Vacation Rental Homes in Costa Rica - 5 Hidden Truths That Will Overcome Your Vacation Rental Fears

Are you losing sleep over your family's next foreign destination vacation? Are you worried they'll get sick, they won't be safe or just be plain miserable with your choice once they get there? Stop and take a deep breath then let out an enormous sigh of relief because these hidden truths about Costa Rica are about to make your decision a whole lot easier.

Hidden Truth #1: You Can Drink the Water

If you've traveled to places like Mexico you've probably learned to avoid the Big 3; water, salads and unpeeled fruit. These can all contain bacteria that will ruin a vacation faster than an iguana can snap up a juicy grasshopper. The good news is the tap water is safe to drink in cities and towns throughout Costa Rica. If you don't even drink the water from your faucet at home, bottled water is readily available everywhere. You can also safely eat all the food including salads.

Hidden Truth #2: Costa Rica is the Happiest Country on the Planet

Travelers are just beginning to discover the Pura Vida (pure living) lifestyle enjoyed by Costa Ricans. Ticos don't rush (with the exception of loco taxi drivers) or let much bother them. According to the New Economics Foundation Costa Ricans live longer, happier and more stress-free lives. They rank Costa Rica #1 on its "Happy Planet Index" making it the favorite nation in which to retire. Perhaps this is why out of a small population of 4.5 million nearly 300,000 expats have taken up residence there.

Hidden Truth #3: There's Security Everywhere

* Costa Rica employs more teachers than police, so Its residents hire private security. You'll find security guards inside malls, on bicycles patrolling parking lots and in banks and many other businesses.

* Residents of many neighborhoods contribute to the safety of their communities by hiring private guards.

* A significant number of luxury vacation rental homeowners in Costa Rica are responding to the current global climate of fear by providing security guards for their guests' peace of mind.

Hidden Truth #4: Costa Rica was the First Country to Abolish its Army

In 1948 Costa Rica abolished its army. Since then it's been a peaceful and democratic nation. Funds formerly spent on the military are now budgeted for education and universal healthcare improving life for the average Costa Rican.

Hidden Truth #5: Costa Rica is Considered the Switzerland of Central America

Geographically both countries are small and have beautiful mountains but this moniker was earned by its former president Oscar Arias when he won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1987 for his pivotal role in bringing peace to Central America.

So, stop obsessing endlessly over where to reserve your next vacation rental home because these hidden truths will allow your family to eat, drink and be merry in Costa Rica. Exercise the same common sense you would anywhere else in the world and visiting the Happiest Country on the Planet may just turn out to be the the most amazing vacation your family has ever had.

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Best European beach destinations for summer holidays

When it comes to summer holidays, one cannot think other than beach destinations. The beaches, sun, sands, and a number of adventure sports… these are the main attractions of a beach holiday. Europe has always been a great holiday spot for beach holidays. Some European countries, which have amazing beach destinations, are Spain, Turkey, Cyprus, Croatia, Portugal, and Greece. The beach destinations are not only gorgeous, but they also have luxury staying options in beach resorts.

During summer seasons, European countries receive a temperate climatic condition. For this reason, plenty of tourists come to this continent for pleasure holidays. Beach holidays in Europe offer entertainment and fun along with a chance to visit the sophisticated European culture. Given below are some popular beach destinations in Europe, which you may consider for a relaxed and enjoyable holiday.

The beaches of France: France is an ideal destination for pleasurable beach holiday. You can find luxury boutique hotels and resorts by the shore of the sea. The French Riviera coast spans from Cannes to Monte Carlo. You will a number of entertainment tools during this holiday, ranging from the classy casinos to cultural art galleries. Sunbath and beach sports are the activities, which you can do during the daytime. In the evening, you can sit back and enjoy various concerts, organized by the beach resorts. You also can undertake a trip to the rolling hills or a nearby lake.

The beach of Italy: There are a number of small islands, which are scattered around Italy. These islands are famous for their spa treatments. They are popular for the healing qualities of the water. Apart from that, there is no dearth in natural beauty in these islands. With the vast sea and beautiful sandy beaches, you will enjoy every bit of your beach holiday. In order to satisfy your hungry tummies, you can have Italian wine with seafood at the beach resorts. Capri and Ischica are the most prominent islands in this region. Capri is mountainous while Ischica offers a wide range of facilities.

The beaches of Greece: Like any European country, Greece also offers some wonderful beaches with while sands. Santorini Island is one of the most beautiful island in the country. You will be enchanted with the breathtaking beauty of this volcanic island. Apart from the scenic beauty, you can visit the Caldera Church, which is considered one of the most famous romantic spot to witness a sunset. If you want to taste some authentic Greek dishes, this island has a lot to offer you.

The beaches of Croatia: Dubrovnik is located to the east of Croatia. This city offers a number of beaches for the travelers. Located by the Adriatic Sea, the city of Dubrovnik is famous for aquamarine waters, paved streets, ancient churches, golden stone of medieval walls, and the yachts. If you visit the Old Town, you can see some ancient Greek architecture. The restaurants are especially famous for seafood and Italian desert.

The beaches of Portugal: Portugal houses a number of beautiful beaches and beach resorts. Portugal beach resorts are famous for relaxation. The Algarve, which has a long beach, is the perfect destination for family activities as well as vibrant life for young people. Azores, the archipelago consists of nine islands, is another popular beach holiday destination in Portugal.

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Five Tips Make Your Skin Far Away From Being Rough and Chapped When Travel in Autumn

Autumn is the best tourist season due to its moderate climate, but the dryness becomes the greatest enemy the travelers have to contend with, if not to protect your skin well, it will easily get rough and chapped and even suffer from seborrhoeic skin disease, affecting appearance. Five tips will leave your skin away from being rough and chapped when travel in autumn.

1. With the increase of exercise volume on trip, the quantity of secretion in the body increases, so the sweat and oil on face also increase. If you can not wipe them off in time, after being assailed by wind and sun, your skin will become black and rough. Therefore, you should pay attention to keep the skin clean. Preferably use warm water and skin care toilet soap to wash, then smooth a touch of cream.

2. You should eat more vegetables and fruits on trip to increase vitamins and various minerals in your body, which can efficiently prevent the skin from dryness and wrinkling.

3. Wash your face when getting up in the morning. At night, you can use face cloth to remove excess oil and dirt from inner pore of skin, or use scrub cream to remove the aging corneum.

4. You'd better wear a hat to shade you from the sunburn and appropriately rub the sunscreen containing ketone.

5. Having a photo taken as a memento on trip is an absolute must, only to put on just a little makeup and remember to clean up cosmetics before falling asleep.

You have nothing to worry about as long as you get the 5 tips, which will make you stay young-looking on trip.

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Have a Great Vacation on a Budget!

Vacationing on a budget is a good way to take some time away from your crazy work schedule without worrying about spending too much money. Even though travelling can be quite expensive, you could still go on an exciting trip with your friends and family by putting extra thought on every dollar you plan to spend.

Here are some tips that could guide you while planning an exciting vacation without breaking the bank.

Take a vacation in your hometown

What could be cheaper than spending a day or two touring some of the favorite places in your own hometown? Instead of booking expensive plane tickets or driving your car to a popular tourist destination, you should encourage your family and friends to accompany you for a vacation right in your hometown.

A few fun activities that you could do while having a ‘staycation' are: watching movies, organize barbeque parties or arrange picnics with your loved ones. You could visit local museums or hike nature trails in the area. Many people are unaware of the beauty and history in their own backyard!

Go on a road trip

Another example of an inexpensive family vacation is taking a camp trailer or tent and going on a road trip. There are a lot of great campgrounds around that you stay at inexpensively. Even in larger towns you can find a place to hook up a trailer for a modest nightly fee. Since you can cook your own food, etc., you will save lodging and meal money.

If you don't have your own travel trailer or tent, you can rent RV's and camping equipment for a reasonable fee. Check your local sporting goods store for rental locations.

Road trips are simple ways to spend more time with your family and to catch up with your precious friends. Hitting the road while playing some of your favorite songs could become more exciting than a trip to another country, plus you are building great memories!

Avoid peak seasons

If you really want to go on an out-town-trip by plane, you could still make vacationing on a budget possible by avoiding peak seasons. Most airlines usually have very high rates during particular months of the years, so you should refrain from booking flights during those months.

If your credit card has rewards for travelling, you could also make the most of it by getting discounts from some major airlines. Start reviewing your credit card's features and use it to get the best bargains for your plane tickets.

In addition to saving money on air travel, most tourist destinations are likely to be less busy in the off season. One of the best times to visit Disneyland is early November or late February. You are staying away from the holiday crowds, but the busy travel season hasn't started either.

Maximize the Internet

With so many travel sites on the internet, they are all competing for your travel dollar. Check various site and see where you can find the best deal. Some, like Hot Wire let you name a price and then they may or may not accept it. The catch is, you don't know what hotel or rental car company you are using until after your bid is accepted and you have paid. This option scares a lot of people because they are afraid of what they might get. However, this author has used Hot Wire several times and has been pleasantly surprised! They use major rental companies and hotels, so you are really getting a great deal!

You can also put in a ‘Low Fare' alert at Travelocity. This will allow you to watch the airfare to a certain location. You select the airport you want to fly into and what price you want the fare to go below for an email. They will then send you an email alert when the fare drops below your specified price. But act fast when you get the email, sometimes the fare only lasts a half hour or so!


It is possible to have a great vacation without spending a ton of money. Just use your imagination and find new options for accommodation and other travel expenses. Remember, your family won't remember how much you spent. They will remember how much fun you had together!

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China Travel Tips

China is a strange best and some tips must be considered when traveling to china to make the travel easier especially for some cities such as Beijing, Shanghai and Xian, all have their own personality.

China Travel tips
#1 - china toilet considerations: never expect to find clean toilet all the time. The traveler can bring some tissues with him. The traveler to china also can use toilet squatting.

Many public toilets around the cities, usually those who are to pay OK, the other best to stay away from if you can. You will soon notice as you walk around the cities. If you get clean toilet, It will be good because it cannot be found again for a while.

China Travel tip#2 – Food: the food in china is good and interesting. Most of the time, the traveler can find his choice for eating but at other times, there may not be a choice. There are some foods that can be eaten until the desired food is found. This can be chocolate bar or some drink. The people in china are interesting while eating. They can be noisy at launch and dinner and the table is like celebration. The traveler must choose the suitable place because people can smoke while eating. Some restaurants can be smoky and loud.

Tips For Your Travel In China

China Travel Tip#3 – Taxi: there exist good taxis in Shanghai. Try to get the Blue, Blue'ish Turquoise, Oro Blanco and taxis, these are the best but the drivers cannot speak English.
It is good experience to carry business card or hotel accommodation with you written in Chinese to help if you lost walking.

In all taxis around the city, there is registration number and a name for the driver. It can be taken in case of problem and then take the necessary procedures against the driver. This enhances the quality of service for the taxis in the town. The government takes rip-off drivers in all cities, especially Beijing and Xian, very seriously, and if they complain they will lose their license.

China Travel Tip#4 – Shopping: China is a very big market and have very many customers. They offer clothing as the much bought sells. You can buy clothes but in middle size, the largest sizes may not be found in regular cities but can be found in big cities.

Electronic devices such as cameras, DVDs, mobiles, and thing like this are not preferable to be bought in China. Hong Kong is a better place to find them. The overall market open from 10 am to 10 pm. Visa card is a good option to buy your products.

When purchasing, note that Chinese are experienced in sales. The price they ask can be double the actual price. You can look around on other sellers to know the actual price or to lower the price with the seller until he leaves you to go. You will then know the actual price of the good. The end result can be 25-40% from the starting price.

China Travel Tip#5 - medical treatment: in large hotels, there are good doctors that speak English. This offers good service for treatment. There are also large network of pharmacies in eacy city and in each store which is indicated by Green Cross. Try to store a book stage for the medicine because they cannot speak English.

In most mass production package type of medicines, the packaging will be written in Chinese on one side, English on the other. But in the stores that only sees the Chinese side. Take a good look, in turn most of packaging, which gives you a lot more confidence knowing that you can read the package

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A Green Travel Plan

Simply put, green travel is travel
in which a positive environmental impact is kept to a maximum and a negative environmental impact is kept to a minimum. Keeping your carbon footprint as tiny as possible while traveling will help preserve the entire planet, including that favorite vacation spot you always visit. That being said, traveling green sounds like something any traveler would be interested in, right? Right, but although many travelers may be interested in Green Travel it can seem a little intimidating or complicated and not everyone knows where to start. SO, I put together this Green Travel Plan that makes traveling green easy for anyone, no matter what their shade of green. What's even better is you don't have to camp out in the jungle or hike from place to place to make an impact (unless of course, that's what you're into). Remember, every little bit counts and following any or all of these steps will add up to a world of change.

A Green Travel Plan for Everyone and Every Trip

Before You Go:
Help be a part of the solution by booking with a green organization like the Green Travel Hub by RezHub.com; they actually donate 20% of the proceeds from every trip to an environmental group so that every trip can make a difference. They donate whether the travel you choose is labeled green or not.

Consider booking with Green Travel Options like green hotels, hybrid rental cars, and carbon offsetting programs. RezHub also offers all these programs.

When renting a car, choose Enterprise. They not only have the largest selection of hybrid and fuel efficient cars available for rent, they also take huge steps for the environment. They've pledged to plant 50 million trees over the next 50 years, they donate millions to alternative fuel research, and the list goes on.

Look for hotels with a green certifications or a "Green Score." In the Green Score program, hotels can earn points and Green Branches for each environmental program they have in place. While some hotels may only have one leaf, keep in mind that even one leaf is a step in the right direction. It's important to support the green efforts that each hotel takes because it shows management that they are doing the right thing, and it encourages further expansion of green programs. Remember, where one leaf sprouts, another is sure to follow!

Offset your Carbon Footprint. Choosing to go carbon neutral is one of the gateways to responsible travel. It's easy to do, and it's inexpensive! We suggest offsetting your carbon footprint with Sustainable Travel International and MyClimate. Their program is the best we've seen in that it's comprehensive and supports both kinds of offsetts. They'll let you calculate your exact offset, or you can choose a standard donation from $1 all the way up to $500.

While You're There:
Plan to green-up your stay, and feel good about where you're going. These are some really simple steps you can take to help green up your stay, even if you didn't book with a Green Scored Hotel
• Encourage the hotel you chose to go green or thank them for the green programs that they participate in! Speak with the management and let them know that green options are important to you.
• If your hotel has a sheets and towels reuse program, use it. If they don't, start your own! Let housekeeping know that you don't need them to replace your sheets and towels every day; this will reduce energy and water usage.
• Turn off the lights, air conditioner or heater, and the electronics in your room while you're out. • Turn off the water when you brush your teeth, and take shorter showers.
• Bring your own toiletries, or if you use what the hotel provides make sure to take what's leftover home with you.

Take nothing but photographs, leave nothing but footprints…
• When you're visiting a park or any natural setting, don't disturb the plants or wildlife. • Never buy anything made from an endangered animal or plant.
• Make sure you save any trash until you find a garbage can, and wherever possible save your recyclables for a recycling drop-off. Check out http://www.earth911.org to find a recycling drop off center in the US.

Go local…
• Whenever you can, shop and buy from the local vendors. This helps support the local economy, and submerges you in the areas culture.
• Try to avoid the large chains that carry goods shipped in from overseas. All that shipping creates tons of CO2 and the large chains can push the locals out of business (if you wanted to shop at Wal-Mart you could've stayed home, right?) .

Give back…
• Consider volunteering some time on your trip. Spending even just one day volunteering makes a difference. Contact not-profit organizations in the area and set something up before you go.
• Check out the Volunteer Travel Hub where you can find the perfect place to lend a hand. These bite-sized volunteer vacations (short term) are free and can be included on any trip!

When You Get Home:
Write a letter or send an email to the hotel you stayed in, the airline you flew and the rental car company you chose. Thank them for going green or encourage them to do so.

Send an email to greentravel@rezhub.com or post to RezHub.com's Green Travel Forums, if you tell them about how you turned your trip green, you might even win a FREE trip!

Keep these tips in mind while you're at home too, conserving resources almost always saves you green in the long run. And remember, it really is true that every little bit counts. If each of us took just one of these steps, imagine the difference it would make. I'll end with a quote from Margaret Mead, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."


Read more: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-tips-articles/a-green-travel-plan-for-everyone-and-every-trip-511984.html#ixzz0yaQ8IhOC
Under Creative Commons License: AttributionSimply put, green travel is travel
in which a positive environmental impact is kept to a maximum and a negative environmental impact is kept to a minimum. Keeping your carbon footprint as tiny as possible while traveling will help preserve the entire planet, including that favorite vacation spot you always visit. That being said, traveling green sounds like something any traveler would be interested in, right? Right, but although many travelers may be interested in Green Travel it can seem a little intimidating or complicated and not everyone knows where to start. SO, I put together this Green Travel Plan that makes traveling green easy for anyone, no matter what their shade of green. What's even better is you don't have to camp out in the jungle or hike from place to place to make an impact (unless of course, that's what you're into). Remember, every little bit counts and following any or all of these steps will add up to a world of change.

A Green Travel Plan for Everyone and Every Trip

Before You Go:
Help be a part of the solution by booking with a green organization like the Green Travel Hub by RezHub.com; they actually donate 20% of the proceeds from every trip to an environmental group so that every trip can make a difference. They donate whether the travel you choose is labeled green or not.

Consider booking with Green Travel Options like green hotels, hybrid rental cars, and carbon offsetting programs. RezHub also offers all these programs.

When renting a car, choose Enterprise. They not only have the largest selection of hybrid and fuel efficient cars available for rent, they also take huge steps for the environment. They've pledged to plant 50 million trees over the next 50 years, they donate millions to alternative fuel research, and the list goes on.

Look for hotels with a green certifications or a "Green Score." In the Green Score program, hotels can earn points and Green Branches for each environmental program they have in place. While some hotels may only have one leaf, keep in mind that even one leaf is a step in the right direction. It's important to support the green efforts that each hotel takes because it shows management that they are doing the right thing, and it encourages further expansion of green programs. Remember, where one leaf sprouts, another is sure to follow!

Offset your Carbon Footprint. Choosing to go carbon neutral is one of the gateways to responsible travel. It's easy to do, and it's inexpensive! We suggest offsetting your carbon footprint with Sustainable Travel International and MyClimate. Their program is the best we've seen in that it's comprehensive and supports both kinds of offsetts. They'll let you calculate your exact offset, or you can choose a standard donation from $1 all the way up to $500.

While You're There:
Plan to green-up your stay, and feel good about where you're going. These are some really simple steps you can take to help green up your stay, even if you didn't book with a Green Scored Hotel
• Encourage the hotel you chose to go green or thank them for the green programs that they participate in! Speak with the management and let them know that green options are important to you.
• If your hotel has a sheets and towels reuse program, use it. If they don't, start your own! Let housekeeping know that you don't need them to replace your sheets and towels every day; this will reduce energy and water usage.
• Turn off the lights, air conditioner or heater, and the electronics in your room while you're out. • Turn off the water when you brush your teeth, and take shorter showers.
• Bring your own toiletries, or if you use what the hotel provides make sure to take what's leftover home with you.

Take nothing but photographs, leave nothing but footprints…
• When you're visiting a park or any natural setting, don't disturb the plants or wildlife. • Never buy anything made from an endangered animal or plant.
• Make sure you save any trash until you find a garbage can, and wherever possible save your recyclables for a recycling drop-off. Check out http://www.earth911.org to find a recycling drop off center in the US.

Go local…
• Whenever you can, shop and buy from the local vendors. This helps support the local economy, and submerges you in the areas culture.
• Try to avoid the large chains that carry goods shipped in from overseas. All that shipping creates tons of CO2 and the large chains can push the locals out of business (if you wanted to shop at Wal-Mart you could've stayed home, right?) .

Give back…
• Consider volunteering some time on your trip. Spending even just one day volunteering makes a difference. Contact not-profit organizations in the area and set something up before you go.
• Check out the Volunteer Travel Hub where you can find the perfect place to lend a hand. These bite-sized volunteer vacations (short term) are free and can be included on any trip!

When You Get Home:
Write a letter or send an email to the hotel you stayed in, the airline you flew and the rental car company you chose. Thank them for going green or encourage them to do so.

Keep these tips in mind while you're at home too, conserving resources almost always saves you green in the long run. And remember, it really is true that every little bit counts. If each of us took just one of these steps, imagine the difference it would make. I'll end with a quote from Margaret Mead, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."

Read more >>

10 Best Beaches of Cyprus

Cyprus is located south of Turkey and southeast of Greece, which accounts for the population of Cyprus being Turkish and Greek, as well as both being Greek Orthodox Christian and Muslim. The national languages are both Greek and Turkish. The history of the island is fascinating and there are many historical sites to visit. Tourism is the largest industry in Cyprus and their most valuable resource is their beautiful beaches.

The following is a list of the 10 best Cypriot beaches.

Diana Beach

This is an artificial sandy beach with a rocky bottom. Get out those surf shoes folks when walking in the water here because of the rocky bottom. Sun beds and umbrellas are available for rent here as well as scooters to get around.

Alagadi Turtle Beach

Alagadi Beach is a sandy beach with a rocky sea floor, however the water is shallow for quite a distance out making it great for swimming. Green turtles and Loggerhead turtles come up on the beach to lay their eggs during egg-laying season. During this time a portion of the beach is closed off to tourists.

Escape Beach

This beach has been carefully maintained and for this reason it is a favorite resort for families and singles alike. The fee to get into Escape Beach is 10YTL. There are all manner of water sports available here as well as volleyball. The nightlife is great here and there are several outdoors discos with European DJ's.

Protaras Beach

This is the most popular beach in the Protaras municipality and there are a variety of water sports here for visitors to enjoy.

Ladies' Mile Beach

This is a golden sandy beach with shallow, clear, and very calm waters. This beach is very safe for kids and is plentiful with water sports

Curium Beach

This is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful beaches in Cyprus. High above the beach is a Roman Amphitheater that has been restored. From this vantage you can watch the boats and water sports. The sea can be very rough at times but the beaches are gentle and favorable for swimmers. This beach can get a little crowded at times due to its popularity.

Pissouri Beach

This is a sandy shingle beach that is located in the village of Pissouri. There is a full compliment of water sports offered and there is even a scuba diving school for those that are inclined to dive. This is a beach that is rarely over crowded except on the weekends.

Governor's Beach

Located between Larnaca and Limassol, this is a shallow beach that is great for small children to play and swim. There is also a white rocks area that is beautiful with great fishing and sailing at this beach.

Nissi Beach

Nissi Bay This is a beach located in the calm Nissi Bay, which provides shelter from the wind. This beautiful beach comes with magnificent views as well as having great, cafes, pubs, and a variety of water sports.

Fig Tree Bay Beach

This beach is aptly named because of a lone Fig Tree that grows just up from the Beach. This is a very popular beach in the Protaras District. Tourists find this beach difficult to locate as times because there are restaurants and hotels lining the beach. Look for the Salparo Hotel to the north and the Nausicaa Beach Hotel Apartments to the south.

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6 Events Must See At Washington DC

Washington DC is the Nation's capitol and there is plenty to see and do in addition to seeing the Capitol Building, the White House, the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. You can also enjoy many of the annual events that are open to the public in Washington, DC. Some of these events include the following.


Veteran's Day Celebration


Each Veteran's Day holiday, there is an annual celebration in the gardens of the estate of George and Martha Washington in Mt. Vernon. President Washington did not live in the White House, but the estate and gardens where the nation's first president lived have been preserved. The Veteran's Day celebration consists of traditional tunes from a Barbershop Quartet as well as foods and tours of the house. This event is open to the public, although there is a nominal fee to tour the Washington estate. There are also various Veterans' Day celebrations located throughout District of Columbia.


JFK Theater Expo


Each year, some of the most talented young actors and actresses participate in plays at the JFK Theater in Washington, DC. The JFK Theater Expo is held on the second weekend of December each year and features mini performances by some of the most talented young performers in the country. If you are in Washington DC during December, you will want to witness this event.


Hawaiian Treasures Night


The Barns at Wolf Trap is a very famous entertainment venue in Washington DC and hosts a Hawaiian Treasures night each March 15th. This includes Hawaiian music and food as well as art work from Hawaiian artists. This began about 10 years ago as a way to get people out of the doldrums of the ending winter season.


National Cherry Blossom Festival


The National Cherry Blossom Festival is probably the most well known of all of the Washington, DC events and takes place to commemorate the coming of Spring. It began in 1912 and still takes place throughout the area. The festival begins on March 21 and ends on April 12th each year. If you are in Washington, DC during this time, you should check out the celebration of the blossom of the cherry trees, as well as the Cherry Blossom Parade that occurs down the mall of the capitol.


Washington International Film Festival


During the second and third week of April each year, Washington DC has its own film festival. This occurs for 12 days each April and features films that are played throughout the area at the Avalon Theater, the Regal Cinemas Gallery Place and more. During the film festival, the national capitol becomes a mini version of Cannes.


Saengerfest


For the past 50 years, Washington DC has been hosting the national Saengerfest on Memorial Day weekend. This takes place from the Wednesday before Memorial day to the Tuesday after Memorial Day and includes music from Germany performed by singers from all over the world. This includes choirs as well as orchestra music. If you like German music, you need to check out Washington DC during Memorial Day weekend.


During the summer months in Washington, DC, there are art fairs and small festivals that take place throughout the city. There is plenty to enjoy when you visit Washington, DC, especially if you take in some of the annual events.

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Holiday Tips: Survival Phrases for Travellers

Most everybody is aware of the great stereotype of the English-speaking tourist. When travelling, he or she does not bother to learn a single word of the country's language, preferring to roar at ever-increasing volume 'DO-YOU-SPEAK-ENGLISH?' In Spain or Italy, the unlucky natives may be subjected to an even more ridiculous take on this (something along the lines of 'Hallo-a! Speak-a you English-a?').

This situation is, first of all, embarrassing for all involved. Secondly, it is quite plainly rude and shows the world that you simply could not be bothered to pick up a pocket dictionary, or even take a quick look online and find out the basic words to get your point across. You do not want to be this tourist.

I'm not saying you should aim to be fluent before you head off on holiday. Neither am I suggesting you use up all your freetime studying and feeling guilty when nothing goes in. What we're aiming for here is a happy middle-ground, which allows you to avoid being 'that tourist' and avoid putting your food in it wherever you go. Some countries are surprisingly gracious towards tourists who do not speak the language, but many will go out of their way to be unhelpful and discourteous if you do not make a cursory effort to speak their language. This puts a damper on many holidays and can make things very difficult. Therefore it is also to your benefit practically to have a try.

What should I learn?

If you are very limited on time, these are the holiday phrases you will want to learn:

- Hello

- Goodbye

- Please

- Thank you

- I would like...

- Can you help me?

- Do you speak English?

This may not seem like much, but it is the absolute basics and you will be surprised how far you can get with pointing and gesticulating. You may want to add a game or two or charades to your training schedule, in this case.

If you have slightly more time, you may then want to have a go at learning a bit more vocabulary:

-numbers from 1-20

-telling the time

- reading a menu

- basic directions eg: left, right, turn

In the case that you find yourself with a bit of spare time after that, concentrate on learning vocabulary and listening to exercises online rather than trying to memorise phrases to speak. It is much easier to train your 'passive vocabulary' – phrases that you can recognise – than your 'active vocabulary' – words which you can actively produce when speaking.

What is the best way to learn?

As mentioned above, if you are only trying to learn a few phrases for your holidays to show that you're making an effort, you do not need to learn any grammar or do any writing. What you want to focus on here is listening and repeating. There are several good online resources available in multiple languages that allow you to learn basic phrases and listen to them online. Two of the best are:

-Lingq.com

- About.com

Write down the phrases in both the target language and in English and carry them around with you to look at multiple times during the day. If you have an MP3 player, copy your listening material onto that too and listen to it frequently. Good opportunities are while travelling, exercising or doing housework or cooking. Try imitating the phrases (probably not while you're on the bus though) until you feel you're getting the sounds right.

After you've been practicising these phrases each day for a week, get a friend to test you on them. Ask them to ask you for the translation of each phrase. If you can repeat them all easily in your target language, you're doing very well. Keep up with this schedule until you head off on holiday. Still, be under no illusions: what you know will get you by and probably win you points with locals, but you will certainly not be able to actively communicate with people in the language. It is a very good idea to take a pocket dictionary with you on your holidays in case you get stuck or to prepare words you know will come in useful on vacation.

If you are aiming to learn more, make a list of your targets. If you want to learn how to say you are from England, your name and your age, then those are your targets. Maybe your targets are to be able to read a restaurant menu in the target language, or perhaps to be able to recognise the numbers 1-20. Aim to spend a little time learning every day.

If your goal is reading-based, spend most time studying vocabulary or reading basic texts. You should be able to find many online, including on the websites mentioned above.

If your goal is speaking-based, your time should be split between speaking and listening. The best option is to seek out transcripts of audio files, so you can listen and read the text at the same time. Read and listen many times until you can understand approximately 80% of what is being said.

If your goal is to simply learn more vocabulary, all of the above practice will help, but another tip is to write down the words in your target language of coloured slips of papers with the English translation on the other side. Every day, go through these flashcards, viewing each the foreign language or English side. Once you can easily remember what each word means, put those cards into a separate pile or box. Look at these approximately every once a week and the cards you have trouble remembering every day. The frequent practice makes a big difference to what you can remember. Try to think of words which you will need or use frequently on vacation or while travelling.

Finally, do not forget that pocket dictionary! No matter how much you learn, you may still be stumped once in a while. Overall it is handy to keep these things in mind:

-All progress is good. You should not expect to understand locals quickly or be disappointed if you forget words or don't understand. It is a process.

-It is not important at this stage to sound 'correct'. It is more important to get your point across.

-You don't need to devote hours a day to learning: you can learn simply by plugging in your earphones and listening to audio files while you're doing other activities or taking five minutes each day before bed to review vocabulary.

- Have fun and enjoy your holidays! Language learning is about communication and broadening your mind, not making yourself stressed!

Finally, happy holiday. Or...bon voyage, gute Reise, buen viaje and buon viaggio!

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8 Places to See Before you Die

Eight Places to See before you Die

Everyone will have a different opinion of things that you must see or do before you die. What you love most in the world and the sights that most impress can vary widely depending on your different tastes and preferences.

For some people, the most incredible sight in the world might be the city of Petra, Jordan, which is an ancient city carved out of rock swirled red and blue. For others, this man-made legend pales beside the fierce power of the Niagara Falls, and there is nothing, really, to compare with the breathtaking view from the top of Mount Everest. Nonetheless, here are some of our favorites.

The Great Pyramids of Egypt
One of the eight wonders of the world, and an incredible sight to behold, the pyramids certainly make our top 8 list.

The Coliseum in Rome
Another incredible sight from the ancient world, brining home the power and might of ancient Rome.

London, England
An incredible city with immense amounts of history attached to it. Yes, we know that there are plenty of other cities in the world with a lot of history, but this is one of our favorites. There is a lot of incredible history, beautiful art, easy transportation, good food, theater, and so much more to do that you will never, never get bored.

For many of the same reasons and more reasons unique to each of them, you might also wish to visit New York City, which was the point at which most immigrants to the United States
arrived. Specifically, check out Ellis Island if you have family in the U.S. Paris, France is another city worth seeing if you love exploring incredible cities, with strolls along the Seine, the Louvre, and the Eiffel Tower, of course.

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Rome, Italy Events: Straddling the Ancient & Modern

There is so much to see and do when you visit Rome - so many sights to behold. You will not be bored one single minute when you visit this ancient city, but you should take in some of the Rome, Italy events that take place throughout the year. Many of the Rome events that take place are in clubs as well as in the streets and consist of parades as well as outdoor celebrations. The weather in Rome is mild throughout the year, making it easy to have yearlong celebrations in this city.


Rome Opera Week


If you enjoy Opera, you will want to visit Rome in May for Rome Opera Week. This is one of the Rome events that is held the last week in May every year and is devoted to all things opera. You can visit the opera halls and get discounted tickets as well as see amateur Opera acts in the park as well as in some of the clubs. Opera is something that is celebrated in Rome as is throughout Italy, so you should be sure to check out some of the Opera events during Rome Opera Week in May when you visit this city.


Children Theater


Children theater in the park is one of the Rome, Italy events that takes place each summer in parks throughout Rome. If you are looking for a chance to entertain children during your trip to this city, this is one of the best ways. The Children Theater puts on plays for children by children so even if your children do not speak Italian, they will enjoy these events. Also included during the Children Theater are puppet shows.


Wine Tasting


Come taste the wines of Italy during wine tasting that is held each September in Rome. You can try vintage wines as well as those that have been produced right in the nearby wine regions. If you enjoy wine, you will want to visit Rome during the month of September so that you can enjoy wine tasting that goes on in pubs and restaurants throughout the city.


Vatican Holy Days


Rome is home to the city of the Vatican. Although the Vatican is separate city from Rome, this is a big attraction for those who are visiting Rome, Italy. During any Catholic Holy Day, or during Sundays, you may get a glimpse of the pope if you stand in Vatican Square. Many people who visit Italy go to visit Vatican City for this very purpose. Even if you are not Catholic, it is well worth your while to visit this historical and monumental place.


There is so much to see and do in Rome, Italy and many Rome, Italy events for everyone in the family. There is something going on in this city every day of the week, so you will find plenty to see and do when you visit this part of Italy. Be sure to bring your camera so that you can take pictures of some of the fun and interesting Rome, Italy events during your trip to Italy.

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Three Cheap Travel Tips

Cheap travel means you get to go more often, go on longer trips or just save some of your money for other things. Fortunately, it doesn't mean low-quality travel. If you find a way to get a cheaper plane ticket, for example, you might be flying on the same plane as with the more expensive tickets.

Of course sometimes you can save money by traveling differently, and that's okay too. Why pay an extra $40 for a hotel if you like the idea of staying in a hostel with visitors from around the world? Why rent a car in countries where good bus and train systems make for cheaper and more interesting trips?

Essentially you can travel cheap in two ways. First, you can find cheaper ways to get the same thing. The other, perhaps more powerful way, is to alter your expectations and plans to create a more interesting trip that is also inexpensive. The tips that follow will help you do both.

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Basking in the Sunshine With Spring Break Events

Spring break events occur throughout the United States as well as other parts of the world. This is a time of year when young people, most of whom are college students, are off school and converge on various vacation areas to enjoy fun in the sun, or on the slopes. Most of the Spring Break events that take place throughout the United States take place in Florida, with a fair amount occurring in California. Spring Break events include parties and concerts, some more formal while others are very impromptu.


Fort Lauderdale, Florida


Fort Lauderdale, Florida is located on the Gold Coast of Florida, not far from Miami. This is the ultimate Spring Break hangout as this is where it all began. Today, spring break events take place from March to May in this part of the state as Spring Breakers converge on this area of the United States.


One of the Spring Break events that takes place each years is the MTV Spring Break concert that occurs in Fort Lauderdale every year. There are other concerts that feature various artists that occur at nearby Palm Beach in Florida. Florida is the Spring Break capital of the United States, undisputed. Concerts, sales and parties are hosted both formally and informally throughout Florida as this state catches more than its share of spring fever. Anyone who is heading to Florida for Spring Break needs to check out the Spring Break events in Fort Lauderdale.


Denver, Colorado


When it comes to skiing, Denver is one of the ski capitals of the United States. Not all spring break is designed around sunshine and beach frolics. Denver offers Spring Break events such as folk festivals and concerts that are designed to entice younger people to this part of the country for their spring break. While many are looking forward to getting out of the cold and to the beaches, some are looking forward to getting the most out of winter while they still can by taking in the March spring break events in Denver, Colorado.


Palm Springs, California


For those who live close to the west coast of the country, Palm Springs, California is the place that they want to be when it comes to Spring Break. VH1 hosts an annual Spring Break party each year in Palm Springs, which is considered to be the vacation capital of California.


Palm Springs has always drawn people to the beaches from Los Angeles and even Hollywood, so you might even see some famous people when you take in the Spring Break events in Palm Springs, California. There are beach concerts throughout the area during this time of the year, which mostly lasts throughout April.


There are Spring Break events that take place throughout the country, although concerts and televised appearance by celebrities are the main events at those places where the majority of spring breakers head. The two areas that are most often associated with spring break - Fort Launderdale and Palm Springs, get more than their fair share of spring break revelers and feature more than enough spring break events.

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Flamenco & Fairs; Fauna & Flowers: Madrid, Spain Events

Madrid, Spain events are perfect for those who enjoy nature and the environment. There are plenty of outdoor events that take place throughout the year in this sunny climate for people of all ages to enjoy. Temperatures in Spain tend to be very hot throughout the year, so many of the activities take place in indoor arenas or those where there is a chance to go inside and get cool. Some of the Madrid, Spain events that you may want to participate in when you are visiting Spain include the Tropical Plant Display at the Atocha Railway Station, the annual Madrid Fair at the Casa de Campo, the Faunia Ecological Theme Park and the Spring Flower Festival at the Royal Botanic Garden.


Tropical Plant Display At Atocha Railway Station


When you visit Madrid, one of the Madrid, Spain events that you will want to experience is the tropical plant display at the Atocha Railway Station. This is an indoor hothouse for every type of tropical plant that you can imagine -some 500 species of plants as well as some wild life. When you visit the Atocha Railway Station, you can also enjoy shopping and cafes that are found in this unique area of Madrid. If you enjoy plants and wildlife, you will want to check out the Atocha Railway Station.

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How to Plan a Hygienic Travel in India

'Health is Wealth' a very common phrase but has its deep essence in every sphere of life. Travel to any place is extravagant and exhaustive. This one word is easy to utter but calls for great attention in terms of healthy and hygienic travel while in India. Be it a business trip, a luxury travel or a casual tour to India, your life is full of journey. In whatever physical condition we are, we have to get set and go. Your body bears the toll of a tour and as such your ill-health may ruin an interesting traveling plan. Other than spending our bank balance for travel, spend a good time to care for a hygienic travel.

Follow the cited recommendations and enjoy a stress-free travel, just anywhere.

Preparation for a Hygienic travel in India
Besides packing your luggages, travelers should study the geographical and climatic condition of their places of interest in India. One must-do task lies in checking the medical, hygienic and pharmaceuticals facilities of the place before traveling. Travelers should inspect their physical status and should follow the follow the guidelines on vaccination and health precautions. In case of your pre-existing medical problems, do carry the prescription detailing your medical condition and assigned medicines. It is effective to pack a few medicines and additional eyeglasses along with other necessities. Senior citizen must be aware of the local condition of the travel destination you are visiting in India. They must be wise enough to think if they are able to undertake the journey. And though your wardrobe is filled with fashionable garments, do carry a few of them. Physically challenged individuals should learn about the hygiene facilities provided by the mode of transportation. Health may counter act the cherishable moments and as such take proper documentation of immunizations and consult your physician regarding your traveling plan. One very important point for all kind of travelers is to make an health insurance policy. It will not only make you feel secure, but will also provide you with the adequate medical facilities all across the world. At times, your travel insurance policy may not work out in abroad and so you need to confirm a temporary insurance policy of the place you plan to visit.

Health and Hygiene during travel in India
Your journey begins with wonderful schedule. But the everlasting dream may turn into a nightmare, if your health turns poor all of a sudden. One key point during your travel lies in caring about your food-habits in India. Take fresh fruits, vegetables and drink liters of water. Avoid spicy food-stuff and alcoholic drinks. If possible carry your own lunch-bag and avoid having food stuffs from strangers . The most common health hazard comes with dehydration. A camel ride in Rajasthan or a walk on the sandy beaches of Goa calls for an undesirable scorching heat of Sun. Make sure you stay hydrated with drinking bottles of clean, boiled water. Your travel demands energetic and enthusiastic mood for which you need comfortable sleeping hours. Ensure that you use a cushy pillow which supports your neck-line. Carrying your own pump-pillow will keep you away from used one. Your eyes will get relieved with applying sleep mask on the journey. This are generally made of natural herbs which adds a cool refreshing look even after a tiresome trip. India experiences a range of changing temperature in different her location and as such do carry a warm shawl with you. The desert land Rajasthan may offer you the high humid condition, so do pack a folding fan onto your purse. Wear loose fitting cotton clothes during your journey and feel fresh all the time. Unload your luggage with a perfume which will help you protect form smelly environment. Moisture your skin with lotion and take proper care of your most precious hair, hand, feet and face. You can also combine a hygienic travel with visits to the Ayurveda center in the states of Goa, Kerala and Rajasthan in India.

Health and Hygiene after Travel in India
After you had a successful hygienic travel, do not feel lazy to carry forward your care for health. Let not your moments of joy turn into the saddest part of your life. You have been in the alien land and you might not know that you have turned a source of many infectious diseases. Many diseases remains dormant at the initial stage and burst out at once. Thus it is important to have a medical check-up after you return to your own land. The ultimate mantra of life lies in precaution and protection against adverse condition. So friends stay safe, be healthy and enjoy traveling to India even more.

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A Blend of History & Culture: Moscow, Russia Events

There is plenty for you to enjoy when it comes to Moscow, Russia events. There are festivals that take place in this city that date back to the times of the Czars and those that have more modern roots. Many of the Moscow, Russia events take place in Red Square. Moscow is the largest city in Russia and there are many historical hotels where you can stay that are close to this capital.


Kremlin Tours


One of the Moscow, Russia events that you will not want to miss when you visit Russia is a tour of the Kremlin. This building, which used to be closed to the public, is now available for touring for those who wish to visit this capital city of Russia. The Kremlin must be seen to be believed and the best time to see this site is in the late summer months when the weather is warm.


Gorky Park Theater


During the last weekend in August, there is live theater in Gorky Park. There is no charge to view this amateur theater display which is really very impressive. Russian theater is known throughout the world as being top notch, but getting a chance to see the park theater is something that everyone will enjoy. There are even plays for children as well as puppet shows during the late summer months in Gorky Park.


Russia Dance Week


Experience Russian Dance in Red Square when you visit Moscow. This is an event that takes place yearly right in Red Square during Fridays in September. If you have not yet seen traditional Russian dance, this is your chance to enjoy this event and see it at its finest right in Red Square. Some of the dances that you will see are traditional Russian dances that have been practiced for hundreds of years. If you want to see authentic Russian culture, this is your chance to see it for free - right in the heart of Red Square.


Russian Authors Week


The first weekend in May in Russia is Russian Authors week where bookstores and other shops celebrate the writing of famed and up and coming Russian authors. If you are in Russia during the first weekend in May, check out the local bookstores and you are likely to see authors who are engaged in signing books. The Russian Authors Week also pays tribute to the famous Russian authors of the past who are no longer with us, but whose novels and works live on.


There are many fairs and festivals that take place in the summer months and early autumn in Red Square as well as in Gorky Park. During the winter months, most of the Moscow, Russia events are indoors, in shops or in theaters. Russia is a country that has bred many talented artists and writers and also boasts of a wonderful theater and ballet. During the winter months when visiting Russia, be sure to take in the theater or ballet. When you visit during the warm weather, head to Red Square to partake in the annual Moscow Russia events that take place in this area every year.

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Being a Part of London, England Events

There is something to do in London every single weekend of the year. This is a city that truly does not rest. Whether you like art, sports, music or history, you can find something to do in London throughout the year. Some of the London events that take place each year include the Spring Festival and Kew Gardens, the Maypole Dancing in Hyde Park, Regents Park Book Festival and the St. John’s Wood Art Festival.


Spring Festival in Kew Gardens


Kew Gardens is one of the most beautiful public gardens in London and hosts a variety of events throughout the year. In the Spring, Kew Gardens comes alive with a flower show that is truly put on by Mother Nature. The Spring Festival in Kew Gardens starts at the end of April each year and lasts through the end of May. The flowers are in full bloom during this time and on the weekends, refreshments are served and there are talks about how to grow different types of flowers. Anyone who visits England in the Spring should visit Kew Gardens so that they can see the flowers in bloom.


Maypole Dancing In Hyde Park


Hyde Park is the largest park in London and is the central hubbub for everything going on in this city during the summer months. Hyde Park is open all year long and is a park where people can spout off political opinion and often do so in various areas of the park. Maypole dancing in Hyde Park is a tradition that takes place on the first of May each year. Everyone who wants to enjoy this event can join in the festivities and grab onto the Maypole and dance around. Maypole dancing in Hyde Park is an annual event in London that occurs every May first.


Regents Park Book Festival


Regents Park is close to the upscale St. Johns Wood and hosts a book festival in the summer months that is ideal for new authors as well as anyone who wants to buy used books. You never know what type of antiquity you can find when you peruse the book festival at Regents Park during the last weekend of May in London. Anyone who enjoys reading books can enjoy the books festival that is open to the public and totally free of charge. The late spring is an ideal time to walk around Regents Park and the book festival is the ideal place to find books.


St. Johns Wood Art Fair


The Regents Park book festival is in conjunction with the St. Johns Wood Art Fair that takes place the first weekend of June in this area of London. New and existing artists visit this area so that they can enjoy the art from new and well known artists. The art that is displayed in St. Johns Wood is displayed in art galleries and shops that are located in this upscale London neighborhood.


There is plenty to see and do in London, no matter what your tastes. During the summer, you can spend just about any weekend enjoying art, music, books or theater in London as the London events calendars are filled with fun things to do.

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Top 10 Reasons Why you Should Book a Holiday to Malta

Malta is a small island state in Europe, in the middle of the Mediterranean and is a popular holiday destination
for many Europeans, mostly from the U.K., Germany, Italy, France and Holland. Tourists visit the island for various reasons and the island offers a variety of facets that will be of interest for most types of travellers. This article provides you with the top 10 reasons why booking Malta holidays is a great idea, not only for next summer’s holiday season but all year round!

10. Language and money in Malta

The Maltese have their own language (‘Maltese’) but the country has two official languages, with the second official language being English. Malta was under British rule for 160 years, gaining independence in 1964, but leaving the Maltese with a relatively strong knowledge of the English language, although Maltese is much more widely spoken and is the mother tongue for the vast majority of Maltese. For English speaking tourists this means that communication is almost no problem, which is definitely a benefit when on holiday. Although at the moment the Maltese Lira is still the only valid currency, the Euro will be introduced on January 1st, 2008 and many retailers in tourist areas already accept Euros for cash payment.

9. Sports and leisure activities during your Malta holidays

Malta is a great location for a variety of sports, including hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, para gliding, wind surfing and yachting. Plenty of activities to keep you entertained, no matter the time of year. Most materials needed for these sports are available for low-priced rent and there are various locations on the islands where these sports can be exercised. Gozo is a particularly popular location for rock climbing, thanks to its steep cliffs, and mountain biking thanks to its quiet roads and excellent hill climbs.

Events, such as pop concerts and theatre shows, but also historical re-enactments such as In Guardia are popular among both tourists and locals and provide great entertainment for the whole family. Are you a fan of watching sports? Don’t worry about missing any big matches or events – satellite reception is widely used by the more popular pubs and there are plenty of appetizers and beer around to enjoy your favourite sports.

8. Getting around in Malta is easy and cheap!

Don’t you hate it when you go for a holiday and it takes you ages to get to the beach or to visit a few cities, museums? Don’t you hate it when it takes a whole day to take one excursion, when you waste so much time on travelling from place to place which makes you wonder whether it was even worth the hassle? If your answer is yes, then Malta is definitely the holiday destination for you. It takes less than an hour to get from one side to the island to the other and there’s such a high concentration of places of interest, beaches, holiday resorts and places for entertainment (restaurants, clubs, cinemas etc.), you’ll wish you’d have known about Malta earlier!

A lot of tourists decide to visit Malta a second time and sometimes more, simply for the reason that there’s just so much to do and to see, and it takes so little money and time to get around and spend quality holiday time.

7. Gozo offers a peaceful setting for your Malta holidays

Malta is not just about Malta. Yes, that’s right, The Republic of Malta also covers Gozo, which is Malta’s sister island and is said to be the island that Malta used to be a long time ago – rural, quiet and untouched. Gozo is a great place for a peaceful (family or couples) holidays, with beautiful beaches and countryside views. Visit the capital Victoria, with its Citadel in the centre – a fortified part of the village which used to offer the inhabitants of Gozo shelter against foreign invaders, similar to Mdina’s surrounding walls on the main island Malta. The seaside town of Xlendi is a popular tourist destination, offering a beautiful view of its bay surrounded by high cliffs. Ramla l-Hamla and San Blas Bay are beautiful beaches to go for a swim, one being larger and busier, the other being more secluded and more difficult to get to (steep hill descent) but much worth the effort.

As of recent, a shuttle bus service is available, taking you straight from the airport to the ferries in the Northern most tip of the island of Malta, making arrangements for a Gozo holiday a little easier to plan for.

6. Malta has a rich culture and heritage

Throughout the ages, the Maltese islands have seen various foreign rulers coming and going, and leaving behind their stamps on Maltese culture. As a result, Malta is soaked in culture and heritage and offers a large number of cultural and historical sites in very short distances from each other, making Malta a unique place in the world map of culture and heritage. Both in the Maltese language and culture remnants of Phoenician, Carthaginians, Romans, Arabs, Turks, French and English invaders can still be found today and this melting pot of cultures is of interest to many tourists visiting the Maltese islands on holiday.

5. Good quality hotels and accommodation

Good quality hotels and self-catering apartments are widely available at very reasonable prices. Package deals are usually the way to go, but booked separately the cost versus quality of accommodation is very good. The main areas for holiday resorts are St. Julian’s, Bugibba/Qawra, and Sliema, which are all situated in the Northern part of Malta. Accommodation in St. Julian’s is recommended if you enjoy spending your nights going out but, being close to the nightlife hub of Malta, is not advisable for couples and family who are looking for peace and serenity. For those travellers, places like Mellieha and St. Paul’s Bay are much better places to stay.

4. Malta is an all year round destination

A flight from London to Malta takes less than three hours, but the difference in climate is huge. Mild winters and warm summers with an average temperature of 32C means excellent weather for both hot summer holidays as well as great holiday weather in winter, to escape from the cold back home. There are plenty of activities to keep you entertained all year round and for example hiking is a popular way of spending days out in the countryside in winter, enjoying the scenery and serenity. Most cultural and historical hotspots are open all year round, and although open air clubs don’t open during the winter months, nightlife in Malta goes on throughout the whole year.

3. Malta offers a great nightlife to complement your daily activities

Nights out on the town are a ton of fun, since Malta hosts a true clubbing hub that goes by the name of Paceville (St. Julian’s) and which offers a large number of clubs which are situated literally door to door and which play different genres of music to suit everyone’s tastes. Open air clubs, however, are what makes clubbing in Malta rather special. Spending your warm summer nights dancing to the latest club and trance anthems or smooth R&B and hiphop beats under the stars is just something else and a must do on your holiday to Malta.

2. Malta holidays now come with cheap flights

That’s right – low cost airlines have found Malta and offer dirt cheap flights to the island outside of the high season and regular cheap flights in summer. These airlines offer flights departing from a select number of places in Europe, such as London, Dublin, Barcelona, Oslo, Stockholm, Pisa (Italy) and Bremen (Germany). Look for airlines the likes of Ryanair, Norwegian Air Shuttle and Clickair, but don’t forget to check Malta’s national airline Air Malta, which regularly offers low cost flights to a much larger number of European destinations.

1. Malta holidays offer more than any other Mediterranean destination

You could say that the top reason for visiting Malta is a combination of all other reasons listed above: There are a lot of different things you can do during your holiday in Malta and you’ll never be bored if you get the right info. Baking in the sun on the beach is great for relaxation after a long year of work or school, but most people would prefer adding a little variety to the time they spend on holiday. So if you’d like to go somewhere else besides the beach, why not visit on the many places of interest around the island? Visit the old capital city of Mdina, for example, surrounded by bastions and oozing with history and an ambiance you’ll never forget. Why not take a trip to sister island Gozo, with its serene country views and attractions such as the Azure Window, a rock formation sculpted by the sea.

Evenings will never be boring when you know where to go. There is plenty of choice when it comes to dining out, as quality restaurants can be found in most parts of the island. Wine bars and pubs are also popular in Malta and provide quality wines and both local and international lagers, beers and various popular brands of liquor. There’s plenty of opportunity for clubbing and open air clubs and parties are a must see if clubbing is your ideal night out.

Plan your outings by getting information beforehand! Inform yourself before travelling by learning more about Malta and what Malta holidays can offer you.

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Seattle Events - a Taste of the Unusual

Seattle is one of the most beautiful cities in the United States and offers mild weather all year long. There is a bit more precipitation in this city in the Pacific Northwest and many of the annual events take place indoors or in areas that provide a covering, just in case. Some of the events that you can expect to enjoy when you visit Seattle, Washington include the following:


Pike Place Market Food Tours


If you are looking for some of the best food tours in the country, you can find them at Pikes Place Market, which is pretty much the food capital of Seattle. One of the best food tours that you can take is the Savor Seattle Food Tour that takes place during the first week of February each year. If you like sampling different types of food, you will enjoy this Seattle Food Tour.


Irish Week Festival


During the weekend that precedes St. Patrick's Day at the Seattle House Center, you can enjoy the Irish Week Festival. This includes not only foods and drink native to Ireland, but also traditional Irish Dance. This is a different way to spend St. Patrick's Day weekend and you can have a lot of fun at this unique festival.


Olympic Music Festival


Each June, the Olympic Music Festival begins at the farm on the Olympic Peninsula. The Olympic Music Festival features classical music from some of your favorite composers. The Olympic Music Festival is something that has been going on in Seattle for the past 25 years and offers a tranquil festival of classical music.


Bastille Day Celebration


Bastille Day honors the gift of the Statue of Liberty which was presented to France in 1886 as a gift of friendship and to honor over 100 years of independence. Bastille Day honors our French friends with music and food and is held on July 13th of every year at Center House in Seattle. Bastille day celebrates the democratic origins of France. This is one of the most celebrated events in Seattle.


Cambodian Cultural Heritage Celebration


The second Tuesday of August is reserved for the Cambodian Culture Heritage Celebration. Seattle is a multi cultural hubbub and the Cambodian Culture celebration is just one of many cultures celebrated throughout the year at the Center House. You can experience dance, art, music and food of Cambodian culture. There are many people from Cambodia living in the Seattle area and this annual event gives you an insight into their culture.


Labor Day Celebration Fest


Seattle has a large Labor Day festival at the Pike Place Market. If you are looking for a traditional festival with all of the trimmings, you will find it at the Labor Day Celebration Fest at Pike Place. This includes craft booths, games, entertainment and food. If you find yourself in Seattle during Labor Day weekend, head over to Pike Place Market to join in the festivities.


Seattle is a cultural city with a mild climate all year long. You can find many annual events that take place throughout the city to enjoy. When you visit Seattle, you will find culture, beauty and music just about every where you go. Center House, Pike Place Market and Olympic Peninsula are just some of the places that you will want to visit to catch up on annual events in Seattle. So do drop by!

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6 Surefire Ways to Cut Minutes Off your Daily Commute

We've all been there, and most of us are there at least 5 out of 7 days a week. And where is the "there" I'm talking about? STUCK IN TRAFFIC. You know the sinking feeling and heaviness that comes over your brain as you turn a corner only to find yourself trapped in a sea of cars. Or your crusing along on the freeway at a great speed, only to see a wave of red lights up ahead as you slow down and eventually crawl to a stop behind other cars suddenly caught behind a traffic accident.

But there are ways to beat the traffic - and when these 6 tips are followed, you can regulary cut minutes, even hours off your daily commute:

#1 Listen to the Radio or TV traffic news

If you're traveling during regular commute times (morning or evening) be sure to start your day by checking out the traffic reports online, on the radio or on the tv. You'll learn about Sigalerts (those big problems on the freeway that really slow traffic), recent accidents, truck spills, slippery roads, you name it. Once you know what's happening in your area, plan your morning commute accordingly and either take your regular direct route (freeway?) or take some side / back roads.

#2 Follow your gut instincts

You know how sometimes you just "feel" like you should go left instead of right? You just "knew" that car was going to cut in front of you without signalling? You just "thought" you'd better leave work a few minutes early if you want to get home in time for dinner? In all those instances you're following your gut instinct. Sometimes we don't know why, we don't know where and we don't know how - but if your gut tells you to do something - pay attention!

#3 Ask co-workers for shortcuts

Your co-workers and friends are goldmines of shortcut information. Shortcuts ares sometimes guarded like gold (because they are worth a lot!), but once you get the conversation going, most people are willing to share shortcuts with others, who in turn share their shortcuts. The more we all disperse our cars on different routes, the faster we'll all get where we're going. Some of the best shortcuts at http://www.mytrafficshortcuts.com have come from friends and co-workers.

#4 Leave a little early

Whenever you're going to a new location, or one where you know you're almost guaranteed to hit traffic, always try to leave a little early. Not only will that relieve your stress if/when you do hit traffic, you will also sometimes miss a chunk of traffic just by leaving 10-15 minutes early.

#5 Utilize online maps

Google has the most amazing maps, and I especially like and utilize the drag feature. If you've done a directions search and are not sure if you like the route, simply click and drag on the route line and create your own route. The Google map will re-configure your new route and give you the new time and length.

#6 Drive during off-peak hours

If you can, plan your driving and errands during off-peak hours. That doesn't mean you need to grocery shop at 3:00am (although you'll have no traffic at that time! :) but it does mean that sometimes if you wait an hour or two, especially in the morning or late afternoon, you can miss the brunt of traffic.

Once you start regularly using these 6 tricks and tips, you'll be astounded at how much time you'll save every day - and every minute counts!

Peace & safe driving.

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Tips & Advice to Find Cheap Flights

Some Tips & Advice on finding cheap flights
1/ Always shop around for the best deals & offers, be patient & don’t get pressured into buying straight away. Remember, one company will never ever always have the lowest price on flights.

2/ Be as flexible as you can, fly mid-week rather than over the weekends which tend to be more expensive.

3/ As a rule, the earlier you book the cheaper the seat.

4/ Most travel agents do not search all the low-cost carriers like Easyjet or Ryanair unlike Directline Holidays.

5/ Flying from a nearby airport or secondary airport can sometimes save you money. Don’t always insist on flying from the main international airports. Search fares for flying from different airports to get the cheapest price.

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Discover Munich - Visit the Most Famous Landmarks of Munich

Munich is the capital city of the state of Bavaria and the third largest city in Germany. It is well known for its culture, architecture and the "Okoberfest" (the annual beer celebration). Getting around is easy because of its modern and efficient public transport system. On all major streets there are bike lanes, so it is safe and easy to travel by bike through the city. In Munich there are several interesting landmarks to visit like a large number of museums, art galleries, concert halls and historical buildings.

The most famous attractions in Munich are:

The Alte Pinakothek is one of the largest museums in Europe. It houses a large collection of paintings. This collection contains 800 paintings by European painters from the 14th century till the 18th century. Famous paintings in the museum are: Dürer's "Four Apostles"; Rogier van der Weyden's " columba-altar "; Altdorfer's "Battle of Alexander at Issus"; Botticelli's "Pieta" and Rubens' "Self-Portrait with his Wife". The Neue Pinakothek is Munich's museum of 19th century painting and sculptures.

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Travel Trip and Agents Package Tour to Famous Tourist Places Udaipur Jaipur Jaisalmer Jodhpur in Rajasthan India

Travel Trip and Package Tour to Famous Tourist Places Udaipur Jaipur Jaisalmer Jodhpur in Rajasthan India. Rajasthan is situated in the North Western part of India and shares geographical boundaries with Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat in India. Sarthi Travels is Travel Agents & Tour Operators in Udaipur Rajasthan.

Famous and Important Tourist Places like Jaipur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer City Guide, Jodhpur, Mevar, Shrinathji Darshan in Nathdwara, Junagarh Fort in Bikaner, Kota at Chambal River, Mehrangarh Fort, Surya Nagari, Chittorgarh Palace, Kumbhalgarh, Ranakpur Tourism, Rajasthani Palace, Mount Abu in Rajasthan.

To book and plan your great holidays in any favourite tourist places like Udaipur Jaipur Jaisalmer Jodhpur etc in Rajasthan you can contact Sarthi Travels.

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Palermo Festivals

Palermo, like all the cities of Italy, has something going on the whole year. There are a lot of festivities ongoing in Palermo all year long and you can get detailed information about this from any tourism office of Palermo. Local newspapers, tourist magazines and several other publications ensure that an updated list of Palermo is made available to the tourists each year so that they can visit during the festivity of their likeness.

You can find much information about Palermo right from the Palermo airport as they do have magazines and other information sources. If you are planning to travel a lot in Palermo then you must consider availing the services of Rent a car in Palermo.

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Include cheap travel insurance in your holiday budget

Even the tightest holiday budget should include cheap travel insurance. Accidents happen when we least expect them, and dealing with any number of problems that could occur while you are away from home could turn your budget getaway into a money pit!

Whether you are travelling within Australia, or anywhere else in the world, whether it is a single trip or if you go away frequently, there are many many types of cheap travel insurance policies that can cover you for anything from a broken leg and medical attention, to delayed flights due to a natural disaster!

Sometimes the problem you are faced with may not even be something that has happened to you personally while you are away from home. A family member falling ill or dying, resulting in you needing to get home as quickly as possible can be a very costly exercise.

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Holiday Speeders to Pay

Gold coast has always been known for its beauty and attractive places and thus has earned an identity of a tourist spot with numerous of tourist visiting this exotic place. Going for a vacation is the best way to wash out all your stress and take a break from the hectic monotonous life. But this also requires the required comfort level as if you don't have it, even a vacation becomes tiring. To have a splendid and peaceful vacation, you need to have proper travelling means so that you can explore the place according to your plans and especially when you are visiting a place like Gold Coast that has so much in store for you. But you do not have to worry when you have booked the services of Cut Price Car Rentals as the best solutionfulfilling all your requirements and making your trip a memorable one. Driving down in the car hired from this company, you can easily drive down from the airport to your hotel or resort enjoying the scenic beauty of this place. Also you can halt on the way to capture some beautiful scenery which you couldn't do if you were travelling in a public transport.

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