Some Advice for Car Rental South Africa

The Republic of South Africa offers its visitors beauty, diversity and a variety of cultures and heritages that make this country unique in the world. So, there are some elements that must be considered when visiting South Africa, in order to meet as many places as you can.

One of the best prospects of meeting this incredible country is a self-drive trip. Car Rental KZN South Africa always gives affordable and reliable services. You must only research over the Internet to find the appropriate car rental agency for you.

In South Africa car rental is easy and reliable. Despite that, you will be ready to prepare some items to choose the best option for you. Complete the information related to the city you will arrive and the city you will depart from. This is especially important when booking online, in order to check availability and conditions. According to the places you will visit, define the type of car you will require (4x4, motorhome, sports car, etc.). Once you have booked your vehicle, you need to be aware of some tips that will make drive South African roads easier.

Remember that the range of age required to rent a car is between 21 and 25 years of age. It will depend on the agency regulations. In South Africa, you will often find that in small towns attendants fill up your tanks. Drive carefully and allow faster vehicles to pass. It is necessary to have an updated map to choose the best roads for you.

By following these simply instructions and the ones that your car rental South Africa agency will give you at the moment of signing your deal, you will have the best trip of your life. South Africa is a wonderful country, which will fulfill all the expectations you may have after seeing its photos on the Internet! South Africa's car rental and bakkie rental is a unique opportunity to know a different country.

Car Rental South Africa helps you to travel

Car rental South Africa has been the key for increasing the simplicity of travel all over South Africa for business or pleasure. The capability to find a vehicle that fulfills your requirements at a reasonable price is not an easy task, but in this small article you will find some advice that will assist you with this process.

Generally, car rental agencies have four different ways to charge their service: daily rates plus mileage as an additional cost, daily rates with a fixed number of free miles per day, daily rates with a restricted mileage, and a changeable rate that offers free mileage over an unlimited period of time. Therefore, the length of time that you will rent the vehicle is essential to calculate your budget on car rental South Africa.

It is thought that international car rental kzn companies such as Avis, Alamo, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Thrifty or Hertz can provide renters with better rates, but in fact, local firms can be a very good option.

Once you have chosen the agency you consider the best for you, make sure that the bill or the contract starts exactly from the time you receive the car. Most car rental agencies apply special discounts that can come from credit card special offers, or from other companies that give clients codes to be used in car rental South Africa firms.

If you book in advance, do not forget your luggage size and choose a vehicle that can carry you, tour travel partners and the luggage.

There are many good car rental and bakkie rental South Africa agencies that are eager to give you the best service. If you need to rent a car, you will need a car rental South Africa, so use The Internet or the phonebook to find the most suitable for the travel you are planning.

London Offers Fantastic Shopping

The capital city of England is London, which is as famous for its shopping as it is for its history and culture. Tens of thousands travel from all around the globe to experience the incredible stores and markets.

Covent Garden has become known for its unusual and specialist shops, and has become a very hip place to be seen. There are a number of excellent restaurants in Covent Garden not just excellent shops. The original Covent Garden market dates back to the middle ages, and up until 1980 was famous for its stalls of fresh fruit, vegatables and flowers.

Camden Market is now one of the most popular places to visit in London. There has been a markets here in Camden for a long time, but in its present status only since 1974. The market is actually a group of adjoining markets selling wares of most things one can imagine.

The Kings Road is known as Chelsea's high street, and one of the most chic and stylish streets to shop in London. Back in the 1970s the Kings Road was closely associated with 'Punks', who proved to be an attraction in London themselves. However, the Kings Road is more subdued these days and no longer just a haunt of the followers of the anti-fashion era.

Sloane Street is a street in London which runs north to south, and takes its name from Sir Hans Sloane, who purchased the surrounding area in 1712. Sloane Street has has long been a fashionable shopping district, but is probably just as well known for lending it name to the 'Sloane Rangers' in the 1990s. The name Sloane Ranger was applied to the stereotypical young upper class English ladies seen in the area during this time. (One famous woman often referred to as a Sloane Ranger was Lady Diana Spencer)

Harrods department store in Knightsbridge is the worlds largest department store standing on 18,000 m2. The motto of Harrods department store is "all things for all people, everywhere" or 'Omnia Omnibus Ubique'. A very exclusive and luxurious department store, Harrods is famous the world over for its food hall and its toy department.

Another famous London department store is Selfridges in Oxford Street. In 1909 and american businessman called Gordon Selfridge opened the doors of his London shop to the public which is simply known as "Selfridges". When it opened Selfridges set new standards for the retailing business. This was because all of the shop floors were designed so that goods on sale were more easily accessible to the customer.

The shops in London offer as much diversity as its culture and no matter how bizarre ones shopping requirements, it can be found in London. Whether you like to shop in department stores or prefer to rummage through the markets, London has it all.

If you are planning a shopping trip to London you will find plently of cheap London hotels listed at www.londonhotelhelper.com

Aberdeen - Scotland's Granite City Has A Soft Heart

Aberdeen provides a wealth of amazing views from an ancient harbour on its eastern coast to the magnificent Grampian Mountains in the west. With so many places to visit, it's a good idea to get a rental car from Aberdeen Airport. Since it's the 3rd largest city in Scotland, expect Aberdeen to have a wide selection of attractions from theatre, cinema etc to old relics and countless opportunities for shopping. This area of Aberdeen and the Grampians is responsible for that magnet for discerning drinkers everywhere, the Malt Whisky Trail. Provided that you have recovered from sampling the outstanding malt whiskies of eight distilleries, then it's time to explore the Castle Trail amidst the region's most wonderful of views. There is a whole host of activities including fishing, golf, whisky tasting, skiing and a whole lot more on offer here in this picturesque region of Scotland.

Expect a festival or celebration to be taking place while in the city. Tourists and locals often get together to celebrate the region’s heritage with traditional entertainment and events like the Lonach Highland Gathering and Games. Locally known as the “Friendly Games” the Games are held annually on the 4th Saturday of August at Strathdon in Aberdeenshire. Other events worth attending whilst visiting Aberdeen include, the Braemar Telemark Festival  (March), the Aberdeen Jazz Festival (March), the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival (April-May), the Scottish Traditional Boat Festival (June), The Wickerman, Tartan Day and the Stonehaven Fireball Festival. The Stonehaven festival is one of last remnants of an east coast fire festival traditionally held to see in the New Year.There are a superb selection of luxury Aberdeen hotels

The new part of Aberdeen known as the "Granite City" offers superb granite buildings and a wonderful range of superb restaurants, the best shops and a very lively ‘what’s on’ listing whenever you arrive. Coincidentally, if Aberdeen has so many attractions, why are its own people considered internationally well travelled? Why would they ever want to leave this wonderful place? They say you never seem to appreciate what is beneath your nose but the truth is that Aberdonians can look more forward to returning home more than the rest of us. Who could blame them? Everything is here! A pleasant climate, sandy beaches, the Lemon Tree (Aberdeen's own year round Festival Fringe), picturesque streets, warm friendly people, fishing villages worthy of a place on a postcard and Union Street where you find an awful lot of shops, as well as 3 shopping precincts!

Aberdeen is famously nicknamed the "City of Roses" with very good reason. A popular attraction and landmark in this area is that of Duthie Park's Rose Hill with over 12,000 different brilliant colours and assortments of Rose.

Aberdeen’s old town district has a historic air about it. The area known as Old Aberdeen is a preserved site, and was once a single burgh. Here you will encounter the cobbled high street with Provost Ross's House, the Aberdeen Art Gallery, the harbour and many other places of interest within a few hundred yards of one another. Don't miss an opportunity to visit Aberdeen University’s ancient King's College with its fifteenth century chapel and fixtures.

While visiting Aberdeen a lot of visitors are interested in the relationship between the city and North Sea. For many years North Sea oil reserves have fueled the growth and prosperity as well as devastating losses of life in the area. Visitors can see the Piper Alpha Memorial, a memorial garden situated in Hazelhead Park dedicated to the memory of the 167 oil workers lost to the North Sea in the tragedy of 1988. If you would like to find out more about oil exploration in the North Sea, the 5 Star Maritime Museum situated on the Shiprow, offers exhibitions on the fascinating subject well as an in depth insight to earlier (but equally as dangerous) forms of fishing and shipping in the region.

On the map, the area around Aberdeen and the Grampians seems to be very compact. This is far from the truth.  In reality, there is a huge expanse of territory to cover with plenty of attractions awaiting you at every corner and much will be missed if limited to public transport. Cycling out in the Aberdonian countryside is amazing and highly recommended for all able-bodied souls. For the rest of us,  swapping two wheels for four and exploring the glorious surrounding from behind the wheel of  a hire car from Dyce Airport has many attractions. For those fresh air lovers hiking is a highly enjoyable way to explore beautiful landscapes “off the beaten track”.


The Grampian Highlands

Walking is possibly the leading activity of the Grampians with so much to explore and virgin terrains which can only be found when travelling on foot. Hikers will enjoy a diverse landscape challenge from the exposed coast to the heights of the Grampian and Cairngorm mountains. If you are looking for an active pursuits holiday this Grampians area of Scotland will be the perfect solution! The offerings are generous from water-sports to gliding and cycling to horse riding. Off road driving is also on offer as well as exploring Scotland's official Long Distance footpaths.

Drive over to Balmoral and you will immediately realise why Queen Victoria fondly nicknamed this magical estate her "Paradise". Built as a holiday destination for the British Royal Family, the area is today enjoyed by many (non-royal) guests for its world famous sporting activities such as salmon and trout fishing in the River Dee and cycle races across the Royal estate.

Over at the coast there are a number of superb facilities for water sports. A popular event is that of the annual yacht race to and from Stavanger in Norway. The marina at Peterhead is extremely popular with visiting yachtsmen whilst yachting enthusiasts make for Findhorn at Moray Firth.

Planning For Your Perfect Disney Trip With The Youngsters

For a family with children, few vacations could be more desirable than a trip to Walt Disney World, a park famous for enchanting children with its rides, cartoon characters and other amazing attractions. But Disney World is now a park that has features to interest parents and all grown-ups as well as children, and a well-planned Disney vacation can truly be a great time for the whole family.

Ways To Plan Your Disney Trip

One of the easiest ways to plan a Disney World getaway is to work with a travel agent who has experience with family vacations and family-themed parks. If ease and convenience are high on your list of priorities, you will want to look for an all-inclusive package that provides admission to the parks, hotel accommodations, meals and any transportation that you might need. Depending on how much money you are willing to spend, you might be able to find accommodations within the park itself. Planning ahead will be crucial for these kinds of hotel reservations, and you should make sure that your travel dates are final well in advance. If staying in the park is not an option, there are many opportunities to find hotel rooms or suites near Disney World. Should you find yourself staying in a hotel near the park, you might have access to shuttle service to the park. However, it is important to find out before you finalize your vacation plans whether or not shuttle service or public transportation will be available so that you can make arrangements for a rental car if that will be necessary.

In some cases, you might be able to find a Disney vacation package that also includes airfare for your family. In this case, pre-planning is very important because many flights to popular vacation destinations fill quickly. For families where one or more of the parents or other accompanying adults have a limited amount of vacation time off from work, it will be important to determine the vacation time far enough in advance to ensure that you can get airplane tickets for your optimal travel dates.

Attractions At The Disney Parks

The famous images of Disney World, including children posing for pictures with performers costumed as popular Disney cartoon characters, now share the stage with some of the best amenities and most fantastic rides in the country. Of course, there are still photograph opportunities, rides, games and merchandise associated with Disney’s world-famous movies and characters. But now guests can also visit an Animal Park, the Hollywood Studios Park and additionally a water park.

If you only have a few days for your Disney vacation, you will want to savor every moment. Planning ahead of time may help you be sure that you will realize the most from your trip. Information about Disney’s parks are available online, and you should spend some time getting ready for your vacation by finding out what attractions are available, what the costs are and how to organize your trip so that you won’t waste any of your time or money.

Think about Crewed Charter Yachts For Your Next Hawaii Yacht Charters

Yacht Charter Vacations

How and where would like to spend your dream holiday?  Have you considered chartering a yacht?  Yacht charter vacations are some of the most spectacular and memorable vacations ever. The destinations are endless.  If you live in a cooler climate you could hire a yacht near a warm tropical island.  The types of yachts available are also quite varied.  There are small vintage yachts to the very massive and luxurious modern marvels.

The Captain & Crew

Most companies provide fully crewed charter yachts.  The captain and crew are all very experienced and well trained.  At least they should be.  You should check online with the various companies that do yacht charter holidays and they will normally have the resumes of each of the crew accessable for you to consider.  Chefs that have been trained in Cordon Bleu quality schools will also be providing your world class meals. 

The Yacht

The yacht you select will depend on the extent of your family or group that will be traveling with you.  Your yacht decision will also depend on your preference and your budget. The particular yacht you choose may or may not be available in the area you would like to spend your vacation. While looking online and comparing prices and fees you will find photos of each of the yachts.  There should be floor plans of the charter also.  It will include the specs and what equipment is available.

Guest Quarters

Some charter yacht holidays are for large groups and you will be introduced to many new people.  The yacht generally has several guest quarters with private baths.  Most often there will only be one master cabin.  The master cabins will have the better views and larger baths but at a greater cost.  The crew’s cabins are usually located on the lower decks and the highly trained crew is careful to be only visible whilst serving you.

Locations

Yacht charter vacations can be almost anywhere in the world your time allows. South Florida yacht charters and Hawaii yacht charters are renown both for weather, deep sea fishing and beauty.  Both of these destinations offer a bounty of recreational activities. Deep sea fishing, water skiing, scuba diving and swimming with the fish and turtles just to name a few. 

But, there may be many areas you have never considered.  Turkey is one of those locations. Marmaris yacht charters and Bodrum yacht cruises are both located on the shore of Turkey.  They have marinas that are conveniently located on the Aegean Sea and near the Mediterranean Sea.  These are both beautiful locations historically as well as visually.  The crystal blue waters are teaming with marine life, reefs, and ruins.  The scuba diving is amazing.  The shopping in the small towns is a bargain hunter’s paradise.

Bon Voyage!

Whenever planning a trip, vacation or holiday, research and planning is key.  Read the testimonials available on most of the websites. Check with a colleague, friend or family member who may have chartered a yacht recently.  Check the weather report.  Whatever charter and destination you choose yacht charter holidays will not disappoint.

Snap Up a Cruise Special

Years ago taking a cruise was only for the very well to do, but today simply by checking want ads and websites, you can find a cruise special that fits your budget. There are many cruise specials available, whether it's a three-day voyage, five-day, nine-day or even longer.

Many times though you will have to plan your vacation around the dates of a cruise. They are not flexible, but are varied and numerous. You leave when the boat leaves and returns when it does. Following that simple rule you should find a cruise special available when you are ready.

A source of last-minute cruise offerings from a variety of cruise lines is Vacationstogo.com. Over a 90-day booking range many discounts are available. You will usually need to book even farther in advance if you're looking to sail on a particular ship or with a certain company.

The Quicker You Go, the Lower the Cost

The best cruise specials may be available when there's a shorter time between booking and sailing, but your choices may be limited. Cruise lines often lower prices to fill staterooms and agencies may lower their price to meet their quota of the number of passengers they are responsible for booking, as the sail date approaches.

For example, an agency may get a set price per person, and so pre-purchases a set number of rooms. If it doesn't sell that number of rooms, the price for what they did sell may go up and the agency will be paying the difference, not the travelers with whom they have a signed deal. It behooves them to sell all the trips even if that involves offering some cruise specials, which means their profit margin will only be a little lower.

You may find a cruise special on a suite instead of an inside room or just the opposite, depending on the importance you place on the type of room you will be in. If you're the type planning to party and spend the majority of your time on deck, then the type of room you sleep in probably won't be that important and some of the best cruise special deals can be found for some of the least expensive rooms. But the bottom line is that if you're looking for a cruise special and can be flexible in your travel dates, there are many to take advantage of.

Years ago taking a cruise was only for the very wealthy, but today simply by checking want ads and websites, you can find a cruise special that's within your budget. To check out more no cost articles on cruises visit, http://www.cruises.jsgenterprises.com

Car rental business reality

Car rental industry is a powerful sector within business universe. This power is mainly generated by only some big worldwide companies such as Thrifty, Budget, Hertz, Avis, Dollar or Vanguard, among others.

Some years ago, car hire companies had to face a slow growth and small profit margin. Nowadays, most companies have tried to enlarge their car fleet, in order to increase their benefits. In addition, they have reinforced their international presence.

Car rental companies have their own profiles according to the categories of vehicles they offer. There are five basic groups of vehicles:economy, compact, intermediate, premium and luxury cars.

Although car rental kzn companies have obtained better profit from their cars during the last years, some new competitors have appeared on the market. Video conferences have changed the need to organize a business trip. When you want to save time, it is always more convinient to use car rental system.

It is said that car rental or bakkie rental business is in a state of revival. These things have provoked a terrible competition among car rental companies. It is said that better days for car rental business are coming.

The advantage of feeling free can be provided by car rental system. For this reason, car rental companies have all the opportunities to grow and to make their sector more powerful and to design a more profitable business.

If you have ever rented a car, you have experienced the feeling of power when you decide where to go. So, customer opinions and feelings may be the base for this important industry. Have you ever imagined this? If not, think in this statement when you rent your next vehicle for a new travel.

How Private Jet Rentals Help Consumers Beat the Airport Lines

There was a time when flying a commercial airline meant luxury. Today, air travel has become a game of the cheapest and airlines are cutting back seating room, fuel and even charging their customers for that miniature soda offered in flight. When a consumer wants to bring the luxury back to their air travel, private jet rentals are an affordable option.

Taking into consideration the cost of a first class flight, the private jet rental may actually be less expensive than a commercial flight. First class does not hold the clout it used to and a thin curtain is all that separates the business and coach customers from the 1st class seating. Private jets are taking these commercial changes and offering the consumer an option in luxury. With the introduction of Very Light Jets, a private jet rental option, consumers can actually pay less money to fly to their destination without the hassles of a commercial air service.

There are limitations to these private jet rentals, however. Many private jets offer a shorter range of flight. The cost of the flight may be cheaper, but the distance traveled is also limited by fuel holding power in very light private jet rentals.

In exchange for the distance lost, the flyer cuts down the time spent in the airport dramatically. On a commercial flight, you need to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours in advance. These extra hours are there in order for the consumer to check in, check their baggage (which may cost them upwards of $25 a bag or more), and make it through security. After the flight, even more time is spent waiting for baggage and securing the rental car. A short 45 minute flight can take up an entire day when all the consumer wanted was to fly from point A to point B. Private jet rentals take this confusion out of flying.

For the consumer who needs to fly longer distances, the private jet rental will certainly cost more than the commercial flight, but the return of luxury and the ability to include your toe nail clippers in your carry-on luggage may be worth the extra money.

As more and more commercial airlines find their way into bankruptcy, the cost of commercial flights will continue to rise. Today, the consumer has an option. The private jet rentals once reserved for the rich and the famous are now being booked by the everyday Joe to bring luxury and ease back to flying.

Grand Ole Opry, Music City's Number One Attraction

From its modest start, the Grand Ole Opry has become a symbol of America, and anyone thinking about a Nashville vacation knows, the Grand Old Opry is Music City's number one draw. It originally began as a live music radio presentation in 1925, and just continued going and going. And today it has lived on to be the oldest continuous radio show in the USA. It is also heard on XM Radio, and is televised Saturday nights on the Great American Country network.

The Grand Ole Opry began just five years after commercial radio broadcasting was first started in North America. In 1925, a radio station was established in Nashville by an insurance company (National Life and Accident) hoping that this new transmission medium could be employed to offer insurance policies. Country music devotees are acquainted with the station's call letters, WSM, but most don't remember that WSM stood for the company's motto: "We Shield Millions."

National Life employed one of the country's most popular radio broadcaster, George D. Hay, as WSM's program director. On November 28, 1925, the 30 year old Hay called himself "The Solemn Old Judge" and set up the program that would come to be known as the WSM Barn Dance.

George D. Hay's weekly Barn Dance shows proved enormously popular, and in 1927 he renamed it the Grand Ole Opry. Droves of fans filled up the studio as they came to hear the singers & pickers, so National Life established a larger auditorium with a capacity of 500.  In 1932, WSM increased their signal strength to 50,000 watts and most of the USA and Canada could hear the Opry on Saturday nights.

The audiences kept growing, so in 1934 the Opry moved from its second studio to the Hillsboro Theater (now the Belcourt in Green Hills). The fans kept increasing, so next the Opry moved to the Dixie Tabernacle in East Nashville, then to the War Memorial Auditorium next to the State Capitol.

In 1943, still requiring more room, the Opry moved to the Ryman Auditorium, where it stayed put until 1974, when it moved to its new home, the 4,400 seat Grand Ole Opry House, adjacent to the Opryland Hotel, where you can see shows several times each week, except for several weeks in winter when the Opry returns to the Ryman Auditorium.

On the front of the stage of the new Opry House, there's a six-foot circle of dark colored, oak floor; it's glossy but visibly well worn. Removed from the stage of the Opry's renowned former home, the Ryman Auditorium, this circle of oak gives newcomers and old hands likewise the chance to play on the identical spot that one time supported Patsy Cline, Ernest Tubb, Uncle Dave Macon, and others.

There have been many changes at the Opry since it began - its members, its music, and its home. But that dark oak circle remains, a reminder for every artist who stands inside that they are part of something that's much bigger than themselves, and wherever they may go they are connected to the stars who came before.

The Opry’s members and music have defined C&W in America. Hundreds of musicians have performed as members through history. Being honored with membership in the Grand Ole Opry, country’s most longstanding “Hall of Fame”, is to be tapped as one of the most select artists of country music.

Membership in the Opry is not just earned, but must be sustained with regular performances during the artist's lifetime.

Nowadays you can experience the Grand Ole Opry in to a greater extent than before. There are Tuesday Night Opry performances from April until December. A two-hour radio program, can be heard in 200 cities across America. Just like country & western stars of old  grew up adjusting their radio to hear the Opry, rising generations of Opry artists can catch it on satellite radio or the internet.

Wherever they're listening, those future day Opry artists some day will assume their spot standing on that famed round piece of oak.

USE OF A VACATION

Students heave a sigh of relief and are very happy when the final examinations are over and the vacation begins. A heavy load of studies leaves them practically little or no time to play or pursue the activities of their interests. All the while they are engaged in some mental activity of one type or the other.

But then they are faced with the problem: 'What should 1 do in the vacation?' One thing is very clear. Students should not be burdened with any form of studies during the holidays. They should say good-bye to their books of studies and utilise the entire vacation in pursuing other activities. The nature of these activities would depend upon the surroundings in which a student lives, the facilities available to him and the student's own aptitude and interests. Whatever be the activities pursued, they should invariably contribute to his physical development, and equip him to live a better life as a useful member of society. They should be voluntary, chosen by the student himself and should provide him the most needed diversion, rest and recreation.

A number of such activities may be suggested. First come games-both indoor and outdoor but preferably outdoor. Games like cricket, football, volleyball, badminton, hockey and table tennis as well as Indian games provide recreation with physical exercise. Swimming, bicycle-riding, horse-riding and trekking form another group of activities which provide rigorous physical exercise along with recreation.

Some time may be devoted daily to acquiring some skills like handling a computer, typewriting, shorthand, public speaking, cooking, tailoring, washing, wiring, carpentry or some repair work. Vacation is the best period for pursuing hobbies like reading, writing, music, dancing, painting, stamp-collection, photography, gardening, etc. These hobbies provide necessary diversion from the mental work and are excellent sources of relaxation, recreation, fun and useful knowledge.

For those who want some social activities there are activities like trips and excursions, sports competitions and staging of dramas. Students may offer their services to hospitals, public libraries or the Red Cross. If a student wants to earn as well as to learn, he may take up a part-time vacation job in some store or bank or such other institution.

They will feel fit and ready to pursue their study with renewed vigour when the school or the college reopens after the vacation.

Traveling to Australia

The Australians are masters of a vast, isolated, largely desert continent and their outlook shows independence of spirit and loads of aptitude. When the vast interior of your country is an inhospitable outback, then your ring of vibrant coastal cities are treated like causes for celebration, and for visitors this feeling is infectious.Like America, the Australian national history is short (and rowdy).

The north experiences pleasant winters with temperatures in the 70s and 80s and hot and humid summers reaching the high 90s. The south (including Sidney and Melbourne), along with New Zealand, is temperate, with warm summers and snow during the winter, particularly in the mountains. The lush green of the rain-forests and blue turquoise of the Great Barrier Reef provide a relief from the endless red dirt of the desertic center, where striking rock monoliths rise from the otherwise pancake-flat plain. A unique collection of flora and fauna occupy those varied habitats.

Visit Australia during the low season - Everything in the tourism industry has a high season price and a low season price, and that goes for airfare as well. Since Australia is in the southern hemisphere, its seasons are the opposite of most of the rest of the world’s population, which can make visiting during what one would consider a “low season” a challenge. Visit one of dozens of national parks, or one of the thousands Australian beaches. Learn a sacred Aboriginal dance, or, if that's not really your style, dance till dawn in one of Melbourne or Sydney's myriad nightclubs. Perth especially holds all of the characteristics of traditional Australia : kangaroos hopping around outside my flat, fun-loving Australians, wonderful beaches, and so much more. Studying abroad in Australia has definitely been the best decision I have made so far in life. Perth is the hardest city to sum up, and it also seemed the most spread out, actually sort of depressing in that the suburban sprawl seemed much like the sprawl you can see may be in some cities in the United States (hey, not all of them, obviously!). Bland strip malls, bland housing developments, all baking in the sun.

Melbourne is a city with a very European passion for shopping, coffee and fine cuisine. In the mazy and laneways of the CBD, a myriad of intimate bars and cafes with outdoor tables offer prime people-watching positions. Melbourne is sure to please, with year-round festivals, not to mention the vast amount of galleries, museums, and sports centers. Adelaide is famous for its city parks and squares as well as its history.

Victoria is the smallest state on the mainland and the most densely populated, home to cultured but somewhat provincial Melbourne. South Australia, whose capital is Adelaide, is small and conservative with a small German community. Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania make up this part of Australia, and we drove along the coast and through Melbourne and Adelaide. The "Great Ocean Road" provides stunning views of offshore islands and high cliffs - we took a helicopter ride to see it from the best vantage point! You can visit Australia anytime of the year, obviously you need to get an Australian Visa or if you like it enough you can get a Working Visa Australia, regardless of your decision, Australia is a fantastic place to visit, work and live. Enjoy your time down under.

Plan Your Travel to Hong Kong

Hong Kong, a leading commercial center of the world, is also a great place to travel to. Tourists visiting the metropolis have found their trip to be a very enjoyable and enlightening one. This is an excellent place for sightseeing, shopping or simply moving around. No matter how many times you visit the city there will always be something new and innovative coming up that remains to be discovered. You can be assured of a rewarding experience every time you visit the city.

 

Though facing competition from the Mainland cities and Macau as far as tourist attraction is concerned Hong Kong does occupy a special place in the hearts of the visitors. The government of Hong Kong has been planning and developing a wide range of diversified tourist attractions in Hong Kong for bringing the city to focus as a premier tourist destination. So, planning a trip to Hong Kong can be a worthy experience indeed.

 

Hong Kong attractions

 

Attractions that await you upon your visit to the city are:

• The Sai Kung waterfront and the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade whose beautifications have been recently completed.
• The Stanley waterfront that is being completed.
• The Symphony of Lights launched in 2004 that is a world class multi-media light and sound show and a permanent night time feature of the Victoria Harbor.
• The Avenue of Stars- a new tourist attraction popular among tourists and locals alike that pulls in millions of visitors every year.
• The open plaza outside the Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Pier.
• The newly designed visitor signage as installed in the 18 districts- seeking to make the city more visitor-friendly.

The Outlying Islands of Hong Kong are also great attractions. They are perceived to be endowed with the real Hong Kong magic- the traits that give Hong Kong a distinctive identity of its own setting it apart from the other great cities of the world.

 

The islands serve as a reflection of the unique history of the place. Tourists can get to witness ancient villages, little fishing communities, monasteries etc. - all reminiscent of the past days of the place that is now Hong Kong. However, with the setting up of roads and with telephone and electricity services being installed the centuries old lifestyle of the islands is gradually changing. Nevertheless, they will never fail to becharm you.

 

Visiting Hong Kong during festive times 

 

Hong Kong is also a city of festivities. A number of special festivals take place over the year that are great to witness and participate in. The Chinese (Lunar) New Year is an important festival that occurs towards spring time. Then there is the Spring Lantern Festival of beautiful lanterns. For best enjoying this, a visit to the Victoria Park of Hong Kong Island is recommended.

 

The Mid Autumn Festival as celebrated on the fifteenth day of the eighth Chinese lunar month is another festival of significance that can be witnessed. This is also called the lantern festival as decorative lanterns are made use of to add gaiety and brightness. Moon cakes that contain various fillings are eaten. 

 

Best seasons for planning travel to Hong Kong

 

The weather of Hong Kong becomes a little chilly in winter and hot and humid in summer. Spring i.e. March-April is considered to be the best time to visit the city as during this time it is neither too hot nor too cold and is not too humid either. Autumn i.e. between September and November is also a good season to visit the place. So, prime time travel to Hong Kong is during either spring or autumn. A number of special festivals can also be witnessed during these times.

Private Air Charter Services - A Honeymooners Delight

Using private air charter services for your honeymoon travels may seem a bit overly extravagant to some people, I grant you.

Most couples are so caught up in planning the actual wedding ceremony itself that organizing the honeymoon can fall a little bit by the wayside. 

Plus the costs of actually getting married, for some, may cancel out the possibility of an exotic honeymoon; you’re just worried about paying the caterers! 

However, being able to afford private air charter services and being wealthy aren't mutually exclusive.  There are many private charter companies that offer very affordable travel rates, and flying a private jet is no longer just for the wealthy celebrity or corporate funded businessman.

So, what are some advantages to using a private charter for your honeymoon?

Well for one thing, PRIVACY!  (You can even become discreet members of the mile high club, with no fear of anyone banging on the bathroom door yelling at you to "hurry up already!" if you really want.)  It's almost like extending your honeymoon to include the travel time as well.  An extra advantage to this is that the romance can just keep on going and going, with no interruptions for pesky travel details.

Private air charter also helps you avoid long lines and heavy commuting traffic.  You won't have to share your private space with some claustrophobic traveler that is hyperventilating into a paper bag for the whole flight either.  There is nothing better to kill the honeymoon mojo than to get bombarded with so many decidedly UN romantic things!  Private flights can help you avoid all that, and continue on in the rosy fog of your romantically wedded bliss.

Also. using an air charter should be seen as an adventure, the perfect prelude to your awesome secret getaway.  Just imagine, you can have the champagne chilling, ready to sip once you’re aboard, chocolate covered strawberries to help entice your lover even more and a beautiful dining table laid out, ready and set for you to both enjoy a nice meal.  Not to mention the buildup of anticipation in reaching your destination, and reaching it in serious style to boot!

Of course cost has to be a consideration for most of us, so you should shop around well before the honeymoon is due to begin in order to find the perfect company, as well as the best rate.  You are much more likely to get better rates if you plan far ahead. 

Also, consider dates as well.  Off season flights, even with private air charter companies are much more likely to be less expensive during off seasons, than during the peak travel times when everyone needs an airplane charter and available planes are in short supply.  So plan carefully and accordingly.

Another great service to bear in mind is that many of the better private air charter companies will make all of your arrangements for you, including travel, cars and even lodgings at your final destination.  You just tell them what you want and the budget you are looking at and they will set it all up for you. 

This can be a great time saver for you and your fiancé, leaving you free to focus on what's important - getting married and enjoying that honeymoon! 

Now with all of these benefits in mind, what else could possibly be stopping you?  Private air charter is absolutely one of the best honeymoon travel options out there.

Aircraft Charter Companies - A Luxury That Should Be Afforded?

For many people, hiring aircraft charter companies can seem like the ultimate luxury. For others, it's just another taken for granted mode of transport. What exactly is the appeal in hiring an aircraft charter company? Why bother if it can be so expensive?

 

Well, if your rich, you might just like the image it gives you. Convenience, speed, and exclusivity all rolled into one. Great way to thumb your nose at all the little people! (Just kidding!) No, if you are rich then obviously money isn't even a factor in hiring an aircraft charter company, and it is just quicker and easier for you all around.

 

Also, there are many rich folk out there that have a bit of a celebrity status, so it is just more enjoyable to travel with privacy. And maybe your not yet quite rich enough to just buy your own jet! So you hire a charter aircraft. No lines, no waiting, no layovers. You can fly whenever you want weather permitting.

 

Now maybe your rich, and also the busy, globe trotting CEO of a huge corporation. In that case, aircraft charter companies just make sense for you and your employees. If you have group projects or meetings, charting can get you there quickly and safely, and you don't even have to really interrupt the day too much as you can also continue working while flying.

 

Try doing that while driving!

 

If you happen to be the man hiring the aircraft charter company it could be just a nice gesture, a great way to make your employees feel valued and appreciated, instead of forcing them to hobnob with a crowd of cranky business class strangers.

 

No room to spread out, no decent food or drinks, nothing particularly endearing about business class at all really. So your employees will thank you. Well, they will if they are polite!

 

Another great feature of aircraft charter companies, is that it impresses people when you pick them up in a jet. Whether you are trying to impress a client and provide comfort while traveling, or you are trying to impress a lady with dinner in New York, while you both live in L.A. Either scenario tends to impress your target, and garner you some status and huge bonus points.

 

Something to keep in mind as well, just in case you are considering buying that private jet of your own. Aircraft charter companies can do so much more than just fly you to your destination and take care of you while in the air. Many also offer transportation and help with finding accommodation once you actually land too. How's that for handy?

 

The only way you could do that with your very own jet is to hire someone to do it all for you. Plus think of all the maintenance and fueling costs. It could just end up being more cost effective to hire an aircraft charter company than waste money on your own jet. (I can only imagine insurances costs as well!)

 

Just something to ponder.

 

Aircraft charter companies can be very helpful with your next traveling adventure, so keep that in mind and do a little digging to find a good one.

 

You'll be happy you did and potentially, more relaxed when you land too!

Primary information on Car Hire South Africa

Reliable Car Hire South Africa

If you have decided to choose South Africa to spend your next vacations, a self-drive holiday may be the best option to organize it. With a planned itinerary you may have a wonderful time in this spectacular country that offers the two extremes of only some places may be proud of: wild life and modernity.

Of course, you will have to arrange each detail, in order to achieve your perfect vacation dream. One of the items that you will have to take into account is car hire / Car rental South Africa. Keep in mind that main car hire companies have their own locations in this country, so you will not have any problem to find the most appropriate for your requirements. Despite that, you should remember that it is necessary to know some tips to drive across South Africa without any problem.

So, the first and more important tip is that all type of visitants should hire from a trustworthy car hire firm. These companies are the ones that will provide you with all the support you will need during you trip. In South Africa, many booking agents provide renters with better discounts. It happens all around the world. Their packages often include unlimited kilometers options. There is a common way to charge you when you rent a vehicle: for 24hour units. Remember that you should check the fuel tank when receiving the car and try to book the car you need as far in advance as you can. Most car hire South Africa companies require the driver of the car to have a credit card.

Regarding policies they change from one car rental kzn company to another. Some companies allowed their clients to take the cars into Swaziland, Lesotho, Namibia, Botswana and Mozambique. Other firms do not let customers take the vehicles into some countries. So, check if you are allowed to cross South African boundaries to avoid any legal problem.

Car Hire South Africa never rests

Car Hire South Africa never rests

Everybody knows that South Africa is a country of a marvelous beauty and economic growth. So, South Africa is the ideal place to be visited. Once you have organized all the details, you will be able to enjoy your trip.

Eveybody knows that through self-drive trips, it is possible to see and enjoy a place deeply, so car hire South Africa may be the key during your next trip. You have never imagined that flexibility and freedom may be at your service by renting a car.

The first step is to find the most convenient car rental South Africa company that fits your needs. You will be able to find the most important “names”, such as Hertz, Europcar, Dollar, Avis, and local companies (Star Car rental, Golden Hill car hire and B&B car hire, among others).

In South Africa, all types of car hire agencies offer a variety of vehicles, so you will not have any problem to get the best for you. Time is always important, so if you really want to get the car you need, pre-book it in advance.

Van rental South Africa is ready to help you in many locations of the country. In addition, there are many places where one-way hire is availble.

Anyone who has to face a trip always tries to prepare all the items that he or she considers important to have a quiet and reliable travel. Both vacation and business trips may include car rental possibility in the list of priorities.

Motorhomes and 4x4 rentals are the most popular vehicles in car hire industry. The reason is their ability to get far places. If you decide to face a self-drive trip in South Africa, you will need an international driving license. Some companies require drivers over 18 years old. On the other hand, there are several car hire South Africa that only admit drivers over 25.

Advantages of car rental

What car rental can offer to travelers

If you are one of those persons that usually rent cars for business or leisure trips, you must know that today there are many van rental agencies on the market and most of them offer good rates for similar services.

Frequent users should find a trusted car rental company to use every time they travel. In addition, there are some car rental agencies that have designed special discount packages for personnel or members of different industries and clubs. Generally, the largest firms are the ones that have more variety of rates, bigger fleets or special deals with vacation centers and airlines.

Some car rental firms have created special loyalty programs for their clients. You will be able to enjoy a free day of rental, when hiring a car for some days. Privileges are always available for those who are frequent and loyal customers. You must take advantage of them. So, try to become a loyal client when getting a reliable car rental company.

Currently, the easiest way of renting a car is by surfing the Internet. There, you will be able to cope with the difficult task of choosing the most appropriate vehicle for you. You can also read all the terms and conditions that companies prepare for their future renters. Reliable and funny trips are some of the advantages that car rental service can offer to those renters who are ready to change their life by using this service.

Car rental industry offers many advantages to frequent users. It is advisable to find a car rental agency that fufills all your needs. In addition, there are some car rental agencies that have designed special discount packages for personnel or members of different industries and clubs. Generally, the largest firms are the ones that have more variety of rates, bigger fleets or special deals with vacation centers and airlines.

Car rental is not a nightmare, enjoy it. It must be only one more task to cope with before travelling. Therefore, enjoy the process and think in how happy you will be while driving this beautiful car that you will rent for your next trip. Feel free!

Discount Airline Tickets

You are about to uncover a few hidden secrets on how to get big discount when purchasing your next airline ticket. Low cost airline tickets can be obtained legally through online websites and some are offered through travel agencies as well. If something unexpected happens and you need to make a quick change of plans, there is a friendly change of plans policy you can use to remedy the situation. You too can get a cheap airline ticket for less by applying some proven techniques. Dont forget to check out sites such as Thomson Cheap Flights Reviews to get a general idea on the current marketplace.

This would be of prime importance if you do not wish to encounter any difficulties later.The number one priority is to check with the airline company before you do anything else. If you wish, you may opt into their mailing list and receive weekly notification regarding the available discounts via emails. Your travel can be converted into air miles if you contact them directly for your cheap airline ticket. But do not discount offers from third parties that can be just as enticing. There are some deals that comes with accommodation and transportation that will prove to be more attractive than mere savings on flight tickets alone.

We will share some very well-kept secret of the savviest of shoppers and how they get their hands on the best deals around for flight tickets. Plan your trip early if you want to gain substantial savings in your flight ticket. Last minute bookings are often subjected to higher prices. Even if you are stuck in a last minute deal, do not despair, there are companies that offer great deals even for last minute bookings so brace yourself up and start looking!

Being at the right time at the right place also applies in getting the best deals round too. Do you know that airlines websites normally offer sales on Friday? Saturday morning would be great to check them as well. The options will be plentiful if you can exercise some flexibility to determine the day you can travel. Certainly, there are some serious decisions to be made. By doing some simple research it will help you gain substantial savings when looking for your next cheap airline ticket.

Car Rental South Africa one way

South Africa is a country that invites visitors to drive its roads, in order to know its marvelous scenery and its incredible cities.

If you are one of those visitors who are planning to meet this exceptional country, you must face the idea to car rental South Africa one way to have the possibility of fully enjoying South Africa.

Car rental/ bakkie rental agencies are ready to offer different sorts of vehicles, in order to fulfill all clients’ requirements, according to the type of driving itinerary they are preparing. For example, for the family vacation, they can provide their customers with full size vehicles. Therefore, if you have ever dreamt of driving across South Africa, you can have the option to drive and then drop your vehicle in another area. One of the most important advantages of car rental South Africa one way is that it is not necessary more expensive than other car rental KZN services, especially if you return the vehicle in the same area. The best way to obtain good rates for one way car rental is to book in advance and to notice the agency about the service you prefer. In such cases, they will not charge you so much. Most car rental agencies suppose that their cars are at a high risk of being stolen when leaving in different places.

Major car rental companies are the best prospect for car rental South Africa one way service because they are often well organized to provide this sort of service and this will make you pay less money.

South Africa is waiting for your visit, so consider the alternative of car rental South Africa one way service. It can give you a different view on how you can really enjoy a country like South Africa. Do not hesitate! South Africa is ready to receive you.

Do You Know The Travel Agent

Now more than ever, travelers have to watch the dollars when they fly, perhaps this is the reason the number one subject that they talk about is airfare deals. Many airline companies have gone bankrupt in recent times but that does not mean that low cost air travel is dead even though it may depend on were you are in the world. The assistance of a good agent and some determined checking usually pays off.

Of course much of your success will require a certain flexibility on your part if you really want the best prices. Getting a cheap seat is always possible if you are that flexible and eager enough to adjust your schedule to the best day and time of the year to travel. If you're willing to modify your dates to suit one of the airlines' programs to help save money by slotting people into empty seats, then you are good to go as you have benefited from their decision. Still, if the time and date don't work out, you can always change them but be prepared for an additional, often hefty, administration charge. You can only avoid this situation if you have decided to pay the full price for the ticket and travel on a scheduled flight.

If you have been travelling regularly, then you are more likely to have advanced experiences about the ins and outs of the competitive world of airlines and airfare deals. One thing that is pleasant about some airlines is the way they acknowledge and appreciate their good customers' loyalty by designing a program called the frequent flyer program. It works in a way that passengers can have certain benefits to choose from and having a ticket for a partner is an example for which they can avail by collecting points or benefits each time they fly with a particular carrier. Some airlines have now joined forces in this to help retain customers, and formed partnerships with hotels that can be used as part of the arrangement.

Of course, these days it is the Internet where most of these tickets are sold and where the best airfare deals are to be found. While it is safer to book your flight with typical discount agents, it is also advisable to consider checking online sites that focuses in selling discounted airline tickets as many of them are also legitimate business ventures. The difficulty arises checking the validity of these discount sites and often it is not until after the customer has paid that they realise the deal was not genuine. A popular one to check out is Teletext Flights as everyone has heard of them and they can either check them out on the internet or via the text button on the tv. If you are able to, visit in person to the discount agents place of business and don't rely on email communication but if you can't get to see them, at least give them a call first. Ask as many questions as possible and find out any likely snags about their ticket deals, such as a stopover to an unattractive part of the world.

The importance of knowing exactly which airline you are flying with cannot be stressed enough so make sure you have this information. Even now, new airfare deals and opportunities are being made available on a regular basis so you have to keep up to date with what's happening in the industry if you fly regularly. By looking into the options carefully, you should succeed in finding the deal you want and to the right destination - just remember to be flexible.

What To Do When You Visit Cardiff

Cardiff is the capital city of Wales and is a great place to stay - not just for visiting places where the television series Dr Who was filmed or for when you watch rugby.

If you're a fan of history then you definitely have to visit the historic site of Cardiff castle. A guided tour of Cardiff castle ought to be well up on your "to do" list. The location can trace its roots back to medieval days although in more recent times you may well be visiting to be part of the audience for a rock concert or possibly the Welsh version of Mardi Gras.

Cardiff is a regular host for the Welsh National Eisteddfod. Every other year, opera fans from all over the world flock to the city for the BBC Cardiff Singer of the World event. Not to mention the 250,000 or so people who go to the Big Weekend Festival, which has rides and other attractions in abundance. Cardiff's free outdoor festival is ideal for those people travelling to Cardiff on a budget.

Shopaholics visiting Cardiff can choose from three main shopping malls: Capitol Centre, St David's Centre and Queen's Arcade. Between these three centres, you'll find literally hundreds of stores ranging from national chains down to local treasures. There are also plenty of other shopping opportunities to be found in Cardiff, including a number of shopping centres that date back to Victorian days, so others in your party can admire the architecture while you shop until you drop.

If you're on an overnight stay in Cardiff, you may want to check out the musical scene in the city. There are a wide range of music venues ranging from small clubs and pubs right the way through to big venues. If you're not sure, start your exploration at the Brewery Quarter.

There are plenty of hotels and guest houses in Cardiff, so you're certain to find somewhere to stay when you visit Cardiff.

Alicante - An Ideal Touring Base

Because it is a gateway to the Costa Blanca, Alicante is an excellent centre for touring. Offering a delightful mixture of ancient and modern culture and traditions, Alicante is found within the popular tourist region of the Costa Blanca. Visitors to Alicante will enjoy sunny and warm climate, a selection of the best beaches Spain has to offer together with some great examples of Moorish architecture.

Found on the coast between the resorts of Elche and Benidorm, Alicante city sits in the shadow of its mountain-topped castle. Alicante and the surrounding areas are scattered with churches with the most recognised of them all being the Iglesia de Santa Maria. This is the oldest church in the city and was built between the 14th and 16th centuries with the church originally being a mosque. The Cathedral of Saint Nicholas was built in the seventeenth century to honour the city's patron saint and is thus one of the most significant buildings in the region.

Alicante has lots of old buildings to please sightseers and historians alike and can be found all around the city with statues and columns adding interest to lots of a formerly uninspiring site. Providing a sharp eye out to Alicante Bay, the Castillo de Santa Barbara is recognised as one of the largest medieval fortresses in Europe. Readily reached by car or by elevator (lift) from the Paseo Maritimo, the castle has unsurpassed views of the stunning local region. Apart from the wonders the Castillo offers, Alicante has further ancient treasures in the form of the nineteenth century bullring and the Provincial Gallery (formerly the Gavina Palace). All of the Alicante sights are easily accessible with the help of a rental car from Alicante Airport. Arranging your car rental online would be expected to save you money together with ensuring that the model of car that you want to book is definitely when you arrive at the airport.

Alicante is the perfect venue to come to enjoy life and the main reason guests return every year. With such a huge range of hotel rooms on offer, there are plenty of luxury Alicante hotels to suit every taste and pocket. The beaches here consist of wonderful golden sand and offer a variety of both accessible as well as hidden coves ideal for private sunbathing. Drive over to Albufereta Beach for outstanding water sport capabilities. It is a quiet spot that is generally undiscovered by the majority of holidaymakers.

The perfect location for an evening stroll is provided by the Playa del Postiguet. You will join the locals along this attractive seaside promenade - it's a ideal location for a romantic evening. Formerly known as the Port of Madrid, Alicante Harbour combines sailing with fishing and is the perfect venue to come to find the top fish restaurants in town. The harbour offers a perfect venue for activity night and day. Here is where visitors come to eat superbly delicious, fresh seafood, learn to sail and enjoy a bout of clubbing into the small hours.

Nobody likes a knees up as much as the inhabitants and visitors of Alicante! Here you will find an event of one type or another happening much of the year, no matter what time of the year you choose to visit. One of the more sombre of Costa Blanca festivals is that of the Easter Procession. Wearing black and carrying candles, a model of Jesus is carried on a cross through the streets. Each November, in remembrance of the Patron Saint Crist del Bon Encert, each town has its own fiesta. Don't be surprised to find that shops are closed all day, every day as the town closes down for this wonderful combination of singing, dancing and firework displays. On a less religious note, one of the most well known local fiestas is the International Puppet Festival.

Glass - Old or New? Here's a Few Clues!

In 1963 while traveling in Jamaica, I found what was believed to be an authentic Greenhow Williamsburg 1770 sealed old glass bottle.  I actually agonized over the purchase for $30.00.  In 1972 while visiting Williamsburg, I discovered that whole antique glass bottles like this had never been found!  My bottle was presented and alas the curator, Noel Hume, stated that it was not old but rather a 1930s Williamsburg reproduction.  The good news was that at that time it was worth $60.  The color of the bottle was good.  The methods used to produce the bottle were right on.  It had an applied seal.  There was a broken pontil (a rough spot on the bottom where the glass blower broke the pipe away from the object) and the mold marks were polished when it was taken out of the mold.  But, the curator stated that the give away was that it just looked too good.  The bottle would most likely have been used and show wear from use or worse mis-treatment.

This is one of the clues for distinguishing old glass, antique glass from new.  Check the bottom of a piece to see if there are scratches.  Expect to see wear where it makes sense.  The bottom of a bottle would show scratches where it was slid over tabletops.  These marks should not be uniform but rather random in depth, direction, width and length.  Parallel lines or concentric circles would be suspect.  Sandpaper can be used to simulate wear marks.

Reproductions are often made from original molds and museums often offer reproductions for sale.  Checking museum catalogs is a good way to see what is currently being offered and thus not old.  Reproductions from such sources may be marked or tagged but the mark may be with an easily removed paper label and the tag may have been discarded.  And, don’t forget to check out places like Cracker Barrel to see what is new.  You will often see colors in new glass offerings that you will never see in older glass.

Logan Adams is a Certified Personal Property Appraiser and the Owner of The Specialists of the South in Panama City Florida. She is an old glass collector and specializes in antique glass bottles.

Amsterdam - The Ideal City Break

Amsterdam got its name when a dam was put in place on the River Amstel during the thirteenth century. Popular belief is that The Hague is the capital city of The Netherlands when in reality it is Amsterdam.

Amsterdam has gained an enviable reputation as the ideal city break destination, although with such a lot to see and do, a weekend might not be enough days to do the city justice. With such a wide variety of rates, there are Amsterdam Hotels to suit any taste or pocket. An enjoyable way to enjoy the Amsterdam experience is to take a boat trip along the canals. There are 1,281 bridges spanning the four main canals and many cruise operators who offer all sorts of themed trips around the city's complex canal system. Many water excursions are available throughout the year. One suggestion that you might wish to think about is to set by a day to enjoy Amsterdam's museums and buy a ticket on the museum boat where you will be taken in style to all of the popular museums. One stop is that of the Rembrandts Museum at the Jodenbreestraat. Here you will marvel in disbelief at the original collection of 250 etchings and a number of drawings and sketches by the famed Dutch master Rembrandt. In addition to the house that Rembrandt once lived in, your boat will take you over to the house of Anne Frank. The house is currently a museum, but was originally the Frank family home. Afraid of capture by the invading German army, the whole family spent years in hiding. Anne Frank, the daughter, wrote her amazing diary during the two years of her concealment. The house (her home) has been saved by the Anne Frank Foundation and was onverted to a museum 45 years ago.

The famed Rijksmuseum contains The Netherlands biggest collection of history and art including paintings, Asian art, dolls houses and the history of Netherlands exhibition. The leading exhibit at the Rijksmuseum is built around the celebrated works from the country’s fabulous Golden Age with artists including Rembrandt, Steen and Vermeer.

If you are looking for a memorable art experience, situated halfway between the Rijksmuseum and the Stedelijk Museum is that of the Van Gogh museum. A very full demonstration of Vincent Van Gogh's life is displayed within the walls of this famous building and you will enjoy over 200 of his oil- covered canvasses. As well as his paintings there are hundreds of drawings as well as overwhelming numbers of written documentation by the vastly misunderstood painter. A must for fans of modern art, impressionist fans and lovers of Holland!

The Amsterdam red light district is famous the World over. It can be found in the area around the Oude Kerk region where many of the city's best known buildings can be located. The Red Light area runs between Nieumakt Square and Warmoesstraat. Stag Nights are a regular happening in the De Wallen area, presumably drawn here by the expectation of sex shops and window prostitution. This district is particularly attractive because it is where people come to be themselves. It is a lively energetic place where you can find a wide variety of people, a perfect cup of coffee, excellent shops and plenty of excellent places to eat.

Driving in and around Amsterdam can be very enjoyable. The roads are modern and well organised and Amsterdam is an ideal centre for touring around the nearby regions and countries. Costs for Amsterdam car hire are very reasonable and you will save money by making an online booking.

Dam Square is the place to return to time after time because it is a tourist meeting place generally and the perfect location to enjoy street entertainment and people watching while you sip a well-deserved cappuccino! Amsterdam has so many attractions for the tourist that visiting just a few of them could set a family back a small fortune. The City offers its treasured tourists the Amsterdam Card saving you lots of Euros!. Provided by the Amsterdam Tourist Board, it entitles you to admission to all of the leading museums as well as a free canal cruise and discounts to lots of restaurants and shops. Furthermore, the Amsterdam Card offers free travel in and around the city. You can buy an Amsterdam Card for 24, 48 or 72 hours. A 24-hour card costs EUR 31 (GBP 25), 48 hours EUR 41 (GBP 33) or 72 hours EUR 51 (GBP 41) and is obtained from Tourist Information  (VVV).

In the centre of the sometimes all too busy city centre is a haven of parkland nicknamed 'the town's pride and joy'. Amsterdam’s famed botanical gardens, Hortus have been on this spot for over 400 years and are looked after with pride by its dedicated keepers. A haven of quietness for the periods when city life gets a bit too fraught!

Should you are visiting Amsterdam in August, you will enjoy the colourful 'Gay Parade'. It takes place each August and consists of a procession of brightly painted and wildly decorated boats. Its a great camera opportunity not to be missed and is best savoured by watching from any of the bridges that span the Prinsengracht Canal.

History of Medan Indonesia

Medan City

Medan City

Medan North Sumatra is the third biggest city in Indonesia. Located in North Sumatra of Indonesia with a population of 2.5 millions residents. It is said that during day time, the population of Medan City will grow to about 4 millions with people coming from suburbs.

The unique thing about Medan is that, it resides the largest volcanic lake in world known as Lake Toba which is twice the size of it neighboring country of Singapore.

History of Medan Indonesia

Medan started as a village called Kampung Medan (Medan Village). Kampung Medan was founded by Guru Patimpus around the 1590s. Due to Kampung Medan sitting on Tanah Deli (Land of Deli), Kampung Medan is also referred as Medan-Deli. The original location of Medan Kampung is an area where the Deli River meets Babura River.

Based on the diary of the Portuguese merchant in early 16th century, it stated that the name of Medan was actually derived from Medina which is actually a holy city in the western of Saudi Arabia. However, other source indicated that the name of Medan actually came from Indian language “Meiden”. One of the Karo-Indonesia dictionary written by Darwin Prinst SH published in 2002 wrote that Medan could also be defined as “recover” or “be better”.

The first inhabitants of Kota Medan came from the Batak Karo community. It was not until the Sultan of Aceh, Sultan Iskandar Muda, sent his warlord, Gocah Pahlawan Laksamana Khoja Bintan, to be the Sultanate of Aceh’s representative in Tanah Deli, that the Sultanate of Deli started to grow. This growth stimulated growth in both the population and culture of Medan. In the second year reign of Sultan Deli (between 1669-1698), there was a cavalry battle in Medan.

Medan did not change significantly until the 1860s, when the Dutch colonialists began clearing the land for tobacco plantations. Medan very quickly became the center of government and commercial activity, dominating development of Indonesia’s western region.

The Dutch governed Tanah Deli from 1658, after Sultan Ismail, ruler of the Kingdom of Siak Sri Indrapura, yielded some of his once-ruled land, Deli, Langkat, and Serdang. In 1915 Medan officially became the capital of North Sumatra Province, and officially a city in 1918.

With the largest volcanic lake in the world, Medan North Sumatra Lake is city worth visiting for your vacation spots in Asia Indonesia

Visit www.MedanKu.com for more information about Medan City

Download Medan city guide, budget travel guide and see more pictures and videos of Medan Indonesia.

How China Could be Your Perfect Holiday Destination And Supply A Wealth Of Fascinating Places To See

For anyone who is considering travel for a vacation, the idea of an international getaway can be both thrilling and overwhelming. Leaving the country entails certain forms of identification and paperwork, health considerations, the risks of an unfamiliar location and many types of misunderstandings that can result from differences of culture and language. On the other hand, international travel is a great way to gain first-hand experience about another country and its people. Even novice travelers can find great group travel packages or tour groups that can allow a tourist to experience a foreign country without the danger of getting completely lost. In the field of international tourism, China is acquiring popularity as a holiday destination, and there are numerous reasons to consider putting this intriguing country on your itinerary.

Seeing The Sights In China

By far the most famous tourist destination in China is the Great Wall, a construction that stretches over four thousand miles across China. While the wall is well known worldwide, not every section of the Great Wall of China is readily accessible to tourists. Some parts of the wall run through sparsely populated or rural areas, and many sections of the Great Wall have fallen into disrepair. However, there are efforts to conserve and maintain this historical treasure, some parts of which are over two thousand years old. Originally built as a fortification to repulse invaders, the Great Wall nowadays attracts visitors from around the world. In particular, the Badaling section of the Great Wall has been restored and is a great favorite with visitors.

While the Great Wall is a popular man-made holiday destination, the Yangtze River is an incredible natural attraction that also has interesting man-made features. The third longest river in the world, the Yangtze River is also China’s largest and stretches from the plateau of Tibet to the ocean at Shanghai. The river has historically been important in commerce as a means of transporting goods, and the river currently is notable for the Three Gorges Dam, the largest dam in world that produces hydroelectric power. There are many tourism agencies that provide tours and cruises on the Yangtze River, and the Three Gorges Dam is successful as a tourist destination as well as a source of alternative power.

Preparing To Travel In China

Before you plan your vacation in China, you should be aware of the health conditions in the regions you will be visiting. Some areas of China are extremely modern, while others are remote and rural. Your doctor should be able to give you an idea of any inoculations or health tests you will need, and you should also have an idea of whether you will be participating in a lot of vigorous physical activity on your trip. As long as you take reasonable precautions and plan ahead of time, you can make your vacation in China a source of great memories that last a lifetime.

Vacation Packing: Easy Tips

Packing for vacation scares many people. Packing for your vacation is such a drag :you just want to be whisked away direct to your destination: no packing involved! Unfortunately this happy state of affairs hasn't happened to me yet so here are my top 5 vacation packing tips.

Vacation Packing Tip#1; If you "might" need it don't take it.
If you are taking something "just in case" or because you "might need it" - leave the item at home. I have travelled for far too many years, and never recal actually using any of those "just in case" packed items.

Vacation Packing Tip#2 Put all your Must Have Items on the Bed
Have a good long look at them. Then select the half that is most important to pack :put the rest back in the cupboard: you may have the right amount of stuff. Still not convinced? Pack your essentials and carry them around for an hour, understand now?

Vacation Packing Tip#3 Don't take specialist clothing
Don't take clothing that you can't use in at least two different ways. If you need a sleep shirt take something that you can sleep in and either use as a beach cover up or as a silky evening top. I have had tankini's with tops that doubled as a an evening top (bra included too nice!).

Vacation Packing Tip#4 Don't take Denim
Denim is never the answer. Its bulky, its hard to clean, it takes forever to dry and it has a certain reputation which will still get you turned away from clubs if you are wearing denim. Leave it at home

Vacation Packing Tip#5 Don't take the Medicine Cabinet
Take a bare minimum of drugs with you. Almost anything can be bought anywhere these days, don't take a month's supply of cold tablets if you are only going away for a week. Pack your prescription medicines, though you may find the generic equivalent for a lot less than at home.

Mary has a passion for traveling well and loves to share her Vacation Packing Tips with anyone who will listen. Mary is a passionate believer in that "less is more" in travel as well as life and hopes that you will find some useful tricks at http://vacationpackingtips.info

Fantastic holidays in Aruba

Aruba Beauty With beautiful sunsets, picture-perfect beaches, and a beach that houses some of the biggest yachts, Aruba  is truly an amazing place. Perfectly situated in the Caribbean, Aruba can be considered both relaxing and ritzy. The beach features many small islands and also houses several museums and attractions like the the Island Pier. As far as things to do here, surfing, volleyball, and romantic walks along the pier can help to fill the void. Surfing is quite renowned here, as surfers can get truly bone shattering waves from the boats that go by. Nightlife at the Beach is no secret either, as there are many different restaurants and clubs. During the day, there are many different amusement parks and arcade games. For the kids, Aruba is truly an amazing vacation. Those of you who want to visit the past, shouldn't hesitate to visit the Shamoa Promenade, which was built in 1976. The Pavilion houses many dances, and still proves to be an inspiring Aruban structure - even to this very day. For a tourist attraction or just a place to get away from the pressure of life, Aruba is breathtaking. The beach has something for everyone, even the hard to please.

All Day Activity in Aruba Beaches or just a family getaway can hold many activities. For yourself, your family, or your friends, Aruba holds many things to keep you occupied during the day. For the adventurous, the Beach has surfing. Surfing at Aruba is very rigorous and exciting, with the high waves and insane temperature. Along with surfing, you can also go fishing. The beachs around the Island  have basically everything you can possibly think of with water - making it a water lover's true paradise. For more relaxed activity, you can enjoy a game of golf along the beach. There are many golf courses in Aruba  island, from beginners to professionals. If anyone in your family enjoys a game of golf, you'll find Aruba to be one of the most exciting places in the world to play. Other day activities include paddleboats, sailboats, kayaks, bicycles, and even rollerblades. There is always something going on here as well, making it a perfect getaway spot even for those who happen to live in sunny Caribbean. For a vacation or just a spot to relax, Aruba is the one spot to go. Take the entire family and enjoy everything the beach has to offer you - they'll thank you for it later!

The best places to live and retire - Brazil

When you think of Brazil, a lot of things come with it. Football, Reggae, Capoeira, Havaianas and nice smiling people and places are just some of the things you can think of when Brazil is mentioned.  Read on to discover why Brazil is one of the best places to live. 

Brazil is South America’s largest and the most populous country.  Brazil was under the rule of Portugal for three centuries, became an independent nation in 1822 and became a republic in 1889. Right now, Brazil’s economy by far outweighs most South American countries.

Brazil has a very diverse topography, here you have hills, mountains and beaches. Climate is fairly warm, while most of the country is considered tropical and is covered by the Amazon Rainforest, the southern part can have temperature that goes as low as 18 degrees Celsius. Brazil has a coastline that stretches to up to 5000 miles, giving both locals and tourist a choice list of beaches well-worth of your visits.

There are a lot of things about Brazil that encourage tourists, immigrants and even retirees to consider this country as their second home. Expats, 50 years old and above with a monthly pension equivalent to 2,000 USD can easily provide for himself and his family a vacation home in this South American country. The Brazilian government offers incentives to retirees receiving 2,000 USD monthly pensions who are looking for somewhere to spend their golden years.

Families vacationing in Brazil would not cease to think about so much fun they have in Brazil that many of them decide to take it to the next level and search for a place they can call their own in this lovely country. Think about having the same value for goods and services, yes you got it right here in Brazil. You can have your own home  in as soon as a month, take your pick – a beach house in Rio de Janeiro maybe? 

Once you get settled in Brazil, the Ministry of Health provides health coverage for all employed persons in industry, domestic servants and self-employed while public employees have a separate system. Workers in Brazil are all eligible for medical benefits including medical and dental treatments, hospitalization and medicines. Their dependents also can receive the same benefits as the insured.

Brazilian tax legislation provides that taxes may be imposed on income and capital gains earned by individuals residing in Brazil from sources abroad, as well as income and capital gains received in Brazil by individuals residing abroad. When you start working in Brazil, or once you become a resident taxpayer, individual income tax is due both under withholding basis and yearly return.

Brazil is the only Latin country in South America that takes after Portugal for their language. Portuguese is a beautiful yet difficult to learn language. If you are worried about this one issue, think again, Brazilians are always helpful and friendly. You’d never lack translation from people who would always do what they can to accommodate. People can just draw you in here in Brazil, Think about beautiful scenery with genuinely nice people and true personal freedom.  These are some of the reasons why Brazil is one of the best countries to live.

The Importance Of Flexibility Whilst Researching For Last Minute Travel Discounts

Some of the best buys in travel are last minute travel discounts.  If you can bring yourself to wait until just before your planned vacation time to search last minute travel discounts, or if you are extremely flexible about when you travel, here are some tips for finding the best travel deals for you.

Consider picking a travel “theme” and search for last minute travel discounts to fill that bill.  The possible list of destinations helps you to think outside the box as you search for last minute travel discounts.  If you find yourself on the links every weekend and can’t get enough, search the travel sites for last minute discounts on prime golf courses or courses in interesting places.The gardener in you might value last minute travel discounts to nationally-acclaimed arboretums and gardens, as well as to places of natural flora and fauna.  If you love to shop but are tired of your usual stomping ground for shoes and handbags use your vacation time to explore Denver or New York City to reinvigorate your interest.  You may find that off-season travel to these places gives you even better last minute travel discounts.

Another way to make searching for last minute travel discounts fun and compelling in itself is to make your travel educational.  You can look for last minute travel discounts for seeing the monuments and museums in Washington DC, for example.This is a great family vacation and the attractions are virtually all free.All of the museums are free and several have hands-on or special exhibits that will get your kids to go wild with excitement.  (You can see the largest cut diamond in the world in the Museum of Natural History; while just down the hall your kids’ will thrill over a real mummy.  And then there’s the Air and Space Museum and the Smithsonian Castle.  So much for no money at all.)

Perhaps you want a water-filled vacation.  Search the travel sites for last minute travel discounts to some of the biggest and best water parks in the country.  Look for low fares to shore points on one of the coasts that you haven’t visited yet.  If you’re flexible or patient enough to wait it out, you can find last minute travel discounts that will keep you in the swim of things practically all day, every day.

Don’t forget to search cruises for last minute travel discounts.  Many are all-inclusive.  Child-friendly activities and even activities that your teenagers won’t shrug off are included on most cruises.  And the buffets are constantly refreshed, so you and your children can indulge to your hearts’ content.  Almost all cruises stop at a port or two for special sight-seeing or shopping or other activities.Viewing the package deal itself, minus the discount you might find, taking a cruise could be one of the least expensive last minute travel discounts you could obtain

Be creative; be flexible; and be waiting to go at a moment’s notice.

Jet Lag Is Part Of Life For Frequent Fliers

Dealing with jet lag is not too difficult for people who only fly once in a while, perhaps once or twice a year on holiday or for the occasional business trip, but for aircrews and those of us who fly regularly, jet lag frequently brings several health problems that can become more or less permanent.

Long-haul travelers will be more than familiar with the disturbance to their sleep pattern and the insomnia that can result from a long trip, as well as things like irritability, changes in mood, gastro-intestinal problems and difficulty in dealing with information. But, for very frequent fliers these often transient symptoms become a part of daily life and are habitually joined by menstrual cycle problems for women and also by short-term psychiatric disturbances for some people. So how do you go about managing jet lag?

The key factors which influence the degree of jet lag experienced, apart from the frequency of travel, are the distances involved, the direction in which you travel and how old you are.

If you regularly travel across just one or two world time zones then any affects are likely to be very mild. But, once you start to cross more than three world time zones, and particularly when you get up to frequently traveling over six or more time zones, jet lag symptoms start to markedly increase.

The symptoms of jet lag are also much more noticeable when you travel east and affect you less if you fly west. If you travel from London to Singapore on holiday for example you will experience greater jet lag when you arrive in Singapore at the beginning of your holiday than you will in London when you get home.

As a general rule when traveling east you can expect jet lag to last for several days and a good guide is about two thirds of the number of time zones crossed. For example, if you travel across six time zones you can expect jet lag to affect you for roughly four days. If you are flying west jet lag may be expected to last for about half this time.

Another major factor when it comes to jet lag is age and, as you get older, you will find that you are increasingly affected by jet lag.

A true jet lag cure does not exist but there is a great deal that can be done to help to reduce jet lag symptoms.

African Safari Tours Can Give You Adventures Of A Lifetime

East Africa safari

There are many people for whom the entire continent of Africa holds a special attraction that calls out and draws them to the land. In Africa, there are sounds, sights and even smells that uniquely depict a land that is mostly unspoiled by modern interventions. African safari tours provide adventuresome travelers with the opportunity to connect with this country and experience things, which simply cannot be replicated by just thumbing through a photo collection or even watching movies.

Even the very best of documentaries about the African continent, the people, the culture and the wildlife cannot begin to compare to the experience of being on an African safari tour and being able to breathe in the very essence of the unique existence of Africa. Many people who return from such trips say that is it a once in a lifetime experience that they have trouble putting into words.

Nowadays, just about any person from any walk of life can find African safari tours to go on that will allow them to explore any of a number of African countries, such as Botswana or Zimbabwe. Tour companies offer all kinds of specialized African safaris that appeal to diverse groups.

There are also family safari tours that are specially designed for families that have younger children, teens or pre-teens. For couples who don't have children yet, perhaps a luxury safari would be a better option. This type is even appropriate for an exciting, romantic honeymoon getaway that will be memorable in many ways.

In addition, an African safari tour can be arranged especially for those people who are in their senior years. Usually, these types of safaris entail less strenuous demands and provide more comfortable accommodations, allowing the participants to view the wildlife from vehicles rather than having to tromp through the underbrush to catch glimpses of various animals. While this means that there might be less variety of animals to observe, these types of safari holidays allow people with physical limitations to still enjoy the experience an African safari offers.

Overall, the major benefit of African safari tours is that the safari travel company, based on their years of experience, is able to put together a complete itinerary of places and things that one simply must see in the area of their expedition. This makes an African safari tour an excellent way to be introduced to Africa and allows the adventurers the ability to take in the various landscapes, cultures, people and wildlife that will be encountered during their trip to Africa.

There are numerous companies that offer a wide array of African safari tours. In most cases, each tour company and safari guide will have particular areas of the continent that they have the most expertise in and their itineraries are generally limited to those areas. Due to this, the best approach is to do your research to decide on the area that you prefer to visit and then start doing research to find the best African safari travel company to arrange your trip.

Discount International Airfares - First Choices To Start

Even though many people dream about soaking in the sights and cultures that can be found in different countries, many believe that international airfares are so expensive that they will never be able to afford global travel. Yet, just aswith other types of domestic flights, there are frequently discount airline tickets that you can get for flights that are international as well. There are many online travel agencies that have a great deal of experience in helping people plan for international journeys and finding great airfare deals.

Because travel plans can be more complex and challenging when voyaging internationally, as compared to domestic air travel, it is best to work through a travel agency to book your air tickets. But, it is important to be sure that the travel agency you choose has a good deal of experience in working with international flights and the international airlines that service the country, or countries, you are planning to visit.

It is also a good idea to seek out a travel agency that has an office located in the same country where you plan to travel. This factor alone is a good sign of how experienced they are and how well connected they will be in that country, and generally helps to make the booking process for international airfares go smoother.

Another reason to deal with a travel agency that has offices in the country where you are bound is that they will often have access to special international fares with airlines based in that country. This has the ability to assist you in getting the most ideal airfare deals as well as saving a great deal of cash on your airline tickets.

Because travel airfare is typically a bid portion of the budget for most travelers, particularly when plane flights are across the globe, these types of discounts can assist in making the trip a more affordable one as well as more pleasant when you have some extra money to spend for seeing the sights and shopping for souveniers
In the majority of cases, discounted irfares for international flights are can only be done for non-refundable tickets and for the most part are also non-transferable.

One of the primary cause of this has to do with the added measures of security that have been establised in various parts of the world, some of which is making sure the name, flight number as well as the dates all set up and fixed when booking, to lower the chance of security problems.

In most instances, when dealing with internet-based global travel agencies, you should be prepared to pay for your ticket in full at the time that you book your flight. Depending on the discount that you received and the terms of the agency and the airline, you may be able to make slight changes to your flight itinerary.

However, many international airlines only allow changes by adding a significant fee, which can effectively wipe out any discount you might have enjoyed. For this reason, it is advisable to hold off booking intercontinental flights if you have any doubt about your travel dates.

Research is an essential part of securing the best prices on international flights. Even in the case of working with an agency that is global, you need to do as much secondary research as you possibly can do so that you can inquire the right types of questions and be confident that the situation is being planned well. And, there's no reason why you cannot contact more than one travel agency to have them research the best airfare deals for you and then compare their offerings.

In conjunction with booking international airfares, you may also want the travel agency to see what kind of deals are available for hotel reservations and car reservations in your destination city. At times you can book a package deal by way of a trave agency which can be a terrific bargain that you wouldn't in other respects be able to enjoy.

At one time booking airplane fares through a online discount travel website was extremely frustrating because you had to be very flexible in your travel dates and time. That did not work for people who had to be somewhere on a specific day or at a specific time. Well times have changed and the online agencies are the best choice when traveling anywhere. They offer incredible deals and let you choose your travel date and what flight you want to take. While you are there booking your airplane tickets you can also book the hotel and the car rental. Click here for more information: Cheap Europe Flight and at Cheap Last Minute Travel Deals