Sunday, December 05, 2010

Luxury All Inclusive Resort Mexico

When on a vacation you want to be pampered and want everything you demand at your disposal. According to the statistics from the Travel Industry of America show, vacations are considered to be an escape without having to worry about any issues. If you share the same view then the luxury all inclusive resort Mexico is your dream vacation.

By selecting any of the luxury all inclusive resort Mexico you can forget about planning the entire trip or worrying about where to stay, where to get good food, how to spend your time, how to budget the stay and so on. A luxury all inclusive resort Mexico will take care everything, it is a package deal with everything planned to suit your every demand.

Here we list some of the best in luxury all inclusive resort Mexico. Read on, you may discover the ultimate vacation experience in one of these exclusive resorts.

Akumal Beach Resort

A luxury all inclusive resort Mexico is the Akumal Beach Resort located to the south of Akumal's main beach. It is only a 2 minute walk from the beach. Walking down the beach you will not need any more proof about the timeless splendor of this beach. The popular beach is accessible by a 30 minute boat ride from the city of Cancun. It is one of the most famous powder beaches and is ideal for sunbathing and beachcombing. the Akumal Beach Resort is no doubt the luxury all inclusive resort Mexico and has been operating for years making it a reliable with unparalleled service. The staff at this luxury all inclusive resort Mexico is multilingual and the facilities inside the resort include a huge beach side pool, a number of well equipped building for accommodation and many other emenities and improved facilities.

Bahia Principe Resort

The Gran Bahia Principe Resort ia another famous luxury all inclusive resort Mexico and consists of two hotels namely Akumal and Tulum which are both 5-star hotels. There are 1242 rooms in this luxury all inclusive resort Mexico and the resort doubles as an entertainment and commercial hotspot of the "Hacienda Doña Isabel". Most of the luxury all inclusive resort Mexico rooms have a direct view of the sea and are distributed in villas of 18 rooms and 3 floors.

El Dorado Seaside Suites

The El Dorado Seaside Suites, formerly El Dorado Resort, has now become a luxury all inclusive resort Mexico which is famous for its beachfront sprit and warmth. It is an adults-only luxury all inclusive resort Mexico and has 133 Junior Suites which are beautifully designed. The rooms are distributed between 2 story buildings.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Top Destinations for Ski Vacations

The ski resorts make your ski vacations great. The detail about some of the top winter sports destinations is given below:

Resorts in America

Aspen Snowmass

This sky resort has four peaks that are Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Buttermilk, and Aspen Highlands. Aspen Mountain provides incredible slopes that you may have dreamed to ski on, and is a favorite place of many skiers. Snowmass is famous due to its un-crowded tracks. Buttermilk is a great place for learning skiing. Aspen Highlands is famous due to its picturesque scenes, and challenging expert landscape.

Beaver Creek Ski Resort

This beautiful resort is located in Vail, Colorado. It has place of about 1800 acres for skiing. It also has 148 ski tracks, and 16 lifts. This resort offers special ski learning programs to adults, families, and children.

Deer Valley Ski Resort

This ski valley is located in Park city of Utah. It is one of the most popular winter sport destinations of North America. It has 91 ski tracks, and 21 lifts.

Breckenridge Ski Resort

This resort also has four peaks. It offers about 2,350 acres of place for skiing,, and has 152 ski tracks, and 29 lifts. The highest chair lift of North America is also present in Breckenridge. This place offers charming nightlife with dining, and shopping.

Killington Ski Resort

This resort is located in Vermont. It has seven mountains. It also offers 200 ski trails, and 33 chair lifts to the skier, and tourists. It provides the best skiing pleasure to all level of skiers, and has the longest ski season.

Lake Tahoe

This beautiful and scenic lake is located in California. It has about seven ski resorts. This lake also has amazing places like Squaw Alley USA, Kirkwood, Heavenly, Mt. Rose, North star at Tahoe, Ski Tahoe, and Alpine Meadows.

Mammoth Mountain

This ski destination is located in Mammoth lakes of California. It has 150 ski tracks, and 28 lifts. This mountain has lower peaks like Gold Hill, Lincoln Mountain, and Hemlock Ridge. It is one of the most favorite places of skiers.

Squaw Valley

This place is located in California. It has 170 ski tracks, and 34 chair lifts. Squaw Valley has 3 terrain parks, 6 peaks, and one of the most admired places in USA.

Steam Boat Ski Resort

This resort is situated in Colorado. It has 2,965 acres for skiing, and offers 165 ski trails, and 20 chair lifts. Steam boat is famous here due to the dry and feathery bubbly powder snow of this resort.

Vail Ski Resort

It is the world's best, and famous place for powder skiing. It has 200 ski trails, and 32 chair lifts. It is one of the No. 1 ski resorts in USA.

In France

Megeye

It is one of the amazing ski places in France. It has many chair lifts, ski tracks, and many other places for tourists.

Vald'Isere

This is an exceptional mountain located in France, and a wonderful place for skiing. This place has about 200 ski trails, and 90 chair lifts.

In Canada

Mont Tremblant

This is also a famous place for snow skiing with excellent ski trains. It has gaming casino, standard eastern style ski trails, and beautiful villages.

Friday, October 01, 2010

Experience Greece!

Location

Greece is located at the southern region of Europe between Albania and Turkey. It borders the Ionian Sea, Aegean Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea. It is a peninsular country that possesses an archipelago of about 2,000 islands.

It boasts of hundreds of captivating islands, paradisiacal landscapes, astounding sandy beaches,
crystal waters, and most especially a passionate history. Because of this, it has been regarded 15th place in the world’s most visited tourist destinations. It is no surprise that Greece has much
to offer to its guests.

Not Only a Look Back In Time Reputed to be the traditional “cradle of civilization”, its museums
feature a great number of Greek artifacts and art that continue to be one of the main reasons tourists come to visit. Sometimes, this country is regarded of a deep thought country dipped in philosophy because of its historical background and the many wars that came its way. However, Greece has proven not only rich in culture and history but in natural wonders as well.
Together with its world class beaches, food, and nightlife, Greece creates an atmosphere of fun,
relaxation, and an inspiring destination all in one package.

Despite the influences of modern times, Greece has not only maintained its cultural traditions and heritage but added the lure of its beautiful beaches under the hot sun, scrumptious Greek food, parties, and other vacation packages in the list.

Places to Be

Greece is filled with cities that depict both traditional and modern culture. Its capital, Athens,
is well visited for its top tourist attractions such as the Parthenon and the Acropolis. Nightlife is
vibrant in the city of Athens. Parties and merriment can last till dawn! Major landmarks, clubs, taverns, and hotels are within easy-to-access distance.

Greece is not only a haven for summer escapades. Activities such as skiing and trekking the mountainous terrains are fit for adventure hungry individuals. The temptation of pristine, crystal clear beaches invites water buffs from other places. Snorkeling, scuba diving, and windsurfing amongst the islands and along the coast are just among of the few water sports to
choose from.

For a more different version of Greece, a quick visit to the nearby Saronic Gulf Islands treats visitors to a wild, breathtaking waterfront and a sundry series of pine scented islands.

The Dodecanese Islands is situated a little further towards the east. It portrays crystal clear beaches and whitewashed houses that seem to be found only on postcards.

Corfu is the most famous among the lush “Seven Islands”. These islands are part of the Ionian Islands that pride itself on picture perfect vineyards, olive groves, and remarkable mountainside monasteries.

Why Greece?

Traveling has never been this fun. Complete amenities and activities are all yours for the taking.
Experience Greece personally and appreciate its majesty up close. Books, pictures, and postcards do not equate to the breathtaking feel of Greece.

Whether you fancy trekking a beaten trail, or go sight seeing picturesque landscapes, doing and planning the vacation activities can be a fun and rewarding challenge. That way, you can see what you want to see at your own pace, experience adventure but still find time for relaxing, all with a do-it-yourself tour within Greece. Rent a car, indulge into home exchange services, or pamper yourself to numerous summer and vacation packages available for tourists to choose
from.

Eager for a praiseworthy vacation? Go Greece!

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Enrich Your Life With Travel

Why not make this summertime the best one you'll ever have with a travel program? By visiting another country you will be able to study for college credit and study about new cultures first hand at the same time. By selecting a summer program overseas, you will be able to visit an assortment of different locations for an affordable price at times. While you have to arrange for your own passports and transportation, there are companies that cover the rest! There are companies that cover Room and board and you can choose to stay for one week, two weeks, or even three weeks. Have fun and go all out with your summertime vacation overseas.

Studying in a different country may open up a whole fresh world of opportunities waiting for you. Learning overseas looks good on transcripts and resumes and speaks really highly of your aspiration and determination. This is something that prospective employers and schools seek in employees and pupils. Because employers and schools seek persons with unparalleled characteristics, it's in your best interests to think about one of these programs. A summer overseas program may help provide you the benefits you need to succeed in life.

We advance you to browsing through a lot of sites and discover more about how great one of these programs is. As remarked, there are programs that can even provide housing for you with either a host family or a hotel. Living with a host family can help enrich your experience in whichever nation you pick and helps you learn more about the every day life of an person living in that nation. This is just one of the numerous fringe benefits of studying overseas. Nowhere else may you get this sort of exciting life experience.

Have a look at summer programs overseas today to enrich your life.

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Cayman Islands – A Diver’s Paradise

For a lot of tourists, the Cayman Islands could mean a lot of things. They love the sun, the beaches, the stingrays, and the food. For the divers, however, the Cayman Islands are just short of paradise.

There is never a shortage of scuba diving sites in the islands, a beach and diver’s haven in the Caribbean. Each of these scuba diving site has unique features all its own.

There are fascinating steep walls, marine creatures in fantastic colors and shapes, coral formations, sunken wrecks lying on the ocean floor – all these are present in all of the three islands. Here are some of the top diving sites.

Stingray City

Stingray City in Grand Cayman is the most photographed dive site in probably all of the Caribbean. The famous friendly stingrays have been featured in many ads, documentaries and travel articles since its discovery in 1986.

Today, there are many visitors from all over the world who came and visit Stingray City to pet and feed the rays. The scuba diving site is very shallow, 12 to 20 feet, making them ideal for divers and snorkelers.

Trinity Caves

This has a maze of canyon trails, 60 to 100 feet deep, located at the north end of Seven Mile beach. The reef is filled with sea fans, black corals, barrel sponges, and many others.

It is named after the three caves that look like cathedrals which are home to large turtles, groupers, squirrel fish, lobsters and other reef fish.

The Wreck of the Balboa

The Balboa is a 375-feet freighter that sank 30 feet below George Town Harbor. It is most beautiful at night for photography or video.

Visibility is very good, although it is best for only small groups to explore it because the silt around might be disturbed.

The Hobbit

The site is located at the southeast tip of Cayman Brac and divers usually feel they are hobbits in that place. It is inhabited by giant barrel sponges, corals, turtles and chubs.

There are also the queen triggerfish, grunts, octopi, and queen angels. The site is best for intermediate to advanced scuba divers.

Radar Reef

This site has a series of canyons and coral pinnacles which houses a wide variety of sea whips, feather dusters, barrel and tube sponges, sea fans corals, and starfishes.

These are joined in by octopi, turtles, and stingrays, among others. It has a calm surface and can be reached by boat or swam from the beach.

Bloody Bay Wall

This site at Little Cayman starts with a depth of 15 feet and then drops into a very deep bottom. This is one of the best sites in the Cayman Islands.

You will see soft corals, pastel gorgonians and lavender (or bright orange) tube sponges.
There are also large parrot fishes and turtles exploring the area.

Little Cayman Wall

This site starts out shallow and then drops to unknown depths. Snorkelers can enjoy the area with the presence of yellow, orange and blue sponges along with the soft corals. It is accessible by boats.

There are still diving sites around the islands that are yet to be “discovered” and named. But even with this list of diving sites, you will already have your hands full exploring these fantastic marine sites. Remember, they can only be found here in the Cayman Islands.

Saturday, August 28, 2010

The Real America

Perhaps one of the most diverse areas of the United States is the region containing Idaho, South Dakota, Montana and Wyoming.

This surely have to offer the widest range of parks, rodeos, adventure holidays, skiing holidays and river rafting adventures, etc. There is more to see, do and get involved in, than possibly any other part of the United States.

Mount Rushmore is situated here – imagine how many men and women must have seen this monument – along with the famous Little Big Horn battle ground.

Its not all camping trips and trekking here though. Five star resorts with gourmet meals and fine wine abound and cater for the discerning palates amongst us. Did you know that there is a falls higher than the more famous Niagara Falls? Or a canyon deeper than the Grand Canyon? Surprisingly both are able to be found here.

There is a lot for children to do too. Imagine teaching them how to light and cook over open camp-fires. Teaching them to fish for their supper! Hiking up trails instead of sitting in front of the Television – a somewhat ‘old-fashioned’ way of reconnecting as a family.

There is much on offer here and it would seem to give the traveler something a little different. The chance to be at one with nature and see the natural wonders of the world.

So if it is wide open spaces with big skies that you are looking for – this is the place. But be warned, once you have experienced this magnificent place, you may not want to leave!

Friday, August 27, 2010

Greek Vacation With A Twist!

Greek Island Vacation

What is a Greek Island Vacation? It’s an experience that combines the finest European adventures. Culture, history, food blended with a heat scorching, sand grazing beach vacation.

Optimistic POVs

Throughout the years, the Greek Islands have kept their village feel, slow, and charming pace of life. Most of the islands have complete, well-suited atmosphere that tourists find relaxing while absorbing themselves in the passionate history and character of Greece.

Planning a vacation in Greece is not tight on the budget because it is one of the cheapest countries to travel in Europe. Reasonable food and accommodation costs can be found at almost any place you stay in.

The Best Time to Take a Trip to the Greek Islands

Summer heat in Greece invite people from different parts of the globe and it can be intense! The crowds can be extreme this time of the year. On the other hand, winter may be met with few travelers because restaurants and hotels close this time of the year. However, vacation packages still cater visitors with winter sports activities. April, May (spring) and September (autumn) can be regarded as the best time to spend your holidays at Greece and the Greek Islands.

The Top 4 popular Greek Island vacation destinations include:

Splendid Santorini

The best place in Athens is Santorini. Check out the black volcanic sand at Kamari Beach and Perissa Beach. Enjoy the historical villages of Akroti and Pyrgos. Indulge and unwind in the volcanic hot springs that is just one boat away!

Santorini is one of the best places to spend a romantic evening. Decide on one of the dozens of
restaurant available at a near distance. Watch the sun set on the Aegean Sea while enjoying your drink and meal together. Hotels offer great views of the ocean all to set a romantic ambience for you and your special someone. It feels like you’ve just been part of a wonderful fairytale!

Truly, Santorini will be one of those places in your travels that you will never forget. No other word can best describe it - it is just stunningly beautiful.

Infamous Mykonos

Party fanatics will surely enjoy Mykonos. The best time to visit Mykonos will be in May or September. Dubbed as the “party-central” of Greek Islands, numerous restaurants, bars and even cruise ships fill the locale most especially during high seasons of tourism. It is not surprising to feel that you are almost sharing the area with half of the citizens of Europe!

Historic Crete

Captivating history, memorable villages and towns, and fine beaches - that’s Crete.

Base yourself in Chania and spend time in charming Old Town. Dining and accommodation options are available with incredible character to add to that memorable Greek Island Vacation.

Pleasant Paros

Paros is worth a couple of days stay. A few minutes isn’t enough as you experience its relaxed pace and its great beaches. Strolling along the hills and coastline after visiting the picturesque village of Naoussa is a great way to unwind. Greek Island Vacation Tips

Greek Time is Chill Out Time. Relax, give yourself time to mingle and get around. Loose yourself to the carefree lifestyle of the Greeks.

Protect yourself and pack sunscreen. You’re in for a heat-scorching summer (and even spring) in Greece.

Eating late. Greeks are known for 10pm dinners. Choose whether you dine late or early. Greek cuisine is to die for!

Greek Ferries. Sailing through the Greek Islands is more economical with Greek Ferries. Service is good and fares are reasonable. All you have to do is pick an island!

Pack your suitcases! Jumpstart your summer and spend your vacation in Greece!

Tuesday, August 03, 2010

A Norway Holiday, Enjoying Cultural Events and Festivities

Traveling to a country is amazing enough but finding the right time to enjoy the rich cultural heritage and various festivities that the country has to offer can make your vacation nearest to perfection. Enjoying cultural events and festivities in a Norway holiday should be the target of all tourists who are planning to visit the country. The land of the midnight sun has a rich history and culture to offer especially to those who are itching to experience the country’s flavor and to adventure seekers alike.

Getting to Norway is an easy enough feat. Wherever you might be coming from, chances are there will be commercial airplanes plying the route to the country either directly or through series of connecting flights. When you’re coming from Europe, there are more options available for the traveler. Trains and buses for example can take you to Norway. However, it would be best to adjust your schedules if you’re taking the latter since planes are obviously faster. Another option is going to the country via sea transport. The picturesque voyage over the vast ocean is a holiday in itself.

Arranging your travel schedule once you entered the country can be made easy by a lot of commercial tour agencies/guides. These guys can help you organize your trip depending on what kind of destination activities you want. You can drive in a rented car around the country or try exploring Norway via a train ride and enjoy the rolling hills, challenging mountain ranges and other picturesque views.

There are a lot of interesting destinations in Norway. But nothing is more interesting than to participate in local festivities. For example, the Oslo Jazz festival which happens in August is a good way place to enjoy what the country has to offer. Another local and interesting festival is the Rain Fest in Bergen. The event actually starts during the wet season and ends at the start of autumn. Another event is the Oslo Pride Festival which is also known as the Skeive dager held in June. This is a gay and lesbian event and celebrates their freedom from prejudice and of being ostracized years ago. A little warning though, the Pride Festival is not for the weak at heart and definitely not for people who are highly religious and very conservative. However, if you’re going to travel in other countries you might as well keep an open mind to cultural differences that fall beyond your own comfort zone.

If you are the artsy-fartsy kind of tourists, then the Bergen Art Festival is the place to go. The festivities are held every October and are quite a crowd drawer. Art here is combined with a burst of Norweigan culture. Many tourists and even locals alike eagerly await the October event to exhibit their art works. Nothing can get closer with immersing yourself to the country’s popular culture than this event. This is definitely a place to be during a Norway holiday and enjoying cultural events and festivities.

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Travel Light Travel Right

Travel is all about packing light. It’s not a good idea to cram as much as you can carry on your backpack when you go off to new places. The first rule is always to pack just enough to last you a few days.

Unless you enjoy lugging around bags that weigh a ton, bringing along just a few choice articles of clothing is better.
You’re better off not packing three sneakers, your two boots or those many shirts.

If you’re worried about clothes, you can buy some of these when you get where you’re going. Remember that the longer you stay in one place, the less clothes, toiletries and other accessories you bring. Because when you get there, you can just shop around and look for a few shirts you can wear or stuff you can use while you continue on with the next leg of the trip.

Buying things over there is easier for you because you save up space in your bag and it makes it easier for you to carry your bags. Unless you have money to burn, you can’t afford to pay strangers to carry your bags for you. Once or twice, yes—if it’s particularly hot and you want to take it easy. But since it pays to be wise with your coin while on the road, just keep the money and spend it on things that’ll no doubt prove to be more fun.

If you bring along too many things, you’d either have to be prepared to pay for the extra charges when you have them shipped home or else, be forced to leave behind some of your old things. Or even worse, leave behind that extra-special lamp you’ve set your heart on or that sleek and adorable fur jacket meant for your three-year-old niece. Add to this how you were actually hoping on turning this into a shopping trip and you can be sure that, as things stand, having a lugging around a loaded luggage is definitely not a sterling idea.

Also, don’t forget to pack in your own water. If you plan on visiting all the tourist spots you could find in that area, be prepared for it. You’ll grow tired, perspire and eventually get thirsty. Not having your own bottle of water with you could cost you a few dollars higher than you normally pay for the stuff. It’s common knowledge that things are priced a bit higher around tourist spots than when you buy them at the grocery or supermarket. Not to mention that it’s safer to know where your drinking water comes from. It pays to be careful when you’re out there.

So if you don’t want anything to spoil your trip, just pack in the absolute essentials—this includes your drinking water—and nothing else. If you have your passport along with other important travel documents, clothes, your toiletries, first aid, extra shopping bags, gadgets like mobile phones (don’t forget the charger if you’re planning on staying for more than three days), then you’re all set. For camera enthusiasts, remember to bring an extra memory card. You don’t want to find yourself deleting pictures you would rather keep but can’t just because there’s not enough space.

Friday, June 25, 2010

Australia Travel Temptations

About Australia
Few of the top listed destinations in Australia include; Fiji, Adelaide, Wellington, Melbourne, Dunedin, Moorea, Tahiti, Christchurch, Samoa, Sydney, Canberra, Rotorua, Cairns, Queenstown, Bora Bora, Perth, Auckland, and American Samoa.

Christchurch
Christchurch, Australia has a wide array of shopping, dining, entertainment and more to select from a list. The Bishop Manor, Crowne Plaza, Elm Tree House, Hapuku Lodge, Hadleigh are just to name a few.

Christchurch’s Bishop Manor rent suites. The manor includes a shower and bathtub. This hotel is one of Australia’s old home resting areas. While the building may present however, an ancient feeling, you will enjoy modern draperies, fine bedding, and more. You also have a balcony, which is sheltered, two bedrooms, and dressing rooms. Nearby the hotel you can enjoy golfing, tennis, tours, massages, car rentals, laundry, babysitters, dry-cleaning, on-call doctors and dentists, as well as non-smoking environment.

The Crown
The Crown Plaza located in Christchurch is a state-of-the-art hotel. The hotel dominates Victory Squares, which is also located in Christchurch. The hotel has high-quality service, and convenient location to central parts of Christchurch. Crown Plaza recently renovated the hotel, therefore the furniture is contemporary. In the rooms, you will have a superb view of Christchurch. The hotel includes club rooms. In the club rooms, you will enjoy lounging, cocktails, and free breakfast.

Crown Plaza includes three restaurants and bars. In addition, the hotel is near Christchurch’s golf course. Furthermore, Crowne Plaza has a gym, concierge, free bicycles, car rental, tourist desk, business center, room service, babysitters, masseuse, dry cleaners, laundry facility/service, on-call dentists or doctors, and non-smoking rooms available.

The Turret House is another of Christchurch’s finest hotels. The hotel offers reasonable rates, and has some of the largest bedrooms in Australia. The hotels exterior brings you back to the good ole days, by twisting modern day furnishings with grand old inner city’s home life. In the morning when you wake up you may want to take a stroll down the road and enjoy a hearty breakfast. Turret is also conveniently located near the golf course; as well you will have access to booking tourist centers, bike and car rentals, dry cleaner, laundry, and more.

If you are planning a vacation to Christchurch and taking your family or friends along, you may want to check out the Living Space. The hotel is a cross-over between an apartment building and hotel. The hotel offers studios, roomy apartments, which the doors all have swipe locks. In addition, while resting at the Living Space you will be conveniently located in the center of Christchurch. The bus exchange, kitchens, library, theatres, dining areas, laundry mats, and more are conveniently located near this hotel. In addition, you will enjoy fine arts painted on walls as you stroll along this area.

Living Space is located near restaurants, rentals, game lounges, theatre, laundry, kitchens, and more. Doctors and dentist are onsite.

Australia’s Capital is surrounded by popular areas, such as Canberra, New South Wales, and Lake Burley Griffin. In Canberra you will enjoy hills, plains, mountains, forest land, countryside, etc. The National Park is in close proximity. Along the trails of you will enjoy Namadgi Park. Here you will enjoy BBQs, trails, and more. Not far in the distance, Australia’s Murrum-bridge River provides you a swimming spot. Through the river you will see the Black Mountains, Cotter Dam, Casuarinas Sand, Kambah Pool Reserve, Gibraltar Falls, Point Hill Crossings, Uriarra Crossings, and Pine Island.

In all, Australia has some fine areas to visit. You may want to check out areas online to learn more about various areas in Australia. Book now!

Sunday, June 20, 2010

The Incredible Ryanair

Budget airlines have experienced a massive upsurge in popularity in the last decade, allowing thousands of people to explore the world without spending a fortune. While many scorn budget airlines as cheap and unpleasant, others swear by them - and no matter which category you fall in to, you have probably heard of Ryanair.

Few airlines divide public opinion like the budget carrier Ryanair. Owned by the controversial and unapologetic Michael O'Leary, Irish carrier Ryanair has become a byword for budget, cheap travel over recent years.

Ryanair flies to a variety of European destinations, and said in early 2010 that they plan to begin services beyond Europe. So far, so normal - but the real reason for Ryanair being so prevalent in the minds of budget travelers is their pricing... and we do not just mean the flight cost.

While a flight with Ryanair - just the flight - is likely to be cheaper than with any other carrier, the airline makes its money from it refers to as additional services. The reason Ryanair is so well known (and so frequently criticized) is that their "additional services" are what most would term basic services for an airline to provide.

For example, if you want to check in at the airport in person, Ryanair will charge you £5 (around $8) for the privilege. They will also charge you £15 per bag you want to bring with you. In 2009, they announced plans to start charging passengers to use the toilet aboard their aircraft.

However, the truth remains that if you want no-frills, cheap flights, it is hard to beat the Irish maverick airline.

Travel Q&A: Language Barrier Concerns

Question: "I am due to go on holiday to China next month, but I'm getting increasingly concerned about the language barrier. I can muddle through in languages that at least use the English letters, but Chinese uses symbols I just don't understand. How do I deal with a language barrier like this, considering I don't have time to learn and I don't really understand the text books anyway?"

Answer:

This is a major concern for tourists who visit countries where not only the language is different, but the letters are too. After all, most of us can understand that the word 'policia' means 'police' (for example), as we can understand the letters and the general sound they make. This, however, does not apply in countries like China and Japan where the letters are different from Roman letters.

If you really cannot learn the language due to time frame, it's best not to try to. It's also worth acknowledging you're not going to grasp the letters, so instead focus on spoken phrases. You should be able to find the Chinese for essential phrases such as "I need a doctor" and "I don't speak Chinese, do you speak English?" which means you'll be able to deal with a worst-case-scenario and inform people of your language problems.

Mostly, though, there's no need to worry. English is spoken all over the world and the Chinese tourism industry is well placed to deal with non-Chinese speakers, so try not to fret too much. Learn those essential phrases, and perhaps look in to learning the language fully in future!

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Animals and MacAir

At times it is necessary for someone to travel with one of their pets, when they are traveling and they aren’t able to leave their pet at home. So they want to be sure that their pet will be allowed to go on the flight with them and that they will be taken care of.

MacAir welcomes domestic pets traveling with passengers, as long as the arrangements are made ahead of time. When a person needs to travel wit a pet, they must contact Australian Air Express prior to their departure. When traveling with a pet, the passenger must make certain that the pet has a carrier that is suitable and that the pet will be comfortable in during the flight.

MacAir knows that there are passengers that may need to travel with a service animal, and the service animals ride right in the cabin with the passengers that they serve. As long as there is an absorbent pad for the animal and the airline is told when the passenger books the flight, the service animal flies free of charge.

The other question that is asked in regards to animals and MacAir is about wildlife, or animals that aren’t domesticated. To travel with wildlife, there is a special permit that must be issued by the Wildlife and Parks Service of Queensland.

As long as the proper steps are taken, animals can fly on MacAir, just like human passengers. Everything must be done to ensure their safety and comfort, and the safety and comfort of the other passengers.

Friday, April 30, 2010

Bangkok Vacation Tips

It is impossible to visit Thailand without first dropping off at Bangkok. And it is impossible to enjoy Bangkok without paying attention to a handful of useful tips that would not save you time and money but also some headaches.

Bangkok is a bustling city. No doubt about that. But it is a city that seemed to have been created by a sadistic urban planner who is bent on confusing tourists. It is a labyrinth of sorts. And in it, it is easy to watch your I'm-on-a-vacation mood fizzle away with confusion, disappointment, and the stress of getting lost. So with that, our first tip is for you to get a map.

It's not expensive. For a few baht, you can buy yourself a map. But don’t just buy any other map, buy one that has English translations as well as Thai names on it. It will also better if you familiarize yourself with what's written on the map, especially if you are planning to stay for a week or more.

When shopping, learn how to exercise good bartering. Thais know if you are a foreigner in the city. And sadly, they also know how much you will be paying on an item. A good rule of thumb when shopping in Bangkok is to haggle, but do it very nicely. Chip off as much as 40% off the original price and you could get the price you could happily pay for. If the price is disagreeable, by all means, walk away and go to the next vendor. There is a good chance that you will be offered the last selling price when you do.

Bring with you plenty of water. It's a no-brainer but for a generally humid country like Thailand, it pays to bring with you your own supply of liquids. Fortunately, there are always plenty of Bangkok stores that have refreshments ready on their fridge. Only buy those that are sealed. Oh, by the way, drinking fluids the Bangkok way could be a bit quirky for new comers. They drink them straight from a small plastic bag with straw. Try it. It's fun, not to mention very convenient.

Beware of scammers. We are all familiar with the 'don’t talk to strangers' stuff, but once you get into Bangkok, you would always wish that someone would help you with the directions. Good thing is, there are always those Thais who are willing to help. Unfortunately, not all of them are out there to give you just a few directions. Be careful of those who approach you in the street. You would not want to hop from one gem shop to another if that's not where you want to go.

Organize your tour. For lesser headaches, it will do you good to prepare your tour beforehand. This will allow you to go to the places that you intend to visit.

Use the MRT and BTS, regularly. No matter how appealing tuk-tuks, canal boats and motorbikes are, it is always better to stick with the underground train and the Skytrain. Get as much pass as you need.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

The Envy of the World

Every country has a culture. When we think of “culture” we think of the exotic dress and rituals of ancient China or Japan. Or we might think of England or Scotland with their quirky approach to food, dress and customs. Or we might think of the music of Africa or the Caribbean or the alluring appeal of South America. As Americans we are endlessly fascinated with the cultures of the world.

But something we don’t always realize is that the American culture itself is the envy of the world for it’s excitement, it’s fun and the diversity that makes living in America such a pleasure. Yes, America does indeed have a culture and it is a culture that is unlike anything else in the world. But it is a culture we see having a huge influence on other cultures around the world. Because in the countries of Asia, South America, Australia and even the Middle East you see people, especially young people, emulating how Americans look, talk, eat and view the world. To be sure, culture may be America’s greatest export.

Perhaps the one area where we see the greatest copying of our culture is in the area of sports. Americans love of sports reflects our admiration of people who are competitive and people who are winners. Because if anything, Americans think of themselves as winners. And the world sees that and says, “That is how I want to be too.”

Music too has become a part of our culture that is so vibrant, so dynamic and so exciting that each musical movement that starts here sweeps the world. When Rock and Roll began to dominate American culture, we could not contain it’s influence within our borders. Instead it spread like a virus all around the globe. Before long it wasn’t just Americans that were singing “I wish they all could be California girls”. That wonderful and very American song was being sung in every culture from Berlin to Baghdad and from Paris, France to Pretoria, South Africa.

There are so many interesting and fun parts of American culture that have caught on worldwide that it’s sometimes impossible to separate popular culture of the world from the American origins that set those trends in motion. The internet has only accelerated that process. Even in closed or restrictive societies like Iran and China, because young people can get access to videos, news feeds, popular television, movies and music from America over the internet, they too become addicted to want to be part of “all things American”.

Besides the various genres of culture such as clothes, music, movies and sports, there is a certain “attitude” that speaks to the world. It is an attitude that is distinctively American. There is a cockiness, a self assured bravado, an almost obnoxious assurance that we are universally liked and that we will always be universally successful that appeals to those outside our culture that find themselves wanting to be like us.

And why shouldn’t we carry a certain amount of attitude with us wherever we go? Americans are outgoing and friendly because that is the nature of our country. Will Roger’s trait that he “never met a man he didn’t like” is very much a down home American trait. That attitude is a natural outgrowth of the spirit of cooperation and good will that is how America ticks.

While in some of our more urban cities, that spirit becomes sophisticated and street wise, it comes out especially in times of crisis. They say in some of the biggest emergencies of recent history including 911 and Katrina, in the heart of the horror, the people did not panic but quietly went about helping each other. If anything screams out “American”, it is that kind of attitude.

We can be proud of our culture because it is so uniquely us. And we can be proud that others envy us and want to adopt our music, our styles and even our attitudes. In the right kind of way, it is how we really do go about “exporting America” as the whole world looks on and begins to be infected by this wonderful culture and this infectious “attitude” that is what it means to be “an American”.

Friday, April 09, 2010

All Time Favorite Destinations for Easter Holidays

If you are looking for the perfect time to get away and enjoy a trip around the globe then Easter is a good time. This is the best time to avoid the rush of the summer holidays and enjoy your trip in leisure. With the Easter holidays approaching, start making your plans for holidays as it’s never too late to book a last minute getaway for you and your family. Here are the all time favorite 5 top Easter holidays destinations across the globe.

Majorca in Spain - If you are game for sangria, sun, and tapas then Majorca can offer it all and much more to you. It also gives you the extravaganza of the striking Balearic Island. In this summer season the island is too crowded, hence spring is the best time to relax and enjoy the hidden treasures of the place. The city is also dotted with picturesque hills and beaches for you to enjoy.

Cervinia in Italy - What can be better than a Italian holiday in Cervinia. This region is great for skiing, so if you love the sport then you are sure to have a great time here. Here, you get the best of a good value for money skiing holiday coupled with bonuses of the opulent Italian cuisine.

Larnaca in Cyprus – This part of the world has much to offer to the visitors such as elegant stretches of beach, and the amazing Cypriot weather. Don’t forget to enjoy KEO beers that are brewed at close by Limassol, or a genuine brandy sour, as you watch the sun set in paradise.

Crete in Greece – If you wish to spice up your Easter holidays with Greek Culture then visit Crete where Easter is celebrated with much pomp and show. Take part in the fulfilling candle-lit processions that takes a round through the orthodox Greek churches.

Saturday, April 03, 2010

Travelling Stress-Free with your French Bulldog Pet

Its rare that you would find a family that’s not eager to take a vacation. Everybody packs up, looking forward to having a great time after a stressful year, but. Is the whole family really going? Many American households today said in a survey that they look as their dogs s members of the family, so when a “family” vacation is coming, most of them would like to take their dog along with them. The problem is, having a dog along can become a nuisance as well, and this is known to be true as well with the French bulldog.

So, many families would just resort to leaving their pets behind with their extended family or friends or just hire a pet sitter. But what if you really want to take your French bulldog with you? What re your options? What should you do to enable you to bring your French bulldog with you and still fully enjoy your family vacation? Here are some tips and reminders which you can take note of, to help you get that “true” family vacation that you have always wanted.

Tip 1 – Check out the places where dogs are normally allowed in most of the places of interest. You should also look for a place where you will be able to comfortably stay which allows pet dogs inside. You can ask your travel agent or scour the internet for recommendations on the places of interest which answers your vacation needs for pet-friendly places. Make sure that these places have all the facilities that can help your French bulldog enjoy itself and at the same time have health care services as well.

There are now many travel agents and websites that offer vacation packages that allows for a pet to be brought along. Choose along with your family so that everyone will know what is ahead for them. This way, you are not just choosing a place for your dog, but for the whole family.

Tip 2 – If your French bulldog is not yet familiar in riding a car, then prior to the trip you should start familiarizing it. Take it for short drives. At the start, just let him stay in the car for awhile with the engine idling, this will allow him to familiarize with the sound and the shaking. Then slowly let the car move, don’t jerk the car and go slow at first. Then take him for short rides stopping at least every mile or so, gradually add more miles before stopping.

Tip 3 – Have your dog get a thorough checkup by his vet before leaving on your dream vacation. This will eliminate the risks of him having any health concern while on vacation which can ruin the trip. Take any medication with you that your vet may recommend. Remember to get the ok signal from your vet first.

Tip 4 – Remember to pack everything that your dog may need, most importantly its collar, with all the contact details on the tag. Also remember to bring his food and anything that can make the journey comfortable for him. Also, make sure to bring cleaning materials as the dog may vomit or emit waste.

Friday, March 26, 2010

School Holidays In France: Five Sets And The Zoning Scheme

Traveling to France when schools are on holiday may not be a good idea. This is because tourist resorts are teeming with vacationers during this period that one has to fight (figuratively, of course) for space. The Mediterranean coast and the more than 200 ski resorts are particularly crowded, often translating to lodging shortages.

This being the case, it is important to know when schools in France are closed. Note the following five sets of school holidays in a year (the French school calendar year starts in early September):

1. Toussaint break - This is a 12-day school break, in observance of All Saints' Day, that usually begins around the latter part of the third week of October.

2. Noel-Le Jour de l'An break - Schools are closed for 15 days for the Christmas/New Year holidays, from December 20 to January 4. This is the period when ski resorts in France "overflow" with people and finding a vacant hotel room is next to impossible.

3. Hiver break - Another 15-day school break that begins in February, when winter is typically at its peak.

4. Printemps break - This is also known as the spring break, which coincides with Easter (Paques). Schools are closed for 15 days, beginning usually two days prior to Easter.

5. L'ete holidays - This is the 2-month long summer vacation, when all schools are closed from the beginning of July to the beginning of September. This period is certainly not a good time for tourists to visit France for the reasons earlier mentioned.

Besides these sets of school holidays, those planning a trip to France must also know that the French Ministry of Education had the schedules of the hiver and printemps breaks staggered by dividing France into three zones:

Zone A:

This zone covers the schools located in Toulouse, Nantes, Montpellier, Grenoble, Caen, Rennes, Nancy-Metz, Lyon, and Clermont-Ferrand.

Zone B:

The schools included in this zone are those located in Strasbourg, Reims, Orleans-Tours, Limoges, Dijon, Amiens, Rouen, Poitiers, Nice, Lille, Besancon, and Aix-Marseille.

Zone C:

This third zone includes schools in Versailles, Bordeaux, Créteil, and those in the capital city of Paris.

These zones specify when a school at a particular location will have its winter and spring breaks. As you take a look at your maps, you will note that the locations that comprise each zone do not make up a contiguous area. This was deliberately done in order that there will be an even distribution of holiday goers in resorts at any given period.

The effect of the zoning is another thing to be considered. What this means is that while the hiver and printemps breaks are 15-day periods as far as schools are concerned, the schedules of the zones overlap with one another, such that the length of each break is effectively stretched into one month. This matter has to be taken into account by a would-be visitor to France and avoided if possible.

The months of May and June are probably the best times for anyone to visit France while at the same time avoiding the lengthy school holidays, as the weather during this two-month period is perfect. Others may say though that this period, in fact, contains numerous holidays. These, however, are just one-day holidays and, except for Fête du Travail (Labor Day, May 1) and Victoire 1945 (Victory in Europe Day, May 8), have moveable dates.

Disney World Vacations Do Not Have to be Expensive

Disney World vacations do not have to be expensive however; most families do end up paying more than they should. A vacation like this can cost over $5000.00 or more depending upon where you live and how many days you plan to stay at the park. This total also depends on the number of members you have in your family and the activities that you and your family do while at the park.

All of these factors will add up quickly in a short amount of time if a family is not careful. The Disney World vacation does not have to be expensive and one way you can watch what you spend is to do this. Take only a certain allowance out of the money you take with you to the park each day and set a certain time limit on the hours you spend in the park. This way you will not be able to spend more than you have budgeted for that day.

This is a good way to watch what you spend, have all the fun you can and spend only what you must for that day on meals and gifts or souvenirs. Limiting the time you spend in the park is also a way to pace yourself. The Disney World Theme Park is a massive place. You and your family will be exhausted when you return to the hotel everyday. You do not want to be so tired and sore that you cannot get out of bed the next vacation day at the park.

This way you are pacing yourself; and will be able to do a-lot more on the vacation. By watching what you are spending each day. You can even have money left over and may be able to do extra special things on the last few days of the vacation if you and the family choose to.

Disney vacations do not have to be expensive you can eat a good filling meal but you do not have to order the most expensive meals on the menu. Eating wisely can save money, while on the vacation as well.

There are many other way that you can save money while you are on your family vacation too you just have to be cautious and careful if you want to make the vacation an enjoyable experience for the whole family.

Making the vacation a success begins when you start planning the vacation. Look for cheaper rates on the rooms and family package deals on the tickets and the hotels or resort rates. These will save you a great deal of money before you ever get to the park.

Use coupons, or vouchers from the places you book your reservations. These can be for free meals and free nights or a free family member stay. These will help the expense of the vacation drastically. It is possible for you and the family only having to spend about $2000.00 instead of the $5000.00 or more if you find every possible way to save on the Disney World vacation.

Remember Disney vacations do not have to be expensive if you will simply plan the vacation well, budget your self and your family and you can still have a great, enjoyable family vacation.

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Ways to Visit Disney World at an Affordable Price

There are, many ways to visit Disney World at an affordable price you simply have to know how. The ways are, tucked away on websites and in the fine print of the offers, discounts, and gift cards that are all around you.

The internet now days are the first and the best place to begin looking for all the ways to visit Disney world at an affordable price. You can begin with the places that offer discounted packages, savings or value deals here on the internet.

These discounted sites and value sites will provide you with a certain amount of days like three days or four days of accommodations, reduced rates on meals for the entire family, and other things such as travel deals are included. These sites help the Disney World Theme Park keep people visiting the park daily by offering these kinds of packages.

These offers also keep these hotels and resorts filled so this means more business for them to keep them full as well. Look for the added specials as well these are things like coupons off on things like a percent off a nights stay if you stay for so many nights. This will take some of the cost of your stay and you can stay longer if you wish.

Gift cards can be, found to for, free meals for members of the family such as small children eat free. These are ways to visit Disney World at an affordable price as well. Every little bit helps when you consider how much a vacation to Disney World costs.

You can find coupons for discounts on attractions and rides or shows to see at the park as well. This will take even more off, of your total making ways to visit Disney World at an affordable price. There are many other ways to visit Disney World at an affordable price too. You just have to know how to find all these great rates and discounts.

A Disney World vacation normally cost the average family of four a total of over $5000.00 or more. This total depends on what you and your family wishes to do once you arrive at the park. However, you can take off over $3000.00 or more from that total by using these ways to visit Disney World at an affordable price.

One good way to do this is to find a guide that reveals all of these hidden discounts and secret ways to get the discounted items for your family trip.

Saturday, March 13, 2010

A Cheap Disney World Vacation

You and your family want to go to Disney World and take a vacation however; this is just not possible with your budget. Well this is not necessarily the truth. You can afford to take your family on the best most memorable vacation you ever have.

That is if you know all the right tips, tricks, and secrets to save loads of money. You can take the best vacation of your life. A cheap Disney World Vacation does not mean that you and your family will have to stay in a broom closet or you will have to eat sandwiches while you are there. It does mean that you can stay in a nice lush hotel or a resort and you can dine out every night but at much less, than many families have to pay.

You can get the best rates at the hotels and resorts for airlines to get to the park and find ways to get meals at lower rates as well. You should not have to go into debt to take your family to a wonderful place. Disney World theme park is practically the most visited theme park in the world today.

Furthermore, it is one of the most desired dreams of all families to take a Disney world vacation. You want to give your children lasting memories that they will take with them onto their families. No parent can resist seeing the joy and the first big smile when their child sees Mickey for the first time ever in person.

You can make this possible for you and your family if you do a little digging and find the best tips, tricks, and secrets to take a cheap Disney World vacation. You can find the best deals on tickets and other things like Disney shows and attractions that are absolutely, wonderful for the whole family.

The best part about taking a cheap family vacation is that you will not have to pay for the vacation for the next 5 years, take out a loan, get a second job or sell body parts if you find these secrets. One of the best guides to taking a cheap Disney World vacation is available right here on the internet. Most people do not know about this guide; and just how much it can save you for your family vacation.

An average Disney World vacation will cost you over $5000.00 for about three to four days. That is if you have to pay full price for the vacation. However, the Ultimate Disney World Savings Guide can show you how to spend way less than $5000.00 try like around $1900.00 for the same vacation. This is a large chunk off the full price, it is pretty, amazing and a big load off your mind.

You will see once you look at all the ways you will be able to save the money and still have the best vacation ever in your life with your children and your spouse. You can find the Ultimate Disney World Savings Guide at the link provided here just click on it and have fun on your vacation.

Sunday, March 07, 2010

Eight Public Holidays In France Celebrated On Fixed Dates

France celebrates a total of thirteen public holidays, or jours feriés, every year. Of these, eight are observed on fixed dates, which include three important religious celebrations. These eight fixed-dated French public holidays are listed below, in the order of their occurrence.

1. Le Jour de l'An (New Year's Day) - France, like most other countries, celebrates New Year's Day on January 1, the first day based on the Gregorian calendar. The highlight of activities on this holiday, again like in many countries, takes place at midnight that spans the last day of the old year (December 31) to the first day of the new year. Observance of the New Year lasts up to January 6, the feast of the Epiphany.

2. Fête du Travail (Labor Day) - There probably isn't a country that does not observe Labor Day, for on this day workers celebrate their social and economic achievements. In France, Labor Day is celebrated in conjunction with the celebration of "Le Jour du Muguet". In this latter celebration, workers sell "muguet" (lily of the valley) on the streets to raise funds for labor unions. May 1 is the date when France, and almost all countries, celebrates Labor Day.

3. Victoire 1945 (Victory in Europe Day) - This public holiday is celebrated in France on May 8. It is a celebration of the victory of the Allied Powers (of which France was a member) against Nazi Germany that signaled the end of World War II.

4. Fête Nationale (Bastille Day) - This is the National Day of France, which is celebrated on July 14 every year. The celebration is a commemoration of the storming of the medieval fortress and prison known as the Bastille, which took place on July 14, 1789, that paved the way for the rise of modern France.

5. Assomption (Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary) - Roman Catholicism is the predominant religion in France, and the Assomption is one of the most important religious celebrations in this country. This August 15 celebration is an observance of the taking up into Heaven, body and soul, of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

6. Toussaint (All Saints' Day) - This is another important religious celebration in France, which is observed on November 1 each year. The day is celebrated in honor of all the Saints who are recognized by the Roman Catholic Church. Traditionally on this day too, deceased family members and friends are remembered and prayed for.

7. Armistice 1918 (Armistice Day) - This holiday, which is also called Remembrance Day, is celebrated on November 11. It is a commemoration of the signing of the armistice or cessation of hostilities by and between the Allies of World War I and Germany. The event is especially important for France since it was in the French commune of Compiègne where the armistice was signed on November 11, 1918. Through this momentous event, World War I eventually ended.

8. Noël (Christmas Day) - This is the most joyful religious celebration in France, as it is in many parts of the world. It is celebrated on December 25 in commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ, the central figure of Christianity. The Christmas season actually is one of the longest holidays in France, which is celebrated beginning on Christmas eve (December 24) up to the feast of the Epiphany on January 6 the following year.

In the eastern provinces of Alsace and Lorraine, the day after Christmas Day (December 26), which is referred to as the Second Day of Christmas, is also celebrated as a public holiday.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Cheap Family Travel tips

You recovered from the gas hikes and now your future is looking prosperous however, you are still not sure that you and your family can travel. Taking your family on a major trip is easier than you think if you use the cheap family traveling tips and tricks.

You would love to take them on a wonderful family vacation to some place nice to reassure them all is well again. It is possible for you to take your entire family on such a vacation. The only things you have to do is a little digging and find all of the tips and tricks as to how to make cheap family travel tips work to your advantage.

Some of the tips you should know in the beginning are things like, kids are usually free when traveling especially if they are under a certain age limit; therefore, you can get free airfare for the children that qualify. One of the next things that you should know is that kids under a certain age can get free meals and vouchers when you travel.

These free tickets and meals can be, taken advantage of when you use a travel company, a travel agent the airlines and the hotels. These things often come in family packages. However, you can also get things like a percentage off the adult's tickets as well. If you qualify for a group rate or if you have so many people in your family you may even get a free ticket for other members of the family.

If you do not qualify for the free ticket for the adult, you may still qualify for a discounted ticket, or so much of on all of the tickets. These lesser or cheaper family travel tips will help you to get the most out of your trip.

You can also discover that the hotels will often let children stay for, free as well. Usually the same rules apply here the child has to be under a specific age limit in order for you to qualify for the free stay. You can also take advantage of the group rates or the discounted stay in the hotels as well. You just have to know what to say and how to get these cheaper family traveling tips.

Another tip is that you can get vouchers for admittance to special places you wish to take your family to on one of these vacations or family trips. These are sometimes, offered in the travel packages or these are, offered by the places them selves when you call to set up the family vacation you can ask about free admission. The establishment will be glad to help you with the information on how to get these free vouchers.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Understanding The Customs and Traditions Of Dubai

The local customs and traditions of Dubai are similar to those of the six other states of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Religion has a considerable effect on these, considering Islam's predominance in this part of the world. But Dubai's society is not a closed one. In fact, Dubai has successfully mixed modernity with its traditions, and this has become evident with the heightened interest the international community is showing towards this Emirate.

In Dubai, courtesy is an important trait that should not be lacking in a host when dealing with his guests. He has to observe his manners and be polite when speaking. In general, homes in Dubai have two "majalis" (literally, a place of sitting). These majalis are rooms where the owner of the house receives guests. There is one majalis to receive male guests and another one for female guests.

During the celebration marking the end of Ramadan, called Eid ul-Fitr, the sitting arrangement in the majalis is organized based on age. An important part of Dubai customs is the serving of unsweetened coffee that's special for its aroma. Eating with the right hand is another important part of its customs. A celebration in the majalis is concluded by burning incense and sprinkling rose water on the head of each guest.

Wedding traditions in Dubai involve a great deal of preparations on the part of the bride. It typically goes this way:

• Only the members of the bride's family and her other relatives are allowed to see her for 40 days, beginning on the fixing of the wedding date until the day of the wedding;

• She is expected to have as much rest as possible and to take only the best foods;

• As the wedding day nears, extracts of jasmine and amber are used to wash her hair; her whole body is lavished with many different kinds of perfumes and traditional oils;

• On Laylat Al Henna (literally, night of the henna), her hands and feet are decorated with henna. This night is very special for her because it's a "ladies' night only."

Of course, the groom does a lot of preparations, too. But these pale in comparison to what the bride has to go through, which are elaborate and, therefore, take up a great deal of time.

During the week preceding the wedding, family members and relatives express their joy through continuous dancing and singing of traditional songs.

Alcohol is served in hotels and restaurants. Of course, those who drink are not supposed to appear drunk in public. There are traditional water pipes that people in Dubai enjoy smoking while sitting in a restaurant, a cafe, or such other establishments. These are called shisha. The pipes use flavored tobacco (apple and strawberry are two of the favorites).

As for clothing, the men of Dubai wear a white full-length shirt-dress, called khandura or dishdasha. This goes with gutra, a white or red-checkered headdress. Women, on the other hand, wear a long black robe to cover their normal clothing. This robe is called abaya. They likewise wear a headscarf while in public.

Tourists will have no problem communicating in English while in Dubai; this in spite of Arabic being the official language in the Emirate. About 95 percent of Dubai's population follow Islam. Despite this, Dubai exercises tolerance of communities which observe other religions. Also, tourists and those who observe other religions are not required to wear the traditional clothes worn by the local men and women of Dubai. But they are expected to be dressed appropriately in public.

The local customs and traditions of Dubai are certainly a reflection of the Emirate's tolerant culture.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Other Ways To Get Information on Last Minute Travel Deals

There are other ways that you can get information on last minute travel deals:

  • Magazines, specially those markedly geared toward budget travelling and travelling newsletters. One of the well known magazines for this would be Arthur Frommer’s Budget Travel Magazine and Bestfares magazine. You can also find Bestfares on the web.
  • Online travel webpages that have bargains and low prices on vacation packages, discount vacation packages and travel deals still waiting to be sold.
  • Brokerages and airline carriers that have websites that offers some of the cheapest fares available at the last minute.
  • Specialized books that focus on last minute travel and travel deals. You can get ideas on what to bargain for and how to bargain for deals at such a short notice.
  • Ask a booking agent that you are looking for a specially priced last minute travel deal. They should be able to honor your request by getting the best prices for you.
  • Ask around to see if anyone knows of any good travel deals. You may have some relatives, friends or co-workers that can hook you up on some good ones.
  • Seek out experts that deal with time shares, resorts, cruises or other types of vacations. They will be able to help you get the deals that you’re looking for. Of course, it all comes with their sales pitches, so be ready.

Saturday, January 09, 2010

Top Valentine's Ideas to Make Your Day Romantic

Valentine’s Day is that time of the ear when you can make your loved one feel really special and pampered. Many times during our busy work and schedule we forget to tell our loved ones what they mean to us. In this article we will discuss about the top 10 valentine’s days ideas that can make your day really special and romantic. Here are the top 10 ideas for you to try:

* Take a day off from work on that day and devote the entire day to each other with undivided attention. You can spend time doing things that you both love but don’t actually like doing normally.
* If you are a married couple then consider going to a second honeymoon on this Valentine’s Day. Plan a trip to some exotic honeymoon destination and put up in a nice hotel where you can pamper your beloved in luxury
* Don’t let this Valentine’s Day just last for one day, make it a week long celebration. Go for a holiday and spend the entire week trying something new and interesting.
* You can become kids again by gifting each other with Valentine’s Day cards that contain cute love notes and candy.
* Gift her with a nice travel poster with the tickets to that place pasted at the back. You will love the gleam in her eyes.
* Try something interesting by reserving a local bed and breakfast to spend a romantic night out. Look up the Internet to find the best B&B.
* Go to the local video store and rent some of the most romantic DVDs. Order pizzas and spend the entire day watching movies and having fun.
* If you wish to gift something really unique to your loved one then look up the internet, you will find some local antique shop where you can buy some not very common gifts for your special one.
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