Can A Vacation Change Your Life? If You're Visiting Florence Italy...Probably!

By Glenn Aitelli

Originally established by Julius Caesar as a settlement for his veteran soldiers, Florence Italy was known as Florentia, meaning "the flourishing". Florence was built in the style of an army camp with all main streets intersecting at the present Piazza della Repubblica. Florence, most well known for its abundance of art and history is also well known for its mouthwatering culinary delights. People the world over travel to Florence each year to soak up the culture of this beautiful region, as well as savor some of the most delicious food.

To have the ultimate Tuscan culinary experience, order the Bistecca Fiorentina which is a massive t-bone steak served rare and full of amazing flavor. The flavors of Tuscany are bold and vibrant, rich olive oil, hearty rosemary and lots of thick crusty bread. Florence also has restaurants that cater to every taste and style of cooking.

Attractions

Florence has a lot to see and do and you will enjoy discovering the hidden treasures at every turn. You can see an amazing collection of Michelangelo statues at the Bargello and then have an espresso while looking at the statue garden in the Piazza della Signoria. The Bargello museum has an amazing collection of statues from Michelangelo and Donatello.

You must visit the Uffizi museum because of its collection of fine paintings of the Renaissance. The Accademia is home to Michelangelo's "David" and is something you can't miss! It is not only massive but amazing in its detail, you can see the veins in his arms as clearly as you can see your own. Other sites to see are:

* Santa Maria del Fiore, the Duomo. 13th century giant with Vasari's fresco "Last Judgment" on the interior Dome

*Piazzale Michelangelo- The best view of Florence, period! Take a hike up to see the most amazing sunset you will ever see.

An easy day trip to the wine country of Chianti will make your trip unforgettable. There are many tour companies that will take you to different vineyards for wine tastings. Most wineries also prepare food as well.

Hotels

Hotels can be discovered all around the city. Many budget hotels are found near Santa Maria Novella train station, next to the Arno River and on the city outskirts. Hotels in Florence can be found around every twist and turn of the city, offering something for every type of travel budget. Many of the more luxurious accommodations are located in the city center near Piazza della Republicca.

Hotel Maxim is very affordable and you can not beat the location, literally a stones throw from the Duomo! The price of the room includes a wonderful breakfast and its convenient location is near many fine dining establishments . Maxim is a wonderful hotel to stay at during your visit and is the perfect blend of price, location and quality. Their staff is very helpful and will assist you with recommendations and reservations for that perfect restaurant or can't miss attraction. Florence is a place that will "get under your skin" and haunt you until you make it back!

About the Author:

Glenn Aitelli is a Certified Tour Director and the owner of the definitive site about Florence Italy Travel. This one of a kind site helps you plan the perfect vacation to Florence Italy from start to finish. Travel-to-Florence.com is a site made by travelers for travelers! The site also features the best search tool for discount Florence Italy Hotels

Ringside Seats To See Open-Air Live Art In London

By Rajul Chande

The Fourth Plinth is located in Trafalgar Square, London and is traditionally used to display statues. This year it is being transformed into a space for living art as Antony Gormley shows off his ground-breaking "One and Other" project (until October 14th 2009).

The artist has invited UK residents to stand on the "plinth" for a full hour in front of the world. There is a live webcam and tv recording the action.

Many thousands of people applied for the 2,400 available places which have all been chosen at random. One person is standing on the plinth every hour (24/7!), for 100 days in total.

You can do absolutely anything you want on the plinth as long as it's legal! Many participants intend to take advantage and show the world their full range of talents.

The way the artist himself describes the idea is presented on the London Hotels Insight blog, which also carries a link to the project's official website with its live webcam.

It is a truly path-breaking project and gives tourists visiting London an awesome perspective on Britain's diverse, eccentric and fun-loving population. You can't miss the opportunity to see it if you're visiting London in summer or autumn 2009!

To stay as close as possible to the action, we'd like to recommend a couple of nearby hotels which come up pretty high on TripAdvisor. There's both a luxury and a budget option below:

A 5 star hotel with great reviews

If you're in London with that special someone or want to experience a wow factor, then One Aldwych could be just the ticket. It is known both for its stunning modern design and warm, friendly service.

From the moment you step into its impressive lobby, the hotel seems to caress you with its natural warmth.

Having been fortunate enough to personally meet the founder of One Aldwych, I can confirm that his prime concern is to make your stay "as exquisite as possible".

You can read more about One Aldwych and search for the best rate from 30+ hotel booking sites at the blog linked below.

A cheap hotel with good reviews

If you have a limited budget but do not want to compromise on location, then we recommend the Travelodge in Covent Garden: less than 10 minutes walk from Trafalgar Square and right in the centre of London's wonderful "Theatreland".

You'll feel smug about getting a functional, clean room in an amazing location for much less than other tourists with accommodation in the same area!

Recent TripAdvisor guest reviews suggest that people love Travelodge Covent Garden's location and value for money.

If you stay at either of the above hotels and like modern art, you can easily cross the river to the Tate Modern and take a ride on the London Eye.

Another plus point is that you can enjoy all the fun markets and street life of Covent Garden, right outside your door!

So if you intend to go to London in the summer or fall of 2009, make sure you visit the fourth plinth on Trafalgar Square!

About the Author:

Rajul Chande edits a blog on London and has authored a book on London hotels. Learn more on Covent Garden hotels and the One & Other project at the London Hotels Insight blog

The Amazing Pinnacles of Borneo

By Debra Corbeil

A small twin engine airplane is the only way to get to Gunung Mulu National Park in Sarawak Borneo, and looking out the window you will be overwhelmed with the vastness of the jungle that lay below. Once you have landed on the isolated runway, you truly feel in the middle of nowhere.

The most magnificent sight in Gunung Mulu would have to be the Pinnacles. Several people trek out to see them daily and they will not disappoint. The pinnacles are a cluster of 45 meter high limestone formations, standing tall like sentries in the jungle.

You can book your trek at the park headquarters. Check with other arrivals to see if they want to join your party. It is a great way to save on costs and to enjoy other peoples company. Once you are booked and ready to go, you can settle in for the night to arrange everything that you will need for the following days trek.

You have to bring your own food with you, so if you did not bring anything on your flight, you can go to the canteen to stock up. Pack lightly because you have to carry everything on your back. After being dropped off by boat 2 hours into the jungle, you will have to hike 8.9 km to your camp. Make sure to bring enough to eat for 3 days and remember to carry all of your waste back out.

Don't forget to tell your driver how long you will be at the Pinnacles. Give them an approximate time and exact day that you will meet them for a ride back to park headquarters. They will be ready and waiting for you when you emerge from the jungle.

It is now that you begin the 8.8 km jungle hike. It is an adventure to say the least.

The trail is well marked and easy to follow, but you will have to cross a couple of rivers. Make sure to check for leaches after each time in the water. They are fast and latch on quickly.

Your destination, Camp 5 is in a beautiful location surrounded by large cliffs, a quiet stream and lush jungle. Here is where you will relax for the night before your climb. Be sure you bring an ample supply of food with you, because there isn't any provided. There is a kitchen so you can cook whatever you bring, just be sure to take the waste with you when you leave.

The accommodations are very rustic and basic, but that is the appeal of going to the Pinnacles. Everyone sleeps in one room on a row of vinyl mats placed in a raised wooden platform. Nobody sleeps well however, because of the anticipation and excitement of the climb.

Waking before the sun comes up, you will get everything together that you will need. Extra water bottles, snacks and lunch need to be carried and you need to do all of this quickly because leaving early is essential. If you don't make it to the beginning of the last section before 11:00 am, you will not be allowed to summit.

Many people that try to climb the Pinnacles do not summit. It is not a high climb, but it is a technically challenging climb without safety ropes. You cross crevasses on metal beams and balance on rocks while holding onto a rope over head. It is a challenge, but the payoff is definitely worth the effort.

Coming off of the trail and turning a corner, you are treated to one of the most spectacular sights on the planet.

Giant white stones, jutting out of the jungle like sharks teeth, the Pinnacles are majestically poised for your viewing. The silence is unsettling and soon, clouds and mist roll in making the pinnacles even more ominous. They turn to a darker shade of grey and take on an even more dramatic look as they tower over the trees.

After eating your lunch and gaining your strength it is time to climb down before the sun goes down. It is even more difficult to let gravity take its course. One false step and you will take a tumble. Luckily there is cool water and showers waiting for you at camp 5 and if you were smart, you will have taken a fair amount of food to cook up after your long day on the trail.

To explore everything in Gunung Mulu National park could take months. The Sarawak Chamber, the largest cave chamber in the world, rock climbing, the head hunters trail, The summit of Gunung Mulu and the Bario and Kelabit Highlands are just a few of the things that you can do at Gunung Mulu. But rest assured, whatever you choose to do in Sarawak, it will definitely be and adventure.

About the Author:

Deb Corbeil is one half of Canada's Adventure Couple. Together with her spouse Dave Bouskill they have trekked, hiked, biked and climbed to over 30 countries all over the globe. Visit their website theplanetd for great tips, advice and information on travel and adventure locations. To see their photo gallery click on PictureThePlanet

Golfing Courses From Around The World Described In Detail

By Chris Channing

Golfing is a past time of many, and a way of life for famous professionals such as Art Wall, Tiger Woods, and Arnold Palmer among others. As you look around the world, you can see that golf courses can have many surprises that you could only dream of one day playing on.

Traveling outside of the United States takes a lot of work- but you might not even have to! There are plenty of golf courses in the fifty states currently governed. Residents of Idaho can travel to California and have a very different game, and vice versa. Themed courses found in areas such as Florida can also put a new spin on golf that can be exciting to play through for your first time.

Playing golf at high altitudes is possible by traveling to South America. In the location of Morochocha is a golf course that is one of the highest elevated golf courses in the entire world. The high elevation has been known to making breathing hard; senior citizens and those who have trouble breathing should ask a physician before proceeding.

Golf courses that stick around through the years are seen as successful and a joy to play through. Following that ideology, you could say India has some of the best courses as one course is well over a century old. For over 150 years, a famous course in India has been allowing golfers to get their fix on the green grasses of the age-old field. You will experience more than just a good game of golf, but perhaps even a history lesson.

Your heroes in golf have all visited Japan to see the highly regarded golf courses in the area. Japan golf courses have many that feature natural traps that make the game of golf about strategy rather than driving the ball as hard as you physically can. Japan courses will make you think, use every ounce of golf knowledge you have, and engulf you in a beautiful environment filled with beauty.

You can do some sight seeing in China and also get your game of golf in by going to a famous golf course located near The Great Wall. The golf course does deviate away from The Great Wall, but the beginning fairway gives you a clear cut view of one of the Earth's great wonders. There is no better way to enjoy a sunny China afternoon than killing two birds with one stone.

Closing Comments

Having fun and relaxing is what golfing is all about. It's not surprise, then, that golfing is also paired with traveling more often than not. Try to work some trips to a golf course into your next vacation- you won't regret the unforgettable experience it will provide.

About the Author:

Learn more on Funny Online Golf Videos and Golf Forum.

Tips On How To Prepare For Your Family Vacation - What To Pack In Order To Survive Travelling With Your Kids

By Jennifer Hess

A vacation is a time for laughter and relaxation for the whole family. It is a great opportunity to forget about your work and the kids school activities, and just concentrate on being with your kids.

Designate a bag for each child and have them put in it whatever they will be taking on the vacation. Make sure that the things that they are packing are important - some kids tend to want to pack everything. Put labels on each bag in order to be organized and to avoid mix up. In order to pack more in each backpack, have them roll the clothes tightly. Pack the light clothes first followed by the heavy clothes - it will make your backpack lighter.

Don't forget to pack clothes that are appropriate for where you are going. For hot climates, don't forget to bring your sun hats, sunglasses and sun protection lotion. Pack extra swimsuits and t-shirts if you are planning for a swimming activity. Pack a jacket or sweatshirt and a pair of long pants for every member to wear in case you come across a cold night.

Make sure to pack interesting games for the children in order to keep them busy. Long trips can be boring and games with lots of interaction between family members can make them fun. Bring special toys for the younger ones. You might want to buy a few new items since new toys are always more interesting.

Don't forget to bring some snacks and refreshments. If you have a baby in the family, it is better to buy some diapers at your favorite supermarket where it is cheaper. In addition, preparing food that you will need during the trip will save you some cash.

You should always be prepared, so don't forget to pack your first aid kit. Bring a flashlight and some extra batteries too. Pack some medicine for headaches and colds, and bring a container for medicine that anybody needs to take on a daily basis.

Remember to bring your camera, and to charge its batteries before you go. You would not want to miss any priceless moments during the vacation. If you have the extra budget, buy a water proof camera to take pictures on the beach. Pictures say a thousand words so capture each moment.

See to it that you have already paid your bills. Start planning at least two weeks before the date of your departure to ensure that all things are in order. A planned vacation is a worry-free vacation.

About the Author:

Need kids clothing for your family vacation? Is there no time to shop with your busy schedule? Visit Growing Growing Gone an online kids clothing store and a parent's hassle free shopping alternative. Get a totally unique version of this article from our article submission service

Making The Move To The Caribbean Islands A Pleasant One

By Chris Channing

Considering moving to the Caribbean islands? There is a cultural gap that you need to be made aware of. The transition to being a United States citizen to becoming part of the Caribbean lifestyle won't be too tough, but to save you some trouble there are a few tips to take heed to.

If there are any foods or comfort items you want to bring, be sure to do so if your mode of travel allows it. Most things on the Caribbean islands will have to be imported, so having your favorite dishes may not be possible, or at the very least cost a greater amount of money. Also be sure to pack a few things to remind you of home to cure home sickness.

The locals don't have a problem with the anxiety of staying on the island that foreigners do. If you hail from the United States, odds are you will eventually get a sense of being trapped on the island as you realize you are completely surrounded by water. This is perfectly normal, and easily cured by taking a small trip to other islands or even going back to the United States for a visit.

The lifestyle you experience on your new living arrangement will probably be slower than what you are accustomed to. This is especially true if you lived in the city, where food, traffic, and entertainment can be had near instantaneously. In the islands, you are more likely to see traffic jams concerning animals, slower speed limits, and generally a slower-paced lifestyle.

Practice your skills at conversation and making friends- because you will definitely be making use of them. Locals are incredibly friendly- certainly much more than the locals you would find in New York City. It isn't hard adjusting to this; just carry a smile and return conversation when prompted. Also make conversation yourself before demanding information or interfacing with someone such as a shop keeper at the local store.

The amount of real estate in the Caribbean island is vast- you have plenty of luxury homes to choose from. If your budget is limited you can also find plenty of lower-priced homes and sections of land to live on. Islands can have different general characteristics that make the containing land more or less expensive. Talking to a real estate agent is a good idea to cut down on time looking for your ideal real estate.

In Conclusion

The move to the Caribbean is a great idea. You may consider going there for vacation first to see if it could be a good fit for you. If it does seem so, start making plans for the move and perhaps even pick up a book or two about the Caribbean for extra knowledge.

About the Author:

Learn more on Caribbean property and Caribbean villas.

Learn About Spain : Madrid's Famous Parque del Buen Retiro

By Frank Terry

Visitors to Madrid consider Retiro Park, otherwise known as Parque del Buen Retiro, to be one of its cardinal attractions. It boasts miles of explorable walkways and paths, a serene lake, and lots of magnificent monuments and sculptures; numerous festivals and events take place there every year.

It used to be the location of a royal palace, and has held numerous historically and culturally significant buildings before and since its public opening in 1868. Unfortunately, some buildings were destroyed, or left largely in ruins by the Napoleonic wars, but the ones remaining are certainly worth visiting.

The Palacio de Cristal, a glass structure that was originally used to house a variety of exotic plants, and the Palacio de Velzquez, which once held exhibitions for various industries but is now used primarily to display art exhibits, are popular sites within the park grounds. So too are the Casn, which now houses a collection of famous 19th and 20th century paintings, and the Ejrcito, which is one of Spain's foremost military museums.

The centerpiece is large lake near the northern entrance, called the Estanque del Retiro. Not surprisingly summer is one of the more popular times for the park when entire families can be found taking in the beautiful surroundings along the perimeter of the lake. Local vendors dot the shore, renting boats to visitors who wish to take more intimate look at the lake's beauty.

The Rosaleda rose garden is another of the park's beautiful features, one frequently enjoyed by tourists and natives alike, and nearby are the equally delightful Cecilia Rodriguez gardens and the outstanding restaurants on Serrano Street.

There are many outdoor cafes in and around the park for you to sample a range of Spanish cuisine. There's also entertainment in the form of street musicians, dancers, fortune tellers and jugglers, performing among the people who are out to take a leisurely stroll.

About the Author:

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