel
    Hanover Hotel
    Merith House Hotel
    The Macdonald Roxburghe Hotel
    Malmaison Edinburgh
    The Scotsman Hotel
    International Guest House
    Best Western Edinburgh City Hotel
    Orwell Lodge Hotel
    Thistle Edinburgh
    The Glasshouse, Edinburgh’s Boutique Hotel
    The Chester Residence
    Novotel Edinburgh Centre
    Thrums Hotel
    Maple Leaf Guest House
    Royal Mile Residence
    Express by Holiday Inn Edinburgh City Centre
    Walton Hotel
    Apex City Hotel
    Apex European Hotel
    Apex International Hotel
    Point Hotel
    Tron Apartments-Royal Mile
    Maple Leaf Apartments
    Northumberland Hotel
    Park View House Hotel
    St Andrews House
    Number Ten
    Castle Apartments
    Grassmarket Hotel
    Dreamhouse Seviced Apartments, Edinburgh
    Haymarket Hotel
    Scottish Apartments

    Entertainment:
    The Film House, the Cameo Cinema and the Odeon are some of the best movie houses in the city. Edinburgh itself as a place is quite picturesque for movie shoots. Also, the International Edinburgh which takes place for three weeks towards the end of summer is also quite famous and has tremendous entertainment value.

    No matter how busy Edinburgh gets, there are still a peaceful retreat’s to be found such as the green oasis of parkland with its own botanical garden. There is truly something of interest for every tourist here. Without doubt, the city of Edinburgh is truly a site to behold for the visitor.

    About the Author

    Maria Williams, occupation: Traveller, website: www.sleepuk.com, biography: Maria writes for Sleep UK – providers of discounted hotels to make your stay in the UK as comfortable as possible.

    Read more: Edinburgh city guide, Including Hotels

    Enjoy Sydney’s festivals, arts and culture all year round

    Last Updated: 2011/10/04

    From its spectacular New Year’s fireworks to its stunning harbour setting, Sydney is truly one of the world’s most attractive cities and it’s no wonder that Sydney has long been a popular destination for travellers in Australasia and beyond. Whether you’re keen to enjoy the warm weather �down under’ when it’s winter in the UK, or if you simply want to make a getaway during your summer holidays, Sydney offers a variety of arts, entertainment and sports events to cater for every tourist’s taste.

    As Australia’s largest city, Sydney offers a wide range of cultural attractions. The most visited parts of the city are, of course, its most iconic landmarks: the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. However, Sydney holds an array of other popular attractions that should not be overlooked if you’re visiting the city. Sydney Tower, for example, is the city’s tallest free-standing structure at 305 metres high, and its observation deck offers visitors staggering views across the city.

    Furthermore, Sydney has a dedicated artistic tradition; a range of Australia’s best artistic companies hail from the city, including Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Sydney Dance Company and Sydney Theatre Company. Sydney is also famous for its distinct gay community, which centres on Oxford Street and plays host to the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras every year.

    In fact, the Mardi Gras is only one of Sydney’s numerous annual festivals. Every January, the city stages the Sydney Festival, which has been Australia’s largest and most popular cultural festival since its inception in 1976. Its annual programme includes over 50 free events which span across a range of genres: from classical and contemporary music to dance, drama, circus events and public lectures. Attracting around 1.5 million people every year, the Sydney Festival truly captures the spirit of what makes Sydney such a great city to visit.

    Sydney is also home to the Sydney Film Festival; moreover, since the opening of Fox Studios in Sydney in 1998, the city has become steadily more prevalent on cinema screens around the world. Famous movies that have been filmed in the city include Mission Impossible II, The Matrix, Moulin Rouge and the last two instalments of the Star Wars franchise.

    Travellers hoping to see something of Australia’s history while in Sydney will not be disappointed with the variety of museums in the city. The biggest are the Australian Museum (a centre for natural history and anthropology), the Powerhouse Museum, which showcases exhibits on science, technology and design, the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Australian National Maritime Museum.

    If you live in Britain, you’re sure to be able to find plenty of flights to Sydney on a daily basis throughout the year. So whether you’re keen to enjoy the warm weather �down under’ when its winter in the UK, or simply want to take a break to the Emerald City during your summer holidays, you’ll always be able to find a suitable way to travel to Sydney.

    About the Author

    Martin McAllister is a freelance online journalist. He lives in Scotland.

    Read more: Enjoy Sydney’s festivals, arts and culture all year round

    Escape the Winter Chill with a Scuba Diving Vacation

    Last Updated: 2011/10/04

    Are you sick of cold windy days, ice and snow? The last blast of winter got you wishing you were enjoying the sun and surf in some far off, warm destination? What are you waiting for? This is the perfect time of the year to escape the winter chill and relax on a scuba diving vacation!

    There are plenty of scuba diving vacation packages on sale from January to March. One of the best scuba diving vacations you will ever book is a trip to Cozumel, Mexico. The waters around Cozumel are host to an amazing selection of fish. The visibility is stunning – you can dive 80 feet down, look towards the sky and it still feels like you can raise your arm out of the water. The large bodies of coral and swim-throughs are amazing to dive over and through. If Cozumel sounds tempting, book your vacation for February 23- 28 for the Mexican carnival. Carnival in Cozumel is similar to New Orleans Mardi Gras, complete with parades of masked dancers and marching bands.

    If it’s a new and exciting dive destination you seek, check out Roatan, Honduras. The island of Roatan is home to many well-established dive shops and exceptional diving. The valleys of coral and swim-throughs are exciting for divers of all levels and the abundance of pillar coral, vase sponges, tube sponges, and barrel sponges create an amazing landscape. Roatan divers can expect to see turtles and grouper almost daily, cowrie shells are often found if you look closely. Scuba divers interested in going beyond the average 60 ft dive may find themselves among Eagle Rays.

    If you’re ready for an adventure, on land and in the water, head to the Similan Islands in Thailand. The warm, clear waters of the islands offer both gentle sloping reefs and deep, jagged trenches. The diving is quite relaxed as most currents tend to be fairly weak, giving you plenty of time to take in the view and observe the abundant marine life. Amazing coral formations and swim-throughs create a dazzling landscape and an interesting dive every time you hit the water. Watching the whale sharks and manta rays common seen in these areas will make this dive destination a scuba diving vacation to remember.

    There are many months of cold, winter weather ahead, give yourself a break and head somewhere where the sun is shining and the water is warm and full of life. There are plenty of interesting scuba diving vacations; the hardest part is picking just one.

    About the Author

    Ian Scott is an experienced diver, and he loves to travel. When he is not searching for long lost treasures, he writes for thescubaguide.com – a phenomenal resource for anyone interested in cave diving, scuba gear, dive skins and more.

    Read more: Escape the Winter Chill with a Scuba Diving Vacation

    Family Fun: Attractions and Activities for Those Visiting Maui

    Last Updated: 2011/10/04

    Maui provides a wide variety of options for all different types of visitors coming to the island including singles, couples and families. Although Maui has been known to be a romantic getaway spot, it is also one that has a wealth of options for the large amount of families that come to vacation on this magnificent island. The following paragraphs will highlight some of the popular family fun activities and attractions which will amaze and delight the entire family.

    Specialty Sea Cruises
    As Maui is surrounded by beautiful water, one may wish to take their family to an attraction where water is the key component. There are a number of specialty sea cruises that offer activities for families to take part in. One type of sea cruise that is extremely popular amongst families is the whale watching sea cruise. Held between the months of December and April, one can venture out into the ocean to catch a glimpse of these great animals. One particular cruise company that hosts tours of this nature is Maui-Molokai Sea Cruises.

    Another wonderful sea cruise adventure to take part in is one which takes individuals on snorkeling tours. Snorkeling is a great activity for the whole family to join in, as it is not as in-depth as scuba diving can be yet individuals who go snorkeling can be in the water with a wide variety of sea life. There are a number of cruise companies which offer snorkeling tours as well.

    Luaus
    Luaus are a great place for families to get together and have a wonderful bonding experience on their vacation. The luau is not only a dinner but an all out event. Families can attend luaus and take part in delicious Hawaiian feasts while enjoying a number of festivities as well. Activities such as hula dancing, fire knife dances and drumming spectaculars are a big part of the luau. Luaus are held at a number of the hotels on the island and each has their own unique aspects to them.

    Beaches
    Visiting one or all of the many beaches on the island is a great thing to do with the family. While on the beach, the family members can swim, play beach games or simply bask in the sun while enjoying one another’s company. Some of the most beautiful beaches are located on Maui and taking the family to the beach for a day of sun and fun is a great family activity.

    Helicopter Rides
    For those parents who really want to wow the kids, booking a helicopter tour is a great way to show the little ones the island of Maui. From the sky, the family members will be able to see the lush forests, sparkling waters and vast countryside. Some helicopter rides even come in combination packages with other activities such as horseback riding included within them. Helicopter tours are extremely popular on Maui and there are a number of great helicopter tour companies that provide a wide range of options for families hoping to book one in order to see the island from overhead.

    Hiking Tours
    Hiking is quite a popular activity in the Hawaiian Islands and especially on the island of Maui. There is so much to see while hiking around the island and the wide array of tour types is evidence of this. One can book a hiking tour to see a number of magnificent areas on the island such as rainforests, waterfalls, craters and mountains. One should determine what tour is best for them by considering what areas they would like to see, the age of the children, the hiking ability of each family member and the amount which they would like to spend per person on a hiking tour. One really cannot make a bad choice when it comes to the type of tour to take as each setting has a uniqueness and beauty all its own.

    Bike Tours
    For those families who have older children, taking a bike tour on Maui is another great activity for the family to take part in. As many of the bike tours take individuals quite a good distance and cater to certain skill levels, companies may require that all participants be at least 12 years old or older in some cases. However, if the family is comprised of parents and teens, then considering a bike tour is a wonderful option. The bike tours vary in length, ability level and route, yet each has their own special qualities to them which make them a great activity to pursue on Maui.

    The previously mentioned items are just a few different activities for families to try while they are staying on the island of Maui. The important thing to remember is that as long as the family is together, whatever activity is pursued is sure to be a great time.

    About the Author

    Written by Crystal McKenzie, who is the reservations manager for My Hawaiian Holiday. MyHawaiianHoliday.com offers a wide selection of Maui vacation rentals for all budgets.

    Read more: Family Fun: Attractions and Activities for Those Visiting Maui

    Fear of Flying

    Last Updated: 2011/10/04

    There are a few fears in life that defy logic. Fear of spiders may be one, fear of lifts is another, and perhaps a fear of flying is another. Everyday, thousands of planes take off around the world, carrying millions of passengers safely to their destination. Flying is one of the safest, if not the safest, form of travel available. It is far safer than getting in the car, yet over one third of the population still report a fear of flying.

    People cite many concerns when they talk of their fear of flying. Many report a lack of confidence in the air traffic control system and fear that a simple mistake on the ground can lead to disaster in the air. Then there are fears of faults with the plane itself. Most people saw the pictures of the concord crash a few years ago and when you’re sitting on an airplane, a few feet from the massive jet engines humming steadily, it seems very hard to believe that nothing could go wrong with such a machine. In fact the very shape and appearance of airplanes does little to inspire confidence in passengers who already are having doubts about the airworthiness of the plane.

    Then there are the reports and press attention of the troubles of deep vein thrombosis.

    The fact of the matter however, is that flying is extremely safe. It is one of the wonders of technology that air travel, with all the multitude of potential failures, keep delivering flight after flight, on time and without a hitch. In fact, in contrast to almost all other forms of travel, air travel is becoming safer and safer every year.

    The statistics speak for themselves. Do you know what the chances are of having a single fatality on a flight? Well according to the BBC, it is 1 in 16 million. And in the vast majority of accidents where there are fatalities, more than half of the other passengers survive. What this means is that even if you defy all the odds and are on one of the few unlucky flights that does crash, you are still more likely to survive than die in the accident.

    However, there is one issue with air travel that the statistics don’t commend so highly. Delays, lost luggage and missing flights are still frequent issues that plague passengers. Luckily, all of these can be covered for with some good, comprehensive travel insurance.

    About the Author

    Joseph Kenny is the webmaster of the insurance site http://www.insure121.com/ where you will find information, news and links to the leading providers of insurance in the UK. If you found this article interesting you may find more articles of the same nature in the insurance guide located on site.

    Read more: Fear of Flying

    Finding Cheap Airfare for Indian Travel

    Last Updated: 2011/10/03

    The land of myriad cultures, staunchly rooted in tradition, the habitat of millions of people belonging to varying religions and the country known for its distinguished history… India is a place worth visiting in the Asian continent.

    Though India covers a small area on the globe, the country earns a widespread popularity. Apart from producing some of the universally eminent personalities like Mahatma Gandhi, Kalpana Chawla, Sachin Tendulkar and the like, India has many other lures that add credit to its name. People from all across the world come to India to experience the divine grace and charisma in the cities of Haridwar, Rishikesh and Vrindavan etc. The great Indian temples most of which are an emblem of Indian mythology have been mystifying people in all corners of the world since ages. What to say about the contribution made by India in the wonders of the world…US President Bill Clinton too couldn’t resist the enticement to bask in the glory of globally acclaimed Taj Mahal.

    This mesmerizing country recognized and memorized for several reasons including the hospitality of Indians can be explored at ease and without a second thought. The reason being the economical air fares from all over the world to India. For instance

    If you are placed in Los Angeles or San Fransisco, a flight to Indian subcontinent will just cost you $1039. The decision of which Indian metropolitan to land like Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai etc. is at your discretion. The rates remain uniform for all the cities.

    From Dallas or Houston to any of the Indian metros the air ticket is available for a mere $1159. The rates do not vary in case you board the flight to India from Chicago, Detroit or Minneapolis.

    It is still cheaper to fly to India from New York, Boston or Washington. The fare to Delhi can be purchased at the petite amount of $949. While going to Bangalore, Kolkata, Chennai and other cities will cost you $1,119.

    These rates might slightly deviate with your choice of airline but not much. The entire information about some of widely accredited airlines to India such as Jet airways from USA to India, Luthfansa, British airways, Singapore airways and so forth is accessible online. Once you brief yourself with all requisite nitty-gritties you can book make your reservations there and then. Besides these acknowledged airlines there are some others that will facilitate you with economic airfares to India clubbed with good and reliable service. What more can one ask for that almost all of these airlines frequently pop up with heavy discounts on their various packages…!

    So relish the twin pleasures of feeling the getting lost on the mother earth of Buddhism, a land that stands as a paradigm example of unity in diversity that comes with the least expense on air fare but maximum enjoyment and everlasting memories.

    About the Author

    Mansi Hupta writes about indian travel guide. Learn more at http://www.meet-india.com.

    Read more: Finding Cheap Airfare for Indian Travel

    France Vacation Rentals Near Bordeaux’s Famous Vineyards

    Last Updated: 2011/10/03

    Bordeaux, the largest city in south west France, is the wine region of the Aquitaine area. Bordeaux wine is readily exported to countries throughout the world and there are many vineyards that help make this exportation financially rewarding for the region by producing popular tasty wines to suit all tastes.

    Vineyards in Bordeaux cover hundreds of thousands of acres of land.  Large quantities of wine producers in this area are independent wineries. Chateau Beychevelle is a Bordeaux winery that welcomes wine tasters from all over the world to sample its home grown produce.  Visitors come and go daily, tasting and purchasing the fine product of the hard working vineyard’s laborers.

    Another area in Bordeaux that wine enthusiasts should visit is the Saint-Emilion village.  In Saint-Emilion village one will find a number of friendly vineyard owners who are always happy to show off their wines. The difficulty many say is choosing the vineyards to visit.  With so much choice you may need several days to get a full taste of the area.

    A popular way to cover many vineyards in this region is by going on a wine tasting tour.  There are usually many tours being offered and they are individually unique in their own right.  Some tours will be by bus or bike via an independent tour agency and others will be provided by a specific Châteaux.  In order to consider all the available options, your concierge or local tourist information office is a good starting point to making an informed decision.

    When looking to visit the Bordeaux vineyards, one should consider booking a France vacation rental for a week or two in order to have enough time to leisurely visit the many wineries in the area.  France vacation rentals can be easily booked through your travel agent or by using the internet to find vacation packages that cater to France vacation rentals.  Whatever vineyard an individual chooses to tour or France vacation rental one chooses to book, that person is sure to be happy with his/her final decision regarding this wonderful touring opportunity.

    About the Author

    TipTopVillas offers France vacation rentals - outstanding France villa rentals available by owner.  Browse all vacation rentals by owner at TipTopVillas.

    Read more: France Vacation Rentals Near Bordeaux’s Famous Vineyards

    Free Apartment Finder Services Make Finding Your Next Apartment Easy

    Last Updated: 2011/10/02

    London – 30th September, 2005 – You’ve seen the advertisements on apartment finder services or apartment locators, the specialist accommodation bookers for the serviced apartment market. You might think that it all sounds very expensive, whereas in fact, it is quite the opposite.

    The Apartment Service, based in London, England, specializes in booking serviced apartments, corporate and interim housing for corporate and leisure clients worldwide, for periods from a day, week or month through to a year or longer.

    In large cities such as London, New York and Sydney there are hundreds of apartment buildings spread out over a very large area. When there are so many properties the apartment hunter can become overwhelmed with the vast number of choices available. It’s hard to even know where to start. Driving from one complex to the next will often result in frustration because the apartment is not what you’re looking for, or the complex doesn’t have any units available.

    The great advantage of using the services of an apartment finder is that the company will have a database of apartments which shows availability. Therefore the apartment finder company will know which rentals are on the market. This way you don’t waste time trying to track down apartments with availability.

    The advantages are more spacious accommodation, usually including lounge or sitting area, kitchen or cooking facilities, quieter location, with increased privacy and security. As Charles McCrow, Managing Director of The Apartment Service, puts it: “The problem with hotels is that they are for sleeping in. The diplomat, especially with family, needs somewhere to sit and relax, make a snack or a meal, have a meeting or spread out the paperwork. Serviced apartments will always offer much better value-for-money compared with a hotel, if public areas are less important to the guest. It is upon this cost-saving, that this very model is based.”

    The same value extends across the board and broadly speaking equates to a 25% saving on rates in hotels of a comparable standard. Branded apartment accommodation usually targets the mid-market, short to medium stay clients. The accommodation you can expect is functional with achievable rates of around £65 per person per night with possible discounts for weekly or monthly stays in a one-bedroom apartment, although lower rates are possible in a studio. At the upper end of the market, the rates will approximately double.

    Try using The Apartment Service the next time you decide to move to a new apartment and see for yourself how much time and effort you will save on your next move. It makes the whole apartment hunting experience easy and hassle free.

    For further press information, please contact Natalie Wakefield, Marketing Executive at Executive Roomspace, 01934 519 518 or e-mail: nataliew@apartment.co.uk

    EXECUTIVE ROOMSPACE
    5-6 FRANCIS GROVE
    WIMBLEDON
    SW19 4DT

    Notes to Editors:

    About Executive Roomspace: Since 1997 Executive Roomspace has been the first brand named apartment product amongst regular corporate housing bookers. Aimed at the medium budget with a minimum stay of a month, the ease and flexibility of booking has pushed apartment accommodation as the favoured spacious alternative to the standard hotel.

    www.roomspace.com

    About Apartment Service: The Apartment Service founded in 1981 as the first UK company to offer a global apartment reservations network for serviced accommodation. Now the largest serviced apartment booking company in Europe, with over seven hundred locations worldwide. For business or leisure.

    For stays of a day, a week, a month or a year, serviced apartments offer a spacious, flexible and cost effective alternative to restrictive hotel rooms. With an average saving of 15 – 30% on an equivalent standard hotel. Stays in an apartment can be tailored to suit your location, budget and departure requirements. Although you will receive an extremely professional service, The Apartment Service endeavours to meet all personal requirements.

    www.apartmentservice.com.

    About the Author

    About Executive Roomspace: Since 1997 Executive Roomspace has been the first brand named apartment product amongst regular corporate housing bookers. Aimed at the medium budget with a minimum stay of a month, the ease and flexibility of booking has pushed apartment accommodation as the favoured spacious alternative to the standard hotel. www.roomspace.com

    Read more: Free Apartment Finder Services Make Finding Your Next Apartment Easy

    Gibraltar Holidays – Cheap Flights and Hotels

    Last Updated: 2011/10/01

    Read about the mediterranean island – Gibraltar. Spend your holidays in Gibraltar. Get information about cheap flights to Gibraltar and hotels in Gibraltar.
    Gibraltar Holidays
    Situated on the southern edge of the Spain, the famed and picturesque island, Gibraltar is basically an overseas of the United Kingdom. It is typically positioned at the western entrance of the Mediterranean Sea. The British claimed the island in 1973 and presently it is an international port and hot tourist spot, famous for holidays, short city breaks and as weddings & honeymoon destination. There are many travel agents offering cheap flight to Gibraltar. Book a cheap flight and hotel package for your next holidays in Gibraltar. But before that lets play around the island.
    Rock Of Gibraltar
    The main tour attraction in Gibraltar is “The Rock” and its pleasant whether. The Rock of Gibraltar is a considerable theme for botanists and bird watchers but also endow tourists with sightseeing actions such as the prominent semi-wild apes, caves, tunnels, large military guns and many more sites of historical and geological interest. It has a very famous tunnel popular as “labyrinth”. Cable Cars are used to reach on the top of the rock.

    Gibraltar Hotels
    Gibraltar has a diverse range of cheap and luxurious hotels, offering best services to their guests. You can get very cheap and discounted rates for some of the best and hotels in Gibraltar for your short city break at “Gibraltar4less.co.uk”. They have contracted rates for most of the Gibraltar hotels and claims to offer the most cheapest rates than any else. The most privileged hotels in Gibraltar are: The Rock Hotel, The Eliott Hotel, The Caleta Hotel, The Bristol Hotel, The Queen Hotel, The Continental Hotel and The Cannon Hotel.

    Duty-Free Shopping In Gibraltar
    Gibraltar is a famous destination of shopping as it one among the few VAT free shopping destinations in Europe, offering its visitors a varied range of tax free goods. The best thing about shopping in Gibraltar is that you don’t even have to change currency to shop so no fiddling around with foreign coins! With exactly the same value, the Pound Sterling and the Gibraltar Pound are both acceptable forms of payment at all retail outlets. So shop out the island on your next Gibraltar holidays.

    Gibraltar Sightseeing Tour
    The places that you must see on your Gibraltar holidays are The Rock, Europa Point, Sailing Trip, Cable Cars, Dolphin Safaris, Botanical Gardens, City Gates and Fortifications, Catalan Bay. Those who are interested in natural history related to the sea, rock, land or plant, will enjoy a feast at Gibraltar as the island is very rich of such things all through the year. For the convenience of the visitors, some travel agents arrange for the Gibraltar day tours that include short visit in minimum time by taxi or by the coach so that the tourists can spend their maximum time to look around the plenty of places.

    Gibraltar Attractions
    There are the certain native areas like Rock Apes, dolphins excursions in the Bay of Gibraltar, and other marine mammals which include the Pilot Whales of the Strait, that always attracts the tourists and worth a visit on a Gibraltar holiday. For bird lovers and bird-watchers there are several different species including prey, storks, vultures, songbirds and seabirds. In spring season there are beautiful butterflies, emerging making the island a pretty paradise of the natural wild life. There is a lot to see in Gib while you spend your holidays in Gibraltar. The Botanical garden is the combination of the aesthetic beauty, a very silent area filled with the colourful fountains, ponds and waterfalls. There is a Catalan Bay, a small village on the eastern side of the rock where you can enjoy the traditional boating and fishing. Though a village but Catalan Bay has beach, pubs and restaurants etc.

    Gibraltar Flights
    With airlines commencing new routes to Gibraltar, there is now a good choice of cheap flights to Gibraltar. Book online your Gibraltar holidays with http://www.gibraltar4less.co.uk, and receive access to extremely competitively low priced Gibraltar flights and hotel packages along with a £5.00 per person discount! Look out for regular free night offers and other money saving offers when you book online! Plan your holidays in Gibraltar now whilst air fares are still low and the city remains unspoilt before the hoards of tourists and stags discover this latest new destination.

    About the Author

    Annie Jones writes about Gibraltar and learn some tips for a great Gibraltar Holidays. Get more information at http://www.gibraltar4less.co.uk

    Read more: Gibraltar Holidays – Cheap Flights and Hotels

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