Finding a Cheap Car Rental When Traveling to Other Countries

Whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, there are many reasons to rent a car when you reach your destination. While public transportation will usually take you to major tourist attractions or to the centers of large cities, relying only on trains and buses can be time-consuming. After all, you are forced to travel according to the carriers' schedules, rather than having the freedom to come and go as you please.

Taxis, of course, are always an option - providing you don't want to travel too far off the beaten path. If you're on holiday in Spain, for example, and decide to venture over to the Spanish coast or countryside, a taxi is out of the question and public transportation won't take you where you want to go. Indeed, a car hire is the only way to ensure that you have the flexibility to see the sights on your own timetable and on your own terms.

For those who think that renting a car in another country will be impossible or cumbersome, it's time to think again. Not only is it easy to rent a car in European countries and the U.S., but it's actually easy to find discount car rentals.

The ground rules for a car hire are basically the same across all car rental companies. For example, you typically have to be 23 years old, have a valid driver's license, and have a credit card. When you reserve a car, you normally get to choose what class of vehicle you'd like, such as compact, mid-size, full-size, or a van. However, you don't usually have the opportunity to specify make and model. Nonetheless, most car rental agencies will accommodate your wishes if they have your preferred make and model available when you pick up the vehicle.

The choice of whether or not to purchase extra insurance can be made when you collect the rental car. Before you leave for your destination, it's important to check with your own car insurance agency and see if your coverage extends to rental cars in the country you'll be visiting. If not, it's a good idea to sign up for the extra coverage.

If you'll be traveling to several different countries, it's important to understand the regulations of the car rental agency as they pertain to crossing borders. If you're in Europe, for example, most car rental agencies will allow you to drive to other European countries - providing you inform them that you're going to do so and that you buy extra insurance. The same holds true for a car rental in the USA; with advance notice, many agencies will allow you to, for example, take the car to Canada.

With all of the advantages to using a car hire while you're traveling, the one sticking point is whether or not you'll be able to find a cheap car rental. The best approach is to search online for a company that works with many different car rental agencies; they will have up-to-date information on availability, and can search for the best price available for the dates you desire. Because these online sources book so many reservations, they are able to negotiate bargain basement prices so that a traveler can find the cheap car rental that will make their holiday or business trip convenient and worry-free.

Find The Perfect Weekend Getaway

If you are starting to feel like an overworked dog who hasn't even had the time of day to even brush her hair, then a great weekend getaway is exactly what your mind and body is desperately in need of. A spectacular weekend getaway need not cost you a whole year's salary. It is highly important that you do a little bit of research on great weekend getaway spots that are both hassle-free and not so expensive so that come by Monday you will be in tip top shape for the office once you have been fully refreshed and rejuvenated from your weekend getaway. Here are some prime weekend getaways spots that you might want to consider going to.

1. Arizona Hot Springs

These sizzling hot springs give off a relaxed and friendly atmosphere to those who just want to soak tired muscles in the extremely relaxing thermal waters that the incredible hot springs in this town has to offer. If you want to take full advantage of this weekend getaway. The relaxing waters will surely get you in the mood for some more weekend getaway fun. Their relaxation services include

- 20-minute bath
- Turbo shower
- Hot-pack treatments
- Swedish massage

After having that luxurious afternoon spa treatments you can then head off to the other places in this quaint city wherein you can enjoy delicious, home-style lunches as well as take a walk downtown to enjoy the great sights, from the Victorian architecture to the various antique shops and worldly museums. And if you're a heading off to Hot Springs, Arizona in a car or if you have rented one for the trip, here's a great trip for your sight-seeing pleasure: take a spin around the Hot Springs Mountain Drive or the West Mountain Drive wherein you will surely find the views from these two mountain summits extremely extraordinary.

2. San Antonio, Texas

For those hippie chicks or those who want to channel their inner flower child, San Antonio, Texas provides a great old-world boohoo vibe that is both extremely charming and relaxing for a great weekend getaway. From San Antonio's world-class hotels to the blossoming art scene, even up to the world famous relics of the Alamo, this rustic town offers a lot of great things to do if ever you decide on spending your weekend getaway here. You might want to stay at the trendy and chic new Watermark Hotel and Spa which is housed in a converted saddlery after you've got yourself settle in, you can then venture off to the King William Historic District and just wander around San Antonio's vintage boutiques, various art galleries and charming little cafes.

The San Antonio night scene is something to take notice of as well since by night time, the whole city turn into a bustling place for club hopping and drinks out with friends - a definite must to cap off your weekend getaway in San Antonio, Texas. A favorite neighborhood night spot here is the Azuca which offers great nuevo lationo cuisine as well as sexy salsa dancing - great for couples taking on the weekend getaway or those who just want to have fun and meet new people. A cool insider tip from the burgeoning vintage shops in San Antonio, try to find time for a trip to the Jive Vintage and Art where shopaholics can find a treasure trove of kitschy as well as cool vintage pieces.

3. Charleston, South Carolina

If you are really trying to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, you can head off down south to Charleston, South Carolina for this city's simple and languid charm. Known for being the epitome of the Old South, this quiet Southern town has beautiful magnolia-lined boulevards that will surely charm your tired body and mind. You can feast on the many low-country cuisine that this beautiful Southern town has to offer, shrimp to grits. You really must try their home-style specialties.

The slow and lingering pace of this town will surely be a welcome break from your monotonous and highly jarring city life. The stunning antebellum mansions as well as the blossoming gardens down by the waterfront will surely calm your senses. And for the shopper in you, you can then peruse to the outdoor bazaar located on Market Street and you can also make your way toward the vintage stores located on King Street. A great tip for those who are off for a weekend getaway at Charleston, South Carolina you can also try out the jazz clubs at the East Bay Street.

Find The Perfect City Retreat

Is it possible to stay in the middle of a city and still have an oasis of calm to retreat to?

The aim of any boutique hotel is to provide guests with a welcoming, comfortable environment that reflects its design and location. In city centre hotels, that design and environment is influenced by many things and the hotel must decide which type of guests it is catering to.

Nightlife Boutique

There are many cities that are referred to as 24-hour cities. New York is famously known as “the city that never sleeps”, whilst Rio de Janeiro, Mexico City, Bangkok and many others enjoy a reputation for partying and good nights out. It’s unsurprising then that the number of hotels catering for those people who live life to the full is increasing. Creating a hip, funky hotel for this market is a good move. More often than not, the men and women that come to enjoy themselves in these cities are well-paid and happy to spend their money on good design, spacious rooms and flamboyant cuisine. Making your hotel part of your nightlife adds more to the experience and those boutiques that integrate popular bars or restaurants into their premises will attract large number of guests eager to stay where the action is. Whilst this doesn’t sound like a retreat in the usual sense, for these visitors it’s exactly what’s needed.

Pamper Boutique

You don’t have to run a huge spa hotel in acres of land in order to offer the sort of pampering that city visitors want. Business visitors and tourists alike enjoy the benefits of a small, exclusive hotel that offers a range of spa and beauty treatments. A massage, facial or body treatment helps to reduce stress and induce relaxation, and if that’s followed by a freshly-prepared meal, or a quiet chat in an informal lounge while the city rushes past you, then all the better.

Design Boutique

All boutique hotels are built around an essential and integral design. Some city hotels opt for a design which automatically turns to building into a cool, calm retreat, no matter where it is. The colour schemes, choice of furnishings, fittings and linens and attention to detail all contribute to an atmosphere that’s immediately welcoming and relaxing. These hotels really are designed to make you feel as though you’ve entered a different world.

Find The Ideal Venue For Your Business Event

Finding the right venue for a conference or business meeting can be a testing time. With so many things to consider, from the number of delegates to travel and parking arrangements, and of course, everything has to be within budget!

Before you start to panic, spend some time considering what is essential to your business event. Gather ideas from colleagues, jot down things as they come to mind and research who’ll be attending and any special requirements they may have. Planning is the key to organising any conference, seminar or meeting and, if done right, will make sure it’s a great success.

Think about some of the following questions: How many will be attending your event, how long will it last – will you need overnight accommodation or just day facilities? What about leisure facilities, somewhere to relax at the end of the day? How about food, will you need lunch, mid-morning refreshments or perhaps a dinner in the evening?

Once you’ve made the big decisions you’re ready to start your search for that perfect venue. After spending all that time planning, you’re sure to want somewhere out of the ordinary, and definitely not the standard dull meeting room with an equally uninspiring view of one of the UK’s busy motorways.

There are some outstanding meeting venues in Norfolk that won’t blow your budget, offer far more than your standard, hotel venue and with experienced conference co-ordinators on hand to answer your questions. Sounds like a big promise, but you’ll soon be impressing colleagues and new business associates with your choice of a truly refreshing venue.

Situated just south of the medieval city of Norwich, with excellent road links, is Barnham Broom Hotel and Golf where you will find all this and more. A range of bright, airy meeting rooms can be arranged for events small and large, plus all the usual equipment will be at your fingertips such as presentation software to ensure your messages are delivered professionally along with free Wifi internet access.

Whether you need a quiet room for a small meeting with colleagues to brainstorm and discuss important, even confidential issues or a large, grand room where 150 people will gather to absorb a presentation then head to a first-class lunch, Barnham Broom can cater for all. With an excellent attention to detail and experienced staff to help ease you through the day, they will ensure everything is as you planned.

Comfortable bedrooms and an award-winning restaurant, make Barnham Broom a great choice for businesses that need overnight packages with fantastic rates available. And on top of this the Norfolk hotel has fabulous leisure facilities, which include a health and fitness centre with swimming pool and gym along with two championship golf courses. Whatever activity you choose, the end of the day will refresh the mind. A round of golf is ideal allowing you to absorb the countryside setting as you unwind, get to know fellow delegates and test your golf technique on the challenging course!

So, when you’re asked to find a venue for your next meeting or conference, think of the perfect combination of business and leisure at Barnham Broom Hotel in Norfolk.

Fewer Rooms, More Style

One of the reasons boutique hotels are so popular is because they directly oppose the accepted hotel normality of hundreds of rooms and bland service. Their refusal to treat guests as anything other than honored visitors means that they spend time, money and energy developing a hotel where you feel comfortable and at home. This can only really be achieved with low room numbers.

Hotels in this sector have discovered that travellers are willing to pay for accommodation that is different in design and where even full occupancy means they’re not queuing for breakfast or waiting for room service to answer the phones. Instead, fewer rooms means more space and better service, and an increasing number of travellers are taking this option.

Space

Space is important to travellers, particularly those for whom the hotel is an integral part of the experience. Whilst other holiday makers or business travellers simply use a hotel as a base for sleeping and eating, boutique hotel guests want to feel that they can spend the morning drinking coffee and reading in the public areas without feeling like a nuisance, or relax by the pool without worrying about fighting for poolside space with other guests. By taking a definite decision to reduce the number of bedrooms so that each room has more space and by fashioning public areas that guests actually want to use, boutique hotels create a unique atmosphere that appeals to guests.

Design

Boutique hotels are often based in older, traditional buildings where creating larger guest rooms means considerable changes to the internal design of the building. Sympathetic architectural changes can be achieved with careful planning and this allows hotel owners and their designers to maintain and incorporate original features into a more modern, spacious room design. From keeping original windows to fitting the most modern of bathrooms, clever design allows these hotels to provide fewer rooms, whilst at the same time preserving the essential features of the building.

Service

The smaller the number of guests, the better the service can be. This is a concept that’s fully understood by the boutique industry and it strives to ensure that standards of service are exceptional. Any contact that the guest has with a member of staff should be a positive one and, in many cases, members of staff are trained to anticipate guests’ needs, ensuring that they are comfortable asking for anything, including help with activities outside the hotel as well as the facilities within it.

Lowering the number of rooms in a hotel, combined with good design, quality fittings and excellent service all combines to make a hotel unique and that's what today's travellers want.

Family-Friendly Spring Break Tips

You want to take the family on a nice vacation in the Spring but you don’t want Junior to learn what “chug, chug, chug, chug” means yet. You want to have a nice “family” vacation without getting caught up in the “Girls Gone Wild” atmosphere that traditionally surrounds Spring Break. Here are some tips.

Try to take your vacation when most college students are still in school. Spring Break for college students can be from the end of February to the end of March, but most colleges have vacation the first two weeks of March. Plan your vacation after the first two weeks of March.

Avoid the traditional Spring Break college destinations: Jamaica, Cancun, Acapulco, Montego Bay, the Bahamas, South Padre Island off of the state of Texas, Daytona, South Beach, Key West and Panama City, which are all in the state of Florida. Basically anyplace warm, with sand and with beer. However you don’t have to bring your family to Nome, Alaska either. Again, the off-peak college spring break times these destinations can be great, but that doesn’t account for the high school kids who have left the parents at home.

Choose a destination that is “family friendly” such as Disney World in Orlando. There could be a few college students donning a pair of mouse ears completely wasted but since Orlando is far from the beach it is more likely to be a fluke. Look for vacations advertised as “family friendly”, a ski vacation, Disney Land in California, or a trip to Colorado or Destin, Florida as these are all good possibilities. You can also check out your state tourism web sites for ideas of where to go where the drinking age is not an issue. Check out magazines like “Family Fun” which feature family vacation destinations every month for ideas.

Finally, remember -- if you happen upon a partying college student, relax, one day it will be Junior’s turn.

Family-Friendly Boutique Hotels

Boutique hotels aren’t just designed for wealthy couples or adults only. Many boutique hotels welcome children and families.

Should families be excluded from the boutique hotels experience? Many hotels in this sector think not, and happily open their doors to families with children of all ages, providing a range of services and facilities to suit this market. For many families, the size and location of these hotels is perfect for a family holiday, and allows their children to experience great design, service and cuisine from an early age.

Beach holidays

What child doesn’t want to go on a beach holiday? Yet what parent doesn’t want a bit of sophistication and style when it comes to spending time near the sea? Boutique accommodation in some of the world’s most attractive beach resorts can cater for children, allowing them to enjoy the simple pleasures of the sand and sea, whilst parents can enjoy the best food, thoughtful beach accessories and rooms that are designed to bring the outdoors in. Examples of these hotels include the Beach House in Marbella, the Elounda Gulf Villas and Suites in Crete, the JK Place Capri in Italy and the Villa Floriana in Croatia.

City trips

Taking the family to see some of the most famous sights in the world is usually a good reason for a city break. European cities like London, Seville, Vienna, Paris and Rome are all full of exciting things to do, no matter what age your children. Museums, art galleries, boat excursions, theatre trips, adventure parks – a city break can encompass all of these and a boutique hotel is a great place to relax at the end of a hard day’s sightseeing. Great service means that your children can get a glass of milk or a cup of hot chocolate and something to eat to keep them going, and the central location of many of these hotels makes them an ideal base for exploring. Try the Egerton House Hotel in London, the hip Seven One Seven in Amsterdam, the Palacio Belmonte in Lisbon or the Hotel le Pavillon de Paris in the French capital.

Countryside capers

Explore a fabulous rural landscape by taking your family to a countryside boutique hotel. Hire bikes or take the bus into nearby towns and villages, or visit historic monuments, or simply go for a walk. Spending time in the countryside is a great way to unwind and the boutique environment gives you the perfect opportunity to relax. Choose one with a pool, and your children will be happy to stay and play whilst you read, use the spa or just take in the view. For a real treat, take a look at La Bastide de Marie in Provence, La Villa Hotel in Piedmont, Italy, the Cotswold House Hotel in Gloucestershire or the Kasbah du Toubkal in Morocco’s Atlas Mountains.

Family safari vacation to the home of the Gods

Families traveling with kids will find Amboseli national park a safari destination matched to no other, with less tourist traffic, breathtaking open spaces, easy access from Nairobi, the list is endless.

The park described by writers as ' a home for the Gods' covers 150sq mile south of Nairobi and lies just at the foot of Mt Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain at 5,895m. The park is currently on the cross roads with the government and the local communities both claiming ownership, with Kilimanjaro's snow capped peaks dominating every aspect of this Park and form a stunning backdrop to the wildlife found here - elephant, lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, cheetah and a host of plains game and its breathtaking beauty, the tag is well worth the effort!

The area is home to the Masai people, tall, colorful, proud, nomadic warriors famous for their legendary prowess in battle and single handed acts of bravery in fights with wild animals.  Perhaps, more than any other people they have learned to live in complete harmony with the wildlife which surrounds them, this knowledge they proudly shared to visitors and well worth the time. Kids will be allowed to get really close and explore the simple but fascinating homesteads, adults will also enjoy the cultural aspect of the lifestyle.

Amboseli's Oltukai lodge is one of the best spots in the world where children can watch elephants and study their fascinating wilderness behavior, This is where you will find the highest concentration of elephants than anywhere else in Africa, they can be seen spread well over the savannah woodland, just remember to ask your driver guide on how this clever mammals mourn and pay last respect to a dead member or how they cross their tiny young on a fast flowing river. .

Quietly tucked away from view, The Kibo family Villa crouches undisturbed, an elegant three-bedroom log cabin built in stone and gum tree, in complete harmony with its surroundings. Own entrance, a lounge, a fully fitted kitchen and a barbecue area. Secluded by a copse of indigenous Acacia Tortilis trees and five acres of garden, Kibo Villa is peace and privacy made perfection. Two or threes small families traveling together love the self-catering option, use the lodges facility is welcome. Detailed attention is taken on security issues and a resident nurse is available on call.

Kids will love the lavish private family buffet breakfast or dinner set out specially as a family package in wonderful secluded detting amongst the tortillas trees only a tone away from the family of the resident elephants also having a feast of their own, breakfast works out best.

Selenkay conservation area lies east of Amboseli is well off the beaten track, never visited by tourist till now, birdlife is prolific especially bird of prey. The 6 tents Porini luxury camp caters for 12 guest at a time, the camp is in the lines of a traditional luxury family camp, comfortable family tent rooms, ensuite bathrooms, flush toilets, solar powered electric lighting and an amazing chef completes a safari family haven!

At Amboseli locally trained masai naturalist or walking guides will get Kids out in the mornings in a small group of say 8 kids for an adventurous nature exploration. This walking trips to the nearby sites in most cases will include lessons on the masai hunting techniques, catching and naming butterflies, treasure hunts, tree planting, hide and seek in animal camouflaged clothing and an interesting Q and A session answering every question they have ever had on wildlife and tribesmen.  

The young rangers club is available to 10 - 15 year olds, could be a temporally or annual membership with letters, post cards and birthday cards sent to members all over the world from deep down wild and magical Africa!

Family Camping Tips

One of the fondest childhood memories I have are camping with my dad. My dad and I would grab our tent, sleeping bags and fishing poles and head down to a local lake for a weekend. Camping can be a wonderful activity for the entire family. It can also become a huge calamity if you are not prepared or don’t know what to expect.

If you are not experienced at camping then it might be best to start with a commercial campground. These campgrounds are often listed in the yellow pages. The costs of these campgrounds is often nominal and they usually have showers, bathrooms, electrical hookups, running water nearby, fire pits and a camp store for any necessities that you may have forgotten. Established commercial campgrounds also often have activities for the entire family including swimming pools, hiking trails, paddle boats and fishing lakes. Although most of these campgrounds are set up for campers they almost at always have tent sites as well.

Once you have tried camping at an established campground you may decide to want to rough it out in the woods on your own. To find locations for tent camping you might try doing an internet search on camping.

Regardless of where you go camping it is important that you be prepared. The following is a list of items you should consider for ensuring you are prepared for an enjoyable camping trip.

Camping Inventory

1. Tent. You can find a wide selection of tents in various sizes from 2 person tents to family sizes. You might consider getting the children their own tent. They will enjoy having their own space.

2. Sleeping bags and an air mattress if desired.

3. Flash lights and extra batteries.

4. Matches

5. Cookware. Cooking on an open fire will probably not be good for your best cookware so you might want to bring older pots and pans or consider buying a camping cookware set. Think ahead about foods that will be easy to cook on a fire.

6. Firewood. If you are not camping at an established campground you may not have access to firewood.

7. First Aid kit. This should include band aids, peroxide, gauze, burn crème, tape, a tool for removing splinters, and anti bug spray.

8. Water for drinking

9. Trash bags. Whether you go camping at an established campground or in the woods somewhere it is imperative that you leave the area exactly as you found it. If the location does not have trash bins then pick up your trash and take it with you. Don’t ruin the experience for the next family.

If you carefully plan your camping trip and expect the unexpected by being prepared for anything you will have a great time camping.

Last dawn of 2011

Last dawn of 2011 is about to come, we have to take a keen observe of yourself so that what we found and what we lost in the year 2011. The Most important aspect is that we have to improve our faults and should be more precise in our daily and upcoming life. 

Typical Open Adoption

A typical open adoption means that the biological parents are permitted to have some type of contact with the adopted child. This can be accomplished many different ways. By phone is the easiest way but sometimes e-mail, letters, or even personal visits might be an option.
This contact doesn't always mean both sets of parents will ever meet each other in person. Many times the adoption agency or other organization will receive pictures and updates from the adoptive parents and forward them to the biological parents.
Obviously, having the adoptive parents spend time with the biological parents might be an uncomfortable ordeal for everyone.
Before the adoption takes place, all types of contact as well as specific dates for visits or phone calls are
arranged. This schedule and set of rules is very important to the biological parents who have agreed to the open adoption. By not getting pictures when expected or missing phone calls, it can be very emotionally stressful. By using the adoption agency as a middle man, it saves a lot of emotional stress for everyone involved. The agency acts as a mediator so the adoptive parents don't have to deal with the biological parents directly. Open adoptions could be as little as a name exchange before adoption up to full contact by the biological family so you need to make sure everyone agrees on the terms beforehand. It is much easier for adoptive parents to really feel the child is there own if there is minimal interference from the biological parents but sometimes it just isn't an option.

Extreme Golf Course Design

I'm not much of a golfer, but I do enjoy 18 holes every now and then.  However, when I golf at a new course, I usually rate that course not so much on the technical aspects of golf course design, but more on how entertaining I find the terrain.  I appreciate grand vistas from the tee box, or impressive trees in the middle of the fairway.  It doesn't matter to me who designed the course, whether it's Nicklaus, Palmer, Miller, or any of the host of golf course designers out there.  What I care most about most, is that the designers make the course visually appealing.  Give me something to look at while I wait for my brother to complete his 15 practice swings.

About two minutes from my house there is a country club.  The parking lot is full of expensive cars, and you can order lobster from the menu.  But when it comes to the golf course, it's about as bland as a rice cake.  Luckily, a 30 minute drive will take you to a different kind of course.  At this golf course the only food you can purchase is of the fried variety.  The parking lot is full of old jalopies, and on a hot summer day you might see a golfer with his shirt off.  Even with the shirtless course patron, the loss of decorum is more than made up for by the entertaining design and terrain of the course.  For me it's not what's on the menu back at the club house, but what's out there on the course.  

Recently, I was able to play at just such a course.  This was at the Four Seasons golf course at the Peninsula Papagayo, in Costa Rica.  I was there during the dry months and even though the scenery was not as green as I had imagined, the views from some of the tee's were fantastic.  Even with the brutish heat and the five dollar candy bar, this place was as fun as they come.

Right off you know you're playing somewhere special, but it isn't till the third hole that you really grasp the beauty of the place.  From the third hole you get a great view of the pacific ocean with rocks jutting from the sea and the surf breaking in white splendor  as far as the eye can see.

However, it was at the sixth hole, where I found a hole that embodied everything I love about golf .  It has a tremendous view of the water and the coast, but what makes it so spectacular is the nearly 300 feet of sloping decent  down to the flag of this par 4.  I spent some time craning my neck and straining my eyes, looking down this U-shaped valley, trying to catch a glimpse of the flag far below.  I could have hit balls all day off of the box, but instead I hit only two after my first ball sailed into the trees on the left.

A couple of holes later we found ourselves at another big downhill tee off.  Only this time we had some company.  A group of howler monkeys relaxed in the trees above us, making distracting noises.  It was as if they were mocking warm up swing I took.    In the end it didn't matter, and I was able to put one down on the fairway.

The thing about Papgayo is, it's not just exciting to play the course, it's also a thrill ride on the golf carts.  Some of the descents golfers have to negotiate in their carts are best described as precarious.  Not only are they steep, but for some reason they have installed speed bumps.  As if anyone would voluntarily try to break the land speed record, in a golf cart, on one of those hills.  There must have been two or three descents where my passenger gripped the side bar with white knuckles.  I even think I heard him mutter a prayer.

As I finished the course I reflected on how awesome the experience had been.  All the elements that make up a good day of golf were there,  Monkeys, large lizards, extreme golf cart driving, long drives off of hilltop tee's and most of all stunning views of the pacific ocean and it's rugged coast were present at Papagayo.  And as I sipped my nine dollar Gatorade I thought about the golf course back home with the fried foods and shirtless players.  I released that even though I'm far from a good golfer.  There still is an element of the sport that I can enjoy.

Experience The Quest: Yukon Quest Sled Dog Race

Known as the “Toughest Sled Dog Race in the World,” the annual Yukon Quest Sled Dog Race annually covers over 1,000 miles between the Yukon and Alaska. Alternating starting and finish lines between Whitehorse, Yukon Territory and Fairbanks, Alaska, this sled dog race is not for the faint of heart! The terrain is some of the most difficult on the planet and the demanding trail constantly keeps sled dogs and their mushers on their toes as potential disasters wait around every turn. This race takes place each February, with the date exact date wavering depending on the weather conditions of the brutal Yukon winter.

The trail for the Yukon Quest Sled Dog Race is as historic as the sport itself. Originally part of the original Gold Rush trail and the Mail Delivery trails dating back to the turn of the Twentieth Century, the trail is steeped in lore. Most of this trail cuts through untouched wilderness, thought to be some of the last on the entire continent. Lasting approximately two weeks, the mushers enter the race with his or her 14 dog sled team, striving to reach Fairbanks first. The field is diverse and features entries from all over the world, but all the entries have one thing in common—they came to win!

If you find yourself in the great state of Alaska or in the beautiful territory of the Yukon this February, do not miss an opportunity to attend the Yukon Quest Sled Dog Race! Individuals of all ages are sure to enjoy this unique experience and will remember seeing the running dogs, hearing the crunch of snow, and feeling the overall air of excitement for years to come. Whether you send off the competitors in the tiny town of Whitehorse in Canada’s Yukon territory or welcome the heroic mushers and sled dogs into lovely downtown Fairbanks, Alaska, there are many opportunities to see this race. Many of the race’s checkpoints are accessible by major roadways, allowing visitors from all corners of the globe to experience this race first hand. Discover what goes on behind the scenes at a major dog sled race. This race requires a whole crew of individuals to work diligently while the competitors fly over snow banks. From veterinarians to care for the sled dogs to doctors to care for the mushers to talented chefs to provide all competitors—both animal and human—with quality food, it truly takes a village for the event to get off the ground.

Make a trip to Alaska to experience the nonstop action and excitement of the Yukon Quest Sled Dog Race! Bring the entire family to cheer on all the competitors and watch as one talented musher and his (or her!) sled dog team crosses into Fairbanks first to be declared victorious!

Everything Italian

I have had many opportunities to travel in the past few years. I am grateful for each chance I have had to see new parts of the world and to learn from cultures and people that are different from me. There are valuable things to be gained from all cultures, but I have fallen in love with all things Italian.

I have never been somewhere as magical and wonderful as Italy. There is something special about that country that cannot be understood until it is experienced. I spent almost a month there and walked away with a deep love for everything Italian.

The first and most obvious Italian thing to love is the food. Never have I tasted more delightful food than Italian. I guess because I have always loved pasta and I cannot get enough tomato. I had a month filled with amazing Italian meals. Some were cooked by experienced Italian chefs and others were cooked by grandmothers of my Italian friends. It didn't seem to matter who was in the kitchen, though, because each meal was wonderful. I even took a few Italian cooking lessons while I was there, and they have done wonders for my own abilities in the kitchen. My family loves it that I have finally learned to cook something other than chicken.

I also love the Italian language. I didn't learn much of it myself, but just being around it for a month was a great thing for my ears. I love the sound of Italian and the way it rolls of the tongue of the speaker. It is definitely a romantic sounding language. I was determined to take some Italian language classes when I returned home, but my life got back to busy within weeks and my dreams of learning Italian are on the backburner once again.

I love everything about the way that Italians do family. They share a joy of being together unlike I have seen in any other country. Italian families are big, too, and that makes everything more fun. I love the way Italians take every chance they get to celebrate. Meals turn into three hour long celebrations and they are filled with laughter and joy.

If you ever get the chance to visit Italy, take it. It is an experience worth having. I'm confident that you will fall in love with all things Italian. You will find yourself eating great food, immersed in a great language and making room in your busy schedule for more time there. Everything Italian is truly worth experiencing and enjoying.

Evening Activities for a Stag Weekend in Bristol

Ah, Bristol! If any city deserves the name of Home of Comedy, it must be Bristol. Home to Jongleurs and Jesters, a pair of world-class comedy clubs, and birthplace of Lee Evans, Justin Lee Collins and laughing gas, Bristol offers some unique possibilities for stag weekend activities. A Bristol stag weekend can combine an afternoon of paintballing, quad biking or five a side with an evening of carousing and comedy at one of Bristol's rightfully famed comedy clubs.

The traditional stag night of strippers and lap dances has more recently been replaced with an entire weekend's worth of 'guy fun', often away from home so the scandalous naughty doings don't trickle back to those who might care. If you're planning a stag weekend for an upcoming wedding, a Bristol stag weekend offers many possibilities for memorable, unique stag activities. Among the many Bristol stag weekend activities that you might include are:

:: Quad Biking at a Bristol course
   - An obstacle course run on quad bikes can kick off a stag weekend in Bristol with a bang. Get dirty, get the blood pumping and get the testosterone primed for a night on the town later.

:: Assault Course
   - River rafting - upstream? A Bristol stag weekend favorite is an assault course that pits your team against the river - and other teams on a home-built raft made of articles bought in a 'ship's store'. It's another blood-raising activity that will prime the pumps for a hot night on the town later.

:: Bavarian Bierkellar
   - Instead of a nightclub, take the Stag out for a beer-filled night at a mini-Munich Bierfest. With oversized steins of the best brews in the world, and lots of raucous fun, it's a Bristol stag weekend standard.

:: Comedy Club
   - Bristol is the home of comedy - and the comedians that play the Bristol comedy clubs are past masters at pointing the finger at stags out celebrating their last nights of freedom. No Bristol stag weekend would be complete without a night of gut-busting howlers at a Bristol comedy club.

That's just a small handful of the activities that a Bristol stag weekend might include. You'll find more ideas at the Bristol Board of Tourism web site, or from a UK tour operator and event organiser.

Europe: Places to Meet Pure Bred Aristocracy and Royalty

Want to meet a Duke or a true Prince and Princess? One of the easiest and most convenient places to meet pure royalty is at one of the prestigious hotel casinos. They hang out at many of the following five casinos and, once you are in, you can interact with them, play against them and if you are good enough, even beat them. Wouldn't you like to boast that you defeated a King? These five hotel casinos give you that chance.

But do not expect an all you can eat buffet or players with baseball caps and cool shades. Come dressed elegantly and only then will you be let in to share a baccarat game with pure-bred European aristocracy.

The European casinos listed here are the largest and the most luxurious casinos in Europe. Their appointed clientele is less the seasonal tourist gambler and more the upper crust. So, if you are looking for a stylish way to spend your latest lottery winning, you can shoot the dice in one of the casinos listed below while your traveling partners lie around the French Riviera beaches or go on wild shopping trips in the streets of London or Moscow.

1) Casino de Monte Carlo, Monaco:
Monte Carlo has been the favorite gaming destination of Europe's rich and famous for almost 150 years with the first casino that was founded by Prince Charles III of Monaco in 1863. Casino de Monte Carlo is a complex of five posh casinos located by the seashore and decorated in French rococo style with marbled columns, golden ornaments and crystal chandeliers. The overall environment would make you feel like an extra in a French history movie.

2) Casino Metropol, Moscow:
The Russian Federation has the biggest number of casinos and slot machines in Eastern Europe. The best casinos for tourists are obviously the ones located in hotels. Casino Metropol is part of the five star Hotel Metropol, which is not only one of the most elegant casino hotels in the area but it is also conveniently located in the center of Moscow within a walking distance from the Red Square and the Kremlin. The lowest minimum table requirement is 25 dollars and a night at the presidential suite will cost you 2,000 dollars.

3) Baden Baden Casino, Baden Baden, Germany:
The veteran European casino was founded in 1809 and although it has changed several ownerships since then, its reputation as one of the finest casinos in Europe in general and in Germany in particular has not change. Nowadays, the Baden Baden Casino is one of the city's landmarks along with the famous thermal baths. If you ignore the table games and the slot machines, walking through the 32,289 square foot casino looks as similar to a visit in an European art museum with permanent exhibits of oil paintings and sculptures.

4) The Clermont Club, London, England:
If you are visiting the UK, you cannot just pop into a casino but have to apply for a membership at least a day ahead. If you plan to follow this procedure, the Clermont Club in Berkeley Square is one of the most reputable gaming clubs around. Set in a 17th century building, the Clermont Club was designed to resemble the Great Hall at Holkham. In addition to its friendly and convenient gaming room, the Clermont Club includes a bar and a clubroom where members and their guests can lounge over a banquet of a vintage bottle of champagne. Note that playing at <a href="http://www.gambling-portal.com">online casinos</a> is legal in the UK, so you can just pop into any internet cafe for online games.

5) Casino Barriere de Deauville, Deauville, France:
The elegant seaside casino resort had inspired Ian Fleming in depicting the Casino of Royale les Eaux in his first James Bond novel Casino Royale. First founded in the 1860s by the Duc de Morny, the extravagant palace is one of the most beautiful casinos in the world. In addition to its gaming facilities, Casino Barriere hosts variety of exclusive entertainment shows as well as cultural and artistic events.

Enjoy Fun-Filled Adventure on a Family Vacation Cruise

Cruises aren't only for romance, adults, and college kids. You can take your entire family on a cruise and have just as much fun as you would on any vacation. Many cruise ships today offer family cruise packages with fun stuff for kids and a good, clean atmosphere for the entire family. These usually don't have the typical "partying" atmosphere as many spring break cruises and cruises for adults only. Let's see what family vacation cruises have to offer.

Cruisin' with the Kids

Kids might find a normal cruise boring, but with family cruises, there's a long list of things to do. A cruise that caters to families and kids will allow you to have a great time without having to constantly come up with ways to entertain the kids. There are swimming pools with special kiddie stuff such as water slides or water games, video arcades, on-board games for kids of all ages such as shipboard Olympics, pizza parties, miniature golf, magic shows, sports, concerts, fun educational projects, and more. Some cruises have family-friendly movies and skating. Many offer on-shore kids' adventures and tours to enjoy as you reach each destination.

Where to Go

A tough decision to make is where to go on a family vacation cruise. Some places are just not suitable for families. They might have too much of a party type atmosphere catering to couples or single young adults. Some places are just too boring for the family to enjoy. Compare cruise offerings to find a destination that caters to families with attractions such as zoos, children's museums, amusement parks, water parks, tours of historic sites, or family fun centers. Teens might enjoy more adventurous activities such as snorkeling, parasailing, and hiking. When you exit the boat, you can pick and choose among several attractions to make the whole family happy.

Some great cruise destinations for families include Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida (with Disney Cruises), islands of the Caribbean, Hawaii, California, and Alaska. European cruises are also great for families, allowing you to explore interesting sites in Europe by sea and land.

A Break for Parents

One luxury you'll enjoy on a family cruise is you can take breaks from the kids occasionally. They can enjoy supervised games and activities while you relax in the Jacuzzi, enjoy a romantic dinner, try out a casino, or just sunbathe by the pool. Many cruises have a trained youth staff for various age groups to direct the children's activities. A schedule of kid's activities is provided so parents and kids will know how to plan each day.

Find the Perfect Family Cruise

Family cruises are easy to book using the Internet. Check out some of the main cruise lines to find out what they offer and what destinations are available. Some of the most popular are Disney Cruises, Carnival Cruise Lines, Princess, Norwegian Cruise Line, Crystal Cruises, and Costa Cruise Lines. You can easily choose a cruise package that will fit your family's budget. But be sure to book a cruise that offers activities your family will enjoy. It should be a vacation to please everyone.

Some online resources to book a family cruise are Travelocity, Expedia, Travelzoo, and Orbitz. You can usually get discounted tickets by securing an all-inclusive family cruise package. An all-inclusive cruise will include meals, lodging, transportation, and some forms of entertainment. Be sure to find out what's included and what's not so you'll know how to plan financially for the trip.

If your family vacations seem a little drab lately, a family cruise can provide the new, thrilling adventure your family has been longing for!

English In An Increasingly Italian World – Part One, The Introduction

As the article states, I am English but live in an increasingly Italian world. I work as a Translations Project Manager at Axis Translations dealing with the English Italian language combinations. I am trying to find and buy a house in Italy and I am even marrying an Italian girl.

As such I intend to write a series of articles on such subjects as;

>Italian Culture
>Italian Festivals
>Translation of Italian Hand Gestures
>Authentic Italian Recipes translated into English
>Translation of Italian colloquial phrases into English
>Translation of Italian insults into English
>Italian Culture
>Buying property in Italy
>Having a wedding in Italy
>Italian Language lessons for English speakers
>etc.

I am quite an open person, so I intend to give some frank discussion of the things that I experience. I also intend to give you some translations some analysis from an English prospective and a few Italian lessons. As such, this will be a series of articles.

Right now you find me writing from Naples / Napoli in the south of Italy / Italia. It’s about 33 degrees and pretty humid. We are staying at the home of my fiancees parents as my fiancee has been having an operation.

So today I will tell you a little about Italian life – Italian neighbours when someone is sick. I hope you enjoy.

Once it became general knowledge (which took about 5 or 6 seconds) that my fiancee had entered hospital for an operation the neighbours are all asking if they can come to visit my fiancee in the hospital. They are sending flowers to the hospital, huge arrangements. They also want to know if they can take a shift at the bedside of my fiancee as it normal that someone will remain with the person at the hospital at all times.

While she is in the hospital I am staying at her parents house with her father. The neighbours are asking if we would come to them for meals or if they could bring us food. Many come to visit to ensure that we know that their thoughts are with us.

I am afraid I would not expect such a warm response from my English life. Perhaps thats why I am 'English in an increasingly Italian World'

Enchanting Christmas Markets of Fairytale Germany

We arrive in Munich and our guide makes it clear this is Bavaria.  Bavarians favor autonomy from Germany and even have their own language.  I’ve been here many times but looking through sober eyes now, I find it more vibrant, clean and sophisticated.  We spend 2 days with Nancy, an excellent guide who has already emailed me to remain in touch.  I have a mini-group of just 26 so this is like a vacation for me.  It’s a first time abroad for some and I love to learn from them as they notice things with child-like enthusiasm that I don’t.  This is the hi-tech land of engineering.  We pass a 9 story Mercedes dealership with new cars stacked to the shape of an Advent tree.  We also see the BMW factory.  I wish I could work here with 7 weeks vacation per year, 340 different work schedules to choose from, a gym, spa and its many other benefits.  We stop for hot apple strudel and visit the well known sites.  Here is the 100’ Christmas tree with 2500 candles.  Our welcome dinner at Haufbrauhous is a delight with yodeling, alp horns and sausages of everything-wurst.  The group toasts their steins of natural beer made only of barley, water and hops.

 It’s time to move on to the enchanting storybook villages.  This is a magical time to visit.  No country celebrates Christmas with more passion than Germany.  As we head to the alps, the morning sky looks like a pale bruise.  Soon a blizzard engulfs our coach but we have an experienced driver named Eno who we fell in love with by trips end in 7 days.

 We arrive at Neuschwanstein and ride by horse and carriage up to the famous castle.  (This is the one Disney fashioned its own after.)  I’ve seen more castles than I can count around the world but this medieval knight’s fortress with gothic spires is spectacular.  Built in 1869, it looks brand spanking new with decorated rooms intact.  The 388 steps inside are well worth the climb.  There’s hardly anyone here whereas summer can draw 5,000 tourists each day.  In winter, this fairytale castle becomes dreamlike surreal.  That’s why I enjoy traveling off season.

 Pity poor Mad King Ludwig II who designed this worlds largest, most extravagant, expensive and opulent castle for himself.  It’s a sad story of the 6’ king who lived here only 4 months.  The people loved him as much as the German Tourist Board does today.  His family however, did not.  They sought to declare Ludwig insane and hired a team of psychiatrists to prove such.  Although he was prone to depression and insomnia, no doctor could find him mentally unfit.  After short rule, his body was found in the lake and the family stated it was suicide.  But the body of his psychiatrist was also found so most agree it was murder, particularly since an autopsy was refused.  Later it was determined that Ludwig was gay, so the “fairytale king” was truly a fairy.

 We stopped in charming Oberammergau, famous for its Passion Plays every 10 years.  The wood houses are painted with fairytales: Hansel & Gretel, Red Riding Hood, etc. We then toured Nuremburg with an astute guide who brought the city to life before our eyes from 15th century to its destruction in WWII.  Some went off to the Toy Museum or Torture Museum while I set out to explore the world’s largest Xmas market.

With giant lit trees, double carousals, horses with bells, over 400 stalls of food and crafts, this is a s festive as it gets!  I graze my way through on white chocolate bananas, fruit breads, glazed grapes, dipped pretzels, pink marzipan pigs, licorice angles and all types of roasting sugar coated nuts.  Shaped gingerbreads are omnipresent and the aroma of warm sweet Gluh-wine fragrances the air.   I’m on a sugar high and head for the crafts.  Shopping is a blood sport here through narrow lanes but MasterCard is my armor and I find all my toy treasures.  There are giant nutcrackers representing every occupation, unique mangers and 29 trillion ornaments.  At dusk the illumination begins.  I pause for a dinner of 6 bratwursts, Bavarian cheese and a pyramid of sauerkraut to last me to 2012.

 In Rodenthal we toured the Goebel/Hummel Factory.  I anticipated boredom yet became fascinated to learn how precious each piece is.  From 1871 to today, 700 artists create these tiny non-useful figurines.  They are paid per piece and if a mistake is made, it must be broken.  The highest paid artists are the delicate “face painters.”  I met one woman who has spent 12 years just painting eyebrows, another on lips and a man who has worked 10 years blushing cheeks!  The eye strain must be like threading sewing needles for a lifetime and it takes 3 years apprenticeship to graduate to this level.  Initially our guide assumed we were a collectors club when in reality we can barely afford a 2’’ baby Jesus. Later in East Germany we visited Lauenstein Confiserie, a chocolate/praline factory that was so busy with the season, they hardly notice us.  I tasted from the chocolate fountain nearly having a cocoa orgasm and confirm again that America can never produce this product as purely or satisfying as Europe.

  The best of all towns was Rothenberg, population 2300 where our Hotel Prince was located right inside the fortified walls of Old Town.  Our guided walk here instantly awakened all my 5 senses and made me want to linger for days.  We tend to go over the top each year with our flashy decorations.  Among the half timbered homes here on cobbled streets, it is quieter and softer.  One is taken back to the Middle Ages with the pewter ornaments hand crafted and evergreens lit with candles.  Afterwards, our guide Claudia invites us all into her home.  I go to buy a “snowball” for which this town is renowned.  They are piled high like colored softballs in the windows.  For over 300 years, these pastries were frugally made from scraps of fresh pie dough.  Dipped in chocolate, berries or cinnamon butter, they melt in your mouth.  As the sun shines, I remove my coat to a balmy 50º.  How I wished it would snow.

 We end our tour in the Student Prince town of Heidelberg with entrance to the famous castle and its 55,000 gallon wooden wine barrel.  That night I reflect on a great trip, my last one for 2005.  I write this journal so my wonderful little group will remember it all.  With pride, I’ll always remember them; on time, patient, no complaints, generous tippers, polite to locals and friendly with each other.  Perfect travelers I wish I could clone.

 After hugging Eno goodbye, we exited with so many shopping bags that he now thinks he needs a trailer in tow of his coach.  This December, it was joyous to be transported back in time.  It certainly brought me in touch with my inner elf.  What a gift!

Edinburgh Stag Do Ideas

While most folk will take any excuse for a party, there are some party reasons that have stood the test of time. Take the stag do, for example. It's been around since at least early Greek times when the lads of Sparta saw to it that their about-to-be-married chums got a send-off that was worthy of Zeus. Today, stag parties have come a long way, but the idea is still the same - one last fling for the happy fellow before he puts on the ball and chain for life.

While many folks are heading off to the continent for a stag weekend, there are some excellent reasons for choosing a city closer to home. You might, for instance, choose to do a stag weekend in Edinburgh, where you'll have your choice of dozens of daytime activities and the same wide variety of nighttime fun to send your mate off to the altar in style. Here are just a few of the things that you might include in your Edinburgh stag do.

Daytime Edinburgh Stag Weekend Fun
A stag weekend in Edinburgh can accommodate the tastes of any group from the active to the scholarly. Few other cities offer a range of activities as wide as the traditional Scots city. From kayaking to orienteering, from Five a Side to quad runners there's plenty of choice for a day of getting physical to gear up for the night. For the truly adventurous, there's canyoning - the art of hurtling down a canyon flume with nothing but a wetsuit to protect you from the rocks below. Is there a more appropriate metaphor for the new life your guest of honor is about to enter?

Edinburgh Stag Weekend by Night
They say laughter can cure almost anything - and Edinburgh's The Stand Comedy Club is sure to put that to proof. The popular club is often standing room only, so if you want to laugh yourself silly at up to five world class comedy acts in one night, you'd do best to get your tickets early. If clubbing is your thing, you won't even have to leave The Stand - when the comedy's done, a DJ takes the stage and the club transforms into one of the hottest nightclubs in the city.

Just a Little Bit Of Naughty Stag Night Hijinks
If you're of a mind that no stag do is complete without a pretty girl shedding her clothing and giving the soon-to-be husband a wiggle and tweak, then you'll want a tour of the clubs that hits Bottoms Up, the Fantasy Palace and Big Daddy O's. The girls are first rate - but again, the clubs can be busy on a weekend night. If you're only in town for a stag weekend in Edinburgh, you'll do well to set up a tour in advance with a UK tour operator who can assure you tickets and entry.