Wednesday, November 18, 2009

How to Get Flights to Pakistan



Author: Andrew
Getting flights to Pakistan would be as simple as getting flights to other places all over the world. Pakistan happens to have almost 134 airfields in its country and Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport happens to be the biggest one. With around six million annual passengers and the ability to handle twelve million passengers, cheap flights to Pakistan is what everyone needs and looks for nowadays. Both international and local travelers usually have to stop in Pakistan via its five primary airports that are located in Jinnah, Lahore, Peshawar, Islamabad and Quetta.
If you want to find cheap flights to Pakistan, you should do several searches on the World Wide Web. The majority of travel agencies and ticketing agencies out there usually have useful comparison websites that you can put to use. These websites will let you compare and choose the best and suitable flights to Pakistan for any of your future travels, including flights to other places, as well. Restricted booking of cheap flights to Pakistan cal also be found, if you are one of the first lucky customers to find them. You also need to watch out for any promotional flights to Pakistan through advertisements that might appear on the internet or in any mass media, in general. Pakistan International Airlines would be one example of the many carriers which provide cheap flights to Pakistan all day every day during the year.

People who take frequent flights to Pakistan or out of Pakistan on the exact same airline every time can also choose to sign up for that airline’s program of frequent flyers, if available and applicable. The air miles consumed during these travels can be exchanged and collected for cheaper flights to Pakistan when chosen to be redeemed. This would probably be one of the greatest offers that airlines nowadays have to give.
Actual transportation within the country of Pakistan is quite varied and extensive. Several are still inside their developing stages; however, people who take flights to Pakistan will not get any problems from traveling from one location to the next with the use of cheap flights to Pakistan, trains and cars. Getting cheap flights to Pakistan or within Pakistan into any of its airports would be the very first step in getting low cost values for your money as you travel around the country. Travelers who find themselves in Pakistan also have the chance to stop in India via the railway network of India. If you can’t seem to find any available cheap flights to Pakistan, you could always opt to look for cheap flights to India instead and simply take the train from there into Pakistan. By doing so, you will even get to see what both countries are like. Unfortunately, China’s proposal to get a rail link is currently still under wraps.
Still, despite the fares you might get, flights to Pakistan would still be the priciest method of payment. After you get cheap flights to Pakistan, however, any other kinds of transportation like buses, taxis, rickshaws and cars will be found at very low prices.

Outdoor Fun on Your New York Vacation: Activities That You Will Surely Enjoy


Author: kayla
When people remember New York, most of them will actually remember New York City. The majority of them will remember the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, and other things that they'll find in the city. Yet, you need to think about the whole of New York and not just the city alone. The're more fun pursuits that you will be able to do if you go on a New York vacation.

If you are an outdoor enthusiast, then you will see New York as the best situation to go on a vacation. Why? Well, New York State offers some of the best outdoor pursuits in the country. As a matter of fact, it will be able to provide you with something that you will never experience in other states.

The State of New York definitely has something for everyone. For example, if you are in to bicycling, then New York will be able to provide trails that surely you will enjoy. Here, you will be able to explore the statewide Canalway Trail System where you will be able to have fun exploring what New York State is about. You can either go on a leisurely guided bicycle tour, or you can push yourself to the limit on some of New York's mountain bike trails. Whether you are traveling in the Greater Niagara, New York City or in any other regions between the two, you should not forget to take your bicycle available as every area of New York has a bicycle trail.

The State of New York is considered to be a birder's paradise. If you would like to go birding, then visiting New York is definitely for you. You will be able to experience birding to the next level if you visit the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, the Niagara Falls, Malloryville Nature Conservancy Preserve, Hawthorn Orchard and a lot more.

If you want to become from your hotel and from the active city and be a lot closer to nature, then you will find that there are cabins and cottages obtainable for rent beside the lake or in a mountain wilderness. Imagine, if you rent out a cabin or cottage, you can easily commence your day by taking a hike in the mountain just in your backyard or you can swim on the lake right ahead of the cabin.

If you are into serious going off roading, there are hundreds of miles of trails in New York State that surely you will love. You can ride a rented All Terrain Vehicle or you can bring your individual if you desire. Or, you can try your four wheel drive truck on some of the most tough off road trails in the state.

If hiking or climbing is your thing, New York State will be able to give it to you. This state is considered to be a climber's and hiker's heaven. You can hike the trails in the Adirondacks and Catskill Forest Preserves or you can try hiking the Appalachian Trail which is very famous in the country. The Shawangunks is the most popular spot for rock climbing and one that you ought to definitely try.

New York has a lot more fun things that you will be able to do in the truly amazing outdoors. You can experience some of the best fishing in the country and also explore the truly amazing outdoors through guides. Whatever you want, you can be certain that you will be able to find in New York State.

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Paris to London: 2hrs 3mins – by Train


I did not see any coverage of this event in our media. It happened on September 4th when EuroStar the high-speed train operator that links the UK with the Continent, ran its inaugural train over Britain’s new 300km/hr (186mph) high-speed line, arriving into the wonderfully restored St Pancras International, Eurostar’s new London terminal.

I learned about this from Railway Herald, which published the picture without attribution which makes me think that it was probably furnished by Eurostar as part of the press kit. Regular service along the 109km (68 mile) high speed line to the channel starts November 14.

The new high speed line cuts twenty minutes from the current timetable for trains between London and Paris or Brussels. Train travel to these destinations produces one tenth the CO2 of flying.

The distance from London to Paris is 213 miles (343 km) from Vancouver to Seattle 150 miles. Think you can do that in two hours (city centre to city centre) even if you flew?

What is our government doing? Widening highways.

Eurostar "Chunnel Train" To Slash London-Paris Travel Times This Fall


EuroStars passengers are due for a service upgrade this November. That's when the famous English chunnel tunnel train starts moving at a faster clip. Introduction of the UK's first true high-speed line has been much anticipated. It promises a greener, more convenient travel Justify Fullexperience... along with shorter trip times between Southeast England and Europe.

It has been over a dozen years since Eurostar initiated direct passenger rail linking London with Brussels and Paris. In that time, the train has become the preferred choice for crossing between Britain and the Continent -- more popular than either channel ferries or travel by air. Now, with new high-speed track between London and the coast cutting at least 20 minutes off travel times, the under-sea shuttle promises to be more popular than ever.

The skinny on the project is High Speed 1 (HS1), a 68-mi/109-km fast track formerly called the Channel Tunnel Rail Link. Over a decade in the making, the line will enable Eurostar to sustain speeds of up to 186-mph/300-km/h. In practical terms that means London to Paris Gare du Nord in two-and-a-quarter hours; Brussels and other points in even less. Also, for the first time, early morning trains will enable UK business travelers to reach Paris, Brussels or Lille in time to do a full day's work.

At the head of the line, Eurostar will trade its Waterloo terminus near London's South Bank for the brilliantly restored St. Pancras Station in King's Cross. St. Pancras, together with neighboring King's Cross and Euston Stations, will form a transport nexus befitting 21c London. Beginning in November, high-speed Eurostar train will converge with six Underground (Tube) lines and trains from Edinburgh, Newcastle, Brighton and the east coast.

HS1 promises to be a boon for south-east suburban passengers looking to avoid the nasty slog into London.

The new station at Ebbsfleet, scheduled to open within days of November's HS1 kickoff, will incorporate a long-term car park and will be served by high-frequency shuttles to local railway stations and to the nearby Bluewater shopping centre. A second station at Stratford is due to come on line in time for the 2012 Olympics, while the existing station at Ashford will continue to serve international passengers.

High-speed service from London is not limited to Paris and Brussels. Depending upon one's departure point, a day in Calais -- with its bargain shopping and authentic bistros -- is an hour's journey or less. Minutes away are Lille -- a historic urbanity with a young and cosmopolitan flavor -- and Disneyland Resort Paris. Seasonal runs hit the Alpine slopes in winter and escape to sunny Provence in summer.

The Eurostar experience begins at the station. Long delays associated with air travel are replaced by fast, secure check-in procedures. Departure lounges offer a range of airport-style services and amenities. Once onboard, customized coaches cater to the separate needs of executive and pleasure travelers and all coaches benefit from spacious layouts and comfortable seating. Service levels range from economy-fare travel to a variety of first class options.

Speed, convenience and comfort are just part of the overall Eurostar experience. An independent study has shown that air passengers generate ten times greater greenhouse gas emissions than travelers who choose high-speed rail. And, thanks to HS1, Eurostar is committed to achieving "carbon neutrality" by reducing carbon dioxide emmissions by 25% by 2012.

Places and Things to Do In Cancun, Mexico



Author: Jame Mcgowan
Cancun is a coastal city in Mexico's easternmost state, Quintana Roo, on the Yucatan Peninsula. Cancun can be found in the Yucatan Channel that separates Mexico from the island of Cuba in the Greater Antilles. The Cancun region is often called as the Mexican Caribbean. Cancun is the municipal seat of the Benito Juarez municipality and a world-renowned tourist destination. The heart of the city located on the mainland which connects the Nichupté and lagoons to a narrow 7-shaped island where the modern beachfront hospitality industries are located. The island of Isla Mujeres is located off the coast and is easily accessible by a boat from Puerto Juarez and for the avid tourist, there is much in store and many things to do in Cancun, Mexico.

There are so many places to go and many things to do in Cancun, Mexico! The possibilities seem endless when you explore them and get to know the city. If this is your first time in Cancun, then here are some suggestions on things you can do:

* Try the Captain Hook pirate cruise in Cancun - become a pirate of a Caribbean tour on this fun-filled voyage where you'll go back in time and experience a pirate's attack while sailing through the beautiful waters of the Nichupte lagoon. All this while enjoying a pirate's experience and the open bar! A fun adventure for all ages! Come aboard an authentic 17th century replica of a Spanish Galleon and step back in time to the pirate era



* Explore the Cultural & Theme Tours in Cancun - the spectacular Chichen Itza holds both mystery and magical world. Explore the most important archaeological zone and ancient capital of the Mayan Empire on a whole day guided tour from Cancun. Admire the majestic observatory, the most sacred cenote, the ball court and a castle. Sample Mayan cuisine at a buffet lunch with folkloric dancers before beginning your tour of the famous UNESCO World Heritage Site.



* Get adventurous for the day and try the Day Trips & Excursions - one of the more fun things to do in Cancun, Mexico, explore and discover the mysterious beauty of Tulum and the stunning, naturalistic Xel-Ha aquarium. This relaxing, all inclusive excursion from Cancun or Playa del Carmen will give you the opportunity to explore the spectacular Mexican landscape and natural under the water life. This family-friendly excursion is sure to leave the entire family in awe!



* Don't miss out on the food, wine & nightlife too - the Cancun Party-Hopper Tour offers 6 to 7 hours of pure fun, in the most famous nightclubs that the Spring Break party capital of Cancun has to offer. Ideal for college students and those feeling young at heart, get ready to enjoy celebrity treatment with VIP pass into the clubs.



Justify Full
Once you set foot in Cancun, you'll realize there is so much more awaiting you, so don't miss the opportunity to visit one of the most beautiful places in Mexico. This is definitely one experience you don't want to miss.

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Exclusive deals in Rome Hotels for you


Author: roby.john
Hotels are places to stay when you are visiting a new city. Rome hotels are very popular among all the visitors and tourists of Rome. You get exclusive deals when you are booking a hotel room. The entire deal is offered only when are booking a room in the hotel. You get attractive discounts, services on offer, and also free stay as complimentary gift.


All these are offered on some conditions. Suppose if you take a package deal for stay of four nights five days then the hotel service may gift you an extra day as complimentary. If no gift given to you then they may give you some services free of cost like dinner on your stay, laundry or some free city tour. If you get any one of these offers in a Rome hotel, then why not to book earliest to grasp the offer.


Rome is a city full of natural beauty. Also you have many historic locations to visit here. One such historic location is the amphitheatre that is colosseum. This is known for the fierce battle that took place between gladiator and brutal animals. This is an important monument of ancient which people come from other parts of world to see. This theatre is divided into four parts and consists of atleast fifty thousand people at once. Ancient Rome has Palatine which was the residence of emperors of Rome. The palace is an incomparable beautiful house with all the luxuries and comfort. Roman Forum was also popularly known as the economic, religious and political centre of ancient Rome.


Markets of Trajan are an example of excellent construction house that supported the ground of Quirinal hill. Other monument is Pantheon which is church of Santa Maria and Martyres. This monument has survived till date. Domus Aurea is the ruins of house built for Nerone. Baths of Caracalla is believed to be most beautiful and luxury of luxury of Rome.

At once it can hold up to maximum of 1600 people. Mamertine prison is the ancient state prison where it said St Peter was imprisoned. The history of Rome is present since two and half thousand years ago. This is one of oldest city of western civilization. The ruins of western civilization can still be viewed here. The presence of this city thousand years ago shows how much old this city is! This is really encourage and curious that bring millions tourist every year to know all about Rome.

From the records of history this city is known as the centre of Roman empire. Roman Empire has dominated Middle East, North America and Europe for four hundred years. Imagine how ancient this city is? Rome is also known to be the home town for Roman Catholic Church and site of Vatican City. It has a very valuable place in Christianity. Many Christians love this city and it was also home to some of the most powerful Popes of Christians. Rome is an ancient city rich in art, culture and history and Rome hotels are available in plenty for all its visitors.

History of Bed and Breakfast: Enjoy B & B at Ieper, Belgium



Author: bharat upadhyay
It is believed that bed and breakfast concept I as old as the traveling instinct in humans. There three prime needs of the human and these clothing, food and shelter. Bed and breakfast serve to the last two. Whenever one is away from home one thing he wants the most at the end of the day is a shelter and the other at the beginning of next day that food. Bed and breakfast can be considered as the starting of hotel and restaurant concept. The bed and breakfast culture has existed in one form or another since the beginning of human civilization.



In earlier time monasteries served as bed and breakfasts for travelers, and in some cases they still do. Bed and breakfasts have been very popular with the travelers in Europe for years. The term “B&B” originated in England, Scotland and Ireland and was made popular concept here only. The B&B signs can be seen on many windows in europe. A bed and breakfast is a small lodging that offers overnight accommodation and breakfast, but usually does not offer other meals. Typically, bed and breakfasts are homes with less 10 bedrooms available for commercial use. A bed and breakfast provided in a private home is usuall

Justify Fully referred to as a homestay also instead of bed abd breakfast. The term "bed and breakfast" is though not so popular in many other countries. The bed and breakfast concept is known as paradors, pensions, gasthaus, minskukus, shukukos and pousados with some Americans and English-speaking Europeans . During the Great Depression in America, many people opened their homes to travelers to bring in some additional money for the family and hence the concept took a leap in US also. The term "boarding house" was used at this time here only. After the Depression, this type of lodging declined and many people had the idea they were just for low-income travelers or backpackers. In the early 50’s, people may remember the term "tourist home" being also used for same kind of concept. This too was essentially similar to bed and breakfast. Once the concept of motels came in on the new highways, the bed and breakfast was soon forgotten. In addition to normal converted private homes, some lodgings are considered bed and breakfast inns. The major difference between a bed and breakfast inn and a normal traditional bed and breakfast setup is that, an inn has more rooms available than the usual three four found in a private home. Another difference is that , Inns also provide meals in addition to breakfast, as well as other services not always provided in a private home. Travelers usually are attracted by recreational, cultural or historic sites, or by business they have in a particular area and the best way to experience the true essence of the region is to go for a bed and breakfast place. Business travelers, especially women, sometimes prefer bed and breakfast accommodations to the typical lodge, motel or hotel facility available in an area because its more homely and safer option as the owner is a family and not commercial workers. B&Bs provide the traveler with a different lodging experience as well as what many consider a safer environment, coupled with homely food.

Bed and breakfast is a simple non luxury experience but it is purest and the most honest experience one can experience. The non commercial aspect of this concept adds to the beauty, but these days some of the B & B place are more like hotels giving a feel of bed and breakfast. But never mind the legacy still prevails high and will in future too as people away from home will always miss homes.

Budget Airlines - Jet Konnect


Author: SharmaTarun
You may well like the thought of taking a flight to a great new destination. Having a really fantastic holiday can be a complete necessity for some of us, allowing us to forget about the pressures of normal life. You may be wondering how you can discover holidays that are both relaxing and cheap.

Budget airlines have proved useful in helping us to find such holidays. They introduced a range of cheap fares to a large number of destinations and forced their rivals to drop prices as a result. We can now see that prices have fallen by a lot on many popular routes.

We can see this most clearly when we look at regional airports. It was not so long ago that such airports only really seemed to be used by private individuals who could afford to fly or hire a plane. Things are quite a bit different now and regional airports are often a great starting point for those looking for cheaper flights.

Considering the whole scene, there's clearly plenty of positive news here for passengers. Flights from these airports are often convenient, as well as cheap. You can avoid making your way to a larger airport, meaning that regional airports can reduce the total amount of travel time. This all sounds very positive and certainly makes a lot of sense.

So you may wonder why more people don't use regional airports. That's certainly something that many aviation analysts have been asking and they've generally concluded that such airports aren't well used because passengers simply don't know about what's on offer. Have you, for instance, ever thought about using your local airport?

If you look for flights departing from a regional airport then you may find that you could get a cheaper holiday and have the added convenience of a more local departure. It's worth seeing what's available the next time you come to book a holiday.

London Chauffeurs – A Symbol Four Century Luxurious Transporting Tradition!


Author: Ronald Dell
British art and history have always enchanted people from around the globe. London as the capital city of Great Britain has been the epicentre of tourist attraction. From West End theatres to iconic London Bridge and Big Ben clock tower to historic Thames River; there are so many things around that one can easily find something somewhere interesting for himself or herself. Once you land in London, you would get confused where to start from. A day or two, even a week won’t be enough to explore London City and surrounding localities. It’s obvious that you would feel the necessity of hiring a car as a tourist. If you have already made up your mind to hire a car for London tour, then why not hiring a chauffeur driven luxury car that would give you both comfort and luxury.

How different it is from hiring a chauffeur than hiring a cabby?
Simple distinction is the fleet each of these two drives. Although London black cabs are a part of the four centuries old tradition starting from the introduction of Hackney (derived from the Norman French word ‘Hacquenée’) to modern London Cabs FX4s. It is no less wonderful being the part of such a long set London taxi tradition. But so far as luxury is concerned, chauffeur driven cars are much superior to common taxies.
Advantage of hiring chauffeur driven cars

The cars or limousine that you have hired through the service providers in London, are well maintained and in great shape. They run flawlessly through the heavy crowd of this city. The chauffeurs are mostly localites who have raw hand experience and knowledge of this city and its streets. So in any case you want to dig out some relevant information about this city, you can simply ask to the chauffeur. These chauffeurs are all very polite and helpful in nature. Expect “service with a smile” type hospitality from them. They drive fast yet safe. They have vast knowledge of the routes and alternative routes to your point of final arrival. They can pick you up from airport and drop you where ever you requested. Also if you are interested for sightseeing or want to commute to a distant place by road in comfort, you can opt for these chauffeur driven cars.

How can you hire for a chauffeur driven car service?

With growing number of tourists every year to London and ever growing demand for luxury class transportation have supported the chauffeur industry even during this recession time. Many online agencies have surfaced during recent times that understand your problem and want to forward a helping hand towards you. You need to log on to their websites and book a chauffeur driven car. Specify the destination points and time of arrival and departure. The charges of luggage and routes and number of commuters vary with agencies along with their services. Search the internet to get the website addresses of the online chauffeur driven cars service providers. And book yourself one today. There are certain terms and conditions you need to follow and eventually you end up been travelling without any haste. Chauffer driven car services are no more a symbol of aristocracy. The prices are so moderate that you can hire a chauffeur service anytime for any occasion.

Planning Your Vacations


Author: vish
Chalking out a holiday plan requires a structured and clear mode of thinking. The sad fact is that many holiday plans are made without knowing for sure the place one have to put up at. You have to be sure about this, otherwise, the whole process of planning will be in a dilly-dally condition, and this way you lose a lot of time that could have been used in a more profitable manner. It would be prudent to have a little bit of second hand information regarding the places you plan to visit. One can use Google Earth, or any map on the Internet or even a traditional paper map to get a quick idea about the places. In interactive map services such as Google Earth, you will be able to know the distance between places at the click of a mouse. If you are planning to have a tour of a single city, try different combinations of the order and time in which you will finish covering these places. You just need to find a combination that save you on time and distance.

If you want to go about it in an elaborate way, you can make a holiday plan in a thematic fashion, for instance, by visiting a place first and then a group of places that are related to that place. This way, you get to understand better the culture of each country or else you can focus more on the other aspects; and it all depends on your discretion. Now you have to plan for connections with respect to the means of transport. It vastly depends on the place you have in your itinerary list. For instance, while in Europe, the best means of transport to cover short distances is by travelling by train.

In fact, many global and country train passes are made available by the authorities concerned that can help one when working out a holiday plan on a low budget. It is not recommended to hire a cab in Europe since many cities have long winding traffic snarls and one can end up frustrated having taken the decision. But, if you have planned for something such as a nature lover's trip, then in all probability, a car or even a camper van would come in handy to give you the freedom you are looking for, during such times.





While coming to accommodation and hotels in the holiday plan, this is a topic that falls a bit off the way. It would be wise to select hotels only after you have built up the holiday plan. In most cases, it will dawn on you that you do not have time to visit all those places and you are likely to eliminate some places from your itinerary plan. And relating to the cost of stay in hotels in Europe and around the world, one should not forget about the existence of travel certificates. You have to keep in mind that not everywhere in the world are these certificates given away at a pre-determined price or just after a big purchase. In fact, there are a few places where they give them away for free just to get your name registered in a mailing list.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

A Wild Adventure with Sharks and Rainforests at Beijing Aquarium

Author: eMarketingEye
Dubbed as one of the world’s greatest cities, the Chinese capital of Beijing enjoys the unique position of being the country’s principal political and cultural stronghold for centuries. Known for its illustrious universities and resplendent castles, towering stone facades and temples and the 2008 Olympics, Beijing is an integral part of China’s past and present. And as such this metropolitan giant is home to some of the nation’s key attractions.
A trip to Beijing would be incomplete without a visit to the Forbidden City (Imperial Palace) and Kubla Khan’s Beihai Park (Beihai Gongyuan) and Gong Wang Fu Palace. The Lama Temple and Old Summer Palace also known as Yuanmingyuan are also worth the visit in addition to the iconic Bird's Nest Stadium and historic Tiananmen Square.
Another must-see locale in China’s bustling capital is the Beijing Aquarium. Set within the gates of the sprawling Beijing Zoo in a giant construction of vibrant orange and ocean blue the Beijing Aquarium is spread across 29.7 acres. Officially dubbed the largest inland aquarium, it plays host to over 1,000 aquatic species and freshwater fish varieties. Separated in to seven sections, the aquarium comprises of the Shark Harbour, Rainforest Adventure, Wonder of Coral Reefs and the Rare Chinese Sturgeon Hall in addition to the Touch Pool, Marine Theatre and the Whales and Globefish Hall.
The Rainforest Adventure is ideal for children and nature enthusiasts as it recreates the atmosphere of walking within an Amazon rainforest complete with inland rivers, twenty-two tanks with over 100 varieties of freshwater fish species. The popular residents of this enclave include enormous salamanders, sea elephants and blood parrot fish.
The Wonder of Coral Reefs gives one the feeling of being under the sea with its overhead tunnels where fish and colourful inhabitants of the aquarium swimming overhead. For those who dare, Beijing Aquarium also houses a Shark Harbour which offers mind blowing interactive activities with these killers of the sea. Available activities include shark feeding, diving excursions as well as opportunities to dance with the sharks! Marine life aficionados would be amiss if they did not venture in to the Rare Chinese Sturgeon Hall which is home to the Chinese sturgeons unique to the Yangtze River while the Whales and Globefish Hall offers unhindered views of killer whales, sea lions and dolphins going about their daily routines is the ideal base for those who are looking for a luxury close to the aquarium. Owing to its advantageous location the hotel also offers easy access to all of the city’s prominent attractions.
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Friday, October 16, 2009

Visiting Greece


Author: Jim Guerra
side of Balkan Peninsula. It is also bordered by Bulgaria and Macedonia in the southeast.

Climate

It has three distinct climates namely Alpine, Mediterranean and temperate climate with mild and wet winters and also hot and dry summers due to Mediterranean affect. Alpine system is seen in mountainous regions. The temperate climate is seen near border along Macedonia. Athens has both temperate and Mediterranean weather.

Local Customs

The Greece is a place with strong historic and cultural background. There are different traditions and customs in different parts of the Greece. The throwing back of a hand is considered to be a negative gesture here in Greece. Casual dress can be worn most of the times. Smoking is prohibited in public transport services and public buildings. Tipping 12 to 1 percent is customary in restaurants, hotels and taxis.


Attractions
- The Olympic Games in Athens (the spot of the historic 2004 Olympic Games)
- Mardi Grass Celebrations in February
- The Parthenon in Athens
- Skiing in Arahova Mountains between October and March
- Easter Celebrations
- Thessaloniki's White Tower and country's rich Byzantine culture



- The south of Corinth
- The beaches in Lesvos
- The wine vineyards in the countryside
- The islands near the Aegean Sea
- The wildlife preserve in Alonissos (Sporades Marine Park)
- The famous, Moni Panagia Chozoviotissa, a Byzantine monastery in Amorgos


Travel

By Air - The national airline of Greece is Olympic Airlines. Many popular airlines like British Airways and Delta Airlines operate daily flight from Athens. The biggest airport is newly constructed Athens International Airport which is located like 17 miles northeast of the city. The other international airports of Greece are Heraklion (Crete), Thessaloniki (Macedonia) and Corfu (Kerkira).



By Sea - The popular Greek ports include Corfu, Heraklion, Igoumenitsa, Patras, Piraeus (Athens), Rhodes, Thessaloniki and Volos. Shipping vessels and ferryboat lines link these ports with Italy, Croatia, Cyprus, Russia and Turkey. Some of the popular cruises operating in Greece are Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Festival Cruises, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Silversea and Swan Hellenic.

By Rail - If one is coming from UK, the best way is to take Eurostar train to Brussels or Paris and from there take connecting train to Greece.

Duty Free Items
1. Up to 200 cigarettes or 250 gm tobacco
2. 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars
3. 1 liter spirit over 22% or 2 liter wine
4. Perfumes - 50 gm or 250 ml
5. Gifts up to €175

Prohibited Items

Narcotics, firearms, ammunition, weapons, most meat and dairy products, eggs, plants, endangered species, fireworks and alcoholic beverages that contain more than sixty per cent alcohol.

An Overview of Sweden


Author: Jim Guerra
Electricity

Voltage - 230 volts, Frequency - 50Hz. Standard European 2-pin plugs are used.

Geographic Location

Sweden is a Nordic country lying in the Scandinavian Peninsula and is the fifth largest country in Europe. Its west neighbor is Norway; Finland in the northeast, the southwest border is surrounded by Skagerrak and Kattegat straits and the west coast is surrounded by Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Bothnia. Majority of the area is forest and there are thousands of lakes mostly in the Southern part of Sweden.

Local Customs

Like any other country Sweden has its own customs too. It is customary not to drink until the host makes a toast. Smoking is prohibited in most public areas. It is also customary to say Tack för maten to the host after having a meal which means thanks for the food. Casual dress is acceptable for everyday wear and formal wear for social gatherings. Also tipping up to ten percent is customary for service in restaurants and around same percent for taxis also.
Places to see

Stockholm - The biggest city and capital of Sweden and is one of the most beautiful cities of the world. The old town is a treat for your eyes and a walk around city's waterways and parks is an experience to cherish. Most visitors prefer walking around on foot and visit the medieval part of Gamla Stan. The city is basically constituted by archipelagos which are outstandingly scenic and can be explored by cruises.

Gothenburg - it is the second biggest city of Sweden. Not to be missed attraction in this city is Liseberg, a world class amusement park. It is home to popular museums like Ostindiska huset, Konstmuseet and Sjöfartshistoriska museet.
Vadstena - The Renaissance castle Vadstena slot & klosterkyrkan.

Visby - Port of Visby, ruins of Drotten, St Nicolai, St Lars and St Carin, cathedral of St Maria and Gotlands Fornsal historic musem.

Oland - Fort of Graborg, Eketorp museum and ruins of Borgholm Castle.




Travel

By Air - It is well connected to the rest of the world by air. Many international airlines serve Sweden apart from its national airlines SAS. The other airlines are Air Canada, Air France, Aeroflot, British Airways, Finn air, Lufthansa, Ryan air etc.

By Sea - The ferries connect Sweden with other destinations such as New Castle, Copenhagen, and St. Petersburg etc.

By Rail - Trains connect Ostend, Sweden to London. It is also connected to Denmark by Eurostar train.

By Road - Visitors from UK can drive to Sweden through Demark or Germany




Duty Free Items
1. Up to 200 cigarettes or 250 gm tobacco
2. 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars
3. 1 liter spirit over 22% or 2 liter wine or 32 liter beer
4. Perfumes
5. Gifts up to SEK 1700.

Prohibited Items
Narcotics, firearms, ammunition, weapons, most meat and dairy products, eggs, plants, endangered species, fireworks and alcoholic beverages that contain more than sixty per cent alcohol.

Planning an Inexpensive Trip to Saint Thomas



Author: Jim Guerra

If you are like most American families, it is likely that you are on a budget. With the cost of important merchandise, such as gasoline on the rise, you may find it difficult to keep yourself out of debt. If you are on a budget, the last thing that you may be thinking about is a vacation; however, it doesn't have to be that way.

If you are interested in taking a vacation you can. Each year, millions of individuals vacation while on a budget. Despite being on a budget, many of those individuals are able to vacation at some of the "hottest," vacation destinations in the world. It may take a little bit of saving and research, but you can easily be vacationing in luxury, despite the fact that your finances may not be on track.

As previously mentioned, a large number of individuals are able to vacation at popular destinations, despite being on a budget. If you are going to be planning a vacation, you mine as well make it the best vacation that you've ever had or ever will have. If this is the type of vacation that you are interested in taking, you may want to consider a St. Thomas vacation.

The beautiful island of St. Thomas is located in the Virgin Islands. St. Thomas is most-well-known for its warm climate and amazing beaches. The beaches and warm climate is what makes it an ideal vacation destination, especially for those who live in a colder climate. To many, a St. Thomas vacation only sounds like a dream. That is why you may be wondering how you can have a St. Thomas vacation on a budget. You can do so thanks to a number of travel discounts, price reductions, and vacation packages.


If you have children, you will need to schedule a family vacation. While you may think that vacationing with your children in St. Thomas is expensive, for the most part, it isn't. A large number of popular resorts, hotels, restaurants, and other tourist attractions offer price reductions for children. Some of the foresaid facilities may have restrictions on children that are eligible for price reductions. For instance, most resorts only offer the price reduction for children that are under the age of twelve.

In many other areas of the world, travelers wait until the last minute to schedule their vacation. This is often done in hopes of obtain last minute price reductions. With St. Thomas you are advised against waiting until the last minute the plan your vacation. Last minute price reductions are often offered in hopes of boosting sales; however, St. Thomas usually does not have this problem. For you, this means that it might be difficult or impossible to find last minute price reductions.

While last minute price reductions may not be available for your St. Thomas vacation, you do not have to worry. There are still a number of other ways to vacation in St. Thomas while on a budget. One of those ways includes obtaining travel discounts. Travel discounts can most often be obtained by discount travel websites. It is possible for you to find discounts on your hotel accommodations and your travel. In addition to travel discounts, many discount travel websites offer vacation packages.
When using the services offered by a discount travel website, you are encouraged to proceed with caution. It is possible to find out-of-date information and hidden fees on a discount travel website. A great alternative to discount travel websites is your local travel agent. Your local travel agent will not only book your reservations, but he or she may also be able to offer you suggestions that can be used while vacationing in St. Thomas.

While planning your vacation is important, it is not the only time that you will need to save money. While on vacation, you will need to continue to stay on your budget. By watching what you spend on food, drinks, entertainment, and souvenirs, you should be able to stay within your budget. If you do need to purchase souvenirs, you are advised to do so inland. While on your vacation, it is likely that you will see that things are often more expensive on the shoreline.

Train Travel in New Zealand



Author: Heidi Eberhart

Whether you are from overseas or from New Zealand - one of the best ways to discover New Zealand is by Train travel.You can travel by train between all three major New Zealand Cities from Auckland to Wellington and from Wellington to Christchurch (with a little bit of help from the Interislander Ferry).

The Overlander Train between Auckland and Wellington and vice versa

The famous Overlander train is easily the best way to get from downtown Auckland to the city of Wellington, in one worry-free journey - with various interesting stops along the way - one being at the Tongariro National Park. This is the longest train travel in New Zealand and takes approx 12 hours to complete, across the whole interior of the North Island in one single day. The Overlander train journey will take you from coastlines to mountains, from lush and green farmland to thick and beautiful native New Zealand.

Tranzcoastal Train connects Picton and Christchurch



Before you get to Picton on the South Island you need to take the ferry across Cook Strait. Passengers due to take the Tranzcoastal train from Picton to Christchurch can check their baggage through to Christchurch in Wellington - this makes things super easy and you only need to carry hand luggage onto the ferry and the Tranzcoastal train. The Tranzcoastal train has comfortable carriages with four seats around a table. All carriages have big panoramic windows to allow you to view the scenery along the east coast of the South Island. The train also has a caf� bar carriage offering snacks and drinks and some meals along the way. There is a full length open viewing platform on the Tranzcoastal train - ideal to make the most of your Train travel New Zealand. The Tranzcoastal train operates all year round, once daily in each direction - the journey takes approximately 5 hours to complete. If you wish to stop over for a night or two in Kaikoura to experience the world famous whale watch tour or go swimming with the Dolphins you have to break the journey up in Kaikoura!

Tranzalpine Train connects Christchurch and the Westcoast of theSouth Island

The train journey from Christchurch via Arthurs Pass to Greymouth is perhaps the most scenic train journey in New Zealand. This train also runs once daily between Christchurch, Arthur's Pass and Greymouth on the South Island's west coast. It is a journey through the magical misty mountain scenery of the Southern Alps and best taken during the winter months to view that majestic snow capped mountain peaks.Special fares available all year round. The Tranzalpine travels once a day in both directions.

The Taieri Gorge Railway Track & Trail link from Dunedin to Queenstown

Another highly recommended train travel New Zealand is the Taieri Gorge Railway between Dunedin and Queenstown on the South Island. The Track & Trail link Taieri Gorge Railway is a well preserved railway running daily all year round taking visitors and locals through spectacular scenery over parts of the old Dunedin-Cromwell branch railway and ends at Pukerangi which is about 58km from Dunedin. A minibus connection then takes passengers to Queenstown. This train service is highly recommended.

So ditch the plane ticket in favour of train travel New Zealand - you would be crazy to waste such a superb opportunity!

I Love Sightseeing Tours Of Italy - Winter Attractions And Events In Campania

Author: Levi Reiss

The Campania region located in southwestern Italy is quite a mixed bag. There are relatively poor areas and resorts priced for the jet set. Don't expect hot weather in the winter. The third Sunday of every month except August its capital Naples holds a really big antique fair in the Villa Comunale gardens. During the month of December the fair is open every weekend.

Naples is a fine Christmas destination. You'll see hundreds of Nativity cribs that are called Presepi. One of the best exhibitions is at the Church of Gesu' Nuovo, in Piazza del Gesu', starting about December 8. Via San Gregorio Armeno in central Naples is filled with displays and stalls that sell Nativity scenes all year. Il Museo Nazionale di San Martino in Naples has an elaborate collection of nativity scenes from the 1700s, considered among the best collections in the world.

Christmas time is also a feast for the ears. Outside churches and in many city squares in Naples, other locations in southern Italy, and even Rome you''ll hear bagpipe and flutes played by zampognari and pifferai often dressed in multicolored traditional costumes with sheepskin vests, long white stockings, and dark cloaks. Naples hosts a December Christmas market near Via San Gregorio Armeno, known for its many nativity workshops. Some of the vendors are dressed in traditional shepherd costumes. Sorrento, on the beautiful Amalfi peninsula in the Bay of Naples holds a Christmas market through January 6 in the main square. Traditionally on Christmas Eve people eat the dinner of the seven fish dishes. Can you believe that some people serve up to thirteen fish and seafood dishes?

Naples is known for its musical New Year's Eve fireworks displays. Be careful, in some neighborhoods, people still throw their old things out of their windows. So you may prefer watching the ceremonies on television. Naples originated the tradition known as Lo Sciuscio in which groups of amateur musicians including children go from house to house on New Year's Eve. If you want good luck in the New Year give them some money or candies. Not surprisingly, this tradition is kept more in the small towns near Napoli than in Naples itself. Caserta holds its Festival of St. Sebastian in January. Make sure to see its Royal Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was headquarters to the Allied High Command in World War II. Italy celebrates Saint Biago Day on February 3rd. He was the saint of the throat. It's a traditional to honor him by eating leftover Panettone (Italian Christmas cake) with a glass of wine; your throat will thank you. Some localities celebrate with parades, music, and bonfires. February activities include a fine fireworks show in the town of Mugnano di Napoli, near Naples, and a costumed races and sports meet in Avellino, home to some mighty fine white wine.



Sunday, September 27, 2009

Paris in a New Light: Experience the City’s Seasonal Offerings


While many flock to Paris to delve into sights and attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Champs Elysees, the city of Paris hosts countless seasonal events, festivals, and celebrations each year. In addition to seeking out those iconic city sights, it’s a great idea to research seasonal happenings in Paris before you travel to the city. Doing so is sure to make your holiday experience all the more memorable and unique.


There are many resources than can point you in the right direction with regard to seasonal events and festivals in Paris. One trustworthy source is tourism websites, which usually keep a comprehensive calendar of events being held throughout the year. Whether you’ve already booked your holiday or are in the process of planning it, you can easily refer to such calendars and seek out events that might be of interest you. If you haven’t already arranged your holiday, and if your travel dates are flexible, you might even find an event that’s worth basing your travel dates around. Other resources that can provide useful information regarding seasonal events in Paris include travel blogs, travel agents, and travel guide books - the latter of which can be found in any major bookstore or ordered online.


Due to Paris’ size and wealth of culture, you’ll be able to find a host of events in the city - no matter what time of year you choose to travel there. For instance, if you’re planning to travel to Paris this autumn, you can enjoy the famous Paris Autumn Festival - on from September 15 to December 19. This event features theatre, dance and cinema exhibitions, most of them new, commissioned, or experimental works. Another autumn event is the Paris Garden Festival, held September 26 and 27, during which Paris’ most "secret", romantic gardens will open up to the public. The Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre - held October 7 to October 11 - is another popular autumn festival event.

If you’re travelling to Paris during the winter months, you’ll find even more exciting events to enjoy. The Fééries d'Auteuil, for instance, runs from December 5 to December 20 and offers a medley of concerts, special events, and a Christmas Market for guests of all ages to take delight in. The Carnaval de Paris, held February 14, is another well-known and loved annual event in the city.



However, no matter what time of year you plan to travel to Paris, it’s always a good idea to book your travel and accommodation well ahead of time. Paris cheap hotels tend to get booked up exceptionally fast during popular seasonal events - so the earlier you book, the better deals you’re likely to get. So, book your travel arrangements early, research seasonal events in the city, and get ready to enjoy a truly memorable stay in Paris.