Archive by Author
16. Mar, 2010

The Red Light District

Am10Everything you have heard about the red light district is most likely true and in Amsterdam, whether it is a sex shop, brothel or museum of the erotic, there is little left for the imagination.  The locals call it Rossebuurt, and it is where sexual fantasies were born and no place else on earth is like it.
It is in this area that you will see men in packs carousing the streets while others point their fingers in amazement. Even the older ladies can be seen out on the town for a night and tourists from Japan will have their cameras ready, as they always do for a quick photo at a chance encounter.  There are hotels here as well and priced lower than you might expect.  All Amsterdam hotels carry a star rating to let the visitor know how they pricing ranges. There is a three star hotel in the Red Light District called the Hotel CC Amsterdam and is a brand new boutique hotel in the heart of the city.
There is certainly something for everyone in the Red Light district of Amsterdam, whether it be the music or classy eateries, they all keep lingering a little longer than maybe they would have.

15. Mar, 2010

Barcelona

Barce10The second largest city in Spain is Barcelona, located on the Mediterranean coast between two rivers called the Llobregat and the Besos. This area offers a Mediterranean climate with humid winters and wary, dry summer months. Along the coast are many Barcelona hotels from which to chose and so it can be a tough choice.
The rainy season here is Spring and Autumn where winter and summer will be dry. It is said that here you will find the most irregular climates in the world, the Western Mediterranean climate. Similar to London is the Barcelona annual rainfall although London is more regular.
Temperatures can range from the highest in the city being 101 degrees and the coldest being just 19 degrees but that was way back in February of 1956. Sitting on top of the Tibidabo hill is the Fabra Observatory which is at 1,351.71 feet above sea level. Here, the record summer heat reached 104 degrees in July of 1982 with the lowest ever recorded was 1956. Annual rainfall at the airport is 650 mm and the city center gets about 600mm.

14. Mar, 2010

Family Vacations: New York

NY10Good family vacation destinations are hard to come by. There needs to be plenty to do to keep the kids busy, and at the same time you need to have something to make the trip worth while. New York is the perfect place to take your family, where you can have just as much fun as the kids.

New York Hotels have a lot to offer families, there are all of the biggest names, as well as some smaller hotels that offer great service. There are facilities such as pools, spas, gyms, game rooms and other diversions to have some entertainment at the end of the day. This is a good alternative if the weather doesn’t permit sightseeing, or if you want to stay close to your room for a peaceful moment while the kids play.

There are museums not just full of the art you appreciate, but hands on science museums that the kids love. There are plenty of family friendly shows, as well as restaurants and shopping. There are amusement parks, as well as outdoor spaces with play grounds and other facilities to enjoy the good weather.

13. Mar, 2010

Stylish Parisian History

Paris10If you are headed to Paris for your next vacation, and plan on taking part in some of the finest shopping in the world, then you should know a bit about the history of this great city. Not only has Paris been a focal point for significant events in history, invention, literature, art, and other ground breaking subject, but they are the fashion capital of Europe. Every year millions of tourists flock to Paris for their runways, their shops, and their style.

Consider first the most famous designers you know. Names such as Chanel, Dior, and Louis Vuitton may come to mind. It is no surprise that they all hail from France. This country loves fashion, and fashion loves Paris. Other famous names in fashion that also come from France include Hermes, Gaultier, Yves Saint Laurent, among others. France as long been the leader in the fashion world, and judging by the world wide success and renowned their designers still have, that isn’t changing any time soon. If you’re looking to experience fashion, then choose Paris for your next holiday. Book one of the many stylish Paris Hotels and complete the experience of luxury.

12. Mar, 2010

Hotels And Traveling

London10Hotels are an essential part of traveling. They are the home away from home you will need after a long day of sight seeing. Next to your plane tickets, they will also be the most expensive part of your entire vacation. However, this depends entirely on your preferences when traveling. Everyone has different priorities, and this can significantly change your overall expenses.

For example, many people see a Hotel as a necessity, and nothing more. It is a place to sleep at night, and that’s about it. Most travelers spend the majority of the hours of their day sightseeing and experiencing restaurants and socializing, so the place they sleep doesn’t have to be the fanciest. This can save you lots of money.

On the other hand, some prefer to have a relaxing, cozy, catering atmosphere to unwind on their long needed vacation. If you’re traveling in England, for example, you’ll find that London Hotels will be able to provide you with a variety of services that can help you get the most out of your vacation. After all, you should be comfortable on your holiday, and your every need should be met, so you can have a stress free vacation.

26. Feb, 2010

Experience France

camp franceFrance is one of the most popular tourist destinations for travelers from all over the world. Everyone once to come and experience the romance and splendor of Paris. There are many ways you can do this. You can go the mainstream route, which is sipping wine in a fancy restaurant, sight seeing at the Eiffel tower, taking in the cobble stone streets and small cafes. This is what most people envision when they picture a holiday in France. However, if you’re looking for a more “off the beaten path” type of holiday, and are more of the adventurous type, this won’t be enough for you.

A great way to take in the wonders of France, is to camp there. Forget all the snobby hotels and tourist crowded areas, try something new and get a different perspective that most don’t see. Camping is a great solution for traveling families as well, and anyone who is up for something new, and interested in the “road less traveled”. This is a great way to experience what France truly is, without all the glitz and glamor that is put up just for tourists. Experience the spirit of the French, and the beauty of the country.

13. Feb, 2010

Dream Manors

Dream Manors

YorkshireYorkshire has many beautiful sights that you won’t soon forget. One of their most prized attractions, are their many stately homes. These homes are rich in history, they feature stunning architecture and often date back to the 1800s and much later. They are positioned on acres of land, and often were the home to generations of the same family, along with precious memorabilia. Not only will you be in awe of their castle like beauty (and sometimes scale) but by the antiques and paintings within. Outside feature lush gardens and endless landscape. Even if you are traveling with family, you will find places for the kids to enjoy.

Visiting these manors is like going back in time, being surrounded by paintings and antiques that have been family heirlooms for hundreds of years. Discover the history that influenced the family and the home, and what shaped the foundations of what would become a building that would last for years and years to come. Hear about the events that surrounded it, and how it remains in such pristine condition. And at the end of the day, treat yourself to a beautiful country house, such as Scarborough Hotel, for the accommodation on your holiday.

13. Feb, 2010

Cottage Getaways

PembrokeshireIf you are looking for the perfect escape from your hectic life, consider a cottage getaway. Unlike a hotel, a cottage gives you the “home away from home” atmosphere you crave to relax away from busy city life. Pembrokeshire Cottages are the ideal location for weary travelers looking for beautiful surroundings and a calm setting.

Pembrokeshire is an area of natural beauty, with plenty of activities to choose from, and landscape to explore. Located on the coast is the National Park, with stunning cliff side ocean views. This town also provides the perfect environment for family vacations. There are activities for the kids, such as bicycle tours, and hiking and camping for the more adventurous. Pembrokeshire is the gem of Wales, where you can observe wildlife, and still have the modern attractions such as theme parks, all nearby. This provides the perfect vacation destination where there is something for everyone. Even for the most specific travelers, you can enjoy it all here.

The scenery alone is reason enough to come, with it’s coastal location, you can go for long walks to take in the serene environment that is very different from what you’re used to in the city.

09. Feb, 2010

The Efficient Budget Traveller

flight11Most of us are on a strict budget for our holidays. Budget travel is very common, and a great way to keep from spending money in unnecessary places. For example, for the same plane tickets one person buys, you can find at half the price with a little research and savvy hunting.

If you are doing a flight search, you often go straight to the comparative websites such as travelocity or orbitz. These sites are designed to do the hunting for you, finding all the major airlines and comparing prices on one page for easy choosing. However, there are some tips, or tricks of the trade if you will, to help you save even more. You may think that typing in your location and return date is all you need, but you can save even more if you take your time with the process. It’s not a well known fact that these deals can change every hour. Which means if you just hunt around long enough, you may come across one at noon that wasn’t there at 8am. It is important to check through out the day, and keep your eye open for the cheapest price. Doing this for a couple days will give you a good idea of the best price possible, so you know you’re getting the best deal.

04. Jan, 2010

Australia is the Destination

Australia is the Destination

australiaAustralia is ready to host two food festivals highlighting one of the most sought after ingredients in haute cuisine – the truffle, which will take food tourists and connoisseurs alike Down Under next year. Highly prized by chefs around the world, the truffle is a type of fungus similar to the mushroom.  It is used in various capacities in French, Spanish and Italian cooking for its decadent taste and texture.  Australia has now emerged as a top supplier of this exotic food item. In June, the Canberra Truffle festival will begin with the usual truffle hunts, truffle grading workshops and of course tasting.  Black truffles will be showcased in various dinning options. Then in August will be the Mundaring Truffle Festival.  This takes place at a location that is just 45 minutes west of Perth and is the first word in luxury travel.

Here you can be part of a Truffle Master class series of lectures that feature talented chefs and truffle growers giving their own presentations. Also part of this festival will be testings, and informational workshops. If you are interest in this event remember you must obtain a Australian travel visa from the Australian visa bureau before making any vacation arrangements.