Archive for August, 2009
August 31st, 2009 - Where to Stay in Havava
In this article I am going to highlight few of the best hotels in Havana. There are numerous options available but I believe these 5 properties below are the best Havana Hotels.
Santa Isabel Hotel
Santa Isabel offers cosy rooms that are decorated in luxurious colonial style. It is here where John Paul II stayed in 1998 when he visited Havana. This Colonial Palace is located only few steps from Havana’s Cathedral and it is just next to where Havana was founded almost 400 years ego.
Saratoga Hotel
This hotel was constructed in the early 1930’s and was immediately well known for its excellent cuisine. Its Open-air pedestrian arcades are a pleasure to walk through. This 5 star hotel enjoys an excellent location in the very heart of the Old Town. Its roof top swimming pool is one of the best spots to contemplate Havana’s reach architecture.
NH Parque Central
This hotel is located in the very heart of Old Havana. It is surrounded by numerous historic buildings such as: Theater Garcia Lorca, The Capitol and The Fine Arts Museum. This hotel is only 25 minutes far from the international airport in Havana. The 5 star NH Parque Central hotel is the best you can get in Havana in terms of service, food and accommodation facilities.
4 star Florida Hotel
At a centric corner of the street Obispo raises majestically the Hotel Florida. Few meters from Plaza de Armas this hotel is surrounded by businesses, art galleries and interesting museums that provide a magic atmosphere in its vicinity. A distinguished ambience and a customized service invite you to discover the magic of the past in the 21st century.
Havana - Raquel Hotel
This hotel has one of the most beautiful roof gardens in Havana to pamper the guest with cosy seat to overlook the fantastic corners and panoramic views of Havanas Old Town. This hotel enjoys one of the most representative expressions of the Art Nouveau architecture style.
Please visit Twin centre Holidays to Cuba web site by J. M. Maurette for further information on Havana Hotels
August 31st, 2009 - Travel To Rome : Traveling To Rome
The Ciampino and the Fiumicino, or Leonardo da Vinci are the two available airports for traveling to Rome. The Fiumicino provides flights from all over the world and is the larger of the two, while the Ciampino is the more modest of the two and is generally utilized by economical and bargain airlines as well as charters.
A variety of transportation options await you, from taxis and buses to trams or the subway. If taking a taxi you should always insist on the metered fare rather than a negotiated fare. For a tour guide, the right taxi driver can assist you, as you can pay them to take you around the city, as well as to all of the places you don’t want to miss.
In Rome, you can choose from tons of hotels that are available in a vast array of price ranges. If your hotel is in the middle of the city, you can walk to the majority of places you’ll want to visit, even though it is a large place. You may find that staying outside the city is a more economical choice, if you’re okay with riding the subway or bus.
When traveling to Rome to experience its vast and beautiful history, St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican are must-see historical locales. Roman culture’s famous architectural style is on display at sites such as the Roman Forum, Coliseum, and Palantine Hill.
For those with the desire to travel to a multitude of locales, buying the Roma Archeologia card will grant easy access to many of Rome’s prime sights.
If you are interested in shopping during your stay in Rome then you cannot miss the Piazza di Spagna and the Spanish Steps. This area of Rome is full of boutiques, antique shops, restaurants, bars, and more. All of these places are in walking distance to the others, and anything you may need can be found here. The center of Rome also has very lively markets that you cannot miss.
Sponsored By : Italian Phrases
August 30th, 2009 - Why Sac?
It should come as no surprise that the Golden State is shot-through with big cities. From San Francisco to Los Angeles to Newport Beach and back up the coast again, there are no shortages of big cities to choose from. To be sure, smaller college towns like Berkeley, Davis, and Irvine also get folded into the Golden State batter. With all of these options, what makes Sacramento the capitol?
Christened by the stalwart Gabriel Moraga, Sacramento was little more than a trading post when John Sutter arrived in 1839 from Switzerland. Within ten years he and his heirs would guide the transformation of the trading post into a military barracks for the U.S. Army and eventually into an incorporated city. Sacramento is the oldest incorporated city in the state, having been invested in 1850. This does not mean it is the oldest, however, as that distinction belongs to Monterey.
Following the conclusion of the Mexican-American War (1846-1848), the capital of California was moved from Monterey. The first city to be designated the new capitol was San Jose. When the state legislature met there in 1850, it was argued the capitol should be moved further inland to avoid retribution either from Mexico or the Spanish Empire.
James Marshall, two years earlier, famously discovered gold in the American River in Coloma, about 50 miles away from Sacramento. In the years that followed, Sacramento became the inheritor of the California Gold Rush. The city flooded with new residents and economic prosperity. As evidence of Sacramentos growing importance, the Transcontinental Railroad terminated in the city, solidifying it stature as the gateway city to California.
With brief stints in Vallejo and Benicia, the capitol was moved, finally, to Sacramento in 1854. Taking advantage of the citys tremendous infrastructure and rail access, the Constitutional Convention named Sacramento the permanent capitol of California in 1879. Inspired by the nations capitol, the California State Capitol was not actually completed until 1874, where it stands to this day in tribute to the vision and foresight of John Sutter.
August 30th, 2009 - Purchase The Right Size Camping Tent And Get Away From It All
Camping is a great way to get outdoors and away from the hustle and bustle of normal, everyday life. Getting back to natural things in this way can relax you, and help to eliminate all of your frustrations and stresses. Many enthusiasts make a plan to go camping at least twice a year to rid themselves of the stress and anxiety of everyday life.
The most important piece of equipment for camping is the tent. A tent is a basic structure for enclosure to block out bugs, rain, and wildlife while you are resting in a camp spot. The kind of tent used will depend on the area you will be camping. Tents are crafted for different locations, and some of them, activities. A camping tent is the ideal shelter for families that like to go hiking, biking, and fishing. Tents can be small enough to carry or so large that they need more than one individual to assist in bringing it.
There are so many brands and types of tents that someone looking for one might incur confusion. Typically, the room of a tent is measured by how many individuals can fit inside. The different types of tents available for purchase are:
* Ridge Tents - Ridge tents are the original of this kind of shelter. Like the name, there are a couple of ridges on both sides that slope down to touch the ground on either side. These are easily the most simplest to erect. They usually handle 1-3 people and are very easy carry. Ride tents are erected with two poles on both sides and a rope between them to keep it from blowing away.
* Frame Tent - are the biggest kind of tents used by large groups of individuals and families. These tents are erected with a bunch of crisscross poles that erect the tent and secure it in place. The tent fabric is then laid on the crisscrossed poles to complete the shelter. Then, pegs and ropes are added to further fortify the structure.
* Dome Tents - This type of tent is the most common in stores. As listed in the name, this kind has a dome on the top that allows for easy channeling of rain and other elements; the dome helps things to easily slide from the roof of the tent so the top is not broken. These tents are low to the ground so you usually can’t walk around inside. However, these types of tents are very compact and fast to build.
Before going camping, you should prepare yourself fully. Lacking the right equipment can lead to a horrible time out there in nature. Also, not having the right tent can be a bad idea in parts of the world that have a lot of animals and rugged country. In addition, you have to figure out if the tent you have is big enough to fit everyone. Tents are usually labeled with how many people can fit comfortably and it is important that you take this into consideration. Camping is is a great activity - make sure you prepare yourself fully.
August 29th, 2009 - Flashpoint: Union Square
First off, get out of SFO as quickly as possible. Sure, the architecture is pretty swank, but you’ve got a lifetime of adventures waiting for you in the City By The Bay. Secondly, book yourself into a hotel that is either in the heart of the city or as close as possible. Whats the point coming if it takes you hours to get into the thick of things? Your best bet will be booking a room right off Union Square.
Never forget Union Square is the “heart” of San Francisco. Cleared and commissioned in 1850, the square got its name from all the pro-Union rallies held in solidarity with the Union forces of the American Civil War. From a simple square to a major ceremonial center, Union Square is now the de facto shopping flashpoint for the entire Bay Area.
Every year Union Square plays host to the vaunted New Year’s Eve celebrations. Modeled to some extent on New York’s Times Square, Union Square is the closest most people on the west coast can get to that Eastern city extravaganza. There is a reason why San Francisco has been hailed as the “Paris of the West.”
Stupendous shopping, delectable cafes, and endless hours of people watching are yours to be had. In fact, Macy’s flagship store dominates the square, keeping the idea of going on a spending spree constantly on your mind. The Union Square stop on the BART rail brings the entirety of the Bay Area to your disposal. With a hotel room off of the square you can conquer all seven square miles of the City That Knows How.
Before your funds dry up, be sure you catch a show. Not a movie, but a show. Union Square is the heart of San Francisco’s theater district. There is so much to do and see and so little time. Though some travelers would have you stay closer to the Financial District or perhaps across the Bay in Berkeley, the key to enjoying San Francisco is proximity. With a cozy base of operation off the square you are well on your way to enjoying the shopping, the food and the nightlife of the city.
August 29th, 2009 - Travel Accessories - Ten Things to Take
After countless miles traveling around the world, I’ve found a number of travel accessories that I always like to take. These items make my trips easier, smoother, and more comfortable, and they can do the same for you. Like anything else, having the right gear makes a difference, and these travel accessories can be a big help!
1) Travel Steamer. No matter how you pack, wrinkles happen. When you want to look your best, a travel steamer can fix the situation, quickly removing stubborn, packed-in wrinkles without harming fabrics. A good travel-specific model such as Travelon will minimize the space and weight it takes in your luggage.
2) Sleep Mask. Getting a good sleep can be difficult when you travel, as time changes throw your body off its normal cycle, and unfamiliar places keep you awake. One thing that can help is blocking out the light! Get a sleep mask that’s designed to allow Rapid Eye Movement (REM), not pressing against your eyes. You’ll be better rested, and enjoy your trip that much more!
3) Security Purse. Losing your wallet or passport to a thief is a good way to dampen your vacation! A travel purse specially designed to keep your precious belongings secure can give you added peace of mind on a trip. Security features may include slash-proof cables in the strap, wire mesh reinforced panels, and locking zipper pulls.
4) Compact Toiletry Kit. Having a good travel toiletry kit can make your trip so much easier. A good design is compact, well-organized, versatile, and of course spill-proof, so that you don’t wind up with shampoo all over your clothes! Another feature that’s very useful is a hook so that you can hang it in the bathroom when counter space is limited.
5) Packable Tote Bag. Plastic shopping bags are ubiquitous in the US (though being phased out in places); but other countries don’t always provide them, or charge extra. Be prepared, and be environmentally friendly too, by bringing your own packable tote bag. Tiny when folded, you’ll always have a bag at the ready to hold all your purchases.
6) Healthy back bag. For traveling, I use a purse that’s bigger than I use at home, since I’ve got so much to carry — passport, plane and hotel information, camera, iPod, guidebooks, and more. That purse can get heavy! That’s why a healthy back bag is great, because it distributes the weight efficiently. The leather ones are amazingly durable. Mine’s been to the ends of the earth and it’s still going strong.
7) Portable Power. How did we travel before iPods? I know I’m addicted to mine, and it makes a long trip so much more enjoyable. Power can be a challenge, though. An external portable power pack can recharge your iPod, cell phone, or other device even when you’re sitting in an airplane seat without access to a plug-in. The Dual Port USB AC Charger with Rechargeable Extended Battery is great, because it can power up one or two devices, with or without AC access.
Waterproof Compression Sacks. Compression sacks can save space in your luggage by squeezing bulky items into a smaller space. Waterproof sacks are great to have along, to keep wet or dirty clothes away from your other belongings. Combine the two, and voila — waterproof compression sacks that fit both purposes!
9) SteriPEN. These unique devices use ultraviolet light to purify your drinking water. Safe, speedy and effective, this lets you purify water without chemicals or boiling. The small hand-held purifier is perfect for travelers in restaurants, hotel rooms or on the road. Just stir gently for less than one minute and a 16 oz glass of water is be disinfected and ready to drink
10) Hidden Money Pouch. Tourists can be targets for pickpockets, so take some precautions so this doesn’t ruin your vacation. A hidden money pouch lets you keep cash, credit cards or passport safe and secure. Put your valuables in the pouch, then slip it around your neck and under a sweater. This way even if your wallet was stolen, the thieves would get just a small amount. You can tour with confidence knowing your stash is safe.
August 28th, 2009 - Great Beach Cottage UK With Self Catering
You can go to any part of the world and you will find out that cottages are quite in demand. One can only say that it is definitely one of the best places to enjoy your holidays. But what will you do if you want to enjoy the beach life as well. Do not worry there are many places throughout the world where you will find many beach cottages as well. They are simply awesome and are known by almost all of the people. Why not, you are enjoying the beach life as well as the comfortable stay in the cottage.
Few months back I made a visit to one of the cottages in England. I then made a resolution to walk around some of the best cottages in UK which were quite near to the beach. Then I came up with following cottages. They are as follows:
1. Summer at Lamina This is quite a comfortable cottage. Lamina is an outstanding, stylish four-bedroom possession with indisputable triumph factor. Premeditated and finished to a very high standard, Lamina occupies a sheltered spot in the seashore village of Trevino. Light fills every spacious room and the sight from the lounge, through double characteristic, floor to ceiling windows, covers the bays of Trevino, Mother Ivey`s and Harlan.
These entire features really make this cottage one of the hot favorite and believe that the beach which is quite near to it is quite awesome. It is definitely one of the best cottages which you will see in this region. The cost of this cottage is 1780 pounds per week which is quite high.
2. The dairy near Chisel Beach in Dorset This is a roomy modern conversion which offers a very high quality self-catering facility. This cottage can accommodate up to 6 people and in fact it can lodge one baby as well. It is positioned in a country location near Weymouth in Dorset.
The Fleet Lagoon and Chisel Beach is just a mile away from this cottage. This area is unquestionably quite well suited to the walkers since it is calm and provides tranquil surroundings. Weymouth, Dorchester, Abbotsbury and Bradford are quite near and are just a few minutes of drive away. Some of the most popular places which are quite near to this cottage are Corfe Castle, Poole, Bland ford Forum, Lyme Regis and Bournemouth.
3. Mountain Ash house near the beaches of north Devon This is yet another cottage which is quite near to the beach. It is not as costly as some of the other cottages but you will certainly find it to be quite great as far as the luxuries are concerned.
These are really some of the of the beach front cottages which are relatively admired and believe me that they are quite in demand. At last I would just say that you should go their and then enjoy your holidays.
August 28th, 2009 - Save Money On an Orlando Vacation
DRG Property Services has condo’s, townhouses and regular houses to stay at very affordable rates. There are a variety of housing options you may choose and when you go can make a big difference in what the homes rent for also. You can save a lot of money if you go on vacation in the off season.. For example, this could be after Labor Day when rates typically come down . The weather is still beautiful well into October and you miss the large crowds.
Renting a home with a kitchen and bringing or buying your own food can help save money on food and feeding your family. Most of DRG’s properties have kitchens and doing this will dramatically cut down on your food bill. Depending on the size of your family, eating out can be quite expensive.
Renting a car on line can usually save you money than making a phone call. Rent an economy car but when you go to pick up the car always ask for an upgrade. Economy cars go fast and most car companies will offer upgrades at no additional cost. If you don’t ask, you probably wont get the upgrade.
By booking your flight reservations 2 weeks in advance on-line, you will also save money on air fare. Shop on-line for the best deals but also check for any restrictions. And don’t forget to work with a travel agent who can offer advice and counsel.
To avoid any cleaning fees from the property owner(s), always remember to clean up after yourselves on the final day. Make sure the furniture is the way it was, the kitchen is clean and all the trash is emptied. Rental companies do charge a fee for any excessive cleaning that needs to be done. Also report to the property manager anything that needs repair or their urgent attention.
August 27th, 2009 - Luxury Hotels Santa Barbara - Before You Plan Your Next Trip
If you are planning your next trip and have no idea where you will be spending your next holiday, then you might consider Santa Barbara. This will definitely be an experience of a life time. There is just so much a person knows about a city or a country, but when it comes to Santa Barbara, you didn’t know it all. Make sure you book yourself into one of the luxury hotels. Santa Barbara will surely leave you mesmerized by its beauty and history.
When you are traveling around on a budget you will find a hotel or even an inn that fits your budget. When you do not have any kind of budget or spending limit, you can choose from a variety of Santa Barbara luxury hotels. Vacation rentals might actually make your trip a whole lot better. Vacation rentals save you a lot of money and can include a lot more people. If you are staying with a group for at least a week or even two, you will need a vacation rental in Santa Barbara. Those just looking to stay for a night just need a simple hotel room. When the time comes to get out of town for a bit, a great massage at a spa hotel in Santa Barbara will work wonders!
If you are simply passing through, look for a room at a local inn. You do not want to spend a lot of money when you are simply trying to get some simple sleep. On the other hand, if you have extra money why not really relax for the night? When staying for a longer period of time, a vacation rental is going to do you a lot more good. Rentals will have everything from fireplaces to swimming pools. You will even get a great fully functioning kitchen as well!
Leadbetter beach is something that you need to make a point to see. Here, you can meet some of the locals and get a true feel for this city. As you move through your vacation with either a vacation rental or spa resort you will notice how relaxed you feel. For most, this feeling does not go away until they leave this town.
Do not wait an entire year to plan your trip to Santa Barbara. When you have the extra cash as well as the extra time you need to go there! Those who had the chance and passed it up may never be able to see this beautiful place in their lifetime again. Do not ruin your chance either!
If you are traveling alone do not let that keep you from booking your reservations here. There are plenty of people to meet and things to see. Who knows, it might be nice to get away on your own. You can do whatever you want, whenever you want. Try not to plan too much activity during your stay; you will only be wasting fun time.
Make plans in advance so that you can look forward to the things you will be doing during your Santa Barbara weekend. You will quickly notice how your time is absorbed by all the things you will experience once you arrive. You have never been spoiled like this in your life and this you need, whether it is for a weekend, a week or three weeks in a private vacation home.
Those who are just spending a weekend in Santa Barbara will still be able to enjoy a lot of what this town has to offer. If you want to get a group together, make sure that you take the time to book your vacation rentals in advance!
August 27th, 2009 - Italy Cheap Hotels
Italy is a famous country situated on the Italian neck of land in Southern Europe. The capital city of Italy is Rome. Italy is not only a democratic but a developed country as well. Italy faces highly diverse type of climate. Italy is especially preferred by a number of newly married couples, but you can even visit this country with your family. Accommodation in Italy is very expensive, although there are a few budget hotels that provide cheap accommodation to the budget travelers.
Some of the best Budget hotels located in Italy are:
1. Roi Hotel Rome The hotel is ideally located in the region of San Giovanni. The hotels assure you an easy access to some of the most remarkable destinations of this place. The admired Roman shopping lane and Vatican museums are located just at the doorstep of this stunning hotel. They offer a number of world class facilities including free internet access, 24-hour front desk and car leasing desk. It is a budget hotel that offers you a number of facilities at cheap rates.
2. Hotel Florida This 3-star lodge is just sited a short distance away from Milan’s central railway station. The hotel offers you 53 restrooms and 3 lavish suites. All the rooms are outfitted with personal baths. Wi-Fi and breakfast are also easily available for no additional cost. The hotel has been newly renovated in 2004.
3. Hotel Morgana Rome It is a four star lavish hotel that provides you inexpensive housing option. The hotel is ideally placed nearby some of the hottest attractions of the city. The hotel has been fully equipped with all kinds of modern facilities and conveniences. Air conditioning and laundry facilities are also offered in all the restrooms. Paid parking facility is also available in the hotel.
4. Hotel Italia This hotel has tremendous standards for a two star lodge. It is located just off via Nazionale, which is a convenient place for sightseeing and visiting other hot attractions. You can really save a lot of money during your stay here.
5. Roxy Hotel This affordable hotel is situated away from the typical areas of Milan and offers you tranquil and quiet surroundings to relax your senses. The hotel charges are very nominal and you cannot ask for more at such low rates.
The above mentioned hotels are some of the best affordable hotels in Italy, which provide you luxury accommodation at very reasonable rates.