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Summer is around the corner—prime time for vacations! But that is where we are all putting on the brakes. We are peering into our wallets and finding a little less now than we are used to. We feel the need to forgo some of our usual luxuries. So, the ten day cruise or five-star resort may be out of the question this year, but we can still have a great vacation. The great American road trip is alive and well, and more affordable than ever. Whether you intend to create an epic cross-country adventure or just need to get the family out of town for a long weekend, it is time to hit the road!
The Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) says that according to a study by PKF Consulting, an international tourism consulting firm from Alexandria, VA, road tripping can be 50-70% more economical than traveling any other way. The 2008 study compared the cost of 12 popular vacation types including all inclusive vacation packages, cruises, car and hotel road trips and road trips with various kinds of recreational vehicles. The study focused on vacations three to fourteen days long for a family of four with two adults and two children.
A ten day cruise or an all inclusive package vacation will cost over $7,000, according to the study. Even factoring in ownership and maintenance costs, a road trip for the same amount of time will cost less than half. Jumping in the car and finding hotels and motels along the way will cost just over $3,000. You can save even more money by taking a moterhome or travel trailer. The study said, that “RV vacations are by far the most economical -- 50% less than car/hotel vacations, 60% less than bus/hotel vacations, 60% less than train/hotel vacations, 70% less than air/hotel vacations, and two-thirds less than budget cruise get aways.” Driving a motor home and staying in campgrounds will cost just over $2,000 for ten days. A family with a folding camping trailer will spend just over $1,600, about $40 per person per day. These costs included other factors such as park entrance fees, camping fees and food.
If you do not own a travel trailer or other recreational vehicle, renting is an option. While renting may make the trip slightly more expensive, there are good deals to be found. Travel trailer rentals can start at $50 per day and go up to $400 per day for a class A motor home depending on amenities, location, and time of year you choose to rent. Discounts are often given for rentals of seven days or more. Limited term insurance can be added to your regular vehicle insurance or purchased through most rental companies.
The cost of fuel is a major concern on any road trip. However, according to the study, fuel costs would have to more than double to affect the affordability of a road trip or recreational vehicle vacation, when factored as part of the overall costs and compared to other types of travel vacations. The PKF study was conducted in spring 2008 when gas prices were about $3.63 per gallon, more than a dollar more than current spring 2009 prices.
The study attempted to quantify measurable travel costs, but doesn’t talk about the non-monetary benefits of a great road trip. Traveling the open road is freeing and relaxing. For a fraction of the cost of other vacations, you can experience amazing countryside, explore unique natural wonders, and reconnect to the great outdoors. A road trip, particularly in a recreational vehicle, gives you flexibility to create quality family time and find freedom from the usual day-to-day stresses. A road trip can be good for the soul and that is priceless, without draining the pocketbook.
Source:http://www.articlecity.com/articles/travel_and_leisure/article_4171.shtml
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Some of the best travel destinations for women are in the Caribbean. With a number of tropical isles, the Caribbean is perfect for those looking for a fun-filled vacation. Be it beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters, and water sports such as surfing and SCUBA diving, one is spoilt for choice in the Caribbean. All this coupled with some great accommodation which ranges from all-inclusive resorts to small intimate places to stay ensure that visitors to the Caribbean go back for more. Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Turks and Caicos, the Virgin Islands, St. Kitts and Nevis, and the Bahamas offer the best facilities for visitors.
Jamaica, the land of reggae music, palate-pleasing and mouth-searing cuisines, and Blue Mountain Coffee is one of the best destinations for women. It offers an eclectic mix of beaches, waterfalls and mountains. There are a number of luxury retreats in towns such as Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, and Negril that attract visitors.
The Bahamas is another popular destination, offering water sports, golf, and shopping opportunities. It comprises of a number of islands and cays with important cities like Nassau on New Providence Island popular for its recreational activities and Grand Bahama Island featuring casinos, shopping districts, and golf courses.
The Dominican Republic attracts sport lovers, nature enthusiasts, and history buffs alike. Visitors can stay at one of the innumerable luxury resorts that line the numerous beaches. Santa Domingo and Puerto Plata are some cities in the Dominican Republic that offer a mix of culture and history while Punta Cana is full of great places to stay.
Whatever one is looking for be it nightlife, shopping, or activities, the Caribbean Islands provide a wide variety of options to a visitor. Those interested in a laidback vacation can take it easy and relax on one of the secluded beaches that the Caribbean has to offer or just lounge at the poolside in one of the all-inclusive luxury resorts.
Source:http://www.articlecity.com/articles/travel_and_leisure/article_4170.shtml
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London is probably the most expensive city in the world (least it seems that way). Now we all know there is no such thing as a free lunch, so make your sandwiches, pack your rucksack and check out our suggestion of free things to do in London.
Whilst we can list a variety of events and attractions that won't cost you a bean, we can't promise that you won't have to part with a penny or two for travel or refreshments. If you can't face paying for refreshments, don't and get free travel to the local police station.
1. If you fancy living dangerously then why not view a trial in session at the Old Bailey? The Old Bailey is the most famous criminal court in the world, hearing cases from London and all over England and Wales. The original Old Bailey courthouse dates back to 1539. Famous trials held there include; Oscar Wilde, Dr Crippen, William Joyce ('Lord Haw Haw'), the Krays and the Yorkshire Ripper.
The public galleries are open Monday to Friday from 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm. You may have to queue to gain entry as the Old Bailey has become a popular tourist attraction. You can get a list of the cases to be heard by visiting: Hmcourts-service.gov.uk/cms/courthearings.htm. The nearest tube is St Paul's.
2. If you've had a hard day at work or have shopped til you dropped and fancy putting your feet up and relaxing, then where better than at the Theatre Royal Stratford East? Very rarely do you find entertainment that is completely free of charge in comfortable surroundings. Monday nights are comedy night. Now you may not have heard of most of the comedians brave enough to stand up and entertain you but everyone has to start somewhere. Imagine being able to tell your friends you saw (insert an unknown comedians name) before he was famous? 'Five Guys Named Moe' started here and look what happened to them!
They usually have free entertainment on every night of the week, ranging from comedy to a variety of musical artists. Visit their website to view the line up: Stratfordeast.com/frameset.htm . The nearest tube is Stratford Station.
3. Go on a wildlife adventure. Bet you never thought you could do that in London eh? London's public parks are a major bonus to the city. We love one in particular - Bushy Park. Bushy Park lies to the North of Hampton Court Palace. Not only will you find wildlife and amazing scenery but there is also a fantastic history contained within the park. To set you up for a day in the crowded smelly city, take a stroll round Bushy Park and spot the red and fallow deer, herons, woodpeckers and many other rare sights. Check out their website for events to incorporate in your trip: Royalparks.gov.uk/parks/bushy_park/about.cfm
4. Dig out your dancing shoes and shimmy on down to Bar Salsa. If you are keen to have your body crushed up against some fit dancing instructor then Salsa is for you. Meet new people and keep fit, what more could you ask for? Get a beginners lesson free of charge on Wednesdays at around 7pm. We should warn you that this is a popular event for newbies, hence we recommend you do not wear open toed sandals. After the event go for drinks in the bar and if you haven't impressed Mr or Mrs Right with your dancing skills, try again after a few drinks. Bar Salsa is in Charing Cross Road and the nearest tube is Tottenham Court Road.
5. Watch a politician in action! See history in the making by watching a debate as it happens in the Houses Of Parliament. Not only would this be a thrilling way to spend your morning or afternoon but you also get to spend time in the historic Palace of Westminster. The Palace was built in 1042 as a royal residence. Some years later the Westminster Hall was built which housed stalls selling many legal accessories. Following a fire in 1834 the Palace was rebuilt and now includes the famous clock tower (Big Ben). If you want to view Prime Minister's question time you will need to book in advance. The nearest tube is Westminster.
6. Visit the Tower of London, after it has closed to tourists. The Tower of London has performed many roles over the years, namely a royal palace, a prison, a place of execution and a jewel house. It is definitely a must see for tourists, however the guided tours can often be crowded and noisy. What about your own personal tour minus the crowds? Few people know of an ancient ceremony that has been performed at the Tower every evening in one way or another for the last 700 years. At precisely 9.30pm the Yeoman Warders and the military guard lock the outer gates to the Tower and deliver the keys to the Resident Governor of the Tower. This ceremony is open to the public by tickets booked in advance. You can watch this ancient ceremony with a small group of people and feel privileged to have gained access to this beautiful piece of history without the crowds. Visit their website for further information - hrp.org.uk/. The nearest tube is Tower Hill.
We have tried out all of the above and can honestly say we really enjoyed ourselves. Our pleasure was obviously heightened by the fact that our entertainment was free. It just goes to show you that there are plenty of things to do in London for free if you know where to look.
Source:http://www.articlecity.com/articles/travel_and_leisure/article_4188.shtml
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Log on to any site that claims to be your perfect travel guide and what do you get – a multitude of travel deals. Wherever you click you are instantly overwhelmed with special offers: book this, buy that, fly with us, hop on this, reserve that!
Few are the travel websites which are honestly aimed at really informing travellers about the country or city they are visiting, the sites and attractions that make the country so popular with tourists, and the things one should or could do while visiting.
And this should come as no surprise to anybody who is in the industry. Advertising is what generates sales and keeps the websites going so where do you strike a balance? Where do you draw the line and give the prospective traveller a real taste of the country he is planning to visit whilst remaining truly honest?
On the other hand, why should the tourist be influenced as to where to go and what to do according to what the highest paying advertisers would like?
The travel guide websites 101malta and 101dublin are a far cry from the average sites which are primarily aimed at generating revenue without giving a candid picture of the location itself.
Each website has more than 100 pages spilt under four categories: things to do, things to try, things to see and things to eat. And here you are truly regaled by what the country really has to offer the potential tourist. Both 101websites have crawled, clicked and looked into every nook and cranny to bring you a straightforward, raw guide about the place.
For example, 101Malta invites travellers to delve into the mystery of the ancient civilizations that lived on this tiny Mediterranean Island by visiting the various Neolithic temples, which actually pre-date both the Pyramids of Egypt and Stonehenge.
Written with a flair that appeals to all and sundry, each page is dedicated to a particular site, attraction or events worth doing while on holiday on the island. 101Malta goes one step further than most other websites dishing out genuine, blunt, no-nonsense advice to travellers intending to visit the Maltese Islands.
Malta’s rich history is evident in every corner of each street, not only by the Neolithic treasures but also by the various influences left by its former conquerors, which included the Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Sicilians, the Knights of St John, the French, and last but not least, the British.
From the majestic St John’s Co-Cathedral to the Forts built by the British to repel attacks during World War II, 101Malta gives a direct view of these majestic buildings and why the Capital City Valletta was paid homage by being declared a World Heritage Site.
The Dublin Travel Guide - 101Dublin - gives the same honest view of where you should go and what you should do when on holiday in Dublin. Everyone’s got the same misconception about Dublin, that it’s all about the beer and many fail to make good use of their holiday.
If you are the type to enjoy history and culture, 101Dublin has a page dedicated to each location which it believes are definitely worth a visit – from St Patrick’s Cathedral to Dublin Writer’s Museum to a look around Trinity College.
Each page is neatly designed, with a brief yet concise explanation of the city’s major highlights, culinary delights as well as any traditions or customs to look out for, which, when thrown in all together is what makes travel such an eye-opening experience.
Travel is about embracing cultures and getting to know the nitty gritty of the place. Both 101travel guides embody this belief in an easy to use and light hearted manner making booking your trip that bit more exciting.
Source:http://www.articlecity.com/articles/travel_and_leisure/article_4189.shtml
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Understanding a Bareboat Sailing Charter
"Bareboating" refers to a chartering a yacht that you sail yourself, though you can also hire a captain to help you sail it. A bareboat sailing charter yacht size is from 30 to 50 feet in length and you can charter a conventional single hulled yacht (monohull), a catamaran or a powerboat. A sailing charter is far more popular, and common, than powerboats.
A bareboat sailing charter comes equipped with everything needed to operate them from kitchen utensils to towels, sheets and bedding. Almost all bareboat sailing charter companies in the Caribbean provide you with a dinghy with outboard at no charge. In other areas this may be an optional extra. The essentials like initial fuel and water are included. Meal provisions must be purchased on your own unless you have made prior arrangements. Your bareboat sailing charter company will be happy to assist you with provision arrangements through local suppliers.
Understanding Bareboat Sailing Charter Requirements and Booking a Sailing Charter
When you rent a car, you must produce a valid driver's license. While you don't need a license or certificate for a sailing charter most bareboats in the Caribbean or USA, you do need to show a considerable amount of skill and experience in order to be allowed to operate the yacht by yourself. The bareboat sailing charter company will require you to fill out a “sailing resume” when booking and it must be approved prior to finalizing the arrangements.
Unless you know someone who owns a boat, it is strongly recommended that you work with a reputable bareboat sailing charter company rather than an individual when chartering a yacht for your vacation. Dealing with a stranger you've never met and chartering a boat you've never seen can be somewhat risky, particularly when you'll be asked for payment in advance! One of the best ways to book a sailing charter and find a reputable sailing charter company is finding out by word of mouth from a friend that that done it and recommended the company.
Once your arrangements are made for your bareboat sailing charter vacation, let the relaxing begin. All you have to do is relax and enjoy the beautiful islands of the Caribbean on your own terms.
Source:http://www.articlecity.com/articles/travel_and_leisure/article_4187.shtml
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The name ‘India’ suggests an image of a vast country boasting many attractions and wonderful sightseeing attractions. From the magnificent Himalayas in the north to the thrilling sands of the Rajasthan in the west of India, from exotic hills in the east India to the idyllic, beautiful beaches in the south India, India is a hub for the tourist attractions.
India is not just a tourist attraction country but also a land of cultures, history, myriads, ancient civilization, rich forts and places of the gone by era which really reminds us of the antiquity and greatness of the place. India tours have a lot to offer to the tourists. The feel of the luxury and kings can be taken care by the palace hotels which have the preserved charms of the heritage of the country. One can visit such hotels in luxury tours to the country. A lot of places in India give the glimpse of the culture, heritage and religion, such as Delhi, Udaipur, Banglore, Varanasi, Mysore, Agra, Khajuraho, Jodhpur and Jaipur.
The land of cultural excellence is not only known for the heritage and cultural monuments but also for the fauna and flora, lovely beaches and exhilarating wildlife too. The India tour can be made memorable by paying visits to the exciting national parks, such as Kanha National Park, Jim Corbett Park and Sariska sanctuary that can make the trip a memorable experience.
Traveling in India can make you observe the fantastic forts like Amber fort, Agra fort, Golconda fort and Fatehpur Sikri fort, terrific temples as Lotus Temple and Akshardham temple, and lovely holiday spots in Goa. The beautifully created structures, elegant palaces, majestic tombs, fantastic forts are breathtaking. The architectural wonders in the country have the power to mesmerize you.
The people who have a spiritual bent can also get a treat by the stirring philosophies and sacrosanct sites of the country. The history buffs can also discover the grand vestiges of British rule in India, discover gems, and find battle scarred monuments and forts in the country’s field. The outdoor lovers have a choice too in palm fringed and shimmering waters of Goa, tigers can be explored in the safari at Kanha national park and also the rejuvenating fresh air can be felt by trekking the majestic Himalayas. The food of the country is mouth watering. The food gives a feel of the lovely blend of the different cultures of the country. The idilis and dosas of the south India to reviving North india’s curries, it’s all so amazing.
The must holiday destination includes Rajasthan with the majestic palaces, forts, rustic beauty and the culture. Agra is also a spellbinding place with the beautiful Taj Mahal. Kashmir is known for the natural beauty with extraordinary lakes, gardens, beaches and snow. Delhi can be visited for the Red Fort, India Gate and Qutub Minar. Kerala can offer lovely backwaters and beaches, hills stations like Ooty, Manali, Darjeeling and Nanital.
Visit to India can be a memorable one if you plan the tour in the right manner. You should chalk out itinerary as the country is too big and there is a lot to discover. The tour to India would definitely be enjoyable as every part of the country has a lot to offer to the visitors so much that the visitors would be enchanted by the country’s royalty.
Source:http://www.articlecity.com/articles/travel_and_leisure/article_4184.shtml
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The Netherlands is a wonderful place to visit. Often referred to as Holland, it is rich in history and culture. It’s evident from the second you arrive in this wonderful country. If you enjoy walking streets and finding yourself surrounded by buildings that played a major role in the success of the Dutch golden age, then Amsterdam would be a good place to visit. As you explore the canal lined streets, you’ll see tall, skinny houses that all used to be warehouses for the vast amount of trade that passed through the city during this golden age. Now converted into high end housing and commercial units, the history and grandeur hasn’t been lost. There are even some that have been preserved and turned into museums, so that you can see what houses back then looked like. Many famous people had homes in Amsterdam, and those have been preserved also. Some of the famous names that have museums dedicated to them include Rembrandt and Anne Frank. There are endless amounts of sights and attractions in this beautiful city, you won’t be disappointed.
The Hague is also filled with a lot of history, but its feel is more international than Amsterdam, due to the fact that the international courts are located here, along with all the embassies and multinational companies such as Shell oil. The city is also more continental than others in the Netherlands, due to its wide avenues and streets, more so than the rest of the country. Its 18th century mansions are quite different from the tall houses that line the streets of Amsterdam. The Hague also has 11km of coastline, which Amsterdam cannot compete with. There are still plenty of museums here and a lot to see, you’ll soon find that the history, although maybe somewhat different than Amsterdam, is still evident while you explore this wealthy Dutch city.
Rotterdam is more of a modern metropolis than the other cities. Although the city also has history, it’s hard to see this in the heart of the city, as the center was leveled during the Second World War, on the bombing raids that led to the fall of Holland to the Germans. This is why you’ll find that the architecture in Rotterdam is a lot more modern and a must see if you love modern architecture. You best bet to discover this city is to get a tour to take you around, as it’s a large city without a real center, so to appreciate it, a tour will give you a better picture of this modern metropolis.
The rest of Holland is filled with cities, towns and small villages. Rent a car, drive through the small roads and stop of at a few small villages, head north along the coast, through places like Callantsoog and experience village life, walk on the beach, explore the flower fields (during spring). It’s a small country, but it has a big heart, friendly people and will leave a lifelong impression on you.
If you wish to learn a bit more about Holland and its attractions, come visit www.comevisitholland.com for more information, and you’ll soon be booking your trip!
Source:http://www.articlecity.com/articles/travel_and_leisure/article_4183.shtml
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Cruising the Caribbean waters can afford you the unique opportunity to discover small, uninhabited islands where you can spend a lazy day, just soaking up the sun. Cruising the sparkling waters of the Caribbean can lead you to many exciting destinations such as Barbados, Grenada, St.Vincent, The Grenadines, St. Lucia and Martinique.
The Caribbean islands that are encountered during a Caribbean cruise offer the traveler many options for fun, including scuba diving, snorkeling, hang gliding, ocean swimming and guided rain forest walks, just to mention a few.
The island of St. Lucia is a favorite destination of many cruise travelers, and has much to offer. It is the largest of the Windward Islands, and is home to the twin volcanic peaks of Gros Piton and Petit Piton. St. Lucia offers a variety of activities to keep the visitor busy, including fishing, golf, sailing, scuba diving, snorkeling, whale watching, guided land and sea tours, as well as kite surfing.
While ashore in the Caribbean, a local restaurant should be at the top of any visitors’ list of things to do. If the cruise ship stops over in Barbados, The Cliff Restaurant deserves a visit. This unique restaurant is situated on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea, and every table affords diners a view of the water. The restaurant opened in 1995 and has been enjoying rave reviews ever since. The menu features delicacies such as snow crab cakes, smoked salmon, spicy Thai beef, red snapper, sliced duck breast and roast loin of lamb. The dessert menu includes white chocolate cheesecake, crème brulee and chocolate mousse, among other sweets.
Those traveling the Caribbean Sea by cruise ship can be assured that what awaits them is an island paradise waiting to be explored. Furthermore, traveling by cruise ship will afford the traveler a comfortable trip, and also many amenities. Many of the larger cruise ships offer amenities such as full service beauty salons, shopping boutiques, spas, casinos, dance lessons, as well as a wide variety of entertainment choices to keep them busy while on board.
Before booking a cruise on the Caribbean Sea, it is wise to first determine what you expect out of your cruise. Since many different cruise lines offer different kinds of trips, with stops in a variety of locals, you will need to conduct a bit of research in order to determine which one can offer you the experience that you are hoping for.
For those travelers who have only a limited amount of time for a cruise, there are numerous Caribbean Sea cruises that last only as long as a weekend does. Most of these will stop in only one or two designated areas, and the traveler will be on board the cruise ship for the majority of the time.
Source:http://www.articlecity.com/articles/travel_and_leisure/article_4174.shtml
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