Boutique Hotels – A Traveller’s Paradise

For many, holiday accommodation plays second fiddle to location and amenities. For the true traveller though, it’s an important part of the experience.

We tend to take travel for granted. It’s easy and cheap to hop on a plane to any one of hundreds of destinations across the world, book into a hotel that’s the same as all the others and find familiar food and drink. That’s not the real essence of travel though, as those who still choose to do it “properly” know.

Experience

The purpose of travelling is to experience new countries as they really are. Tasting the food, talking to the people, taking in the culture and living with the styles and furnishings are all part of the memories and understanding that you take away with you. Chain hotels and those just devoted to accommodating as many people as possible as cheaply as possible often can’t deliver this experience, which is why the market for boutique hotels is growing.

Design – Boutique hotels pay close attention to the design of their hotel. Everything from the colour on the walls to the way the staff greet you is designed to give you a complete experience. Traditional furniture and hand-made fabrics are accented by carefully chosen accessories to ensure that nothing is out of place and that whilst guests are made to feel at home, it is in an authentic environment.

Location – If you’re planning a trip to a new city, and you want to be sure of a complete experience, you should consider staying in a boutique hotel. Unlike purpose-built hotels, these hotels are usually located right in the heart of the city, often in older, more traditional buildings. Sympathetic design means that original features are usually retained, although contemporary design and décor are often placed around them, so you get a great hotel in a great part of town.

Service – If you want to know the best local market to visit, the least-explored historic monuments or just want to hire a bike to explore the countryside, the staff at your boutique hotel can help. Their priority is ensuring that you have everything you need, so whether you want to go to the best traditional restaurant or find the best walking route around the city, just ask.

Boutique City Hotels

Finding a good hotel from the hundreds that populate the world’s biggest cities can be a daunting task, and choosing the wrong one can ruin your trip.

Staying in a city gives you the opportunity to sample some of the best historical, cultural and cosmopolitan offerings in the world. From modern art galleries to internationally-famous theatres; exquisite cuisine to early-morning clubbing, a city experience is what you make of it, and part of that experience is the hotel.

No matter which city you’re visiting, it pays to choose your hotel carefully. If you been there before, then you can take the time to enjoy what the hotel has to offer; if it’s your first trip, then use the hotel’s expert knowledge to plan your days and nights during your stay. Choosing a city boutique offers you:

A great location – city boutiques are usually right where you want them to be; in the heart of the city. They may be round the corner from the most fashionable shopping area, next door to museums and art galleries or in the middle of the theatre district. There’s no need to spend a fortune on taxis or public transport because your hotel’s on the outskirts of town, and you can have a late breakfast and then move back and forth between the hotel depending on your day’s plans.

Traditional buildings – because these hotels are in central locations, they are often in fantastic buildings. From old townhouses to converted banks or offices, the building that houses the hotel is one of the main attractions and when the design is based around the original function of the building, retaining original features, the guest feels more at home than in a hotel, even in the middle of the city.

Activities – most modern cities have something going on twenty four hours a day, and chic boutique hotels are well placed to give you access to everything that’s happening. Local knowledge and established contacts mean that the hotel can help you organise day-trips, theatre visits or restaurant bookings amongst many other activities.

Whether you’re visiting a city for business or pleasure, choosing to stay in a boutique hotel is one way to ensure that the whole visit is a pleasure.

Boutique Beach Hotels

For many people, a beach holiday is their annual luxury; two weeks in the sun, with long sandy beaches and a tranquil sea is their idea of a perfect trip away. It doesn’t take much imagination to take a step further and turn that annual trip into a real experience by staying in a small, select hotel.

Beach resorts are one of the most ideal locations for boutique hotels. The idea of stepping out from your bedroom onto your own private beach area, or staying in an exclusive location just minutes’ walk from the sea is an attractive one to many. No chic beach resort is like another, however, so it’s worth taking a look at locations and hotels before you decide exactly what type of beach holiday is right for you.

Island getaways

There’s plenty of opportunity for boutique accommodation in the world’s island resorts. From the Maldives in the Indian Ocean to the always-popular Caribbean islands, the lure of white beaches, blue seas and a laid-back atmosphere attracts visitors from all over the world. Beach boutiques on the islands make the most of the natural environment, using colour and texture to bring the outdoors inside and creating relaxing surroundings that enable you to enjoy your beach holiday to the full. Examples of island boutiques include:

• Ostraco Suites, Mykonos, Greece
• Quilalea Island, Mozambique
• Elysian Bali Villas, Seminyak, Bali
• Montpelier Plantation Inn, St. Kitts & Nevis
• The Lone Star Hotel and Restaurant, Barbados
• Fundu Lagoon, Zanzibar

These are just some of the chic island retreats catering for guests who are looking for privacy and tranquillity within a design- and service-led hotel.

Beach resorts

It’s not just the islands that have wonderful stretches of coastline. The larger countries and continents boast hundreds of popular resorts where a boutique hotel can make all the difference to your holiday. Try the Old Quay House in Cornwall, England, where a perfect location, an historic building and sympathetic architecture and design make for the perfect coastal retreat. If you’re a lover of the Spanish coast, then take a look at the Beach House in Marbella, which is one of the coolest hotels in the country. Rio de Janeiro has a stunning coastline and a party atmosphere to match and you can make the most of both by staying at La Maison, which is hip, trendy and just a few minutes from the beach.

Bouillon Tourist Information

Bouillon is a city that is situated in the province of Luxembourg, in the western section of Belgium. A small city and part of the Neufchateau district, Bouillon has a relatively small population numbering just over 5,000 individuals. Yet, the small population of the city can be somewhat deceiving, Bouillon is a city that offers plenty of things to do see and enjoy.

Bouillon is located very near the French border and is surrounded by Ardennes. Filled with incredible castle structures, and many historical sites to see, the city of Bouillon draws thousands of tourists each year. The city of Bouillon is also the location where Godfrey of Bouillon first left for the Crusades in 1095. Further, the city of Bouillon was, at one time, under the rulership of the French—specifically King Louis XIV in 1676. Later, the city would become part of Belgium in the eighteen century.

Castles, museums, beer breweries, and recreational activities are all easily accessible to guests in Bouillon. In fact, if guests visit Bouillon at the right time of year, they can take in all of the recreational activities that are offered on an annual basis in Bouillon. The city of Bouillon offers a carnival every March, a Trout Festival every April; Falconry demonstrations between the months of April and August; a Medieval Weekend during the month of August; a Craft Fair in September; and a mountain biking expedition in September.

Places of interest:

Bouillon houses a number of sites of historical interest. The Archeoscope is filled to the brim with edifying exhibits: exhibits that will reveal the true history of Bouillon, from its early beginnings to the present day. Further, within the Archeoscope, travellers can view scale models of the existing fortifications within the city of Bouillon and neighbouring France. The Archeoscope is often the first site visited by travellers—the historical education provided by the location readies the traveller for other site seeing adventures within the city.

Alternatively, travellers may also want to see the Ducal Museum, housing exhibits pertaining to the First Crusade to the present. English speaking, guided tours are offered at the Ducal Museum, and guests can take in the breath-taking sixteenth and seventeenth century architecture that this museum is famous for. Ultimately, the Ducal Museums is a source of historical exploration that the entire family can easily enjoy.

Of course, travellers seldom leave Belgium before sampling its world famous beer or visiting one of its breweries. While staying in Bouillon, travellers can tour the Le Marché de Nathalie, the city’s single brewery; a brewery that brews well over 300 varieties of Belgium beer. Travellers are given the opportunity to sample some of Belgium’s finest brews at the Le Marché de Nathalie.

Things to do:

The annual Falconry Demonstration that is offered between the months of April and August is called the Ballet de Rapaces. Offered three times daily, the Falconry Demonstration is a perk of visiting the Castle in Bouillon. The times for the Falconry Demonstration are set at 11:30 am, 2:00 pm and 3:30 pm respectively. Each show lasts approximately ½ hour, just a short time for travellers to see the beautiful falcons and their abilities.

Alternatively, many tourists find that they are drawn to the medieval architecture of Bouillon and such travellers may enjoy seeing the Chateau Fort. The Chateau Fort was established in the late 900’s and was formerly owned by Godfrey of Bouillon. The Chateau Fort houses long, vast corridors, and dark dank dungeons for traveller exploration and the medieval charm of the Fort is truly unforgettable. Adults and children find the Chateau Fort incredibly interesting, and the guided tours—especially the nocturnal tours where guides walk tourist through the castle with lighted torch in hand—serve as an incredibly memorable experience. The Chateau Fort is accessible from 10 am to 6:00 pm and the cost of admission is nominal: 5.20 Euro and 3.50 Euro for children and adults respectively.

Food & Drink:

Travellers can enjoy a fine dining experience at the La Vieille Ardenne on Grand Rue, a café and restaurant that proudly offers catering facilities to the residents of Bouillon. The La Vieille Ardenne has an outdoor veranda and travellers can sit on the terrace while sampling one of Belgium’s famous beers. Alternatively, the Auberge du Panaroma situated at Au dessus de la Ville 23 serves a fine selection of French cuisine, and is open every day except Monday and Tuesday.

Those travellers looking for fantastic Italian entrees can please their palate at La Rocca; located at rue du Petit 19 in Bouillon. La Rocca is open every day except for Monday and offers its guest live entertainment while they dine. Children’s menus are available at La Rocca and the dining facility is handicapped accessible.

Meanwhile, travellers looking for a taste of Belgian cuisine will find precisely what they desire at La Baratin, located at Rue des Augustins 12. Open everyday of the week, except for Mondays and Tuesdays, La Baratin offers the best in Belgian dining. Popular entrees among travellers include frites, Flemish cabbage, Flemish Stew, mussels and chips, and a dessert consisting of Belgium’s famous chocolates can finish off any meal. Again, beer, including the fruity, flavored variety is available in many cafes and restaurants throughout Belgium.

Hotels & Accommodation:

Logis De France Auberge D'alsace et Hotel de France
Hotel Cosy
Auberge d'Alsace Hotel de France
Hotel Panorama
Best Western Hotel La Porte de France
Hotel La Ferronniere
Hostellerie La Pommeraie
Entertainment:

Bouillon is a suitable city for those travellers looking to partake in outdoor recreations. From hiking to cycling, from kayaking to mountain biking, Bouillon is a prime destination for the outdoor enthusiast. Travellers can engage in motor biking through the Ardennes or travellers can take advantage of canoeing adventures on the River Ambleve or on the River Ourthe, as well as other rivers in Belgium. There are a number of kayaking tour guides available thorough Belgium and they are skilled guides ready to help travellers make the most of their adventures while staying in Bouillon and other regions of Belgium.

Meanwhile, those travellers that love nothing more than a good shopping excursion can really enjoy all of the flea markets and outdoor markets strewn throughout the Belgium countryside. Many German antiques can be purchased at flea markets and the like, and travellers may be pleasantly surprised by the incredible deals they find while shopping in Bouillon. In the end, Bouillon poses appeal to every traveller; both children and adults alike. Bouillon offers entertainment and fun for everyone. With its rich history, site seeing opportunities, fine dining selections and recreational pursuits, Bouillon makes and ideal place to visit or live in.

What You Can Get From Fashion Designing Schools

Talent and education combined are the most secured foundation you can lay on in your pursue of career in the fashion industry.

Your talent is there, no doubt about that. But a free moving talent has lesser significance against that which was properly oriented to the fundamentals of channeling that talent into workable art.

The majority of fashion designers find great worth in attending fashion designing schools. Such schools would not only supplement them with the proper and structured knowledge but will also help them expand their basic skills through applied art. The curriculums offered in fashion designing schools are specifically designed to stimulate the interests of the students. Additionally, the curriculums offered in fashion designing schools would stabilize the groundwork for improving the innate talents young fashion designers have.

Normally, training programs in fashion designing schools are created ideally to put challenge on the students by integrating both theoretical and technical means of learning to produce creative and artistic designs. Sensible approaches are also introduced to the artists to change and innovate fashion trends that are apt for various present requirements.

Fashion designing schools exist primarily because both the greats and to-be greats acknowledge the worth of sending themselves into formal trainings so as to equip them with the knowledge and learning they need. It is not enough for you to know how to produce your fashion creations, you must also take responsibility in grooming yourself.

Fashion designing is not just about fame or being recognized by Hollywood. It is not also only about making money out of your skills. It also deals with the expression of art's beauty in your creative outputs- in the items you make and in the justifications you give to the art.

As for those who are trying to find their veins in the fashion industry, entering into fashion designing schools is the best way to orient themselves with the basic instructions on pattern and clothes making, body measurements and sewing.

While it is true that a couple of people in the industry undergone no formal training, we still can't ignore the basic truth that those who schooled themselves with the art fare much better than those who bargain on talent and skills alone.

Attending in a fashion designing school would not only pave your way towards creativity and artistry, it would also lay a path for you to achieve great in the fashion industry. For one, the instructors in many well-renowned fashion schools have the access to influences that could intensely increase the likelihood for you to make a name in the field. An education in a fashion school can practically increase your credibility and reputation when seeking employment. This then will inevitably open wider options for you to take higher roads towards success and fame.

Since the beginning of industry, some people have already initiated to create a formal environment to hone artists. But these back then were often dismissed and laughed at. Recently though, many were encouraged to enter such schools for the refinement of their talents and skills. Thus, we can see the products in the field now.

If you want to venture on the professional world of fashion designing, these schools are one of the best alleys you can take. These are not your absolute answers to career but they are sure to help you find your own niche and special interests.

High Heels, High Hopes, and the Role of Fashion Design Schools

The fashion world has long been filled with glitz and glamour. The ramp for models is always long, dramatic, and well-lighted. The walk is certainly a walk for fame, fortunately for aspirants but sometimes leading to a walk for shame. Who is behind all these promises and/or even breakdowns? No less than the fashion designers.

What, exactly, does a fashion designer do?

Basically, with streaks of talent, creativity, and sensitivity, fashion designers, as if influenced by Rumpelstiltskin, craft accessory and clothing sketches. They usually concentrate in one nature of accessory or garment such as women's or men's apparels, swimwear, lingerie, children's garments, handbags, and even shoes. They, sometimes, lead the groundwork of the creation and promotion of their creations.

Famous fashion designers prefer to be self-employed and they cater for the request of their clients. Some cater to high-fashion department stores or to specialty stores. They establish fashion statements by setting the colors, silhouette, and type of materials that are worn each season.

There are also some designers who are employed by manufacturers of clothes. These designers just adapt fashion statements set by other designers for the market. However, there are small manufacturers who just purchase or copy designs.

Both designers sketch unique garments and follow certain trends in fashion. Likewise, both need assistants who should get used to the fast-paced schedule of the fashion business.

In detail, these designers execute the following tasks:

• Draw their unique designs.
• Create patterns for sample garments.
• Choose textile and add-ons (accessories).
• Apply tailoring and basic dressmaking principles along with draping techniques and flat pattern works.
• Fit and alter the completed product, if necessary.
• Set-up a fashion show.
• Compare the performance of the merchandise against the competitors.
• Keep self up-to-date of latest fashion trends thru magazines and other fashion shows.
• Have frequent trips to fabric showrooms to keep self updated of latest type of fabrics.

Actually, fashion designers can be categorized as follows:

1. Lead or Head Designers
They take care of the executive and creative tasks.

2. Assistant or Apprentice Designers
They usually make patterns and sample garments. They may also teach sample makers how to make patterns and designer garments.

      3.   Specialty Designers
They coordinate with other designers about special lines of garments.

4. Costume or Theatrical Designers
They usually create costumes used in theater and movie productions on a contractual basis.

The foundations for their creations are their knowledge, skills, and abilities honed in fashion schools and trainings in the long run.

• Basic Design – This refers to technical know-how included in the creation and use of technical blueprints, drawings, plans, and models.
• Idea Production – This is the ability of designers to approach problems creatively and resourcefully.
• Dynamic Learning – This is being able to analyze implications of new information and materials at hand.
• Operations Scrutiny – This is considering requirements of products to execute a design.
• Uniqueness – This pertains to unusual cleverness vis-à-vis trying situations.
• Harmonization – This is being able to having good coordination with others.
• Visioning – This is being able to see how an organization works under real conditions.

The talents and skills of these artists are really important in the fashion industry. The work requires an eye for a striking creation and business management. Thus, aside from the portfolio of their usually creations, formal education help these designers acquire the secrets of the trade in this business. In fact, graduation from a college or school that provides training on fashion and design is highly recommended in the industry, to keep incoming designers updated on the advent of new techniques and technologies.

However, some leaders of this industry view vocational training schools and community college as more capable of producing competent artists because these institutions work along with clothing industries.

Vocational schools provide trainings in sketching, draping and grading, pattern making, garment construction, textiles and trimmings, costume history, principles of design and color; and how to plan and market seasonal fashion lines.

High school students inclined in fashion and design should finish basic courses in arts, sewing, mathematics, speech, English, and business.

Usually, vocational institutions provide a two-leveled program with certificate that is consonant to the degree in Associate of Arts. For those who want to enter the fashion field immediately, a first level certificate of proficiency is provided. The next level of proficiency, the second-level requires a greater time of completion.  But upon graduation, artists are considered competent enough to aim for positions as Assistant Designers. After all the necessary formal trainings and specializations, those who have the guts and high hopes spin gold fabrics!

What to Look for From Fashion Designer Schools

There are lots of people who can tell you a thing or two about fashion designer schools. They may be right- fashion schools may not add up to your talent at the end of the day but you see, the other face of the coin might also be true. That is, fashion schools would not only keep you informed, you will also get to enhance your talents and special interests.

The truth is, having the talents is not enough. You need to be properly trained to get this talent on the right track. One good way of doing this is to attend fashion designer schools.

Like with everything, you need to find a school that can provide you with all the stuffs you need while justifying the bill of their curriculum.

There are a number of things you should be considering in your choice of school. Among them are: cost, services and curriculum.

The cost, both the initial and the extra charges, is probably the major consideration among aspiring talents. Fashion designer schools are few and they can't be simply accessed in every city. That would mean extra baggage on your part.

How much it costs to attend a fashion designer school, you ask. Well, this cant be answered concretely with figures since these vary from one school to another. Also, this issue is largely dependent on many factors including the popularity of the fashion designer school, the spectrum of services it offers and the facilities it has.

It's good if you are not bothered with the cost of the school. Sadly, most of us tend to be practical when dealing with things. However, this does not suggest that one should dive fast on the least expensive school you can get your hands on. There are also dangers in this. Remember that with lower price, the quality and the services of the institution suffers.

Now, that leaves you only to choosing between a well-performing school with high tuition fee or a mediocre fashion designer school with much lower price.

Whatever your choice is, you have to spot on the balance. Find the one which can give you the best of both worlds. Surely, there are those fashion designer schools that chose to put income as secondary and exchange this for the main aim of fostering passion in fashion designing among their budding artists.

The services a fashion designer school should also be taken into thought. These factors cover the job placement services to graduate students, a number of scholarships, a well-performing teaching staff and the general competence of the institution.

Last on your list of consideration is the curriculum the school offers. Keep in mind that you went to a fashion designer school to learn. If a specific school can only provide you with the things that you can learn by other means then the purpose of entering would be spoiled. Secure to it that you are well supplemented with the ideals of the program.

Formal training must be the real aim of any curriculum. This then should be combined with a good mixture of theoretical approach plus the application of the learning earned from classroom setting.

The basic offers among fashion designer schools are fashion basics, modeling, sales marketing and fashion merchandising.

These are just some of the many factors that you can first consider reflect on so that you would arrive to a final choice of school that you will be contented with.

Dating Quiz

What happens for the first time when a girl meets a boy? It can be either attraction, or revulsion or neutral reaction. When a boy meets a girl, he may find her beautiful attractive, charming. Good speaker, intelligent or having some quality that may attract the boy to the girl. That is like a magnetic pull. Many people fall in love in the beginning because they found the shape of nose to be very cute or the laughter very attractive.

During dating, when you are asking for a date, that magnetic pull has to be present in the beginning. Without that pull no date will get finalized. If you feel revulsion, you will surely not agree for the date. How to develop the magnetic attraction so that you get the first date? Things can go forward only after you get the first date. The question here is how to develop magnetic attraction.

Surly, you do not know about what quality of yours may attract the girl or boy towards you. So the best bet is it develop all the qualities and eliminate all those qualities that may produce any revulsion. Wherever you are not sure be neutral. Let me explain further.

If you see me laughing and find that my teeth are dirty or having stains, surely you will hate that. If you talk to me and sense bad odor, surely you will turn back. It is also true for body odor. Watching my nails, you would surely want to see well-manicured nails, and not dirty nails without shape. You may get shocked if you find me wearing clothes having weird color combination. There are so many areas where we should take care and present ourselves as a perfect specimen. Keep a bunch of good jokes ready. Jokes can break any barrier. Avoid all criticism. Avoid political talk. Avoid everything that may immediately provoke a reaction. The formula for the magnetic attraction is simple - Enhance all that is positive, eliminate all negatives and wherever unsure, adopt neutral attitude. Add in lots of confidence and you are through.

Photo Tips for Dating Personals

You're ready to try online dating. You've polished your profile, and your best friend has concluded that you are so attractive that even they would like to date you. It's come to that time! Somebody online who posted a dating personal wants to see what you look like. What picture of yourself will you paint when you display a photo along with your profile?

There are a few guidelines that apply to online dating photos that you should observe which will improve your profile. These are as follows:

1. Do add at least one photo of yourself to your profile! If you don't, you're seriously putting yourself at a disadvantage. Many people search only for people who have uploaded photos. Still others don't like the idea of a "blind date," and won't go through with a meeting if they haven't seen what you look like.

2. Remember that you are trying to be a salesperson here; you're trying to sell yourself. Look at the photographs of other people on the online dating site. Is yours similar? If so, you will not stand out from the crowd! The photo you post should be good quality.

Do yourself a favour and forget the shot that someone took of you when you were at a nightclub last month, cut off just to one side where your ex was still in the photo. There are tons of photos like this, and they don't make people want to find out more! Your profile will be more attractive than if you hadn't posted a photo, probably, but you're still not going to stand out from the crowd and do yourself justice. Ask yourself what you would want to see if you were a member of the target audience (usually the opposite sex), looking at your profile for the first time, and be critical.

At the very least, have a photo taken of yourself for the express purpose of using with your dating profile. You don't need to have had it done professionally, although it certainly wouldn't hurt! I suggest you find yourself someone who has a digital camera (or have them borrow yours) and can take photos well, and offer them a pint or three to take several photos of you. Get them to take a fair number of photos (20 or so), perhaps on different settings, because not all of them may work well, and because you then have a good selection to choose from.

Choose your backdrop carefully! A nice simple approach is to go to a field or a beach when it's near sunset, and have photos taken of yourself against this background. The background you choose should show yourself in a romantic or fun setting, and your clothes should be appropriate to that setting.

How about an interesting alternative? If you know somebody who is good with art packages such as Paint Shop Pro, have them paint out the background, and change the photo so that it looks like a spotlight is shining on you!

3. It may be a good idea to try and improve the photo, as is often done of photos of models in advertising. If you have any obvious, but small, disfigurements, these could be airbrushed out with a painting package. If you can't do it yourself, you probably know someone who can do it for you. Don't go overboard with this; make sure the photo still looks like you!

4. Don't be tempted to lie by posting a photo of George Clooney or Catherine Zeta Jones, unless of course you really are one of those people! The photo must be one of yourself, otherwise when it comes to a face-to-face meeting, the relationship could be over before it's even begun!

5. This tip is not well-known. Add a border to your photo, coloured the same as the hyperlinks on the target site. The reason for this is partly to make your photo stand out, but also because most photos shown on online dating agency sites are also links to your profile. Your photo will then look like a link, and it increases the chance of it being clicked on. If there is any "outside" to your photo, this should then have the exact same colour as the background of the site. This can be found by using Alt-Print Screen to grab an image of your web browser when on the dating site, then pasting it into an art package, and identifying the colour from there. (Note that some online dating agency sites already supply borders around images; the trick will not work on these.)

6. If you have several photos of you doing interesting activities and the site permits it, post one photo of you doing each activity in addition to your head-and-shoulders shot. For example, photos of you skiing while on holiday; photos showing you braving the rapids in white-water rafting; photos of you doing your favourite sport. They help to prove that you do the things you say you do in your profile, and they make your profile more interesting!

How To Write A Knockout Personal Ad

If you’re about to leap into dating personals and don’t know how to begin to write that knockout dating personal ad, then read further on for some simple steps that will help develop a strategy to create a dating profile that works. Keep in mind this information is based on my personal opinions, and are not taken from any professional dating avenues, so I suggest you read at your own risk!

At this point you did your homework and found some really good dating sites that you feel will meet most, if not all, your dating needs. Now you’re sitting at your computer desk with your word program open staring off into space, trying to figure out a way to express whom you are as a person.

Are you the type of individual that can easily write a job resume, but when it comes to providing delicate information about yourself, you end up playing the game, find the polar bear in a white snowstorm on your blank piece of paper or computer screen? Well don’t worry, because you’re in the same boat with millions of other people out there with the same problem!

It’s not easy to whip up a profile about yourself, because you are your biggest critic. If you had some bad experiences with dating in the past, or you may have had very little practice in the so-called date community, this could be a reason you will have a hard time trying to get the right message out to the other online singles, which will be seeking you out for any future potential relationship.

Dating Profiles Should Be Written With A Resume Approach!

Whether you’re writing for a work resume or a free personals dating ad, one thing that’s commonly required is a clear detailed approach. Now depending how serious you are about meeting someone online is up to you, and that will be reflected in the end result of your personals profile.

Step # 1:
 Talk to your closest friends and family, and ask them to comment on your personality, and tell why you want this information so they don’t lie to you. Their perception of you is extremely valuable information, because they know you the best! It may be a true eye opener on what other people may think about you, and how they actually perceive you as a person. You may think that you’re the coolest cat on the planet, later to find out that you have personal flaws that put you in the ranks of a sloppy dog.

You need this feedback, because if you were dating in the past and have not picked up on any of your weaknesses by now, then all you’re going to do is get more frustrated with yourself as the limited responses come in from your ad.

Step # 2:
Now that you received your incredibly honest feedback from your best friends and family and wondered why they enjoyed the process immensely, you now realize that you actually don’t look like Brad Pitt, or Pamela Anderson, and that sticking a bratwurst up your nose on a first date is not allowed, you are now ready to take this wonderfully critical information and start writing your profile message.

The Singles Version Of: Who, What, Where, When, Why!

Step # 3:
If you’re having difficulty putting all your personal information in your singles profile, follow the standard format that many Marketing companies use for their advertising campaigns. Remember that writing dating ads is very similar to marketing ads. You want to get your message across to someone that is interested in your qualities and personal attributes, which is very similar to an advertisement targeting certain demographics to sell their product. Does that make sense? Ok, let’s continue then!

a."Who" are you as a person? Don’t BS here, make sure you tell it like it is, even if your mother branded you as the crazy black sheep out of all the siblings! Deep down this is where you will start to find your true compatibility with others online, because if you like to eat French Toast and bacon for dinner, and hotdogs for breakfast, you may be
surprised that there are hundreds of others that enjoy to do the same. You see where I’m going with this? It’s not how you look, how smart you are, or how many reps you can do at the gym. It’s common interest, and sometimes people who find things that are in common with others means more to them than anything else.

b. "What" are you looking for in an online match? Again, tell it like it is! Do you want to meet someone for long walks on the beach, and romantic dinners by candlelight, or would you rather find someone that enjoys eating spicy nachos and watching re-runs of Gilligan’s Island. Believe it or not, there are people that enjoy this! The bottom line is express in your ad what you are looking for in a person that is most compatible to your lifestyle. So if you’re not into horseback riding naked, then don’t put that in your profile, just so you can try and impress the other person. It doesn’t work that way in the matchmaking process.

c. "Where" would you like to find and meet someone for a potential date? If you want to only have select meetings with singles in your community, or surrounding area, make sure to mention this, and be clear and to the point. More than likely if you neglect to put this fact in your dating place of choice, you may get responses from all over the world, and unless you happen to be traveling outside of America to countries like Australia, China, or Brazil, then it’s crucial that you’re specific on how far you’re willing to travel to meet someone. Give them a miles radius, and this will definitely narrow down your selection.

d. "When" are you available once a match is confirmed? I’m not sure if you will agree with me or not on this subject. I find that if you’re going to the length of finding compatible singles on relationship sites that specialize in matchmaking, chances are they’re going to eventually find you a match, so make sure you’re prepared to go on your date, and that you have the available quality time to do so.

In this part of your personal profile, express that you have put special time aside in your hectic schedule to spend some valuable dating time with that select individual. Nothing is worse than finally making that ultimate match, to find out that you’re schedule is booked solid. Don’t worry, your mother doesn’t need your help finding that missing sock in the
dryer anymore, so take that off your list and free up one day.

e. "Why" are you using a service online over conventional dating avenues? This is a very touchy subject to put in your profile match description, and could be left out if you feel it is not necessary, or anybody’s business. However, even though most single individuals know why they're on the dating site and don’t feel they need to express their reasons, they seem to be extremely curious of why the other person is on the matchmaking site. In this case, it’s to your advantage to be honest and communicate why you’re using the services.

Of course, you’re going to read things like: I’m tired of head games, or I don’t have the time, because I deliver papers in the morning, run a fast food restaurant during the day, and race gerbils at night! Hello, again tell the truth! Write in your profile relationship box that you have already dated in the community, and you want to meet more compatible
people in your area. Tell them you haven’t found the right one yet, and explain to them that friendship is all that you have found so far, and you’re looking for more in a relationship, and that is why you’re searching on the Internet!

The last bit of online dating advice I would like to provide to you is that you really have to express you true self without sounding desperate. Many of the singles online will easily pick this up if you submit comments like, I date anybody that has a heartbeat, or I’m not picky!

Everybody is looking for the right one that has the most compatible features, so before you start writing that knockout personal profile, and you're serious about finding someone for a long-term romance or possible marriage, remember it’s not always about looks, money, or how intelligent you are, it may be as simple as telling someone that you really enjoy spending quality time with your partner on the comfy couch, with a bowl of popcorn watching a marathon of sappy movies together.

Dating Personals

Can singles make a love connection on dating personals? Yes! Dating personals, it seems, are ideal for single people seeking dates, a romance, and in extreme cases, sexual partners.

Additionally, people who are weary of the local dating scene, are suddenly single, or are caught up in a hectic professional life, are usually the ones who browse through the dating personals as an alternative to meeting people at bars, clubs, through friends, etc. Dating personals in magazines or newspapers or on the Internet allow them to place a personal advertisement that has the potential to generate interest from a variety of people who have something in common with them.

A good profile clearly states the applicant’s individual qualities and preferences, in addition to precise information on what he or she is looking for. The key is to create a profile that “pulls” or immediately arrests the readers’ attention; this necessitates a creative headline and a couple of key points and should end with a flourish. Avoid needy or corny lines like “Are you my soul mate?”. Whether your reasons for placing an ad in the dating personals section is camaraderie, romance, or future marriage, submitting an honest resume will increase your chances of accurate matches; your dating profile must be created just like your professional resume. And, above all, it should be factual.

Most people are a bit hesitant to post personals or meet someone who has advertised in them, fearing that the person could be a stalker or a rapist. Although people have to be careful when it comes to blind dates, those who place personal ads are basically people looking for some company.

How The British Date Online

Dating online site UK is the latest dating free online UK provides a venue for those who live in the UK and are looking for good sites for online chat, dating and personals. Dating online site UK offers some of the top online dating agencies for those of you who are looking to find the perfect match, for help and advice for dating direct. Dating online site UK. If you are looking for other singles in the UK, for love online, for personal ads or just want an online chat site where you can start dating, you’ve found the best place to start.

Depending on the type of relationship you are looking for- whether casual or long-term- there is dating online site UK service available for you. Dating online site UK simply makes a match on the client and the people he or she wants to meet. The dating online site UK singles dating service caters for you - whether you're looking for a life partner, something more casual, or friendship. We offer an affordable matching service that lets you communicate without having to give out your personal details.

Dating online site UK sites are an ideal way to search and meet people at their leisure in the comfort of their own home. Dating online site UK sites allow users to register for free and view the profiles of people that match up with clients before they need to make any financial commitment.
Fee-based dating online site UK sites usually won’t allow users to communicate fully with other members before they pay for a subscription. Still, the dating online site UK sites should let users see how many singles match their search criteria and give them the opportunity to peruse the matches. If the site is being overly protective of their members, they may not have enough subscribers in the first place.

Singles in the UK now have a huge choice of dating sites and services open to them to chat and mail. so that whether you are in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Nottingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Bristol, Cardiff or Leeds we can find the right place for you to help you start dating direct and find your perfect match. Some sites let you look for singles online in the same towns as you, so if you live in Leeds or Manchester you can find other single people close to you and not living in Brighton or Bristol! Direct dating services are all about making life easy for you. A dating agency is another alternative. But you need to undergo an interview and to provide references.

The In’s And Out’s Of Dating Online

Dating online services are hitting the jackpot these days. While other internet business are floundering, dating online services have a noted increase in number of users and customers.  There are more than 700 dating online services in the United States alone and new sites are cropping up weekly.

This phenomenon could be partially attributed to the fact that more and more singles are getting online due to the accessibility of internet. And they are looking to the internet for solutions to their loneliness problems. Single adults these days are often juggling two jobs a day barely having time to socialize with people there age. Suffice it to say, dating online services provide a number of solutions to today’s single adults dating woes.

Taking some time in choosing could greatly improve your chances of choosing a quality dating online services site, one that gives you the best possible odds of finding love online. The following are the features offered by dating online services:

Physical Attraction Matching Allow you to select matches that fit your physical ideal.

Personality Matching. Some dating online services provide members with an in-depth view of their personality strengths and weaknesses.

Photo Gallery / Search. This dating online services feature allows you to view a group of photos to find those that fit your visual ideal.

Best Features. This feature of dating online services lets you state your most attractive quality and select matches according to your criteria.

Favorites. This dating online services feature lets you save your favorite matches so you can find them later.

Video Profiles. Technology is in place on the dating site to let you post video of yourself. These profiles allow you to describe yourself over a video to provide a live representation of yourself. Live video conferencing is on the way for some dating sites.

Voice Greetings / Messages. This is another dating online services option to personalize your profile. Voice greetings and messages give others the opportunity to hear your voice without committing to speak to you.

Email Notifications (Real Time). Delivers email notifications real-time when someone wants to chat with you. It allows you to enter a live chat session whenever you are online, not just from the dating site. Some sites don’t send the message that you have a flirt or message waiting except at a specific time of day, so real-time updates are an asset to look for.

Online Chat / Instant Message Allow you to chat using instant messaging windows on the dating site. You can chat without revealing your personal information.

Criminal Background Check This important feature screens all members for any past criminal activity. It helps reduce dating risks for members.

Dating online has become a social activity

Dating is a social activity which involves two or more people generally assessing each other’s suitability for a potential relationship. Dating can also be enjoyed as part of an already active relationship.  The word “Dating” actually comes from the arranging of a time and “date” of meeting.
Dates, in many traditional cultures, are arranged by third-parties (such as a family member or a close friend) or dedicated dating agencies. In modern western culture, however, this process has been relaxed and it’s up to the partners to arrange something. Dating usually involves money, traditionally it was up to the male partner to pay for the dates, however it is becoming more common for each party to share the costs. This is known as “Going Dutch”. Dates can involve going the movies or for a meal.
There are many different types of dating, such as:
A standard date; this involves two people
A double date; this is where two couples go on a date at the same time and location
Group date; where any number of couples can enjoy a date
Blind date; this is where the participants have never met personally before. These are arranged by a third party or a dedicated dating agency
Speed dating; this is where groups of individuals go to a dedicated place with lots of other individuals have short “dates” with each other. During this type of dating the participants generally only have time to find out the basic details about the other partner. Participants can often have “dates” with as many as 50 people in one night.
Dating can also have different meanings for individuals. For example in teenage culture dating can mean individuals spending lots of time together, away from the usual social groups, which can eventually become an “exclusive partnership”.
Dating can often initiated via peer pressure or attention seeking by one or more of the partners. During the dates issues such as misreading of one partners commitment can occur or often partners may try to make themselves “look better”, perhaps via lying. Issues like this can lead to seduction, time wasting or most severely date rape.
There is also an increase in “casual relationships” opposed to dating; these are setup purely for the partners to engage in sexual relationship, without the need for commitment or dating. The internet and changing social attitudes has lead to this.

Dating on the net

You get going at your own pace and only when you feel well to do. You don’t have to concern about somebody else. Yet, relative being unknown afforded by online dating means that some standard of caution must be implemented.
The fact is that, first of all, completely you don’t know the individual that you are talking to on the net. All of them for you is a sentence and possibly a picture, with that sort of uncertainty it can be easy to make any number of unlikely impression or images. Run down of online dating will always point to the extreme examples of physical meetings gone awry after online ourtships. I would affirm that these examples are extreme and actually more infrequent than with same stories in traditional dating.

First and foremost, never proceed at a pace that makes you feel uncomfortable. Whereas in a physical setting you can generally get a read or a vibe as to the sort of person you are speaking with, online dating makes that sort of gut impression more difficult to come by. It can take extended conversations before you feel comfortable enough to actually meet somebody, and that is perfectly acceptable. Remember that you truthfully don’t know this person at all, and if they begin to pressure you into meeting them sooner than you’re comfortable with, it may be a good idea to simply nip the relationship in the bud.

If at all possible, see if you can find out any information about the person online through mutual friends or acquaintances. One thing is true about the internet: It has made the world infinitely smaller. Chances are good
that, between you and your online interest, you share at least one common relationship. Use this to your advantage! Any information that you can find out about this potential romantic prospect is bound to be beneficial, if only for your own peace of mind. If said mutual relationships don’t exist, follow the above advice and proceed at a pace that you are comfortable with.
When it does come time to meet your online interest for the first time, a little common sense goes a long way.

It is probably a good idea to make your first meeting public rather than private. Until you know somebody well enough, you might forgo the seclusion of dinner and a movie at one of your homes and instead opt for a restaurant and theater. Until you know somebody well enough and are comfortable with them, having people around when you meet is beneficial. It allows you to get a better feel for the type of person you are speaking with whilst maintaining a safe amount of distance from them.

Conclusively, always telling a friend or family member you are going to meet somebody and where you are going, never compromise. At least initially, you don’t know what kind of this person very well at all. By doing simple steps, let a friend or family member knowing you are going to, you are avoided for a bad luck dating.

Boston, a Bargain Travel Guide

Made famous by Revolutionary events, infamous by cold winters, & both by the World-Series winning Red Sox, Boston has its fair share of reasons to visit. With such a reputation, however, comes high prices, & it's become increasingly difficult to find bargain deals in the city. That is why we created a list of budget restaurants, bars & activities that both locals & tourists can use when going out in Boston. Spanning the unique Boston neighborhoods, we have suggestions whether you are with family, friends or single. We also provide ideas for dates that won't break the bank - great especially for a first outing, yet perfect also for a change of pace in the old routine.

sister Jimmy's BBQ (96 Winthrop St., Cambridge) - Enjoy a number of the best BBQ you can find north of Memphis & east of St. Louis. While the entrees can get pricey, you can enjoy a great BBQ sandwich & a side for under $10. Try the pulled Chicken with the Eastern Carolina sauce & the mashed potatoes with gravy. If you are looking to splurge, try a Swamp-water; this fish bowl of liquor is $15, but does come with its own alligator. On Wednesdays, be sure to check out the Ladies Night specials & receive $1 domestic beers & $1 margaritas. Also on Wednesdays, receive a 25% discount on your food purchases with a valid Southern ID (States south of the Mason-Dixon Line & east of the Mississippi). On Saturdays, there's $0.35 wings & $8 pitchers from 12-4pm. For those  looking to eat, stop by on Sundays for all-you-can-eat ribs & all-you-can-drink drafts for $22.95 (two hour max) or on Mondays for all-you-can-eat wings & rib tips & all-you-can-drink drafts for $14.95.

Grendel's Den (89 Winthrop Street, Harvard Square) - Stop by for the happy hour food specials from 5-7:30pm & after 9:30pm at this popular Harvard Square bar. The entire menu (normally  reasonable) is half priced, giving the diner on a budget some great options. Try the Mediterranean platter for steak tips & hummus for only $5 during happy hour. Also, stop by on Sunday evenings for the special dollar menu, featuring items such burgers & pasta. there is a minimum drink purchase of $3 required for the discount prices.

Fajitas & Ritas (25 West St., Downtown or 1237 Hancock St., Quincy) - it is easy to stuff yourself with fresh Tex-Mex food here without spending  much cash, because Fajitas & Ritas is one of the few places around that serves dinner-sized fajitas for less than $10. For those who prefer the Tex instead of the Mex, you can get a BBQ pulled pork sandwich accompanied by slaw, beans & corn bread, also for under $10. & even though you might be trying to save cash, it is hard not to splurge on a Raspberry Margarita for a bit over $4. No matter your budget, you won't be hungry when you leave!

McCormick & Schmick's (North Market Building, Faneuil Hall) - This upscale seafood restaurant can normally cost a  penny but at happy hour someone can afford to enjoy a number of McCormick & Schmick's great food. From 3:30 to 6:30pm Monday through Friday & 10pm-12am on Saturday & Sunday, the bar features a $1.95 menu featuring standby favorites such as burgers, chicken wings, & cheese quesadillas, as well as seafood choices such as oysters & clams. The menu changes daily & there is a minimum drink purchase required. Reservations are suggested. For more info, take a look at their web-site here.

Sunset Grill & Tap (130 Brighton Ave., Allston) - While this bar doesn't have any drink specials, the sheer vastness of its beer selection makes it worth checking out. Offering 112 beers on tap & 380 types of bottled beer, Sunset is truly a beer drinker's heaven. The prices range based on the brand but try the Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA. This one is 9% alcohol so at about $4 per pint, it can be a  cool deal. For the drinker living on the edge, there is the 120 Minute IPA, which is 21% alcohol by volume. The Sunset also offers a menu of tasty, relatively cheap food to accompany your beer selections. You might need to get here early; the lines & wait can get long. For more information take a look here.

Drink Specials

Roggie's Brew & Grille (356 Chestnut Hill Ave., Brighton) - While this is definitely a Boston College bar, any one looking for a fun scene & young crowd can enjoy this Brighton hotspot. Roggie's offers 52 beers on tap & martinis for only $5. Also stop by between 4-7pm for $0.15 wings. For those with a larger crowd, or perhaps looking to not remember their night, try the 64 once bowls of mixed drinks for around 17 dollars. As an added bonus, Roggie's also has a pizza shop right next door for someone looking for some great cheap eats after a night of heavy drinking.

Pour House Bar & Grill (909 Boylston Street, Fenway Kenmore) - widely known as a college student's dream bar, this place offers a fun crowd & cheap prices. The deals on food can be exceptional. On Wednesdays after 6pm, try the $2.50 chicken sandwich & Saturdays after 6pm all burgers are half priced. This bar offers a  standard selection of drinks, which are also reasonably priced. The service is seat-yourself, but this bar can fill up  quickly.

Activities

Beacon Hill Pub (149 Charles Street, Beacon Hill) - If you are looking to relive your college years, then Beacon Hill Pub is the place to go. Start with the $1.55 Bud draft pints in plastic cups. Then challenge your buddies to a game of foosball or pinball. Within minutes you'll feel as if you are 21 again (or even 18?). Wednesday nights are best if you are looking for a fun but chill scene - make sure to introduce yourself to Garrett the bartender (and, of work, tip him), & he'll be sure to remember your poison & prepare it for you as soon as you approach the bar. Thursdays through Saturdays tend to be more crowded, but fun all the same, especially if that is more your scene. Don't worry about driving & trying to find a parking spot in the impossible Beacon Hill neighborhood - a T stop & a cabstand are only a few steps from the door.

Faneuil Hall Marketplace (Downtown) - More commonly referred to as Quincy Market, this marketplace offers all kinds of food, shopping & live entertainment. Hungry? Try one of the 17 restaurants or 40 eateries serving up everything from famous old England clam chowda to ethnic Indian &, of work, delectable deserts. Looking for something old? there's multiple retailers, from recognized apparel stores to local gift shops, for you to browse. Just need to be entertained? The musical & variety acts put on by the street performers provide free amusement for passerbys of all ages. Or check out The Comedy Connection (see write-up below) for a more organized comedic routine. Located on the waterfront & easily identified by the cobblestone walkways & 19th century buildings, Quincy Market cannot be missed.

Kayak the Charles (Charles River Canoe & Kayak, in Artesani Park in Allston/Brighton) - you are sure to cross the Charles River at some point during your stay in Boston - but have you ever considered paddling through it? Stroll with a friend to the Charles River Canoe & Kayak kiosk & rent a two-person canoe or kayak for around $15 per hour. Whether you are looking for a strenuous workout or a leisurely paddle (the waters are typically calm), kayaking the Charles River can provide either two, or anything in-between. Just make sure the skies are sunny, because rentals are not available on rainy days. Easily spotted in Artesani Park by the green-roof, this rental site is open on fair days from May through early October. Check out other options at their web-site here.

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum (280 The Fenway, Fenway Kenmore) - If the long Bostonian winter gets you & your significant other down, & you both need to see something blooming (but know that won't happen outside in winter), you can visit the atrium in the center of the Gardner Museum, where the garden courtyard is flowering in every season. there's also two floors of art that, upon Ms. Gardner's direction, have not been modified since their placement during the 19th century. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, 11am to 5 pm. If you can convince them your name is Isabella, you can get in for free. Otherwise, show a student ID for a $5 admission fee. You can get to the museum by taking the Huntington Avenue No. 39 bus or the Green Line train to the Museum stop.

The Comedy Connection (Faneuil Hall Marketplace) Relax for a night & let the upcoming professionals work to make your date laugh! Comedians perform live every day of the week, but you will need to call (617.248.9700) for reservations if you plan to attend a show between Thursday & Saturday. Ticket prices usually range between $12 & $25, depending on who's on stage, but cheaper doesn't mean less funny - just less widely known acts, which often leads to more original comedy. To see who will be performing next, check here.

Cheap Dates

South Street Diner (corner of Kneeland & South Sts, Beacon Hill) - Nothing beats sharing a booth & a milkshake at a diner with your date. Open 24 hours a day, there is no bad time to take your significant other out for a bite - be it breakfast, dinner or dessert. Actually, no matter when you go, you should still order a slice of their famous chocolate mousse cake! From the jukebox playing the hits of the decade to the life-sized James Dean near the bathroom, South Street provides that happy, romantic feel we all associate with a typical 1950s diner.

Mike's Pastry (300 Hanover St., in the North End) - need to show your date how sweet you can be? Then take him or her to Mike's Pastry & choose from a selection of cannoli, biscotti, cheesecake & every other italian dessert you could imagine. You can order  tasty treats to satisfy yourself & your date without being alarmed by

Bora Bora

Bora Bora, located in the Society Islands, is Tahiti’s crown jewel – a true Polynesian island paradise that tourists the world over consider the ultimate tropical vacation destination. Hollywood, and film industries from most other parts of the globe, have never tired of capturing its spectacular topography. Probably its most definitive landmarks are the twin towers of black rock and an azure lagoon of clearest tropical water.

Considering the ideal location and nature of this island getaway, it is not really surprising that water sports like water skiing, parasailing and tackle fishing feature prominently amongst the things to do there.

Responding to the potential, many enterprising holiday specialists have provided matchless facilities to enjoy such activities at almost any budget. And Bora Bora’s spectacular natural beauty is far from superficial and skin deep. The world beneath its waves makes it the perfect hunting ground for professional and amateur scuba diving enthusiasts.

Recreational tourism aside, Bora Bora is also amongst the world’s legendary backdrops for freshly baked romance. Newlyweds who choose the island for their honeymoon will have something to cherish, discuss and reminisce about for the rest of their lives.

Despite the high influx of tourists every year, Bora Bora has managed to avoid the cluttered, cheap boardwalk culture that one tends to associate with seaside and island resorts closer to home. There is nothing trashy about Bora Bora. It is very well connected by sea and air, and reaching it is as thrilling a visual experience as actually holidaying there. Excellent internal transport ensures that the entire wealth of Bora Bora’s splendor is available for a visitor’s inspection and enjoyment.

Unlike many other resort destinations of this kind, Bora Bora is far from cut off from the realities of mainstream life. It has an excellent infrastructure to support the necessities of modern living – hospitals, banking, foreign exchange etc. – even while it retains all its highly individual and other-worldly charm.

Booking Online - Cheaper than Travel Agents?

The way in which many of us book holidays has changed dramatically in recent years. Ten years ago many of us would have relied on our local travel agents to find us a good deal.

When we came to think about our next trip away, we'd simply wander down the high street and nip into a few travel agents shops, picking up a number of different holiday brochures to compare prices offered by different tour operators.

Comparing prices sometimes involved taking into account certain special offers that might be available, or any additional costs caused by the time of year (school holidays, for example) or number of people travelling.

When thinking about destinations, resorts or particular hotels, our opinions might largely be shaped by what friends and family had told us, what we'd read in magazines, or maybe what we'd seen in holiday-related television programmes.

The arrival of the internet and its increasing availability to many of us has undoubtedly changed the goalposts. We now have the ability to research our chosen destinations online - we even have access to the thoughts of previous visitors to the hotels that we may be planning to stay at.

We can compare prices relatively quickly and also have more options in terms of how we structure our holidays. We're no longer limited by the narrow boundaries of the package holiday market - we can now book our flights and accommodation independently, with far less hassle.

So everything has got better. Or has it?

The internet has brought us a lot of information but how much of that information is really reliable? When I read reviews of places that I've visited, I often find that other people's experiences are very different from my own.

It's clear that we all have different expectations of what is involved in having a good holiday.

It seems to me that, while holiday prices may well have come down, many of us are left looking to trawl through masses of information, much of which may be considerably less reliable than that once provided by the good old-fashioned travel agent.

Maybe we should take the "progress" provided by the internet with a small pinch of salt.

Tour or Vacation in Myanmar

In my capacity as the UK Director of Operations for One World Tours Limited, one of my jobs is to ensure every client has the best tour possible, so here are my top suggestions for sites to take in during your holiday Myanmar formerly known as Burma.

1. Yangon is the capital city of Myanmar and is a typical Asian city with it’s beautiful green tropical trees and beautiful lakes. The wonderful thing about Yangon is that it has not been spoilt by modern development although it is progressing gently at it’s own pace. The city is the main entrance to the country and also houses the principle seaport.
Yangon is home to many stunning pagodas, one of the most stunning being The Shwedagon Pagoda which stands on Theingottara hill. This golden shrine is gilded from top to bottom which makes it glisten in the sun an absolutely awesome spectacle.

Not as ancient but of no less beauty is the 20 year young is Karaweik Hall stands in the Royal Lake (Kandawgyi Lake). A mythical creature known as the Karaweik bird is what this structure has been based on and as it too is gilded from top to bottom it is a beautiful sight to behold as it shimmers on the lake.

2. Located in Bagan and erected in the 1100’s is the Dhammayangyi Temple which is a Buddhist temple.The temple remains unfinished to this day. There are other temples in Bagan but the Dhammayangyi is the most popular because of its mass which makes it unique. It is shaped like a pyramid which features very fine brickwork. Some people believe that the temple was built by an evil king.

3. Mandalay is Burma's second biggest capital and is also the  cultural and religious centre of Buddhism. This is displayed by more than 700 pagodas.
 In Manadalay you will find over 700 stone slabs located at the foot of Mandalay Hill. Together they are inscribed with the entire Buddhist scriptures which are better known as the Pali Canon. This has earned the reputation as the biggest book in the world and is known as the official "Buddhist Bible.
Mandalay Palace is a place not to be missed on a visit to Mandalay. There is an 8 meter high brick wall surrrounding the palace and a wide moat  which has plenty of goldfish. Considering that the palace was completely destroyed by fire in World War II and completely rebuilt it remains a popular attraction for many tourists every year.

4.In the Mon State you will find the Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda. What helps to make this pagoda very intriguing is the story that accompanies this amazing feat of nature. The pagoda is  7.3 and is perched atop a golden rock. The rock itself is right on top of the Kyaikhto mountain.

The story that accompanies the rocks precarious balance and how it can stay in this position is because of a Buddha hair which has been placed precisely inside the pagoda.
Apparently it is believed that a King who had received the Buddha's hair from a hermit was told to hunt for a rock that looked like the hermits head. The hermit instructed the King to search for a boulder whose shape resembled the hermit's head. Once the right rock was discovered the hair was placed into the pagoda on top of it.  Legend has it that the King had supernatural powers as his mother was a dragon princess and his father was an alchemist.
This is considered to be a highly sacred place and people come from all over to visit this unusual pagoda.

Tour or Vacation in Egypt

In my capacity as the UK Director of Operations for One World Tours Limited, over time, it came to my attention as to what a minefield in can be booking a holiday in a destination like Egypt through the myriad of  "internet" based travel companies; especially local Egyptian companies

I therefore though it may be helpful to suggest a sort of "checklist" of things to look for and questions to ask "prospective" holiday suppliers.

1. Are they a travel agent or a Tour operator ?

Especially at a local level, service from a tour operator is often higher than that of an agent as tour booked through local agents "can" risk the fact that the agent is purely passing on your booking to a 3rd party. This is not always the case, but it's something to think about. Comeback if you have problems is also to be considered as an agent can blame the 3rd party and vice versa.

2. Do they require a deposit or are they offering payment in full on arrival ?

If the company you are potentially booking through accept payment in full on arrival, it means one thing - your are NOT booked. While will a company risk booking hotels, tour guides, drivers etc on the of chance you may actually turn up ?

3. Do they accept credit cards as payment ?

This is important whether or not you are planning on paying that way. Accepting credit cards (especially in travel fields) will generally mean the company has been pretty well vetted and certainly will offer you some added assurances (and of course protection)

4. Do they offer Testimonials... ?

The second half of this question maybe the most important part, "Do they offer Testimonials...and can you contact them" ? If their testimonials are genuine then surely there is no reason why they can not be contacted.

5. Do they have a recognised complaints procedure ?

Any forward thinking and honest company will know that there will always be the odd problem. Having a complaints procedure in place shows that the company will not just try and fob you off, but from the ground up, they will try to fairly take care of any problems you may have.

Hopefully these 5 things may help you with regards to your future plans when considering a trip to a country such as Egypt

Blue Skies For Extreme Sports

Ample leisure time allows for a raft of thrilling experiences inducing different degrees of adrenaline rush from balloon rides to freefall parachuting.

Unpredictable UK weather conditions can be a bit of a stumbling block but add a small slice of sun to the equation and the whole extreme sports arena suddenly opens up to encompass many more attractive propositions. A hot air balloon at dawn across the Arizona desert holds a much broader appeal than, say, one over the flats of Northamptonshire and a leap off the soaring mountains to paraglide down to the powdery white sands and glistening blue lagoon of Turkey's famous Olu Deniz beach http://www.oludenizbeach.com/paragliding.html is something a fair few of us may contemplate, well at least from the comfort of our sun loungers.

The great range of water-based UK sports tend to remain the province of more hardy animals. It's difficult to beat the excellent kayaking and canoeing in the cascades of North Wales' Canolfan Tryweryn National Whitewater Centre http://www.ukrafting.co.uk and the huge windsurfing community are spoilt for choice with competitions taking place year round across the country.

But how much more appealing the wind and water sounds if you factor in the sun-drenched Saharan style dunes of Fuerteventura. The Canary Islands are home to some of the best windsurfing in the world, the combination of calm flat waters and strong, steady summer tradewinds providing the perfect conditions for the PWA Freestyle and PWA Wave Grand Slam World Championships to be held in July in Fuerteventura and in Gran Canaria.

These prime watersport heavens are becoming more and more accessible with journey times matching, and even sometimes bettering, those to Devon and Cornwall via the hugely congested summer road network. Flights to the Canaries can be picked up really cheaply see http://www.xl.com/champion/cheap-flights-to-canaries.asp with some great bargains to be had following the latest round of UK travel company discounts.

Blackpool hotels open for all visitors

Britain is famous for a lot of things but it certainly has the most wonderful resorts to be proud of. Blackpool is just one of the many examples that could be given, having the so many wonderful attractions to entice visitors with and top-class accommodation. If you are in the mood for something different and yet completely beautiful, try one of the Blackpool hotels presented online and you will see why everyone considers this particular corner of the world as so alluring.

Situated in Lancashire, Blackpool is just one of the seaside resorts that dazzle the eye and enchant the soul. It has a busy, incredible city center and quieter areas being ready to satisfy the needs and demands of a wide variety of customers. With the help of the Internet, you can discover the true appeal of this growing city and inquire after the best Blackpool accommodation. There are plenty of offers out there as this is one popular tourist center and the local people always know how to present their town.

Talking about Blackpool hotels, you should know that there are plenty of choices to be made and the prices range according to the level of luxury you are accustomed with. You can select Blackpool accommodation that is situated on the South Shore, North Shore, in the central area or the Promenade; no matter the area your hotel is located in, you are bound to have a great time and return real soon, that’s for certain. Most of the Blackpool hotels are close to the main attractions including the worldwide famous Pleasure Beach, the Promenade and the Winter Gardens. You will never be far away from shops, pubs or restaurants as Blackpool is filled with opportunities.

If you are interested in finding suitable Blackpool accommodation, then you should go online and find yourself a reliable website to help you out. Check out the availability of the hotel for weekends and weekdays as well, the policy on bringing pets and other conditions imposed. Some have rooms special for couples, families and single persons catering to the preferences of the clients first and foremost. You can also book suites in advance with separate kitchen, bathroom and shower facilities, depending of course on the amenities you are interested in. You will quickly discover that when you say Blackpool hotels, you say quality and that is obvious with the conditions included, such as color TV, central heating and complimentary beverages just for your satisfaction.

The Internet has become our number one source of information and that is also valid when it comes to traveling. There are a lot of websites presenting Blackpool hotels, with data regarding the price and the amenities included but also the main attractions of the area. When visiting Blackpool, you have the immense opportunity to discover a side of the British life that is unique and exotic at the same time. All the local people are extremely hospitable, treating you as a friend and making you feel more than welcomed. Some hotels are more luxurious than others, offering you comfortable and exquisite Blackpool accommodation with Internet connection, modern TV sets and the highest standards of style.

Blackpool can be both exciting and relaxing at the same time that is the beauty of visiting such a resort! You can enjoy the thrilling night life with clubs and music, but also the calmness of the day with lounge bars and seafront attractions. There is the famous Pleasure Beach with some of the most stimulating rides in the entire Europe such as the Pepsi Max Big one, the wide variety of cinemas displaying the latest movies and plenty of other attractions for you to see as a tourist. You have the renowned Blackpool Tower which is indeed one of the main sights to see, with the Tower World and the charming Circus destined to entertain you and convince you of the wonderful city that is called Blackpool! Go online and browse through the available Blackpool hotels; find something you like and prepare yourself for a real treat.

How to Win in Blackjack

Blackjack is one of the few casino games that are beatable in the long run. It means that by using a basic blackjack strategy you can have an advantage over the casino and eventually step away from the blackjack table as a winner. Here you can find the basic blackjack strategy explained in a simplified manner.

The blackjack strategy is based on the mathematical probabilities of the game and it provides you guidance on the best decisions to make at every possible situation during the game. It takes about an hour to memorize this strategy but it is worth every minute. This does not man you will win every single blackjack game from now on, but with the help of the blackjack strategy, patience and persistence, you can significantly improve your chances of beating the casino in the long run.

Note that some blackjack rules vary from one casino to another. In some casinos, both brick and mortar and internet casinos, blackjack is played with one card deck while in others the blackjack game occupies four decks or more. In addition, in some of the casinos the dealer hits on a soft 17 while in others he is required to stand and doubling after splitting is allowed only in some of the casinos.

Here you can find a basic strategy to a single deck blackjack game where the dealer hits on soft 17. Playing other blackjack variants would require you to make some adjustments for a few borderline occurrences.

First, here is a short introduction to the terms mentioned here:
Hard Hand: two initial cards that do not include an Ace.
Soft Hand: two initial cards that one of them is an Ace
Stand: when a player is not asking to be dealt more cards after the two initial cards.
Hit: when a player calls for an additional card to be dealt
Double: when a player doubles his initial bet after the initial deal, but it requires him to hit only one card.
Split: when a player separates the initial two cards into two individual hands and plays them as 2 hands.

Finally, here is a basic blackjack strategy:
When your initial two card hand sums up to 8 or less: hit
When your hand sums up to 9 and the dealer hand value is between 3 and 6: double if else: hit when your hand sums up to 10 and the dealer hand value is between 2 and 9: double; if else:
When your hand sums up to 11 and the dealer hand value is between 2 and 10: double; if else hit.
When your hand sums up to 13, 14, 15, or 16 and the dealer hand value is between 2 and 6: stand; if else hit.
When your hand sums up to 17: stand.
when your initial two card hand contains Ace 2 or Ace 3 and the dealer has either 5 or 6: double; if else: hit.
When your hand contains Ace 4 or Ace 5 and the dealer has 4, 5 or 6: double; if else: hit.
When your hand contains Ace 6 and the dealer has 3, 4, 5 or 6: double; if else: hit.
When your hand contains Ace 7 and the dealer has 2, 7 or 8: stand; if he has 3, 4, 5 or 6: double; if else: hit.
When your hand contains Ace 8 or Ace 9: stand
When your hand contains a pair of 2s or 3s and the dealer hand value is between 2 and 7: split; if else: hit
When your hand contains a pair of 4s and the dealer has either 4 or 5: split; if else: hit
When your hand contains a pair of 5s and the dealer hand value is between 2 and 9: double; if else: hit
When your hand contains a pair of 6s and the dealer hand value is between 2 and 6: split; if else: hit
When your hand contains a pair of 7s and the dealer hand value is between 2 and 7: split; if else: hit
When your hand contains a pair of 8s: split
When your hand contains a pair of 9s and the dealer hand value is between 2 and 7 and either 8 or 9: split; if else: stand
When your hand contains a pair of 10s: stand
When your hand contains a pair of 8s: split