Thursday 27 November 2008

Christmas Lights In Barcelona

Christmas is the season of the year that is filled of love, joy and happiness. Barcelona makes sure none of this will be missed! The festive part of the city is brought out by all kinds of decorations put on the streets, in shopping centers and tourist attractions. This Christmas’ main showpiece in Barcelona is the lights!

Since the beginning of November, the city has been busy putting up the lights in different areas in Barcelona. Even smaller streets in the Barceloneta and Raval area of Barcelona have got a new look thanks to all different kinds of decorations, starting with Christmas trees and finishing with angels.

Walking through Gothic streets is like being in wonderland! Everywhere you look are star decoration lights above your head waiting to begin shining! The most famous street of the city, La Rambla, is having lights across the pedestrian area on every third tree which leads to Plaza Catalunya. Corte Ingles which is just situated at Plaza Catalunya has every year winter an impressive window decorations with lights, and coming December won’t be any different!

Ednesa has been generous, even the 21 main shopping areas of Barcelona will have 20% more Christmas lights this year, thanks to support from it with 200,000 euros. Also more than 20 of Barcelona’s markets are going to take part of the lights’ campaign. Therefore doing your general shopping will be an experience on its own kind during the Christmas months.

You can enjoy the lights from the evening of 24 November, when they will be switched on at Sant Andreu Eix Comercial. During the winter months the lights will be on every day from 6 to 9.30 pm.
On 24, 25 and 31 December and 1 and 5 January the time is extended even from 6 pm to 1am.

If you wish to get part of this amazing sightseeing, and feel the Christmas atmosphere in Spanish speaking countries, then Barcelona has what it takes! Christmas lights will shine up the city and give you the view that you would never forget!

If you are looking for a nice budget place to stay then there is good selection of rental accommodation. One of the options could be BCN Loft, which offers cheap rooms in shared apartments. BCN Loft apartments are located all over Barcelona's city centre, so wherever you would stay you can be sure it will be close to the lights to experience fully every moment of Christmas fun! For more information, visit http://www.bcnloft.com .

By: bcnloft

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com


Friday 21 November 2008

Plan For Vacation Weather Changes

If you are going on vacation, the best advice you can have is the Boy Scout motto: Be prepared.

While we go on vacation to get away from day-to-day tasks, your vacation will go much better if you plan ahead. Here are some tips to follow to make your trip less stressful.

When you pack, remember to consider the climate. Are you going to a hot-weather area? Then pack mainly warm weather clothing. However, vacation weather can have many surprises, so be sure to include at least one long-sleeve top in case of a sudden cool spell. Of course, the opposite is true if you are planning to go to a colder climate. If the holiday weather heats up, be sure to have at least one short sleeve or sleeveless garment.

This may sound like you will have to pack "everything but the kitchen sink". You can pack very lightly, not more than six outfits, if you plan ahead. Stick to neutral colors, such as khaki, blue, and black and fabrics that don't wrinkle easily. Make sure each piece coordinates well with each other for a variety of looks. Take along a variety of accessories, such as belts and scarves. If you know you will be attending at least one dressy occasion, bring some nice jewelry. But leave the expensive stuff in a secure area at home to avoid loss or theft.

In your carry-on bag, have your tickets, passport and other travel documents in a pocket that is secure but easily accessible. Keep cash and credit cards in a secure pocket as well. Be sure to put all medications (clearly labeled) in your carry-on luggage, as well as a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, makeup and one change of underwear. This way, you will be able to cope if your luggage is lost or your flight has been delayed. Pack your camera in such a way that you can remove it quickly to avoid damage by security equipment.

While you are packing, don't forget the obvious things, such as a map and guidebooks. If you forget these, you will waste a lot of time and effort in figuring out where you are and where you are going.

Also be sure your immunizations are up to date, especially if you are going overseas. Be sure to plan early to get these as you may need more than one doctor appointment.

If you are traveling with children, be sure to have some quiet toys and books to keep them occupied. Also have their clothes, diapers, bottles etc. If you need a car seat, be sure it meets state and federal regulations and it is properly installed.

By following these simple tips, much of the stress of your trip will be avoided.

The copywriter Kurt Schefken is very interested in news related to benidorm average temperatures and weather in spain. Through his writings, the writer confirmed his deep knowledge on issues associated to benidorm weather.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kurt_A._Schefken

Monday 17 November 2008

Christmas at Bracebridge Hall - A Yosemite Tradition

The Bracebridge Dinner is a unique Ahwahnee Christmas tradition of grand proportions. Held almost every year since 1927, the event transforms Ahwahnee Hotel into a 17th century English manor for a feast of food, song and mirth. The inspiration for this ceremony was Washington Irving's Sketch Book, a book which contained a short story that described Squire Bracebridge and English Christmas traditions during that time period. Each year the Bracebridge Celebration is performed for a sold out crowd of people seeking something out of the ordinary-- a holiday celebration, or perhaps, a new tradition.

The Bracebridge Dinner event is an elegant and artistic four-hour pageant of classic carols, Renaissance rituals, Middle Age music, and sumptuous food. Over 100 actors, actresses, and vocalists create the roles of the Squire and his family, their servants, the Lord of Misrule, minstrels and other performers. The Ahwahnee Dining Room serves as the Great Hall and stage for the festivities and is decorated with magnificent wreaths, an elaborate Squire's table, large banners, and traditional Yuletide decorations.

The dinner menu features foods of Yore: Relish, Soup, Fish, Peacock Pie, Baron of Beef and Boars Head, Salad and of course, Pudding and Wassail. A 2 CD Set, "Christmas in Yosemite - The Bracebridge Dinner and Music of the Christmas Season" is available for purchase and portraits are also offered to make this "dinner" the most memorable one yet!

The Bracebridge lodging package includes:

  • 2 nights lodging for two adults
  • A voucher for a Bracebridge ornament redeemable at the Ahwahnee gift shop
  • Portrait sitting and one portrait
  • Dinner for two at the Bracebridge Celebration on the second night of your package.
  • Shuttle services for the Bracebridge Dinner are provided for guests at Yosemite Lodge at the Falls and the Wawona Hotel

It is suggested that you make these reservations as early as possible since this is a popular event that fills up to capacity every year!

For more information on the Ahwahnee Hotel and Yosemite's traditional Christmas at Bracebridge Hall, visit http://www.NationalParkReservations.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ryan_Becker

Friday 14 November 2008

Lachung - Himalayan Village of Beautiful Blooms and Monasteries

Lachung, a small picturesque village in Northeast Sikkim, is as simple as the people inhabiting the place. The hamlet is a visual delight given its location besides the quietly flowing Lachen and Lachung rivers which are tributaries of the Teesta. While Spring sees the village bathed in Variety of blooms, Winter sees it covered in blanket of snow! Lachung is home to some of finest orchids and rhododendrons.

Lachung, meaning a small mountain, is last village on India China Border. History has it that this was a trading place between Tibet and Sikkim before it was annexed to India in 1950.

Splendid snow capped mountains, waterfalls and profusion of blooms offer some quiet moments for rumination. All through the year the mountain remain snow covered and on clear day you can see the Kanchenjunga!

Best time to go is between October - May.

Their are many Places to see Hanuman Mandir, Lachung Monastery , Singba Rhododendron Sanctuary, Yumthamg Valley, Jadong which is the last post on Tibet Border and check out beautiful orchids.

How to go : From Delhi take a flight to Bagdogra and from there hire a car to Gangtok which is about 4 hours drive. Lachung, located at a height of 9,600 ft, takes about 7 hrs to reach from Gangtok and then drive down to Lachung the next day. The nearest railways station is New Jalpaiguri.

Must carry sunglasses if you are planning to walk over frozen Lachung river!

Where to stay : Contact Sikkim tourism Office in Delhi or Gangtok for further more information.

This article is written for Bed and Breakfast Delhi Author Ashu


Tuesday 11 November 2008

Plan the Perfect Christmas Vacation

Going away for the holidays is always exciting whether you are going to see out of town family, or you just wanted to go some place you have never been. The best way to make it a memorable trip is to plan ahead. Here is how!

Make reservations

If you are flying to your destination, get your airline tickets well in advance. You will save a lot of money and you will ensure that the dates and seats you want are available. You can do this by contacting a travel agent or you can do this online or over the phone.

During the Holidays, a lot of people are traveling. Don't risk getting to your destination and not having a place to stay. I worked in a hotel for 6 years, and I was always amazed at the amount of people that did not make reservations. They were very upset when they were told that the closest hotel that had rooms available was in the next town.

Budget

Budgeting extra money for a trip around the holidays is difficult because you still have to buy gifts. The trick is to start early. Do your homework and find out exactly what the trip will cost you. This needs to include airfare, hotel, gas, food and any shopping you may want to do. Plan extra in your budget in case the car breaks down or you are unable to get home on your scheduled day due to weather. You will need to be able to pay for a mechanic or an extra night at the hotel. Once you figure out what your trip will cost you, you can decide how much you will need to save each month to be ready for it.

Plan for problems

No one wants their vacation to have any problems. If you plan ahead for them, it won't be so bad if it happens. If you are traveling by car, here are some things you should remember.
- Take your car into a mechanic before your trip.
- Have warm blankets and non-perishable, high energy foods like unsalted canned nuts, dried fruits, and hard candy
- Keep a working flashlight and extra batteries, a compass, a first aid kit, and an ice scraper and snow brush readily available if it is snowing.
- Always remember that if you find yourself stranded if it is cold and snowing, stay in your car and wait for help to arrive.

If you are traveling by airplane, don't wrap your presents. Chances are good that when you go through security, they will need to know what is in the packages. You don't want to have to re-wrap them when you got to your destination. Shipping them ahead of time would probably be a better idea. Just make sure you send them soon enough to get them there before Christmas. Check with your local post office for details.

Christmas can be a fun time for everybody. The smiles on the kids' faces are priceless when they get to see out of town family members or places they haven't ever been before. When you decide to take a trip and you plan ahead it can be remarkable and so much fun. Enjoy!

Amy Royce has been married since 1995 and she has two wonderful children.
She is an affiliate marketer and she has a blog that you can view at http://amyswordsandthoughts.blogspot.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amy_Royce

Saturday 1 November 2008

Cycling Holidays in France

Cycling holidays in France allow one the opportunity to see the country from a unique perspective. A cycling holiday is a sightseeing vacation without the hustle and bustle of impatient drivers and bumper-to-bumper traffic. France stands alone as the only country in Europe that maintains a network of paths and roads that have been especially constructed for cyclists. This removes the competition with vehicular traffic adding to the peace and tranquillity that make cycling holidays in France so memorable.

One does not need to be a world-class cyclist to enjoy the beautiful French countryside. Cycling holidays in France are self-paced, allowing you to travel at your own speed and stop and rest whenever you wish. Whether you're cycling holiday is slow and easy or if you are someone who plans on more rigorous cycling, you will find a landscape waiting for you that is as beautiful as it is challenging.

When planning cycling holidays in France, keep in mind that the endless miles are linked together by a variety of bed-and breakfast establishments as well as campgrounds, family-run motels and inns. Also, there are many travel itineraries to choose from and most offer one-to-two day bicycle jaunts with an overnight stay at a motel to rest and ready yourself for the next stage of your cycling holiday.

The breathtaking sights that you will experience along the French countryside will certainly take your mind off cycling. Whether you are cruising on the long, winding roads of the Jura vineyards or zipping along the picture-perfect shoreline of Brittany, cycling holidays in France will offer you a vacation that is not only healthy, but one that is guaranteed to be unlike any type of vacation you have ever experienced before.

Some of the popular areas to discover during cycling holidays in France include the Burgundy area, which is famous for its abbeys and vineyards, flower bedecked villages and hidden meadows; the Provence district -famous for its poppy fields, vineyards, lavender and parasol pines. Not to be outdone is the Dordogne, which is full of stunning river valleys, mediaeval towns, a fairytale châteaux and well-known archaeological sites.

Next up is the Loire which offers open countryside, vineyards, riverside towns, charming villages and the enchanting triangle of the Loire, Cher and Cisse rivers. And finally the Lot et Garonne where will you find unspoiled scenery, imposing riverside cliffs, forgotten valleys, and beautiful pink and gold flowered hills. On your next vacation, cycle your way through France and add a new dimension to your travelling adventure!

Orson Johnson writes for Holiday Velvet, a website providing Paris cycling accommodation rentalsVacation Rentals. and

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Orson_Johnson