Family Vacation - The Importance Of Planning

When the whole family travel together it can be a memory for life. Are you planning a family vacation? Planning is a very important ingredient for a successful vacation. Therefore be prepared for some extra effort on your part to get it properly planned. You are probably busy, working day and night. To get your family vacation planned properly you would have put off the vacation for quite a few months because you need to allot plenty of time to plan it. Do not go into the trap of underestimating the time it takes. Planning a family holiday can be a really fun and enjoyable activity; especially if you involve all the your loved ones.

Kids and teens alike will surely appreciate being included in the planning of the family vacation and you should include each and every member of the family in planning the vacation. Start up with a simple brainstorming session. This will throw in many ideas and places to go. One of the basic questions whether to purchase a family vacation package or go by your own? Another basic question is where the whole gang actually want to go? Can you work out an agreement?

Smoky Mountains

If you love the mountain you can go to the Great Smoky Mountains? Most people - families included - will love Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Cherokee, North Carolina isn't far from the park in Gatlinburg which offers the non-stop casino action of Harrah's Cherokee Smoky Mountain Casino. By taking a little time for searching, you may select an area where there are many activities for the children so that they enjoy it much. Fortunately, there are lots of activities for children to do in the Cherokee area that can enable mom and dad some grown-up time in the casino. Teenagers love the extensive white water rafting and tubing in and around Cherokee.

Pigeon Forge is a place in the smoky mountains you may select for fun. A few days in Gatlinburg and a day to go to Cherokee and Maggie Valley could be a good plan. If you haven't visited this area before, there's a lot to see and a lot to do. Like for instance Dollywood and Dixie Stampede will keep children and teens thrilled in Pigeon Forge while the shopping in Sevierville and Pigeon Forge will thrill mom while dad finds the golf courses to enthuse his golfing ambitions! There's really something for the family in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee.

Family Vacation On the Beach

If you and your family prefer the beach you will not find it difficult to plan a family vacations. Fortunately, there are so many to choose from in the US and tt is hard to single out just one. If you are starters, there are the gorgeous beaches of Florida. IOn the gulf side, no other beach is as beautiful as the beaches on St.George Island. Even before the hurricanes inflicted damage on the beaches of Destin and the surrounding areas, the best kept Florida gulf secrets were savored in St.George Island. Then the hurricanes came and over the last couple of years they knocked Destin for a loop. Hurricane Katrina didn't take a direct hit in Destin but smaller storms have certainly deteriorated some of the most gorgeous areas of Destin. Now, most beach lovers search the beaches of St. George Island. The lovely homes and houses there as well as the lovely white sands of the beach are a favorite for any family. The climate allows you to go there any time of the year.

Two beaches; Daytona and Melbourne Beach on the East Coast of Florida are still favorites among families who have surfers to consider. The activities and fun offered by these beaches are so many that you will find it hard to leave. It is so enjoyable, that you might even skip your dinner for wanting to spend time in the beach. If you travel to Melbourne, watch out for the local fishermen who like to fish from the sandy beaches in front of the local hotels and you can count on numerous small sharks swarming when these guys start fishing in the area. So get ready to surf in this area as it is a great experience that you hardly will forget.

Not only Florida but also the west coast has many excellent beaches. Malibu Beach in LA is still the beach you must see when your travel company takes you to California. Family vacations in California this an excitement for almost everyone. Disneyland is also a California favorite and families love all of the recent additions to the original Disney Theme park! Another place full of fun both for adults and kids is the Universal Studios. And you can also have fun at the fantastic Magic Mountain amusement park.

If you have an internet connection and are capable of doing some simple searching, it is going to be easy to plan any vacation for you family. Literally everything about a family vacation is in your fingertips! It is really a fun to put your heads together staring at the computer to plan a vacation for you family. What are you waiting for?

Author Info:

David Alderton is a writer and internet publisher who enjoys to publish quality information about family vacation and travel. Read more at http://www.Vacation4Family.com

New Domestic Tourism Figures

Changes to the way the data was collected mean that it cannot be compared with previous years, but does enable month on month comparisons beginning with May 2006 data. The data will therefore become far more relevant in driving future marketing and commercial activity by the national tourist boards and partners in the industry.

The key findings of the report follow:

More than 138 million overnight domestic stays were made by UK residents last year.

The 2005 United Kingdom Tourism Survey indicates that domestic visitors spent £22.7 billion – an average of £51 per night – on trips in their own country.

Data from the UK's four national tourist boards shows that the number of UK residents' domestic trips remains well ahead of the 66.5 million trips taken abroad.

A total of 63% (87 million) were holidays, representing £14.5 billion – 64% – of spending.

The study found that people are also taking more short breaks. Nearly twice as many holidays of one to three nights (56 million) were taken last year compared with 30 million trips of four or more nights. The information echoes the growing global trend of shorter breaks spread throughout the year, according to VisitBritain.

The latest annual data has been collected by TNS for VisitBritain, VisitScotland, Visit Wales and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board under an improved methodology, which provides more accurate and detailed information.

Face-to-face interviews with 100,000 people were conducted as part of a national omnibus survey with 2,000 people surveyed each week. The results more accurately reflect the demographic characteristics of the UK adult population in terms of gender, age group, social class, working status and, with interviews undertaken in 140 locations throughout the UK, regional distribution, VisitBritain has claimed.

ain Thomas writes articles on travel leisure and tourism in the UK and London. He is an employee of www.bedsearcher.co.uk a company which specialises in booking of hotels, bed and breakfasts and guesthouses in London and the UK.

10 Things You Didn’t Know about Barbecue

By: Moriah Shemer

Every spring, North Americans gear up their grill, stock up on the meat and prepare for many mouth-watering barbecues. But how much do we really know about the art of barbecuing? From the familiar pastime’s origins to surprising tips and tactics, this list will provide you with all the information you need to wow your friends at the next neighbourhood barbecue!

1) Barbecues originated in pig-pickin’s, feasts that were common in the Southern United States prior to the Civil War. Whole pigs were cooked and eaten by the crowd.

2) “Smoking” was used as far as 6000 years ago in order to make meats safe to eat and store. The meat was exposed to smoke and low heat in order to prevent bacteria and enzymes from growing.

3) In Australia, a barbecue is commonly referred to as a barbie. The famous statement “I’ll slip an extra shrimp on the barbie for you,” which appeared in Australian tourism advertisements, is often used to refer to the country.

4) What most North Americans partake in today isn’t actually barbecuing. Barbecuing is cooking at temperatures around the boiling point of water (180-220*F) for a longer time period, in order to make the meat tender while preserving its natural juices. Today, the method most commonly used is in fact broiling: cooking at 475-700*F in much less time.

5) According to the Barbecue Industry Association, half of all marshmallows eaten in the U.S. have been toasted over a grill.

6) For an easy way to check how much propane you have left, bring your bathroom scale outside and weigh the gas tank.

7) The origin of the word barbecue is unclear. Some believe it came from the American-Indian word barbacoa for a wood on which foods were cooked. Others say it came from the french words “de barbe à queue,” meaning “whiskers to tail.”

8) To add a smokey flavour to your gas-grill-cooked foods or foods cooked inside the house, use “liquid smoke.” A condensation of actual smoke, this product can be easily added to your barbecue marinade or sauce.

9) Brisket, the extremely hard cut of meat taken from a cow’s chest, takes one to two hours per pound to barbecue. That’s an average 12 hours on the grill for a basic 8-pound piece!

10) Kansas City, Missouri and Lexington, North Carolina both claim to be the barbecue capitals of the world. Memphis, meanwhile, stakes a claim to being the pork barbecue capital.

Now you’re set to impress!

Moriah Shemer works for Chris & Tal’s Better Foods, a food innovation company focused on crafting no compromise, guilt-free versions of your favorite foods. By combining lean meat with high-grade textured soy protein, our products deliver the best of both worlds. Visit us at www.betterfoods.ca.

Culturel Travel

It is a well-known fact that tourism can be a deadly foe as much as a firm friend in the matter of development.
Considering the economic might of the tourist industry—now regarded as the biggest in the world ahead of automobiles and chemicals—careful attention should be paid to this many-sided phenomenon with its global repercussions. The impact of tourism is such that progressive strategies are vitally needed in order to prepare the ground for genuinely progressive international, regional and local strategies.
It is UNESCO’s intention to assist the 191 Member States in preparing their policies while reconsidering the relationship between tourism and cultural diversity, tourism and intercultural dialogue, and tourism and development. In this way, the Organization proposes to contribute to the fight against poverty, protection of the environment and mutual appreciation of cultures.

ST.SOPHIA is the one of The World Treasure

This section on the Great Church of Hagia Sophia contains over 30 high quality photographs on the Church of Hagia Sophia and its famous mosaics.

In order to accomodate slower modem connections, we have separated this special section on Hagia Sophia into four separate web pages to reduce the wait for the pages to load.

The pictures in the following pages are some of the best found anywhere on the Internet and will prove to be an inspiration to the visitor

THE MONASTERY OF CONSTANTINE LIPS
The monastery of Lips has been identified with certainty with the Fenari-lsa Camii (Mordtmann, Millingen, Makridis, Janin). It is a building complex composed of the church of the Theotokos Panachrantos (the Immaculate Mother of God) the church of St. John the Baptist and the funerary chapel.
The first church, consecrated to the Theotokos in 908, was built to the north of the site by Constantine Lips, a high official in the service of Leo Vl the Wise (886-912) and later of Constantine VII Porphyrogenitus (913-959)-Constantine of Lips, first spatharius and domesticus of the service, the present anthypatus patricius and great hetaeriarch, according to Constantine Porphyrogenitus (G, 184, 370).

The name of Constantine is recorded in a fragmentary inscription on a cornice of the east wall of the church. In the late 13th century, Theodora, consort of Michael Vlll Palaeologus (1261-1282) erected south of the church of the Theotokos a new church dedicated to St. John the Prodrome and further south a small funerary chapel. She also restored the hospice built by the founder, which was by then in ruins.

Author Info:

Atilla Kalender specialist for cultrel tourism in Istanbul. www.hotelsistanbul.net View their website at: www.hotelsistanbul.net

Sustainable Tourism- A Prerequisite of Sustainable Development

This article will provide a brief overview about the historical background, importance, concepts, principles and general debates about sustainable tourism.

Sustainable tourism is one of the pre-requisites of achieving sustainable development. the concept of tourism with sustainability and development gets its historical inclusion from mass tourism that got flourished in 1960s due to advent of jet aircraft and the passions for tourism got tremendous following and it also reached Third World countries (Dann, 2002). It was also argued that this boost pushed organizations like World Bank and UN to examine the cost benefit analysis of tourism and it was acknowledged that potential costs of tourism are far lower than financial benefits in shape of balance pf payment surpluses, infrastructure development, and employment and foreign exchange gains. So that gave rise to the concept of sustainable tourism as one of the source of bringing sustainable development. According to the World’s Summit on Sustainable Development (2002), it is claimed that Tourism is the world’s largest industry where in 2000, 698 million people travelled internationally which 7.3 % more than 1999. Similarly the economic worth of international tourism was US$477.9 billion in 2000 (Papers4you.com, 2006).

In terms of one concrete definition, literature suggests that it is not fixed and is ever evolving. However Coccossis (1996) asserts that sustainable tourism can be taken in four different interpretations that include” economic sustainability of tourism”, the “ecologically sustainable tourism”,” sustainable tourism development” with both focus of environment as well as long term feasibility of the industry and finally “tourism as a part of a strategy for sustainable development”.

As mentioned above, sustainable tourism should be taken in consideration to environmental and resources effects. It was argued that Mediterranean tourism is the main source of economic gain for the reason however short term growth was overlooked with long term adverse effect and deterioration of their ecosystem and resources (Farsari, 2000)


Effects of ignorant tourism on its sustainability include: ‘over consumption of natural resources ,environmental degradation, exploitation of cultures and labour, displacement of people from their land, lack of consultation with local communities, poorly thought out tourism planning and high foreign exchange leakage which reduces local economic benefits’ in long run (World’s Summit on Sustainable Development, 2002),

Where such effects are there to pose a threat on sustainable tourism there are guiding principles that can lead to ensure sustainability (Papers4you.com, 2006). Those principles include sustainable use of resources, waste and over-consumption reduction, diversity maintenance, tourism-planning integration, local economy support as well as local community involvement, consultation, training, research and responsible marketing (Farsari, 2000)

So the discussion suggest that tourism industry has potential to be a prerequisite for sustainable development, however it is imperative to realize that focus on mass tourism only can pose danger to environment so in order to ensure sustainability in tourism, guiding principles should be followed

References

Coccossis, H. (1996) ‘Tourism and Sustainability: Perspectives and Implications’ in Priestley, G. et al. (eds), Sustainable Tourism? European Experiences, U.K.: Cab International
Dann, G, M, S, (2002), “Tourism & Development”, in Desai V and Potter, R. (eds) (2002), The Companion to Development Studies, London: Arnold,

Farsari, Y, (2000), ‘Sustainable Tourism Indicators for Mediterranean Established Destinations’, Heraklion: IACM & FORTH

Papers For You (2006) "C/T/32. Sustainable travel & tourism", Available from http://www.coursework4you.co.uk/sprttrav4.htm [22/06/2006]

Papers For You (2006) "C/T/27. Sustainable Tourism Development", Available from Papers4you.com [21/06/2006]

World Summit on Sustainable Development, (2002), ‘Sustainable Tourism and the Earth Summit’, Briefing Paper, Aug 26-Sep 06, 2002, London: Tourism Concern. Also available on
http://www.tourismconcern.org.uk/media/2002/WSSD%20sustainable%20tourism%20briefing.htm

Author Info:

Copyright © 2006 Verena Veneeva. Professional Writer working for http://www.coursework4you.co.uk Papers4you.com

Some Of The Best Reasons For Traveling Alone

Have you ever noticed that most people travel in with other people? Perhaps you yourself wouldn't consider traveling alone, choosing to travel only if accompanied by another person. This is due in part to people being afraid that they will be bored if they travel alone, when in fact the reverse may be true. There are a lot of benefits to traveling alone. One good reason is that your schedule is your own. When you travel with other people, their interests may differ from yours. This causes you to have to try to fit everyone else's activities and sight seeing preferences in with your own. This could cause you to miss out on things that you really wanted to see and do. Who knows when you will have the chance to go on vacation again, so you should be able to see and do whatever you want. Since you don't have anyone traveling with you, you can do just that. One of the fun things about traveling is not only getting to see new places, but also making new friends. When you travel with other people, you tend to stay within that group and you don't get to meet the other interesting folk that are around you. When you travel alone, you have the opportunity to get to know people that you probably wouldn't have gotten a chance to if you were traveling with others. This can be really nice if you're single and hoping to meet someone special. If you're worried about taking a cruise or vacation and being surrounded by couples or groups of people, take heart. There are many vacations that are designed with singles in mind. You can take a cruise or go to an exotic destination where other single people just like you will surround you. This can open up a whole new world of acquaintances and you won't feel so alone on your trip. Having the opportunity to try different activities while on vacation is another great reason to travel alone. Perhaps you've always wanted to climb a mountain but your traveling companion was afraid of heights. Or, maybe you wanted to go white water rafting but someone in the group was afraid of water. By traveling alone, you can explore your adventurous spirit. By the same token, you may just want to get away for peace and relaxation and choose to spend your time lying around the beach or the pool. Your traveling companions may want to go sightseeing and do other things that you are not in the mood for. The important thing to remember when traveling alone is to stay safe. Keep all of your documents in a safe place, as well as any jewelry or personal items. If you stay in a hotel, use the safe that they often provide guests. The next time you plan a vacation, consider going it alone. You may be surprised at the great time you have. Article Source: http://www.article-outlet.com/

About the Author

Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as travel clothing at http://www.travelandoutdoorclothing.com

Teaching Small children about Countries of the World is as easy as a trip to EPCOT

EPCOT is short for “Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow” and as Walt Disney had envisioned was supposed to be an actual city where people lived and worked. It didn’t turn out that way. Walt died in 1966 and the vision changed a bit. No longer was a city planned, but a theme park was put on the drawing board. While the entrance to EPCOT called “Future Word” has many wonderful rides such as Test Track, Mission Space, and Spaceship Earth, the truly educational part of EPCOT is what is known as “World Showcase”. Here you can find a lake rimmed with various pavilions each themed as a different country. Your kids will want to stay in Future World and enjoy the rides. Most kids think World Showcase is boring. It has very few rides but is full of culture. You’re going to have to be inventive to keep the little ones interested. Bribe them with candy, promise you’ll go on Mission Space, or make a game out of learning words from each language. However you do it, make sure they partake of the rich learning experience. When you enter World Showcase from Future World it just seems natural to turn right and walk all the way around the lake in that direction. At least that’s what I do 90% of the time. The first country you’ll come to is Canada. In Canada you see a large building known as “Hotel du Canada”. Canada has a wonderful show called “O’ Canada” which is a 17-minute Circle Vision 360 film showing the culture of Canada. Each country you visit has shops and these shops have authentic goods imported from that country. It’s over the top that these shops are staffed with people from the country. These are usually students who have come to Disney World to work for a bit of time and see our culture. It’s amusing to me that we are watching them, but they are watching us as well and learning how Americans behave. I hope that’s a good thing. Your next country is the United Kingdom with its shops and pub. You can get real fish n’ chips here. On to France with its replica Eiffel Tower. In France you’ll find French restaurants, shops and if you are lucky, mimes teasing guests with their show. Make sure you see “Impressions de France” another fantastic moving film. Just right next door to France is Morocco and its shops. You feel like you’ve transported back in time. Now we go to the Orient, Japan and a large shop with wonderful goodies from the orient. The Bijutsu-kan Gallery there always has interesting displays in its changing exhibit. After Japan we are suddenly back in America at the American pavilion. Here you can watch an animated show with Mark Twain and Ben Franklin. I almost forgot the most import part. Between Japan and America is a little stand selling funnel cakes. Oh the kids will love them. Now to Italy. The music, the shops and chocolate, all tease your senses. Italy is relaxing and wonderful. Each of the World Showcase countries has a special "KIDCOT" area that provides an opportunity for your child to interact with a native of the country you are visiting. Make sure you take advantage of that. Now we travel away from Italy and on to Germany in just a few steps. In Germany you’ll find Hummel and Goebel collectables as well as German steins and cuckoo clocks. If you like German food, this is the place to stop and eat. The Biergarten is a German style buffet with entertainment and good times. You’ll eat German style which means you sit with other people at the same table. China is next and not to be missed is “Reflections of China” another 360 degree movie. The shops at China are fun too. Tired yet? Just a few more countries to go. Norway is next on the tour. Here your kids will love one of the best rides in EPCOT. “The Maelstrom” is a boat ride through the history of Norway. After you’ll be treated to a film about Norway. The shops of Norway are full of trolls. Big Trolls and small Trolls can be purchased. Your kids will like this country. The last country we come to is Mexico. Featured is an Aztec Temple of Quetzalcoatl and inside you’ll find a wonderful Mexican restaurant, shops, and another boat ride. This time the ride takes you through Mexico’s culture. I doubt you can stop from smiling as you ride trough. EPCOT can be a rich experience for your children and as you leave World Showcase there is one more learning adventure to be had that is fun for you and for the children. Soarin is a film/ride that makes you fly over California’s changing landscape. You feel, you hear, you see, and yes, you smell California. This is not to be missed. Enjoy teaching your children about the world. It’s only a trip to EPCOT away. Article Source: http://www.article-outlet.com/

About the Author

Scott Ames owns a vacation home near Walt Disney World and has been going to Disney Theme parks since 1971. His vacation home is for rent by the week and more information can be found at: http://www.orlandogatherings.com

Tips on Finding the Best Hotel Deals

When it comes to choosing a hotel for your vacation, it often becomes an issue of low cost and convenient location. More often than not, particularly when traveling to major tourist areas with popular attractions, the closer the lodging is to the destination or attraction, the more expensive it will be. That is why the best way to save money on lodging is to stay in an outlying area.

Unfortunately, this might mean that you will spend more time driving to your destinations, which inevitably means more money spent on gasoline. It is important to asses all of the factors in order to make sure that staying in more distant hotel will really cost you less money.

There are several ways to save money on lodging without compromising the quality of your accommodations. For example, paying for a membership in AAA or a similar auto club also provides you with discounts on hotel rooms, as does being a member of the military or being a senior citizen. When booking a hotel room, make sure you ask about discounts that may be available.

Another tip for finding lower cost lodging is to try shopping early for your hotel room. Often, hotels will reserve a block of lower-priced rooms, available on a first come, first serve basis. Getting the best lodging deal is often based on timing and planning ahead.

Saving money on a hotel room means next to nothing if the place is a pigsty, or unsafe. Shopping for a budget hotel does not mean you have to settle for a hotel that is dirty, poorly run or in a dangerous area.

Fortunately, the Internet makes it so easy to find great deals on quality budget hotels. The Internet cuts the time it takes to research lodging down to a fraction of what it used to take. Most hotels, even budget properties, have websites and feature photos of the property, rooms, and the surrounding area. It has never been easier to research the lodging that you are considering, especially if you have never stayed there before.

Don’t forget to research the area in which the hotel is located also. Be sure to check out things like restaurants and attractions within walking distance of the hotel. Amenities, especially on vacation, are important.

On the Internet there are a number of review sites available where those who have stayed in various hotels can share their experiences and their opinions of the hotels. These review sites are invaluable for travelers, especially if you are going to a place for the first time.

In addition, the Internet hosts a number of travel web sites where travelers and tourists can locate and compare lodging based on their particular need, such as for their individual dates of stay and destinations. These web sites provide several ways to search, including distance from an attraction, price, and star level. The only thing that you need to bear in mind when using such a web site is that comparison web sites only showcase properties that pay a fee, so using a particular site does not necessarily ensure the best price for your trip. For locating the best deals online, it is best to refer to several web sites in order to get a real idea of the lowest prices available.

Travel Journals - Preserve Your Travel Experiences

Traveling is a great way to escape the rat race and experience new cultures and places. Alas, your experiences can fade with time. The best way to prevent this is to keep a travel journal for your trips.



Travel Journals



Take a minute to give some consideration to your most recent trip. What sticks out in your mind? Now think about the first trip you ever took. Undoubtedly, you remember few things about the trip. The experiences you’ve forgotten are lost to time. If you had kept a journal, this wouldn’t be the case.



There are famous instances of people keeping journals throughout time. Of course, Anne Frank’s Diary is the best example. In her diary, Anne kept a running commentary of the two years her family spent hiding from the Nazis. While your travels will hopefully be more lighthearted, keeping a journal will let you remember them as the years pass.



A good travel journal combines a number of characteristics. First, it should be compact so you don’t have to take up unnecessary space for other things. Second, it should have a case to protect it from rain, spills and so on. Third, the journal should contain blank areas to write your notes. Fourth, the journal should contain cue spaces to remind you to keep notes on specific things. Cues should include:



1. Who you traveled with,



2. Where you stayed and if you enjoyed it,



3. Who you met and contact information for them,



4. Places to eat, and



5. Things to see and if you would visit again,



At the end of the trip, you should be able to get the following from your journal:



1. Contact information for other travelers and people you met,



2. Enough detail to provide you with a guide if you travel to the location a second time.



3. Memories to reflect upon years later, and



4. Something to give you children and grandchildren later in life.



To get the most out of your travel journal, you should spend a few minutes writing in it every day. Every day of a trip brings new experiences even if you’re just sitting on a train or bus. If you get writers block, you can note whom you met, what you saw, etc.



Traveling is a chance to experience new things and meet new people. Don’t lose these experiences to time.

Rick Chapo is with NomadJournals.com - makers of travel gifts.

Published by ArticleTime.com

9 Beach Vacation Ideas

1. Hawaii resort
You can choose to put your frequent flier miles to good use and take a beach vacation on the island of Hawaii. Here, you can relax on the beach, swim in the ocean, play golf, and even indulge in one of the many innovative spa treatments. Hawaii enjoys some of the best weather in the world - making it a great choice for your beach vacation.

2. Golf and Beach in Georgia
Popular among the East Coast, the Cloister at Sea Island in Georgia offers you 54 holes of championship golf, sandy beaches, and a wide array of things for you to do.

3. Oahu beach vacation
At the Kahala Mandarin Oriental you can expect to be pampered like never before. You can visit the spa, take scuba diving classes, or choose to swim it up with the dolphins. The resort is conveniently located 15 minutes away from Honolulu and Waikiki Beach.

4. Virgin Islands vacation
At this vacation destination you can enjoy blue waters and sandy beaches. The Ritz Carlton, and
St. Thomas resorts offer you the best of luxury hotels during your beach vacation in the Virgin
Islands.

5. Half Moon Bay California
Located just 30 minutes by car away from San Francisco, the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay is a
quick beach vacation away from the normal busy life
of the city.

6. Luxury Beach Resort of Bermuda
Two hours away by flight from New York City, Bermuda is a quick and ideal vacation away from the East Coast. Ariel Sands offers you 47 guest rooms
with gourmet food and breathtaking views.

7. Romance and seclusion in Jamaica
With unique rooms and splendid views of the Caribbean, gourmet cuisine and amazing beaches,
The Caves resort in Jamaica helps to set the beach vacation mood like never before.

8. Lakeside Resort Georgia
Near Atlanta Georgia, the Lake Lanier Islands offers a golf course for golf lovers and a waterpark with several water rides, slides, and water attractions the entire family will enjoy.

9. Family fun in Hawaii
The Kona Village Resort in Hawaii offers you several vacation activities that include snorkeling,
kayaking, sailing, volleyball, tennis, fishing, scuba diving, and glass bottom boat tours.

Tips To Help You Stay Healthy In Hotels

Making your next trip a healthier one may only require a few easy steps.

Every day approximately 2.6 million hotel rooms are sold to travelers and overnight guests in the U.S., according to the Travel Industry Association of America. While traveling, guests are at risk for illness due to sudden changes in altitude, humidity, microbiology and temperature. The stress of travel can worsen these factors.

A poll by Health magazine and AOL CityGuide revealed that 85 percent of those surveyed worry about staying healthy on the road.

Choosing the right hotel and planning ahead can help travelers avoid common health issues while traveling. Some tips for ensuring a healthy hotel stay include:

• Check the Menu-Inquire about healthy menu choices at your selected hotel. Some hotels have relationships with nearby health care facilities to help them develop healthy menus. The Kahler Grand Hotel in Rochester, Minn., for example, features a Right Choice menu created with help from Mayo Clinic dieticians. Ask for examples of healthy menu items when booking your room.

• Come Prepared-It's a good idea for travelers to carry some medical supplies in their handbag or carry-on. A first-aid kit should include wound dressings, insect repellent and bite treatment, eyedrops, scissors, safety pins and a thermometer. Make sure the hotel has any items you might need for existing or recurring illnesses. An on-site pharmacy or one that delivers to the hotel is best.

• Get Moving-When stuck in the car or on a plane for long periods of time, a number of issues can arise, including blood circulation problems. While getting up to walk every two to three hours or doing in-seat exercises can help, it's also a good idea to use the hotel's fitness center. Look for a hotel that gives guests 24-hour access.

If traveling specifically for health care, properties such as the Kahler Grand Hotel, located just across the street from the Mayo Clinic, can help you alleviate stress and worries. The hotel's concierge staff escorts guests to their first appointment so they don't get lost. Serving hundreds of thousands of Mayo Clinic patients each year, every staff member is aware of providing the healthiest accommodations. The hotel even provides a direct link to the Mayo Clinic nurses desk for guest health questions around the clock with Ask Mayo™ buttons on phones in its International Hotel wing.

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

For more information, visit www.kahler.com or call (507) 280-6200. Some hotels are designed to help visitors with their health needs. These hotels feature a healthy menu and a direct link to healthcare facilities.

Why Should You Chose An All Inclusive Vacation?

An all inclusive vacation not only saves you time; but also gives you every sort of comfort you could think of. This type of vacation package includes everything from itinerary planning to hotel bookings; site seeing packages and adventure sports trips. All inclusive vacations are enjoyed by everyone as they are so easy to book, saving you time by arranging all the different aspects of the trip in one easy step. These packages are designed for those people seeking comfort and ease from their holidays right from the word go.

The popularity of all inclusive vacations has seen large increases, due in part because of the busy lives that we lead. We often find that booking a much needed vacation gets pushed to the bottom of the list as it's too time consuming to arrange. However, all inclusive packages are suitable for even the busiest person, as they are so straight forward to book.

The most important decision you need to make when booking an all inclusive vacation involves thinking carefully about what you wish to get from your holiday. Are you after a break that involves nothing more strenuous than walking from sun lounger to the bar and back or do you want to be involved in activities from 8am to 7pm? It is up to you to decide the exotic location that can give you all the comforts and amenities that you need.

You can choose from beach vacations that offer lots of water sports or breathtaking mountain views that give you opportunity for adventure sports. No matter what

location you choose for your vacation, you can usually be happy that everything you need is included with the booking. Although, it is worth pointing out that not every vacation package is created equal. Read the small print carefully to help you come to a decision. Some holidays, for example, only offer local brand alcohol, or buffet style meals, whereas with others there are no such restrictions.

There are numerous travel agencies that offer all inclusive vacations, covering a wide range of budgets, destinations and levels of service. You can select from the available range according to your holiday budget. A good tip is: if you have left your booking to the last minute you can take advantage of discounts that the operators offer on unfilled vacations. If you are not worried about visiting a particular destination - and lets face it, most people on an all inclusive vacation rarely leave the hotel grounds - shop around for the best deal. This way you can get a really luxurious holiday for a modest amount.

Summer Travel: Are You Ready For This?

Summer travel can be a nightmare waiting to happen. Find out how to ease the pain!
Millions of Americans will take to the air and road this summer in the hope of having a terrific vacation. Most of these people believe they have made all the arrangements necessary to ensure the best possible experience, but let me chime in on your plans.

Right now there are a number of people out there who have the potential of completing destroying your vacation. Have you accounted for them? They are the airline employees, hotel employees, people who plan road construction and airport expansions and criminals. They could care less about your plans.

Let's begin with those who travel by air. People often assume that travel may be slowed by winter weather conditions, but the reality is that things clog up far more in summer. Millions of Vacationers push the limits of a system that is already over-burdened by security considerations and staff shortages. Your only protection is to travel during off-peak hours. If you have children, this may be annoying, but it might save your vacation. You'll find it easier to check into a hotel late at night or early in the morning.

The number one complaint from people who travel to places like Orlando, Florida, is that after carefully planning to arrive on time at their hotel, they have to wait hours more to check in. The best time to check in is early (7AM - Noon) or late (7PM-Midnight) There is a severe shortage of maids to clean the rooms in Orlando and Kissimmee. Most hotels allow you to request an early or late check in time with a credit card without charging you for an extra day. If you arrive around the traditional times (just after lunch or in the afternoon), expect a lot of waiting. The best arrival days are Sunday to Thursday. Be warned, there is no such a thing as easy or express check in. As long as you need a key, card or code, you are going to wait.

If you are driving anywhere in the USA, make sure you are a member of AAA. You will save a fortune by staying in hotels and motels that offer AAA rates and discounts. More then that, you'll be able to contact AAA and research the status of highways and major roads you plan to travel on. Almost all road construction is done during the summer months with total disregard for travelers. Always add at least one day to any drive taking three days or more. The unexpected is part of every vacation.

Most people waste a substantial sum of their vacation budget on the drive there and back. Travel Sunday through Thursday. Save money on meals by stopping at places that offer buffet style dining, especially if you have children. Eat a late lunch and make that the big meal of your day. Places like Shoney's, Ryan's, Quincy's and Golden Corral are good values. Before you order, check coupon books available at gas stops for additional values and always ask if children's beverages are free (they usually are, but you will not be told that). Leave Waffle House to the locals and professional truckers. Forget those designer mini-malls and t-shirt shops. Coupon books are worthless for hotel or motel stays on the weekend.

Drink bottled water or beverages from sealed cans and bottles. Do not consume any alcohol while driving during the day. Most States now have zero tolerance alcohol policies which means (although they will not say it) almost any amount of alcohol in your system and you are under arrest! If you are driving through the South and Southwest, beware when you leave the highway in places like Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana and Texas. There are many stop sign (two stop signs in a row), stop light and speed traps. Red light cams are in use as are illegal lane change cams. Seat Belt and Child Safety Seat laws are strictly enforced. Illegal Immigrant and Fruit Inspection stops await you in Texas, Arizona, California and New Mexico, so be ready. There are no ways to drive around these and they extend to county roads as well as highways. Carry identification for everyone in your vehicle and place recent pictures of your children in your luggage in case the unthinkable happens. Finger print them before you leave. Most schools do this for free now. Carry a well-equipped first aid kit, flashlight and flares. Those driving through the Southwest and Southern California should carry a lot of extra water for drinking and the vehicle. Check your vehicle fluids and fill out your gas tank every time you stop.

Stay at any one of the major hotels or motels that offer a free breakfast. But read the fine print, most end their breakfast early or limit the number of people per room that may partake. Avoid Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Ramada, Howard Johnson and Marriott properties for over night stops. You'll pay a lot for a little. Best Western, Days Inn, Comfort Hotels and mini-suite style properties

may be a better value. Pay cash for overnight stops to avoid extra or unexpected charges to your cards. If you travel through the Southern USA, you will not need advance card reservations (except on weekends and Holiday weeks as a back up). Traveling through the Midwest, Southwest or Northwest will cost more and you should reserve sleeping rooms in advance. These areas never have enough hotel rooms.

Suite Hotels are very popular and make sense for most people staying in one area for more then just a day or two. The problem is that some places call a standard hotel room a suite if it has a microwave, fridge and couch. Most suites are small, expensive and crowded. Ask friends and co-workers who have stayed in such places their opinion. Older suite style hotels and properties will have larger rooms. Drive up suites will offer more space and tend to cost less. If you choose a suite, save lots of time and cash by staying in one with a free breakfast. Vacation homes are expensive, usually located far from theme parks and attractions and present security issues. If that's your plan, ask before you rent. In the Orlando-Kissimmee area, most vacation homes charge extra to turn pool heaters on and can charge you a huge fee for any damages they feel you are responsible for. Condo Vacation Rentals cost less and can be closer to everything. I recommend Condo lodge in Kissimmee for those going with access to a vehicle. Beware Resorts. Most have small rooms and offer little more hotels, unless you are willing to pay a lot extra for golf and tennis outside your door. No matter where you stay, make sure they have a guest laundry or in suite washers and dryers.

Gas prices and airline fuel surcharges will take a bite out of your wallet. Make sure your vehicle is tuned up with a fresh oil change before you head out. If you rent a vehicle, check the fluids. If the oil is black and the coolant is dark colored, ask for a different vehicle. Make sure the air is very cold (especially in the South and Southwest) and look for any body damage before you accept the vehicle for rental. Don?t rent from hole in the wall establishments. I like Budget and Enterprise for price, but watch for older vehicles being palmed off at new car rental prices. Never use Ugly Ducking or Rent A Wreck.

Finally, be careful! Use your check card. This will keep your vacation on a budget. Criminals target people they see using cash and traveler's checks. Lock your vehicle (or rental vehicle) every single time you get out (even if someone is inside with the motor off)! Never leave pets or children inside without an adult. Car jacking is on the rise, especially in the South and Southwest. Avoid stopping rest stops. These are NOT safe places even with regular Police Patrols. Limit your time at Welcome Centers and stay away from tourist stops that offer free hotel rooms, food or beverages.

Look around before you enter or leave a vehicle. If someone is watching you or walking toward you and you feel threatened, move quickly away from your vehicle toward other people. Take your keys, but don't stop to lock it or remove bags. Load groceries or shopping bags into your vehicle in front of the store even if you must park illegally for a few moments. Always try and remove luggage in front of a hotel or motel or while someone you know is watching. If you are by yourself or feel uncomfortable loading or unloading your luggage due to an early or late hour, request the hotel provide someone to assist you.

Keep cameras, video cams, electronic toys, and pocket-sized electronic inside luggage! Keep cell phones out of site and on your person. Buy and use throw away, prepaid phone cards instead of your cell phone or personal calling card. Remove batteries from cell phones when not in use to avoid cloning and make arrangements to call a friend or relative once a day to check in. Let them where you are staying, your plans for the day and provide a phone number. Always accompany children under sixteen everywhere and never leave them alone in a hotel room or pool.

I can assure you that as a Tourist you are the prime target for a wide assortment of criminals including car jackers, muggers, rapists, child molesters, thieves and scam artists. They know you will be occasionally disoriented, off your guard and only concerned about having fun. So don't be!

Do Your Homework Before Traveling

When planning a trip, it is advisable to spend some time doing research even if you are booking through a Travel Agent. This research could save you a significant amount of money and perhaps prevent a miserable stay in a sub-standard hotel.

Many people have moved away from using Travel Agents. This is understandable due to the availability of cheap fares and hotel rooms through the internet. However, it is wise to consider the benefits of utilizing a professional particularly when proposing to visit somewhere that you haven't previously been. Some of the advantages of using a Travel Agent are gaining the benefit of their expertise, experience, personal service, ability and indeed the obligation to clarify and inform you of details in the fine print which you may miss if booking on your own account, their up to date knowledge of the latest deals and their ability to distill and interpret information to hopefully offer you the best value deal for your trip.

With that said, it is still prudent to conduct your own research. The Travel Agent can provide suggestions about a range of airlines you could use and different fares and advise on hotels in good areas within budget guidelines. At this point you have some great information to work off. You have not had to start from scratch. You have an idea as to which are the better priced airlines and the areas you should look at staying taking into account what you're looking to do in a particular place. Now you can see if there are internet deals that may beat the air fares the Travel Agent has quoted you. In many cases these days, the Travel Agency will do what they can to equal or beat whatever publicized deal is out there. It is a very

competitive industry. In the cases of hotels, many of the chains as well as some independents are claiming to have the best internet deals on their own sites. This is of benefit to both the consumer as well as the hotel. They don't have to pay commission to a third party and you are dealing directly with the establishment that you are proposing to stay with who can answer any queries that you may have regarding elements of your accommodation as well as possibly saving money. You will also find that when booking direct off the hotel website that you may be offered upgrades or specials not available anywhere else.

The internet is also a great and up to date resource which can allow you to read reviews from consumers regarding airlines, hotels, sightseeing trips and just about anything that you can think of. This can be invaluable. If you go to a site such as www.tripadvisor.com you will find reviews on just about any hotel in the world. Many of the reviews provide excellent information about the hotel rooms, restaurants, attitude of the staff, cleanliness, activities and pool if they have one. If looking for reviews on airlines there are 2 particularly good sites - www.epinions.com and www.carsurvey.org/air

Don't underestimate the value of a good Travel Agent but be prepared to put in some time to conduct your own research. The worst you could do is add to the excitement of planning for a trip and maybe you'll even save yourself some money!

Will You Be a Trusted Traveler?

Security checkpoints have become a genuine pain for air travelers. Where once you could breeze right through the
x-ray scanner and head for the boarding gate, now you must endure careful checks of your carry-on luggage and perhaps even of your person. It's the legacy of September 11th and a
necessary step toward keeping air travelers safe. But the delays are increasing and passengers are grumbling. Frequent flyers,especially, are complaining about the slowdown and the hassle caused by long security lines.

Enter the Trusted Traveler program, the brainchild of an airline industry committee working on ways to improve airport security. With Trusted Traveler, anyone who wanted to forgo long airport security lines would authorize the government to conduct a
background check and take their thumbprint or an iris scan of their
eyes. Once cleared, they would receive an identification card encrypted with their "biometric ID." Airports would have reserved checkpoints where passengers could present their card, have their fingerprint or iris scan matched to the card's information, and be passed through to the boarding area. This type of prescreening would reduce lengthy lines and let frequent travelers avoid much of the current airport hassle. "From my perspective, it makes

more sense to subject the people I know a lot about to a lesser degree of security and the people I don't know anything about to a greater
degree of security. It just makes a lot of sense to spend the finite amount of security resources we have on the folks who are unknown," says Dirk C. McMahon, Northwest Airlines Senior Vice President for Customer Service.

Experts say that the Trusted Traveler program won't appeal to everyone. Those who fly infrequently won't need to go through the rigorous background checks necessary to be labeled a trusted
traveler, and those with something to hide or those with concerns about privacy won't want the government checking their bona fides. For frequent travelers, however, the program could mean valuable minutes saved, hassles avoided, and a smoother airport experience.

For now the program is just an idea; the Air Transport Association is working on a proposal for the Transportation Security Administration and the Homeland Security Department that it hopes will put a 90-day pilot project at Northwest and Midwest Express using already-screened airline personnel into operation by the end of the year. If all goes according to plan, the Trusted Traveler program could be in place at Northwest
by mid-2003.

About the Author

Laura Quarantiello is a freelancewriter specializing in air traveland the airline industry. She is the author of ?Air-Ways:The Insider?s Guide to Air Travel.
http://www.tiare.com/airways.htm

Nip/Tuck & Travel

Looking for an extreme makeover or just a little Nip/Tuck?

Are you aware of the growing trend of medical tourism? If not, consider this, have the vacation adventure of a lifetime in an exotic country, with sun, sea and pristine white beaches. Your personal assistant awaits you at the airport, accompanied by car and driver. You are whisked away to a luxury beach hotel where you are warmly greeted and everything has been made "just right" for your arrival. Sound great so far? Now add world class plastic surgery. Got your interest?

The kicker, the price tag! This "lifestyles of the rich and famous" treatment will run you half the cost of staying home and having just the surgery. Yes, you heard right half the cost of staying home and having just the surgery! Imagine all this and medical treatment or plastic surgery performed by some of most qualified surgeons in the world. No wonder hundreds of thousands of people annually are exploring the advantages of medical tourism.

A well-known Dallas socialite who travels every year to have "a little work done" said "Why in the world would I pay double the money for half the quality?" That's a good question. She went further adding, "I could never afford the top surgeon in Dallas, but abroad I can, and would I really want to trust my face or body

to my second choice because my wallet couldn't stretch far enough?

Plastic surgery and medical tourism trends continue to grow every year. Medical tourism is expected to be a global $2 billion dollar market by 2012. Countries where medical tourism is being actively promoted include South Africa, India, Malaysia, Philippines Singapore and South America. The latter, South America is known for being home to arguably the best plastic surgeons in the world.

There is no end in sight for the worldwide growth of medical tourism, in fact, Malaysian Airlines recently announced their plans to become the first airline to book medical holidays direct from their travel agents and ticket counters. The giant tour operator Thomas Cook has also announced plans to market medical holidays in the near future.

The worldwide demand for plastic surgery rises every year and as more individuals who desire a "Nip/Tuck" realize they can afford VIP treatment with a top surgeon in another country they're packing their bags and heading to the airport.

Kauai nightlife

The majestic island of Kauai is only a short flight from the USA, Japan and Australia. From the spectacular views at Waimea Canyon to the verdant vistas along the Napali Coast, more and more people are coming to Kauai because they are attracted to its natural beauty and laidback atmosphere. Visitors are also drawn to Kauai for its gorgeous tropical rainforests, some of which can only be accessed by helicopter. These aerial tours take you into the heart of the island and offer spectacular scenic views that will remain with you long after your vacation ends. Kauai is lush, tropical and wild. With cascading waterfalls and towering green mountains, this island is what most people imagine Hawaii to be like. Kauai can truly take your breath away.

Driving down and around Kauai between Eleele and Kaumakani on the banks of the Koula River, visitors can visit Hanapepe. This town once flourished as one of Kauai's largest communities. Today it's an art colony tucked away in buildings that haven't changed a lot over the last century. Its historic buildings are so authentic looking that the town has become a choice location for filmmakers. Films such as "The Thornbirds" and "Flight of the Intruder" were set in this storybook town. Hanapepe lays claim to more fine art galleries than any other place on the island. There are at least seven galleries listed among the gift shops and restaurants that do business here.

Crusing along the majestic Na Pali Coast State Park, visitors from throughout the world will experience its rugged coastline and the otherworldly mystic of its natural beauty and haunting heritage. This is a place that time has barely brushed. The fluted sea cliffs, or pali, rise like sentries straight up from the green valleys and white sand beaches below. The rugged terrain appears much as it did centuries ago when Hawaiian settlements flourished in Na Pali Coast valleys and inhabitants practiced a self-sufficient lifestyle existing on the food they could grow and the fish they could catch.

For shopping fans, no holiday can be complete without a drive to Lihue.This part of Kauai is the government and commercial center of the island. Nawiliwili Harbor is the island's major commercial

shipping center and cruise ship port. Nearby Kalapaki Beach is the home of the Kauai Marriott Resort & Beach Club and the Kauai Lagoons Golf Club.

Kinipopo Shopping Village offers a variety of fun shops and some eateries. It also has a water sports shop that carries everything you need to purchase or rent for water fun activities, and can also arrange for water skiing or kayak rental. Aloha shirts, vintage maps, fine art, and lovely jewelry are all available at this shopping village.

No shopping afficionados can have a fulfiling holiday without a trip to Wailua Shopping Plaza which houses several restaurants and an eclectic antique shop. The Coconut Marketplace is home to more than 70 shops in which you'll find precious Hawaiian mementos, fine artwork, antiques, jewelry, craft items, and so much more.

Koloa Town, in the heart of the South Shore resort area, was once the site of Hawaii's first successful sugar plantation. Though sugar has long been replaced by tourism as the community's economic mainstay, evidence of those colorful plantation days lives on in its restored buildings, its history center and its churches, one -- St. Raphael's Roman Catholic Church -- dating back to 1841.

And after driving for hours and hours, no holiday can be complete without accommodation so that the traveler can have a well deserved rest. But don't settle for second rated motels. Search for Accommodations and Lodging from Condos, Homes, Cottages, Houses, Estates, and for the more discerning traveler, Villas by in Poipu Beach, Anahola, Princeville and Hanalei Bay, Hawaii. Remember to enjoy the convenience of staying close to several great sandy beaches. No need to drive, just walk out the front door. There are many hotels and guest houses outfitted with boogie boards, masks, snorkels, coolers, beach umbrellas & towels, complete kitchen, videos, games, DVD, VCR, CD, Kauai guide books, and lots more.

ABCs of Adventure Travel

A ? Address peel and stick labels for all your family and friends before you go. Then stick to postcards along the way and you'll come home looking good.

B ? Bottled water is a must ? don't drink anything else.

C ? Cookbooks from your travels are always a great souvenir. Cook a dish from one when you have friends over to see your video and pictures

D ? Digital cameras save the day; their small and you never run out of film

E ? Expect excitement; go with anticipation, not trepidation

F ? Food is fun, try something you've never eaten before like zebra pate or Australian wine

G ? Give generous tips, especially in poor countries, you'll be so glad you did

H ? Hang out with the locals. Get to know a new person on your trip and get a photo with them

I ? Inform someone at home of your itinerary

J ? Journal every day. Can you remember now what you did last week?

K ? Kids love it when you have packed little surprises to open along the way

L ? Learn something: Take a pasta making course in Italy, Scuba diving in Argentina or Belly dancing in Bagdad (just kidding)!

N ? Note the local artisans and buy something authentic

O ? One substantial souvenir is better than a lot of small things. Then ship it home to lighten your luggage

P ? Postcards will rescue you when your photography fails. You can never have too many

Q ? Questions help you get the most out of all you see and experience.

R ? Read before you leave. Read lots of books about your destination. Find out who the local best sellers are, and read one of their books.

S ? Scrapbook within the first week of getting home

T ? Travel as light as humanly possible. Dragging luggage

is no fun.

U ? Unpack as soon as you get home.

V ? Vaccinations and certain medications are necessary in some countries ? be sure to check with the World Health Organization about what you need.

W ? Whining never fixes anything ? buck up and deal with the differences

X ? exchange your currency at the airport or a bank and be sure you understand the value of your money

Y ? You are the one who will make or break your adventure. Plan to be positive

Z ? Zero in on one or two experiences and squeeze the most out of them. Adventure overload will leave you confused.

World Travel - Hints on how to do It

If you have set your mind on traveling around the world, you might run into the difficult task of having to make a hard choice: where do you want to go? The multitude of destinations and travel options is great, but it is also something that you might deal with for days or even weeks before you make a decision.

The best thing to do is to create a top ten list of the places that you always wanted to visit. The list may include different countries or even cities in the same country. No matter what you will place as number one in your list you shouldn't worry about getting there, as the travel industry is huge today and able to send you to your destination. Try to find out as much as possible about the most attractive destinations. Travel literature offers a wide variety of sources for good information. You can either go at a local bookstore or search online for facts about your destination(s).

Try to have a good idea about what you want to do there. Are you going to go white water rafting, hiking, biking, roller skating, scuba diving? Make sure you have the adequate equipment and physical condition to embark on an adventure. Remind yourself that you will, most likely, find yourself on the tourist trail. This may be enough for some, but if

you wish to capture hidden aspects of the place you will be visiting you might want to get off the beaten trail. There are good reasons why some places become tourist attractions: there are convenient ways of getting there and interesting things to see. For aspects of your trip that are less touristy you might want to try asking some locals about places known mostly by them and ignored by the visitors. Going around the travel industry offers might get you greater satisfactions than if you had just followed the standards.

Big cities might sound like a good place to visit, but the truth is that most of them are very much alike. Of course, there are exceptions, and you will find cities with a very distinct personality, like Paris, Prague or Istanbul. You might also want to travel without using cabs and go for the means of transportation the locals use: buses, trams and bikes. Walking around, stopping at small, hidden shops or wandering on small, neglected streets should prove a unique experience as well, very different from the loud and flashy city tours.

Travel Agent Urges Airlines To Improve Economy

Travel Agent Urges Airlines To Improve Economy Seating

New Zealand’s largest travel retailer is calling for airlines to improve the comfort of their economy class seating, particularly for long distance travel.

Flight Centre is urging airlines to follow the lead of Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines and Air New Zealand in developing alternatives and more comfortable products for travel to Asia, the US, Europe and the UK, for New Zealand travellers.

Hong Kong based airline Cathay Pacific is planning to introduce ‘fixed back’ seats in economy class, similar to a mini business class seat, creating greater legroom and preventing seats reclining back into people’s space as the seats slide within the fixed shell. It will be the first carrier flying out of New Zealand to offer fixed back seats in economy.

In a similar move, Singapore Airlines has also researched customer attitudes towards economy seating, and has announced it will be rolling out ergonomically designed seats with ‘smart features’ from later this year.

Flight Centre general manager Rick Hamilton said while most airlines were continually upgrading their business class seat offering, economy hadn’t kept pace with these changes.

“One of the biggest difficulties our clients face is the uncomfortable nature of long haul travel. We’d like to see all the airlines flying long haul from New Zealand examining their seating configuration very carefully.”

Flight Centre said Air New Zealand’s premium economy product was also a popular improvement, with many of its clients now taking advantage of larger seat pitch and increased service levels on the trips to Europe.

“Business Class fares are often 150 percent higher than Economy, so a middle ground that offers great leg room was always something that filled a very significant niche.”

So far Mr Hamilton said the agency was aware of no other airlines that had announced an economy class upgrade.

“But often all it takes is a perceived competitive advantage by one or two carriers to create better service.”

The new Cathay Pacific economy seat structure has been designed to maximise knee and shin clearance, including putting the magazine pocket under the seat and removing awkward fixtures.

Mr Hamilton said the most desirable outcome would be travellers eventually enjoying their flights, no matter what class and how long the flight.

“We have the longest to fly of almost any nation in terms of accessibility to destinations, and with the UK and Europe booking season about to start, this is particularly relevant.

"We believe the next area of airline competition should be comfort.”

Virgin boss in space tourism bid

The deal will see a bigger version of SpaceShipOne being developed

Virgin boss Sir Richard Branson has signed a £14m agreement which will see his company take passengers into space.

The British entrepreneur is having five "spaceliners" built in the US by the team behind the SpaceShipOne vehicle.

The California-based rocket plane became the first privately developed carrier to go above 100km in June.

Sir Richard says it will cost around £100,000 to go on a "Virgin Galactic" spaceliner, and the first flights should begin in about three years' time.

If it is a success, we want to move into orbital flights and then, possibly, even get a hotel up there Sir Richard Branson

Sir Richard revealed his new venture at a briefing held on Monday at the Royal Aeronautical Society in London.

"We've done quite a lot of research; we think there are about 3,000 people out there who would want to do this," Sir Richard told the BBC.

"If it is a success, we want to move into orbital flights and then, possibly, even get a hotel up there."

'Historic' step

The deal is with Mojave Aerospace Ventures, the company set up by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen and aviation pioneer Burt Rutan to exploit the technology developed for SpaceShipOne.

HAVE YOUR SAY Had I the money I'd certainly go! David, Stockholm, Sweden

SpaceShipOne is one of more than 20 craft vying for the $10m (£5.7m) Ansari X-Prize, which rewards the first team to send a non-government, three-person craft over 100km (62 miles) into space, and repeat the feat in the same carrier inside two weeks.

The Virgin boss was flanked at Monday's announcement by Rutan, who has already collaborated with Sir Richard on Virgin GlobalFlyer, a jet plane designed to fly non-stop around the world without refuelling.

THE VIRGIN SPACESHIP The vehicle will have room for five passengers A week's pre-flight training will be required Three-hour trip; three minutes of weightlessness Flights to leave from Mojave Desert, initially Tickets to cost about £100,000, perhaps less

"Virgin has been in talks with Paul Allen and Burt throughout this year and in the early hours of Saturday morning signed a historic deal to license SpaceShipOne's technology to build the world's first private spaceship to go into commercial operating service," said Sir Richard, who founded the Virgin Group of companies.

Commentators said it was a logical next step for someone to come in and move the SpaceShipOne technology into the commercial flight business.

David Ashford, director of UK-based Bristol Spaceplanes Limited, another X-Prize contender, said space was finally being opened up for ordinary people.

"The price will come down - there's no doubt about that," he told BBC News Online.

"The X-Prize has succeeded in doing what it set out to do. The original idea was to break the mould of thinking - to break Nasa's monopoly on space policy. Space tourism should have happened many years ago."

Design, build and testing

The deal with Mojave Aerospace Ventures allows Sir Richard to use the SpaceShipOne technology. He will now have five bigger versions of the current vehicle built. The Virgin SpaceShip (VSS) will carry five passengers compared with the two-passenger capacity offered by SpaceShipOne.

The final design for the maiden ship, the VSS Enterprise, should be signed off in 2005.

Branson and Rutan are involved with Steve Fossett in the Virgin GlobalFlyer project

The vehicle will then have to be built and tested before beginning a scheduled space service.

"Every passenger will have a spectacular view; they will have considerable windows and luxurious seats," Sir Richard said.

"Initially, they will take off from the Mojave Desert near Los Angeles. It will be a three-hour journey. Passengers would have about a week's training prior to taking off."

The Virgin Group has interests in a range of businesses, including trains, finance, soft drinks, music, mobile phones, holidays, and cars.

Globally, Sir Richard is probably best known for his Virgin Atlantic airline and for his speedboat and ballooning adventures.

He said many of the group's existing pilots would be in line to take the controls of a VSS vehicle after the necessary training.

Travel Tips for Parents

Author: Colleen Langenfeld (Click here to view biography...)

Another summer is fast approaching and families are once again looking at travel opportunities. Whether it is visiting grandparents, playing the tourist, or even taking your family along on business, traveling with the family is not the same experience as traveling alone.
Here are some simple tips to keep everyone smiling during your summer excursions.

- Pack light, pack complete.
This means don't take it along unless you actually need it. But if you DO need it, don't pretend you can do without it. You will just be miserable or end up purchasing the item on the road.

- Buy it there.
The first tip (above) brings up a useful thought. Are there some items that are easily purchased once you reach your destination? It may be simpler to buy some things rather than pack and unpack them. Only you can decide if the convenience outweighs the cost.

- Attention spans.
Everyone has one and they can be vastly different within the same family, especially if you are traveling with small children. Little legs and minds cannot possibly keep up with adult ones. Instead of fighting it, plan according to the youngest family member. That's why it is called a FAMILY vacation!

- Plan it out.
Decide ahead of time what you hope to accomplish during your travels. Is it six cities in seven days? Unhurried, unscheduled leisure time? Family time by the bucket-load?
Make your plans with your focus in mind for a more satisfying, less frustrating trip.

- Be practical.
Pack clothes (and shoes) that are comfortable and can last the duration. Remember that wet wipes are your best friend! Aim for making memories, not making a fashion statement. I like to include one personal item per traveler under this heading as well. Whether it's a 'lovey' for a toddler, a paperback for mom, or a small electronic gizmo for the teen, everyone gets tired and needs a little down time. A small personal item from home can do wonders for a grumpy attitude.

- Be flexible.
You can almost guarantee that your trip will not go exactly as planned. That's okay. That would be one definition of the word 'adventure'. But your responses to the changes and challenges that will arise while traveling as a family are the real key to how everyone will remember this special time together. It will also be the determining factor in whether anyone in your family wants to do this again.

- Look for a different perspective.
A family trip is a great chance to get to know each other a little bit better. What DOES your teen think about the world situation today? Who knew Dad loved trains? What other aspects of your family members could you learn about while outside of your normal routine?

In truth, travel time with the family is really about stepping back...looking ahead...gaining new insights.
These are the people you are traveling through LIFE with.
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Eight Important Facts & Resources for the Traveler with Allergies

Author: Susan Dunn (Click here to view biography...)

'…[T]raveling to an Allergy Capital™ [where allergens are high] should be a reminder to allergy sufferers to control allergy symptoms by planning ahead,' says Derek Johnson, MD, an allergist at Temple University Medical Center and a medical advisor to AAFA. 'Having a personal Allergy Action Plan can help allergy sufferers prevent symptoms from flaring up and understand how to treat symptoms when
necessary.'

1. If you’re traveling in the US, check out the Top 50 50 Allergy Capitals™ in the US here: http://www.allergypreventioncenter.com/news2003/top50allergycapitals.html .

Included among them you’ll find some of the most populardestinations for business or pleasure, including Orlando, New York city, New Orleans, Chicago, Washington, DC, Denver, San Francisco and Los Angeles.

2. Visit www.pollen.com to see what the pollen count is in
the location you plan to visit, and
http://www.aaaai.org/nab/index.cfm?p=pollen to get pollen
and mold count in US and Canada.

a href=http://www.pollen.com/Pollen.com.asp/A you can sign up to be alerted by email in the morning when conditions in your town or ones to which you frequently travel exceed the trigger point that causes most allergy sufferers to have symptoms.

3. The a
href=http://www.hon.ch/Library/Theme/Allergy/Glossary/euro.htmlEuropean pollen calendar presents data collected from 200 pollen stations all over Europe.

Tree data includes alder, hazel, birch, ash, olive, plane and cypress. Weed data comes from observations of ragweed, mugwort, pellitory, and nettles. According to the site, “grass pollen is the most important allergen in Europe. As cross-reactivity is extremely high amongst nearly all grasses, for the grass-pollen sensitive patient it makes no difference which grass pollen she or he inhales.”

And, they add, “only the pollen of cultivated rye has a higher allergencity than the pollen of wild grasses.”

4. a
href=http://www.hon.ch/Library/Theme/Allergy/Glossary/asia.htmlPollen
calendar for North America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia provides pollen information and interesting facts.

For instance, if you’re planning a trip to Japan, you might want to know that Japanese cedar pollen, which is one of the most potent known, and causes severe symptoms is present from approximately the end of January until the beginning of April on the north island, and mid-April through early May on the south island.

5. Food allergies are not related to location but can cause
serious reactions, and food and pollens can cross-react.

Here http://www.wfaa.com/weather/allergy/allergy7.html is a chart of foods that cross-react. For instance, if you’re sensitive to ragweed, when it’s pollinating you should avoid egg, milk, bananas, and lettuce.

6. Dust, mold and fungus may be present anywhere at any time.

According to the above site, if you’re allergic to dust, you should avoid seafood, nuts and peanut butter, and if you’re allergic to molds and fungus, you should avoid milk products, vinegars, alcoholic beverages, mushrooms, yeast and sugar. Part of the information on this site is provided by the American Academy of Otolaryngology.

7. Anaphylactic shock can occur as the results of eating food, or such things as a bee stings.

What’s difficult about food allergies is that they can appear ‘out of the blue.” You can one day be eating lobster and suddenly experience difficulty breathing, itchiness, swelling of the lips and throat, and drop in blood pressure, and finally collapse. Anaphylactic shock can be fatal. The symptoms can start immediately, or up to some hours
following.

If you've ever suffered anaphylactic shock, you’ve probably been instructed by your physician to carry injectable adrenaline with you and to keep some at home as well.

If these symptoms occur, seek medical attention immediately. Some people experience this to bee stings.

8. Pay attention to your accommodations. Check things about
before you book your room, and change rooms or accommodations if need be.

Avoid musty rooms, and don’t take a smoking room. If you are bothered by wall units, make sure your accommodations are centrally heated and cooled. Check out what that comforter’s made of before you dive under the covers in that quaint bed and breakfast, and make sure the places are centrally cooled and heated if wall units and forced heating bother your allergies.

Also check for scented candles, new carpeting, ammonia, Clorox, room deodorizers, and perfumes.

Check with your personal healthcare professional for a plan for your unique situation.

Eight Important Facts & Resources for the Traveler with Allergies

Author: Susan Dunn (Click here to view biography...)

'…[T]raveling to an Allergy Capital™ [where allergens are high] should be a reminder to allergy sufferers to control allergy symptoms by planning ahead,' says Derek Johnson, MD, an allergist at Temple University Medical Center and a medical advisor to AAFA. 'Having a personal Allergy Action Plan can help allergy sufferers prevent symptoms from flaring up and understand how to treat symptoms when
necessary.'

1. If you’re traveling in the US, check out the Top 50 50 Allergy Capitals™ in the US here: http://www.allergypreventioncenter.com/news2003/top50allergycapitals.html .

Included among them you’ll find some of the most populardestinations for business or pleasure, including Orlando, New York city, New Orleans, Chicago, Washington, DC, Denver, San Francisco and Los Angeles.

2. Visit www.pollen.com to see what the pollen count is in
the location you plan to visit, and
http://www.aaaai.org/nab/index.cfm?p=pollen to get pollen
and mold count in US and Canada.

a href=http://www.pollen.com/Pollen.com.asp/A you can sign up to be alerted by email in the morning when conditions in your town or ones to which you frequently travel exceed the trigger point that causes most allergy sufferers to have symptoms.

3. The a
href=http://www.hon.ch/Library/Theme/Allergy/Glossary/euro.htmlEuropean pollen calendar presents data collected from 200 pollen stations all over Europe.

Tree data includes alder, hazel, birch, ash, olive, plane and cypress. Weed data comes from observations of ragweed, mugwort, pellitory, and nettles. According to the site, “grass pollen is the most important allergen in Europe. As cross-reactivity is extremely high amongst nearly all grasses, for the grass-pollen sensitive patient it makes no difference which grass pollen she or he inhales.”

And, they add, “only the pollen of cultivated rye has a higher allergencity than the pollen of wild grasses.”

4. a
href=http://www.hon.ch/Library/Theme/Allergy/Glossary/asia.htmlPollen
calendar for North America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia provides pollen information and interesting facts.

For instance, if you’re planning a trip to Japan, you might want to know that Japanese cedar pollen, which is one of the most potent known, and causes severe symptoms is present from approximately the end of January until the beginning of April on the north island, and mid-April through early May on the south island.

5. Food allergies are not related to location but can cause
serious reactions, and food and pollens can cross-react.

Here http://www.wfaa.com/weather/allergy/allergy7.html is a chart of foods that cross-react. For instance, if you’re sensitive to ragweed, when it’s pollinating you should avoid egg, milk, bananas, and lettuce.

6. Dust, mold and fungus may be present anywhere at any time.

According to the above site, if you’re allergic to dust, you should avoid seafood, nuts and peanut butter, and if you’re allergic to molds and fungus, you should avoid milk products, vinegars, alcoholic beverages, mushrooms, yeast and sugar. Part of the information on this site is provided by the American Academy of Otolaryngology.

7. Anaphylactic shock can occur as the results of eating food, or such things as a bee stings.

What’s difficult about food allergies is that they can appear ‘out of the blue.” You can one day be eating lobster and suddenly experience difficulty breathing, itchiness, swelling of the lips and throat, and drop in blood pressure, and finally collapse. Anaphylactic shock can be fatal. The symptoms can start immediately, or up to some hours
following.

If you've ever suffered anaphylactic shock, you’ve probably been instructed by your physician to carry injectable adrenaline with you and to keep some at home as well.

If these symptoms occur, seek medical attention immediately. Some people experience this to bee stings.

8. Pay attention to your accommodations. Check things about
before you book your room, and change rooms or accommodations if need be.

Avoid musty rooms, and don’t take a smoking room. If you are bothered by wall units, make sure your accommodations are centrally heated and cooled. Check out what that comforter’s made of before you dive under the covers in that quaint bed and breakfast, and make sure the places are centrally cooled and heated if wall units and forced heating bother your allergies.

Also check for scented candles, new carpeting, ammonia, Clorox, room deodorizers, and perfumes.

Check with your personal healthcare professional for a plan for your unique situation.

Travel Guide for Bali

With beautiful beaches, lush forests, and friendly people, Bali is an island paradise abundant in beauty and rich in culture. Adventurous travelers will enjoy kayaking or white water rafting in the Ayung river, scuba diving and snorkeling in the beautiful Indian Ocean or hiking in the jungle.

Planning a Trip - Fast Facts

American Express-- There is a branch in the Grand Bali Beach Hotel in Sanur (tel. 361/283970).

Business Hours-- Most places keep "daylight hours," which on the equator pretty much means 6am to 6pm (or a little later).

Doctors & Dentists-- Ask your hotel for a referral -- many have a doctor on call. In Kuta, try the Bali International Medical Centre (Jalan Bypass Ngurah Rai no. 100X; tel. 361/761263). It's open daily from 8am to midnight and sometimes will send someone to your hotel. There is a general hospital in Denpasar, but for any serious problems, go home as soon as possible for treatment. For dentists, ask your hotel for a referral.

Drug Laws-- Though you might be offered hash and marijuana at every turn, Indonesia officially takes drug offenses very seriously. Busts are regular and jail terms stiff.

Electricity-- Currents can be either 110 volts (50 AC); or 220 to 240 volts (50 AC).

Embassies/Consulates-- United States: Jalan Hayam Wuruk no. 188, Denpasar (tel. 361/233605). Australia (Canada, New Zealand, and Great Britain also have their representatives here): Jalan Prof. Moch, Yamin 51, Denpasar (tel. 361/235092). Or, in Jakarta: Canada: Wisma Metropolitan I, 5th floor, Jalan Jen. Sudirman, Kav. 29, Jakarta (tel. 021/510709). Great Britain: Jalan Thamrin 75, Jakarta (tel. 021/330904).

Emergencies-- The number for the police is tel. 110, ambulance is tel. 118, and fire is tel. 113. Search and rescue is tel. 111/115/151.

Hospitals-- There is a city hospital in Denpasar, but for any serious ailment, evacuate to Hong Kong, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, or Bangkok. In Bali, try the International SOS Bali (JL Bypass Ngurah Rai, Kuta; 24-hour hot line, tel. 361/710505) or Bali International Medical Centre (JL Bypass Ngurah Rai, Kuta; 24-hour hot line, tel. 361/761263).

Hot Lines-- Alcoholics Anonymous holds meetings in tourist centers all across the island. Check its website at www.aa-bali.org or call the infoline at tel. 081/8551811.

Internet/E-mail-- Internet cafes are springing up all over Bali, but the connections can still be painfully slow. Expect to pay about $1.50 per hr.

Language-- The Balinese speak both Indonesian and Balinese -- the former when out in public, the latter at home. English is widely spoken throughout Bali, particularly in the major tourist areas. While not everyone is fluent, most of the people you will be dealing with will speak enough English that you can communicate with them.

Liquor Laws-- You won't find liquor in halal restaurants catering to Muslims, but there are no restrictions elsewhere.

Police-- The phone number for the police is tel. 110.

Post Office/Mail-- Your hotel can send mail for you, or you can go to the post office in Denpasar, at Jalan Raya Puputan Renon (tel. 361/223566). Other branches are in Kuta (Jalan Raya Kuta; tel. 361/754012), Ubud, and Sanur. For big items, there are packing and shipping services in all major tourist areas, but the price of shipping from Bali is exorbitant.

Safety/Crime-- Bali is by and large a safe place to be, even after dark. Violent crime is rare. However, pickpockets are not, so you should exercise considerable caution by using a money belt, particularly in crowded tourist areas, and be careful not to flash large wads of cash. If you find yourself in need of assistance, contact the Guardian Angels Tourist Police (there are 265 of these angels dressed in blue) at tel. 361/763753 24 hours a day.

Many hotels offer safety deposit boxes, and it is best to keep extra cash and other valuables in them. If nothing else, make sure your suitcase has a good lock on it. Even the best hotel can't always guarantee security for valuables left lying in plain sight.

Telephones-- Because many hotels charge a great deal even for using your calling card, you are better off using Wartel's privately owned public phones. There's one in every tourist center, though some work better than others. Some also have Internet services.

Time-- Bali is on Greenwich Mean Time plus 8 hours, except during daylight saving time, which it does not observe. That's 13 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time in the U.S. and 16 hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time.

Tipping-- Tipping is not required and not even encouraged. Most restaurants include a service charge. Leave a small tip if you feel the need; more often than not, the recipient will be surprised.

Toilets-- Western-style toilets with seats are becoming more common than the Asian squat variety, though cheap losmen/home stays and some less touristic public places still have the latter. Always carry some toilet paper with you, or you might have to use your hand (the left one only, please) and the dip bucket.

Water-- Avoid tap water in Bali unless properly boiled. Bottled water is available everywhere, and restaurants in tourist areas seem to use it as a matter of course, but you should always ask to be sure.

Planning a Trip - Getting There

By Plane

Airport information and connection to airline reservation counters is available by calling tel. 361/651011, ext. 1454.

From the U.S. & Canada -- Most visitors make a connection with Singapore, Bangkok, Taipei, or Japan via China Air, Eva Air, Thai Airways, and Garuda Indonesia or Singapore Air. Check with travel agents for deals and package rates, some with affordable overnight connections through Bangkok.

From the U.K. -- Bali is served from Europe by Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong; tickets can be purchased from British Air, Singapore Air, or Air France.

From Australia & New Zealand -- Flights from Australia and New Zealand can be booked through Qantas.

Remember the Departure Tax

When you leave Bali, there will be an airport departure tax of Rp50,000 ($5.50).

Getting to Your Destination from the Airport

Ngurah Rai, Bali's airport, is 13km (8 miles) southwest of Denpasar. Few travelers stop in the city, but connect directly with their resort area of choice.

It is a good idea to prearrange pickup through your hotel (the rate is comparable to the official rates at the airport); otherwise buy a ticket at the official taxi counter just outside of Customs and arrange a fixed rate ride to your destination. Avoid the temptation to go with unofficial cabs; you might get caught in a taxi scam that will leave you frustrated, overcharged, or in the wrong place.

Planning a Trip - Money

The currency of Indonesia is the rupiah, from the Sanskrit word for wrought silver, rupya. Coins are available in denominations of Rp25, 50, 100, and even occasionally 5 and 10. Notes are Rp100, 500, 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, and 100,000, thus the largest denomination is only about US$10.

The following bills are no longer in circulation: the 1992 pink Rp10,000, the 1992 greenish Rp20,000 bill, and the blue Rp50,000 featuring Suharto's picture.

Currency Exchange & Rates -- The rate of exchange is relatively stable. At publication time it was 9,094 Indonesian rupiahs per U.S. dollar.

Most major hotels have exchange services but offer less than favorable rates. Storefront exchange services line most streets and offer the best exchange, but it's important to be careful of scams such as counterfeit bills and damaged currency that won't be accepted anywhere. Ask first about commission, and be sure to count your bills before walking away. State-sponsored Wartel Telecommunications Service offices are the best bet.

ATMs -- In Bali, ATMs are common in all major tourist areas and trade at good rates.

Lost/Stolen Credit Cards & Traveler's Checks -- To report a lost or stolen credit card, you can call these service lines: American Express (counter at the Grand Bali Beach Hotel), tel. 361/283970; MasterCard and Visa, tel. 361/759010.

Planning a Trip - Visitor Information

The Department of Tourism operates Information Centers at a number of locations: at Ngurah Rai International Airport (tel. 361/751011); in Ubud at the crossroad of Monkey Forest Road and Jalan Raya Ubud; in Kuta at Jalan Benasari 36B, Legian (tel. 361/754090); in Denpasar at Jalan Parman Niti Mandala (tel. 362/222387); and in Singaraja at Jalan Veteran 23 (tel. 361/225141). Better still is the efficient Badung Government Tourist Office in Kuta, Jalan Raya Kuta no. 2 (tel. 361/756176).

Some good online sources include Bali Paradise Online (www.bali-paradise.com), Bali Online (www.indo.com), and Bali Guide (www.baliguide.com). Bali Echo (www.baliecho.com) is an informative art and culture magazine.

There are lots of free flyers and pamphlets with listings, information, and maps: Bali Plus has general info; The Beat (www.beatmag.com), What's Up Bali?, and Groove are free guides to nightlife, dining, and activities. The Yak is a local glossy focused on nightlife in Seminyak. For information about surfing, check www.indosurf.com.au or pick up a copy of Indo Surf Guide, published by the same folks.

Planning a Trip - When to Go

Peak Season

The high tourist season is July and August and the weeks surrounding Christmas and New Year's, when prices are higher and tourist traffic is considerably increased. Try to avoid these times as well as February and March (given the increased heat and humidity).

Climate

Bali is just below the equator (so days are a consistent 12 hr.), and the temperatures always hover in the 80s Fahrenheit (upper 20s to low 30s Celsius). The rainy season lasts from October to April; rain usually comes in short, violent bursts that last an hour or so, and the humidity is at its crushing worst during this period. The hottest months are February, March, and April; remember that it gets a bit nippy at night up in the mountains, but a light sweater will certainly be enough.

Public Holidays

Public holidays are New Year's Day (Jan 1), Idul Fitri (celebration of the end of Ramadan, in late Feb), Nyepi (a major purification ritual and a time when Balinese are supposed to sit at home, silent, in late Mar), Good Friday and Easter Sunday (late Mar/early Apr), Muslim New Year (mid-May), Indonesia Independence Day (Aug 17), Ascension Day of Mohammed (early Dec), and Christmas (Dec 25).