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Monthly ArchiveSeptember 2010



Travel Traveler on 30 Sep 2010

Turkey – One Of The Jewels Of Northern Africa

Turkey is a wonderful place for a holiday! It is a Eurasian country, straddling both Asia and Europe. It is a country that easily blends antiquity with modernity. Natural sites battle with the thrill of modern cities for the tourist’s attention. As one of the cradles of world civilization, Turkey is filled with ancient history and archaeological sites. It also offers a great nightlife and world-class restaurants as well as outdoor fun including yachting, paragliding, diving and ballooning. The coastline of Turkey is 6,500 km long. Turkey is bordered by sea on three sides!

Turkey offers the world an interesting mix of Eastern and Western culture as it sits at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. Since antiquity, Turkey has been settled by thirteen unique cultures. The mix of these cultures and the contrasts between modern life and ancient civilizations has produced the culture that is Turkey today. Come to Turkey and enjoy a special blend of Eastern and Western Culture.

Although Turkey is beautiful all year, the best months to visit are April through October. If tourists on holiday can pull themselves away from the beautiful beaches they will find that the cuisine of this country is truly sumptuous. A meze style meal of tiny plates, served with some of Turkey’s distinctive red and white wines, must be followed by some of this country’s irresistible sweets. The food of Turkey is so diverse that one almost has to come to the country to try the culinary delights that it offers.

If you think that you will only find Muslim culture in Turkey, think again. Tarsus in Turkey was the birthplace of the Christian Saint Paul. One can still follow in St. Paul’s footsteps as he preached Christianity in Turkey. Turkey has many regions and each offers museums and historical sites for the visitor on holiday. For example, if you are in the area of the Aegean, you might want to visit the Archaeological Museum near Konak Square. Its most famous pieces are the statues of Poseidon and Demeter that stood in the Agora in ancient times. In southeastern Turkey you might want to visit the Archaeology Museum in Gaziantep. It houses important artifacts from Neolithic, Hittite and Roman times.

Visit Turkey to enjoy the sights and sounds and tastes of this ancient country straddling two continents and thousands of years of cultural heritage!

Next : Turkey Holidays

Travel Traveler on 30 Sep 2010

Tunisia – One Of The Jewels Of Northern Africa

Tunisia, the northeastern most country in Africa for the past 3000 years, is a colorful and exciting holiday destination. It is a land of spice, flowers, ancient history, and modern hospitality. You will arrive at first class airports, eat in intriguing restaurants and stay at picture perfect hotels.

The climate of Tunisia is superb and the coastline is lovely. Tunisia’s neighbors are Libya and Algeria. The Mediterranean is Tunisia’s northern, and most of its eastern border. Tunisia has been the visiting place and home of many civilizations over its long history. Today’s Tunisian culture is a colorful and fascinating mélange of the cultures of those that have gone before: the Phoenicians, Romans, Vandals, Byzantines, Turks, Spanish and French.

Tunisia’s long and colorful history is preserved in the many hundreds of historical sites and museums that dot the country. The enormous National Museum of Bardo (near Tunis) was a 13th century palace and has been expanded over time so that it’s now a an amazing example of 17th and 18th century Arab architecture and interior décor. It boasts vaulted ceilings, galleries and cupolas. It also houses the finest collection of mosaics in the world! The Carthage Museum is famed for its excellent collection of Roman and Punic artifacts, including items that would have been used in everyday life. The extensive display of jewelry must not be missed. There is also an extremely distinctive display of Punic masks made of colored glass paste.

The Dar Ben Abdallah Museum of Traditional Arts and Customs, in Tunis, is housed on the bottom floor of the 18th century palace of the same name. It is the center of the old city of Tunis, the medina. This museum offers traditional Tunisian arts and exhibits traditional customs of the city of Tunis in a traditional setting. Keep in mind that most museums in Tunisia are closed on Mondays. Tunisia is known for its festivals. You may plan your holiday around a Tunisian festival during most times of the year. Every small village sets aside time for at least one festival. Visitors are welcome. If you are fascinated by the Sahara desert, the Saharian Festival is for you. You will find it in Douz, the “gateway to the Sahara.” The Saharian Festival occurs in the second week of November. The International Music Festival at the El Jem Coliseum offers the music of world renowned orchestras and artists. It is an evening festival set in a Roman coliseum. It takes place from mid-July to mid-August.

Tunisians depend on bread, “the staff of life”, at every meal. In the city you will find breads from all over the world. In country villages bread is most often unleavened and baked in clay ovens called Tabounas. Every place you visit in Tunisia will offer its own bread specialties. Other than bread, lamb is the meat that is often most eaten at family meals. Tunisians eat a lot of seafood, olive oil and salads and flavor them with all manner of herbs and spices including cumin, coriander, garlic, parsley, dried peppers and other savory delights! Tunisians are fans of hot and spicy food and often harissa, a hot condiment, is served “on the side” in consideration of visitor’s tastes. And for dessert – Turkish baklava, layers of crispy pastry nuts and cinnamon, all soaked in honey syrup, is a treat not to be missed.

Visit Tunisia for its arts, culture, history, food and for a fabulous holiday!

Learn More : Tunisia Holidays

Travel Traveler on 30 Sep 2010

Gran Canaria Holidays Make The Perfect Island Break

Gran Canaria is part of the Canary Islands in the gorgeous Atlantic Ocean. Holidays to Gran Canaria appeal to all kinds of holiday goers, so if you’re looking for a lads holiday Playa del Ingles will be perfect, while there are plenty of resorts for families too.

Visitors to Gran Canaria can go hiking on a surprisingly wide choice of terrains for such a small territory, from the pine forests of Tamadaba and Pilancones to the green north around Valleseco. Why not take the seven hour boat ride around the island, the 50 Euro price will also get you lunch, drinks and access to the onboard swimming pool. However, holidays to Gran Canaria need not be such a sober affair.

When you’ve finished exploring the shops around Las Palmas and are bronzed after a few hours by the pool, there is still so much more to see. For the more adventurous tourist there is the opportunity to go on helicopter rides around the Island or even to go skydiving over the dunas de maspalomas. To get between the many resorts, beaches and activity centres the Island has a reliable, if slightly expensive bus service that runs throughout the day and late in to the evening.

Las Palmas is the perfect location for chilling out in the day and soaking up the lively atmosphere by night. For good clubs and bars, holidaymakers should head to the south to Puerto Rico and for the best, most lively nights out visitors should head further west from Puerto Rico and go to Playa del Ingles where the Islands biggest club district is located.You can experience some truly amazing five star Gran Canaria holidays at resorts like Gloria Palace in Amaros, while young adults looking for a cheap break near clubs should check out places near Playa del Ingles. If you’re after an all inclusive break, the Corona Roja and the Broncemar apartments are good options with extras such as internet and bike rental.

 

Hotels Traveler on 30 Sep 2010

What To Do In London Kings Cross St Pancras

Before we talk about all the fantastic stuff to do in London Kings Cross, we recommend purchasing an oyster card or day travel card. A lot easier then will be traveling to attractions, and shopping.

Museums in London Kings Cross

Most of the London museums and galleries are free. With this it can be a cheap day out in London. The closest one is the British Library formally the British Museum is just next door to the station proudly holding an array of precious and historic manuscripts.

Within walking distance is also the London Canal Museum, which tells the story about the capitals man made water ways, this has a small admission charge and please check opening times.

Eating and Drinking in London Kings Cross St Pancras

A huge assortment of different foods can be found in the area. Including British, Thai, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, European, and African cuisine is all available. Just like the food you are bound to find a good place to go for some liquid refreshments, with a spoil of choice of pubs, clubs, coffee chops etc.

Cheap hotels in Kings Cross St Pancras

If you are staying overnight in St Pancras, then you will be looking for a Kings Cross hotel. There are a variety of options, from a cheap hotel through to a luxury 5* hotel. Be sure as to look at London Kings Cross hotel reviews before you book.

Shopping in London Kings Cross St Pancras

There is a good variety of shops available if you want to go shopping. Everything from highstreet to clothes. Head onto the tube if shopping is really your thing. Oxford Street has three different tube stations. First is Tottenham Court Road, served by the Central and Northern Lines. Next the Central, Victoria and Bakerloo lines serve Oxford Circus. Last but not least, Bond Street, assessible via the Central and Jubilee Lines.

 

Shops & General Amenities in Kings Cross St Pancras

 

A range of banks and ATM’s is available should you need to get some cash. If you need dry cleaning in a hurry there is a 2 hour dry cleaners available with a number of others which would also be able to help. A range of newsagents and bookstores are available should you want to read.

 

Pampering in Kings Cross

 

Now if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of things then Kings Cross area does not let you down on the papering front either. With gents barbers, hair and beauty salons, a number of health clubs to get your morning workout in. If you fancy a tattoo Kings Cross has that covered too; alternatively simply take in the London sunshine.

Hotels Traveler on 30 Sep 2010

Edinburgh Hotels: Scottish Family Fun

In this majestic and vibrant city, child-friendly Edinburgh hotels await you and your family. Attractions, natural beauty and historical sites all await you, so what are you waiting for!

The Scottish Storytelling Centre and John Knox House: You wouldn’t guess the treasures inside from the unassuming exterior but once you are over the threshold, a light and airy space is revealed and it holds the permanent exhibition, Scotland’s Stories. An interactive wall serves as an introduction to all manner of Scottish tradition and literature; it’s full of mini tableaux behind doors and lots to feel and touch for the little ones.

Edinburgh Castle: Get to the Castle for 1pm – you’ll be in for a bit of a fright! Apart from Sundays you’ll find that a field gun lets rip with a burst of shellfire everyday – it’ll certainly wake the children up! Kids of all ages will fall in love with the regal air of the Castle, with its breathtaking views across the city and Highlands. You’ll even be able to see the many Edinburgh hotels from here!

Arthur’s Seat: A bracing adventure up the tallest of Edinburgh’s seven hills, Arthur’s Seat, may be too challenging for small children but you can also climb some of the smaller mountains around. After all that fresh air, see if you can convince the kiddies to try the traditional Scottish dish of haggis. You never know, they might love it!

Scottish Mining Museum: Leave the city and the Edinburgh hotels behind. Just five minutes from the Edinburgh by-pass is the Scottish Mining Museum in Newtongrace, housing the story of Scotland’s mining heritage. Visitors can discover the miners’ way of life through two floors of exhibitions, film shows and interactive displays before experiencing the atmosphere and noise of a working pit on a guided or self-guided tour of the pithead, recreated underground and coalface. The Museum is particularly child-friendly and offers a programme of family events over the year as well as children activity backpacks, dress up clothes, books and games. As if that isn’t enough the children go free!

 

 

 

 

Hotels Traveler on 30 Sep 2010

Stay In Manchester Hotels And Live Every Football Fanatics Dream

If you passion if football, then Manchester is the place for you, and with so many Manchester hotels to choose from it wont be hard to indulge your passion . With two of the Premier Leagues top teams playing in the City each week, you’ll be spoilt for choice

All football fans will love Manchester – you don’t have to be a fan of City or United to enjoy it. Manchester is a sporting mecca, boasting enough tours and museums to base an entire break around. Using one of the Manchester hotels as your base, get out there and explore the city. Due to open in 2011, the National Football Museum has been relocated to Manchester. Here, you relive some of the biggest moments in football history, and see some fascinating pieces of history,.

A tour of Manchester United’s ground is a great way to start your trip. The Manchester United Museum and Tour lets you experience the story and immerse yourself in the world of United. Get close to the United greats by taking the Old Trafford tour, where you step foot in the famous stadium and relive the clubs history in the award winning museum.

Even if you don’t follow City, you’ll find this tour fascinating. Find out something new as you take the 75 minute tour of the famous stadium, recently recognised for its contribution to tourism in the city. Take in the views from Box Level and walk through the players dressing room and warming up tunnel, it’s as close as you can get to experiencing that special matchday feeling for yoursef! Or try your hand at being a commentator on goals from City’s past, or watch greatest moments on the Video Jukebox.

There is no greater city than Manchester when it comes to nightlife! You’ll need to pop back to one of the many Manchester hotels for a power nap before seeing the city by night. Enjoy a trip to the vibrant Chinatown area or relax with a drink or two at one of Manchester’s numerous bars and pubs. Don’t forget your autograph book either as Manchester is famed for its celebrity sightings.

 

Travel Traveler on 28 Sep 2010

A Guide To Air Travel Tips To Europe

Travelling to Europe has never been easier or cheaper than it is today. There are a host of low cost airlines that now make traveling anywhere in Europe affordable for everyone. It is now possible to enjoy a multiple destination holiday in Europe. The availability of cheap flights and railway lines mean that you can travel all over Europe. Knowing where to start your journey is the first of the important tips on air travel to Europe that you will need to know before planning your journey. A speaker who’s started business in rental cars and wireless medical alarms has much to offer in terms of the tips to air travel.

Planning Ahead
With a little planning you will find that tips on air travel to Europe are similar to tips for domestic trips such as air travel tips to Hawaii. The cheapest way to get to Europe from North America is to fly into London. However if you are planning on catching a connecting flight from London’s Heathrow airport then rethink your travel plans

One of the common tips on air travel to Europe is that Heathrow is a large and confusing airport. There is a high chance of your baggage getting lost and missing a connection due to the terminals being far apart. Choose to stay on in London for at least a couple of days before catching a flight to your next destination in continental Europe.

Money Saver
If you do decide to take a low cost flight instead of a national carrier to your holiday destination in Europe then you could save a lot of money. There has been a recent explosion of low cost carriers in Europe and this means you could fly to more destinations in Europe.

One of the tips on air travel to Europe is that you will be able to explore smaller cities when flying low cost carriers. You will also have less hassle with delays and cancelled flights. However be prepared for odd travel times if you want to really stretch your dollar.

Travel Agents
For people looking to save money the services of a travel agent may not come to mind at first. Often some of the best deals are available to travel agents only. So while one of the tips on air travel to Europe is to exhaust online options of booking tickets, a visit to the travel agent’s is also a good idea. You can sometimes find better deals; do your research thoroughly before putting down any money. Keep these tips on air travel to Europe in mind when you dream of a European get away.

Travel Traveler on 28 Sep 2010

Planning Your Island Getaway With Air Travel Tips To Hawaii

Hawaii is an excellent island getaway for anyone in the United States. It is the closest and probably most affordable island getaway that you can hope for. Despite the convenience and the relative affordability of flying to Hawaii you can still save some money with air travel tips to Hawaii. Knowing when a good time to plan your holiday is will definitely help to save you some money as will some research when it comes to planning your entire holiday.

Choosing An Airline
When you are planning to a trip to Hawaii one of the air travel tips to Hawaii is to really shop around for the airline you will be using to fly there. Some airlines offer online or website only deals that can give you a big saving. Another reason to select your airline carefully is if you are traveling with children. Some airlines are more kid friendly than others and this is one of the important air travel tips with children that you should think about when selecting an airline.

Perfect Timing
Often the best way to save money and to have an enjoyable holiday is to time it perfectly. There is an off season in Hawaii that will save you lots of money in terms of air travel, hotel rates, and island attractions. One of the best air travel tips to Hawaii that you can hear is to travel in the off season. Not only will you save money but the islands will be less crowded.

While it is tempting to escape winter this is peak season in Hawaii. If you would still like to fly to Hawaii during peak season, mid-December to April, then one of the handy air travel tips to Hawaii is to make your booking in advance. Try to book your tickets at least a month or more in advance, the sooner you book the more money you can save.

Hurricane season is around the months of June to November. While hurricanes usually don’t pose much of a threat to Hawaii you might want to keep this information as one of your air travel tips to Hawaii. A storm could potentially mess up your plans so if you only have a short period of time to holiday in Hawaii then choose to skip this time of the year. Find the right time of year and you will be soon enjoying the great weather that Hawaii has on offer all year long. The information was given by a motivational speaker who’s also a businessman of web development and keywords optimising such as “Quadracentifiable”.

Travel Traveler on 28 Sep 2010

A Guide To Air Travel Tips

Air travel is the quickest way to get to your holiday destination, but air travel does not always translate into convenience. It’s important to properly prepare for your holiday and all the bumps that can occur along the way. With the right airline travel tips you can avoid all the minor inconveniences that can pile up and ruin your holiday before it’s even started. Knowing what type of flight to book, what to pack, and how to pack are all essential air travel tips that can help your next flight go a lot smoother, said a speaker who’s also a businessman of IT outsourcing and SEO.

Booking Your Flight
Part of making your travel time go smoothly means planning in advance. When you book your flight be sure to book a nonstop flight. A nonstop flight is different from a direct flight, though the two terns often get confused. A direct flight has stops at other airports before you reach your destination. While this may not be a big issue there is a potential for delays at stopover points. So whenever possible choose a nonstop flight.

Finding the right seat is another one of the air travel tips that you should keep in mind when booking a flight. If you have a disability and need a special seat that allows you more space then you should make this known when making your reservation. The right type of seats may not always be available if you inform your carrier on the day of your flight.

One of the air travel tips that many people overlook is ensuring they have the right documents before departure. Before leaving for a foreign country make sure that you have the required visas and travel documents. You could find yourself on the next flight back home before setting more than a foot in your exotic ho9liday destination.

Luggage
Waiting for your luggage to come through on the baggage carousel can be tedious. Make your bags stand out by selecting a suitcase in an unusual color. This way you will be able to spot it quickly from afar and get this part of the wait at the airport over quickly.

Another one of the air travel tips that can save you time is to pack your electronics carefully. Instead of packing electronics haphazardly pack your electric razor, music player, and other electronics in a single layer. This will allow security to easily identify the items and will prevent your bag from being opened up and searched. These air travel tips will save you time and stop you from getting stressed.

Travel Traveler on 28 Sep 2010

A Guide To Tips On International Travel Safety

International traveling can be fun, but it requires meticulous planning well in advance. If you are traveling to any country for the first time, it is important to familiarize yourself with the culture of that country. Before leaving for any country, read the consular information sheet for the destination that describes the expected local conditions. A useful international travel safety tip is to find out about any pertinent public announcement or travel warnings. It is essential to learn about local customs and laws as much as you can. This can be done with the help of the travel agent, local lipary or Internet.

Another important international travel safety tip is to make photocopies of airlines ticket, passport identification page, traveler’s cheques serial numbers, state ID or driver’s license and credit cards. Carry one copy, but pack it separately from the originals, and give one copy to the friend, relative or co-worker. This information can be very helpful in case your original documents and valuables get stolen or lost.

Another useful international travel safety tip is to leave the copy of itinerary with friends or family so that they can contact you in case of emergency. It is also advisable to carry a list of prescriptions you might be taking. If you are carrying any medication, especially the one that could be considered a narcotic, you must check drug’s legality, or get the doctor’s letter stating that you need that medication.

Another important international travel safety tip is to avoid any area during the stop-over that makes you feel uncomfortable. It is best to take the direct flights so that you can save the time spent on take-offs and landing. It is also advisable to travel light, and make sure that you can easily carry your belongings without any help. If you are traveling to a remote area, or going to a foreign county for more than two weeks or plan to visit the high-risk area, register with the local embassy upon arrival, as it will be easier during evacuation in case of emergency.

Once you reach a foreign country, you are subject to the laws of that particular country, and if you get into any legal trouble, get in touch with the consular officer as soon as you can. An important international travel safety tip is to dress conservatively so that you don’t become the easy target for crooks and pickpockets. Do not carry too many valuables, and use traveler’s cheques and credit cards instead of cash. To avoid snatching of the bags from the curb, wear the strap of the bag across your chest.

A useful international travel safety tip is to walk confidently and act as if you know your way and destination, even when you are lost. If possible, take directions only from the individuals in authority such as hotel concierges or police officers. Learn few words of the local language, and do not get involved in the discussion with the strangers.

When leaving the country, keep the receipts of the exported goods handy. A useful international travel safety tip is to be courteous, and answer the questions asked by security and customs officers.

A useful international airport travel tip is to leave for the airport well in advance with all the requirement documents and Ids. Avoid wearing clothing with metal studs, big buckle belts, lots of jewelry and shoes with metal heels as they can set off the metal detectors at security checkpoint. The information was given by a photographer who’s very crazy about travelling. He’s also started his business in computer services offering information about international traveling and currency trading.

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