Vacation and Travel Tips: August 2010

Vacation Home Rental

3:09 PM | Labels: Travel Agent, Travel Rental

You love having a second home but the mortgage is putting a crater in your wallet. Many second home owners turn to renting their property as a vacation rental to help defray the costs of ownership. How do you price a vacation home rental without overcharging but making enough to cover your costs? Do your research.

Find out what other owners of, similar sized homes in the area are charging. You can ask a local real estate agent for a price range, scan local papers or go online. There are also vacation rental sites like eVaca.com. These types of sites have advertisements from owners around the world and weekly rates for the properties are listed.

The time of year you rent out a property is important as well. If you want to rent out a ski lodge in Vermont, August is not going to be your "high time" of year, but January will. If you are going to rent the property in an "off" time of year you will not be able to charge as much as if you were renting the property in a peak time.

You also want to figure out what lengths you want to rent your property for. A Florida property in July near the beach will go for top dollar for a week. However, that same property in January you might only attract the snowbirds who want to rent at a lower price and rent it out on a monthly basis. You have to answer questions like, "do I want to mess around with weekend or nightly rentals" and "is it worth the hassle"

Figure out how many weeks you need to rent your property in order to make a profit or at least pay the bills. Say you need to make $12000 a year in rental income. If, after looking at other rentals, a rate of maybe $1,000 a week seems reasonable than you know you need to rent the property out for at least 12 weeks a year. But you might have to rent for a few more weeks at a lower rate to make up for "off peak" times of the year or if you do not get someone to fill every vacant period.

Most important, do not forget to spend time in your own vacation home. Owning the property and not being able to enjoy it defeats the purpose of having that second home!

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Thing to do for cruise

3:05 PM | Labels: Adventure Vacation, Travel Tips

It seems like everybody these days is setting sail, cruising around the deep blue ocean on ships the size of small cities. Travelers return from their ocean adventures with strange and marvelous tales of grand movie theaters, huge climbing walls, water slides, and mounds of delicious food, but is this the reason why cruises have grown in popularity? What is it, exactly, that makes cruises so appealing to so many people.

Perhaps it's the price. Long cruises, especially, can be expensive, and port fees, cruise cancellation insurance, and airfare (if it's not included in the price), not to mention pricey shore excursions, can destroy your vacation budget. Just like with air travel, however, significant discounts can be found online and through travel agents, and when travelers factor in the meals, accommodation, and shipboard entertainment that are included in the fare, cruises can actually be pretty reasonable. There's also less room for the typical nasty surprises that accompany traveling to exotic locations on your own.

Unlike land tours, which offer a similar sense of security when traveling, cruises also allow passengers a great deal of personal freedom and the ability to set their own pace. If you don't feel like getting up for breakfast, then you can stay in your cabin and make it down in time for lunch. On a tour, if you miss breakfast, you might have missed the bus for the entire day, and you'll end up stuck in your hotel, while everyone else is seeing the sights. Cruises have a definite relaxation factor that accompanies the fact that you are, essentially, staying in a floating hotel, which is one reason why cruises attract passengers who are celebrating honeymoons, birthdays, anniversaries, and family reunions.

The fact that cruises are actually carrying passengers from one port of call to the next with a minimum of fuss or fanfare is another reason for their popularity. Unlike planes, trains, or, God forbid, automobiles, passenger can sleep, eat, exercise, and even party while the ship is transporting them from point A to point B. As mentioned earlier, the pace is slower, but for many, that's a benefit rather than a drawback of cruise travel. Also, once you get to your port of call, you'll be all rested up for duty-free shopping (in the Caribbean, at least) or scuba diving or whatever draws you to exotic locales in the first place.

Traveling also entails meeting a lot of new people-some of whom are nice and some of whom are not nice. Dealing with nasty flight attendants, shady cab drivers, and grouchy hotel clerks can add a level of stress to travel that detracts from the sense of excitement and adventure that should accompany any vacation. Perhaps it's because everyone's so relaxed or perhaps it's because the staff is brainwashed (or desperate for a generous gratuity), but, in general, fellow travelers and staff on cruise ships seem to be a whole lot happier, nicer, and more accommodating than your average human being you encounter every day. Your fellow cruisers, who come from a variety of backgrounds, are not only happier but also more interesting to be around, and you're actually encouraged and able to socialize on a cruise.

But let's be honest. Nothing's more important to you than your stomach. Airlines understand that. It seems like, on some long-haul flights, attendants are walking around every hour with another opportunity to stuff your face. Airline food, however, will never be able to compete with cruise ship food. Food is often the highlight of a cruise experience. Whether it's at a buffet, in a dining room, or in your cabin, the food is delicious, and there's plenty of it. In fact, you might find yourself gaining a few pounds if you're not careful. Luckily, that's what vacation is all about. If you are worried about your waistline, there are plenty of opportunities to exercise and stay fit onboard.

Finally, one of the major reasons why cruise travel is growing in popularity is the variety it offers. Over 200 cruise ships float in the world's oceans and rivers today, and that number is growing by the year. Just like with air travel, there are the big names-Princess, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Carnival-and they each have their own fleet of ships. There are also smaller cruise lines, tailored to a specific region or for a specific purpose. These days, if you do your research, you can find the perfect cruise ship to fit your needs, wants and interests.

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Cruise Travel

3:03 PM | Labels: Travel Agent

Going on vacation with your loved ones can be an exciting and a fun experience for everyone. There are many possibilities when it comes to spending your vacation at sea. There is a cruise holiday that will suit everyone.You might ask yourself, "Where do I start?" Well, the first step is to figure out where you want to go. This might be the hardest step in planning your vacation but once you get past it, everything is a breeze.

There are cruises that go all over the world. Your choices could take you to Alaska or Venice and everywhere in between. Some factors that might help you in your decision-making are the possible ports you may want to visit, or cities of departure you prefer. You may want to depart from a city close to your home or a city you have always wanted to visit. This will limit your choices of ships embarking from those homeports.

Once you have figured out where you want to go, your next step is to decide what cruise company and ship you prefer. Today's cruise ships are some of the most innovative and advanced ships ever built. They offer many features that fit everyone's tastes. Some of the features include rock-climbing walls, self-leveling pool tables, ice-skating rinks and many shops and restaurants. These are just some of the many examples of what to expect from a cruise ship. There are many more amenities, as well as exciting activities that will make you forget to leave the ship even when you are at a port.

When choosing a cruise company, there are certain factors you will need to deal with before booking a reservation. First, read consumer reports regarding a ship's services. Then you confirm that they will actually stop at places they say they will. Remember that a happy occasion can easily become a very frustrating one quickly. The only way to prevent this is to be prepared and to do your research.

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Steps to design a tour or workshop

3:01 PM | Labels: Tour Tips

If you've dreamed of traveling the world and getting paid to do so, leading group travel is a good way to do it. I've combined the things I love best – leading groups, visiting France, making art and savoring the richness of travel – to create an enjoyable and lucrative income stream. I've been leading groups since 1994 and designing a workshop, enrolling people and providing a memorable experience for your participants is easier than you think. You can do it, too.

Developing a group tour or workshop takes imagination, time, and most importantly, good planning. From navigating your marketing strategies to designing course content to juggling the dozens of details, your success hinges on your organization.

The following four steps give you a sense of how to start developing your idea for a workshop, retreat or tour. Use them as a worksheet to begin today.

Start with your big picture vision. What do you want to do? What pain are you relieving for your potential participants? Perhaps you want to lead a healthy relationship group. Your participants are people who have failed at relationships and need tools and guidance to develop healthy ones. Write this down in a paragraph or two. Let your creativity out here. Feel free to draw, mind map or write about your big vision. As you're doing this, you'll get additional ideas. Use one notebook to capture everything. That way you have it in one place for when you sort it out later.

You'll lead, but who will follow? Who are you creating this wonderful experience for? Develop a profile of your ideal participant. Where does she shop, what are her interests, what publications does she read, what would she get from joining your group? Most importantly, what itch does your offering scratch? What problem does it solve? You want to make sure that there is a market for what you are offering before you create it. You'll need to know this for the next vital step.

Develop your marketing plan. Get a clear sense of what you will do to promote your offering. Your ability to relentlessly promote your tour, retreat orworkshop is the key to its success. You want to have strategies for online, in person, public relations approaches to getting the word out there. Don't shirk this step - spending plenty of time and being thorough here will help ensure your success.

Now you can dig into the fun stuff – designing the content of your tour, workshop or retreat. Go back to your original vision. What do you want people to take away from this experience? What is most important to you? Now, what elements do you need to have in place for that to happen?

Take time over a few weeks and use these steps to get started. Give yourself time to flesh out the dream and inch it toward reality. Then move toward bringing people together to share the journey with you as you create your group, tour or retreat.

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Enjoy your holidays & be healthy

2:56 PM | Labels: Travel Tips

Holiday season is the best among all seasons. Holiday season is the best for family gatherings, spending time with friends, and snowball battles. All of us want to enjoy holiday season. Several people feel migraine problems and severe headaches due to wrong strategy of spending holidays. You should follow some guidelines to enjoy wonderful holidays.

Following are some ideas that will definitely help you to make great holiday season:

During holidays try to eat little of everything whatever you want because holidays means fun not eating! Eat little instead of joining a gym after holidays.
Avoid potatoes & stuffed food. You should eat more vegetables during holidays to be fit and fine.
Don't spend your holidays in watching TV. You should spend your time with your nears & dears.
Make a list of important activities that you want to do during holidays. This will reduce your tension and headache.
You should also make a budget for your holidays and be familiar with your limitations. Don't try to create more social events.
You may also handover some of your important tasks to a responsible person who is able to perform those tasks efficiently.
Get familiar with your financial limitations and also don't try to cross your spending limit.
Don't forget to take rest because you've to go back to your work after holidays.
Do your regular exercises and drink plenty of water and juices.
Find some different ways that can make you happy. Forget the difficulties of past and be ready to enjoy your future.
Don't spend a lot on travel. You should try to participate in the festivals, marriages, birthday parties and other lovely occasions.
Always spend your holidays with your caring friends, colleagues and family members.
And of course don't forget to laugh.

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Best Deals on Hotel Lodging

2:54 PM | Labels: Cheap Hotel Reservation, Travel Agent

There is no doubt that hotel costs are among the biggest part of any vacation budget, and the failure to find affordable lodging has harpooned many an otherwise well planned vacation. One of the keys to enjoying a great vacation without breaking the bank is striking the best possible deal on the roof over your head.

Fortunately, the internet has made the process of finding a great hotel deal much easier. There are some great hotel, motel, and bed and breakfast deals out there, and the internet has made them easier to find than ever.

Booking ahead is essential, as is shopping around. You simply cannot expect to simply show up at a hotel and get a good rate. Most hotel chains reserve their best room rates, and they limit their numbers. Once those low cost rooms are booked, they are simply no longer available.

It is also important to book ahead because it can be difficult to gauge the demand for lording in a particular area, even if you are familiar with your destination. Special events of which you are unaware could cause a spike in hotel demand, and hotel prices, and leave you either paying an arm and a leg for a place to sleep, or, worse yet, find yourself without a place to stay at all.

It is also important to take advantage of all discounts to which you may be entitled, and not be shy about asking for discounts. Manyhotel chains and independent hotels offer discounts to those in the military, senior citizens, and members of travel clubs like AAA. If you think you are entitled to a discount, be sure to ask, and be sure to verify that the discount has been applied when you arrive.

In addition, many hotel chains offer programs that are similar to airline frequent flier programs. These programs reward loyal guests with free nights and other rewards. It is important to sign up for these programs whenever you can. Most of these programs are free, so signing up will cost you nothing, and you could end up with a free hotel stay.

When looking for those great hotel deals, a number of web sites compare hotels by price, star level, and even proximity to certain tourist attractions. It is always best to search several of these sites, since not allhotel chains participate in every comparison site.

There is no doubt that finding a great hotel rate will take some time and some hard work, but it is very important to keeping your travel budget under control. The cost of lodging often represents at least half, and often much more, of the total cost of a vacation. It is easy to see, then, how getting the best possible deal on your hotel can keep your cost level low and your vacation fun level high.

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Private Jet Charter Operators

2:52 PM | Labels: Travel Rental

Flying with the airlines can be a time consuming as well as risky proposition for businessmen as well as for people of wealth. If you absolutely, positively must get somewhere fast you are putting your trust in a system that is overcrowded, inconvenient, and failing when you fly with the airlines. What are your options? Rent or lease a private jet. The following list features some of the leading private jet charter operators in the U.S.
Atlantic Aviation Flight Services
Automotive Air Charter
Avjet Corporation
Business Jet Services
Clay Lacy Aviation
Delta AirElite
Elite Aviation
Executive Jet Mgt
FirstFlight Management LLC
Flightworks
Hop-A-Jet
Jet Aviation
Key Air
Million Air
New World Aviation
Petersen Aviation
Priester Aviation
PrivatAir
Regal Aviation
Richmor Aviation
TAG Aviation
The Air Group
Trans-Exec Air Service

One common thread with each of the operators is that they fly large cabin aircraft. This group is defined by -- but not limited to -- the following types of aircraft:

Gulfstream 450; 550
Boeing Business Jet
Canadair Challenger 604
Bombardier Global Express; 800
Falcon 2000

In each case you get the security of having two highly trained FAA licensed pilots and you can opt for a corporate flight attendant to provide cabin services and safety assistance. These are no King Airs, Lears, and Westwinds you will be flying. Many rent for $7000. per hour on up, but when you are talking about closing on a merger or acquisition in the morning in Dallas and being back in your Boston office in the afternoon, the price is inconsequential.

There are also several operations that will allow you to purchase a portion of a jet. No, you don't get a wing only, rather -- much like a timeshare -- you get to use a private jet operated by one of the providers. Chief amongst these specialized providers are:

Netjets
Flexjet
Flight Options
CitationShares

A third option is to approach one of the private jet aircraft brokers who will arrange the trip for you. Chief amongst these types of providers are:

Sentient
Gold Jets
Bluestarjets
Marquis Jet
AirRoyale

All in all, private flying is where it's at. If you live in the New York area, you can fly out of convenient Teterboro Airport in New Jersey and land at Van Nuys Airport near Los Angeles. By avoiding Kennedy, LaGuardia, and Newark airports you save precious time and land unruffled in L.A. Who can put a price tag on that?

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Cruise Ship Living

2:50 PM | Labels: Adventure Vacation

Well, living on a Cruise Ship is catching on.

Quite a few couples are now subscribing to world cruises and it is affecting the Cruise Ship industry.

In 2006 the Holland America Line is experiencing a 20 percent increase in the number of cruises longer than 12 days.

For 2007, the demand for world cruises for Cunard is so great the company is having two world cruises, including the Queen Mary 2's first voyage around the world, an 80-day journey.
Silversea Cruises, a very, very exclusive Cruise Line has just launched a series of voyages of 34 to 123 days and is having its first around-the-world cruise in 2007.

And Crystal Cruises Inc. spokeswoman Mimi Weisband said that they saw a record number of bookings for this year's 106-day world cruise.

Why is this happening?
Nobody likes flying anymore. It is not relaxing, you are stuffed like sardines in a tin can, you have to bring your own lunch, and have to take off your shoes.

Now think about cruising.
You've got your house with you, wherever you go, just like a turtle.
You get taken care of, whatever you need. Medical Care is close by, so are 10 bars and 4 restaurants open 24 hours a day in most cases.

You don't have to pack and unpack every day as with regular vacations, you can spend leisurely days playing pingpong and shuffleboard and relaxing with longtime friends.
The key selling theme for these long cruises is COMFORT.

You can see and do exotic things from 10 AM to 12 PM, go for lunch, and do more exotic things from 2 PM till 7 PM and then have a 10 course supper.

After supper there is a free show every night.

Perfect life
Rather than sitting in a summer cottage staring at the walls, on a cruise you have your social life built in, with 2000 possible friends.

Cruise lines say another key attraction is that now you can visit plenty of far-flung destinations - such as Hawaii and Tahiti- without dealing with airport security and other hassles.
The funny thing is that these Cruises are no longer exclusively populated by retired Seniors, but are becoming populated by entrepreneurial 40- and 50-people, who can turn the ship into a virtual, floating office.

You can successfully run a business from being on a ship, because of Wireless Internet Access worldwide available on these Cruise Ships.

Destinations are also being changed by the Cruise Ship industry; more and more exotic itineraries are being visited, because people like change, and if you have never seen the Pyramids, now is your chance on a 12 day Cruise.

The costs of a world cruise are no longer prohibitive, in 2005 a 100 day cruise could be had for $16,000 per person, that is $160 a day for travel, food, guided tours, shows and companionship.

Some people do this in their 30's, saying that they want to enjoy this while they can.
Others do this after they get a divorce, as a consolation prize to themselves.

As the demand for World Cruises increases, at some point in time entrepreneurs are going to buy a Cruise Ship at a reasonable price and are going to turn it into Condominiums.

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A Travel Guide To Panama City

2:30 PM | Labels: Travel destination

Panama is an adventure wonderland just waiting to be discovered. The country's expansive rainforests are among the richest and most complex on the planet. It's the only country where jaguars and pumas prowl just a short drive from the capital. Its vast, roadless jungles are home to over 940 recorded bird species and 105 endangered species, including the spectacled bear, the Central American tapir, the American crocodile, the scarlet macaw, as well as several eagle species.

This small, untapped country offers some of the finest diving, birdwatching, and deep-sea fishing in all of the Americas-yet only the most avid adventurers are aware of it. Panama boasts scores of deserted palm-lined beaches, miles of lush rainforests, great national parks, mysterious mangroves (where you'll feel like you've been transported back to a time when dinosaurs walked the earth), steamy cloud forests, mountains, waterfalls, raging rivers, abandoned forts, as well as desert.

In Panama you can spend the morning diving in the Caribbean and the afternoon swimming in the Pacific. You can explore historic ruins of the colonial era…dive for Sir Francis Drake's lead coffin (supposedly buried at sea near Portobello Bay)…see the rainforest in an aerial tram…ride a dug-out canoe to a native Indian village…discover the remote and mysterious forests of the Darién region right on the border of Colombia (where the roads end a few miles before the border, leaving you with the feeling you've reached the end of civilization)…come nose-to-nose with a red-napped tamarind monkey or a trio of colorful toucans…

Conde Nast Traveler, in an article from its February 2005 issue said "Panama has temperate rain forests, great surf and beaches, and more birdlife than any other country in Central America. Now…it also has a newly elected administration that wants travelers to enjoy every bit of it."

Fortunately, Panama is a small country. In a short one- or two-week trip, you can see much of what this diverse country has to offer.

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Travel to Switzerland

8:52 AM | Labels: Travel destination

Switzerland is known for numerous items: its cold climate, mountainous topography and its political neutrality, which is possibly brought on by its topographical seclusion and being one of the top mountainous countries in Europe. In actuality, numerous Swiss people, in particular those who reside in the Swiss Alps still preserve their cultivation, traditions and Alpine characteristics, pretty much untainted by the marks of the modern civilizations with predominance habitants build around Laax.

More than 70 percent of its land space is covered by the Swiss Alps which is known for its jagged peaks and steep gorges. For instance, The Pennine Alps range, contains the Dufourspitze of Monte Rosa which stands at 15,203 feet and is currently Switzerland's highest peak . This is one of the ultimate travel spots in Switzerland. Of course, mountains there are not all so gigantic in height. The Jura, for instance, are smaller and lower. This is a favourite travel spot in Switzerland because of its cross-country skiing. Swiss watchmaking first began in the Jura Mountains. For mountain lovers, do visit the Mattehorn which towers overhead the state Valais Canton at 14,688 feet

When traveling to Switzerland, one item that any individual have to bear in mind is that it's going to be indeed chilling. On no account forget to pack a winter coat peculiarly when you are travelling in winter months or if you are going to the Alps, where it can be really numbing. The resort of Chateau-d'Oex, which is nestled in a valley in the Alps is renowned for its skiing, hiking and hot-air balloon activities.

Switzerland is otherwise known for its picturesque views of lakes and streams. These bodies of water furnish travelers with a pleasant scene. The river Rhine is principal river in the country but there are other river systems that one should also look into, including Rhine, Ticino, and Inn. Lakes in the Alpine region are gorgeous and any traveler in Switzerland will instantly fall in love with its serene and glassy surface. Amongst those that they must visit are the Lake Geneva, Lake Lugano, Lake Maggiore, where Switzerland's lowest point lies; Lake of Neuchatel, and Lake of Lucerne.

Another lake that is deserving of note is Lake Geneva, whish is considered to be Central Europe's largest lake. The Staubbach Falls in Bern is one of the must-visit spot.

One of the ultimate travel spots in Switzerland is the Gothic Cathedral designed by Matth'us Ensinger from Ulm. It is an instance of 14th to 16th century architecture. Various international agencies can also be found in the capital city, including the Universal Postal Union.

Zurich is the financial center as well as an significant commercial and manufacturing center. The city of Basel is noted for its textile and clothing industry. Lausanne, on the other hand, is a city in the western part of Switzerland. It is residence to such prominent celebrities as Voltaire, Gibbon, and Rousseau as well as the center for Swizerland's iron industry. Although widely known for its watchmaking and jewelry industry, Geneva is also the world's diplomatic center. It is where the headquarters of the United Nations (UN). The International Labor Organization (ILO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) is also located there too.

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Visit Cornwall - Totnes, Marazion & St Michaels Mount

8:47 AM | Labels: Travel destination

Tucked away in the very far corners of South West Cornwall is the charming little town of Marazion – believed to be Britains oldest town. Aside from being steeped in history, and the location of St Michaels Mount, Marazion is also loved by those interested in hiking, water sports and bird watching.

Marazion is also a good base to explore Cornwall – with plenty of affordable accommodation and a fair choice of good eateries, visitors can experience the true Cornish lifestyle in a comfortable and beautiful setting.

St Michaels Mount is one of the main attractions in Cornwall itself, let alone Marazion. The highlight is the castle which is set atop the mount on a separate island – it's possible to walk to the mount during low tide, but at high tide a ferry ride is required. The castle itself is quite enchanting and visitors can amble through the many furnished rooms and drink in the sensational panoramic views on offer.

Marazion as a town is equally charming – with narrow roads climbing over steep hills, and wonderful shops, pubs and bakeries offering the most wonderful food and drink options.

Marazion also has a lovely sand beach offering wonderful views of the mount making the town one of the undiscovered gems of Cornwall!

Totnes

With a population struggling to reach 7,000 the interesting little town of Totnes is steeped in history and legend (it's here that a Trojan prince named Brutus is believed in folklore to have founded Britain in the 11th century).
Present day Totnes is a bustling market town with charming views and splendid architecture with plenty of listed buildings for such a small place.
Totnes has a wide range of delightful restaurants for visitors to pick and choose from – the choices range from traditional English tea rooms and bistros that are simply brimming with character to foreign-food restaurants.

Things To See & Do In Totnes

The first thing that strikes you about Totnes is the pure charm and elegance of the town – a walk up the steep streets is highly recommended. In many ways it's typical of the small English town experience and the narrow streets are dwarfed by ancient, historic buildings (quite a few dating back to the 16th century).

Totnes Castle – First built in the 11th century, the remains of Totnes Castle today are thought to be from the 13th century. The castle is well worth visiting and offers some spectacular vistas of the town and River Dart below.

Other points of interest in Totnes include the Guildhall (including some interesting exhibitions including Oliver Cromwells table), the Totnes museum (located in a beautiful old Elizabethan style house) and Totnes Rare Breeds Centre (a petting zoo).

Close to Totnes is the village of Dartington, boasting some fascinating medieval buildings. Dartington also has some lovely gardens.

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How Northumberland Holiday Cottages Makes Your Perfect Holiday

4:31 PM | Labels: Adventure Vacation, Hotel, Travel destination

Northumberland
Northumberland holiday cottages allow you to delve into the rich culture of the North East that dates right back to Roman times! Whether you enjoy the hospitality of a bed and breakfast, a traditional hotel or indeed a Northumberland holiday cottage, be sure to read on and discover how to find the best accommodation for your requirements.

Things to do
The number of attractions in Scotland are much higher than most other places in the UK. From walking in the Cheviot Hills, to the Roman architecture of Hadrian's wall, or visiting one of the many football stadiums, you'll be sure to have fun whatever you do!

Spending time with your family and friends in a Northumberland Holiday Cottage is the ideal way to enjoy your holiday - with many people saying the time in the cottage can be as special as the stunning scenery outdoors. With an abundance of beauty and heritage that is difficult to beat,holiday cottages in Northumberland really are the perfect way to relax and enjoy the North East.

Find your Northumberland Holiday Cottage online
Why? Through searching online you will be able to find the perfect accommodation to meet your requirements. However, whilst many websites only offer a little bit of information on Northumberlandholiday cottages, hotels and other accommodation - there are one or two dedicated websites that provide vital information such as:
" Local weather
" Images and information on Northumberland holiday cottages, hotels and bed and breakfasts
" Transport information
" Places to go, things to see and where to eat and drink

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Gatwick Airport - Europe's Finest Airports, Do You Know Why?

4:13 PM | Labels: Adventure Vacation

Gatwick airport is one of the most famous airports in the United Kingdom and Europe as a whole. It stands in the top 30 busiest airports in the world, and is the 8th largest in Europe by passenger traffic. Gatwick also holds the record as the busiest single-runway airport in the world, constantly handling traffic that other airports divide over multiple runways. This airport was once a trans-continental powerhouse, but in recent years has focused on providing a transportation hub for European destinations in particular. Pretty all European airlines, as well as many airlines from elsewhere in the world, direct at least some of their aircraft through it.

Gatwick recently announced plans to expand their infrastructure with a one billion pound investment aimed at improving the visitor experience in terms of everything from access to aesthetics. Those responsible for running the airport feel that this investment will allow them to match, or even surpass, Heathrow airport, whose shadow it is has constantly had to exist under, in terms of amenities and passenger accessibility. Though Gatwick has always been considered a 'lesser' airport than Heathrow, this is due to the merits of the latter rather than any shortcomings in the former. Indeed, Gatwick airport has a history that warrants more attention than it is generally given...

#1 - Royal Attentions
The Queen of England has twice graced Gatwick airport with her presence. In 1956 the airport temporarily closed in order to undergo a major redevelopment, and it was Queen Elizabeth II who oversaw the ceremonies in 1958. Then, thirty years later, the Queen and Prince Phillip were also present for the openingof the new North Terminal as well.

#2 - Advances in Architectur
In 1936, Gatwick unveiled the world's first circular airport terminal, dubbed the Beehive. It was an extraordinary achievement, as it was the first terminal to combine literally every necessary stage of air travel. There was a rail link directly to the terminal, and for the first time passengers could directly board their aircraft instead of having to travel across the runway on foot or by bus.

#3 - The Blitz
The second World War saw Gatwick become primarily a military airport, to aid Britain with its air to air combat against the deadly German air-force. Gatwick participated when it was requisitioned by the RAF as a combat airfield, and provided service to a number of important operations necessary to keeping England's skies clear of bombers.

#4 - From Jockeys to Pilots
Did you know that Gatwick used to be a racecourse? Purchased from private hands in 1890, the land was turned into a modern racing facility that even included its own railway station. Now calledGatwick Airport Station, this point was originally the Gatwick Racecourse Station, and even retained this name up until the opening of the Beehive forty five years later. The course even served as a substitute for the Grand National when the bombings in World War I made it unsafe to use the original course.

#5 - Private Fliers
Gatwick was not originally a public airport for major travel. In the 20's and 30's, for example, it was a private flying club controlled by Ronald Waters. The Surrey Aero Club used their growing prestige to promote interest in flying in general, and helped contribute to the continued growthof the airfield, to the point that Gatwick received its first commercial flying licenses in 1934

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Perfect Vacation in Caribbean Resorts, Opt For One Today

3:53 PM | Labels: Travel destination, Vacation, Vacation destination

Are you in the mist of planning a trip to the Caribbean? If you are traveling alone, with your romantic partner, or with a group of adult friends, you are encouraged to examine Caribbean adult only resorts. For many tourists, these type of resorts automatically translate into a better trip. Why is that exactly?

1 - Perfect for All Travel
That is except for family vacations! All joking aside, Caribbean adult only resorts are the perfect place for solo trips, romantic getaways, destination weddings, honeymoons, and trips with adult friends. It does not matter what your reason for traveling to the area is. Generally, if you are over the age of 16 or 18, you are good to go. With that said, you can find more than adult resorts in the Caribbean. The area is also come to further so-called themed resorts. There are couples resorts, singles resorts, and more. It might be within your best interest to examine all of your options before making a final decision.

2 - Adult Activates
Get your mind out of the gutter! We arent talking about anything too adult here, but just activates that adults like to enjoy. At Caribbean adult only resorts, it is common to find bars scattered throughout the resort. In fact, you might have a swim-up bar on the side of the pool! Moreover, you are likely to find a large selection of land and beach activities. As for these activities, many resorts are home to indoor game rooms with table tennis, pool tables, cards, and more. Some resorts also have onsite spas, golf courses, and so forth. Parties that include karaoke and also dancing are common as well. Beachfront resorts are likely home to swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, boating, windsurfing, and more!

3 - No Screaming Children
We all love children. In fact, you might even be a parent yourself. Even if you are parent, we all have those moments where we wish we could just lock ourselves in a room for a few hours and escape to somewhere calm, beautiful, cool, and relaxing like the Caribbean. You can get your wish.If you are a parent, you could use an adult only vacation. Even if you arent a parent, you will notice the absence of screaming children at Caribbean adult resorts. Even those playful screams from children splashing around in a pool are cute, just not when in the mist of an adult vacation

4 - More Privacy
Since you are staying at an adult only resort, you are going to be surrounded by other adults. Most have the same goals as you. Whether that goal is a relaxing trip, an adventurous trip, or a romantic getaway, you are surrounded by other adults who have their own itinerary. Since there are no naturally curious children around, you and all other guests will go about your business. For you, this typically results in more privacy.

5 - Large Number of Resorts to Choose From
As stated above, the Caribbean is full of resorts. A good percentage of these resorts are classified as adult only resorts. This is due to the fact that while the Caribbean is perfect for family vacations, it is more popular among adults looking for romance, privacy, or fun. Want to know if the resort you like is classified as an adult only resort? Attempt to make a reservation. Most resorts have a drop down bar for you to select the number of adults and children. Adult only resorts have a children not permitted message here.

The fact that you have a number of adult resorts to choose from is nice, but guess what? It gets even better! How is that possible? Manyresorts in the Caribbean are classified as all-inclusive or super-inclusive resorts. You will find yourself saving time and you might find yourself saving money too! Your stay at an inclusive resort includes airfare (optional), room or suite, qualifying airport transfers, food, snacks, drinks, tips, and many different types of onsite entertainment.

In short, there are many reasons why you should at least consider vacationing at an adult only resort in the Caribbean. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today; find that perfect resort, as well as moneysaving travel deals and discounts. Good luck!

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Travel Packing Tips

4:04 PM | Labels: Travel Tips

Are you looking for travel packing tips? Many people look for tips to reduce the amount and overall weight of their luggage. Following are 5 tips for travel packing that help you save money, backaches, and stress as you travel.

Do not wear more than two outfits per day:
Many times, you may feel that you will need your entire wardrobe with you. It is good to be prepared for any occasion or event. But, the truth is, you should not wear more than two outfits each day. Hence, it is advisable to pack accordingly.

Choose outfits that match easily with each other:
If you choose tops, bottoms, and jackets that can be easily coordinated with each other, you can save a lot of space in your bag. Choose standard clothes such as jeans, jean shorts, khakis, khaki shorts, etc., and repeat their use with different tops to get new look everyday. You should choose your shoes accordingly in the same way.

Do not forget to pack essential toiletry and cosmetic products:
Do not pack anything unnecessary and takes a lot of room. Make a list of all essential items such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, and a comb/brush. Ladies need to choose only selected and most important items for a short vacation.

Carry a small bag:
You must carry a small and light carry bag to keep your essential items that you use on a everyday basis. Rest can go inside your suitcase.

Travel Insurance:
Insurance helps a lot, everywhere. What if lose your luggage or robbed on your way? An embarrassing situation, isn't it? An insurance policy gives you much needed support as and when you need the most!

Use above mentioned tried and true travel packing tips and enjoy a peaceful journey!

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What and Where on your Kuala Lumpur Vacation

3:59 PM | Labels: Travel destination, Vacation

While parts of Kuala Lumpur have recently been overrun with modernization, other parts of the city remain virtually untouched. The effect of this scattered modernization is a city that is appealing for both its modern attractions and its historical and cultural appeal. Kuala Lumpur's history and culture are apparent it its open air markets and Chinese and Hindu temples. Visitors can take a walk through Merdeka Square, the field where Malaysian independence was first declared, spend an evening at Jamek Mosque to experience an aspect of Islamic life, or spend a day shopping and dining in the Chow Kit Market, the largest market in the city where silks, spices, and fresh fish are sold by friendly local vendors. For a more exciting and tourist-oriented experience, visitors toKuala Lumpur should experience Cosmo's World, Malaysia's largest indoor theme park, indulge in the view from the sky bridge that extends between the Petronas Twin Towers, and listen to the international music at the Backroom, Malaysia's largest dance club that frequently features internationally-known DJs. Best of all,Kuala Lumpur is home to some of the least expensive five-star hotels in the world.

Outdoor Attractions

Just outside of the city's center is Lake Gardens, a serene garden where visitors can watch some of Malaysia's exotic birds in their natural environment, take a boat ride down Lake Perdana, or simply take a romantic stroll with a loved one. Adventure-seeking tourists may choose to scale the steep limestone routes at Batu Caves.

Sightseeing Attractions

Animal enthusiasts and traveling families will want to make a stop at Aquaria, Kuala Lumpur's aquarium that houses 5,000 varieties of tropical fishes. Merdeka Square features the world's tallest flag pole, the Sultan Abdul Samad building, Old City Hall, The Royal Selangor Club, and St. Mary's Cathedral. Kuala Lumpur's national monument to its war dead, Tugu Negara, is an interesting attraction to both history buffs and art enthusiasts. Finally, Istana Negara,Kuala Lumpur 's national palace and home to Malaysia's constitutional monarch, is a sight worth seeing, and visitors will enjoy watching the changing of guards ceremony daily from the main gate.

Nightlife

The home of the well-regarded Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, the Dewan Filharmonik Petronas, is nestled at the base of the Twin Towers. This is an excellent evening destination; however, a strict dress code is enforced. To see a play, Istana Budaya is the place to go. For dining adventures, check out the China Town, Little Indian, and Golden Triangle areas for either samplings of traditional Chinese, North Indian, and Tamil dishes or more worldly cuisine choices.Kuala Lumpur 's largest shopping district is the Bukit Bintang area, though, for a cheaper and more original souvenir, you'll want to check out Central Market and Chinatown, but be prepared to haggle.

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Pembroke Castle, Pembrokeshire, Wales

3:56 PM | Labels: Travel Agent, Travel destination

Pembroke - Pembrokeshire, Wales, is a very important town in its area. It contains Pembroke Castle, which attracts huge numbers of tourists and scholars every year. It is merely a ruin now, though a very well-maintained ruin. It has gained a great deal of publicity over the years, mainly because it was the birth place of King Henry VII.

It was influential long before King Henry VII, though. This was a major area to first convert to Christianity. There was a great deal of struggle going from the pagan religions to the Christian one. This is why many of the Christian structures in town were used not only as religious buildings, but also as defensive ones. One building in particular lasted long enough to be Oliver Cromwell's headquarters and then, in the nineteenth century, became a brewery for a local tavern.

Early structures and ruins are everywhere in the town. Scholars love the area because it provides so much information about all of British history, from the Iron age to the present day. There is still much that has yet to be learned. There is even the site of a Knights Templar building which burned down, no doubt destroying many secrets of the order.

Even though the town has a rich past, it manages to stay very up-to-date. There are many recently constructed buildings to make room for the expanding population. It is still not a huge town, though. There are only about seven thousand people, which allows it to stay quaint. It also allows for more room for shopping centers, museums, and larger public buildings.

The geography of the place has contributed to its long-lasting success. Ample farmland is available, in addition to forests which make for good lumber trade. Though in a valley and therefore in a bad spot for military defense, it is very close to a river. This makes escape (or the more frequently used, shipping) easier.

What the river is primarily used for today is transportation to the important town of Cardiff. Apart from road and river, Pembroke also has a good railroad line. The only thing it lacks is its own airport, since it is not quite large enough to merit one. However, Cardiff has its own airport and since transportation is so easy between these two towns, there is little problem.

Though many towns focus on their cricket and football teams, Pembroke is known for its rugby. Though the other two types of teams are both available in Pembroke, rugby is where the town's strengths lie. Any sports fan who visits will get plenty of entertainment.

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The Sunshine Coast, Amazing !

10:21 AM | Labels: Travel destination

If you are coming to Australia for a holiday you may be coming through Brisbane, it's a popular way to get into the country. This city has everything, all the art, culture and music you could want, and it's almost everywhere you go. Of course there will be great places to shop and to dine while you are there. But Australia offers a lot more than the big cities, it has some incredible natural spaces. To have a change of pace while you are here, stay in Brisbane and then go north a bit to experience the Sunshine Coast, home of the fabulous beaches.

The Sunshine Coast is a region known for its beautiful clean beaches, relaxing atmosphere and tranquil hinterland. This region offers a beach front holiday combined with miles of mountains and valleys, offering many vineyards and scenic spots. It is a great way to off set the city life found in Brisbane.

Maroochy is one of the most popular tourist areas on the Sunshine Coast and offers many incredible accommodations as well as fine dining establishments. There are many adventure opportunities in this region as well as fun tourist attractions to keep the kids happy. Fishing is a popular activity as well as beach combing and people have been known to turn up some exciting treasures on these shores.

Participate in day tour on Fraser Island or take the opportunity to explore the wilderness by four wheel vehicle. The number of opportunities to go are amazing, explore the rainforest or relax with a romantic beach side dinner, or with a walk on the beach in the moonlight. The number of things to do here will fill all your time, it will be hard to make a decision about which one you will want to experience.

Whatever your pleasure the Sunshine Coast is a nice place to spend a few days when visiting the Brisbane region. Take a holiday from the city life and breathe in the fresh air in this beautiful coastal region. A perfect holiday destination for international and domestic travelers alike, the Sunshine Coast of Australia is a tropical getaway that will allow you to relax and appreciate nature on a whole new level.

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Looking For Luxury Car Rental Companies In Philadelphia

10:06 AM | Labels: Car Rental, Travel Rental

There is only one thing that Luxury cars cannot promise and that is regularity. If there is elegance and style you have in mind then think luxury cars. Riding in luxury cars need not be just a dream of your life,as in Philadelphia when you feel the need to escape the harsh realities of life, calling for luxury car rental companies in Philadelphia PA is one of the best ways you can taste the luxe life, without ever trying to work so hard.

Hopping on to a lousy bus will be the last thing you want if you are on a vacation at Philadelphia. Luxury car rental companies in Philadelphia PA are en-cashing the need for tourists to travel in class now that travellers do not prefer to hop on from one bus to another to travel. So whether you are planning for your wedding day or a spontaneous getaway, having aluxury car rental company based in Philadelphia PA arrange all the necessary settings to drive you and your friends all around Philadelphia in class will be something that you will remember forever.

Of course it is far easier to google Philadephia luxury car rentals and find hundreds of entries. How to choose the best car rentals? I fyou are Philadelphia luxury car rentals for the first time keep these tips in mind

Do you need the car and other services too. Among Philadelphia luxury car rentals only the best will do. luxury car rental companies in Philadelphia PA are more than willing to provide their customers a professional chauffeur on demand. Thanks to the expertise of the service staff of Philadelphia car rentals you will not get lost or reach late to your wedding venue just because you left your map in the hotel.

The car type. Whichever Philadelphia luxury car rentals you choose one important thing to ask is about the type of cars they have. Sure a limo is fine, but what if you want to have Mercedes to tour you around Philadelphia? Be clear about which car you want. As car rentals have their cars parked in their garage you can move on if you don't find the car of your choice.

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Trip Arrangment Made Easy

10:01 AM | Labels: Travel Agent, Travel Rental

The Internet has changed the way of traveling. It has made things easier for travelers. Now you can plan your whole trip, by just spending a few hours in front of your computer. And you will get all your work done without any kind of hassle. At this point in time, life has become so busy that it has become difficult to take timeout, in rush to plan the entire trip, but with the option of online travel booking, people have become so happy that they can easily get their trips planned. Once you have decided your destination, you will then have to select the best airline company, which will take you safely to your destination. Lufthansa is one of the most renowned airline companies.

This airline has been providing safe and comfortable journeys to travelers and people have full confidence in its services. Who does not want to save money? Of course every one of you would love to save money, during your trip. And for this, you must look for cheap tickets, which will save your money, but will not reduce the quality of your trip. Cheap Lufthansa deals will do this for you. You will get the tickets at affordable prices and your journey will be very comfortable. Once you have selected your airline company, then you are in need of selecting the hotel, where you are going to stay during your trip. To make things easier for the travelers in this respect, hotels booking worldwide over the internet is the best available option for travelers.

You can get the list of hotels, located in the country where you plan to travel on your trip, then you can select the hotel of your choice, depending upon your budget. There are many hotels, which offer you different deals. Such deals make things affordable for you. It is good to look for discount hotel rooms. Such discounts can be availed by taking the option to bundle deals, in which you get the complete package of staying in the hotel including traveling facility across the city, food deals and a number of other tools and products as well.

Cheap hotels and cheap airfare will only make your trip affordable but not decrease quality. In this way, you be able to spend your holidays in a happier way, for you will save money and at the same time will have more fun. In order to get all you work done in the easiest and simplest way, you should look for an easy to navigate website, which will make it simple for you to browse and search.

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Botanical Paradise In The Middle Of St. Petersburg

9:57 AM | Labels: Travel destination

These days the words "inner city" usually conjures up images of decay and desolation, but in St Petersburg the inner city is graced with a tropical paradise. It is the Sunken Gardens, the city's oldest museum and the home of the oldest tropical plants in the region.

The Sunken Gardens is not only a nice place to stroll and enjoy the plants, it offers guided garden tours, horticultural workshops, special events, field trips and has become the venue for corporate and private events. Weddings are even held there.

The Sunken Gardens started out in 1903 when a St. Petersburg plumber, George Turner, purchased six acres and drained a lake using clay tiles. He then turned the rich soil into a garden that soon attracted neighbors and other visitors. Seeing this as an opportunity to make some extra cash he started charging five cents for admission. His family kept the operation going for three generations, improving the gardens and inviting visitors. Finally, in 1999 the City of St. Petersburg purchased the gardens and developed it as a prime cultural and educational center.

The site has a trail that covers one mile and it is full of tropical and sub-tropical plants. Almost all the plants have markers indicating the botanical name, the common name and their country of origin. In case you were wondering about the name, the gardens drop 15 feet below street level and hence it is called Sunken Gardens.

If you want more than a casual stroll through the gardens, then check out the calendar of horticultural workshops. You can learn how to grow orchids and roses in Florida, the basics of bonsai, pruning and propagating plants, and much more.

Local residents can also take advantage of the volunteer opportunities at the Gardens. Become a "Garden Assistant" and help maintain the grounds or you can lead visitors on guided tours or work during thespecial events and workshops at the Sunken Gardens.

The Sunken Gardens is also a choice spot for corporate and private events in St. Petersburg. The Museum's Garden Room, a 2600 square foot room that can seat 175 people and its smaller Classroom are suitable for all kinds of events. Private parties, seminars, luncheons and retreats are just someof the events that have been held here. The Museum's central location amidst shopping, hotels, restaurants and other downtown facilities makes it a convenient location forspecial events.

If you ever dreamed of getting married in a fairy tale location, the Wedding Lawn of the Sunken Gardens is the kind of place that you are looking for. You can get married on the lawn or under a canopy of shade trees in the Oak Pavilion and then hold your reception in the Garden Room.

The normal opening hours of the Sunken Gardens are Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on Sundays noon to 4:30 p.m. Admission is as follows: Adults $8, Seniors (55+) $6, Children (2-11) $4. There is free parking on the site and the whole area is handicapped accessible. Sunken Gardens is located at 1825 Fourth Street North, St. Petersburg.

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