Accommodation in Perth and Booking the Best Deals

By Bronwyn Gillard

Perth, Australia has long been attracting thousands of tourists every year because of its art and culture. It is a perfect place to holiday with your friends, family or beloved. In Perth you will find all forms of attractions from night clubs to museums to fantastic shopping and other tourist attractions. It has glittery beaches and beautiful weather which makes it an ideal place for vacations. It is not at all difficult to find Perth holiday accommodation. There are many options to choose from that are convenient to most budgets and needs.

Helping make your Perth holidays more enjoyable are the many Perth accommodation choices that are available to visitors. There are some great hotels in Perth and they span from the budget Perth hotels through to the Luxury Perth Hotels. Tariffs, facilities and service all varies accordingly but you with find Perth hotels covering the following types: Bed and Breakfast Hotels, Luxury Hotels, Suite Hotels, 5 Star Hotels, 4 Star Hotels, 3 Star Hotels, Spa Hotels, Cheap Hotels, Discount Hotels and Pet-Friendly Hotels.

All of the Perth hotels offer excellent services, amenities and facilities according to their individual ratings and include staff that are helpful and friendly, assisting guests with their holiday plans and questions. Many of the hotels include the added benefits of an in-house gym, pool, spa, games room and beauty and wellness centre. Bookings for Perth accommodation are best made online which allows potential guests to view detailed descriptions and images. A little further searching and guests will find recent comments and reviews.

A step down from the luxury afforded by Perth hotels are the rooms and accommodation offered by Perth Motels. Conveniently located near the major entrances to Perth cities and suburbs offer drive up parking in front of rooms and standard in-room facilities such as tea and coffee making facilities, TV, microwave, table and chairs and of course a comfortable bed and modern bathroom. As with all Perth accommodation motels are best booked online to fully understand what is on offer. This gives guests the opportunity to view the descriptions, inclusions and images provided. Whilst motels do not include the same level of luxuries found in Perth hotels they will often include a pool, spa and garden area.

If you want to enjoy luxury plus privacy then serviced apartments in Perth Apartments are the best option for you to choose. These apartments are well laid out and feature almost all the facilities usually only found in a hotel like health room, swimming pool, well equipped kitchen, DVD, LCD Television, Good collection of DVDs for people of all tastes and many more luxuries. There is no over-friendly staff to bother you time and time again. You can conveniently walk in and out at your own leisure. If you are on vacations with a large group or with small children this is an ideal option as you can save a considerable amount of money by enjoying home cooked meals. It is the home away from home Perth accommodation option.

About the Author:

Looking to find the best deal on Perth Australia Accommodation and Perth Tours then visit Bronwyn's site at www.PerthAccommodation.tv

Packaged Holidays Or Normal Trips?

By Jessica Harlowe

Because a large number of vacationers came from Britain in the 1960s, the concept of family package vacations became popular. Tour operators saw this opportunity and began to combine different services together into a new offering. Since then, package holidays have become hugely popular, accounting for most of the millions of holidays which are booked each year.

If you want to save money and go on a vacation as a family, the package holidays are a great choice. If you read this article, you'll find out how to search for the best bargains and get a family holiday for less than you would expect.

Typically, what does a packaged family vacation consist of?

These packages will include everything you need for your time off. Your airplane ride and taxi travel to the accommodation would typically be included in the package. For the duration of your vacation, you'll usually be able to ask the tour operator any questions you might have about your environment. Through the tour operator, package holiday makers are also able to book excursions and trips and in some cases enjoy nightly entertainment in their hotel or apartments.

The packaged holiday should be personalized for your family. The vacation spot should be child friendly so that the adults can enjoy the vacation as well.

Package holidays vs. other holidays

Packaged vacations offer some advantages over other types of trips. One easy advantage to see is the cost savings which are phenomonal because of the volume that the tour operators handle. The second advantage is that they take the hassle out of organising flights, accommodation and resort transfers yourself, leaving you free to relax and enjoy your holiday.

Last Minute Deals

Depending on how flexible you are, there are some bargain family package holiday deals to be had. Many tour operators offer last minute deals, which offer significant savings on the usual cost when booked shortly before departure. These deals are offered by companies to fill up empty spaces on aircraft and in resorts. The only problem with this is that sometimes you won't know where you're staying until you get there.

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My latest article is about posturepedic memory foam. If you enjoyed this article, please check out my other articles.

Have A Hassle-Free Family Caravan Holiday By Being Well Prepared

By Juan Lopez

An outdoors family camping holiday could be a good solution to alleviating the stress from work and school worries. Sometimes sharing memories and laughter around a campfire is exactly what your family needs to do.

The budget for your holiday is a major consideration you will need to look at. This will depend on how many persons are travelling, what type of accommodation you will be using, what equipment you will need, whether you will be taking a caravan or not; and the list continues.

It's important to choose the appropriate camping equipment in order to avoid upsets when you arrive at the campsite.

Tents are usually the choice for setting up camp and if you are thinking of using one, make sure it is large enough to be comfortable. An average person needs 30sq feet of space to have enough room and comfort.

Make sure you pack a warm and big enough sleeping bag. There are numerous brands out there, in all sorts of shapes and sizes, that will do the job right. If you can, have a look at the weather forecast to see whether you are going to have nice or rainy weather when you reach your destination.

The next thing to consider is food. Normally when we are outside our homes, performing physical activities, our bodies consume more energy and those calories need to be replenished. A hot meal (plus plenty liquids) at the end of each day is exactly what the body needs. Before setting off, decide if you are doing your own cooking.

In terms of cooking equipment - the two-burner classic camping stove (found at any camping or caravaning store) will be ideal to cook fast meals. Make sure you have the correct type of gas and the correct connections in order to avoid problems; a small frying pan and some kind of pot will be enough to cook outdoors.

Sometimes it's best to use a caravan or recreational vehicle to go on camping holidays. There are many added advantages to travelling this way, specially the space and comfort of your living quarters when you reach the campsite. If you use such a vehicle, a caravan porch awning will increase your living space tremendously.

The best suggestion one can give is to be well prepared and think in advance about what gear you will need. It's wise to spend a little more when budgeting for equipment and travel costs, as this can be the difference between an enjoyable and a stressful holiday.

About the Author:

Extending your living quarters with a caravan porch awning when you go away camping, will be welcome by all your travelling companions and family. Caravan awnings are suited to people that need a bit of comfort while camping.

How To Take A Cheap Vacation To Orlando Florida

By Andrew John

Orlando vacations are notoriously hectic especially with all the attractions the kids want to visit, but there is so much more to enjoy in this busy city. In fact, Orlando has such a diversity of attractions that many travel books have been written just about this one location alone. Everything a visitor could possibly want is here and the reason why people return year after year.

It is a great place to visit even if you only have shopping on your mind as Orlando area is full of beautiful shopping malls, restaurants and shops of every type. Besides the major theme parks, a vacation in Orlando can offer so many attractions to spark the imagination that it's hard to know where to begin.

The Central Florida Zoo for instance only opened back in 1975 and was owned by the Sanford Fire Department prior to that but is now the home to over four hundred animals. Even though it is privately owned, it is run by a charitable group with the intention of providing classes for children and protecting species that are only found in Florida and other world wide exotic animals.

Then there are the works of Louis Tiffany whose famous collection is housed here in the Morse Museum of American Art. For aficionados of Tiffany art, this is the place to visit with the largest display anywhere in the world, including jewelry, paintings, glass, pottery and ornaments.

While Orlando may appear on the surface to be a town designed for the entertainment of children that could not be farther from the truth with adults equally well looked after. For people that prefer the night, the list of things to do on an Orlando vacation is almost endless with families, teenagers and adults all well looked after.

Another great place to visit about twenty minutes drive from Orlando Airport is The Orlando Science Center, originating back to 1955; it is a huge complex with over two hundred thousand square feet of exhibition space spanning ten halls. An alternative to this would be the International Trolley and Train Museum which can be found along International Drive and has one of the country's largest operating indoor G gauge layouts in a space of over four thousand square feet.

The Mercado Center on International Drive is the home to the Titanic Exhibition where you are treated like a tourist traveling on board the Titanic Ocean Liner; this is a really moving and eerie experience which includes many original objects from the Titanic. Of course if you prefer something more relaxing then you should visit Lake Eola Park, situated in the heart of downtown; this is the city's main attraction with 43 acres of beautiful sidewalks and a boating lake.

Now you couldn't possibly visit Orlando without a trip to the numerous theme parks including Disney World, Universal Studios and of course not to forget the fantastic Seaworld. To make the most of your Orlando vacation try to visit outside of traditional holiday periods if you want to avoid the crowds.

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Maple Leaf Tickets would love to welcome you to sunny Orlando Florida by showing you how to save a bundle of money on your Walt Disney World Tickets.

Bachelorette Parties

By Mariko Conisuellian

Since the early 1960's hen parties and bachelorette parties have appeared in vogue. These are to celebrate a single woman's status before she gets married. It is important to make the night as memorable and successful as possible for the bride and there are many strategies on how to do this.

If you are the bride's closest friend then you will know what she enjoys and what she doesn't so you will be able to throw a hen party that is exactly to her taste. The hen night needs to be so special that it will stay in her memory for a very long time. You may wish to take her and her closet friends to a nightclub, or have a quiet gathering or organise something at an outdoor location.

You can also organize a theme based hen party for her say a chocolate theme if she is a diehard chocolate freak. Arrange for a nice chocolate color dress which she can adorn for the party, have chocolate based ice-cream, souffls, and use chocolates to decorate the venue.

Theme based hen parties can be great fun to organise as there is a lot you can do to entertain the bride. Taking your bride to a nightclub is also a popular hen party idea. Other ideas include going to see a comedian, going to the opera or the ballet, going to a spa for the day or organising a short break away.

There are many available hen party or bachelorette party ideas that you can choose from, another being a cocktail or dress up party. Funny games that can be including in such parties are truth or dare, Chinese whispers, dam busters, drinking games, the hand bag game, naughty treasure hunt and many, many more. All of these games add to the fun and frolic of the hen party and will leave a special lasting memory for the bride.

About the Author:

For more stag party ideas as well as hen party, go to www.sportingtargets.co.uk

St Pete Beach and Pass-A-Grille Vacation

By John DeLellis

Pass-a-Grille Beach, the Southernmost of Pinellas County's barrier beaches, was the first beach community on the Gulf of Mexico to develop as a weekend residential spot for successful Tampa and St. Pete Beach, Pass-a-Grille Beach has long been considered the jewel in the crown of west coast beaches. Situated on the southern tip of Pinellas County, Pass-a-Grille is home to the famous "Hurricane" restaurant which overlooks the sparkling waters of the Gulf of Mexico. A little history: According to legend, it is thought that Pass-a-Grille derives its name from the French Passe aux Grilleurs, which means "the passageway of the grillers" in honor of the fisherman who used to grill their catch of the day on the shore when the island was still a post for pirates.

St Pete Beach is just minutes away, and the area is renowned for spectacular rivers, nature preserves, state forests, world-class fishing and championship golf. St Pete Beach ranks as one of the best beaches in Florida, especially on the West Coast of Florida. St Pete Beach, on the central gulf coast of Florida, has a small town atmosphere with plenty of vacation amenities within walking distance. St Pete Beach vacation rentals are just a few miles from St Petersburg, FL, and about 35 miles from Tampa, FL.

St Pete Beach is not as populated with tourists as Clearwater Beach but still offers beautiful sunsets, popular nightlife, great restaurants & plenty of St Pete Beach Wave runners offer a riding experience unlike any in the Tampa Bay Area. The Gulf beaches are known for warm, white sands, pristine waters, palm trees, and dolphins.day and night activities. St Pete Beach Hotels and St Pete Beach Resorts offer accommodations on some of the best beaches directly on the Gulf of Mexico.

St Pete Beach Florida has a great assortment of hotels and resorts. Don Cesar Is the hotel resort known as Florida's Legendary Pink Palace since 1928, the luxury resort is revered internationally for its sprawling, sugar-white beach, unparalleled dining, rejuvenating Beach Club & Spa, fabulous fishing, children's program, nearby tennis and golf. The Don Cesar has a long list of famous guests and has hosted every president since Gerald Ford (excluding Ronald Reagan) and also Franklin D. St Pete Beach is also know for hotels and resorts like the Tradewinds Hotel/Resort. The Tadewinds Hotel/Resort is a tropical haven where guests can find peace and relaxation in style and comfort with superior service reflecting the spirit of American Samoa. Tradewinds Hotel offers a range of business and recreational facilities including a restaurant, bar, internet caf, conference facilities, gymnasium.

Another Place that is a great party hot spot restaurant on St Pete Beach is Jimmy B's. Jimmy B's Beach Bar caters to the upscale crowd so you better make sure you're ready to roll. If you are looking for good food and good times on the water n St Pete beach you may consider the Sloppy Pelican. The Sloppy Pelican is one of St. Pete Beach's newest waterfront bar & grill. A favorite for locals and visitors alike, our menu offers a wide variety that everyone is going to enjoy; from fresh seafood and pasta prepared from scratch, to the biggest burgers and tastiest nachos on the beach. Out of all the restaurants in St Pete Beach the Hurricane restaurant is one of the most popular. The Hurricane Restaurant: a landmark multi-storied restaurant/bar/entertainment complex is situated across the street from the beach right in the middle of Pass a Grille and keeps the hungry and thirsty beachgoers happy late into the evening.

About the Author:

To Read More from John DeLelllis and sign up for for St Pete Beach Today's Newsletter and take advantage of the hotel and restaurant giveaways and promotions. Click Here

Encinitas - Southern California's Last Sleepy Beach Town

By Terry Hunefeld

Encinitas has a different vibe than any of the beach towns north of San Diego - but what is it that makes it so captivating, so special? Many feel its because Encinitas is still lost in time back in the 1960s when California was a much simpler place with small roadside motels along Highway 101. Encinitas hotels didn't exist back in the 60s, nor were there any Encinitas Bed and Breakfasts or hotels in Del Mar or the Cardiff Lodge.

Encinitas is home to romantic bed and breakfasts, Stone Steps Beach, The Roxy Restaurant where you can buy a glass of rum and an ice cream cone, cute boutiques, funky old hotels on the historic Pacific Coast Highway, Moonlight beach, the La Paloma theater (still featuring weekly surf movies) and romantic Encinitas bed and breakfasts. Encinitas is so laid back that it is often referred to as "San Diego's Sleepy Surf Town."

Business people and surfers alike stand in line in front of Roberto's Taco Shop every day. The sidewalks along the Pacific Coast Highway (U.S. 101) in "downtown" are lined with outdoor restaurants and funky shops. Talk about laid back - tourists and kids can be seen any day walking barefoot through Encinitas in swim suits. You will find surfers from 5 states waxing down their surfboards (just like the Beach Boy's sang in Surfin' U.S.A.) for a session at Swami's Surf Beach before they return to their Encinitas Bed and Breakfast or Carlsbad Inn.

Moonlight Beach is one of the top five San Diego beaches and is only a block from downtown Encinitas, an easy walk from the Inn At Moonlight Beach Bed and Breakfast Inn. You won't find a better beach to work on your tan, go boogie-boarding, enjoy a picnic or play a pick-up game of volleyball. Or, you may like to try your hand at surfing or body surfing, people-watch, work on reading that novel or simply relax. There is lots of parking, clean bathrooms and showers, a great children's playground and cute little lunch shop.

Ann Dunham is the hostess of the romantic Encinitas B&B (Bed and Breakfast) called the Inn At Moonlight Beach. This lovely boutique inn is far more intimate than a Del Mar B&B or Encinitas hotel. The inn is situated on a hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Moonlight Beach and is often called the San Diego Beach Bed and Breakfast, said to be more romantic than Del Mar Hotels and more lovely than the Carlsbad Bed and Breakfasts.

The Inn At Moonlight Beach has only 4 rooms, each decorated like an Italian seaside hotel. All the rooms have a refrigerator and free wi-fi. There are boogie boards and beach umbrellas waiting for you to hit the beach and ride the waves. What makes this Encinitas bed & breakfast really special is that Ann bakes her own pastries for you each morning.

About the Author:

Terry Hunefeld retired as President of a California coaching company to follow his love of exploring the ocean to monitor birds, dolphins and whales. Hunefeld and his wife Ann Dunham own the Inn At Moonlight Beach in Encinitas near Del Mar and San Diego. For more information visit: Solana Beach Hotels or Carlsbad Bed and Breakfasts.

Visit Carlsbad on Your Next Trip to San Diego

By Debbie Kern-Jones

Carlsbad is not only a special place to visit, but it's a great place to live. With an abundance of sites to see and an ample amount of coastline, it's easy to make a day out of visit to Carlsbad on your next trip to San Diego. There are resorts, golf, restaurants and even an amusement park. Well you probably can't do everything in one day, so let's take a look at how a nice day in Carlsbad might unfold.

Let's start off our day with a stroll on the beach. Carlsbad beach's main attraction for locals is that there usually isn't the hustle and bustle you experience at a lot of the other beaches in San Diego County. It is common to find free parking and plenty of room to relax in the sun. Another great feature is a convenient walkway that makes for great jogging or walking along the coast while enjoying the fantastic ocean views and refreshing ocean breezes. Regardless of whether you are there for the surf, the sun or exercise, there is no better way to start your day than with the sound of the crashing waves and the occasional sighting of a dolphin's dorsal fin making a majestic pinwheel in the Pacific blue.

If walking and site seeing has made you hungry, than there are wide variety of restaurants to check out in the Carlsbad area. Great Italian, Japanese, and Mexican food can be found throughout the main strip in Downtown Carlsbad along Carlsbad Village Drive. One of the more popular places is Pizza Port Carlsbad, that has been serving up great pizza and some of the best beer on the planet for over ten years. They recently one the best large brewpub and brewer award at the Great American Beer Fest.

If you're looking for family fun, than you must spend a nice part of your day at Carlsbad's Legoland. You'll experience great rides, an amazing exhibit of sites around the world made just of Legos and much more. In addition to Legoland you can also visit the new Sea Life Aquarium which can be purchased with your Legoland pass or as a single admission ticket. If you're not currently a big fan of Legos than a day at Legoland will do the trick.

Another great activity in San Diego for the more active lifestyle is hiking. Among one of my favorite trails is the Batiquitos Lagoon ,located in the southern part of Carlsbad, which can be accessed from the Aviara neighborhood. It's a flat terrain 2 mile hike that looks over the lagoon and the ocean. The trail takes you all the way to Interstate 5, and there is talk about opening the path to give the trail beach access. During your hike on this path you will see birds, plants, trees and the occasional multi-million dollar ocean view estate.

One of the great things about Carlsbad is if you get the hankering for city life the proximity to Los Angeles and San Diego are within reasonable driving distance. On your next visit to San Diego you may want to take a drive up north and see why the lesser known city of Carlsbad is a real gem of a city in Southern California.

About the Author:

If you are going to visit Carlsbad and you are curious about Carlsbad real estate go to the Carlsbad homes for sale site for data on the properties currently available.

A Visit To The South Bank Of Brisbane

By Kathy Smith

Whether you are visiting Brisbane, or you are a permanent resident of the region, it is one of the most incredible places around, and the most fascinating place that you will every be privileged to visit. Brisbane is a diverse are that offers adventure, arts and cultural events. If you are looking for a stay full of arts and culture than you will definitely want to head to the South Bank of Brisbane.

The South Bank is the cultural heart of Brisbane with a pulse all its own. Home to the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Brisbane 's South Bank offers many popular cultural events here as well as at the Opera House, Museum, Convention Center, Art Gallery and Theater Company. This region is rich in culture and makes for an incredible place to visit or stay on a trip to Queensland .

In addition to the arts and cultural experience there are also many activities to enjoy where you can sit back and relax, or enjoy the day outdoors. South Bank has a man made beach that is perfect for a lazy day in the sun, many restaurants where you can enjoy an excellent meal or a night cap as well as many parks where you can picnic or watch the little ones run around.

Along Little Stanley Street you will be able to enjoy a day full of shopping fun. There are many unique shops and boutiques including Indigo, Baby Doll and Marcs. There is also an arts and craft market, in South Bank, which is open from Friday night until Sunday evening. This market offers many fabulous products and an open air market shopping experience.

So when you are looking to experience the best in arts, Australian culture, shopping and fine dining then the South Bank of Brisbane is the perfect vacation destination for you. While there don;t forget to stop every once and while to take in the fabulous sights that Brisbane has to offer.

About the Author:

When you are looking to book brisbane accommodation it is much simpler then you think, even if you know nothing about the area. All you need to do is compare accommodations at www.brisbaneinformation.com.au and all the information that you need is there for you.

Hotels in Kuta

By Stewart Creba

Bali has grown into one of the most popular tourist attractions and the infrastructure that has been built to cater for tourists is incredible. Kuta has always been at the middle of this development and was a favorite hot spot long before other areas of Bali were expanded to supply the needs of the growing tourism industry. Kuta Hotels have often been targeted towards the tourists and have been designed to make a wonderful tropical paradise vacation experience.

Kuta has grown from unpretentious origins as a straightforward fishing village to what can definitely be thought about as the main Bali tourist destination people head to. Once the beaches were lined with fishing boats and fishing nets, now they are covered with sail boats and surf boards for rent. Along the shore where once stood the simple homes of the fishermen you'll now find rows of excellent bars and restaurants, discotheques and others places of entertainment for your enjoyment, rows of kiosks selling souvenirs and other things to delight the holiday makers.

Hotels in Kuta have been providing glorious service and quality to folk from all around the planet. If you haven't had the privilege of visiting Bali, but know someone that has, possibilities are that they will have stayed in Kuta and will be able to endorse a Kuta Hotel that they have formerly stayed in. With the expansion of the tourism industry, the Bali Government snatched the opportunity to make a paradise for everyone to explore and they didn't scrimp on costs when doing so. Your personal taste in what sort of accommodation you like staying in when going on vacation will always be available in Bali. The types of hotels you can select from are as sundry as the locations that you can opt to stay. All budgets are catered for from straightforward one roomed studios to luxury penthouse apartments. One thing that you're going to find in all Kuta establishments is the desire to please. The Balinese people are terribly hospitable and truly go out of their way to make you feel at home.

If you are on a restricted budget then you'll find simple yet clean boarding homes in the side streets of Kuta. These are extraordinarily thin in their furnishings, but if you are going to be out and about all day then they are ideal for someone more interested in spending money exploring the island. All around Bali you will find places to stay from a 0 rating to 5 star luxury and accommodation in Kuta is not an exception. If you are able to stay in a 5 star hotel you will be presented with some of the most impressive rooms found anywhere in the world. Not only is the service and quality of a remarkable standard, but you can be warranted of some breathtaking views overlooking the island.

Kuta offers some of the most exciting sports and recreation facilities that are available in Bali. Visiting this tiny town of Southern Bali and partaking of the exiting events on offer will make a lifelong memory that you will cherish and reminisce over for many years. When you have been to Kuta for a vacation, it will become your favorite vacation destination that you are going to need to visit again and again again. Besides the obvious recreation activities related to a vacation on the beach like surfing and swimming, Kuta offers some peculiar and stirring activities.

During peak season Bali tourism is booming with people from all over the world and the hotels are terribly busy. To avoid the noise and disturbances of other travelers book a room that isn't on the ground floor. The higher up you are the less likely you are of being upset by people coming and going into the hotel and by the noise of the traffic. The same precautions that you follow when at home should be followed when you are on holiday. Don't leave your belongings unattended, keep an eye out for people loitering about that look out of place, and ensure your wallet, passport, jewelry etc is kept in a safe place.

When buying souvenirs at stalls and markets it is acceptable to do a bit of bartering in Bali, but because Kuta is such a enormous traveler attraction you'll find it a bit difficult to get any real drop in cost. Nonetheless it is always fun having a go. If you follow this advice and just use some common sense, you can still enjoy your holiday without having any major mishaps, having your passport stolen won't only destroy your holiday, but can be truly frustrating and cause you unending problems you don't need and can simply avoid. The bulk of Kuta villas and hotels offer safes that you can keep your valuables in, use the service even if it costs you a bit.

About the Author:

If you are looking for Kuta Hotels or any other information to help you decide on your Bali holiday check out Bali Accommodation. From Budget to deluxe we can help you find the right accommodation for your Bali Holiday.

What to See in Prague

By Morten Elm

Today Prague is one of the most fascinating places for vacation in Europe. Great sights and low prices make it a very popular destination. In Prague you can find cheap gourmet food and hotels; and probably the largest beers in Europe.

Prague's history began with the founding of the castle Prazsky Hrad in the 9th century. The castle is located high above the Vltava River, which made it a natural center.

Inside the castle area there are three churches, a monastery and a palace. The city Hradcany was founded around the year 1320 in a smaller part of the castle's outer courtyard.

The president seat has been located in the castle since 1918. There is changing of the Guard every hour in front of the castle. At noon it even includes fanfare.

Stare Mesto can be described as the old part of Prague. Centrally located in this part of Prague is the square Staromestske namesti (translated: Old Town Square). From the square you can view a lot of historical building that easily can be compared to most other European cities.

The first settlements around the castle started in the 10th century. From here it spread over the Vltava River to the right bank. Since then the houses and churches where rapidly build around the square.

The Old Town Hall was built in 1338 and in 1490 the unusual astronomical clock was added. Today large groups crowd to watch the show with odd performers like a rooster, a turkey, apostles, the Death, the Greed and the Vanity.

The 520 meter long Charles Bridge was built in 1357. And until 1741 it was the only way to cross the Vltava River. It is built of sandstone blocks; and it is said to have been reinforced with an odd combination of mortar and eggs.

Until 1683 the bridge was only decorated with a simple cross. Then the first statues were set up, and since a lot of other statues have followed; statues that gives the bridge its characteristic look.

Today the bridge is a tourist magnet, which for the same reason also attracts a large group of artists and merchants, who is offering their wares to tourists.

Even though Prague is more expensive than it used to be, it is still a great place for shopping. And it is not just wares from former East European countries that are for sale.

The Velvet Revolution in 1989 changed a lot in Prague. Today you can find both Czech products and the major American and Western European brands in the many department stores and specialty shops. So it is easy to spend a whole day shopping.

About the Author:

Morten Elm is writing about city breaks in Prage on Prag Storbyferie. Read more about the shopping in Prag Shopping.

What to See in Prague

By Morten Elm

Prague has become one of the most popular places to visit in Europe. The combination of great sights and low prices makes it a very great place for a vacation. You can find cheap hotels, cheap gourmet food and large beers.

The first historical building in Prague was the castle Prazsky Hrad. It was built in the 9th century. The castle sits on a hill high above the Vltava River.

Inside the castle area there are three churches, a monastery and a palace. The city Hradcany was founded around the year 1320 in a smaller part of the castle's outer courtyard.

Since 1918 the castle has been the seat of the country's president. There is changing of the Guard in front of the castle every hour; and at noon it includes a fanfare.

The old part of Prague is called Stare Mesto. Centrally located in the area is Staromestske namesti (in English Old Town Square). A lot of historical buildings surround the square; a sight that can be compared with almost any other European city.

The first settlements started in the 10th century around the castle. From here it spread to the other side of the Vltava River. The main building point was around the square in the old town.

In 1338 the city hall was build (it is now being called the Old Town Hall). Today it is known for its astronomical clock from 1490. Every hour a large crowds flock to see the show, where an odd group of apostles, the Death, a rooster, a turkey, the Vanity and the Greed performs their own little show.

The famous Charles Bridge is 520 meters long and built of sandstone blocks, which is said to be reinforced with a mixture of mortar and eggs. The bridge was built in 1357 and until 1741 was Charles Bridge is the only way to cross the Vltava.

Until 1683 the bridge was only decorated with a simple cross. Then the first statues were set up, and since a lot of other statues have followed; statues that gives the bridge its characteristic look.

The bridge is a popular place for tourists; and for artists and merchants who offer the wares to the tourists.

Prague is not as cheap as it used to be, but it is nevertheless still possible to make some really good shopping. And if you think it is only wares from the former East Europe, you are wrong.

The Velvet Revolution in 1989 changed a lot in Prague. Today you can find both Czech products and the major American and Western European brands in the many department stores and specialty shops. So it is easy to spend a whole day shopping.

About the Author:

Morten Elm is writing about city breaks in Prage on Miniferie in Prag. Read more about the sights in Shopping in Prag.

Fort Desoto Wilderness Near St Pete Beach

By John DeLellis

Fort DeSoto is more than a beach or park; it's a blend of Florida history, pristine beauty and abundant nature all wrapped up in a white sandy beach. Fort Desoto is the largest park in the Pinellas County Park system and comprises 5 islands totalling 1,136 acres of land. Fort DeSoto is one of those rare, rare places where you have a chance to make some good bird photos virtually 365 days a year. Fort DeSoto is also home to North Beach, a glorious stretch of sand that was rated the top beach in the country in 2005.

St Pete Beach vacation rentals are just a few miles from St Petersburg, FL, and about 35 miles from Tampa, FL. St Pete Beach is just minutes away, and the area is renowned for spectacular rivers, nature preserves, state forests, world-class fishing and championship golf. St Pete Beach ranks as one of the best beaches in Florida, especially on the West Coast of Florida. St Pete Beach, on the central gulf coast of Florida, has a small town atmosphere with plenty of vacation amenities within walking distance.

The Gulf beaches are known for warm, white sands, pristine waters, palm trees, and dolphins. St Pete Beach Hotels and St Pete Beach Resorts offer accommodations on some of the best beaches directly on the Gulf of Mexico. St Pete Beach is not as populated with tourists as Clearwater Beach but still offers beautiful sunsets, popular nightlife, great restaurants & plenty of day and night activities. St Pete Beach Wave runners offer a riding experience unlike any in the Tampa Bay Area.

St Pete Beach Florida has a great assortment of hotels and resorts. Don Cesar Is the hotel resort known as Florida's Legendary Pink Palace since 1928, the luxury resort is revered internationally for its sprawling, sugar-white beach, unparalleled dining, rejuvenating Beach Club & Spa, fabulous fishing, children's program, nearby tennis and golf. The Don Cesar has a long list of famous guests and has hosted every president since Gerald Ford (excluding Ronald Reagan) and also Franklin D. St Pete Beach is also know for hotels and resorts like the Tradewinds Hotel/Resort. The Tadewinds Hotel/Resort is a tropical haven where guests can find peace and relaxation in style and comfort with superior service reflecting the spirit of American Samoa. Tradewinds Hotel offers a range of business and recreational facilities including a restaurant, bar, internet cafe, conference facilities, gymnasium.

If you are looking for good food and good times on the water n St Pete beach you may consider the Sloppy Pelican. The Sloppy Pelican is one of St. Pete Beach's newest waterfront bar & grill. A favorite for locals and visitors alike, our menu offers a wide variety that everyone is going to enjoy; from fresh seafood and pasta prepared from scratch, to the biggest burgers and tastiest nachos on the beach. Out of all the restaurants in St Pete Beach the Hurricane restaurant is one of the most popular. The Hurricane Restaurant: a landmark multi-storied restaurant/bar/entertainment complex is situated across the street from the beach right in the middle of Pass a Grille and keeps the hungry and thirsty beachgoers happy late into the evening. Another Place that is a great party hot spot restaurant on St Pete Beach is Jimmy B's. Jimmy B's Beach Bar caters to the upscale crowd so you better make sure you're ready to roll.

About the Author:

To Read More By John DeLellis and Sign up for St Pete Beach Today's Newsletter and take advantage of free hotel and restaurant free stuff and promotions!Click Here

Don Cesar St Pete Beach Today

By John DeLellis

The internationally-known Don CeSar is perfect for romantic getaways, including romantic weddings and luxury honeymoons. One of the not-to-be-missed dining experiences at the Don CeSar is the Sunday morning King Charles Brunch featuring nearly 200 choices from appetizers to decadent desserts. The Don CeSar is a beach front luxury hotel with full-service spa and 24-hour fitness center. Also called "the Pink Castle", the Don Cesar is known for its rich history and famous clientele. In addition to being on the National Register of Historic Places, the Don Cesar is the type of place where the person lounging next to you on the beach could be a famous celebrity.

To most people, Florida vacations are synonymous with sun, sea, sand and Mickey Mouse, the ultimate family vacation destination. Perhaps the most obvious Florida vacations are trips to the many theme parks that the city of Orlando has to offer. Florida vacations are fairly common among Americans from all states, partly because of the irresistible attractions in the area and partly because it is one of the cheapest destinations from within the United States. Florida vacations are full of fun, from the many great beaches, water sports and attractions to the diverse dining and shopping opportunities, Florida has it all.

St Pete Beach, on the central gulf coast of Florida, has a small town atmosphere with plenty of vacation amenities within walking distance. St Pete Beach vacation rentals are just a few miles from St Petersburg, FL, and about 35 miles from Tampa, FL. St Pete Beach is just minutes away, and the area is renowned for spectacular rivers, nature preserves, state forests, world-class fishing and championship golf. St Pete Beach ranks as one of the best beaches in Florida, especially on the West Coast of Florida.

St Pete Beach Wave runners offer a riding experience unlike any in the Tampa Bay Area. The Gulf beaches are known for warm, white sands, pristine waters, palm trees, and dolphins. St Pete Beach Hotels and St Pete Beach Resorts offer accommodations on some of the best beaches directly on the Gulf of Mexico. St Pete Beach is not as populated with tourists as Clearwater Beach but still offers beautiful sunsets, popular nightlife, great restaurants & plenty of day and night activities.

Out of all the restaurants in St Pete Beach the Hurricane restaurant is one of the most popular. The Hurricane Restaurant: a landmark multi-storied restaurant/bar/entertainment complex is situated across the street from the beach right in the middle of Pass a Grille and keeps the hungry and thirsty beachgoers happy late into the evening. Another Place that is a great party hot spot restaurant on St Pete Beach is Jimmy B's. Jimmy B's Beach Bar caters to the upscale crowd so you better make sure you're ready to roll. If you are looing for good food and good times on the water n St Pete beach you may consider the Sloppy Pelican. The Sloppy Pelican is one of St. Pete Beach's newest waterfront bar & grill. A favorite for locals and visitors alike, our menu offers a wide variety that everyone is going to enjoy; from fresh seafood and pasta prepared from scratch, to the biggest burgers and tastiest nachos on the beach.

About the Author:

To read more by John DeLellis and sign up for St Pete Beach Today's newsletter and take advantage of resort and restaurant giveaways and promotions!Click Here

Future Book Betting Pitfalls And How To Avoid Them

By Ross Everett

Sports book futures bets are an increasing popular and potentially profitable way to wager on the outcome of a full season. There's a few common mistakes that novice players make that can be easily avoided by paying attention to the following:

Search for the best price: A common mistake is to assume that the price on a specific futures wager position will be the same at every sportsbook. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, you'll often see a greater degree of difference between futures prices from book to book than any other form of bet. This is because that books aren't as worried about what price other outfits are offering as they are about keeping their own financial position balanced.

Don't try to pick the winner in a competitive marketplace: This may sound sort of counter intuitive since the general idea of betting on futures is to determine the actual winner but it's really not. Like everything else, its essential to always be mindful of the value you're getting. In a futures market with several legitimate contenders at the top the price offered is seldom high enough to properly compensate for the risk you're assuming. Here's an example: in a hypothetical NCAA hoops tournament Duke is +200 to win the national championship. They've certainly got a shot, but at a payback of only 2/1 its hard to justify a wager at this point with the potential for so many interceding events that can make a championship more problematic. Such events as injuries, a tough tournament draw or even just going into a slump at the wrong time can happen to any team but when you bet a higher priced team--a 'dark horse mid major at 15/1 for example--you're getting "compensation" for assuming the "risks" of betting on a proposition with so many unknown variables.

In more theoretical terms, the 'true odds' of a Duke or similar top team winning the tournament are almost always higher than the price offered. Think of it this way--say we're betting Duke to win the national title at 2/1. This means that the Blue Devils would have to win more than 33% of the time to break even. So lets say, for the sake of argument, that we could play the tournament over 100 times. Would Duke come out on top more than 33 of these times? If not, they represent a poor value. Let's say that they win 30 of 100 times. This means that any price under +333 or thereabouts is a poor wagering value.

Note that the more competitive the market, the more difficult it is to find good value on a favorite. In a smaller field, or in a field with one dominant competitor it can be easier. For example, say the UFC were to have a tournament involving heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar and three male figure skaters. Even if Lesnar was slightly injured, or not at the top of his game he'd essentially have a 100% chance of beating the smaller, effeminate men who are untrained to fight. If a book installed Lesnar as a -1000 favorite in this spot, it could still be considered a good value. It's never easy to risk a lot to win a little, but from strictly a mathematical standpoint it makes sense.

Don't try to make a huge profit with little risk: Sports betting provides few opportunities to make a 'big killing'. It may happen occasionally, but even the big payouts when it occurs doesn't make chasing big longshots a good value. If you're serious about sports betting it is crucial to maintain your focus on the underlying numbers and look for value at all times. If you want to take a longshot at a huge jackpot, play the lottery but don't try to do it at a sportsbook.

Simply stated, the concept of value works the same at the bottom of the wagering ladder as it does at the top. Even if you're betting a big underdog at a huge price make sure that it accurately reflects the 'true odds' of the event occurring.

Don't bet one sided props: Sometimes sports books will offer silly bets just to get publicity or in some cases just to be funny. While there may be life on other planets, the 'true odds' of a Martian being named to President Obama's cabinet wouldn't justify a +5000 line that it would occur.

About the Author:

Ross Everett is a noted writer who has written on sports betting and how to successfully bet on NFL football. He has appeared on TV and radio talking about boxing, mixed martial arts and NFL pointspreads. He lives in Southern Nevada with three Jack Russell Terriers and a ferret.

Buying Your Own Private Airplane With A Fractional Ownership

By Chris Channing

The money required to buy a private jet, and keep it maintained, is massive. Only the wealthiest of individuals will be able to do so. For those who aren't as wealthy, but do need a private jet, there is an option in fractional ownership. Essentially, you share the jet and cut the costs.

There are businesses you can give your time, of which will find other possible share holders in a private jet you have interest in. Once a good amount of shareholders are arranged, you can start determining what type of sharing model should be implemented. The two most popular are the calendar model and the time model. Under the calendar model, you get certain dates out of the year to use the plane. Under the time model, you get a set amount of hours at any time.

You obtain a lease once you decide to go through with a fractional ownership plan for a private jet. The lease can be determined by the parties involved, but is often done through the provider. It is average to have a lease of five years or so. After the period is up, shareholders are allowed to sell off their share in the private jet or continue with another contract.

A business will either offer you a contract that offers you access to a variety of jets, or a single jet to be shared amongst others. If you are given access to the entire inventory of the jet charter, you will have better options in flying to discrete locations, picking a fuel efficient jet, or picking a jet with a wider range of travel. A single jet contract is more constricting.

Know that if you are looking for a fractional agreement to save money, you might be paying more for such a service than other methods. Jet charter services today have dropped in cost, and are in direct competition with the timeshare model discussed. You are still liable for fuel charges, hourly and monthly rates, and so on if you choose a fractional model.

Private jet charters are a great alternative to the common commercial airliner. For some celebrities, it isn't even a question as to whether or not to obtain a private jet, but a question of how and under what circumstances. Commercial airliners can be dangerous, have poor conditions, and getting through security can be tough. A private jet is the best option for those who can afford the price.

Final Thoughts

Private jets are the symbol of luxury. Knowing you have a private jet at your command is an amazing feeling, as you know you can go virtually anywhere at almost any time of the day or night. Start calling around to see who has a good deal for the budget you had in mind.

About the Author:

Learn more on Michigan Jet Charter Airports and Connecticut Jet Charter Airports.

Cuban Holidays. Facts And Things To Do.

By Jose Mauricio Maurette

Thinking of holidays to Cuba? Cuba has more to offer than any of the other Caribbean Islands. The locals are friendly, charming and welcome you with a smile. The heritage of Cuba is as rich as are the monuments and palaces throughout the country. A Cuban Holiday is without a doubt one to consider.

These are just some of the facts to consider and places and things you should not miss in your holidays to Cuba.

According to official census figures, 70 per cent of Cubans are white, 12 per cent black, most of them in Oriental provinces, and 17 per cent mixed (mestizo and mulatto). It is generally agreed, however, that the percentage of "mixed blood" is much higher, perhaps as much as half the population. (The island's Caribbean Indians were almost totally wiped out under Spanish colonization.).

Cayo Coco boasts 21 km (13 miles) of impeccable white sandy beaches with first-class facilities for water sports. Flamingos and pelicans strut along the coast, and the interior is covered by dense forest. Casasa on the northeast coast offers excellent opportunities for deep-sea fishing.

Cayo Guillermo: This little coral key of just 13 sq km (5 sq miles) was one of Ernest Hemingway's favourite fishing destinations and it is still good for marlin and mackerel, notably on boats chartered at the main hotel, Villa CojImar (named after the village near Havana where Hemingway used to keep his boat).

Postal services, as almost every where these days, are very slow and unreliable. If you have urgent mail, ask your hotel about the international courier services available. The island's telephone services are problematic, though a phone card system is being progressively installed in the major tourist areas. Calls are best handled through your hotel, which also usually has fax facilities. Check the price first to avoid unpleasant surprises. The outgoing code is 119.

The list of places to visit and things to do goes on and on. The options are immeasurable for your holidays to Cuba. The last advice is to keep researching so that you can enjoy your holidays to the fullest.

About the Author:

Jose Maurette is the Director of Quest World Travel Ltd and a specialist in organizing Cuba Tours. Visit www.quest2cuba.co.uk for further information on the best Havana hotels.

Del Mar - Land Of Sun, Sand, Surf and Turf

By Terry Hunefeld

Imagine a romantic vacation getaway to a quiet, relaxing and scenic village on the beautiful Pacific Ocean. This getaway has charming hotels and Inns, phenomenal restaurants and miles of gorgeous beaches. It's just those elements that make up the gem that is called Del Mar, California.

Del Mar is Spanish for "of the sea" or "by the sea", because it is located near the Pacific Ocean and is one of the most beautiful and romantic resort beach towns in the world. It's here you find world-class restaurants, romantic bed and breakfasts, exotic hiking trails, delightful beaches and a world famous horse racing track

Del Mar has been home to Hollywood celebrities starting in the 1940's. Bing Crosby and Jimmy Durante made the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club become one of the most famous and prestigious horse racing organizations in the entire world. Angie Dickenson and Burt Bacharach purchased residences in Del Mar. Lucille Ball and Desi Arnez were regulars at the track and at Del Mar's restaurants. Brad Pitt recently purchased a home here in Del Mar - an $18 million dollar beachfront home - so now Brad sightings are the new talk of the town.

Del Mar is a small town, only two square miles. It's located on the Northern San Diego County coast between Torrey Pines State Reserve on the south and Solana Beach on the north. The Population of Del Mar is 4000 to 5000 (depending on who does the counting). Residents live among beautiful canyons and hillsides, other perched on bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, all of them enjoying phenomenal sunsets.

Del Mar is home to the endangered Torrey Pine, the rarest species of pine tree in the United States. Only two populations of this endangered species exist - one in Torrey Pines State Reserve the other in Del Mar proper.

The San Diego County Fair is hosted on the Del Mar Fairgrounds every summer (more often called the Del Mar Fair). It opened on a 184 acre site in the San Dieguito Valley in 1936. The site was determined to be the perfect spot - just off the main highway while still located near the Pacific Ocean's cooling breezes on hot summer days. The annual selection of a Queen - the Fairest of the Fair - is a highlight each year.

Bing Crosby took a leading role in helping make the now-world-famous Del Mar Race Track a reality. On July 3, 1937, the Del Mar Race Track opened. Newspapers called the track "Bing's Baby". In 1938 Bing recorded a song that would open and close every day of racing since those early days - Where The Turf Meets the Surf.

About the Author:

Terry Hunefeld gave up his position as a corporate executive in 2007 to spend more time outdoors. He now serves on the board of directors of a local Audubon Society and serves as a leader on charter voyages to sea to observe and census seabirds and marine mammals. For more info, click San Diego B&Bs or Beach Hotels in Encinitas.

Kuching and Sarawak - A Sparkling History And Hidden Gems

By Joseph Archibald

Sarawak belongs to the island of Borneo and is one of two Malaysian states on the island. Also known as Bumi Kenyalang ("Land of the Hornbills"), Sarawak is situated on the north-west of Borneo. Sarawak is actually the largest state in Malaysia while the second largest is Sabah - the neighboring state.

The capital of Sarawak is Kuching which has a population of around 600,000 people - mostly Malays and Chinese. The name Kuching literally means 'cat' (kucing) in the Malay language, although there are two other lines of thought. Kuching comes from an Indian word which means port; or Kuching comes from Chinese Cantonese word for "old place".

Back in 1841 Borneo was ceded to the British by the then owner and ruler - the Sultanate of Brunei. The new ruler was named James Brooke, who was known as an adventurer of the time. I suspect thats a bit of an understatement. James Brooke helped the Sultanate to over-throw a rebellion, thus gained the lands for himself as a gift. The Brooke family ruled there for almost all of the forth coming 112 years.

On December 24th in 1941 however, Kuching and Sarawak were given up to the forces of the Japanese during World War II, under the control of whom it remained until September the 11th 1945 at the end of the war. The territory and city were handed back to British control.

In 1946 once the British regained control over Sarawak, the last Raja - Sir Charles Vyner Brooke ceded it to the British Crown. However, Indonesia, which was governed by President Sukarno, wished to regain control of Sarawak and there was an undeclared war fought with the British to do so.

The British retained control and in September 1963 gave it independence. Sarawak, along with Sabah, North Borneo and Singapore, all combined to form the Federation of Malaya in 1963, although Singapore was expelled from the Federation in 1965 and became the independent Republic of Singapore thereafter.

Highly successful with regards to financial control and extremely low crime rates, its hard to believe that before European rule which began back in the 1600's, Singapore was a simple Malay fishing village.

About the Author:

Learn more about the south east island of Malaysia and stay in one of the Kuching Hotels. Check out one of the very best hotels at Damai.

Christmas In York - Hotel Reservations and Festive Information

By Karen Milner

A special festive late shopping night on Thursday 19th November kicks off the Christmas season in York this year. An ice sculpture of an angel will take place in St Sampson's Square along with the decoration of the Christmas tree in St Helen's Square marking some of the family festivities taking place.

St Nicholas Fayre takes place on the 26th November is one of York's most important events being one the most visited in York's Christmas calendar, followed by The annual Festival of Angels which takes place on 12-13 December.

The combination of a colourful programme of events, the nightly ghost walks around York, and the narrow cobbled medieval streets and gothic architecture , and you have undoubtedly an exciting winter season for visitors to enjoy while visiting York.

St Nicholas Fayre on the 26th November is certainly a great time to visit when you can be taken back in time to experience carol singers, Victorian costume traders, and the delicious smells of roasted chestnuts and hot chocolate. St Nicholas Fayre starts on November 26th and lasts for four days with an array of lively events around the city!

Interest in York's festive events increases around this time of year so you will need to book accomodation soon if you plan to visit in late November and December. You will be spoilt for choice for types of accomodation in York but maybe not so for vacancies.

A wide range of accommodation is available in York and the surrounding idyllic countryside, ranging from larger luxurious international chains, elegant private townhouses, modern low budget hotels, and family owned Bed and Breakfasts. Here is a shortlist of a range of accommodation in York:

2 and 3-star B&Bs and Hotels: The Churchill Hotel - 65 Bootham, York YO30 7DQ, England Novotel York Centre - Fishergate, York YO10 4FD, England Hotel 53 - 53 Piccadilly, York YO1 9PL, England

Burn Hall Hotel and Conference Centre - Tollerton Road | Huby, York YO61 1JB, England Premier Inn York Clifton - Shipton Road, York Y030 5PA, England Worsley Arms Hotel - Main Street | Hovingham, York YO62 4LA, England

4-star Hotels: Middlethorpe Hall & Spa - Bishopthorpe Rd, York Y023 2GB, England Royal York Hotel - Grand Victorian Hotel - Station Road | Station Parade, York YO24 1AA, England Hilton York - One Tower Street, York Y01 9WD, England Park Inn York - North Street, York YO1 6JF, England Marriott York Hotel - Tadcaster Road, York YO24 1QQ, England Aldwark Manor - Aldwark, Near Alne, York YO61 1UF, England

About the Author:

Karen Milner writes tourist information articles and hotel reviews at york england hotels. Find out more information about hotels in york.

Profitable Sports Gambling Begins With Discipline

By Ross Everett

I get some of my best sports gambling concepts from non-sports gambling books. Thats not really surprising, since there are so few serious works addressing sports handicapping and gambling. Of all the various gambling related disciplines, sports gambling is perhaps the most complex. The paucity of written work on the subject is downright shameful in light of that fact. Since theres so little specific literature available some of the best theoretical resources available to the serious sports gambler can be found in books written for the serious poker player.

On one level, this is likely due to the fact that poker"like sports gambling"is a pursuit in which the knowledgeable and skillful practitioner can overcome the theoretical odds against him. To paraphrase the great poker theoretician Bob Caro, there are some professional blackjack players and sports gamblers in addition to professional poker players. There may even be a few professional horse players (though the house edge against the horse player is a hefty 17% or so). In the entire world, however, there is not one professional roulette player.

Basically, this is because that no combination of skill, strategy or money management can negate the house edge in roulette and many other casino games. While Caro likes to stress the importance of the decisions that a poker player makes to his long term profitability, in roulette player decisions simply don't matter over the long haul. Red or black, even or odd, the house edge remains the same.

Caro stresses the paramount importance of discipline to a poker player's long term success and profitability. It's important to keep in mind that to succeed as a professional gambler that you need to approach a trip to the casino with a diametrically opposite mindset to that of the recreational gambler. A recreational gambler heads to the casino to *avoid* discipline and 'unwind'. The professional uses discipline to his advantage.

And the lesson that Caro gives to the would be expert poker player is the same lesson that Im going to give to you here. The first step toward becoming a successful sports gambler is to approach it with the same discipline that youd approach any other job. You must start to think about sports and sports wagering like a professional and not like a recreational gambler. The greater degree to which you can apply a regimented framework to the sports betting process, the greater degree to which you will be successful at it.

There's nothing wrong with being a recreational sports gambler, or a recreational gambler of any sort. They're vital to those of us who do this for a living since they're what keeps casinos and sportsbooks in business. Ultimately, the best handicapping is pointless without a sportsbook to take the action.

If you want to bet recreationally, thats fine and unless you have the dedication and discipline to do it right its probably better for most people. You might be able to win more often and lose less frequently with some enhanced discipline. Ultimately, however, as a recreational gambler the only discipline you really need to know is the same as for other casino games or any hobby"just dont bet more than you can afford to lose. After that, youre on your own.

About the Author:

Ross Everett is a freelance sports writer who has written on sports betting and how to successfully bet on NFL football. He has appeared on TV and radio talking about boxing, hockey and NFL pointspreads. He lives in Las Vegas, Nevada with three Jack Russell Terriers and a lynx.

Australian Tennis Open 2010

By Jasmine Zahara

The Australian Tennis Open is conducted in every January at the Melbourne Tennis Stadium, which contains the Rod Laver Arena and Vodafone Arena now known as Hisense Arena. The Australian open tennis tournament is one of the four major grand slam tennis tournaments, the other three being the French Open in Paris, the Wimbledon in London and the US Open in New York. However, the Australian open tennis is considered one of the toughest due to the hot weather existing in Melbourne in January. Further, it is considered the first Grand Slam Tennis Tournament of the year, since it is conducted in January. The temperatures will often reach 40o and potentially the heat will be a few degrees higher than that. To help reduce the often crippling impact of the heat on players the Australian open tennis tournament organisers installed retractable roof systems over the playing areas that could be shut if the heat is extreme or if rain occurs. An Australian, Rod Laver, is the only person that had won all the four Grand Slam Tennis Tournaments in one year, twice so far in the world.

Apart from being an international tennis tournament that is watched all over the world by tennis lovers eagerly, the men and women tennis players participating in this tournament are the highest ranked in the world. The competition is intense and the atmosphere is electrifying most of the time. The tennis week lasts for 2 weeks with the women's finals on the Saturday of the second week and the men's final on the Sunday of the second week. Apart from these two, men's doubles, women's doubles, and mixed doubles.

The Australian open tennis tournament brings in not only domestic Australian citizens but tennis lovers from all over the world to visit Melbourne and help make it a major tourist attraction during the month. The Australian open tennis tournament is also accompanied by live entertainment in the Melbourne Park every day to keep the local and international visitors, tennis lovers and the tennis players amused and enthused.

For the Australian open tennis, the tickets are sold much in advance. The ticket prices for the 2009 Australian Open varied between $19 and $174. However, along with the tickets for the Australian Open, you can also buy tickets for the concerts and premium park shows as add-ons and enjoy the entertainment diversions along with the great tennis being played in the arenas by world famous players like Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, the Williams sisters, and other great names in current world tennis circuit.

The Australian Tennis Open 2010 will be held in Melbourne Australia at the Melbourne Park tennis complex starting on January 18th and finishing with the finals on January 31st 2010. The tennis complex has a total seating capacity of 15,000 people which can also increase depending on the foot traffic. Ticket prices vary considerably with day 1 tickets to matches on Rod Laver Arena starting at $55 and reaching $290 for the finals. Australian Open ticket prices for Hisense Arena start at $50. There are various packages available and corporate tickets all which vary accordingly. Ground passes can be cheaper and start from just $19.

About the Author:

Want to find out more about the Australian Tennis Open, then visit Jasmine Zahara's site on how to choose the best Australian Open Tennis Tickets and accommodation for your needs.

Handicapping Sports Betting Futures Plays

By Ross Everett

Many serious sports bettors consider the futures wager the province of rank amateurs trying to go for the big killing. Theyre the sports betting equivalent of the wanna-be stock investor who always gripes if only I had bought Microsoft when they went public. Theyre not the type wholl do the work to grind out profits in the market, nor are they forward thinking enough to find the next big company to go public. Theyd rather lay some money on a high priced dog and hope for the best, which seldom (if ever) occurs. Right now at some sportsbooks a $100 bet on the Cincinnati Bengals to win the 2010 Superbowl will pay back $10,000. The problem is that the true odds of Cincinnati winning the Superbowl are probably in the range of 50,000 to 1 which makes the +10000 youre getting in this bet a bad value from the get-go.

Even for the more pragmatic bettor, the inherent problems with futures wagers are readily apparent. You have to tie up your wagering capital for a long time. More significantly, once your bet is down youre at the mercy of the countless interceding events that can influence the fortunes of a sports team. Its hard enough trying to weigh the significance of scheduling, injuries, personnel movement and so forth on a day to day basis. Controlling for all of these variables over an entire season is impossible.

Despite their downsides, futures bets have an important place in the investment oriented sports bettor's arsenal. The 'prime directive' for serious sports betting is to think of it not in terms of wins and losses, but in terms of value. Futures wagers frequently present opportunities to lock in line value and create overlay situations. In some cases, judicious use of futures can produce situations in which a bettor can realize a profit from any outcome! Below are some basic concepts for properly using futures wagers to maximize value.

Futures can present an opportunity to 'earn' a greater value on certain bets. For example, it has become common for sports books to take action on entertainment events like the Academy Awards. By paying close attention to Hollywood gossip and entertainment news, a bettor can actually have a better take on these outcomes than the bookmaker.

With many books taking bets on awards like 'Best Picture' before nominations are even announced, a bettor has a great opportunity to find overlay situations. By staying on top of the entertainment news and accurately predicting which films will be nominated, its often possible to get substantially better prices than will be available after their announcement.

Making the Academy Awards an even better candidate for futures wagers is the nature of the film business itself. The release schedule for films is set well in advance, and after the year end cut off date no 'surprise' releases can sneak in to consideration. At this point, its relatively easy to narrow down the serious contenders and with some work to come up with a 'short list' of Oscar candidates.

It's also possible to leverage value in the 'stick and ball' sports with future wagers. There are obviously more variables in sports than in the entertainment industry and the top teams are never going to be found 'under the radar'. For example, you can already bet that the Patriots will win the 2010 Superbowl but you'll be hard pressed to find a value price on such a popular team with the general public.

To find value on this sort of wager you need to look for 'dark horse' candidates. For example, at midseason you could have bet on the Carolina Hurricanes to win the 2009 Stanley Cup at prices as high as 25/1 or 30/1. Now, they're one of four teams remaining and are priced at 5/1 to 7/1 depending on the book.

This play didn't necessitate a crystal ball or a Canadien genie with a profound interest in hockey--instead, it was a simple matter of determining teams that offered true odds of championship success that were lower than the price offered in the future bet. At prices like 25/1 or 40/1 its possible to back several dark horse 'candidates' and if one or more enjoy postseason success it presents a number of opportunities to hedge and guarantee a profit.

Also, don't forget to consider 'the field'. Many futures wagers lump a number of teams or competitors together as 'the field' and offer a single price to bet them all. Occasionally, the quick thinking handicapper can find unique value situations. For example, after Dale Earnhardt's tragic death in 2001 some sportsbooks continued to offer a 'field' position on rookie of the year. A bettor who followed NASCAR closely would have quickly realized that Kevin Harvick--who replaced Earnhardt in his Richard Childress racing Chevy--qualified for the 'rookie of the year' award and could have bet the field at prices as high as 15/1. After he won his first race, the price for 'the field' dropped to 2/1 and by midseason 'the field' was a -250 favorite.

This is obviously a best case example, but there have been similar circumstances that were still good value plays but didnt work out perfectly like the Harvick situation. Several years ago it wasnt uncommon to find a field bet on NASCAR road races that allowed you to bet several of the road course specialists like Ron Fellows, Boris Said and Scott Pruett with one bet. You wont be able to take advantage of the field bet often, but if you keep your eyes open and think out of the box it can be very profitable when it does occur.

Of course its crucial to shop around for any futures book play to find the best price. It's a smart thing to do on any wagering proposition, but the price differential on futures wagers often vary widely from book to book. A little bit of work can produce a significantly better price which means more value.

About the Author:

Ross Everett is a freelance sports writer who has written on sports gambling and how to successfully bet on NFL football. He has appeared as a guest on TV and radio talking about boxing, mixed martial arts and NFL pointspreads. He lives in Southern Nevada with three Jack Russell Terriers and a wombat.

Fun Spots For All In The Sunshine Coast

By Zane Archer

Not only is the Sunshine Coast one of the most beautiful places to visit, with some of the nicest weather year round, but it is also home to many wonderful National Parks for you to enjoy and explore. Here is a list of some of National Parks in the Sunshine Coast region.

If exploring waterfalls is what you desire, then you will defiantly want to visit the MAPLETON FALLS NATIONAL PARK. This park gets it's name from the Mapleton Waterfall, located in the park. The Waterfall pours out from the western area of the Blackall Range.

MOUNT COOLUM NATIONAL PARK - A region with rich wetlands, be sure to check out the free flying falcons in this park, they are truly amazing.

The NOOSA NATIONAL PARK is a great place to get close and personal with some of the most famous cretures in Australia. Koalas, froglets and black Cockatoos all call this park home.

The GLASS HOUSE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK has distinctive volcanic plugs which rise abruptly out of a patchwork of farms and forests. It makes for an excellent day of rock climbing, scenic drives or taking a bushwalk.

SUNSHINE COAST HINTERLAND GREAT WALK - A web of trails that runs through 58 kilometers of Maleny Forest Reserve land, this walk will actually take you from the Mapleton Falls Park to the Kondalilla National Park . This type of hike is only for those who are prepared for a long journey and who are physically fit.

COOLOOLA NATIONAL PARK - This park offers many modes of getting around including four wheel drive vehicles, river boat, or just hiking on foot. There are tons of walking trails and many offer picturesque views of the coast line as well as incredible sights throughout the rain forest. Explore in amazement this rugged national park and stay the night if you dare.

If you would like more information on any of these parks you can look it up on the internet at www.sunshinecoastinformation.com. The Sunshine Coast region is a place for families, couples and even those that are seeking a little adventure. We hope to see you soon.

About the Author:

In order to find the best value in a Mooloolaba Accommodationlog onto www.sunshinecoastinformation.com.au right away. We provide the best selection in Mooloolaba Hotels that you can find.

The Basics Of The Kentucky Derby for Horse Racing Beginners

By Ross Everett

The Kentucky Derby takes place every year on the first Saturday in May, and its a race that many horse racing novices like to follow. Along with the Breeders' Cup and the other 'Triple Crown' races, the Derby attracts the most mainstream attention. Understanding the intricacies of horse racing is a very involved study.

A true fluency in horse racing takes extensive study, but here are a few concepts that can help anyone better understand and enjoy the Kentucky Derby. Until recently, the Derby was a race dominated by the favorite. Since Spectacular Bid won the Derby in 1979, however, you can count the favorites whove won the race on one hand with fingers left over. In other words, the easiest way to pare down the field for a horse racing novice is to simply eliminate the popular favorite from consideration.

In all fairness, it should be noted that the favorite has been a historically strong proposition. In the 135 Kentucky Derby races the post time favorite has placed in the money at a 69% clip over the history of the race. So why have the favorites been on such a money losing run in the past two decades? My personal theory is that it is a function of the growing hype surrounding the race"in other words, you get a lot of amateur horse racing fans that distort the notion of the favorite being the most likely to win the race. The most hyped horse becomes the favorite, but this is not always the best horse. In any case, though it could be argued that the anti-favorite bias could be due for a turnaround, for the purpose of understanding this particular race Im going to forget about the post time favorite.

Post position is also something that the horse racing neophyte should pay attention to. Obviously post position number 1 is an advantage relative to the outer ones, but it hasnt been a strong edge over the other inside positions. Twelve Derby winners have had the #1 position going into the race (the most of any position) but positions #4 and #5 have had ten winners each. In terms of percentages, positions #1 through #5 have yielded 49 winners (or just under 40%). On the other hand, the outermost positions (#11 through #20) have had just 16 winners (or just under 13%). It is important to note that theres not always that many horses in the race, which would obviously result in few higher posts winning. Still, concentrating on horses with favorable post positions is another way to pare down a field that you know little about.

Another factor worthy of consideration is the horses lineage and breeding. Start at the beginning"where the horse was born. Most, but not all, serious racehorses are born in Kentucky. If you see a horse in the race that wasnt, forget them. This is not any sort of home field advantage but a result of the concentration of the Thoroughbred horse industry in the state. Over 80% of Kentucky Derby winners have been born in Kentucky. Next, consider the horses gender, or more specifically dont consider any entry with a gender other than male. Only eleven horses other than intact males have ever won the race (eight geldings and three fillies). A gelding did win as recently as 2003, when Funny Cide took the roses but again for the newcomer this is an easy way to cut down the horses under consideration. This isnt a gender bias or anything, but for our purposes we can forget about non-male horses.

Don't forget to consider dosage index numbers. These are a complex mathematical formula that measures a horse's breeding lineage plus his past performance. You want to look for horses with a dosage index of 4.00 or less--over half of Derby winners have met this criteria since dosage numbers came into common usage in the mid 1980's.

These are just a few steps that will serve you well if you dont know much about horses. Again, if you want to take a more serious approach to understanding horse racing you should look into the many books dedicated to the subject. For a recreational horse race enthusiast, however, these basic rules are helpful in trying to predict the Derby winner.

About the Author:

Ross Everett is a freelance writer who has written on sports gambling and how to successfully bet on NFL football. He has appeared on TV and radio talking about boxing, mixed martial arts and NFL pointspreads. He lives in Las Vegas, Nevada with three Jack Russell Terriers and a lynx.

Driving Without Insurance

By Christos Chalfont

It is against the law to use a vehicle if you do not have a valid insurance certificate that says you are covered to use it at that particular time.

Driving without insurance is treated very seriously in the Magistrates Court because of the potential implications if you were to crash when uninsured.

To be found guilty of driving without insurance the Prosecution simply have to prove that you were driving a motor vehicle on a public road at the time of the alleged offence. Because this is a documentary offence the burden passes to the Defendant (you) to prove that you were actually insured at the time you were driving. This is because it would be almost impossible for the Prosecution to prove that you were not insured and they would have to go through every insurance company in the Country using their insurance database to try and establish there was no certificate in place.

Something that catches most people out when accused of having no insurance is that you dont actually have to be driving the vehicle to be guilty of the no insurance offence. The law states that you only have to be using the vehicle. Having use of the vehicle can mean that the vehicle can simply be parked on a public road outside your house and if it has no insurance you will be liable for the punishment.

Another way in which a lot of people get caught out in relation to insurance offences is because they believe that their fully comprehensive insurance covers them to drive a vehicle owned by another person with their permission. A lot of fully comprehensive insurance policies do not actually have this type of cover as of right. This element of the cover is also sometimes dependant on the age of the policy holder.

It is extremely important to make sure that you fully understand the terms of your insurance policy and that whenever you drive either your own car or someone else's, that you are actually insured.

About the Author:

For more information about motoring law advice please click driving with no insurance.

The Benefits of Single Trip Holiday Insurance

By Will Tanner

The concept of single trip holiday insurance is something that nearly every traveler should get, but far too few people actually follow through and do it. Making sure that you're well protected on your vacations is integral to protecting your financial situation.

It's unfortunate, but most people are misled into thinking that their current insurance plans will protect them while traveling. This is wrong, however, as the overwhelming majority of insurance carriers won't cover any kinds of international travel, and many domestic vacations too.

Regardless of what your situation is, if you're traveling you'll definitely want to look into single trip holiday insurance and the benefits offered under these plans. This is the best way to protect your interests while traveling.

Consider a car accident that forces you into a hospital while you're traveling abroad. You may not know this, but you'll typically be responsible for the entire bill. Can you imagine having to pay some crazy amount of money like $30,000 to a hospital in another country?

This is why single trip holiday insurance exists, and it's why a smart minority opts to get it before each vacation. Avoid the potential nightmares of a huge medical bill, or the unexpected cost of replacing lost or stolen luggage.

One thing that hasn't been mentioned is that some policies out there won't offer single trip holiday insurance for trips to certain countries. Make sure that the places you're visiting are on the list of countries to be covered, as you don't want to end up with the wrong plan.

There is a plan for just about every country, however. If the ones you've seen won't allow you to buy them for the places you'll be traveling to, simply move on in your search as you'll find plenty more who will.

The best course of action is the one you're taking right now. Look into your options, assess the different price points and benefits, and finalize the process in finding a single trip holiday insurance deal that works for you.

About the Author:

The best single trip holiday insurance details can be found at this site about holiday insurance.

Kuching and Sarawak - A Sparkling History And Hidden Gems

By Joseph Archibald

Sarawak belongs to the island of Borneo and is one of two Malaysian states on the island. Also known as Bumi Kenyalang ("Land of the Hornbills"), Sarawak is situated on the north-west of Borneo. Sarawak is actually the largest state in Malaysia while the second largest is Sabah - the neighboring state.

The city is thought to be named after the Malay word for cat although it would be spelled "Kucing" now and Kuching is the old spelling. However, some people believe the city's name comes from the word "cochin" which as an Indian word meaning "port". Or indeed, it may come from the Cantonese word for "old place".

In 1841 the Sultanate of Brunei, who at the time owned the whole of Borneo, ceded Sarawak to the British explorer James Brooke due to his help in stopping a rebellion against the Sultanate. Kuching then became Brooke's headquarters and the Brooke family ruled Sarawak for almost the next 112 years.

Not long after Japan became involved in the Second World War however, they took possession of Borneo in 1941 and it remained under their control until September of 1945. The territory was officially handed back to the British by the Japanese on September 11th, with all papers being signed in Kuching.

In 1946 once the British regained control over Sarawak, the last Raja - Sir Charles Vyner Brooke ceded it to the British Crown. However, Indonesia, which was governed by President Sukarno, wished to regain control of Sarawak and there was an undeclared war fought with the British to do so.

Sarawak became an independent state in 1963, and along with Sabah - its neighbor, and Singapore it joined to form Malaysia. Singapore was then expelled from the Malaysia and became its own Republic, which it still is now. The union between Singapore and the other Malaysian states was rocky from the beginning. Distrust and ideological differences between leaders of the State of Singapore and the federal government of Malaysia resulted in frequent disagreement in politics, economic, financial and social policies. The conflict spread to the populace, resulting in major racial riots in 1964 in Singapore. In 1965, Malaysia Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman decided upon the secession of Singapore from the Federation, leading to the Independence of Singapore on 9 August 1965.

Highly successful with regards to financial control and extremely low crime rates, its hard to believe that before European rule which began back in the 1600's, Singapore was a simple Malay fishing village.

About the Author:

Learn more about the city of the cat - Kuching, and stay at one of the Kuching Hotels. Do also check out one of the very best hotels at Damai with ocean front views that you will adore!

St Pete Beach Today Salvador Dali Prints

By John DeLellis

The Salvador Dali Museum is the flagship of cultural tourism on the West Coast of Florida, welcoming over 200,000 visitors each year from around the world. Salvador Dali Museum is the World's largest collection of works by the renowned Spanish surrealist. Petersburg's Salvador Dali Museum is the permanent home of the world's most comprehensive collection of the renowned Spanish artist's work. The Salvador Dali museum is one of several local attractions including the Saint Petersburg Museum of History and the Bayfront Center Arena.

St Pete Beach, on the central gulf coast of Florida, has a small town atmosphere with plenty of vacation amenities within walking distance. St Pete Beach vacation rentals are just a few miles from St Petersburg, FL, and about 35 miles from Tampa, FL. St Pete Beach is just minutes away, and the area is renowned for spectacular rivers, nature preserves, state forests, world-class fishing and championship golf. St Pete Beach ranks as one of the best beaches in Florida, especially on the West Coast of Florida.

St Pete Beach Wave runners offer a riding experience unlike any in the Tampa Bay Area. The Gulf beaches are known for warm, white sands, pristine waters, palm trees, and dolphins. St Pete Beach Hotels and St Pete Beach Resorts offer accommodations on some of the best beaches directly on the Gulf of Mexico. St Pete Beach is not as populated with tourists as Clearwater Beach but still offers beautiful sunsets, popular nightlife, great restaurants & plenty of day and night activities.

The Tradewinds Hotel/Resort is a tropical haven where guests can find peace and relaxation in style and comfort with superior service reflecting the spirit of American Samoa. Tradewinds Hotel offers a range of business and recreational facilities including a restaurant, bar, internet caf, conference facilities, gymnasium. St Pete Beach Florida has a great assortment of hotels and resorts. Don Cesar Is the hotel resort known as Florida's Legendary Pink Palace since 1928, the luxury resort is revered internationally for its sprawling, sugar-white beach, unparalleled dining, rejuvenating Beach Club & Spa, fabulous fishing, children's program, nearby tennis and golf. The Don Cesar has a long list of famous guests and has hosted every president since Gerald Ford (excluding Ronald Reagan) and also Franklin D. St Pete Beach is also know for hotels and resorts like the Tradewinds Hotel/Resort.

If you are looking for good food and good times on the water n St Pete beach you may consider the Sloppy Pelican. The Sloppy Pelican is one of St. Pete Beach's newest waterfront bar & grill. A favorite for locals and visitors alike, our menu offers a wide variety that everyone is going to enjoy; from fresh seafood and pasta prepared from scratch, to the biggest burgers and tastiest nachos on the beach. Out of all the restaurants in St Pete Beach the Hurricane restaurant is one of the most popular. The Hurricane Restaurant: a landmark multi-storied restaurant/bar/entertainment complex is situated across the street from the beach right in the middle of Pass a Grille and keeps the hungry and thirsty beachgoers happy late into the evening. Another Place that is a great party hot spot restaurant on St Pete Beach is Jimmy B's. Jimmy B's Beach Bar caters to the upscale crowd so you better make sure you're ready to roll.

About the Author:

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