Nero's Domus Aurea - An Ancient Rome Tourist Attraction Delight

By Jill Kammer

Recently Rome opened the Golden House of Nero to public viewing and it is an attraction not to be missed. It is interesting that the ruins were discovered long ago during the Renaissance but it was in the late 20th century that they were prepared to be seen by you and I.

Everybody knows that Nero fiddled while Rome burned. The Golden House of Nero was built in 64 AD after that huge disaster and it is filled with amazing finds. Nero spared no expense on himself using gold plating liberally and filling the ceiling with precious stones to honor himself. Sadly, these riches cannot be viewed if you go there. Looters had their way with the Golden House of Nero not long after the decadent ruler passed away.

Nero's opulent home actually covered a huge 350 acre grounds which boasted fine vineyards and a lake made just for him. But something unusual about this "home" of Nero's is that there were no bedrooms in any of the 300 rooms. This is not to say that during those wild orgies we know about, many didn't just fall in a stupor all around the house and grounds.

One of the most striking features of the palace at the time was the 40m (130ft) high bronze likeness Nero had done to honor himself. This amazing art work is still on display outside the Colosseum.

Time has taken its toll on the Palace of Nero, but it's still worth taking a few hours to go on the audio tour that is offered. It's a fascinating and satisfying tour and if you are in Rome in the fall, the city is friendly and the weather perfect.

A great way to take in this ancient structure is through the guided underground tour that goes lets you view the amazing paintings in the vaults and rooms. This is a rare chance to see artwork done by the famous artist Fabullus who used the Pompeii artistic style.

For us, the artist Fabullus may not be well known, but great artists such as Michelangelo and Raphael were inspired by him, and those that saw his work at the Golden House of Nero left their names etched into the walls. Names like Casanova and the Marquis de Sade can also be found there if you look for them.

You won't get bored on your tour - you will see some rooms in ruins where it's difficult to see the artwork. Then around the next corner you will be greeted by beautifully restored rooms, their walls glistening with stunning art and gold and marble ornaments as striking as when Nero admired them.

It's great to admire the many grottos in the underground rooms but when you get to the Octagon Room, that will be a memory maker. The art in this room was how Nero honoured the Greeks (he was a big fan of their work), including a wonderful statue of the Dying Gaul that is now on display at the museum at Palazzo Altemps.

But don't miss out on enjoying the great gardens and grounds during your stay. The organizers also have a replica of the Octagonal Room for you to examine which will give you a real feel for how it was to live in this amazing time in history in Nero's house.

About the Author:

Need Rome accommodation? Try renting one of our Rome Apartments. We have over 180 Rome Holiday Apartments for Rent from as little as 88 Euros/night.

Glasgow Hotel Breaks

By Craig Walker

As a city break destination Glasgow is not usually at the top of a lot of people's must visit lists, however recently Glasgow has appeared on the most influential destination guides as just that a must see, must visit destination. Once you look into Glasgow as a destination you will see why more and more people are discovering it and coming back year after year.

Glasgow is Scotland's largest city and has a history stretching back to the earliest times of the stone age. Celtic druids, Romans and eventually in around 540 AD a missionary founded the first Christian church in the area. In 1175 Glasgow became a burgh of barony and in 1238 work began on the Cathedral. In the 16th and 17th centuries Glasgow became an important trading centre and there were a lot of very rich traders living in Glasgow during this time.

Glasgow today is one of a major shopping destination with an assortment of shops, shopping centres and markets to suit even the most experienced shopper. In fact the only place better to shop in the UK would be London. Add in the amazing nightlife, selection of restaurants, pubs, clubs, casinos and you will soon discover why so many people visit Glasgow.

Another great reason to visit Glasgow is to experience on of the many festivals staged in the city throughout the year. From the International Comedy Festival to the River Festival, Glasgay, Merchant City Festival, Celtic Connections and the many others. There is always an extra reason to be in Glasgow and great entertainment is only another.

Glasgow is easy to get to and has a very busy airport with arrivals from numerous towns and cities around the UK, Europe and beyond. There are flights available with the low cost airlines offering amazingly cheap flights to and from Glasgow. Travelling by rail takes you into the centre of the city to either of the stations. The coach station is also in the city centre and like the train has regular arrivals from England and the north of Scotland. There are flights daily from all four of the airports in London and most other UK towns and cities as well.

Glasgow has numerous options when it comes to accommodation including hostels, Bed and Breakfast accommodation, two to five star hotels and serviced self catering apartments. As the Commonwealth games approach 2014 more and more accommodation is being built and opened in the city.

Glasgow's weather can be unpredictable however they are used to it and no matter what you want to do you can do almost everything regardless of the weather conditions. Glasgow does experience very hot weather as well so make sure you pack accordingly for the correct time of year.

Some of the best attractions include the fantastic Kelvingrove Art Gallery, probably the busiest gallery in the UK after the Tait Gallery in London. The Science Centre in Glasgow is an excellent attraction and well worth a visit, there is also the Glasgow Tower and Imax theatre all located at the Science Mall next to the River Clyde.

Loch Lomond and the Highlands can be reached easily from Glasgow as can Stirling, Edinburgh and Ayrshire. If you wish to see more of the surrounding areas it is advisable to rent a car.

So what ever you are looking for Glasgow has it all from shopping, amazing nightlife, restaurants, pubs, attractions and much more. Visit Glasgow before it is no longer a discovery.

About the Author:

Find out which airline has flights and to where in the world with London Flights and from which London airport, all destinations shown including Glasgow. Article by travel columnist Craig Walker of Bargain Sun the holiday and travel discount web site.

Holidays in Cornwall

By Steve Woodward

For many years now, people have been visiting the County of Cornwall in the UK because it offers a more traditional seaside holiday. However, although the traditional seaside holiday is still a favourite with young and old alike, some people are looking for a little bit more in their Cornwall holidays today. Yes as you will soon discover Cornwall can offer you much more than just sun, sea, sand and clotted cream teas.

Today not only can you spend time relaxing on the beach but you may want to try out some of the many different water sports that are now on offer. In fact for those who are involved in surfing and windsurfing many will make numerous trips to Cornwall, simply because it offers some of the best winds and waves for them to ride on.

Along with the water, sports there are plenty of other activities and places of interest that you can visit. Also today, some of the countries most well known chef's including Rick Stein have restaurants located in some of the towns located around the County. This provides you with the chance to try some superb food at a fraction of the cost you would normally pay in their restaurants in London.

However, the county of Cornwall is still a place where many families will go on holiday and there are some superb places to visit during their time there. One place that has become extremely popular since it first opened is "The Eden Project". This is not only beautiful but is a place to learn about things relating to the effect that global warming is having on our planet. During your visit, you will learn of different ways in which not only the UK but other countries around the globe are working on to help combat global warming and so protect the planet on which we live. The Eden Project has now been ranked as a world heritage site alongside both the Grand Canyon (USA) and Taj Mahal (India).

One other reason why so many people choose Cornwall as their vacation spot is that no matter where you stay you are only ever a short drive away from its coastline. Also, there are plenty of other beautiful natural features for you to see and visit as well. Plus within a short while you can actually head in to the next county along (Devon) and take a peruse around its quaint villages and towns as well.

But along with the beautiful beaches why not take a trip up to either Bodmin Moor or Dartmoor in order to see some of the native animals to be found in the UK. Along with the Dartmoor, ponies there are deer and you may even come across the Beast of Bodmin during your visit.

When it comes to accommodation in Cornwall, you have a number of different styles available to you. You can either stay in a hotel or for that more friendly and homely feeling why not try out one of the many B

About the Author:

About the author: Steve Woodward writes many travel related publications and reviews holiday cottages in Cornwall. You can learn more about holiday homes in Cornwall and take a look at related holidays and holiday villas.

St. Peter's Basilica - A Vatican City Must-See When In Rome

By Jill Kammer

St. Peter's Basilica, otherwise known as Basilica di San Pietro has always been a tremendously popular attraction of tourists to Rome. Visitors to the site can happily pass a day taking in all there is to see there. Of the many popular locations in Vatican City, St. Peter's ranks high in popularity and number of visits by tourists.

The popular lore says that Saint Peter is actually buried here but that legend is not backed up by evidence. The real history of the location of St. Peter's is that it probably sits on the original Circus of Nero from the first century.

The historic Christian Roman leader by the name of Constantine was the one who ordered that a basilica be built on this spot in the fourth century. That construction actually happened 1000 years before the construction of St. Peter's.

Hundreds of years later construction started on St. Peter's Basilica using funds diverted from the holy war with the Turks by Pope Leo X.

But like most large scale construction efforts during this phase in history, it took decades to finish the church in the late 16th century and the project had many architects and was overseen by several Popes before it was done.

St. Peter's is a tall building even by sixteenth century standards. From the floor to the very tip of the cross on that famous dome above, the basilica towers 445 feet in the air. That dome is a revered part of the Roman skyline and it is an amazing architectural design all by itself. None other than Michelangelo himself designed the great dome and that famous Renaissance artist employed a double-shell design technique that was created by San Gallo.

Even though Michelangelo was made the architect in charge of St. Peter's in 1546, the completion of the masterpiece came long after his death. With the passing of the great master, one of his students, Giacomo della Porta went on to complete the work in 1590. The design plans of the brilliant architects of St. Peter's are often utilized in other great buildings including the Capital Building in Washington DC.

That dome was a durable design and it was 200 years later that the first cracks showed up in the surface. To contain these cracks from doing any more damage, four huge chains of iron were attached to the inside of the shell. If you were to climb the winding stairs between the dome shells, you would still see those chains today.

But the dome is not the only thing that makes St. Peter's Basilica a work of art. The church itself covers six acres of land and it is so large that 60,000 believers can crowd into it for worship. That capacity has been reached a number of times when the different Popes held mass or other ceremonies in the basilica.

The outer facade of the basilica is large as well, standing at 148 feet high and 377 feet wide and there are many statues gracing the outside of the building as well.

The basilica also hosts over 100 tombs of well known figures from history. You can feel history around you including the tomb of Queen Christina of Sweden. History tells us that she gave up her royal crown in 1654 so she could come to Rome and become a convert to Catholicism.

There is no doubt that the most revered and valuable art work in the basilica is Michelangelo's Pieta. You will find it behind protective glass after a lunatic attacked it with an ax in 1972.

When touring the grounds outside of St. Peter's in addition to the dome, there are a number of notable and historical art works to look for.

If you look, you can find several very old clocks including one with a bell that goes back all the way to the thirteenth century. You also won't have to look too hard to find the large Egyptian obelisk that adorns the grounds that was brought here from where it originally stood outside of Nero's Circus in the 13th century.

As is true all over Rome, two wonderful artistic fountains can be found in the square outside St. Peter's. On the south side is a fountain made by the brilliant artist, Bernini who created it in 1675. Bernini also created the second fountain near the apse of the church, the Triumph of the Chair of Saint Peter which is not to be missed.

A trip to Rome would almost be incomplete without including at least a couple of hours to wander at your leisure taking in the majesty of this amazing display of outstanding architecture from the Renaissance period of history.

About the Author:

Choose from over 180 Rome appartments for rent at Rome-Accom.com, including Vatican accommodation near St.Peter's Basilica.

Using Public Transport in Manchester to Avoid Congestion

By James Steven Blackburn

Manchester is the UKs second city after London and like the capital boasts a large transport network with many different ways of getting around the city:

Metrolink - The Metrolink has been running since April 1992 and has become a quick and easy method of getting in and out of Manchester and around the city centre with trams running from Bury in the north of Manchester through the centre and to Altrincham and Eccles in southern Greater Manchester. The city centre has seven tram stops with two at Manchester's major railway stations, Victoria and Piccadilly which provide transport links to the rest of the country. The trams run every 12 minutes and are quick to get to the centre with the longest journey being taking 25 minutes to get from Bury to Manchester. The trams also provide a quick link between Piccadilly and Victoria stations where passengers may need to go between the two stations to catch their next train.

Bus - Manchester has several major bus station situated on Chorlton Street, Shudehill Interchange and Piccadilly gardens. These are all situated within walking distance to Manchester's two major railway stations, Piccadilly and Victoria. All three bus stations are also very close to a Metro stop. Manchester runs a series of free buses which people can jump on and off at any designated stop and Manchester features a series of bus lanes on roads in and out of the city to assist the buses in keeping on time.

Train - Manchester Piccadilly station is the busiest major station outside London in England for passenger use and handles over 83,000 passengers each and every day. Manchester train network has links with every major town and city in the country. Piccadilly's main link is with London Euston with a journey time of two and a half hours.

Car - Manchester?s road network is busy, but this is understandable with almost 3 million people living within the county boundary. Manchester does feature the M60 ring road which circles the city enabling easy access to various roads into Manchester meaning that drivers don?t have to drive through the centre and can go around and in on a different road which can be quicker for them.

Plane - Manchester Airport has the fourth busiest airport in the United Kingdom and is the busiest outside London handling over 22 million passengers a year. The airport features good train and bus links with the city centre meaning people transfer quickly to the city; this is very useful for those who are attending meetings in the city centre.

As you can see above, Manchester's transport network is very well linked together with many interchanges to assist passengers go from one type of transport to the other quickly so they can continue their journey with a minimum of disruption.

Manchester does have a series of proposed changes and improvements to the current transport network. Mainly the tram network is going to be extended so it reaches more towns surrounding Manchester and also the airport bringing another valuable link to help people get where they need to go quicker. Also planned is an increase in the amount of trams which run along the lines with new trams being bought to run alongside the existing stock.

Improvements to the train network are also proposed with the aim of more carriages on a lot of services during peak times. Also new indicator boards are proposed at stations to give better information to passengers so there is no confusion over where the train arriving is going to and when it will arrive.

About the Author:

For more information on the proposed transport improvements partly funded by the congestion charge, please visit http://www.gmfuturetransport.co.uk

Things To Do In Jersey City

By Chris Channing

One can't go wrong with a trip to the "big city" in New Jersey. Of coures this big city is going to be Jersey City, a popular tourist attract that has many things to see and do. In addition to the historic elements, younger crowds will enjoy newer forms of entertaining experiences.

Getting around the city might be tough for tourists who haven't rented a car during their stay. But if they don't mind taking public transportation, there are plenty of places that can be reached via the many sources of transportation. Jersey City has many rail stations, ferries, bus stations, and even a few airports to take advantage of.

Before one leaves the area of Jersey City they should consider visiting two very big landmarks in Amercian history: the Statue of Liberty and Ellis island. Both landmarks are open for tourist viewing year round, and are very close to the Jersey City shore. Both make for wonderful picture opportunities to share with family members back home.

The largest clock in the world, the Colgate Clock, also resides in Jersey City. This is a very worthy look for tourists, who should realize that the clock may not be around for too much longer. Because it has been taking up a now-abandoned lot, the Colgate Clock is likely to be moved in the near future. It is unclear whether this may even happen or not, but tourists should get pictures of the clock while they still can.

Jersey City is especially friendly to females, who just love to shop. There are a total of ten different shopping districts to visit in Jersey City- each with their own style and different shops and goods. Jersey City commonly brags that their sales tax is only 3.5%, compared to the 8% or more that other states and locations abide by. As such, Jersey City is considered a hot shopping location for tourists.

There are also a few parks that will enable tourists to relax and take in the sights. Liberty State park, Leonard Gordon park, and Hudson River Waterfront Walkway each have their own distinct styles in relaxation and entertainment. Those who are familiar with the Statue of Liberty probably already know about Liberty State Park- which is situated near the landmark in question. All three are considered to be a must-see for any tourists in the area who might be passing through.

Closing Comments

Jersey City has a great reputation as a tourist-friendly location. And indeed, the rumors are true- a tourist can't go wrong by planning their next vacation at the wonderful location of Jersey City, New Jersey.

About the Author:

Learn more on Jersey City Message Board and Jersey City.

Pocono Mountain Resorts - Offer Year Round Vacationing

By Alain Schuster

When it comes to the Pocono Mountain Resorts you are not restricted to just visiting during the winter months. But rather these resorts are suitable for visiting at any time of the year. Okay they are famous for their skiing facilities, but there are plenty of other activities one can enjoy at the many different Pocono Mountain Resorts today.

As previously mentioned these resorts do provide great facilities for skiing, snow tubing and snowboarding throughout the winter months. Yet when spring comes and turns to summer then autumn there are numerous other activities that couples and families alike can enjoy. Here there are several great water parks and fun parks that visitors to this part of Pennsylvania can enjoy as well.

For a couple who just want to spend time together then resorts such as Paradise Stream and Caesar's are the perfect place to spend time away. As for families there are numerous resorts in the Pocono Mountains that they can enjoy as well and below we take a look at some of these.

Fernwood Resort is situated close to the town of Bushkill and you can either stay in a studio room or a suite, or if you want to consider booking one of their 1 or 2 bedroom villas instead. The price of the rooms depending on what you book cost as little as $129 per night and go up to as much as $299 per night, but this is if you intend to stay midweek. Weekend prices can be considerably more expensive.

This particular resort has a large number of amenities for the whole family to enjoy including basketball, tennis, a fitness centre and indoor and outdoor swimming pools. Plus surrounding the resort there are numerous nature trails available which allows you the chance to explore the area. What is so great about this resort is the amenities that we have mentioned are available to use for free as they are included in the price of your accommodation.

The Skytop Lodge resort is situated in nearly 5,500 acres of Pocono Mountain land and accommodation choices are great. You can either stay in the more affordable standard rooms that the resort has to offer or book yourself a mini suite or cottage instead. Each weekend programs are run where naturalist come into the resort and teach you and show you more about the nature surrounding it. However, along with activities such as these the resort also offers you the chance to have a go at trout fishing or just spend time relaxing in its indoor pool.

The Woodlock Pines Resort is near to the town of Hawley which is in the northern part of the Pocono Mountains. The resort covers a total of 250 acres and there are plenty of activities to keep everyone amused especially the kids during your stay. Along with water skiing, there is a miniature golf course and games arcades. Plus it is perfectly situated for your to be able to explore the countryside as well.

Above we have offered you some information on what you can expect from various Pocono Mountain resorts which cater to the requirements of families. If you are thinking about visiting this part of Pennsylvania it is advisable that you do in fact book your accommodation well in advance of your vacation dates if you want to avoid being disappointed.

About the Author:

I love to travel and I have written some free valuable travel-related reports so check it out. And with all the hype going on about the Global Resorts Network, please read my unbiased report on the Global Resorts Network, and be properly informed.

The Best Reasons for taking a Hawaii Vacation

By Dave Joa

An awesome welcome awaits you in the Hawaiian Islands due to the Aloha spirit. Hawaii is the best location you can visit on vacation wherever in the world you come from. If you are still waiting to visit Hawaii, then wait no more and book a vacation to Hawaii now.

If you live anywhere on the North American continent you can easily get there on a direct flight form most major city airports. The hot sunny weather that predominates all year in Hawaii combined with magnificent beaches and great activities means fun for all. Get away for a winter break and forget the snow and freezing temperatures completely.

The choice of activities and places to visit in Hawaii is vast and you will be guaranteed a great vacation whatever your age. Plenty of sun, sea, a blue sky and perfect beaches will give you the vacation of a lifetime.

Hawaii Activities for You

Without doubt Hawaii is a top location for a great vacation that everyone wants to visit sooner or later. Staying in paradise on an island in the middle of the Pacific is just to much to resist.

There are several island in Hawaii and the largest and most visited include Oahu, where Honolulu is located, Maui, Kauai, Molokai and the Big Island of Hawaii where you will find the active volcano. The beaches are beautiful with great views over the Pacific, the weather is always warm and their is always lots to do.

If you visit in the winter season you will have the opportunity of going on a whale watching trip. The tours will give you close views of the whales and their new born calves out on the ocean. Viewings are guaranteed as there are just so many whales around the Hawaiian Islands at this time of the year.

When on board you also stand a good chance of seeing bottle nose or spinner dolphins. Some boat operators also provide trips for shark encounters. If you are lucky enough to book on board a yacht when you go whale watching you could also go sailing for that ultimate ocean experience.

If you like or want to learn scuba diving there are many operators on each of the islands to help you out and many great dive sites exist around the islands.

Alternatively you can snorkel in one of many locations, often really close to shore, that are accessible on each island. The variety of tropical fish for you to see is very impressive and turtles are often encountered. Do not miss out on this chance to experience this amazing underwater life.

Hawaii Vacation Top Visitor Attractions

Wherever you go in Hawaii you will have many things that you want to do and see. A great vacation is guaranteed and you will be able to keep as busy as you want or just relax on the beach if you prefer.

Well known locations of historical interest are Pearl Harbor, the USS Arizona Memorial and the USS Missouri. There are many several good museums, ocean aquariums, zoos, tropical locations for hiking, cycle tours visits to dormant and live volcanoes.

Go to Hawaii in the winter to see surfers, windsurfers and kite surfers in some of the biggest waves in the world. Many surf competitions are held at this time of the year and they are great fun to watch. If you want to try any of these sports there are many locations you can do this and get professional training too.

Hawaii has many natural wonders and when you combine this with the great weather a great time is pretty much guaranteed, so book your Hawaii vacations now. Just get on the web and search for Hawaii vacations, pick the best deal and you will be there before you know it.

About the Author:

Dave Joa has visited the islands for a Discount Hawaii Vacation Package several times and recommends Big Island Vacations for the best Hawaii island experience. Great weather with a warm ocean and awesome activities await you. Book now!

Scottish Music Festivals, Wickerman

By WickermanXXX

The growing popularity of music festivals worldwide is phenomenal and in the United Kingdom there has been a dramatic increase in the number of events this year. While many people know of the huge festivals such as Glastonbury not many know of many of the smaller events which account for over 400 festivals this year.

Dumfries and Galloway is one of the most beautiful regions in Scotland. Found in the southwest corner Dumfries and Galloway has a number of beautiful picturesque places to visit and it was considered so beautiful and inspirational that many artists have, in the past, lived in the quaint village of Kirkcudbright. So beautiful is the Solway coast that it has been dubbed the "Scottish Riviera" and it is becoming extremely popular as a Scottish vacation destination.

Towards the end of July each year the peaceful Dumfries and Galloway is rocked by the raucous sounds of one of Scotland's most exciting music festivals, the Wickerman Music Festival. The site for the festival is at East Kirkcarswell, near Dundrennan right in the heart of Dumfries & Galloway and for as far as the eye can see there is beautiful countryside populated only by sheep, cattle, and a whole horde of very friendly festival folk.

Interestingly the Wickerman Music Festival is themed upon a 1973 film called "The Wicker Man" which starred Edward Woodward, Christopher Lee and Britt Ekland. The British movie is somewhat strange and rather disturbing at times. Having steadily gained a cult status it was remade by Hollywood in 2006 and starred Nicolas Cage but it failed to meet much success.

Nearly all music festivals feature folk who dress up in all manner of costumes and regalia but at the Wickerman Music Festival there are far more than usual. The 1973 movie featured a number of animal costumes and many festival goers enjoy dressing up in a similar fashion. Much of the festival site has reminiscences of the movie and there is even an open air cinema but the most amazing film related event at the festival is the burning of a huge Wicker Man which must be seen to be believed.

Wickerman is considered a family friendly music festival with many aspects geared towards family entertainment. This includes a full fairground, many circus events and acts including jugglers and stilt walkers as well as many small stalls and other areas of entertainment besides the music stages and tents. In the camping area there is a family and quiet area and, unusually for music festivals, the toilet facilities are usually rather clean. However if you want to ensure a clean toilet and you would rather not use one of the plastic portloo types then there is the "down and dirty" which, for a small extra fee, provides you with proper porcelain toilets which are continually monitored for cleanliness and toilet roll etc. There are also, if required, showers available in the down and dirty area. There are plenty of food stalls, clothing stalls and lots of other retailers including bars.

The order of the day seems to be saving the planet and the organizers of the Wickerman Music Festival are to be congratulated on their efforts to massively reduce the impact of the festival upon the environment. The immediate festival site is permanently kept clean of litter and other debris, usually seen at other festivals, by a squad of volunteers known as "wickerpickers". All waste is carefully sorted ready for recycling and this goes as far as packing up all of the abandoned tents and donating them to good causes.

Finally I will mention the music of the Wickerman festival, after all that is what it is all about. Most UK music festivals seem to focus upon one, or maybe two, specific genres of music but at Wickerman there is a most amazing eclectic mix of sounds ranging from reggae to punk, from acoustic folk to ska, from pop to hard dance and electronic and all manner of world music including many types of music which defy the usual categories. This may appear strange but it is one of the aspects which helps create the most incredible atmosphere as all types of people mix together and celebrate their enjoyment of live music. There is one thing, besides the incredible scenery, that you will take away with you from the Wickerman Music Festival and that is the most amazing memories of friendliness not often experienced these days.

About the Author:

Wickerman is a wonderful festival and the internet has many Wickerman 2007 photos and more Wickerman 2008 photos are appearing all of the time, so go and take a look

Visiting Torrevieja and the Costa Blanca in Spain

By Johnathan Bakers

The best way to travel around the Costa Blanca is to hire a car. A car allows you much more freedom and flexibility when travelling around the area. This also allows you to travel around without having to rely upon public transportation. If you want to travel around the area a lot then you may want to consider hiring a car.

You can hire a car from Alicante airport, or from most popular cities. If you are travelling to the area during the summer months then it?s a good idea to book your car early so that they don?t run out. It?s a good idea to reserve your hire car at the same time as your flights so that you have everything you need for your holiday at the best deal possible.

Finding the best Torrevieja Car Hire Deal

The easiest way to compare prices of hire cars is by looking on the internet. You can use this to get quotes from a number of different companies. Many websites will allow you to compare each company?s offerings side by side.

Make sure you are comparing like for like, bear in mind the total package, not just the price. Some prices may seem expensive, however they may have many extras which makes them a good deal. Make sure that you read all of the fine print and ask any questions if you don?t understand. Additional extras may be quite expensive, so it?s worth asking before booking.

When you are dealing with the larger car hire companies you should also phone the local agency based in Torrevieja. Most have staff which can speak English among other languages. You might be able to get a better deal than you were able to on the internet, you?ll never know unless you ask.

Things to Consider when Renting a car

You need to think about how many people you are taking with you, how big will the car need to be? Will you need to store golf gear? The least expensive size of car is the economy size. These are also cheaper to run as they do not use as much fuel. If you have a larger group then you may need to consider getting a larger vehicle.

Economy cars are the most popular cars that they have, you should reserve an economy as soon as possible. You can always upgrade this fairly easily at a later date if needed. If the company doesn?t have enough economy cars then they will quite often give you the upgrade for free.

Also think for how long you will need to keep the car for. Some companies charge a weekly rate, while others will charge a daily rate. Normally the daily rate works out to be more expensive than the weekly rate if you are keeping it for longer than a couple of days.

About the Author:

Concentrating on the area of costa blanca golf, Johnathan Bakers works at large for http://www.alicante-spain.com . On his site you can learn about his comments on costa blanca golf courses in spain and golf costa blanca.

Vacation Destinations

By Gary Pearson

The five day work week can get a little old. I wonder who came up with this. I think we all have a few choice words for the guy. Come on, only a two day break in between. Luckily we have vacations to sooth our overworked minds and bodies. Those two weeks out of the year to simply relax and soak up the good side of life. When that time rolls around for the big trip, you want to know where the ideal spots are. With the help of the Internet you can check out some of the greatest vacation destinations.

If you don't yet have that ideal vacation spot in mind, check out the World Wide Web. There are literally thousands of places you can go, some that you many even never have heard of. Also, by be able to compare your vacations side by side you can ensure that your vacation will have everything you need and will also cost the least amount possible. So whether you want beachside or lakefront, find your vacation now via the Internet.

Some may think that their family situation makes it difficult to organize your vacation. You may have kids of all ages, or a physically challenged family member, or an elderly parent and you think that trying to fit everyone's needs into one vacation is impossible. Believe me, there are options out there for absolutely every family situation.

Hop on the Internet and see what's available. It's really quite simple these days. There are great vacation search engines that can help you find the exact right vacation destination. Limit by dates, continents or countries, facilities and activities. Check out hotel and resort reviews, view pictures and walk thrus, see maps of the area and lists of local tourist sites. They'll also have descriptions of the various rooms and views available. Make sure you look at the hot deals page, your vacation destination package may be right there for you at hundreds of dollars off.

So, if you are tired of the day-in day-out monotony that is your daily life, check out the Internet and all it's great vacation destinations. Surprise your family. Find yourself the perfect package, and travel to a fabulous destination stress-free knowing that everything is covered.

About the Author:

Gary Pearson is an accomplished author. For more about Planning Great Vacations visit Family Vacation Fun for current articles and discussions.

Edinburgh Short Breaks

By Craig Walker

Choosing Edinburgh as a city break destination will involve selecting the same criteria as you would use for any other city break in the world.

Going away for an enjoyable weekend can depend on what you are looking for and what you expect. It is always a good idea to do some basic research prior to selecting your destination. important factors to consider include the time of year you are planning to travel so you can be prepared for the weather. The weather in Edinburgh can be wet out with the summer months however there is still plenty of things to do and see.

Edinburgh airport has even more choice of direct flight options than ever before so if you are planning on visiting the capital city of Scotland then you should find it even easier than ever to get a direct flight to Edinburgh from an airport near to you or a short drive away. There are lots of flights options from London to Edinburgh on more than one airline so as a result of the competition on this route it should be easy enough to get a cheaper flight to Edinburgh than ever before.

Why select Edinburgh for a short break? Edinburgh has a magnificent selection of attractions including art galleries, sites of interest and a great selection of pubs and restaurants.

Probably most famous of all the attractions in Edinburgh has to it's Castle. Sitting high above the main shopping street it is a fantastic back drop to this wonderful and historical city. You may be lucky enough be visiting Edinburgh during an event and even be able to attend one. Obviously the most famous event is the Military Tattoo which takes place every August. Other events include music Concerts as well as popular music events with some of the worlds most famous bands.

The magnificent Scottish Parliament building is a popular attraction and they run tours throughout the day for visitors. Nearby is Dynamic Earth an attraction that offers an educational view of the planet but in a fun way.

There is of course a lot more things to do and see and by quickly checking the options on the internet you will find lists of them. By planning ahead you will make the most of your Edinburgh city break

There is a big choice of accommodation and hotel options available in Edinburgh which include small family run bed and breakfasts and low cost youth hostels to the very best in five star accommodation. The better accommodation tends to be in the more central locations however you get what you pay for.

If you are planning on a short break in Edinburgh during the really busy times such as in August or at New Year make sure you book in advance so you get the best prices and actually might get accommodation. It is not unusual on certain dates to find people booking accommodation in a different city and travelling to Edinburgh each day.

Book up as early as possible and you can could have a great value short break in Edinburgh and give yourself more money to spend while you are there than on travelling there.

About the Author:

For a superb value short break destination Edinburgh offers lots of attractions and Edinburgh flights from lots of European airports make it simpler to get there. There are lots of different hotels in Edinburgh to pick from.

Changing Your Climate - Taking Off on Adventure Travel

By John Bakers

Once you have made the commitment to head out on an adventure travel vacation, you need to start making preparations for your trip. There are a lot of things you need to think of and have ready before you take off. Have you thought about all the things you will need to take with you on the trip to have the best time possible? You need to start making a list now so you don?t forget anything once your adventure begins.

If you are heading out on adventure travel, your vacation could be cut short, or just be miserable if you are not well prepared for the climate and conditions that you are going to be encountering during your adventure.

The first things you need to consider long before you leave on your trip is that you have all the documentation you need in order to go. If you are traveling to a new country, you need a passport. If you do not have one, you need to put in for your passport far in advance, or it can be very costly to have it rushed to you. Some countries demand you have a visitor?s visa in order to go, you should find out if this is necessary and make sure you have the appropriate paperwork in order. You can ask the tour operator, they should know what you need to have and be able to help you get everything together.

Next, you are going to need spending money, so make sure you have the funds you need for the trip. You should put cash into traveler?s checks and make sure that any credit cards you are going to take with you will not expire while you are on the trip and that you have available credit to use if you need to purchase things. It would be very rough to try and pay for something you need while you are in a foreign country only to have your credit card not work.

Not all insurance policies will cover you when you go adventure traveling, so you may want to call your health insurance company to find out what you are covered for while you are on the trip. If they will not cover you, you will have time to look into traveler?s insurance to make sure you have some coverage while you are traveling.

While you have made the decision to go on an adventure travel trip, this is new territory for you, and you may have a lot of questions. Don?t just let those questions fester. Ask someone. You can call the company you are booking your trip through to ask them any questions you may have about what to pack, what you need to take care of before you go, and anything else that comes to mind. You will not enjoy a trip if you are worried about things that you have not asked about. You may also want to carry local maps in case you get lost. Instead, get all those worries out of the way by asking any questions you have and then enjoying your trip.

About the Author:

John Bakers is writing especially for http://www.alicante-spain.com , an online publication covering information on benidorm beach and transport in benidorm. His publications on benidorm maps can be found on his website .

Carry-On-Luggage - Best Features Vacationers Should Look For

By Dorothy Yamich

I'm sure that most travelers have at one time or another bought inexpensive travel luggage that literally fell apart after only a few years of traveling and vacationing. It seems that most times in life you get what you pay for, so it may make a lot of sense to invest in a more expensive, but very durable set of luggage. Quality counts. And, in the long run you can save a lot of money by not continually buying cheaply made luggage.

Make sure that you always buy wheel-equipped luggage, including your carry-on. Check and make sure that the telescopic handles will lock in both the low and high positions. This is especially important if you are a tall person, as you don't want to be always stooping over just to pull your luggage along.

A few of the top-of-the-line, nineteen inch roller board, wheeled carry-ons is TravelPro's FlightPro4. Another top brand name luggage is Tumi.

Always take luggage bungee cords with you so you can tie down and piggyback your luggage if needed.

What important things should you look for in larger-sized luggage?

Soft-sided luggage is superior to hard-sided suitcases as the locks on the latter can easily break open when your luggage is thrown around. Luggage handlers are not noted for being gentle when it comes to transferring luggage from place to place. The luggage should be made of strong, durable, 1,000 denier cordura nylon or polyester, and have double or triple stitching as well as extra reinforcing at all stress points. Each piece should have a padded, expandable handle that locks into both short and long handle positions. The luggage should also be light-weight, expandable, and have outside pockets. Brightly colored luggage is easier to pick out as it circles around the carousel. Lastly, your luggage should have large zippers and wide, rubber, recessed wheels.

There are a number of luggage reviews that can be researched on the web at LuggageOnLine.com.

If you are planning to purchase luggage that has detachable handles or straps, you should take them off at the airport, so they don't get hung up on conveyer belts.

What are the features that you should you look for when buying a backpack?

Backpacks should be lightweight and feel comfortable while being worn when they are full. Gender-specific designs and built-in lumbar supports will greatly increase a person's comfort. As well, backpacks should have a weather resistant polyurethane coating, a zip-off day pack, outside and inside pockets as well as a hip belt with pockets, and last but not least, adjustable, padded, wide straps. Their carrying capacity should be about 4,000 to 5,000 cubic inches.

Some backpacks have a light-weight steel mesh grid sewn inside to prevent valuable personal items from falling out if it is slashed by a robber while it is being worn.

A few of the top-of-the-line backpack brand names are ArcTeryx, REI, and GoLite.

About the Author:

To quickly find and grab cheap travel deals, at the best price possible, every time you feel like traveling, visit Travel Tips Guide, for more information.

What to see in Crete

By Tom Scott

If you are planning on a vacation in Crete, there are some sights you simply can't miss. There are many worthy sights to see on Crete, and a lot of historical interest. If you find yourself going to Crete, you must simply see the following places.

Heraklion is the largest city in Crete. Home to approximately 140,000 people, this is also the site of the ruins of Knossos. These ruins date to the Bronze Age. If you're a history buff, you won't want to miss this well preserved site. Be sure to swing by Venizelous Square as well. This is a very beautiful place, as is Morosini Fountain. If you're a sports fan, be sure to take in a soccer match. Crete has two teams, the Ergotelis FC and the OFI Crete. Both teams are based out of Pankritiko Stadium.

There are many other Minoan ruin sites around Crete and there are also several museums that contain many artifacts, art collections and information about this ancient civilization. Among these are the Historical Museum of Crete and the Archaeological Museum. The Historical Museum of Crete covers the more recent history of the island and includes many art displays, while the Archaeological Museum, as you can imagine, includes many artifacts of the ancient Minoans. The Archaeological Museum is located in Heraklion, very close to the Palace of Knossos.

One of the largest castles on Crete is to be found in Rethymno, which is also home to an annual Wine Festival in July; other intersting festivals are held in the town as well. If you're interested in attending the Wine Festival however. be sure to book ahead; it can be hard to find lodging during this very popular event.

Lake Voulismeni should not be passed over. You'll find it near the town of Agios Nikolaos. Bronze Age ruins may be seen here as well. To get a feel for the culture of Crete, Agios Nikolaos is a place you should consider.

Sitia is the smallest town in Crete, but it has a lot to offer. On the east of town on the waterfront you'll find the Kazarma, a fortress once full of Venetians. Sitia is easy to get to as well the E75 runs right by it, making it very accessible.

If you are planning a Crete holiday, these cities should all be on your list. Each has different historical sites and cultural attractions. There is a lot going on in these cities, and you'll want to take advantage of them while on a Crete holiday.

About the Author:

Before planning your visit Crete, check out Tom Scott's site on Crete vacations

Disadvantages of timeshare ownership

By Dean Grzelak

Time share means that the right to use the property, mostly a resort condominium unit or a home in which multiple parties has the right to use. Before investing in a vacation property you will have to know the advantages and disadvantages of timeshare ownership. In timeshare ownership you pay for staying in a home or condominium with other people and do not have any ownership of the property. Despite the rising costs of the property, timeshares are very popular today. Timeshare resorts seem to be attractive but there are some disadvantages to take care of.

Before buying a timeshare property you will have to consider whether it suits to your lifestyle and finances. Timeshare ownership is an investment in an exotic vacationing spot but the buyers may get disappointed if they are buying the timeshare property for its appreciating property value. The biggest disadvantage of time share is the lack of appreciation.

Lets talk a little bit about trying to resell on of these things. It is hard and the resell market really isn't anything like normal real estate. You aren't going to get your money out of it. Another bummer about timeshares is that you can't send any of your family or friends on vacation with it as you will be blocked from going again in the same year.

Yearly maintenance charges should be paid despite of the fact whether you use it or not. There is a need of advanced planning for spending a comfortable vacation at the timeshare property. The owner of the timeshare property has to interact with exchange companies and has to deal with the costs.

When you decide to purchase your timeshare you will have to figure out how you are going to pay for it. Traditional mortgages are not available for timeshare, so you will either have to pay the enire amount out of pocket or use another way of financing. Most people don't want to vacation in the same place every year, this is another big timeshare turn off for me.

If you are a spontaneous traveler timeshare ownership is really not for you. Timeshares are expensive (especially if you want peak season). If you want a specific resort it will be that much more. Besides how costly it can be some of the creative financing options available have interest rate at about 16%, can you say holy cow?

Are seriously considering purchasing a timeshare? Well if you really are I urge you to look into a GLobal Resorts Network (GRN) menbership. You will pay much, much less and you will have access to top resorts all over the world. Global Resorts is a 22 year old company with years of satified customers and happy travelers. It is worth the few minutes to look into it.

You'll be a guest to top resorts at all the prime locations. You will never have to pay a annual maintence fee, and there are no blackout dates. Global Resorts Network has outstanding top notch customer support. You won't disappointed, just look into it...

My name is Dean Grzelak and I am a member of Global Resorts Network. As a member you have full access to all the resorts and you also have access to a great business opportunity. Take a moment and go to: www.grnextremesuccess for details.

About the Author:

Prior to you purchase a vacation membership, make sure you check Global Resorts Network with Dean Grzelak Global Resorts Network Also check out the amazing business model Global Resorts Network offers Global Resorts Network

Strategies of Finding Cheap Hotels in New York

By Gee Njuguna

I have traveled far and wide and in my many months of travel, i have noticed a peculiar thing with people. I find that many people are not interested in bargaining for good deals and don't try even before they start. It seems as if bartering has been lost on many people as is the art of comparison shopping. Did you know that every coin that you save when you go on vacation when making purchases on items such as food, accommodation and transport is an extra money that can be used for other things such as adventure and entertainment.

In the great city of New York, there is lots that you can do here as you conduct your business or vacation that you will not find time to be bored. New York city has so much to offer that its hard to know where to begin. Since New York is an expensive city and finding cheap hotels in New York city requires effort, I would recommend that you start saving early before landing here. One of the ways to do this is to take time each day and take notes of the people you have had a chance to talk to and the offers you came across in terms of price & perks for accommodations.

New York is a competitive city and as a result, many hotels in New York bend over backwards to please potential customers by offering them perks in order to get business from them. Many managers of these hotels aggressively promote the hotels they are managing because they know that the more rooms they sell the more money the hotel makes thus keeping their own jobs secure

If you are aggressive enough and make notes of the hotels you've had a chance to visit and make tentative arrangements with, you will most likely work out a deal with one of them that is better that what they originally offered you.

If you try to secure the deal on a weekend that is popular for travel, it might probably not work out very well so it wouldn't be a wise idea to look for accommodation in New York on popular holiday dates or an extended weekend for your trip. On the other hand, the rest of the weekends are easy to get unless some popular event is taking place on that particular weekend that will pull in a huge crowd to the local hotel industry.

Remember when I said that lots of folks don't like to bargain and would rather give up on good deals? Well, not only are you able to get better deals by doing a comparison of different hotels in New York, but can be lucky to get free perks such as tickets, meals, tickets to shows or even spa packages at hotels and gift certificates at the hotel gift store. Don't be surprised at the length at which hotel managers will go in order to have you stay at their New York hotel. The manager are willing to incur small losses because they know that they will be will make up more money in add-ons and other purchases that you will make.

Please remember to be a generous tipper as some New York hotel managers can get angry and confuse being frugal or cheap. Being cheap is one thing and being frugal another. If you treat the staff badly they will remember you long after you're gone! But lets not go there as that is another long story all together. The trick is being polite and nice when dealing with hotel managers over the telephone and going with your best deal.

Finally, remember that getting the cheapest room is not necessarily getting the best deal. For example, if you are getting one or two meals per day while at the hotel and yet on the other hand are only paying five or ten dollars more a day, then its logical that you are getting a very fair bargain particularly if one of the meals is dinner.

About the Author:

New York, New York, the amazing city that is so great they had to name it twice. Visit MyNewYorkCityState.com and get more facts about New York city and also learn about New York city attractions.

The best destinations for luxury holidays

By Peter Smith

As with most things in life what constitutes luxury holidays is a matter of opinion, as they say "beauty is in the eye of the beholder". For some the incredibly chilled atmosphere of the Indian Ocean Islands is the perfect way to relax, where others may enjoy something a little more cosmopolitan.

One thing is for sure there are luxury holidays to suit all tastes, whether you want the large luxury resorts of the Middle East or something more laid back, you are sure to find an island or hotel that fits the bill.

Some of the newest destinations offering "luxury holidays" are to be found in the Middle East but these all tend to be large modern hotels and are not to everyone's tastes. However, with year round blue skies, a comparatively short flight time of only 7 hours and arguably some of the world's most "bling" hotels, this is shore to be a favourite for years to come.

Well known for its high density of luxury hotels, Mauritius has always been popular with travellers looking for the ultimate in luxury holidays. Mauritius is one of the first destinations to offer the "super all inclusive packages" where you can enjoy daily spa treatments, golf, gourmet food and fine wines all included in you holiday price. With a great year round climate and beautiful Indian Ocean beaches, Mauritius has always been a mainstay for discerning travellers looking for the ultimate in luxury holidays.

The Caribbean has always been a very popular choice with the British public looking to escape on their luxury holidays. Arguably the Caribbean offers a more traditional luxury experience, coupled with some of the world's most beautiful beaches and relaxed service. With so many islands to choose from, each with its own style and climate, there is certainly something to suit everyone.

For those prepared to travel that little bit further in search of the perfect luxury holidays, there is the Far East with its outstanding spa hotels. Whether it is Thailand or Malaysia, this destination offers exceptional value for money, incredible beaches and first class service. With some of the world's most dynamic cities on your doorstep, the opportunity for an exciting twin centre luxury holiday should not be missed.

When you are looking to buy your luxury holidays you should consider some of these great sites; www.kuoni.co.uk, www.free2.co.uk and www.carrier.co.uk.

About the Author:

Try Free2 for luxury holidays to some of the world's most romantic destinations. The site has feature pages for luxury holidays to Kenya, Mauritius, Zanzibar, Thailand and Malaysia. All holidays are fully ABTA bonded.

Looking for Great Adventure Tickets?

By John Broffman

The Six Flags Great Adventure is definitely a must see amusement park! Only 60 miles away from Newary, 67 miles from New York City, and 50 miles from Philadelphia. All one hour away from the tri-state area. One of the best places to visit that can pack you triple doses of memories.

Six Flags Great Adventure is right next to Six Flags Hurricane Harbor. It is one of the biggest water parks in the entire United States of America. It also lies next to the Six Flags Wild Safari Animal Park. It's a drive-thru safari; home to over 1,200 different animals.

Great Adventure is famous for its exciting rides and it is also one out of two other Six Flags parks that would be opening "The Dark Knight" roller coaster in the summer. This contemporary ride is a fusion between the thrill of an indoor coaster, story-telling, and state-of-the-art special effects. You will actually be able to feel as if you were right in between the battle of good and evil. The Dark Knight is not just your ordinary roller coaster ride.

The opening of The Dark Knight Coaster was timed to open simultaneously with the release of the movie, "The Dark Knight" on the 18th of July. Since the ride opens on the 15th of May, the riders would be able to sneak a preview of the film.

Great Adventure is also hosting a sleep over with a scavenger hunt and all sorts of contests in order to find eight people that would be able to be part of the first ride of The Dark Knight coaster. The camp out will be in the Great Adventure parking lot on May 14. The participation fee for a chance to be one of the lucky eight is $124.99.

Great Adventures, in addition to its thrilling rides, also have other forms of entertainment and shows. The Starburst Thursday Night Concert Series for example, will be returning this year with shows every Thursday from June 29 to August 14. In last year's Thursday concerts, famous pop stars like Ne-Yo, Katharine McPhee and the Jonas Brothers were featured. Great Adventure will also be hosting the Sunday Rocks! It is a concert series running every Sunday nights in July and August. Already, Raven Symone is scheduled to be performing on the 24th of August. Park admission and season pass fees includes your concert passes.

This year, the Great Adventure will also be having the Glow in the Park Parade. This nightly light show will feature state-of-the-art special effects and custom-designed floats. It will have top of the line parade technology with characters, puppeteers, kinetic stilt walkers and much more.

The Six Flags Great Adventure opening will be in the 2008 summer season on May 15. General admission is $59.99, or you can purchase it online for only $39.99. Children below 4'5" (54") will get a discounted price of $29.99, and children under 2 may enter for free.

About the Author:

If you are looking for free discount great adventure tickets head over to John's site at free theme park tickets

Consider Staying At Any One In This List of Colorado Ski Resorts

By Alain Schuster

For anyone who enjoys skiing being able to find their perfect resort is all important if they want to really enjoy their hobby. Certainly the list of Colorado ski resorts that we provide in this article are renowned for offering some of the best slopes in the world today.

Because the resorts are so well equipped and are very competitive people from around the globe flock to them each winter in search of fun and an adrenaline rush. But these resorts are not only suitable for the more experienced skiers among us, but for those who are complete novices as well.

However, you need to be aware that each ski resort in Colorado differs greatly from the others in relation to how accessible they are and the kinds of amenities they offer their guests. But it isn't just skiing that people visit these resorts for there are plenty of other types of winter activities one can enjoy during your stay. There are over 20 different ski resorts in Colorado that one can spend time at and below we take a look at some of the more popular ones.

1. Aspen - This is located in the county of Pitkin, Colorado and is situated very close to the town of Aspen. To the north of the resort is Aspen Mountain and to the south is Bell Mountain. Even though it is still one of the smallest ski resorts in Colorado what makes it so popular is the number of very high quality smooth ski slopes that it offers to its visitors.

2. Snowmass - Situated not far from Aspen and is also considerably larger, it covers an around of around 3,000 acres. The slopes here are perfect for those who are just learning to ski as well as those who have far more experience and are looking for something of a challenge.

3. Copper Mountain - This is the largest of all the ski resorts situated in Summit Country, Colorado and is a name well recognized among the skiing community. It is a resort where you have a wide variety of different types of skiing terrains to attempt starting with those for beginners and going up to slopes which are ideal for those who really have been skiing for some considerable time.

The main locations which make up this resort include Beaver Creek where regularly Alpine Skiing World Cup events take place. Vail the sister resort of Beaver Creek and another where many skiing events and competitions take place. Then there is also Wolf Creek which is popular and well known for the amount of snow that appears on its slopes each year.

In this article we have offered you a brief insight into some of Colorado's ski resorts which people return to year after year in the winter months. Yet this list of Colorado ski resorts does not only offer great skiing, but spectacular views of the area and also the chance to spend time with likeminded souls.

About the Author:

I love to travel and I have written some free valuable travel-related reports so check it out. And with all the hype going on about the Global Resorts Network, please read my objective report on the Global Resorts Network, and be properly informed.

Timeshare ownership disadvantages

By Dean Grzelak

So your looking into a timeshare. Take the time that is needed to make and educated decision. There are many disadvantaged to timeshare ownership. When you purchase a timeshare slot, what you are doing is purchasing a particular time slot and a particular resort. There's not much freedom in that now is there? Timeshares are very popular, all I am suggesting is that people do a little investigating prior to making that kind of huge purchase.

Prior to making your timeshare purchase make sure this is what is right for you. Take into account the financial impact it wil have on you. One big flaw I see in timeshare ownership is that you are essentually buying a week at a prime location in a resort of some kind. You are going to pay premium prices for the premium locations and resorts. These resorts are constantly appreciating in value, but you will see nothing in the terms of appreciation.

On to another peeve of mine. When trying to resale a timesale, you are going to have a tough time. The resale market of timeshare siply does not increase as most other properties do. These things simply are reselling for what you paid. Also you cannot send friends or family on vacation as you cannot use your timeshare twice in a year.

Don't forget about those pesky maintenance charges! With your timeshare membership you will also be required to pay you annual maintenance charges. THe charges are due like clockwork every year, even if you don't use it. You will also have to plan your trip way in advance to be sure all your ducks are in order. You will also have to pay taxes and other unforeseen fees.

When purchasing a timeshare property there is an up front expense that the owner has to deal with. Banks and mortgage brokers are not interested to mortgage timeshare properties. So it is necessary to arrange the entire amount required for the purchase of timeshare property. People do not like to spend their vacation at the same location every year as there is no variety which makes people to avoid timeshare properties.

Timeshare ownership is simply not for the spontaneous, drop of the hat traveler. And timeshares are really expensive. If you want to select a peak week at a specific resort you are going to pay a pretty penny. If you cannot apy the entire amount upfront you will most likley be offered some sort of financing option that has a rediculous interest rate (I've seen some at 16%). Sorry but this is just not appealing to me.

If you are interested in going for vacations do not choose timeshare properties when you have a 100 year membership for world travel. If you are really interested to join a membership clubs go for Global Resorts Networks membership. GRN has thousands of properties globally and it is top most travel company for more than 22 years.

You will get a five star treatment with no hidden fees and maintenance fees. Global Resorts Network GRN provides best customer service and allows family and friends to the 1or 2 bedroom suits. There is no black out dates and can even consider about last minute travel.

My name is Dean Grzelak and I have taken advantage of the Global Resorts Network (GRN) membership. I was so thrilled with the company that I now an independant associate for GRN. Take a few minutes to check out the following website and you will get a better idea what I am talking about. www.grnextremesuccess.com

About the Author:

Prior to you purchase a timeshare, make sure you check Global Resorts Network with Dean Grzelak Global Resorts Network Also check out the Great business opportunity Global Resorts Network has available Global Resorts Network

Cyprus Holiday Rental Villas Inside Secrets

By Tim Martins

Cyprus has been in the travel shows quite a lot recently and appears to be turning into the leading European holiday destination. There is a lot to be learned from these TV programs and the leading accommodation in this beautiful island are the Cyprus rental villas with an amazing 24 hour a day customer service. High quality and location seem to be the appealing factors and you are also given the choice between villas or apartments.

One of the most visited islands in the whole of Europe is Cyprus due to it's rich cultural background and everyone speaks English. Rental villas are available at varying budgets but one thing for sure is that corners are never cut on either quality or excellence. You won't be disappointed with whatever type of villa you chose as you will be in the heart of an island paradise with so much to explore. One good tip before you book is to have a good look around on the internet and find exactly what suits you.

The variety of Cyprus rental villas stretches across the island but the area that sticks in my mind are the beautiful Coral Bay Villas which are perched up against the beach making it the perfect spot for any budding water sport fanatics.

Our day to day lives do become a bit stressful to say the least and I cannot think of any where better than Cyprus rental villas to find the peace and tranquility that my daily life totally lacks. The feeling of love at first sight will come back to you as you Cypus unveils it's total beauty and you will be feeling back to ten again as all those relaxing moments make you feel just perfect.

For those of you who like to escape the cruel winter months in the UK there are some amazing luxury villas with heated swimming pools in some really quaint areas such as Pervolia and Kato Paphosup. The villas also provide for large gardens that will guarantee you a holiday with complete privacy. There is also a really testing golf course on the Secret Valley Resort which comes highly recommended and make sure you hire a car with GPS to avoid missing your tee off time. I hope that my guide will help you achieve a problem from holiday in Cyprus and that you live the same experiences that I did.

About the Author:

Read these Cyprus Villa Tips produced by the renowned Tim Martins and check out his Cyprus Travel Blog

Disadvantages of timeshare ownership

By Dean Grzelak

Time share means that the right to use the property, mostly a resort condominium unit or a home in which multiple parties has the right to use. Before investing in a vacation property you will have to know the advantages and disadvantages of timeshare ownership. In timeshare ownership you pay for staying in a home or condominium with other people and do not have any ownership of the property. Despite the rising costs of the property, timeshares are very popular today. Timeshare resorts seem to be attractive but there are some disadvantages to take care of.

Before buying a timeshare property you will have to consider whether it suits to your lifestyle and finances. Timeshare ownership is an investment in an exotic vacationing spot but the buyers may get disappointed if they are buying the timeshare property for its appreciating property value. The biggest disadvantage of time share is the lack of appreciation.

Lets talk a little bit about trying to resell on of these things. It is hard and the resell market really isn't anything like normal real estate. You aren't going to get your money out of it. Another bummer about timeshares is that you can't send any of your family or friends on vacation with it as you will be blocked from going again in the same year.

Yearly maintenance charges should be paid despite of the fact whether you use it or not. There is a need of advanced planning for spending a comfortable vacation at the timeshare property. The owner of the timeshare property has to interact with exchange companies and has to deal with the costs.

When purchasing a timeshare property there is an up front expense that the owner has to deal with. Banks and mortgage brokers are not interested to mortgage timeshare properties. So it is necessary to arrange the entire amount required for the purchase of timeshare property. People do not like to spend their vacation at the same location every year as there is no variety which makes people to avoid timeshare properties.

These types of properties are not good for those who like spontaneous traveling especially in peak season. Timeshares are very expensive and if you purchase a timeshare from a specific resort, you will have to pay more for it. Above these you will have to pay high interest rates also. Mostly they will charge an interest rate of 16%.

For those of you that are seriously concidering a timeshare membership think twice. If you really want to look into something that has real value and will be worth every penny, check out Global Resorts Network (GRN). Global Resprts Network has a vast registry of beautiful resorts all over the world you will have access to. Global Resorts Network is a 22 year old company that is a great alternative to timeshare ownership. You'll get all the perks with NONE of the bad stuff.

With Global Resorts Network you will have access to the best resorts in the best locations. You won't ever pay a annual maintence charge. Best of all there are no black out dates. I am telling you, take the time and at least look into it.

My name is Dean Grzelak, I am independent associate of Global Reosrts Network GRN. As a member you can sell the business or you can sell the membership. There is nothing out to compare with the opportunity you get with Global Resorts Network GRN. Please visit my website at: www.grnextremesuccess.com for details.

About the Author:

Prior to you buy any timeshare, make sure you check GRN with Dean Grzelak GRN Also check out the amazing business opportunity GRN has available GRN

Kenya is great for safari and beach holidays

By Nick Roberts

Our holidays are meant to be memorable but there are times that our plans become repetitive and we end up with something a little less than desirable. Kenya holidays are so far out of the ordinary that this unique destination makes for the most unforgettable memories and you long for the day when you can go back.

The enviable weather is an added bonus to Kenya holidays. This makes it the perfect location for year round travel. No matter when your holiday leave occurs Kenya is ready to offer paradise to the visitors. The brief and fast moving rain hits during March through June and July and August are the coolest months. Yet even in these cooler temperatures it still remains warm enough to continue your scheduled activities.

Kenya holidays are special because of the vast scenery of this unbridled territory. The plains are panoramic and the foliage is gorgeous. The Indian Ocean surrounds this land and perched just out to sea are some of the most romantic and exciting tropical paradises you'll ever see. Taking a boat ride and visiting them to soak up the views is a common practice that tourists adore.

What are Kenya holidays without safaris? This pastime has become a world renowned favorite for decades and it only continues to grow in popularity. Safaris are unique in Kenya because the vast array of wild life that is span across the territory. It is the only place on Earth with such a diverse list of animals in one location. Within the safety of your guide and the vehicle, tourists can discover an untamed exquisiteness and marvel in awe.

However, safaris are not the only thing that attracts tourists. Kenya holidays are filled with fun in the sun, relaxing in the spas and a wealth of activities that anyone can enjoy. From the diving, snorkeling, and boating to the tours, hiking safaris and sporting games there is fun for the whole family. No one will be bored when enjoying Kenya holidays.

To make Kenya holidays genuinely unique you should enjoy a stay in a tree house. Yes that's right, The cove Luxury tree houses are perfect for the most memorable Kenya experience. These tropical huts on stilts are located on the beach of a secluded cove, set amongst palm trees that are abundant along with some of the most colorful foliage you'll ever see. While stepping out on your veranda you can view the sparkling ocean any time your heart desires.

The Leopard Beach Resort is a fine location which is perfect for taking advantage of all Kenya holidays offer to guests. Not only is the landscape awe inspiring but the turquoise water of the ocean that surrounds this resort is vibrantly brilliant. This facility offers a fantastic selection of perks to enhance Kenya holidays for its patrons such as: glass bottom boat excursions, wind surfing, kayaking and so much more.

The Hemingways Hotel in Kenya has a unique and alluring lay out. Each room has a spectacular view. Guests can choose from the magnificent tropical gardens, the endless beauty of the Indian Ocean, or the superbly landscaped pool areas. Not only are the sights to see amazing but the services are endless. The cuisine is some of the best in all of Africa so delightful delicacies are all abound on your holidays spent here.

Kenya holidays are a genuine enjoyment and with the affordable rates for holidays it is the best time to plan a trip. The service is unbeatable, the finances go further and the pleasures are everlasting. Break away from the ordinary and see what Kenya can offer.

About the Author:

If you are looking for beach and safari Kenya holidays you should try Free2's website. As a specialist for luxury holidays to Kenya, Free2 has some great deals for safari holidays. All Kenya holidays are completely ATOL protected.

A List of Colorado Ski Resorts To Consider Trying

By Alain Schuster

For anyone who likes skiing to really improve their skills at this hobby they need to be able to find the perfect resort. Certainly when it comes to resorts the list of Colorado ski resorts that we offer details on in this article have become renowned the world over for offering just that.

These Colorado ski resorts are not only well equipped but offer you the chance to really challenge your abilities and which is one of the main reasons why skiers from around the globe flock to them each year. These resorts are not only suited to those skiers with plenty of experience at this sport, but are also ideal for those who are just starting out and are complete novices.

However, you need to be aware that each ski resort in Colorado differs greatly from the others in relation to how accessible they are and the kinds of amenities they offer their guests. But it isn't just skiing that people visit these resorts for there are plenty of other types of winter activities one can enjoy during your stay. There are over 20 different ski resorts in Colorado that one can spend time at and below we take a look at some of the more popular ones.

1. Aspen - This is located in the county of Pitkin, Colorado and is situated very close to the town of Aspen. To the north of the resort is Aspen Mountain and to the south is Bell Mountain. Even though it is still one of the smallest ski resorts in Colorado what makes it so popular is the number of very high quality smooth ski slopes that it offers to its visitors.

2. Snowmass - Situated not far from Aspen and is also considerably larger, it covers an around of around 3,000 acres. The slopes here are perfect for those who are just learning to ski as well as those who have far more experience and are looking for something of a challenge.

3. Copper Mountain - This is a very large resort made up of numerous others and is located in Summit County and of the many resorts around is one of the ones that will be recognized by skiers from around the globe. Because of its size this resort offers many types of slopes for those who are complete novices through to those who have considerable amounts of skiing experience.

The main locations which make up this resort include Beaver Creek where regularly Alpine Skiing World Cup events take place. Vail the sister resort of Beaver Creek and another where many skiing events and competitions take place. Then there is also Wolf Creek which is popular and well known for the amount of snow that appears on its slopes each year.

In this article we have provided with some information of the list of Colorado ski resorts that skiers from around the world like to visit each year. Yet they don't only come to these resorts for the skiing they also tend to visit them for the spectacular views and camaraderie of spending time with likeminded people.

About the Author:

I enjoy travelling and I have written some free valuable travel-related reports so check it out. And with all the hype going on about the Global Resorts Network, please read my objective report on the Global Resorts Network, and be properly informed.

Ski Resorts In PA - Where To Vacation

By Alain Schuster

When carrying out a search online for what ski resorts in PA to stay at you will be astounded at just how many you have to choose from. What you will notice that these resorts are spread out over a three different areas of the State of Pennsylvania.

There are those resorts which are located in the eastern part of the County in the Pocono Mountains, there are some to the West in the Alleghenies Mountains. Then there are those to the south located in mountain region close to the towns of Harrisburg and Gettysburg.

The resorts situated in the Pocono Mountains are within easy reach of major cities such as New York City and Philadelphia. Whilst those in the Alleghenies region are located within easy reach of cities such as Pittsburgh, West Virginia and Ohio. Whereas the resorts which are located to the south can easily be reached from both Washington DC and Baltimore.

Below we take a brief look at some of the resorts which a popular with not just those who enjoy skiing as a hobby in the US but from around the world as well.

Bear Creek Mountain Resort - Is situated in the south eastern part of Pennsylvania and is only 65 miles away from Philadelphia and 95 miles from New York City. It has many different ski runs and the longest of them all is 1.5 miles. As well as offering facilities for skiing this resort allows you to try out snowboarding and snow tubing throughout the winter months.

Camelback Ski Area - Located in the north eastern part of Pennsylvania in the very heart of the Pocono Mountains. Again as with Bear Creek this resort offers not just the facilities for skiing, but also for snowboarding and snow tubing as well. It is much closer to New York City which is just 80 miles away, but slightly further away from Philadelphia which is 90 miles away.

Shawnee Mountain Ski Area - Another resort that is situated in the Pocono Mountains, but is further away from both New York City (80 miles) and Philadelphia (110 miles) compared to Camelback. It is very easy to access and is only a short distant from Interstate 80 (I-80). Again it offers a wide variety of slopes perfect for any level of skier.

When it comes to arranging a winter skiing vacation because there are so many different ski resorts in PA to choose from, you will find yourself spoilt for choice. Along with those we have already mentioned other resorts that are worth considering vacationing at in Pennsylvania include the Tanglwood Resort, the Ski Sawmill Family Resort and the Seven Springs Mountain Resort. But which one you actually choose will depend on what skiing ability you have.

About the Author:

I love to travel and I have written some free valuable travel-related reports so check it out. And with all the hype going on about the Global Resorts Network, please read my objective report on the Global Resorts Network, and be properly informed.

France Bike Tours As Part Of Your Holiday

By Alison Addy

Camping Holidays in France Within Your Budget

When we think of a holiday in France, we often think of a fancy vacation walking up and down the streets of Paris. However, this is just one of the many types of France holiday vacations available. Camping is becoming a very popular pastime for couples and families in recent years. Camping is also a way that many are choosing to spend their France holiday vacation. If you're planning on a camping holiday in France, the best time to go is towards the end of the summer. Not only are most of the summer tourists gone, but the rates usually begin to go down around this time of year. Not only will you have a great camping vacation holiday in France, but you'll also save money in the process.

Preparing For Your Camping Holiday in France

Although a camping trip may sound like a cheap enough vacation, traveling to France and back will cost something. Before you plan the entire camping holiday in France, do some research to determine what your entire costs will be for the vacation. It's important that you not overextend yourself to have this holiday vacation in France. What you'll want to do is figure out your income as well as expenses and subtract your expenses from your income to see what's left over. If you have a savings account, you will probably be withdrawing money from your savings. A good rule of thumb is to not use more than 30% of your savings for your vacation. After some good calculations, you'll know how much money you have to spend on your France vacation, so you can begin planning.

Doing a search online for France lodging and airfare will help you to find the best and most affordable. If you live outside of France, finding cheap transportation will be the first thing you'll be doing. Trains are the main means of transportation in France so if you don't mind traveling longer, trains are much cheaper than airplanes. In addition, trains are fun to ride with your friends and offer a lot of sightseeing.

The money that you save on airfare and lodging can be used for fun and simple entertainment. France bike tours are an activity you may want to participate in if the weather allows. It's also a great way to meet friends and get exercise. Bike tours are becoming very popular sources of entertainment as well as exercise.

About the Author:

Alison Addy is the editor of different articles with reference to camping holidays in france for http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com .A website with tips on france bike tours and france bicycle tours.

Your First Walt Disney World Vacation

By Gary Pearson

The great thing about Walt Disney World Vacations is that there is something for absolutely everyone. Young, adult, and older people can all find something fun to do either together as a family or individually. This is why there are so many people who go there repeatedly for vacation, there's just so much to do that they didn't have time to get it done the last time. Plus every time they go back there is something new that wasn't there the year before.

If you want to take Walt Disney World vacations, help is as close as your computer. Not only can you book a vacation directly through Disney, you can find special vacation packages through many of the online travel sites that you use for your other hotel and airfare needs. Most of these sites have special sections just for family travel, and almost all of them will have deals on Walt Disney World vacations from which you can choose.

Keep in mind that at certain times of the year you will pay more to travel. By finding out the key travel periods you can save your family money by avoiding these times. As a bonus you will find the park less busy when you go. If you choose to go during a peak travel period don't worry - there are always great deals at about any time of year. You shouldn't have a problem finding something to fit your travel budget.

You can book your Walt Disney World vacations either online, by calling a travel agent, or by phoning Disney directly. Each way might find you savings you were not aware of, and if you use the phone, the operator may dig a little deeper for you, and get you an even better deal than what you saw online. If you call later in the evening, or first thing in the morning, you may get faster and more relaxed service.

While checking out Walt Disney World vacations, take a look at their special events calendar to see if there's anything that's coming up your family might be interested in. Disney offers many spectacular shows and other events that are a delight for the young and old. You may pay a bit more to visit the park at these times if they are not during the off season but it will be well worth it.

About the Author:

Gary Pearson is an accomplished author. To learn more about vacations visit Orlando Vacations for current articles and discussions.