Best U.S Romantic Destinations - Six Places to Stir Up Romance

The top United States romantic vacation destinations and getaways are places where you will find scenic canyons, mountains, and ocean side lodging where you can revitalize your love life. These are destinations in a tranquil setting where you can roam the sights at your own pace doing some sightseeing, cycling, or taking a hot air balloon ride. Enjoy intimate romantic experiences where you can unwind and relax at a spa with a couples massage followed by an intimate, romantic dinner.

California

The Wine Country - This region of Napa and Sonoma Valley just north of San Francisco offers romantic couples a perfect combination A pitch-perfect mix of wineries, charming hotels and spas, and tranquil scenic beauty. Your romantic getaway can be enjoyed by a leisure car trip though the valley, or better yet by cycling through vast vineyards. Add a sunrise hot air balloon ride and you have the perfect romantic getaway. Where Napa Valley is smaller, it's also more commercial than the laid back Sonoma, whose vineyards cover far more acreage. Check in at Auberge du Soleil Spa situated on a picture-perfect 33-acre hillside olive grove, with made-for-couples rooms with a large stone fireplace and a private hot tub. Take in the sweeping views of the valley below, or take advantage of the relaxing 7,000-square-foot spa. Or check in at the intimate Poetry Inn and Spa perched on a hillside in the Stags Leap wine district offering staggering views on the Napa Valley. Guests can enjoy a massage in the open air, sip a cabernet on a private terrace, or simply lounging by the pool. The amenities include large rooms with private balconies, marble bathrooms with dual vanities, a large soaking tub, both an indoor and an outdoor shower with rain shower headset, and wood-burning fireplaces.

Big Sur - Two and half hours south of from San Francisco, you can get-away on a romantic journey with breathtaking views of rocky ocean cliffs hugged by pine and cypress trees. For the more active, you can enjoy the scenery by trekking to the McWay waterfalls by taking a short quarter mile long hike, 80 feet above sea level down the Overlook Trail in Julia Pfeiffer State Park. Check in at the Post Ranch Inn and Spa hugging the rugged cliffs of Big Sur. The accommodations are luxurious with a romantic setting that offers a choice of either an ocean or mountain-view, wood-burning fireplaces, indoor or outdoor spa tubs, and private decks. Couples messages are also available. Its located close to nature and the charming villages of Monterey and Carmel.

Santa Barbara - Often referred to as the "American Riviera" it boasts a perfect climate with plenty of sun, surf, fine dining, great wineries and a rich dose of Spanish heritage history. Downtown Santa Barbara is perfect for lazy strolls with a loved one. Pamper yourself and someone special in Santa Barbara. Give yourselves over to the care of luxurious spas, take a day trip though California's "other" wine country, taste the pleasures of world-class dining by candlelight or treat yourself to unique shopping experiences. Check in at the Simpson House Inn. This Southern California romantic getaway is an elegant 1874 Eastlake home, with period Victorian antiques. Secluded within an acre of tall hedges, stone walls, lawn and gardens, a five minute walk from downtown Santa Barbara, you can pamper yourself with one of their many in-room European spa services. For the more active, the inn provides bicycles to cruise around historic, beautiful Santa Barbara, or you can take a mountain hikes. For the less active, take a leisurely beach walk or just relax with a book in the garden.
Charleston, South Carolina is an historic a romantic destination at the waterfront of Charleston's Historic District, you will experience a profound sense of time and place. You'll glimpse the sails in Charleston Harbor and the Ashley River, and you might even detect the fragrant salt air of the Atlantic Ocean. Charleston is all about history. Cobblestone streets and walkways wind past architectural treasures and under moss-draped oaks. The cemeteries are particularly lovely and tell quite a tale on their own. Take a guided walking tour, the one that departs from Charleston Place hotel is led by a 40-year resident and history buff who is writing a book about the city's cemeteries. Or take a horse-drawn carriage ride, you'll hear more tales but you can just snuggle in the back and enjoy the views. Check in at Two Meeting Street Inn, An acclaimed, charming white Victorian mansion overlooking prestigious South Battery at White Point Gardens. Enjoy the sea breezes while gazing upon century-old live oaks and the Charleston Harbor beyond. The Inn's sweeping vista is perfect for an intimate conversation, a courtyard breakfast or sumptuous afternoon tea. Summertime is the ideal time to enjoy peach iced tea or lemonade and spend the day relaxing on the porch, watching the water. They offer a hot southern breakfast in their dining room, on the piazza or garden, or delivered to your suite.
Bar Harbor, Maine Located on Mount Desert Island, is a picturesque village along the rocky coast of Maine with charming shop, restaurants, and marinas with fishing and pleasure boats. For hiking and biking enthusiasts, the nearby Acadia National Park with its granite peaks, one of which is the tallest mountain on the East Coast and the first spot in the United States to see the sun rise. From Bar Harbor, there are many whale watching boast and a high-speed ferries to Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island in Canada. Although summer is the most popular time to visit, many people flock to the area in autumn to enjoy the brilliant colors of fall foliage and get a jump on Christmas gift purchasing. Check in at The Harbor side Hotel, Spa & Marina. This is a luxury resort facility nestled in downtown Bar Harbor, and just moments away from Acadia National Park. The Harbor side offers breathtaking views of Frenchman's Bay and ocean beyond is a perfect destination for a romantic getaways. Guests can enjoy the Dining & Spa amenities of the adjacent Bar Harbor Club
Sedona, Arizona The majestic red rock formations of Northern Arizona's Boynton Canyon are an impressive backdrop to any romantic getaway. Sedona also is known for its spiritual vortex, and its healing opportunities, and to experience sage clearings to release negativity or share spiritual ceremonies in the crystal grotto. For active romantics, the beautiful red landscape can be taken in by jeep tours, horseback riding, hot-air balloon rides, and hiking.
Check in at the Enchantment Resort set amongst the impressive red rock configurations of Boynton Canyon in Sedona, where solitude and colorful sun sets can be viewed amongst the area's famous red rocks. Romantics will experience the luxurious couples Ayurvedic treatments at the Mii amo Spa including massage therapy, spiritual healing treatments, and psychic massages. Or stay at The L'Auberge de Sedona, in Oak Creek Canyon, in the heart of Red Rock country, on the banks of Oak Creek. Enjoy a romantic brook side dinner for two, and a spa treatment to embrace your senses, relax tense muscles and give you a new outlook on your day. They offer services to create a unique sense of intimacy and offer very personalized attention. You can experience your treatment in your cottage or enjoy the Spa Cabana creek side.

Make Possible an Adventure Travel in Cape Town

Have an adventure weekend in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Cape Town in South Africa. No doubt about it, this city is now one of the most favorite in terms of a vacation spot. Maybe, the weekend will not be enough. Some who visited even opted to live in this city due to its sheer beauty. Still others visit the city for the various adventure travel tours it can provide. This includes many types of sports and activities provided by this city to many tourists, one of them being the Cape Town cycling trips.
Another good reason for visiting is the tours held in many of its vineyards that have already become famous the world over. You can feast your eyes on the view and enjoy the free wine tastes given to busloads and shiploads of visitors. Of course, there is the safari which Africa has been known for. You can have a walking safari or be on a vehicle, whichever makes you feel safer or more comfortable.
What you may not know however is that Cape Town also is home to various heart-pounding activities like swimming with the sharks, that is, if you have the heart for it. No need to worry since you will be in a safe metal scuba gear that is shark-teeth resistant and will be placed in a cage that the shark is not supposed to access. You can just see it eye to eye. The whole exercise is safe though with a company that ensures your protection and safety despite the seemingly dangerous activity. You will have your adrenaline pumping and your heart jumping but you will surely not forget such an experience.

If you prefer to be on the safer side, you can opt to do other things. However, you will not be able to do everything that is done in Cape Town in just one visit. There are too many things you can do, e.g., sports, recreation, site-seeing, nature loving, the list never ends.
To make sure that you will be able to visit all the best spots and do all the fun activities during you visit, it is best to plan ahead and get information of the city. The data is readily available online. You can also prefer to give all the planning in the hands of an expert, particularly Cape Town travel consultants who will be able to show you how to have a good time in South Africa. They will be the one to present to you the possibilities and adapt it according to your preference and your budget. They can offer you a ready made package or have it custom made according to your requirements. They can give you a list of all you will need, provide you with the tickets and accommodations, even the equipment you will use if you prefer to join some of the sports events.

Best Travel planning vacation to Spain, France and Italy

If you are planning to go on a vacation, you may wish to consider countries like Spain, France or Italy. In each of these countries, there are beautiful cities, towns and settlements. Each city has its own heritage, history, and story to tell. It's easy to fall in love with the destinations once you get to know the place, the people, and the culture. Here are some highlights of the 3 countries.

-Traveling in Spain.

Spain has many major cities that you can consider visiting. Some must see cities include Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville or Costa Blanca. Compared to other major cities, Madrid may not have the same beautiful architecture. However, it is rich in art culture, and is endowed with beautiful natural scenery.

If you would like to visit magnificent churches and cathedrals, Barcelona would be a better option. This city started off as a tiny settlement surrounded by a defensive wall. It has evolved into a city that is bustling with activity.

-Traveling in France.

When you think about France, you can't help but think about Paris. Paris is the capital of France, and it's also the largest city in France. This city is well known for the artwork that is produced by numerous famous artists. You must have heard of the famous landmarks - Eiffel Tower, the Cathedral of Notre Dame and the Louvre Museum.

The Eiffel Tower is perhaps the most well known among the three. It is often seen in movies, magazines, and books. Everyone is saying that if you haven't seen the Eiffel Tower, you haven't been to Paris.
If you are into musical performances and plays, France has Moulin Rouge to offer. This is a world renowned venue for top class musical performances. Every night, two performances are scheduled. Be sure to book your tickets early so as to avoid disappointment!

-Traveling in Italy.

There are many cities in Italy that are worth visiting. Some examples are Venice, Rome and Florence. Powerful citizens once lived in Rome. In ancient times, it was a city that was without electricity or cars. Because many affluent families live in Rome, slaves were a common sight. Today, many of the magnificent manors, villas and sculptures still remain. The slaves are long gone though.

In Florence, the highlights are the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia. These places are usually flocked with visitors though. You may have to make reservations to ensure that you are granted permission to enter. Tourists visiting Florence like to visit the museums as well as the town center and markets.
Venice is relatively small compared with the other major cities. St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace are usually crowded by mid day. When in Venice, you can choose to explore the city in a tour boat.
To get around these cities and visit more destinations, you may wish to hire a car. Car rental services are available at the airport. You can hire a car way in advance so that upon arrival, a rented car would be waiting for you.

Finding The Very Best Tourist Rates Of Exchange

If you're traveling, you need to take a moment to make sure that you're getting an excellent deal on your tourist rates of exchange. When you're clear on the other side of the world, you really do not want to be stuck somewhere without enough money to get what you need while you're there. If you're not careful with your money exchange, you may wind up losing a bit of money in the long run and having far less to spend when you get where you're going. You need to make sure that the deal you're getting on your exchange is one of the best available because you really don't want to wind up with less money than you need when you get where you're going. Here's what to keep in mind in order to make sure that you're getting a good exchange rate.

-Do Your Homework

You should know the actual exchange rate before spending a single dollar switching your currency over. Look online at one of those financial news websites. They usually have charts to tell you how Yen stack up to dollars and dollars to pounds, so you can check any currency in the entire world against your own to make sure that the prices you're paying at the exchange companies are fair prices. Simply put: Know what the actual world average is in terms of exchange rates so as to make one hundred percent certain that you can't get ripped off, since you'll know exactly what you SHOULD be paying.

-Shop Every Where

Look at everyone's rates, don't just settle for the first people you find. Look everywhere, make them compete for your business. This way you can find the lowest rates and get the most money back for your travel money purchase. It's a competitive market so make sure you take advantage of that and make them compete for your business. Check out everyone, not just the first two companies you can find.

-Use the Web

The internet is what it's all about in this day and age, of course, as it really ties the world together and lets you have access to the entire industry when it comes to money exchange. You can swap any currency for any currency, and at any exchange rate. If you're using the phone book or, even worse, just hoping to find a place fresh out of the airport upon arrival, you're stuck paying whatever they want to ask you for. However, if you use the web, you can really find some of the best exchange rates in the world for any currency you could possibly hope to exchange.

How to buy cheap airline tickets?

If you are planning these holidays to some exotic destination, then you need to reserve air tickets for you and your family for a safe and comfortable journey. Though, you have made enough to help make your family vacation a marvelous one still you may still search for inexpensive air tickets in order to feel fulfilled that you have thought everything correctly and still ended up saving a large amount of income. Today everyone saves money for enjoying their lives. Almost all people like to go by air , rather than spend time in travelling by railways or roadways. Moreover, the discounted fare for air tickets has attracted millions of tourists worldwide as these tickets save good amount of money as well as save time. This way they enjoy more because they have enough time to spend to explore impressive sites while they are on their vacation. But the biggest question while booking your airline tickets is looking around for best possible deal to book cheap air tickets. Now how will you book inexpensive flight tickets easily and quickly? These are some essential tips with which you can easily book cheap airline tickets anywhere in the world.
- Stay away from booking flight tickets during the best time: Mostly, tourists love to plan their vacations when they are enjoying their holidays. However, even you would love to enjoy travelling during your breaks only. If you want a good deal, you should book your cheap air flight tickets either in the beginning of your holidays or during the end of your holidays. Lots of the people love to enjoy through mid-vacation and that is the best season for air travel industry. During this period, the air tickets are surely going to be higher. So prevent venturing during this best period because you will find flight tickets at very increased fees. It will be sensible to re-organize your trip to book cheap air tickets. Furthermore, the crowd won't permit you to take pleasure in your holiday place just like you might enjoy it in relaxing environment.

- Try to book your air tickets in advance: You know that these summers you are certainly going for holiday place. So if you plan an exotic holiday destination in advance, you can book your air tickets well in advance. This will allow you save income because majority of the on-line travel firms offer you savings for advance bookings. Now you can always grab this wonderful opportunity to book cheap air tickets.
- Prevent reserving air tickets during the weekends: The flight tickets during the weekends are quite costlier, so plan to book your tickets during weekdays. So you have to be aware that while arranging airplane tickets, schedule your excursion in the starting of the week or in mid-week. You can easily buy air tickets at discounted rates.
- Try on-line travel agencies: Though there may be many nearest travel services in your area, but you should always search for a dependable on-line travel agency. You can compare the prices offered by your online travel agent for different flights. You can easily decide on an flight journey that costs you minimum air fares. Moreover, booking air tickets through online travel agents not only help you save money, but you can book it quickly and easily.

Six Good Reasons To Take A Family Vacation

When I was young, family vacations with my parents consisted of driving for a week from place to place in a hot stifling car. My parents had the knack of picking the hottest week of the summer to do so. In spite of that, we still had fun, managed to find interesting sites to explore and those are the memories that I still have.

I discovered the joy of travel to far reaching destinations on my own by the time I turned 18. Jumping on a plane and heading off to Brazil, Europe or cruising the Caribbean, has turned into a life long passion my whole family now enjoys with me.

Family vacations have evolved over the years. There have never been more choices, more variety and more options available for family vacations as there is today. Especially since 9/11, the focus on family and community and played a strong role in our society. The travel industry has noticed and has geared up for families. From all-inclusive vacation packages and cruises, which are equipped with kids clubs and special activities: to resorts that supply a nanny for your stay, it's never been a better time for families to travel.

Still not sure? Here are just a few of the benefits of taking a family vacation:

1. The family that plays together, stays together

It is a time to get away from it all. Away from work, the phone calls, the kid's activities, the daily to do list. This is a great opportunity to spend time as a family and get to know each other. Go for a hike, build a sand castle, explore a museum. There is more time to talk and spend time together without the daily distractions.

2. Teach your children well

Travel is an excellent learning tool for kids. They can have the opportunity to learn about things first hand they may have learned in school, read about or saw on TV. Any destination can offer this learning experience whether it is a few hours drive away from you home or in Europe. Family vacations will teach children about different cultures, food, history, geography, climate, environment and so much more. The best part is that it's way more fun for them then learning it through homework!

3. New experiences they will never forget

Family vacations provide a whole new venue for experiences that your kids never would have had otherwise. We took a family cruise last winter, and it was my 9-year-old son's first cruise. We told him all about the ship and showed him pictures but I don't think he could quite grasp what it was really going to be like. We landed in Fort Lauderdale and as we were driving to the port, we could see our ship in the distance. He was excited but still very nonchalant. Once we got to the port and pulled up alongside the ship, he looked up and up and up at the enormous ship, his mouth dropped open and he gasped in amazement. That reaction was worth the price of the whole trip and is something I know our family will always remember.

4. Life is an adventure, especially on vacation

Even if you are not particularly brave there are still many ways to experience the adventures that lie in every corner of our planet. It may be as simple as going to the zoo at your destination and seeing the animals that are local to that habitat or taking a jungle tour though the Amazon. There is so much to see and do, pick the adventures that appeal to your family and do them together.

5. You kids won't be kids forever

Doesn't seem like yesterday that the teenager that just borrowed your car, was in diapers and day-care? Most parents agree that time seems to fly by quickly and those babies are grown before you know it. There will come a time that your children will have lives of their own and sad as it may seem, spending time with Mom and Dad will not be anywhere near the top of their list. Take the time for a family vacation while they still want your company.

6. Time to kick back and relax

Now this part is important. One of the main reasons to take a vacation is to get some rest and recharge. It is important for everyone so don't over do it. Try and schedule an active day followed by a more relaxing day. It's hard to do in some destinations where there is so much to see and do like Disney World, but trust me. The kids will be less tired and cranky and it will give you a reason to come back to the destination again!
I know this all sounds so good, it makes you want to book that trip you've been putting off doesn't it? Well, I will add in a dose of reality here and include a few negatives. There are some natural stresses to travelling. Planes get delayed, kids get cranky, families can have too much of a good thing and get on each other's nerves. The list can go on, but don't let that discourage you, the advantages are too numerous to ignore.

So whether you choose to pack the kids in the car or fly to more exotic destinations, the benefits are the same. As far as memories go, we tend to remember the good things; the time spent together as a family, the new things that were discovered, the new friends we made, the places we saw. This is what your children will remember and, the fact that you were there with them to enjoy it.
When I was young, family vacations with my parents consisted of driving for a week from place to place in a hot stifling car. My parents had the knack of picking the hottest week of the summer to do so. In spite of that, we still had fun, managed to find interesting sites to explore and those are the memories that I still have.
I discovered the joy of travel to far reaching destinations on my own by the time I turned 18. Jumping on a plane and heading off to Brazil, Europe or cruising the Caribbean, has turned into a life long passion my whole family now enjoys with me.
Family vacations have evolved over the years. There have never been more choices, more variety and more options available for family vacations as there is today. Especially since 9/11, the focus on family and community and played a strong role in our society. The travel industry has noticed and has geared up for families. From all-inclusive vacation packages and cruises, which are equipped with kids clubs and special activities: to resorts that supply a nanny for your stay, it's never been a better time for families to travel

Have a great vacation, without parents

Going on vacations sans the parents, has become something very regular now. Adolescents and teens flock together to the hit the roads/ go for trips to exotic destinations with their peers. However, there are some times when you may start missing your parents. Its pretty easy to become homesick while on a vacation without parents, that too, away from home. This article will help you in coping with your vacation without the moms and dads, and will make sure you have a blast, if followed. The first and foremost tip is keeping yourself busy and engrossed during your vacation. Generally, vacation packages have an itinerary planned for activities by people who avail them. This will take your mind away from the thought of missing your parents. Hence, you can divert your mind away from such homesickness. Write to your parents, or even call them often when on tour. Parents are also interested in knowing how safe you are all alone by yourself. Hence, giving them a call everyday/ texting them/ emailing them will comfort both you and your parents. If you are away at an international destination, you could use calling cards. These cards are great for traveling around the world as they help you keep in touch constantly. Just make it a point to buy it for more minutes than you think you will need. One is always subject to use more when away from people they love. These phone cards also prove to be economical, as you have restrictions on the minutes you could use, rather than those skyrocketing mobile phone bills. Making new friends is a great way to socialize when on vacations. This could be anyone. Someone whom you meet at your hotel or during the vacation, who has similar interests, could make a great friend, who discusses stuff with you. You could browse for some unique pieces of jewelry or some souvenirs for your parents. It will be fun to find such special stuff for them, and they will be more than amused to see you do something so sweet. They will really appreciate the gesture. Make sure to snap a lot of pictures, so as to show them, your vacation's fun part. These pictures will make some great times to share between you and your parents, as they too will feel more connected to you when they see you having fun. Finally, when you come home, do not tell your parents about how you hated being without them. Least of all , that's not what they want to hear amidst their moribund schedules of work. Tell them the plus points of your trip and maintain positive conversations about you vacation. Despite following all of the above steps to have fun without your parents, speak out to them of your intention to have a nice time during vacations, with them. Help them plan another trip to go on together. Have fun when you chill out, try not to think much of it. Just remember. Your parents are awaiting your arrival back home.

Saving on Quick Vacations

Everyone loves to take vacations, don’t we? What happens if you want to take a vacation, but you want to take it in the next few weeks? Is it possible? Of course it is, and let me give you some great tips on how you can land the best vacation at the last minute.

Last minute = saves you money
What you’re going to find out with last minute vacations is that you’re going to save a lot of money. When you purchase at the last minute, you will find that you can get great deals from the airlines, as well as the hotel. Since they want to book, and fill their rooms, they are willing to get you in at the half the cost at the last minute.
A lot of people are under the assumption that you’re going to pay an arm, and leg when you purchase at the last minute, because they say it’s going to cost the airlines more to process, and such, but think about it. If you ran a hotel, and you had 500 rooms, and someone tried the book a room for tomorrow, and the day after, and you have 50 rooms just sitting there vacant, you’re probably going to want to book them, because a room with people is a lot better than a room just sitting there.
So, if you were going to charge $125 for a room that night, you’re more than willing to give that person a room for $75 if they really wanted it.
With services such as Priceline’s name your own price, the Internet has done wonders when it comes down to saving you money. What you’re going to find out is that a service like this helps you save money. For example, I was able to use it a few months back. What I did was I wanted to visit some relatives a few hours away. Since I knew the area was nice, and I didn’t care where I stayed, I said I wanted to pay $75 for a room. The regular price for the rooms up there was around $125. If you’re fair, and you’re not being too cheap, hotels are going to accept your offer. This works great at the last minute, trust me!
When you’re ready to book your vacation, try and get a travel agent, or do a lot of homework online with comparison sites like Kayak, and Priceline. Compare the prices until you find one that’s best for your family. In my opinion, some of the best vacations are the ones that are done at the last minute. Not only are you able to surprise your family, you don’t have to wait for months to take the vacation. Since I’m a very impatient person, I want to do it right now.
Try these strategies and tips when you’re looking to take a vacation now, and you want to save money. You will find that it’s really easy to save money, and you don’t have to worry about getting ripped off!

Travel to London Snow

London has been embraced with snow fall this week, with the help of twitterers and a great new web 2.0 style site twitter members all over the UK are able contribute to create an instant snow map. Twitterers add #uk snow, the postcode they currently see snow and the amount of snow determined as..0/10 for nothing, 5/10 for steady snow and 10/10 for arctic blizzard conditions… we think its genius. This is one major geographic collaborative event the UK has a reason to twitter for, literally hundreds of people will twitter whether it is snowing in their area every few seconds. A fully fledged twitter enabled web map created by Ben Marsh can be submerged in white dots in minutes. Users can either take a photo on their web enabled phone and attach the image onto the snow map.
As much as most of us in the UK adore a white Xmas we would like to ask for your caution on the roads as driving conditions get tougher in our heavily congested city. Whether you drive a small car or a big limousine when snow falls you need to make sure you are prepared, not just for your safety but also for pedestrians who will have less visibility. Gritters can not cover every square inch of London and sometimes forecasters get it wrong, it has been known in the past for the councils to have not had a true forecast in order to get grit on the road in time for severe weather changes.


Here are 5 tips for safe travel practice when snow falls…..

1. Don’t drive at all!

We may still complain but London has been voted as having the best public transport system in the world, so folks… use it! You can check your route and any delays via the transport for London website. The website is also compatible via most mobile enabled handsets.

2. Prepare your car

Check the tyres for air, sidewall wear and tread depth. Check antifreeze levels. Check the ignition, brakes, wiring, and hoses. Checking the air, fuel and emission filters, and the PCV valve. Inspecting the distributor. Check the battery.

3. Keep the necessary tools in your car at all times

Keep an ice scraper, defroster and cloth in your car Ensure you have a full tank of petrol in case your route gets diverted

4. Plan your route carefully

Many of you will now be using a sat nav system, perhaps select ‘travel on main route’ / ‘lorry type vehicle’ option ensuring you are minimising minor roads which may not have been gritted.

5. Drive cautiously

Ensure there is at least 10 seconds distance between you and the car in front. Drive in as high gear as possible minimising the risk of skidding, ensure smooth, slow turns. If your vehicle skids DO NOT hit the brakes, ease off the accelerator and try to steer gently into the direction of the skid.

Importance of Travel Books

With the world speeding down the information superhighway, the time for books, it seems, is over. With every bit of information that you can possibly ask for, available on the internet, non-fiction books have been worst hit. For example, when you are planning a trip abroad, you now rely on whatever information the web has to offer. It’s no more like the old times when you would try to get your hands on a travel book or two, in order to know more about your destination. So, does this mean that travel books will die a slow death? Certainly not, because if you consider the importance of travel books, you’ll understand that they are here to stay.

What do Travel Books Tell You?
In a systematic manner, travel books tell you all that you may want to know about different places on earth. From the very exotic locales to the bustling metropolises, there’s hardly a place not described by travel books. These books offer amazing insights into the pros and cons of visiting a place and other details about the weather, famous landmarks, festivals, culture etc. In fact, no matter what kind of holiday you are planning, travel books can help you a lot.

The three major types of travel books deal with adventure holidays, cultural diversities and recreational traveling.

Travel Books and Adventure Holidays
The books in this category tell you about a wide variety of adventure travel destinations round the globe. So take your pick from the wildlife safaris of Africa, Polar expeditions, traveling across the Sahara desert or exploring the virgin forests of Sumatra. You can also get loads of information how to trek, hike, snorkel, dive and do many other thrilling activities.

Travel Books and Culture
Though travel books may not be dedicated wholly to cultural aspects of a particular place, they can give you a clear picture of the different cultural intricacies of a region. If you are looking to be a part of different cultural festivals around the world, these books may be just what you need.

Travel Books and Recreational Traveling
Leisure traveling is what most tourists around the world indulge in. The idea is to spend your free time roaming the world and travel books can tell you how to get the best out of every moment. You can get to know how to plan your tour and which places to see, where to stay and how to travel. What more can you ask for?

Why Travel Books are Forever:
When you are traveling to a distant place, your best friend is the travel book you pack in your luggage. It is a ready-reckoner for times when an unknown land can seem a bit puzzling. No matter how much tech-savvy you are, a travel book can be the only way to access information in some remote locales. Moreover, if you are a person who doesn’t have the resources to travel, you can easily take flight on the wings of imagination, thanks to travel books!

Planning For Beach Vacation (Checklist)

Everyone looks forward to a beach vacation--building sand castles, collecting seashells, diving under waves--so it's no wonder that in the rush to get there, you forget a swimsuit, sand bucket or folding chair. Here's a checklist to make sure you've got everything you need for the sand, surf and sun.
Some people are naturally gifted organizers who never pack too much or too little....then there's the rest of us, who need just a little help in figuring out what to bring and what to leave behind. Fortunately, we have someone on our staff who is one of those naturally gifted people we all hate....err, I mean envy... and she helped us come up with this basic packing list. Your Personal Travel Consultant can help tweak this list for the specific itinerary you book through us, so that your list will be perfect just for you!
All of our homes are equipped for normal housekeeping. They are furnished to the owner's taste, so please care for these items as if they were your own. You'll need to bring all of your linens except for mattress pads, bedspreads and pillows. Our homes will have no paper products, staple items, or cleaning materials. This brief checklist is provided in an attempt to assist you with your packing and shopping.
Traveling broadens our perspective of the world in which we live. Going to foreign countries provides exposure to different cultures, different food, and different languages. Many countries encourage international tourism as a way of boosting their local or national economies, but there are some countries and cultures which view foreigners with suspicion and do not particularly care for strangers in their land. Even in some popular "civilized" travel destinations it is easy to become a victim of thiefs and criminals who will take your luggage, assault you to steal your jewelry and valuables, or cheat you in the price of taxi fares or other services. Your best protection is to be alert, book your tours through trustworthy agencies, and never travel alone to an unfamiliar destination. Make sure that you know the traditions of the land where you want to travel before you start your trip.
Planning a trip can be exciting, as long as you take the necessary precautions. Travel advice will help you decide what you need to bring with you, like travel clothing and supplies. Contact your travel agent if you have any questions during your trip preparation.

Travel arrangements:
Scheduling your trip involves careful planning. Travel agents can help you to organize some of your preparations. First of all, take care of your travel documents. Some countries require only passports, but others require passports and visas. Do not wait until the last minute to obtain your passport because this may require several weeks. To get the best deals for your transportation and hotel accommodations, you will need to make your reservations well in advance of your travel. The best bargains can be obtained during the off-season when demand has diminished. Airlines that provide food service can accommodate special dietary requirements if you give them at least 24 hours advance notice.
Along with your passports and visas, you may need to take along vaccination certificates, and prescriptions for any special medicines that you need. Before embarking on a trip, check to make sure that you are allowed to travel with your medicines. Some medicines sold over the counter in the United States may be considered illegal in other countries and vice versa. There is nothing more unpleasant than starting a vacation on the wrong foot by having to explain to the customs authorities why you are carrying so many "drugs".
As a result of terrorist activities, airports have increased their security inspections before allowing passengers to board. Get to the airport with plenty of time to manage the check-in congestion. Also, don't exceed the container size limits of carry-on liquids, gels, and aerosols, otherwise, your toiletries will be confiscated. All liquids, gels and aerosols must be in three-ounce (84 milliliters) or smaller containers, and they must be placed in a single, quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag.

Trip Preparation
- Visas
- Passports - check the expiration date two months before your trip
- Vaccinations
- Hotel reservations, take along confirmation numbers
- Travel reservations, take along airplane tickets
- Travel insurance to cover the duration of your trip
- Driver's license, registration, insurance cards
- (leave unnecessary cards at home)
- Money or foreign currency (cash, traveler's checks, credit cards)
- Carry some emergency cash in a thin sock attached with a safety pin to the inside of your underwear.
- Car keys, house key. (leave unnecessary keys at home)
- Stop the newspaper and mail.
- A pile of newspapers or a stuffed mailbox tells thieves that you are not at home. You may come back from your trip to an empty apartment or house.
- Turn down thermostat at home
- Arrange for someone to water your plants and take care of your pets.
- Don't forget to leave the keys and itinerary.
- Do not pack your travel documents or money in a suitcase that may get lost. Take your important documents and money in a wallet or purse that you can access at all times.
- Make sure that your luggage has a tag with your name, address, and telephone number.
- Tie a colorful ribbon or attach distinctive stickers to your luggage so that you can identify it easily, and other travelers will not take it by mistake at a busy terminal.

Personal Items
- shirts, blouses, pants, dresses, hats, coats, sweaters
- rain protection - travel umbrella or raincoat
- underwear, socks
- toiletries, cosmetics, shaving needs, deodorant, shampoo
- dental floss, toothbrush, nail clippers, nail file
- contact lens preparations
- camera, batteries, recharger, voltage converter, small flashlight, travel alarm clock, hair drier
- swimming suit, beach towels, sun block cream
- slippers
- sleeping bag, backpack
- Cell phone
- A printed list of emergency phone numbers or address book may be handy if your cell phone batteries die or you lose the phone.

Food
- food supplements
- vitamins
- canned food, can opener
- For international travel, do not take fruits and non-sterile foods such as dried sausages because they can spoil and are usually confiscated by customs.

Car Trip
- Check tire air pressure, including spare
- Tools for changing a tire
- Check oil and gas level
- Flashlight
- Maps
- Sun block, sunglasses
- This is important on a long trip when the sun may be shining on your arms and face for a long time.
- Trash bags, moist towels, napkins
- Insulated bag for cold drinks and fruits
- Take water for drinking, for the radiator, or windshield washer.
- Soft drinks may be OK for you, but they cannot be used for the car.
- Granola bars or other emergency food
- You may be stuck in traffic for a long time when you least expect it.
- Cellular telephone

Camping or Beach Vacation
- Dry snacks (granola bars, nuts, trail mix, jerky) and bottled drinks
- Ice chest
- beach umbrella, folding chairs, beach towels
- sunblock, sunglasses, wide-brim hat
- Swimming suits
- Life vests, inflatable flotation devices
- Sports equipment (baseball, bats, beach ball, surfboard)
- Sleeping bag, air mattress
- Tent, stakes, ropes, hammer, shovel
- Portable stove, pots, pans
- Lantern, kerosene, batteries
- Emergency signaling equipment (cell phones, radio, mirrors)
- Maps, compass, Global Positioning System (GPS)
- Survival Gear (knife, ax, waterproof matches, saw, fish hooks, fishing line)
- Water purification tablets
- Insect repellent, snake-bite kit, first aid kit
- Backpacks
- Hiking boots, jeans, long sleeve shirts, coat
- Before a hike, spray insect repellent on your shoes, socks, and pant cuffs to discourage ticks and insects from crawling up your legs
- Hunting equipment (rod and reel, guns, ammunition, bows, arrows)
- Make sure that you have proper permits for guns and licenses for fishing and hunting.
- You may need a tape measure and a spring scale to make sure that your catches are of legal size. Use guns safely!

Must Have:
- Wallet and/or purse and cash (we often forget the most obvious things)
- Credit cards and/or traveler's checks (plus list of numbers of both)
- Car and house keys (plus duplicate sets kept in different bags)
- Eyeglasses and/or contact lenses (plus lens cleaner)
- Medical insurance cards, list of phone numbers
- Prescriptions and other medications
- Itineraries, tickets and reservation confirmations
- Maps and directions
- Camera, film, digital camera memory cards, batteries

Must Do:
- Pick up trash / Remove trash from home before departure
- Buy travelers checks
- Tune-up car, check tires, battery, major fluids, brakes etc...
- Replace expired prescriptions and medication and replace expired sunblock, most SPF lotions lose potency over years time
- Replenish Toiletries kit
- Hold incoming mail and newspapers
- Notify neighbors of your vacation and give phone # for emergencies
- Mow your lawn just before you leave
- If you're leaving your car, leave it parked in the driveway
- Lock all windows and doors before you leave
- Unplug small appliances
- Turn off AC/Heat
- Make arrangements for any pets you have

Packing Clothes:
- Complete change of clothes for each person per day (think cool, comfortable clothing) — though if you are renting a place with laundry facilities, you may be able to get away with less
- Lightweight sweater or jacket and long pants for cooler evenings
- Swimsuits (two per person, so you'll always have a dry one)
-Beach towels (again two per person is ideal)
-Beach cover-ups or roomy T-shirts (to throw on over swimsuit when you've had enough sun)
-Baseball caps or wide-brim hats (to protect faces from sun)
-Sunglasses with UV protection for adults
-Sandals (rubber, plastic or waterproof are best)
-Beach Bag
-Family size Beach Blanket

Toiletries:
- Bath Soap
- Toothbrush/Paste
- Deodorant
- Mouthwash
- Cologne/Perfume
- Contact lenses
- Razor Kit
- Shaving Cream
- Tissues
- Cotton Swabs
- Matches
- Mouthwash/Dental Floss
- Bottle Opener
- Sunscreen
- Nail clippers/tweezers
- Cosmetics
- Cotton Balls/Qtips
- Combs, Brushes

First Aid Kit:
- Band Aids
- Aspirin
- Moist Towelettes
- Sunscreen
- Gauze
- Motion sickness tablets
- Birth control
- Adhesive strips
- Antibacterial handsoap
- Cold Medicine
- Insect Repellant
- Lotion for Insect bites
- Thermometers
- Aloe Vera Gel
- Lip Balm with sunscreen

For the Baby:
- Baby Powder
- Teething Ointment
- Diaper Rash Lotion
- Baby sunscreen
- Baby Wipes
- 2 outfits per day, sleeping clothes
- Cool clothing
- Stroller
- Baby formula, Bibs
- Diapers
- Changing Pad
- Zippered plastic bags
- Bathing supplies
- Baby food and spoon
- Pacifiers
- Blankets

For Older Kids:
- 1 outfit per day, 2 extra tops
- 2 swimsuits per child
- 1 nice outfit
- 1 out-of-season outfit
- 2 towels per child
- Beach toys, Frisbee, paddle ball *usually available upon arrival

For Traveling:
- Travel Games, Books
- Crayon, Clip Board
- Cooler with drinks and snacks

Safety Checks:

Upon arrival to your destination: Make sure the pull-cord loops on older window blinds and drapes have been eliminated or secured. Cut the loop of the pull cord just above the tassel to result in two cords, or keep the loop taut with a tie-down device that fastens the cord to the floor or wall.
Hand-test the hot water temperature. A child can suffer third-degree burns in a matter of seconds if exposed to water above 120 degrees F. Most rental homes do not have anti-scald devices or renter access to the water heater thermostat. Hand-test the water upon arrival to avoid accidental scalding in the bath or shower.
Examine bunk beds for proper installation and support of the mattresses. Bunk bed guardrails, like crib slats, need to be close enough together to avoid head entrapment. Avoid allowing children under the age of 6 to sleep in the top bunk.
Place all household cleaners and other potentially dangerous chemicals in a locked cabinet or closet. Inspect the rental crib to make certain it is sturdy, properly assembled and in good condition.

Nice to have items:

- Folding beach chairs, Umbrella
- Beach Cooler
- Flashlight
- Pillows
- Video Recorder
- CD Player
- Books / Books on Tape
- Alarm Clock
- Cell phone and battery charger
- Travel journal
- Water-proof sheets

Dressing Tips While Traveling

Dressing in Germany
German fashion - think Karl Lagerfeld, Joop,Jill Sanders, Mont Blanc, BMW, Mercedes...sleek, stylish, lots of black. Looking like a German is easy once you get a few things down.
Don't wear trainers (sports shoes) unless they are the latest in Pumas or another like brand.
Don't wear running gear unless you are running. Wear lots of black - black skirts, black dresses, black shirts.
Women, complement your wardrobe with a scarf, you don't need jewelry, just a nice scarf - and no one is going to steal a scarf from your hotel room.
Jeans are always OK - add a jacket for the evening but don't wear your jeans with tennis shoes and white socks.
Try to avoid wearing shorts - a sure indication that you are not a German.
Wear Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren, or other American designers-actually most designer labels are OK. Of course, if you can afford Hermes, that never hurts.
Back packs are fine if you are touring, but don't wear a fanny pack unless it is of leather. When in doubt, jeans and a simple black tee shirt will do, whether you are a man or a woman. Don't walk down the street in the rain without an umbrella - you will get wet. If you are staying in a hotel that offers robes and slippers and you want to go down to the pool or sauna, use them, don't go down to the sauna in your gym suit unless you are planning to work out.
Don't wear your bathing suit in the sauna. Dress up when you go out at night - it's fun and a lot of German night clubs still have dress codes. All that being said, Germany is becoming increasingly casual, wear what you like and be comfortable. Enjoy yourself and make sure you have good walking shoes - even if they are not designer trainers. Bottom line is, nobody cares as long as you tip well and are polite. But if you are like me, you want to blend in just a bit, so knowing how to dress never hurts. You can do it on no budget at all (think monochromatic), and it is rather fun to be mistaken for a German when you walk in the door to a restaurant.

Dressing in Europe
Any visit to Europe involves going in and out of churches to look at the art. The churches are full of fabulous art, but many are also regular churches being used by local people. You are entering a place of worship and are expected to dress and act accordingly. Do not talk loudly. If there is a religious ceremony going on, wait until it is finished to examine the art near the altar.
Some churches have signs telling you what type of clothing is acceptable, some have people at the doors turning people away who are not appropriately dressed, some do not have a dress code enforced. It varies from church to church. It is best to dress appropriately in case they are turning people away because of inappropriate dress.
This photo shows a sign on the door of the Orvieto Duomo in Italy. This is what it is trying to say:

- Not Permitted: Men and women cannot be in short shorts or sleeveless tops.
- Permitted: Men can wear long shorts (to the knee) and women can wear skirts to the knee.
- No dogs, no cameras.
- Usually sleeveless tops are not permitted for either men or women. A woman can carry a light shawl to cover her shoulders and upper arms when needed. Frequently shorts are not acceptable. We usually wear long pants in Italy; lighter weight ones in the summer.
On average, Europeans tend to dress better than Americans. Steve and I dress a little better when we are in Europe. Things are more casual now than they were 10 years ago and we no longer bring a jacket and tie for Steve for restaurants, but we do bring one or two casual shirts for going out for dinner. We also wear nice looking leather walking shoes instead of running shoe-like walking shoes (although running shoes are starting to be more popular in Europe). You need comfortable footwear because you spend a lot of time walking, but pick a shoe that looks nice too. Be sure your shoes are well broken in before your trip.
The topic of blue jeans in Europe comes up regularly on all the travel message boards. Here is my opinion. Ten years ago wearing jeans in Europe was out of place. This is no longer the case. You will see Italians in jeans (and even in jogging suits and running shoes). Do not avoid jeans because you think they will make you stand out as American.
I personally love jeans and always bring them to Europe. Jeans are good because they don't show the dirt. You can easily go a month without washing them and they don't look outrageous. You can wear them hiking, or put on a nicer top to go out for dinner. But jeans are heavy to pack (I always wear mine on the plane) and if you wash them they can take days to line-dry in the wet season. Most laundries charge by weight so it is expensive to get them washed and dried.
I think it boils down to whether or not you are a blue jeans person. If you are, then bring them. Cotton pants are more sensible in the hot weather, but when you are away from home it is sometimes comforting to wear your favorite clothes.

Dressing for Air Travel
It's really embarrassing to set off the metal detector while you frantically pat your pockets. It's worse to get called aside to for a secondary X-ray search. This can happen over a simple, forgotten tie tack. A secondary inspection involves:

- An intimate pat down with someone's hands,
- And a metal detector web wand set at an absurdly high sensitivity.
- This is all in full view of everyone passing through the gate. This is pretty irking, but even worse, can make you miss your flight during peak travel times.
Best to just be proactive; dress simply, in loose, comfortable clothing. Wear shoes that slip off - you will have to take them off anyway for X-raying. No hair ties, belts, jewelry, doodads or watches (check the time on your cell or PDA instead).
Wear a comfortable, clean outfit with elastic, like an attractive jogging suit or other stylish or sporty casual wear. This will be much more comfortable on the plane for prolonged sitting, and attempted sleeping.
This kind of attire won't wrinkle, either. No one says a business traveler has to look like a cardboard cutout in a power suit. Find some leisure-wear that says "expensive" and no one will question your judgment or taste in business class. Try shopping at Nordstroms - tell the sales staff exactly what you are looking for. This should not be a new request to them.
Wear slip on shoes. You will have to remove your shoes for the security check, for one thing. And for another, feet will swell during flight, so slip on shoes are a great choice. Wear fresh socks in consideration to others if you have smelly feet.
If you are traveling without a carry-on bag, you will need to place all your personal items through the X-ray conveyor belt in something. Don't hold up the line while you check all your pockets. Have everything ready to go in a Ziplock or other see-through plastic bag. Lay the bag on the conveyor belt in the provided bins. If everyone did this ahead of time, security checkpoints would be a breeze. Remember that jackets go through the X-ray machine as well.

How To Safely And Legally Travel With A Gun

How To Safely And Legally Travel With A Firearm

Complying with the TSA requirements is something you don’t want to worry about after you arrive at the airport. It is important that you fully understand the TSA requirements for transporting your firearm from destination to destination. This will not only provide for a faster, easier, more hassle-free experience when you arrive, but it’s also important for other reasons, like the threat of weapon confiscation, a run in with the law, and not following the rules is a crime with stiff penelaties of nto only criminal prosecution, but cival penalites up to $10,000 per violation.

Rules and Regulations for safely and legally transporting your firearm*

The key regulatory requirements to transporting firearms, firearm parts or ammunition in checked baggage are: (taken from the TSA website)

* You must declare all firearms to the airline during the ticket counter check-in process.
* The firearm must be unloaded.
* The firearm must be in a hard-sided container.
* The container must be locked.
* We recommend that you provide the key or combination to the security officer if he or she needs to open the container. You should remain present during screening to take the key back after the container is cleared. If you are not present and the security officer must open the container, we or the airline will make a reasonable attempt to contact you. If we can’t contact you, the container will not be placed on the plane. Federal regulations prohibit unlocked gun cases (or cases with broken locks) on aircraft.
* You must securely pack any ammunition in fiber (such as cardboard), wood or metal boxes or other packaging that is specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition.
* You can’t use firearm magazines/clips for packing ammunition unless they completely and securely enclose the ammunition (e.g., by securely covering the exposed portions of the magazine or by securely placing the magazine in a pouch, holder, holster or lanyard).
* You may carry the ammunition in the same hard-sided case as the firearm, as long as you pack it as described above.
* You can’t bring black powder or percussion caps used with black-powder type firearms in either your carry-on or checked baggage.

Additional restrictions and regulations for transporting a firearm

Violations can result in criminal prosecution and civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation. Airlines may have their own additional requirements on the carriage of firearms and the amount of ammunition that you may have in your checked baggage. Therefore, travelers should also contact the airline regarding its firearm and ammunition carriage policies. Also, please note that many other countries have different laws that address transportation and possession of firearms. If you are traveling internationally, please check with the authorities at your destination about their requirements.
The best travel gun cases are made with a high-impact ABS plastic reinforced with fiberglass that provides superior strength and durability. Many have an outside that is rugged and strong while the inside may come with a foam bottom and top lid, and a soft center of “pick & pluck” foam. This foam is a block of foam that has been pre-scored, all the way through so that you litterally just “pick” out the individual pieces of foam you don’t want, and “pluck them out leaving the negative space behind to softly cradle your contents.

What Not To Wear

What makes certain styles of pants so popular? One reason is fashion and the other comfort. Two examples of pants bought for comfort are tapered leg jeans or pants and Capri pants. Younger women flock low-rise jeans because they are fashionable. Both Capri pants and low-rise jeans look best on tall, slim silhouettes - how many 'real' women are tall and slim? The truth is that the majority of the female population does not have 'Barbie' figures so those styles instead of looking great actually accentuate flaws.
To look your best take your body type into consideration before choosing to wear the latest fashion. You will appear slimmer and more fashionable if you wear clothing that suits your body type. Lets look at cropped pants, low-rise jeans and high-rise tapered jeans and decide what to wear and what not to wear.
Cropped pants (pedal pushers, Capri, clam diggers) end usually somewhere in-between the knee and the ankle, What they do:

* Make you look shorter

* Make you hips look larger

* Your legs look shorter

* Your ankles thicker

However, some of these problems can be avoided depending on the style of Capri pant. Capris that are the best choice:

* Dark in color

* Plain color (no prints)

* End just below the knee

* Have tapered legs (more fitted at the bottom)

* Worn with a tiny sandal

* Without cuffs

Most young women like to wear low-rise jeans despite how ill fitting they might be. Low- rise jeans sit below the hips about 3 inches below the belly button. Low-rise jeans can:

* Make a thick waist look thicker

* Narrow hips look more narrow

* A long waist look longer

* Short legs, shorter

* Can make you look 10 lbs larger

This style (low-rise) is flattering only to those who are absolutely slim. Don't be discouraged. You can still wear jeans that look great and wear them low, but not low enough that they create bulges. Wear them:

* Not too tight

* Approximately 1 inch below the belly button.

High-rise, tapered pants fit snuggly around the waist with a leg that tapers in close to the ankle. If you own and wear high-rise tapered pants or jeans get rid of them now unless you want your:

* Hips to look wider and larger

* Tummy to look bigger

A better choice is straight or wide leg pant with a flat front.

Choosing the Right Hotel

Whenever you book a vacation, choosing a hotel is key to your level of enjoyment. Hotels are usually rated with a star system, and this generally correlates with the hotels' price. When choosing a place to stay, ask yourself the following questions: How much time will I spend in the hotel? What amenities are most important to me? Am I looking for a home away from home or just a place to lay my head for the night? Knowing your own expectations can make choosing among hotels a lot easier.
Five-star hotels generally are the most expensive. You are paying for luxury. These hotels usually offer butler service, large bathrooms with soaking tubs, spa-inspired bath products, and high-end bed linens. Lobbies in five-star hotels are laden with marble and fresh flowers. Service is impeccable.
Still quite elegant are four-star hotels. Usually the difference is slight. Maybe the rooms are a bit smaller, the linens a slightly lower thread count, and the shampoos less expensive. The biggest difference seems to be in the price.
Three-star hotels offer clean and comfortable accommodations but may not offer the same amenities as their pricier cousins. Guest rooms are less elegant, but comfortable nevertheless. Bathrooms are generally pretty standard. (If you're looking for a rain shower, you probably won't find it here.) Service is fine, though the staff doesn't bow at your feet quite the same way. Many guests find this level of service more comfortable; others miss being treated like royalty. Down in the two-star range you will find hotels that serve as a bed for the night but offer little else in the way of comfort. These hotels are good for driving trips where you only plan to spend a limited amount of time and then hit the road again. Count on "plain." No fancy sheets or down comforters, probably a stall shower instead of a big bathtub, and definitely no champagne and strawberries. Room service? Maybe, but it's probably more likely that you'll ask the lobby for the local pizza joint's menu.
One-star hotels are best for budget travelers who aren't too picky about where they sleep as long as it's cheap. Not usually the cleanest or most updated places, these are meant for those guests who don't plan to spend a whole lot of time in their hotel room. If you're far more interested in the sightseeing than the size of your pillow, these hotels might suit you just fine. If you've chosen to stay in hotels during your travels, choose wisely based on your own personal needs. As long as you're willing to pay a price equal to your expectations, you won't be disappointed.

Apartments are Good for Your Health

Work-rate, health and even personal relationships may be affected if you stay in hotel accommodation for longer than 4 nights on business. Natalie Wakefield of The Apartment Service states her case. Business Travellers will spend significantly more to secure a seat in the First Class cabin of an aircraft and the reasons are beyond question: they can catch up on work or stretch out and relax - and besides, haven't you heard of Economy Class Syndrome? Yet when they arrive at their destination, they will often stay for several nights, weeks or even months confined within the same four walls. "Let's call it Hotel Accommodation Syndrome."
When work takes you away from home for even longer periods - training courses, temporary or perhaps permanent relocation - the situation becomes almost grave. Individuals need a lot more than simply a pillow on which to lay their tired heads, although every little helps. They need to spread out, relax, just like in the aircraft. And with the restaurant and Room Service menus exhausted, they pine for the taste of home. Arguably worse still, work begins to suffer. More time and effort is spent escaping from the hotel room than on work, which has become disjointed and disorganised. Irritability sets in and relationships at work and at home both suffer.
The problem with hotels is that they are for sleeping in. The business traveller, especially with family, needs somewhere to sit and relax, make a snack or a meal, have a meeting or spread out the paperwork. Serviced apartments will always offer much better value-for-money compared with a hotel, if public areas are less important to the guest. It is upon this cost-saving, that this very model is based. And what is good for the individual is good for the company.
Today, Executive Roomspace (ERS), a market leader in short term serviced apartments, ensures that business travellers can confidently book an apartment. Specialising in stays of 1-month plus where even greater savings are possible. ERS offer properties throughout Greater London, including, Canary Wharf, Clerkenwell, Fleet Street, Kingston, Marylebone, South Kensington, The City, Twickenham, Victoria and Wimbledon as well as throughout the Home Counties, the M4 Corridor to Swindon and Bristol beyond.
By the very nature of the beast, the flexibility required to offer something different for every client makes it difficult to meet demands for a standardised and consistent product. At Executive Roomspace (ERS) they believe they have found the solution. Charles McCrow comments "ERS promises consistent standards together with a pledge that, should a client express dissatisfaction with the accommodation within 48 hours of arrival, alternative accommodation or a full refund will be offered - this offers complete peace of mind to both booker and agent".
The same value extends across the board and broadly speaking equates to a 30% saving on rates in hotels of a comparable standard. Branded apartment accommodation usually targets the mid-market, short to medium stay clients. The accommodation you can expect is functional with achievable rates of around £65 per person per night with possible discounts for weekly or monthly stays in a one-bedroom apartment, although lower rates are possible in a studio. At the upper end of the market, the rates will approximately double. One of the major factors affecting savings in apartment accommodation is that the charges are per room and not per person. The apartment is already reasonably priced. Add to this the economies when you stay with a family of four or on business with a colleague in a two-bedroomed apartment and the savings increase still further. To achieve maximum savings for your specific requirements, it is advisable to contact one of the booking agencies providing expert advice in this area, as the benefits of their advice will out weigh any perceived savings of choosing an apartment and negotiating direct. The serviced apartment market has emerged as a most cost-effective alternative to hotel accommodation and, at times the only option to consider. High in comfort, low in cost with complete consistency. Three C's that provide a good benchmark for anyone needing to stay, for whatever length of time, away from home, proving Vitamin C really is good for your health.

The Land Of The Sun

I'm sure you've heard of the land of the free, but the phrase "land of the sun" is a lot less common. Or at least, you'd think so. Strangely enough, a lot of people are familiar with the area. Certainly more then you would expect. Costa del Sol, whose name translates as "coast of the sun", is a very popular retirement and holiday destination. Whether you are just looking for a holiday destination, or for somewhere to buy a holiday home, the Costa del Sol is ideal. In most cases, there is usually some reason not to visit a particular area- some downside to consider. There is none here.
Whatever you want to do on holiday, you can do it in the Costa del Sol. If you just want to lounge on the beach, well, I suppose you coud do that- although there is really so much more on offer. If this is all you want to do, then I suggest you go down in the winter. It's sunny and warm all year round, but there are fewer tourists in the winter months. So don't worry abou it being cold there. No snow in spain, unless you want some- and then you just have to head up a nearby mountain.
To be fair, there is a downside. Once you get there, you might never want to leave! The capital city of Costa del Sol is the third biggest in Spain, and a world-class center of art and culture, while the nearby city of Marbella is host to an incredible array of high-quality theatres, restaurants, and classy clubs of all descriptions. In addition to the more common holiday options, there are also a variety of more unusual options. the most obvious being the ever popular mountains, of course, where you can ski in the winter, or hang glide and mountain bike in the summer. Or even just go on a long hike through the verdant forests. Whatever you desire, its your holiday.
If you don't particularly like mountains, there are plenty of things you can do closer to the sea. For example, Costa del Sol has Tivoli world, one of Spain's largest fun parks, and somewhere you simply must visit while your there. You know that if you don't, your inner child will never let you hear the end of it. Besides Tivoli, there are a number of zoos and safari parks, as well as other wide ranging activities such as golf. Then down by the sea there is every watersport imaginable, from water-skiing to scuba diving to swimming with dolphins, although I'm not sure that qualifies as a sport! Plus, from the shores of Costa del Sol, you can see some incredible scenery. The nearby mountains fill the horizon, while across the water the shores Africa are visible.
If you only intend on taking one holiday in your life, and want to go somewhere special, then go to Spain. The Costa del sol can be reached via a single flight from any major city in the world, and property there is going so fast that if you want to buy a place, you had better do so now- before the costs rise beyond all belief. Of course, that makes it a very good investment, which you can use as a holiday home while you wait to profit. In any case, it's a great place to visit. Author Property Scount is an extremely well travelled explorer, familiar with the world in general and properties in Costa del Sol in particular. Click to visit his properties for sale Costa del Sol web site.

Make Your Ideal Honeymoon

!p>First Things First – Define Your Ideal Honeymoon
Most people grow up with a preconceived notion of what an ideal honeymoon should involve. However, a bride’s idea of tropical paradise and a groom’s idea of a ski resort could conflict.

Consider these questions as soon as honeymoon talks begin:
What is most important? Sun and surf or the privacy of a cozy mountain retreat?

Are you looking to experience new cultures in distant lands or do you just want to get away from it all?

Do you want to go around the corner or around the world?

Do you want to spend more on the wedding or the honeymoon?

Niagara Falls like your parents? The Caribbean like your friends? Europe like your ancestors?

What sounds better: a cruise, a package vacation or an all-inclusive resort?

Types of Honeymoons
Unless your dream destination has already been set in stone, first decide what type of vacation you want and then narrow down your list of destinations accordingly.
Resorts are the most popular honeymoon destinations, for they transport you into another world for a miraculous escape from the daily grind. Often set in the most picturesque places in the world, they include pools, private beaches and golf courses, as well as culinary delights and relaxing spas.
All-inclusive resorts streamline the enjoyment process by including everything — your room, transfers, recreational facilities, meals and drinks — all in one price. Without the worries of wondering how much everything little thing will cost, you are free to live the high life and experience everything you want as often as you want it. If an all-inclusive resort sounds tempting but too stationary, consider taking a cruise. Cruises are floating resorts that whisk you away to one exotic port after another.
Looking for adventure? Ask us to help find you and your fiance' some outdoor exhilaration! Whether it’s white-water rafting in Colorado, hiking through the Alps or taking an African safari, sharing the experience will become a vital bond you both will share forever.
Cultural and historical trips are fascinating and romantic ways to reconnect with the past. Visit a famous European city — Paris, London, Rome…the list goes on — and inhale the culture, soak in the sights and experience the art of living. Or dive into the rich history of the old world country from which your family originated. The unique perspective you gain will become a central root for your future family tree.

Want Stress Free? Leave it to a Professional

We can save you money as well as time — two enormous factors for a couple trying to plan a wedding and a honeymoon simultaneously. We specialize in providing personalized suggestions to suit your interests and your budget.
Begin early and share the planning. To ensure that you both enjoy the honeymoon, make all the decisions together. Make time for yourselves. Pad your honeymoon schedule with generous amounts of free time, for a rushed and overly organized honeymoon might feel too much like your wedding. Instead, plan a few enjoyable activities and leave lots of opportunities to just enjoy each other's company.
Set a tentative budget. Talk about your expectations and priorities from the very beginning and decide what you might splurge on and where you might cut corners.
Splurge on whatever accommodations you choose. No matter what type of vacation package you choose, you will spend an enormous amount of time in your room or cabin. Make it special — make it unforgettable. Use your maiden name. Unless you’re taking a delayed honeymoon, you won’t have time to change the name on your passport and driver’s license. Use your maiden name on visas, airline tickets, etc., so they match as it appears on your official documents.
Tell the world you’re on your honeymoon. Stand up on every chair, on every rock and shout, “We’re on our honeymoon!” Everyone from strangers to airlines to hotels will take notice and cheerfully offer you such special treatment such as complimentary champagne in-flight or a gift basket in your room. Go ahead, it’s your honeymoon.

The Problem With Timeshares And Vacation Rentals

Timeshares are becoming obsolete. As more people want to get away to exotic locations around the world, the demand for timeshares purchases and rentals have gone up. Because of this, prices have also skyrocketed. It is not uncommon to see timeshares going for over $10,000. This high front end cost, plus an annual maintenance fee which can range from several hundred to several thousands, can really do damage to a person's wallet.
A timeshare is a bad investment for several reasons. Not only is the cost enormous, they also depreciate in value. Unless you have a timeshare in a very desirable, exotic location, you can never regain the initial capital that was needed to invest in the first place.
Many other vacationers decide that perhaps renting is the better choice and when it comes down to price, it most definately is. However, due to high demands, it is near impossible to get your specific resort, in the location that you prefer. Many timeshare owner's, trying to recover their initial fees, charge high rental prices. This has been very discouraging for travelers, as they try to find the best deal for the time that they desire. If you look at the various wanted ads online, you will see that there are people who are posting many months ahead of when they need the resort because of this frustrating circumstance.
In this day and age, people are looking for convenience at low cost. No one is interested in paying high fee's and staying at sub-par resorts anymore. There has to be a balance between quality and cost.
Up until now, there has not been an alternative to all of this. Throughout the years, many different memberships and clubs have invaded the market, trying to snatch up the customers who are not willing to pay ridiculous sums of money for one week of vacation. Unfortunately, many vacation clubs and memberships operate in the same way. The Upfront cost with continuing membership fees, not to mention having to pay for the vacation, saving perhaps only a few dollars here and there. They receive more variety, but the cost is still out of sync.
Searching for the perfect vacation can be extremely difficult, especially when you are on a budget. Travel agents can be very helpful in locating a resort at decent prices, but you still have to pay for their commission. Unfortunately, some businesses will take advantage of a customer, if they see that they are less inclined to object to high prices.
Fortunately, there are new businesses that allow people to travel for less, at high quality resorts. These full service operations ensure that the customer has every need filled and every question answered. As these alternative choices for travel increase in popularity, the purchasing of timeshares and the need for travel agents will decline at the same time. Why spend thousands of dollars to pay out the profit and commissions, when wholesale prices are available for all aspects of travel?
Sometime's it just takes awhile to find the best resource, but when you find it, it is worth it.

David Anderson Giles operates a website that help's vacationer's solve their travel problems. You can visit the website at dag.myglobaltravelnetwork.com or call him at 403-256-9092

European Car Rental - Top Ten Tips for Europe Travel

Many people believe that the first thing you should do to plan a trip is to figure out where you want to go. In a way this is correct, but only in a general sense. For example, say on your next trip to Europe you want to visit France, Spain and Italy. This is fine and you should have an idea of this to begin with. The reason that I wrote the previous three articles in the order I did: Car Size & Type, Price and Insurance, is that I feel you should have a good idea of what it is you need before you decide on what it is you want. The same is true of airfare and hotel accommodations as well but here we are only talking about planning the car rental part of the trip.
Once you know your requirements in relation to your budget. It's time to decide how much time you'll have and how far you can drive, and the routes you want to take. There are several excellent programs on the internet for determining driving times and distances between two locations. For Europe, I recommend Mappy, since it is very detailed and will give you some idea of landmarks to look for while driving, along with toll information for longer stretches. If you have the processing power, Google Earth is also a really neat program to work with, although it is much more complicated. Make sure you have the address (including postal code) of the place you are leaving from and arriving to. Most of the time this will be from one hotel to the next, or between the hotel and the car rental company. Try to find a rental location that is both near to your hotel and a highway on-ramp. This is increasingly important depending on the size and population of the city you are driving into. Surprisingly enough I have yet to find a program that easily maps from one European airport to another, although MapoRama hits it sometimes. Route 66 software will get you the distances between airports but not the written out directions or toll information.
Now that you know how to get where you are going, it's time to figure how how much and how long it will take to get there. If you are doing pretty straightforward highway driving you can take the distance given to you in the mapping program and divide it by 60 (or 96 if it was given to you in kilometers) and this will give you a rough approximation of travel time. Remember that if you are planning on doing some sightseeing, allow yourself at least twice this number. Although you did rent a car to get from one place to the other in the most efficient way, it doesn't do you any good to miss all the sights. That's what you came to Europe for, right?
The other factor in this case is how much gas is going to cost you. The first thing you have to know in this case is how many miles (or kilometers) per gallon the vehicle you are renting is going to get. A good number to work with is about 30 mpg for 1.6 litre engine vehicles (typically intermediate or standard sedans) and 40 mpg for 1.4 litre engines (economy and compact). These numbers are actually a little low but it's better to err on the side of caution. Considering these are highway numbers and not city, in-town driving will bring this figure down a bit. This is also based on a manual transmission. Also it is not uncommon to receive either an upgrade at the counter to a larger car class due to a lack of the size you reserved, nor is it rare to receive a compact car with a 1.6 litre engine. These things do happen and it's better not to be caught unawares. Once you know this, just apply this simple equation:

Cost = (Distance / Mpg) * Price per Gallon

Also be aware that as most things in Europe are in Euros, kilometers, and litres, you may need to do some additional conversions. There are 1.6094 kilometers to every mile, and there are 3.8 litres to every gallon. To find out what the current exchange rate is from the dollar to Euro, consult your favorite on-line currency converter. A quick example of this to go by, let's say you have to drive from Vienna, Austria to Paris, France (about 775 miles) in a 1.6 litre engine Renault Laguna. The resulting cost would be about $120 dollars since the current price per litre in Austria is about 1.01 euros or $4.67 USD per gallon, which is then multiplied by 25.83 (775 miles divided by 30 mpg). So you can tell now that this is a major expense, not to mention adding the toll fees on top of that! This might seem exorbitant at first but try checking out railpasses for 4 people and then you'll see not only is this pretty modest but you won't have to change trains, miss scenic opportunities or travel on someone else's schedule.
So are you ready to enjoy your new-found freedom? Well before you go, let's talk about big city driving. Most travelers fly into a major airport, get their vehicle and head straight into the city. It's probably a better idea to take the train or a taxi into town first, establish yourself at your hotel, get your bearings and then make your way to the rental agency to pick up your car. If you have ever driven in NYC, Los Angeles or even Boston, then you have an idea of what it can be like, but you still need to stay alert at all times. Each city has its own quirks, such as London (left hand driving, congestion zone charges), Barcelona (one way streets), Paris (traffic, no parking), Rome and Florence (also remember in Venice you have to drop the car outside of town). Believe the hype about the Italian driving style if you haven't been privy to it. Extremely aggressive, with a case-by-case attitude towards obeying traffic signs, stoplights, etc. It isn't bad driving per se (some would call it exciting) but hard to adapt to. Make sure you know where your arrival airport is in relation to the place you are staying. Consult the tourist boards for public transportation.
All in all, taking a rental car through Europe is a unique experience. As tourists from another continent, we must respect all rules and regulations concurrent to the country we are driving in. I urge you to learn all the signs and at least some of the road language. Remember that most of the time they are not in English! Ignorance of the law does not make you exempt from it, so if you get pulled over, politely explain that you were unaware but don't expect special treatment for it (if anything expect a bigger fine) since you are an American. After that you can speed back onto the Autobahn and join the everyday race. Just remember to pass on the left..