Koh Samui Spa - The Ultimate Relaxation

Koh Samui has always attracted people looking for a place to unwind and relax. Even before spas came into existence, several new age centers were already established. In Thailand there are alternative venues which offer opportunities for meditation, but still the demand for sophisticated luxurious spa resorts are increasing day by day. However, this is the perfect place where you can explore all kinds of de-stressing body treatments, traditional massage, and Asian beauty secrets.

Spa treatments have become the ideal option to unwind and get rejuvenated. With the ever increasing work pressure and hectic schedules, people are now going on holidays for spa treatments. Koh Samui spa resorts that promise its guests a wide range of therapies and beauty treatments. You can pamper yourself with everything ranging from traditional Thai massage to different kinds of exotic treatments and massages with special scrubs and oils that are imported from many places across the globe.

Experience the spas of Koh Samui

While planning your holiday in Thailand, you can ask your travel agent to help you in getting the best spa holiday packages. All such packages generally include health management, detoxification of the body, rejuvenation, fasting and weight-loss programs. The spa resorts offer excellent massage services in a green and calm setting.

You will find that these resorts are affordable and the experience is worth the price that you pay for it. A majority of the spa resorts in Koh Samui are wooden, Thai-style houses at the water's edge, where you can pamper yourself with great massage treatments. Some of the spas are even equipped with salt floatation tanks for ensuring client satisfaction. The holistic spa approach consists of:

herbal steam massage
body masque
Ayurvedic aroma therapy
classic Thai massage
foot massage
aroma oil massage
facial massage
Jacuzzi

With so many options at hand, you'll certainly find yourself spoilt for choices. While on holiday, you can also indulge yourself in such exquisite pampering. There are various comprehensive one-day packages available and these combine massotherapy, hydrotherapy, aromatic skincare, beauty treatment, and body treatment. Apart from this, Koh Samui modern spas combine tradition and modern techniques like steam compresses, herbal remedies, and natural ingredients, thereby ensuring complete unmatched comfort and relaxation.

Therefore if you are looking for a great spa holiday, then Koh Samui is the place to be. After a relaxing spa holiday, you will feel refreshed and more energetic when you get back to work.

Koh Samui Spa Resort- Karma Spa offers Thai therapies and wellness experiences that are luxurious, organic and authentic. Karma Spa is bountiful with incredible healing experiences.

Tag : travel,koh samui,travel holiday,spa,thailand

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

Group Ski Holidays

Booking a group ski holiday can be a thankless and stressful task. However, by following a few simple steps, the job can become a lot easier.

The main reason why booking a group ski holidays can be difficult comes down to the dynamics of the group in question. It is very rare to find a large group of skiers who are all at the same level, who all have the same wants, who all have the same budget, or even who all get on with one another! The bigger the group, the more likely it will be pulling in different directions. This leaves the organiser in a difficult position trying to meet the wide and varied demands of lots of different people. Rather than being thanked for organising the ski holiday, the poor person who volunteered often finds themselves being criticised for not booking a certain ski resort, or a certain type of ski accommodation.

So how do you overcome such problems?

Firstly, throw the discussion back to the members of the group. Find out if anyone has any suggestions about where to go, the type of accommodation required, and any special requests people may have. If people don't put forward ideas at this early stage, you can remind them of this if they become critical of your work at a later date.

Secondly, find out everyone's budget. Usually, you have to tailor the holiday to the lowest budget. However, if one person's budget is significantly less than everyone else's, it might be wise to be diplomatic and suggest they can't afford to come on this particular holiday.

Thirdly, it is always useful to Google "Group Ski Holidays", because there are a lot of companies out there which are geared up to organising big groups of people, and this can ease the pressure on the organiser. Also, a lot of these companies offer incentives to group leaders such as free lift passes, so all of your hard work won't go unrewarded.

Finally, it is really important to get definite decisions out of the group. This is a lot trickier in practice than it sounds. Very often some people don't want to commit for a variety of reasons, and the whole group can end up losing out on a holiday just because one or two people can't make up their minds. You really have to be quite strict at this stage. Once you've found something suitable, email everyone and say this is what you've found, it ticks all the boxes, does anyone have any objections? If there are no objections, put a reserve on the accommodation for the maximum number of people in the group. Then tell everyone they have 24 hours to confirm and pay a deposit, otherwise their booking isn't guaranteed.

The best sort of ski accommodation for big groups is ski hotel or chalet hotel style accommodation. This is because you can make a reservation for a certain number of people, and then if others want to join the group at a later date, they can do so subject to rooms being available.

Ski holidays are meant to be fun, and don't forget to remind all the members of your group how much work you put in organising the holiday when they are going to the bar!

Tag : travel,leisure,leisure online

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

How to select a best beach resort

To get rejuvenated in a hectic life, people aspire to spend a few days in an exquisite location. The beauty of the place and the cool climate offer the much needed comfort to the vacationers. Seychelles beach resorts are the popular destinations for spending some memorable vacations. The popularity of the beach resorts are increasing day by day. More and more people are coming to the beach resorts to get refreshed for the days ahead. Innumerable beaches sometimes may confuse a vacationer to select the most suitable one. Some tips to find a good beach resort will help you to make the most of it.

Seychelles beaches may be luxurious and convenient. But if its rent is beyond your budget, you may not be able to experience the comfort that it provides. So, before trying to know about the amenities, you should know about the rent. It will save your valuable time.

The second factor that you should enquire about is the climatic condition. A beach may be very comfortable. The rent may also be reasonable. But if the climate of the location is not favorable during the season you are visiting, your experience may be a horrible one. Know the climatic condition of the resort in advance.

Some beach resorts may not be easily commutable from your city. Consequently, you end up spending a hefty amount to reach the resort. You should find a resort at a location where you can reach easily.

Check out if the prices advertised by the beach resort are all inclusive or not. Often hidden cost is involved in the rent of many beaches. Consult the beach directly and clarify your doubts.

Many beach resorts are not swimmable for rough sea though these are situated at some exquisite locations. So if you have a passion for swimming, you should know if the sea is swimmable or not.

Condition of the beaches may change for natural calamities like hurricane, erosion etc. If you read the recent comments of the visitors about the beach resorts, it will definitely help you a lot.

Many beach resorts in Seychelles launch promotional schemes at different seasons of the year. A search on Internet will help you to find some attractive schemes. You should not miss such opportunities.

Tag : travel,travel inn,travel agency

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-tips-articles/how-to-select-a-best-beach-resort-1154878.html

A Day Trip to Jinja (Uganda)

Driving up to the Mabira Forest Tourist Center I was geared up and so excited by the fact that in a few minutes I would be going on a forest walk in the Mabira Forest, the largest rain forest in Uganda. I had all sorts of expectations, many unrealistic, but we'll get to that later. Mabira forest is located in Eastern Uganda and can be accessed via the Kampala-Jinja highway.

It is a tropical rainforest that spans about 300 square kilometers. Rainforests are characterized by high rainfall and are home to over 50% of the world's indigenous species. The thick forests also mean that very little sunlight gets through to the ground restricting the plants that can survive there and making it easy for people to walk around.

We arrived at the forest center donned in jeans and sneakers (tennis shoes) ready to meet with the forest and all its creatures. After paying the fee at the office, securing a guide, and choosing a trail, we were advised to rent gumboots as it had rained only the night before and the guide didn't think our shoes were appropriate (The boots came in only one size so take note and come with your own for comfort). I expected to see all sorts of birds, snakes and learn about the many medicinal plants that were indigenous to Mabira forest. I didn't see any of these things, and if I saw any medicinal plants which I am sure I did, I didn't know the difference. In all honesty our guide had probably just started at this job and he didn't know much except for the trails and one or two trees.

The forest was dark, with sporadic streams of sunlight coming through here and there. It was eerily quiet though, but this was attributed to the time of day of our visit. The plentiful birdlife was not so active at that time of the afternoon. We were disappointed that we didn't see any bird life and our guides inexperience meant that since we didn't have much knowledge about birds, we couldn't identify the few birds we heard. The walk was interesting once we got over our initial unrealistic expectations. The majesty of the forest cannot however be understated. We got to see the strangling fig tree which feeds on its host eventually obliterating it and taking over completely. Emerging into the open air and sunlight meant our forest walk was over, we returned the boots and continued on our way to Jinja.

We arrived in the sleepy Jinja town ready for lunch. A quick drive up and down main street and we decided to head to one of the hotels in the area to eat. The food was great and despite having a vegetarian, a celiac and some ardent meat eaters in the group, everyone was able to get a good meal. Our table had great views of the Nile and was altogether very relaxing. After our reverie, we headed for the source of the Nile where we went on a boat tour of the area known as the source of the Nile. The guide took us to the place where the John Hannington Speke identified the Nile as flowing from Lake Victoria and thus naming the lake as its source. We also saw a small island which is home to literally thousands of birds and whose sight would be a bird watchers dream. The sunset boat ride was the perfect end to the day, we docked just before it got dark and started our drive back to Kampala.

Tag : travel,travel agents,travel adventure

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bali_B._Bukenya

Holidays to Turkey

As it is very well known, holidays are special times in our lives that help us relax and get away from the stress that our busy lifestyles bring upon us. We sometimes feel the need to get away from everything. Going abroad is a great way to escape. This is why many people in United Kingdom and European goes holidays to Turkey summer months. Turkey is one of the most popular holiday destinations around the world. If you have experienced a holiday in Turkey, you probably know why it is so popular but if you have not, I shall let you know a bit about this paradise on earth which is only a flight away.

Turkey is an extremely beautiful country thanks to its natural resources. It is surrounded by the Black Sea, the Sea of Marmara, the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. Due to this, there are numerous beaches and when they are met with the beautiful sunshine, they create a wonderful spot for a relaxing holiday. Of course there is more than the sea and the sun. There is history in Turkey.

Turkey has been a home to the glorious Ottoman Empire. Even by the traces that are left, you can still feel its glory thanks to all the cultural richness. The city of Istanbul with its amazing location works as a bridge uniting Europe and Asia. It is an amazing city as it preserves the old whilst welcoming all that is new and modern. It is one peculiar place where you can find both the West and the East.

The Turquoise Turkish coasts attract many tourist every year from all around the world. Antalya, Bodrum, Kalkan, Marmaris and Fethiye are listed amongst the most popular family and summer Turkish Holidays destinations. There is too much to see and do in Turkey. You can be filled with the sunshine, experiencing the beauty of the nature, the amazing beaches, countless activities that make the time fly, tastes of the Turkish cuisine which is one of the richest in the world and the amazing culture and the history.

A Turkish holiday can leave you with many great memories. As many people choose to visit again, it is perfect due to various types of accommodations and affordable prices it offers. Let your escape be to the land of beauty; Turkey, a paradise on the face of the earth is only a flight away.

Tag : travel,holidays,turkey

Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/Aslan-Sag/51280

5 Popular Travel Gadgets to Take With You on the Road

These days travelling involves packing gadgets more sophisticated than the clothes in your suitcase. Technology has definitely come a long way in improving the quality our travel experiences. By no means, though, do you want to become so laden down or dependent on travel gadgets that you no longer know how to enjoy yourself without being connected to some kind of device. However, there are some gadgets that can be lifesavers when we are on the road.

Besides the obvious devices like iPods, iPhones, video cameras, or even portable laundry gadgets, there are other technological advancements that can bring about peace of mind and lighten the load of travelling.

Here are 5 popular travel gadgets that you might want to take with you on your next trip:

1. Digital Reader: Instead of lugging the latest best sellers in your suitcase a digital reader such as Amazon's Kindle or Sony's Reader can help create some space, not to mention make things a bit lighter. You can even get some of your favorite newspapers and magazines available on an e-reader. So, if you are not a literary purist who must physically turn the pages of a book, a digital reader can be a great way to take your library with you.

2. Memorex Money Clip Flash Drive: This is not your ordinary money clip; it is an electronic multi-tasking tool. The Memorex Money Clip also serves as a 1GB USB drive so that you can also store such things as photos, files, and music. Plus, it provides a safe way to carry cash when you are on the go.

3. Trace Me Luggage Tag: Losing your luggage is a real downer when travelling. However finding ways to avoid such disasters has just got easier with the durable Trace Me Luggage Tag, which has a bar code and serial number that can be scanned if your luggage gets lost. Once the tag is scanned, you get an email or text that lets you know exactly where your bags have ended up.

4. Novatel Mifi: Although you do not always want to be connected on a holiday, there are moments when you might need to get online that do not always involve holing up in your hotel or the nearest Starbucks. For those occasions when you need to get online at the unlikeliest places, get Novatel's Mifi, a personal Wi-Fi hotspot connection. You do have to sign up for a contract from Verizon, but it may be worth it if you are always on the go.

5. Power Monkey Solar Charger: How are you going to keep all those gadgets charged? This small charger can be used for such things as cell phones, digital cameras, iPods, and much more. The Power Monkey Solar Charger is charged by the sun. So simply leave it by a window, attach to your backpack or leave on a car dashboard. When one of your trusty gadgets runs out of power, there is no need to go searching for a plug. Simply attach to the Power Monkey and your device of choice will run for hours.

Tag : travel,travel inn,travel agents,

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

Here is How to Choose Your Beach Rental

If you've decided to rent beach accommodations this holiday, great! How do you go about finding one that's right for your needs?

Actually finding a beach rental isn't hard, especially now that there's the Internet. Simply use your favorite search engine and type in "beach rental" and you will get a lengthy list of prospects. The trick will be in narrowing down the choices.

To do this, it is best if you know where you want to go and what type of rental you want. If you don't know where you want to spend your vacation, you will face a dizzying array of choices. But if you have a location in mind, you can use the search engine to seek beach rentals in that location. Another option is to search for the chambers of commerce, tourist bureaus or real estate agencies for that area. Each of these offices will have lists of vacation rental properties and beach rental agencies.

Another option is to search for the newspapers of your destination and check the classified ads for rentals. Craiglist and other online classified advertising is another good idea. These ads will either be from beach rental agencies or from private owners. While dealing directly with a private owner may be less expensive than using an agency, remember the owner may not be an expert in beach rentals and any problems that arise may be difficult to resolve.

The internet has many rental directories that may help you. However, to use them, it is a good idea to know what type of rental you would like, the location and your price range. Don't know what type of rental you would like? You can rent a house, an apartment, a condominium, a villa or a resort. Each of these have its advantages depending on how many people you are traveling with and what your vacation needs are. Rental directories are especially helpful because they often have links to other information, such as nearby amenities and entertainment.

As you try to narrow down your choices, be sure to consider the price, the location and what is included in the price. If you are traveling with children or pets be sure to find out whether they are welcome. You should also find out what attractions and services are nearby.

No matter what beach rental you choose, carefully read all agreements and be sure you understand them before you sign. You don't want any unpleasant surprises on your vacation, especially if it is far away from your permanent home.

Finding your vacation rental is easier than ever thanks to the Internet. Be sure to start looking long before your vacation (at least six months) for the best selection. Take the information superhighway to your dream beach rental.

Tag : travel,travel vacation,travel agancy,leisure,leisure book

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

Breckenridg Ski Resort... Flying Down the Blue Runs!

Skiing is a very popular sport in the United Kingdom, it's true that there are very few mountains for skiing; due to this limitation many Brits make the short trip to Europe for skiing. Breckenridge Ski Resort located in Colorado is very popular one for skiing. Breckenridge has a ski school, and its momentous downtown offers the skier and non-skier alike endless shopping, dining and lot more opportunities. . If you are not expert enough, think twice before attempting The Slides. If you want to take an inexpensive ski vacation you should have enough time a little sacrifice and a little thinking. But, the experience of skiing down a mountain really makes it all worth it.

So you think you've had enough skiing down the green circle-labeled trails of Breckenridge but don't have enough skills to try the black diamond ones just yet? Then perhaps its time for you to up the ante a little and head out to the blue square runs on Peak 7.

With at least nine blues to choose from, you'll always find one that isn't too crowded. To get to the top of these trails, you may catch a ride on the Independence Super Chair. Since it has a 6 seating capacity, there'll be enough room for you and your buddies.

Once you hop off the Independence, you can test your skiing skills on any of the following fully groomed trails: Lower Forget-Me-Not, Pioneer, Claimjumper, Wirepatch, Lincoln Meadows, Angels Rest, and Monte Cristo. From Pioneer, you can branch off to either Swan City or Fort Mary B.

Now, if you really want to make sure you've sharpened your skiing skills well enough before pushing yourself off those blue slopes, you can make reservations at the Breckenridge Ski and Ride School. They have daily classes that meet at 9:45 AM at either the base of Peak 8 or Ten-Mile Station on Peak 9. Even if you've made reservations, be sure you arrive at any of these two assembly areas on time as they will depart at 10 AM with or without you. Those who need to assemble at Peak 9 should be on a chairlift early so as to beat the clock.

For an accelerated learning curve, nothing beats a highly customized private lesson. These tailor-made sessions by the pros are able to generate instant feedback through video analysis. One major advantage of such sessions is the chance to be guided through hidden powder stashes allowing you to get the most of what the mountain has to offer. Of course, these lessons come at a hefty price, usually within the $600 range for a full day, and you'd have to make reservations 48 hours earlier. However, because of the things you'll learn and the pace at which you learn them, you'll get more than your money's worth. The end result, you'll be skiing noticeably better than the average intermediate in no time.

Try to explore all the different intermediate runs on Peak 7. Before you know it, you'll be primed for the black diamond and double black diamond trails just right above you.

Tag : travel,ski resort,travel in,hotels

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/breckenridg-ski-resort-flying-down-the-blue-runs-1056823.html

3 Day Cruise Packages

Three day cruise packages can be a great introduction to sailing on the open seas. Many people are curious about a cruise vacation, but they may hesitate because a 7 or 14 day plan might seem out of their price range at the moment. Others may question whether or not they would enjoy a long cruise, but these economical, 3 day plans are the perfect length and price for everyone.

Have you wondered what cruising involves and were just unsure about the time involved? This is a common concern for many prospective passengers. Maybe you only have a few days of vacation, or you only have a long weekend that you can use for a quick getaway trip. Some people are just looking for something to break the monotony of long weeks of work. Whatever your reason, 3 day cruise packages are certainly a perfect solution.

Even though you only have a few days to be out on the ocean there is no lack of excitement. The activities on board will provide you with many diversions and opportunities to experience the adventure and fast paced lifestyle onboard large ocean liners. You might just find that cruising is something that you want to repeat again and again.

For people that enjoy shopping there are shops onboard for your enjoyment when you are not at docked at a port of call. Bingo, night clubs, parties, entertainment and other activities will keep you busy throughout the day and evening if you sign up for one of the 3 day cruise packages. There are always events that are scheduled for passengers of every age. You might have an onboard auction, or a cooking class to attend and most classes will be giving away door prizes to lucky guests.

If you want to rest and relax you can sunbathe at one of the pools or hot tubs or just enjoy the view from a reclining deck chair. You can even read or watch your favorite television shows in your cabin. If you have a private balcony you can enjoy a little solitude at any hour of the day or night. You will be provided with a daily schedule of the ship's activities for every cruise, including those 3 day cruise packages, but you only choose those that you want to be involved in each day.

Outstanding food is included, and you will have regular meals served in the restaurants daily. These are buffet affairs. The large windows surrounding all of the restaurants provide panoramic ocean views that are sure to impress you as you dine. A wait staff is always on duty to assist you, and they will even bring your meals to your cabin if you prefer. Snacks and drinks are available throughout the day and if you have special dietary requests the cooks and chefs can accommodate you easily.

The cost of these short getaways is very inexpensive, even if you are planning on taking the family. You can also check for last minute specials on which can save you 50-75% of the original cost. This means that you can often arrange one of these exciting 3 day cruise packages for less than $200.

Tag : leisure,travel,cruise packages,travel agents

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

A Mini Travel Guide To Rome From Rhino Car Hire - Rome

Rome is known as the 'eternal city' and is the capital of the Lazio region as well as the country of Italy.
According to mythology Rome was founded by the twins Romulus and Remus who were raised by wolves.

Some of the most spectacular remains of the Roman Empire, the Renaissance and Medieval times can be found in Rome. Rome really blossomed during the 15th century in a renaissance that saw the popes spend vast amounts of money on fine buildings such as the Sistine Chapel and St Peter's Basilica.

It is also the founding city of the Catholic religion even though the Vatican City is considered an independent state within Italy. Amazingly the Vatican alone contains more art works and cultural treasures than can be found in most cities around the world.

The Vatican centres around the Holy See, or papal state, and the current incumbent is Pope Benedict XVI, formerly known as Josef Cardinal Ratzinger. The official language within the Vatican is Latin though of course Italian and English are both widely spoken there too.

The entirety of Rome's Old city has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Within Rome there are some incredible old buildings, as well as the neighbourhoods of the Jewish Ghettos, which are worth seeing. The highlight of Old Rome is the Pantheon which is in great shape for a building which dates back to 125 AD.

Within the Pantheon there are fine coffers and an oculus to see for those who are interested in the architecture of this unique building. The oculus is actually a hole in the ceiling so if it is raining you will not necessarily get sheltered in the Pantheon.

Rome is located between the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Apennine Mountains and was built on the banks of the River Tiber. Another geographical characteristic of Rome is that it is known as the 'city of seven hills.'
Depending on what time of year you go to Rome it can be very hot. If you want to avoid large crowds of tourists it is worth going to Rome in August as many Romans leave the city for their holidays.

Rome does have its own beach resort called the Lido di Ostia. Nearby you can see the Ostia Antica which was the old harbour of the Roman Empire whose remains are still visible today.

Rome's airport is named after one the most famous Italians who ever lived, the painter, architect and sculptor Leonardo Da Vinci. There are many vehicles available for hire at the airport through Rhino car hire.

Having a car will save you a small fortune on taxis, especially from those citizens of Rome who try to make you think that their car is a taxi when it is not. A rental car is also a good idea as certain buses, like the number 64 which goes to the Vatican is notorious for being filled with pick pockets and thieves.

The main road which goes around the centre of Rome is known as the GRA. Don't fall into the trap of paying 'touts' who offer to lead you to parking spaces in Rome.

One of the best areas to go looking for restaurants in Rome is the Aventino Testaccio. This part of Rome is also where the Baths of Caracalla can be found. Other baths in Rome (the Romans loved a good bathe) are the Baths of Diocletian.

Tag : travel,travel guide,rome,Italy,car hire rome

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/a-mini-travel-guide-to-rome-from-rhino-car-hire-rome-1039801.html

Travelling to Canada - Visitor's Visas

Traveling to Canada from overseas? Generally Americans traveling to Canada have a fairly easy time to cross the border, as long as they have the necessary documentation and all is in order. However for those gravelling from afar it may be a somewhat more complex and rigorous process. All in all it's a matter of proper preparation and documentation. That is of course the travelers and tourists are prudent in satisfying the current equipments of documentation and process.

Nothing takes the requirements for full and thorough reading of the necessary forms. If you are unsure of words or what they mean or translate to - have someone else read the papers as well. If you are still unsure take the forms to your experienced travel agents and / or make an appointment to visit your lawyer or legal agent.

Along with this you need what are termed authorized "leave of absence" letters. These are in essence a letter from your employer stating your title or position, salary, length of time if employ with the firm or organization and of course the authorized time period of length of leave (either with or without pay). Be sure that dates on the letter correspond with the length of time and duration that you are requesting to stay in the country of Canada.

Along with these tour documents provide and disclose any precious such applications and attempts to visit Canada. It does not matter even if your application was made 10 years ago. If you do not automatically disclose such information you may well considered being in a situation of non-disclosure to the border and immigration officials and you may well find that you may be denied entry into the country.

How much money should you state that you have available? It can be travel feast and famine. You may well have saved for your excursion and have a healthy amount of cash and funding available. Be honest both with your access to funds and the amount of travel cash that you have on hand and at your disposal. Honesty and documentation of source of funds is always the best policy.

If you do have relatives and friends in the Dominion of Canada this can be an asset in your travel submissions. You can obtain and complete an "Affidavit of Support" via friends and family. This provides proof to immigration , travel and counselor staff , especially if you are staying over an extended time period , first of all providing a valid and recognized introduction and secondly providing reassurance and verification of financial support and stability if need be. Again your travel agency firm or your legal representatives can be of assistance in these matters. Along with this provision an actual or planned itinerary of your travels or planned excursions can be most helpful and supportive to embassy staff as well.

In regards to any of these matters it is always best to plan ahead. Do not leave any of the steps or procedures until the last minute. Unplanned hitches and flies in the ointment are guaranteed to occur. On top of that these snowball, resulting in delays, more frustrations and more frustrations, problems and even travel and tour conflicts. If payment is needed pay promptly with proper and valid documents and financial instruments nothing can be less helpful and impressive than a check, money order or draft drawn up wrong or improperly. Lastly any appointments that are made must be kept and attended to, prudently and on time. If something comes up and you will not be able to attend or be late always phone ahead, explain, rebook the appointment and explain properly the issue. Of course this should only occur on a one time basis and not be repeated.

All in all prepare. Fill out the forms properly, well ahead of time. Pay and fees, attend any necessary meetings. Be on time. Lastly always be truthful.

Enjoy your travel vacation trip or extended long stay visit to Canada.

Winnipeg's Folklorama festival of nations hosts over world wide pavilions from cultures across the globe. 01 Aug 2009 - 31 Aug 2009 across the city of Wpg, Manitoba Folklorama Travel offers top attractions year-round that will make your visit memorable, and as a receptive operator we'll take care of all the details leaving you with the time to enjoy your trip from start to finish. Folklorama Travel will not only organize all your attraction visits and activities but also your hotel accommodations, motorcoach rentals, and restaurant reservations so you can sit back, relax and enjoy the unique beauty of Manitoba.

Tag : leisure,travel,leisure books,leisure centres,travel agancy,travel in

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Morris_E._Brown

Eight Tips For Creating a Dream Staycation This Summer

Rising gas prices have families replacing traditional vacations with backyard staycations. Instead of paying money for hotels and transportation costs, homeowners are creating soothing paradises in their own backyards, complete with a cozy garden swing. Enjoy a staycation this summer!

A staycation involves staying at home and enjoying the amenities you have right in your town. It's affordable, fun and bound to draw your family together. Learn eight tips for making the most of your vacation time without leaving your home.

1. The goal of a home vacation is to kick back and relax. You probably have a backyard garden that you rarely spend time in. Garden swings give you a comfortable spot to curl up and read. You'll enjoy smelling the fragrant flowers in your yard, and your swing will improve your garden design. It's a win-win situation.

2. Spend some of your vacation savings enhancing your patio. You can increase your property value with an attractive patio or deck. Add a small water feature or patio swing and create a tranquil spot where you and your loved ones can enjoy the sounds of nature.

3. Have a picnic in your backyard. Bring a plate to your garden swing or lay out a picnic blanket. Call local restaurants and have a pizza or grinders delivered to your door. Look for savings in area newspapers. You'll love "dining out" and save money at the same time.

4. Pitch a tent in your backyard and sleep outside. It feels like you're camping, but the reality is that all the comforts of home are a few steps away. Children love camping, and you'll save money on park fees and travel costs.

5. Spend a little money on a pool. Easy Set pools are affordable and set up within minutes. You can turn your backyard into a pool paradise and spend an entire week's vacation soaking up some sun, swimming in your very own pool and making the most of your backyard garden area.

6. If you enjoy building things, purchase some lumber and build your own garden swing. You can get the whole family involved with staining, painting or helping hand you materials. Many garden swings are built in two days maximum, so spend the rest of your time relaxing with a good book.

7. Speaking of books, save money on books through sites like paperbackswap.com or swaptree.com. Trade books you no longer want for books you are dying to read. You can curl up in your backyard and enjoy a trip to another time or place. In addition, children who see their parents reading often copy them and spend time reading too.

8. Have a party in your backyard with family and friends. Have everyone bring their favorite dish, pitch a tent and have an enjoyable evening in the great outdoors without paying a fortune on park fees or foods. Moreover, having guests bring a different dish, you can sample a wide variety of foods.

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

Europe Travel Planning - For a Blissful Holiday Experience

Want to spend you holidays in Europe this time? Looking for a blissful and great holiday trip? For a successful trip planning is the most important and basic step. It is very important to plan you trip beforehand. To plan your trips in an effective and efficient manner collate as much information as possible about your holiday destination.

Books and maps are the most reliable source of information that one can depend on. Europe Travel Planning books and guides are also available in the market that helps you in accessing important information. With the help of maps and route planners you can navigate through places while being on trip without having the fear of being lost. Remember the festive season is the best time to explore a country its rich culture so plan accordingly.

You can easily locate different places with the help of guides. Routes to various places, to stay and eat, tourist spots, shopping centers etc. are listed in a guide book. You can also find information about communication modes and those used for traveling purposes like exploring the sites by riding bicycle, walking, taxi, boating or boarding trains. For sighting seeing a map is the best guide. You can know about the lifestyle of people, food habits, dialect and culture conveniently through informative books. These help you to understand taste of people and tradition in a better way.

Carry lesser personal belongings with you when planning a trip. You can take help of an itinerary and get one planned for you. You can plan your itinerary according to your convenience and choice. You have full freedom to choose the places that interest you and you wish to visit in Europe. Accordingly then you can get an itinerary for yourself that will help you throughout your trip.

Online gives you a better and wider coverage of information over the books. Anywhere, anyplace at anytime you can access the desired information. Online medium is less expensive and user friendly.

If you are looking forward to a great trip to Europe that can be relished lifetime then travel planning is must. So, get started because right ahead is waiting a great holiday!

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

Scuba Diving in the Maldives

The Maldives are well known as being a true haven for divers. Between the many different marine species and beautiful coral reefs, any diver quickly finds themselves surrounded by beauty and charm. The visibility of the water has drawn divers from all around the world. Even in deeper depths, the visibility can be clear for up to fifty meters. The exotic flora and fauna along with the tropical temperatures make the Maldives a wonderful destination for all types of divers.

All of the resorts in the Maldives and most of boats that go in and around the islands, have plenty of dive centers staffed by professional divers that can help direct and guide divers on the best places to go and where to see the most beautiful fish and flora. In addition to diving facilities on the boats, most of the resorts also offer diving schools for every level of diver. You can learn all about the ins and outs of diving and get the training and equipment that you need to make it the best diving experience you have ever had.

Another great amenity of the Maldives is that most of the resorts offer all of the equipment you need as rentals so that you do not have to worry about bringing all of your gear and having to carry it around with you. If there is specific equipment that you prefer to use, you may want to check with the resort you want to stay at to make sure they have what you need.

There are many diving sites located in the islands and some of the most popular sites include: Lions Head, Kuda Haa, Girifushi Thila, Middle Point, Nassimo Thilla, Okobe Thila, Rasfari, Sunlight Thila, Banana Reef and Maldives Victory. These are some of the most well known and best rated fishing site in the Maldives. Each one has its own location and along with it, each offers its own attractions of different kinds of marine fish and coral reefs. The choices of which location you would choose depends on the kind of diving you want to do, if you want to go on a guided dive or alone and what you most want to see during your dives.

The Maldives also offer a wide range of different kinds of diving, making it the perfect destination for those who want to experience something new, or try out different equipment. Even for new divers, there are a lot of classes and teaching that they can be a part of to make their diving experience safe and enjoyable. Some of the resorts offer special kinds of diving adventures held during the week that allow divers to experience group diving, or dives that go to explore a certain remote area. Diving is one of the many attractions that brings so many tourists to the Maldives. Experience the wonders of the Maldives for yourself, and plan your next vacation that will be one to enjoy and remember for a very long time.

Published At: Isnare Free Articles Directory http://www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=379623&ca=Travel

10 More Things You Did Not Know You Could do in Bali

Here the second part of my starter list of new things you may want to try when you are next in Bali. (For the first section, just search for “10 Things You Did Not Know You Could do in Bali”).

This time round, I am staying in Umalas, at Albia Villa Bail, absolutely excellent if you like peace and quiet, yet want easy access to Seminyak and Legian.

11) Golfing

A number of 18 hole courses are available across Bali. As you would expect, each more beautiful than the other. Relax on an easy course, or challenge yourself to one of the more demanding courses designed by professionals. Either way, don’t miss the spectacular views over the Indian Ocean or one of Bali’s great volcanoes. Most courses in Bali are to international standards, and many offer clubhouses and recreational facilities for the rest of the family.

12) Helicopter Tours

Go on, splash out for that once in a life-time experience! Spectacular views over Bali even Lombok. Take in the gentle rice terraces from the best vantage point, or get up close and personal with a volcano! Not cheap, but certainly an experience never to forget. (Air Bali)

13) Horse Riding

Enjoy one of the equestrian centres at your doorstep! Selection of horses, with courses for the beginners. Wonderful escorted tours through the rice terraces and tide permitting down the beach. (Umalas right next to Mia Villa Bali Rental, or try Saba Bay Stables)

14) Kite Boarding

Some great wind and lift, as well as the equipment for rental is available at Nusa Dua beaches. But make sure you have a great story lined up for your insurance company! Keep in mind, this really is an Extreme Sport.

15) Monkey Watching

Experience mischievous macaques in full action! Also, some good restaurants and eateries nearby. However, be careful of your cameras, glasses and the like! (The Sacred Monkey Forest – Ubud)

16) Mountain Cycling

If you like cycling, why not enjoy a leisurely cycle with views of the Batur volcano! Lots to see, lots to learn, all on two wheels with an experienced guide. (Bali Adventure Tours)

17) Paragliding

Throw yourself off the sheer cliff faces of Uluwatu into the Indian Ocean! As a beginner you can enjoy great tandem jumps with well qualified professionals with great safety records.

18) Slingshot (Reverse Bungee)

Defy gravity Bali style, with some spectacular 50m views! (That is, if you remember to open your eyes!) Not for the faint-hearted. Organisers follow international safety standards.

19) Surfing

If you’ve come with your board you’ll know where to go! If you are keen to learn, there are many schools to choose from, just head for the beach! Whilst Kuta is a good all rounder, Uluwatu, Padang-Padang, and Balangan can provide some great tubes to test the more experienced. (some offer surfing lessons for ages 5+, so the whole family can enjoy surfing all together)

20) Temple Ceremonies

Few visitors to Bali realise that in most instances you will be welcomed to attend local ceremonies as an observer. The great thing is, there is a temple ceremony every single day of the year in Bali, just ask around to find the nearest one during your stay. If you are lucky enough, you may be able to catch one of the Full Moon or Dark Moon ceremonies which attract devotees from far a field and are some of the most colourful events on the island. Please remember that a sensible dress code, and polite/respectful behaviour are essential for continued hospitality towards foreign guests. (Also, please note that women are not allowed in the temples during their menstrual period.)

Like me, if you manage to fit in five of these activities into your schedule, every time you visit Bali, you will still want to come back for more. Because, at the end of the day, it is the people of Bali, with their welcoming smiles, and willingness to help, which will make your adventures even more precious memories.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/10-more-things-you-did-not-know-you-could-do-in-bali-995698.html

Top 5 Places to Vacation in the US

People go for a vacation with their family for relaxation and enjoyment. There are a lot of places in the world to visit. It is impossible for a person to visit all these places in one lifetime. Most people dream of a vacation in the USA. Since the US is a big country, there are many places to see. To enjoy a holiday in the country, it is necessary to make a plan before you travel.

For those travelling to US for the first time, here the top five must-see places.

1. San Francisco, California - This is a city of diverse culture in relation to arts, museums, architecture, music and festivals. San Francisco has become a popular tourist place because of its hillside streets and modern and Victorian architecture. The major attractions of San Francisco are Golden Gate Bridge (a construction marvel); Japanese Tea Gardens; Exploratorium (museum); Fisherman's Wharf; Alcatraz Islands; Historic Cable cars (the moving landmark of San Francisco); Chinatown; and the Red-and-White Ferry. Some of the modern architectures of San Francisco are Civic Center, Coit Tower, Ferry Building, and the twisty and crooked streets of Lombard in Russian Hill. The city is also the home of different festivals, fairs, parades and parties. The moat famous one is the Gay Festival held in June every year. The others are the Folsom Street Fair, the Chinese New Year Parade, the Carnival, and Lovefest.

2. Orlando, Florida - This US city has everything - from theme parks to crocodile farms. If you are planning to travel with your family and are looking for a complete entertainment, then this is the right destination. When you are in Orlando there is a myriad of choices available to have fun. The major attractions of Orlando are the Walt Disney World, Sea World Orlando (marine theme park), Universal Studios, Island of Adventure, Wet 'N Wild (water park), Discovery Cove (marine theme park), Gatorland (wildlife theme park), Holy Land Experience (museum), Ripley's Believe It or Not, the Orlando Science Center and the Orlando Museum. Orlando also has tropical beaches for the family to enjoy and relax in the sun.

3. Las Vegas, Nevada - 'The Entertainment Capital of the World' is famous for gambling, dining, shopping and entertainment. The major attraction of Las Vegas is casinos. It has got some of the world's finest casinos like the Golden Nugget, Four Queens, Fremont Casino, and Las Vegas Club. The other attractions are the Adventuredome, Desperado, Gondola, M&M's World, Nevada State Museum, Stratosphere Tower, Springs Preserve and much more. So, if you are in a mood for some adult entertainment, then travel to Las Vegas alias the Sin City.

4. New York City - 'The Big Apple' or 'The City that Never Sleeps' is famous for international affairs, commerce, culture, finance, fashion and entertainment. This city is made up of five towns - The Bronx, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island. The major attractions to visit while you are in New York are The Empire State Building, Ellis Island, Broadway Theatre Productions, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Central Park, Rockefeller Center, Bronx Zoo, Washington Square Park, Times Square, The Statue of Liberty and the New York Botanical Gardens. New York City is the favourite shopping destination for shoppers. The city has witnessed some of the major cultural reforms in the past. Many events and parades are organised to attract tourists. The famous events are the Halloween Parade and the Tribeca Film Festival.

5. Grand Canyon, Arizona - This is one of the premier national parks in the US and has become a popular natural tourist destination. It is a steep gorge along the Colorado River in Arizona and is 6000 feet deep and 446 km long. The Grand Canyon National Park can be approached through two ways - the North Rim (remote part) and the South Rim (more accessible and crowded part). Some of the activities you can indulge in here include camping, mule rides, sightseeing, rafting, hiking and helicopter rides. Some of the viewpoints along the South Rim are Grand Canyon Village, the Watchtower and the Hermit's Rest. The viewpoints of the North Rim are Cape Royal, Bright Angel Point and the Point Imperial.

Are you planning to visit US? We have the best information about the major attractions, customs, culture, weather etc. For more on our USA Guide, please visit http://www.america001.com

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

Dance Festivals of India

India is such a diverse country, and one of the main ways that its diversity is expressed is through its dance. When you have your India visa then you will have the opportunity and pleasure to visit many parts of India to attend some of its dance festivals. The types of dance across India are so different in style and colour, that several trips maybe needed to see such extravaganzas; hence you will also require several Indian visas for these trips. Below are a few of the dance festivals that your India travel visa will allow you to visit:

The Konark Dance Festival
The Konark Dance Festival is based in Konark, Orissa, and is held twice a year, in February and also December. Both times the festival is held in the open air auditiorium grounds in near the sun temple. The sun temple is based approximately 68kilometres from the states capital Bhubaneswar. Note that your normal India visa will allow entry to this region of India. The location is close the the Black Orissi Dance Pagoda, which is a monument that is build of black granite and shows the chariot of the sun god. The dance festival shows the classical forms of the regional dances of India as well as national forms of dance, in a celebration to celebrate Orissa. The dances are held under a huge mandap called the Natya Mandap. The dances styles are typically those from the 19th to the 21st centuries.

The Modhera Dance Festival
One of the most famous dance festivals that your India visa will also allow you to visit is in the state of Gujrat, called the Modhera dance festival. Modhera which is close to the capital of Gujarat, Ahmedabad was build by king Bhimdev many centuries ago. You can enter Gujrarat quite easily with the traditional visa for India for business or tourism purposes. The festival is held in the sun temple, which is dedicated totally to the lord Surya, otherwise translated as the sun god. The dances on display at the sun temple include classical Gujarati dances. This beautiful festival is held for three days during the month of January. As this is one of the most popular seasons for Indian tourism, be sure to apply early in advance for your India visa, at the VFS offices or via the services or Rapid visas.

The Elephanta Islands Dance and Music Festival
If you are planning on using your India visa to enter via Mumbai, and shall be entering India during the month of February, then the annual festivals held on this small island 10 km from Mumbai harbour is surely to be attended. The island was rename elephanta by the Portugese after they saw it had elephant carvings inside the walls. This annual festival is arranged to worship the Maheshmurti, or otherwise know as the Shiva-idol which is located in the main caves. As well beautiful dances being put on by professionals, it is also fascinating to see local folk dances being displayed by local fisherman, who also serve their local food.

For more information of the dance festivals of India, and also the processes required for applying for your India visa then please feel welcome to contact us at rapid visas.

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

Australia Gold Coast in 2009

Queensland has so much to offer, several weeks could easily be spent discovering a wealth of amazing places. From the Great Barrier Reef and Australia's amazing Outback to World Heritage Rainforests and the Aussie beach culture. Visit the vibrant cities of Brisbane and Cairns, the world heritage-listed Fraser Island, and the ancient rainforests of the Gold Coast hinterland.

The Gold Coast is one of the most popular regions here, it is a coastal city in the southeast corner of the state of Queensland in Australia, located between the state capital of Brisbane to the north and the New South Wales state border to the south. The Gold Coast has long been a high-profile tourist destination for Australians and overseas travellers alike, but it is not only sun and beach, with many other things to offer. It also has a population of half a million residents.

Here are some highlights of any trip to the Australia Gold Coast in 2009:

• Surfer's Paradise - home to pristine and wide white beaches and superb water sports as well as approximately 21 theme parks including Sea World and Wet 'n' Wild Water Park.

• Tweed Heads and Coolangatta - twin towns located on the border between north-eastern New South Wales and south-eastern Queensland. Coolangatta is in Queensland and a suburb of the Gold Coast. Tweed Heads is not administratively part of the city, but is effectively forms its southern suburb. Here you can join several tours and cruises.

• Tallebudgeera Creek - a popular swimming lagoon for families away from all the surfing action.

• Gold Coast Hinterland - home to three national parks, numerous mountains, creeks, waterfalls valleys, and natural rock formations. The area is mostly covered in sub-tropical rainforest, but sections have been cleared for dairy farm land and wineries.

My advice is to put Queensland on your list of travel destinations as it has so much to offer in addtiion to that coastline and sun.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Colin_B._Richards

Trekking Tours in Himalayas

Tours in Himalayas

Himalayas have been an inviting destination for everyone. The lofty peaks of Himalayas are a perfect destination for enjoying trekking adventures. The tourists come in communion with nature in the serene ambiance of Himalayas. The peaks of Himalayas are a real pleasure to see. You will be awestruck by the beauty of the Himalayan cliffs.

The Asian continent stretches the Himalayan ranges from southeast to northwest. The challenging topography of Himalayas invites and allures many travelers. The range of adventure sports in Himalayas is awesome. Man has been always fascinated by the very thought of controlling nature. The adventure freaks have always wanted something more to quench their thirst of thrill. So, here are the Himalayan ranges, beckoning you to explore the charms of the place.

The adventurers who wish to discover the local culture experience the natural surroundings, relate with nature, and explore more of the regions they are traversing in, should go for Himalayas trekking tours which are sure to leave them completely thrilled. The excitement adds with the caping tours that accompany these tours.

Destinations for Himalaya Trekking Tours

1) Garhwal Himalayas: Lying in the north-west of Uttaranchal, Garwhal Himalayas offer easy, moderate and hard trekking options. Beside trekking, you can even enjoy other adventure sports here like River Rafting, Safaris and Expeditions. Some of the popular destinations for trekking are:

• Dehradun

• Taluka

• Osla

• Har Ki Doon

• Debshu Bugyal

• Rishikesh

• Nandprayag

• Ramni

• Jhenjipatni

• Sinyartoli

• Dhakwani

• Tall

• Auli

2) Kumaon Himalayas: Abound in tranquil environment, Kumaun Himalayas are a hotspot for trekkers. The region is dotted with valleys, flora, fauna, lakes, rivers, peaks. Some of the famous treks here are:

• Almora

• Loharkhet

• Dhakuri

• Khati

• Dwali

• Phurkia

• Pindari Glacier

• Song

• Bagheshwar

• Nainital

• Maiktoli top

• Kathalia

3) Sikkim Himalayas: Trekkers find immense pleasure in exploring the bountiful nature in the state. Easily accessible, the treks in Sikkim are amongst the favorite of trekkers. Discover the beautiful treks of:

• Bagdogra

• Darjeeling

• Yuksum

• Bakhim

• Dzongri

• Thangsing

• Simiti Lake

• Gochala

• Phedang

• Tshoka

4) Ladhakh Himalayas: Trekkers delight, Ladhakh, is dotted with exciting opportunities of trekking. The adventurers and nature lovers both find content in this region for trekking. Lying across the Kashmir Valley and over the famous Zoji La pass (Zozi La pass) it is quite different from the green landscapes of other parts of the Himalayas. The trekkers can find thrill in:

• Darcha

• Palemo

• Zanskar Sumdo

• Chumi Napo

• Shingo La

• Lakham

• Kurgiak

• Tetha

• Purni

• Ichar

• Mune

• Padum

• Kargil

• Leh

Enjoy your trekking tours in the mesmerizing ranges of Himalayas.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/trekking-tours-in-himalayas-974707.html

Paris Hideaways Presents Top 5 Tips on Booking a Vacation Apartment in Paris

Paris Hideaways offers top rental tips for choosing the right vacation apartment for your trip to the City of Lights.

The advantages of a vacation rental apartment in Paris over a hotel are countless: you will save hundreds if not thousands of Dollars, Pounds or Euros, you will have the opportunity to live like a local, and you have the privacy and freedom that are missing from the hotel experience.

Choosing the right vacation apartment for you can be a time-intense task, so Paris Hideaways have created a list of top tips to help you choose the right apartment for your trip to Paris.

Top Tips for booking the right Paris vacation apartment rental

1. Do your homework

There are countless numbers of agencies in Paris renting out vacation apartments. Research the agency, and read reviews of each agency on Trip Advisor, Frommers, Lonely Planet, Virtual Tourist and other travel forums. Compare prices from various agencies, who often offer the same apartments at different rates, so you might be able to get the same apartment cheaper at an agency which charges less commission than another agency with the same apartment.

2. Book early

Paris is the world's number one tourist destination hands down, with over 30 million visitors every year. The Christmas/New Year season sees prices jump 20% due to sheer demand, and the months of May and September are very busy due to fashion fairs and exhibits in Paris, so be sure to book far in advance during these times.

There are possibilities for last minute discounted rates for vacation apartment rental bookings, so if you can be flexible and are traveling to Paris at short notice, it is worth checking with agencies to see if there might be discounted apartments available.

3. Trade romance for realism during your apartment search

During your accommodation search, trade your romantic visions of Paris for a realistic view of the city's accommodation options in order to ensure you find the right apartment for you, as many visitors' expectations of what it is like to live "à la Parisienne" in a French apartment may very different to what you are accustomed.

When choosing to go to Paris, it also means visiting a city several hundred years old. While the authenticity and history of the buildings and monuments give Paris its charm, if you are looking for comfortable North American style accommodation, you might consider a 4-star hotel chain that you know and trust.

Any trustworthy agency has checked out as many of the apartments it makes available as possible, and the best agencies will make sure only to work with reliable owners and only include apartments up to highly acceptable levels of cleanliness. Your apartment should feel like your own apartment, not like you are staying at stranger's home who happens to be out of town.

4. Decide on your deal-breakers

Are you after size, view, number of beds, amenities, location or budget? Is this a honeymoon? An anniversary? Tell the agency. They are likely to know what to advise for the perfect getaway according to your needs.

Some apartments will be top-notch and top-quality, but also top floor of a building. Parisian elevators can be small and almost claustrophobic, if there are any elevators at all. Are you willing to climb up flights of stairs? Ride in small lifts? Even the best vacation apartment rental agency might over look small intercultural differences like these if you don't ask, as they are used to the Paris way of life. So don't be afraid to ask.

Can you live without air conditioning in mid-summer Paris? Is there a washer in the apartment and can you live without one if not? For those on business, wireless internet access inside the apartment might be essential, so make sure to indicate that during your search.

5. Pay attention to payment method

The payment options might make or break your decision to book with a certain agency. Some agencies might require full rent and deposit up to 30 days in advance, while others might require full cash payment on arrival and a check for the deposit which would not be cashed unless actual damage was done to the apartment. Some agencies will have the owner of the apartment meet you at your vacation rental, while some might require full payment and then send keys in the mail. You should never make any payments by W estern U nion or to an unnamed recipient no matter how good the deal.

6. Prepare your arrival

Post-booking, contact the owner as soon as the agency provides contact details and make sure you get a response from the owner. Give the owner your contact details to reach you when you are at home, when you are traveling, especially if you will be elsewhere in the days before your arrival. Once in contact with the owner, as him or her if they have a welcome pack he can send you ahead of time, if they know a good place to eat nearby, the best way to arrive to the apartment via public transport or taxi, and any other questions you may have before your arrival. The owner should be happy to help you make the best of your stay.

If you consider all of your needs and your price range and research the vacation apartment agencies far in advance, you will find the right apartment in the location and price range that you most feel comfortable with. The best advice to give is just to ask - ask in travel forums, ask friends for advice, and ask the vacation apartment rental agencies themselves, who should be very happy to help you find the perfect place for your stay in Paris.

Notes to editors:
Paris Hideaways is an entity of Charming Hideaways Ltd, and is registered and based in London.

Katia Provencher is the Director of Charming Hideaways, and has several years' experience in the vacation rental and tourism business, including being vacation rental owner herself and also having been a long-term resident of Paris.

Photography is available on request.

For further details on Paris Hideaways vacation rentals, please call + 44 (0)208 144-5887, via Skype - Parisrental, email contact@paris-hideaways.com or visit http://www.paris-hideaways.com

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

Staycations - 4 Tips to Make Your Home Feel Like a Special Getaway

Staying at home because you can't afford a pricey trip doesn't mean you can't still have a fabulous vacation. People usually focus on acting like a tourist in their hometowns during their staycations. However, you shouldn't overlook enhancing your home environment as well, so it feels like a different place. To make being at home feel like a vacation, treat your space as if you were getting it ready for guests to come over. Only this time you are the guest!

1. Decorate with fresh flowers - Either buy ready-made arrangements from your local flower shop or grocery store, or assemble simple arrangements yourself. Sticking with a single color for each arrangement is the best way to achieve stylish flowers. And since you took the week off work anyway, why not try your hand at flower arranging?

2. Use candles to enhance your lighting and mood - Set out votive candles throughout your home, and keep them lit every evening until you go to bed. Candles are a quick, easy way to create a soothing atmosphere. Even big box stores now offer spa-themed candles that can go a long way towards transforming your home into a 5 star resort.

3. Stock your kitchen with food and drinks you normally would not have - One of the main advantages of staying at home is not spending lots of money to eat out for every meal. However, instead of eating your regular rotation of foods, mix things up. Stock your kitchen with out-of-the-ordinary snacks like crudite, rosemary almonds, and freshly baked cookies. Also treat yourself to some new wines or interesting glass bottle sodas. Prepare a favorite special occasion meal, like herb-crusted beef tenderloin.

4. Throw a cocktail party or BBQ - Going on vacation often includes visiting friends you haven't seen in a while. So instead of you going to visit friends out of town, you can throw a cocktail party or BBQ and invite your friends to come to you. If you've already transformed your home for your staycation, throwing a party is no big deal. Plus, hosting when you're on vacation is far less stressful than when you try to do so during a busy workweek or short weekend. With the money you've saved staying in town, you can even splurge on a bartender, or hire someone to help with the clean up.

It's very easy to have a fun, relaxing vacation at home. The key is to apply a few quick, simple ideas to transform your home into a special environment. You'll not only save yourself some money and the hassle and stress of traveling, you'll have a new appreciation for your home.

Amanda DeSeta & Michelle Sy Founders, http://www.TheSimpleFeast.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amanda_DeSeta

6 Tips to Traveling by Car, Truck Or SUV With Children

Traveling with small children can be a pleasurable experience for adults and children, if prepared. If the traveling event has not been planned in advance it can cause unneeded stress for adults and children, thereby instantly reducing some of the enjoyment that takes place during a family road trip. One idea to alleviate any departing stress would be departing just prior to a child's normal sleep time. Leaving around the time of a child's normal sleep schedule usually allows for a few hours of settling in and getting the first leg of the journey completed with little to no distraction. With that being said, parents planning to drive through the late evening hours may want to alter their own routine enough in advance to schedule in a nap. This will assure that the family is traveling with a well rested and alert driver at the wheel.

Other than departing around a child's sleep schedule, there are a few items that children can bring with on a trip that will help ease the discomfort and restlessness a small child may experience during a long road trip. When possible, have the child pack their own backpack with things they are accustomed to playing with and depending on the age, your assistance may be required. This will involve the child in the planning and assist them in understanding why some of the changes are happening to their normal routine.

Following is a few ideas of items that can be easily packed and bring hours of satisfaction to a family trip.
• Age appropriate reading material such as picture books for small children and reading books for older children.
• Music playing electronic devices such as MP3 or CD player. Remember to bring along an extra set of batteries.
• Age appropriate activity books such as coloring books or puzzle books along with Color Wonder items. Color Wonder products do not show color unless used on specific paper or specific surfaces.
• Child specific backpack with personal items of their choice. Plastic drinking cups with built in straws that can have juice or water frozen in them prior to trip will reduce spilling and the need for ice.
• Electronic games
• Snack package containing fruit snacks or cereals such as Kix or Cheerios. Carrots and celery are another good option. There are many snack options available that will not leave sticky residue on fingers, face or automobile seats. Snacks can be packed to fit into a child's personal backpack.

Keeping in mind the amount of time that will be required to travel to ones destination will help in determining just how many items the child should bring along. Age appropriate items that fit the child's attention span will be key when implementing some of the previous tips.

Written By:
Katherine Barnhardt
Joehank@brainerd.net

Through my writing I choose to deliver with passion and knowledge applicable information that provides both the positive and negative surrounding a specific topic or issue. It is that information being given to the reader in an understandable format that will develop interest and create discussion or action on the topic.

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

Backpacking Australia? Should You Bring a Laptop?

If you're backpacking Australia or visiting Oz on the working holiday visa, you may be wondering if you should bring your laptop.

After carefully considering the pros and cons, I decided to bring mine with me and it was the best decision I ever made. For me, my computer offered freedom, and I don't know what I would have done without it. But everyone is different, so I'll give you a few things to consider before bringing it with you:

1. Most hostels provide computers with Internet access, but they are often expensive and/or slow. If you plan on doing a lot of e-mailing and chatting, keeping up with friends on Facebook, uploading photos and updating your blog, this can get costly. Outside of libraries (and many of those require that you have a card), you will have a difficult time finding computers with free Internet access.

2. In most major cities you can find cafes or wi-fi hotspots that offer free or cheap Internet access--but only if you have a laptop with you. But be warned, it's not as easy to find free wi-fi in Australia as it is in the states and many places in Europe. You may have to ask around or do some research online. For example, in Melbourne, you can find free wireless internet in Federation Square. The library and McDonald's is another reliable place to find free wi-fi in many cities. The hostels don't want to advertise this when they can charge you for internet access, so don't expect much help from the staff. In fact, contrary to logical reasoning, some hostels charge more for wireless internet.

3. Even if you have to pay for wi-fi, if you have a laptop with you, you can cut your costs by working offline. For example, you can write all of your e-mails before you go online, then when you log on, cut and paste, and voila! This saved me a lot of money. Do the same with photos by editing them, writing captions and downsizing them before going online to upload them. If you depend on a hostel computer, you can eat up a lot of time and money just sitting there thinking of the right thing to write.

4. A laptop comes in handy for storing documents (e.g. resumes, CVs), photos and reference materials.

5. A laptop can serve as your personal entertainment center. In my opinion, this is the best part about having one with you while backpacking Australia. When you're always living with roommates, sometimes you need to have private time, but that's difficult in a hostel. If you have a computer, you can simply tune out by putting in your headphones and popping in a DVD. It was such a luxury to be able to do this. Many hostels will let you borrow DVDs from their collection. You'll also find it easy to borrow or trade movies with fellow backpackers at the hostel or rent them for free at the library. It also comes in handy when you need to charge your iPod, add songs or change playlists.

And my only arguments against bringing a laptop to Australia:

6. Laptops are a high-theft item. Before you book at a hostel, ask if they have lockers in the room. If they don't have lockers, ask them if they have a safe where you can store valuables. If you are going on a trip where you will not be bringing your computer with you, you need to find a safe place to store it. For example, when I went to New Zealand, I kept mine with friends who were renting a house in Melbourne.

7. Laptops are easy to damage. As you're traveling around, it's easy to drop a bag or have a drunk roommate spill beer on your valuable computer.

I never regretted my decision to bring my laptop with me to Australia, but it is a personal decision. If you are going to constantly worry about having your computer stolen or damaging it, you may be better off leaving it at home. But there are tremendous perks to bringing one with you while backpacking Australia--you can save money on Internet costs, work on documents/e-mails at your leisure and watch movies whenever you feel like it.

Athena Adams worked and traveled Australia from 2008-2009 on the Australian working holiday visa. Her blog, http://workingholidayaustralia.brighterplanet.org, provides tips and advice to other young travelers planning their adventures to Oz.

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