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Visit Northern Thailandnorthern Thailand Travel Experiences

Chiang Mai is the second largest city in Thailand and is considered the capital of Northern Thailand. Gilded Chedis and ornate temples abound.The ambience is very pleasing and the pace of life is slow to say the least. This cannot be said of the markets however the pace here is more frenetic.Northern Thailand Travel Experiences.

If it is possible for you take a local Northern Thai resident with you when shopping you will get a much more satisfying price. There is without question a two tier price stucture one for the locals and one for the visitors.

All of the goods on display at the Night Bazaar will have been manufactured in the local villages around Chiang Mai. The handicraft villages such as BORSANG and BAAN TAWAI represent excellent value on their own but if time is a limiting factor then the Night Bazaar showcases all of the craft items available in the area.

Also to be found in the area of the Night Bazaar are an abundance of bars and restaurants where you may quench your thirst and rest your feet. All of them are reasonably priced and offer entertainment making Chiang Mai one of Northern Thailands most appealing tourist destinations.

Some distance out of the city on the way to Doi Suthep you will find the Chiang Mai zoo. A popularday trip from Chiang Mainestled among forest and spectacular waterfalls. Feeding the alligators is always a popular spectacle but throughout the zoo you can see all sorts of species of mammals reptiles and birds all in natural settings.

It is quite exhausting to walk around the zoo if you want to see everything but they do have mini buses that you can jump on to get from point to point at a small cost.

Chiang Mai offers many hotels from budget through to the luxurious Sheraton Chiang Mai.

Something worth remembering is that the majority of hotels have a daily room rate and also a monthly rate. Should you be staying more than two weeks in the city it is definitely worth ascertaing the daily rate first. Having been offered the daily rate enquire the monthly rate.

At a hotel with a daily rate of 650baht this represents a monthly rate of 20000baht. You will be pleasantly surprised to find that the monthly rate will be somewhere around 78000baht.

This results in a saving of 10002000baht against the daily rate. Any period longer than two weeks will mean that any extra days will in essence be free.

The only difference in service is that sheets will only be changed once or twice a week and the same goes for chambermaid cleaning of the room. A small sacrifice I would suggest.

South of Chiang Mai is Lamphun home to the Northern Thailand Trading Estate which provides jobs in many MultiNational companies who’s names would be instantly recognisable to most visitors. Lamphun also has its own moat and several historic temples. Lamphun is the original capital city of the ancient Haripunchai kingdom.

Farther south along highway eleven lies Lampang another town that attracts tourists to its important temples.

None more so than the temple at Kho Ka near Hang Chat. Its claim to fame is that it was the original home of the Emerald Buddha. The Buddha was purloined by the early monarchs and now resides in the Grand Palace in Krung Thep Bangkok to you and I.

Marks from the weapons of the time can visibly be seen in the stonework surrounding the Chedi and great play is made of the battle that took place. The original wooden temple exists to this day and is visited with great reverence by the faithful.

Another city well deserving of a visit is Chiang Rai. You will need to drive north from Chiang Mai and you will eventually come across the distinguished peak of Chiang Dao another sustantial peak possessing a fabulous complex of caves underneath it.

Further north you can leave the main route and travel through mountain passes to Doi Angkhang one of the last true wildernesses in Thailand before the hills of Myanmar stretch out before you.

Another popular choice is to continue on to Tha Ton here you can board an overnight raft trip to the older Northern Thai city of Chiang Rai. Much quieter and older than Chiang Mai but beautifully kept and presented.

By the Southern route you will leave Lampang heading for the hills towards another pretty city Phayao via Ngao which lies at the foot of the hills which need to be traversed. I can testify from personal experience that it is very exhilarating to travel this route by coach. The drivers seem not to accept that others may use the road. Certainly anyone else on the route stays well out of their way.

You will know when you are reaching Phayao by virtue of the huge expanse of water on your left. There is a temple nestled at the edge of the lake which must rate as one of the most peaceful places on this earth.

Past Phayao the main road swings North and eventually you enter Chiang Rai from the South. Further North some 30 kilometres lies Mae Sai whose claim to fame is to be the Northern most point in Thailand. The so called Freedom Bridge marks the border between Thailand and Myanmar.

I personally don’t imagine the locals of Myanmar consider it as a freedom bridge since the Military Junta keeps them firmly in Myanmar.

To cross from NorthernThailand into Myanmar however is certainly an experience not to be missed. Immiediately across the bridge is a market which is a hotbed of contraband or cheap goods of all hues.

About the writer:nbsp;nbsp;I am a 63 yr old British Expat living in Northern Thailand. The photo you see is my wife and I enjoying a little canoodling.

We live in a small village in Lampang Province mid way between Chiang Mai the capital of the North and Lampang City

My main interests are everything to do with Thailand and the Power of the mind. hypnosiscosmic ordering and other powerful techniques to improve your life with little or no effort.

Famous Ocean Explorers

The Forerunners of Ocean Exploration

Bartholomew Dias and Vasco Da Gama

The Portuguese have often been credited as some of historys bravest explorers and the establishment of the Spice Route to India is to this countrys credit. What drove much exploration of the seas in the early years was a desire to gain the best access to the rich resource of spices in the East. In his quest to find such a route Bartholomew Dias became the first European to navigate around the southernmost tip of Africa. It was Dias who first named the Cape the Cape of Storms; and while the explorers did not make it all the way to the East on their 1488 journey they have never been forgotten for their feat of being the first Europeans to sail around the tip of the African continent.

Vasco Da Gama was more successful in his quest to create the best Spice Route for the Portuguese and in 1498 reached Calicut in India. The tales of his cruel treatment of the people living in the places along the route are chilling but his victory was claiming the best Spice Route possible in the name of the Portuguese. This sea route was far less treacherous than heading overland through Asia and gave Portugal the ultimate advantage in trade in the 15th and 16th centuries.

Christopher Columbus

By 1493 Italian Christopher Columbus was convinced that a quicker route could be found to the East by travelling west. What resulted was a discovery that changed the face of world geography forever. When he could not convince his own countrymen of his theory Columbus moved to Spain and managed to convince the authorities to fund his expedition. He set sail in August 1492 and was in sight of the Bahamas within only ten weeks which he mistakenly believed to be Japan. Further west when the voyagers reached Cuba they were convinced they had found China and moved inland to India;. The darkskinned people they encountered were soon labelled Indians; and Columbus returned to Europe victorious in his achievement of finding the quickest route to the riches of the East. Columbus returned to his East three times during the remainder of his life exploring Jamaica Puerto Rico the Virgin Islands and Trinidad. He died believing he had found the shortest route to the East never knowing that he had in fact discovered something much much more important.

Ferdinand Magellan

Ferdinand Magellan was not discouraged by the subsequent discovery of Columbus actual failure to find a westerly route to the East and set of in 1519 to prove that it could be done. Although from Portugal Magellan undertook this journey with Spanish backing and set sail in 1519. The five ships in the party housed 260 men who had no idea where they were going as Magellan believed they would be too frightened too continue. A massive storm along the coast of South America forced the ships to seek cover and thus Magellan discovered an inlet ndash; completely by accident. The Magellan Strait as it is now known offers a route through the South American continent to the Pacific Ocean on the other side.

With one ship deserting the voyage Magellan and his four other ships suffered extreme hardships on the Pacific and only 18 of the 260 men made it back to Spain three years later. The journey went through the Philippines where Magellan himself was killed in battle and on to the East where the ships were loaded with spices. The Victoria continued west and made it back to Spain while all of the other ships were lost at sea. The westerly spice route discovered by Magellan and his crew was not used for many years thanks to the treacherous outcome it had for the many men on board. Instead of discovering a new Spice Route Magellan is actually credited with captaining the first circumnavigation of our globe a more impressive feat by miles.

Modern Ocean Explorers

Ocean exploration has never stopped since the great explorers of the 15th and 16th centuries but has simply evolved to become more in depth competitive and adventurous. By the beginning of the 20th century most of the earths waters had been explored and ocean travels became more about setting records than discovering new places. The year was 1895 when American Joshua Slocum set out to become the first man to sail solo around the world. He sustained himself during the three year trip by stocking up on supplies from islands along the way and his safe return home in 1898 cemented his place in the history books.

The next person to better this record was Sir Francis Chichester in 1967 who managed an around the world feat that only required one stop in a year long trip aboard Gypsy Moth. It was a fellow Briton Robin KnoxJohnston who twelve years later managed to finally circumnavigate the world without stopping ndash; in a lightning fast 312 days. In 1988 Kat Cottee became the first woman to sail solo and nonstop around the world in an improved time of only 189 days. To date the fastest solo trip every recorded to circumnavigate the globe occurred as recently as 2008. Francis Joyon a 51 year old Frenchman climbed aboard his 98ft fireengine red trimaran Idec and reappeared around the world just 57 days later. This took a massive 14 days off the previous record which was held by the fastest female sailor in the history of yachting Dame Ellen McArthur.

About the writer:nbsp;nbsp;Find out more about some of the spectacular yachts sailing our oceans today many of which are available to buy or charter.

http://www.ypi.co.uk/

Why Thousands Of Brits Leave The UK For Canada Every Year

Muchmor Canada conducted a survey of people looking to emigrate from the UK to Canada. We asked them why they wanted to leave Britain and why they wanted to emigrate to Canada. We also asked them what they thought they would miss once in Canada.

Although some of the replies will not be too much of a surprise to most you may find some of them quite amusing.

Lots of people cited the weather in Britain as a reason for emigrating cant think why! They said that we lacked proper summers had too much rain and too many grey days and not enough snow well they are certainly going to the right place for that!

The Government came in for some criticism too with people saying that they no longer felt they had any faith in Mr Brown and his party to make Britain a better place. Many felt that the quality of life offered in the UK was declining with the following being listed as reasons for their feelings: chavculture too many asylum seekers easy access to drugs rising crime rates yob culture some even cited the London congestion charge as a good reason to leave the UK. Other reasons given included overcrowding litter graffiti traffic congestion and too many clubs and pubs encouraging drinking and smoking for young people.

Another aspect of the UK that came high on the list of gripes was the cost of living. Ripoff Britain was the term which kept cropping up: high petrol prices high property prices high taxes and generally a high cost of living compared to the likes of Canada and the USA. People felt under pressure to keep up with the Joness as far as property cars and jobs were concerned encouraging a debt culture.

You may think that these reasons are enough but no there are more. Many potential immigrants were concerned about their childrens futures in the UK. They thought that the education system was seriously flawed and that the quality of exams was questionable. Others felt that the lack of discipline in schools was encouraging children to grow up with the wrong attitudes and a lack of respect for others.

The National Health Service also came in for a hammering with many people scared of having treatment in UK hospitals for fear of contracting diseases such as MRSA.

Finally the people of Britain also seemed to be a reason to leave. The British were classed as unfriendly and selfish with negative attitudes. Some people actually wanted to leave Britain to get away from their own relatives!

So we know why people want to leave Britain but why to they want to give up everything to move to a completely new continent many thousands of miles away?

All people questioned said that they thought Canada would give them a better quality of life. They said they wanted mortgage free property ownership healthier living fresh air open spaces stunning scenery outdoor sports less crime less pollution cleaner cities and less stress. They felt that Canadians didnt look down on people who earn less have a smaller car or house. That people were friendlier than Brits and their general attitude was more laid back.

Once again their childrens futures were high priority with many believing that they would get a better education in Canada a happier healthier lifestyle more sports activities and all felt that their children and indeed themselves would feel safer in Canada.

Many people when thinking of Canada do not automatically think ideal weather but that is another reason people want to move there. Why? Well many people want proper seasons where they can look forward to hot sunny summers and cold snowy winters. Many looked forward to taking part in winter sports such as skiing and ice hockey and then relaxing by the lake mountains or even their own pool in the summer.

When we asked people what their main reasons for emigrating to Canada were they replied that they already had family there or that they wanted to retire there some had even lived there previously and just wanted to return for good. Some of the more daring reasons included: just for the hell of it for the adventure a fresh start and because they speak English. A couple of people cheekily suggested that they actually quite fancied emigrating to America but that it was too difficult to get into so Canada was the next best thing!

Now we know why people want to leave the UK and why they feel Canada can address those issues but surely they will miss certain things about Britain? The answers to this question gave us the greatest laughs. Although many of these people will find that they can indeed find some of these things across the pond we will list them none the less.

Top of the list unsurprisingly were family and friends not necessarily in that order. Some also said that they would miss pets that were not emigrating with them. Surprisingly perhaps some said that they would miss the history and culture that Britain offers. However most of the things mentioned were of a more trivial nature: marmite chocolate fish n chips irn bru Coronation Street football British TV beer back bacon and decent newspapers. People also mentioned that they would miss the generous UK holiday allowances once they reached Canada.

Although all the answers to these questions were many and varied it mainly boils down to the fact that people believe rightly or wrongly that Britain no longer offers them the sort of life style they want for themselves or their children. They equally believe that Canada can give them what they want from life and that these qualities far outweigh what they will miss.

Obviously not all will find that utopia in Canada and inevitably some people will be disappointed but on the whole the majority of people who have made the leap across the pond have no regrets.

About the writer:nbsp;nbsp;Jane Toombes is owner/editor of Muchmor Canada Magazine. Muchmor is a free online magazine aimed at anyone who loves living the Canadian lifestyle. Jane has an award winning marketing background and moved from England to Ontario Canada in 2006.
www.readmuchmor.com

China Vacations: Luxury Travel To Beijing And Beyond

China vacations involve more than just travel to Beijing the country has opened up over the past few years and many of China’s secrets are now open to the west even those on a Chinese vacation.

Vacations to China are becoming increasingly popular and a growing number of travel operators are offering China vacations at cut prices to those wanting to find out the secrets of the Orient that have been hidden from western eyes for so long. However cheap vacations come at a price if not in hard cash.

First it is a long flight to China and can be very uncomfortable if you are packed into a chartered plane seated to pack as many people in as possible so as to keep the costs low. There is nothing wrong with that if it is what you want and most people are able to withstand the discomfort of little room to stretch out on a long haul flight. For others however it is a problem. Then there is the transport once your vacation has started. If you are sharing your holiday with 49 others the needs of the average are catered for and these might not be your needs.

The same is true of hotels that are chosen because they can offer the number of rooms needed to meet the needs of a large party and the menu for many of the meals will be set to be easily cooked for a large number of people at the lowest possible cost. If these arrangements don’t appeal to you what are your alternatives?

Some people try to arrange and book their own China vacations but find it too difficult considering all the arrangements needed airport taxes hotel bookings entrance fees local travel and so on. The best way by far is to deal with a travel company that can offer you the luxury and personal attention that China vacations need if you are to enjoy your travel to Beijing and everywhere else in China you want to visit.

Your flights should at least be business class to allow you the leg room and cabin staff attentiveness that you need on a longer flight. Travel should be personal and not as part of a crowd. You and your partner should have a car to yourselves driven by your own guide not share a 52 seater bus. Your hotels should be individually booked and chosen for their excellence not their cheap price and you should be able to choose your own menus.

You might think that such travel companies are difficult to find or if you did find one your travel would be severely restricted to allow such a high level of personal service. If so you would be wrong on both counts. However for now let’s consider what good China vacations should involve apart from the personal service and luxury travel.

Travel to Beijing is a must with a visit to the Forbidden City the ancient seat of the Chinese emperors that sits right in front of the famous or infamous Tiananmen Square. Not as part of a large group but privately just you and your partner. With 9999 buildings it was forbidden for a nonaristocrat or royal to enter it prior to 1911. A visit to the Peking Opera is also a must as is a delicious meal of Peking duck!

Many Chinese vacations stop at Beijing or perhaps include a brief visit to the Wall and if you want more you have to look around and make sure that the vacation you book involves more than just travel to Beijing and the Forbidden City that seems to satisfy many people. You must at least visit the Summer Palace with its marble boat built by the Empress Cixi with funds embezzled from the navy and the Temple of Heaven larger than the Forbidden City. You must also visit the Great Wall and enjoy a traditional Chinese banquet of several different course.

Everybody has heard of the terracotta warriors in Xian: thousands of them lifesize with horses and chariots and you must also pay a visit to Chengdu to see a real live panda. Also don’t forget that China is close to Tibet and you could pay a visit to Lhasa and see Mount Everest and the palaces of the Dalai Lama. Visitors are allowed to visit the chambers and to look out on Lhasa from the seven storey White Palace. However back to China.

All China vacations should allow you to spend some time on one o China’s many rivers and watch the cormorants that are trained to dive for fish: their necks are slightly constricted to prevent them from swallowing the fish. It might sound cruel but it seems to do them no harm. A visit to Shanghai should also be included on your itinerary along with a cruise down the Huangpu River. In fact there are many rivers in this part of China that you should visit by boat but you have to get all this organized in advance.

The main problem with Chinese vacations is that if you want anything more than just to travel to Beijing you can’t just head off anywhere you want when you feel like it. China is not France or the UK. Tourism is allowed but only if organized in advance and all permissions are granted. That’s why it is so important to seek out the type of Chinese vacation you want prior to setting off. You can’t change midway.

Chinese vacations can be magnificent and aweinspiring and they can also be pretty boring if you have already visited Beijing. Which you get is your choice but remember that you are generally stuck with what you book although there might be some tours you can book when in Beijing. Generally however vacations to China are best organized in advance with a good travel company experienced in providing you with luxury travel and comprehensive travel to make sure that you visit as many places as possible in the time available to you.

About the writer:  If you are seeking Chinese vacations offering personal service and travel arrangements then visit Ultitude.com where individual attention is combined with a comprehensive two week first class travel package to offer a Chinese vacation that will knock your socks off. Also be sure to visit UltitudeTravel.com our luxury travel blog on luxury vacations China.

Greece Athens Information For Your Holidays

Changing Money at Banks

Athens has no shortage of banks and most around the centre are used to working with foreign exchange. All banks are open Monday to Thursday from 8.0.0. am to 2.0.0. pm. Beware on Friday they close half an hour earlier at 1.30. pm and are closed Saturdays Sundays and Public Holidays.

The Foreign Exchange branch of the National Bank of Greece is on the west side of Syntagma Square in the centre of Athens. It is open mornings from 8 am to 2 pm and afternoons from 3.30. to 6.30. pm Mon to Thurs. On Fridays they close half an hour earlier at 1.30. pm but reopen again at 3 pm til 6.30. pm. On Saturdays they open from 9 am to 3 pm and Sundays from 9 am to 1 pm.

There may be a queue but the service is quick and efficient as the tellers work only with foreign currency. don’t forget to take your passport along.

Outside the bank is a machine which gives you euro Canadian American and Australian and Japanese yen handy if you’re stuck for instant cash.

A number of banks now have outside cash machines: In Syntagma Square you’ll find Access Visa Mastercard Citibank Cirrus ServiRed Star and Plus. All you need to remember is your pin number and to hope that the machine has some money in it.

There are a number of foreign banks in Athens. If you’d like to know whether your particular bank has a branch the best bet is to phone your Embassy. Embassy telephone numbers can be found in the weekly English language newspaper The Greek News which is available from cigarette kiosks in central Athens.

Most banks will change travellers cheques Eurocheques and cash. It’s generally safer to take your passport with you when changing money as bank tellers are likely to ask for it.

There are a number of foreign banks in Athens. If you’d like to know whether your particular bank has a branch the best bet is to phone your Embassy. Embassy telephone numbers can be found in the weekly English language newspaper The Greek News which is available from cigarette kiosks in central Athens.

At the Post Office All post offices have foreign exchange windows and are open daily from 7.30 am to 2.00 pm. You can identify them by the bright yellow sign of a horn with the letters ELTA underneath. Unlike the bank which charges a percentage commission the post office charges a flat rate for changing money regardless of the amount.

Two central post offices on Syntagma Square corner of Mitropoleos Street and 100 Eolou Street near Omonia Square are open from 7.30 am to 8.00 pm Monday to Friday Saturdays from 7.30 am to 2.00 pm and even on Sundays from 9.00 am to 1.30 pm.

In Tourist Shop amp; Foreign Exchanges Kiosks

These stay open well into the evening and some display Exchange signs meaning they have a license to change money. They will provide a receipt showing the amount changed the exchange rate of the day and their commission which is controlled by the government.

In Hotels

A number of hotels also have a license to change money. The commission they charge is slightly higher than banks or the foreign exchange kiosks but as you only have to walk downstairs it is often more convenient.

Church Services

The main religion in Greece is Greek Orthodox and Athens is home to many beautiful Orthodox churches same of which you will find in the section headed Exploring.

If you would like to attend a service you are welcome in any church. The service on Sunday / starts at about 9.00 am and goes on till about 11.00 am.

Obviously you will need to dress suitably no shorts or bare shoulders. It is not necessary to stay for the entire service. If you would like to attend a service in your own denomination you can phone up and find out the times of the services.

Duty Free

These are goods on which no tax has been paid bought from a duty free shop or on the airplane. Goods up to the duty free limit can be purchased in full on both your outward and return journey even if all your outward bound purchases have not been used during your holiday. This limit is in addition to any tax paid purchases you may have made during your stay. No tobacco or drinks allowed if you’re under 17.

The ED allowance is 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco. You are allowed 2 liters of still table wine and a liter of spirits or instead of .the spirits another 2 liters of table wine or sparkling wine.

Electricity

The mains supply in Greece is 220 volts which is the same as the rest of Europe. If you forgot to buy a travel adaptor at home you’re unlikely to find one here. The best bet is to find a shop that sells plugs buy a small screwdriver and change the plug. Do remember to check whether your room has a two or a three pin plug.

Any American appliance will be wired for 110 volts and will need a transformer. Best to take the appliance with you when you go to buy the transformer from an electrical shop.

Electricity is expensive so try to remember to switch off lights before you go out in the evening or before bed. For small children you can find inexpensive night lights in most grocery and electrical shops.

Find a Hotel

The Foreign Exchange Branch of the National Bank of Greece in Syntagma Square has a clearly marked desk with information about hotels in Athens and around the country. They can check availability and make reservations in any hotels on their lists. This office is open Mon to Thur from 8.30 to 2pm and Friday till 1.30 pm Sat 9 to 1 pm. Tel: 323 7193.

If the office is closed the tourist office next door has a list of hotels along with phone numbers and the category into which they fall which gives an indication of the price though not necessarily the quality of service or facilities A being the most expensive and D about five times cheaper.

About the writer:  Award Winning Travel Advisors in Asia

Orlando Theme Park Tickets: How To Find The Best Discounts

OrlandoKissimmee is the third largest metropolitan area in the United States and is best known for its many theme park attractions. Once someone has enjoyed the rides magic and fun of Orlando it’s not a hard sell as a favorite vacation destination. The city is synonymous with theme parks and in an effort to save money as well as time waiting in line at the park travelers often purchase theme park tickets online. It’s not uncommon to find hundreds of online and off line businesses competing for their share of theme parks ticket sales by promising the lowest prices.

Although the task of finding the best ticket price may seem daunting the process can be broken down in just a couple of steps that can be done in as little as a couple of hours depending on your web surfing skills. Before you begin gathering information make sure to get a pen and some paper in order to keep track of company names ticket prices and other details that may be forgotten as soon as you leave their website.

The first thing you should do is a get a “baseline” ticket price for the theme park you’re interested in by visiting the theme park’s official website. Go through the motions of purchasing tickets but don’t buy them yet! and make sure to add all the options you’re interested in like park hopping meal plans express passes etc. The total cost for tickets during this first step will be the price to beat when you start shopping the vendors with discounted Orlando theme park tickets.

Now that you know what the actual parks will be charging you the second step is to get some prices from the “competition”. During this second step of researching discount ticket vendors you want to make sure they are a legitimate company. There are many sites who claim to offer cheap tickets so make sure that the business is an authorized ticket provider and can back it up. The term “Buyer Beware” definitely applies to the search for the cheapest park tickets so if you’re ever in doubt about the legitimacy of a company do not buy tickets from them ever.

With that said get online and do a Google search for “discount theme park tickets” “discount Disney tickets” or something similar and see what comes up. There will be several pages of listings but the ones that I usually investigate first are the sponsored listings that are in the top yellow box as well as the ads on the right side of the first page of your Google search results. These ticket companies are paying big bucks for the privilege to be among the top ten advertisers and can usually offer the best savings and most will even match or beat a competitor’s price.

You will have to weed through the timeshare solicitation companies offering free or discounted theme park tickets in exchange for a timeshare presentation unless that is something that interests you. Find up to five companies and go through the virtual ticket buying process with each one and see what prices you come up with. Some companies may have you call their toll free number or fill out an online form in order to get a quote. They are used to people shopping around for the best prices so don’t be intimidated by this extra step.

You should now have the theme park ticket prices from the official park website along with at least three other ticket prices from the competition. Now it’s just a matter of choosing the best price ticket with the best options. There are also a few things to keep in mind when purchasing your discounted tickets:

1. When comparing prices make certain that the sales tax is included in the posted price

2. Some theme parks only allow you to purchase meal plans through them.

3. If you know you will be returning to the same theme park within the year it may be beneficial to buy annual passes or invest in tickets with the “No Expiration” option. Unused days and admissions will never expire so you can continue to use that same ticket whenever you return to Orlando.

4. Military personnel often receive huge military discounts to Orlando theme parks. For example the Hero Salute program offered by Busch Entertainment Corporation offers all active duty and ready reserve members of the service one day’s free admission along with up to three direct dependents to any one of their parks that include Busch Gardens SeaWorld and Discovery Cove.

5. Airlines and travel agencies offer Orlando vacation packages that include airfare park tickets accommodations rental cars etc. You can often plan your entire vacation in one spot so don’t forget about this option when you have more time for research. Sign up at their websites to receive news of their latest discounts and promotions.

6. Members of Sam’s Club Costco AAA and AARP receive several travel benefits along with discounts toward theme park tickets. If you’ve already paid for the membership you should take advantage of the discounts if they are offer the best price.

Finding the best price on theme park tickets doesn’t have to be complicated. Stay focused do a little research and reap the rewards. The money you save on this trip can be put towards your next Orlando vacation.

About the writer:  Kelley Falgout is a theme park enthusiast and publisher of http://www.familythemeparkvacations.com”>www.FamilyThemeParkVacations.com” target=”_blank”>www.FamilyThemeParkVacations.com”>http://www.familythemeparkvacations.com”>www.FamilyThemeParkVacations.com a vacation planning tool and continuously growing database of all theme parks amusement parks and water parks located across the United States. Click here”>http://www.familythemeparkvacations.com/Orlandoattractions.html”>here to get your free copy of the Orlando Attractions Vacation Guide.

Malta Hotels And Holidays Hope To Rise Again 2007

Hotel and holiday bookings have been in decline on the Mediterranean island of Malta but the hope is that 2007 will see new life breathed into her hotel and holidays industry.

The Malta hotels and holiday industry are major players in the island’s economy and with unemployment already high a further drop in the number of visitors next year could have a negative impact not just in tourism but for Malta as a whole.

Throughout the year the monthly statistics for the number of tourists visiting Malta have made depressing reading for the Malta hotels and the next twelve months will be pivotal as to whether the island can stay in the mainstream of holiday destinations or be relegated to niche travel status.

The island was rife with rumours earlier in the year that a UK tour operator was going to withdraw the island from their 2007 brochures and a survey in the island’s biggest market showed that Malta would be more expensive for British tourists than the Canary and Balearic Islands for equivalent holidays next year.

But more recent news has brought hope to the
holidays in Malta market that 2007 will see an arrest in the decline of visitor numbers seen this year with MyTravel surprising the holidays in Malta market by announcing an increase in the number of winter visitors it will be taking from the UK to Malta.

But the most positive news has come from low cost carrier RyanAir who have started cheap flights to Malta from London and Dublin.

Between announcing the Dublin and London routes and the maiden flight to Malta Ryanair sold 30000 tickets. And the new competition has spurred Air Malta the island’s national airline to make offers of its own. A successful campaign saw two tickets a minute being sold recently.

‘This is all good news’ say Malta hotels and holidays guide http://www.yourmalta.com ‘Earlier in the year it looked like there was only one way that the visitor figures for Malta were going for the future and that was in a continuing downward spiral.’

At one stage earlier in the year there were real doubts cast upon whether the Malta Government would approve the new low cost flights at all. Air Malta is a major employer and some in the tourist sector felt that too much of a protectionist attitude was being taken at the expense of a possible upswing in new visitors.

‘Unfortunately’ continue YourMalta ‘The Malta Tourist Authority and The Malta government seem to to make life as difficult as possible for the island’s hotel owners and those involved in the holiday industry. A privately run company like Ryanair will achieve more and bring more money on to the island than the Tourist Authority can ever dream of. And Ryanair will probably make a profit out of it while the Tourist Authority is using taxpayers money. We’re just waiting for the first set of figures where tourism has risen and for the Malta Tourist Authority to claim part or all of the credit. In reality if tourist figures do rise it’s despite the Tourist Authority and not because of it’.

Holidays in Malta

Speaking on a visit to Malta recently Ryanair’s Chief Executive Michael O’Leary declared himself pleased with their new Luton route and predicted that their Dublin route due to start operating in February would be even more successful. He believes that Ryanair could take some 85000 visitors to the island in 2007.

‘If Ryanair do deliver 85000 visitors to Malta in 2007 it will stop the perpetual decline in overall tourist numbers’ say YourMalta ‘It depends of course on whether a large number will be new visitors or simply those who would have visited Malta anyway. We believe the likelihood is that a good deal of the 85000 will be new visitors who hadn’t considered a Malta holiday before. With Air Malta fighting back and having successful promotions too there is every reason to feel confident that 2007 will prove to be a good year for Malta tourism. Hopefully it will prove to be a turning point and not a delay in the downward spiral of the last few years’.

The real estate industry in Malta also produces a good deal of inward investment for the Malta economy and increased visitor numbers often correlate to an increase in Malta property prices.

According to Tribune Properties a UK based company who specialise in Malta property for sale property inflation could be in double digits next year.

‘Malta property buyers from overseas start as tourists and with new tourists arriving next year in increased numbers we do expect this to have some impact on the market overall. The weather in Malta is always a plus point when potential buyers are considering where to buy a holiday home. But ease of access is a critical factor and with the new flights at reduced prices it makes spending a few long weekends on Malta as well as the traditional week and fortnight holiday a realistic possibility for more people.’

Travel guide YourMalta do offer a cautionary note urging the Malta authorities to invest in better roads and other infrastructure.

‘It’s important that holidaymakers want to return to the island in future years and not just visit once never to look at a holiday brochure and a map of Malta with good memories and return. The Malta hotels are on a par with the rest of Europe but if they step outside to dangerous pavements unclean beaches and a timeshare tout around every corner ready with a high pressure sales pitch they won’t return. Hopefully the Malta Tourist Authority will be doing as much as they can ensure a pleasant Malta holiday experience’.

About the writer:  YourMalta.com offer details of flight times to Malta and cheap flight to Malta information.

Kenya Community Based Eco Lodges Initiative Hit Top Of The World List

Community eco lodges in Kenya are fast becoming hot spots for the authentic travelers holiday makers or first timers who are glad some well informed travel consultant somewhere was resourceful enough to bring to their attention the existence of these amazing small accommodation alternatives in Kenya.

These Kenya safaris destinations though priced above the average tourist lodges have hit the top most level in terms of value service and purpose. Wildlife and conservation is now a viable alternative land use that compliments the traditional pastoralist for most indigenous local people mainly the maasai and samburu tribesmen thus creating employment within the local communities and providing a structure for future ecological positive developments and growth of the tourism industry in Kenya.

So finally you dont have to ponder on how you can assist the locals native people living in the remote grasslands of Kenya these tribesmen can now sustain themselves and get the kids going to school for the fist time instead of looking after the family cattle they will also now have access to clean water.

All you need to do to make this a reality is to enjoy their hospitality in a world class lodge and sure enough you will have indirectly funded a homestead somewhere within your lodge location.

The profits that come out of these comfortable luxurious and rustic ventures will be divided amongst the locals and will help support the local schools water supplies and other group ranch operations.

Illi ngwesi lodge in Laikipia northern frontier district is built with local materials organic in character with only six attractive bandas raised from the ground large double beds that may be rolled out for a night under the stars. Breath taking views makes the lodge a classic and a must visit.

Crowned by British airways as a winning initiative the lodge has been seen as the role model in community based tourism in Kenya. The trained maasai host look after the lodge and their visitors with great care and attention the revenue from the lodges is divided amongst the locals and help support nearly five hundred house holds.

Tassia lodge protrudes from the Mokogodo escarpment and over looks the valleys and beyond. Yet another model in community eco friendly project a place you want to stay and live three nights is never enough. Its not a surprise these units are ever fully booked and sometimes its a challenge getting a chance to stay there due to over bookings my advice plan and book three months ahead.

Shompole lodge some where along Kenyas lake Magadi is supposed to be the best of all. With the numbers continuously rising in eco lodges in Kenya its a real challenge to stipulate which one of them is better that the other though the goals and objective are clear and well worth every effort.

If you are well traveled and have seen the best of lodges and camps in the world well this is supposed to be a challenge you should consider Sabuk lodge is another favorite remote and beautiful. Set up on a cliff overlooking the lush river 50 meters below where elephants and other wildlife come each morning for a drink.

Koija star beds in Laikipia are something out of this world the raised rustic cottages complete with ensuite bath rooms hot showers have no windows but welcoming openness that come with awesome views of the landscapes far and beyond the bathrooms are open and as you shower you enjoy the sun shine and the views. The name star beds comes from the two wheeled beds that roll out on the platform and as you sleep under a white net under the stars you enjoy the very last of available natural experience not found anywhere else.

They even provide you with the stars identification handy book so as you gaze up clear twinkling African skies you will locate and finally identify Leo the lion low in the west is still as bright as The regulus and The southern cross. Or is it?

The ever smiling and knowledgeable masai host takes good care of you and keep you company all through. Proud to show off their country side and cultures you are sure to enjoy every bit of it. Activities in most of these locations include game viewing bush dinners bush breakfast cultural village visits to witness the tradition and cultural practices including livestock keeping traditional hunting skills rites rituals and dances.

The food is fresh from the fertile Kenya highlands and the private airstrips each lodge enjoys serves well for the daily supplies.

At the renowned Masai Mara game reserve the Base camp is an award winning eco project. A key goal and mission for the camp is to develop a model project for tourists where concerns for conservation issues and local cultures are fully integrated. With the aim to make a difference and make a positive impact in the Masai Mara and to inspire others to follow.

Contribution to a clean environment through ecobased technology in favour of wildlife conservation through projects that support the local people and their cultures is finally coming from very interesting quotas. This eventually means building awareness and increasing the knowledge about natural resource management to the local community.

A success story for Kenya and its countrymen.

About the writer:nbsp;nbsp;Henry Kahuki is an online Africa safaris consultant based in Kenya. The operator of Magical Africa safaris Ltd. http://www.magicalafrica.net an ecofriendly safari agency catering for family safaris senior travels individual safaris and camping offers comprehensive safari arrangements in Africa Kenya Tanzania and Uganda http://www.magicalafrica.net/Safaris_in_Kenya.htm lodge bookings budget camping wildlife safaris in Kenya luxury safaris hotel reservations in Kenya mount Kenya hiking and self drive 4×4 car hire.

The Ultimate Bar Guide For A Bvi Yacht Charter

What is a Caribbean Vacation without a few cocktails and some adventure? While cruising on a BVI Yacht Charter offers some of the finest luxuries any vacation can offer it never hurts to go ashore for some mingling with locals and a little libation. Here is a list of some of some of the best beach bars in the British Virgin Islands. Land HO!!!
ANEGADA
If you’re swimming at Loblolly Bay base yourself close to The Big Bamboo. Great lunches and a large outdoor bar just steps from the beach. Anegada Reef Hotel Restaurant and Bar is the closest bar to the dock. This friendly establishment is popular has a casual atmosphere and has the freshest lobster that is to die for! Neptune’s Treasure is a serene restaurant and bar further down the beach. On weekends the bar becomes lively with music and an influx of Tortola residents looking for a weekend escape.
BEEF ISLAND
Trellis Bay
The Last Resort has been synonymous with live entertainment since the beginning of yacht chartering. Enjoy great food and live entertainment. On the south shore of the bay there is quite an assortment of local shops artist studios bars and restaurants. The monthly Trellis Bay Full Moon party is anticipated all year long. Two large fireballs are lit while locals dance the night away.
COOPER ISLAND
Cooper Island Beach Club is a popular restaurant and bar are on beautiful Manchioneel Beach. The island is an ideal anchorage spot to stop and have a drink while you watch the sun set over The Drake Channel.
JOST VAN DYKE
White Bay The Soggy Dollar Bar is famous for its Painkillers which were actually first invented here. The original recipe is a secret family recipe. Great Harbor Foxys Tamarind Bar has certainly changed from the early 70s. Charter vacationers used to listen to true calypso while eating lobster with all of the locals at one long table. It has grown enormously. All kinds of talented local bands and musicians play here. The music and dancing can go on late into the night. Besides the bar and restaurant there is also a large gift shop with a wide variety of local items including CDs and the obligatory Foxys Tshirt. Be sure to bring something personal you can tack to the ceiling anything from Business cards to hats and even underwear is acceptable. This place is for those who are easily offended but most people at least stop in and have a drink.
Little Jost Van Dyke Foxy’s Taboo restaurant and bar is the new ‘in’ place. You are more likely to meet Foxy here than at his original bar. Moorings are available but this can be a rough spot in unsettled weather.
MARINA CAY
Now owned by Pussers this famous island resort has a bar at the very top of the island offering great sunset views and live music some nights.
NORMAN ISLAND
The infamous Willie T is an all out party destination with plenty of drinking and wild antics. Expect the unexpected. Not recommended for children or the faint hearted! Pirates Bight offers a more relaxed way to watch the sunset but also has music dancing and a very popular Happy Hour with every exotic frozen drink you can imagine.
TORTOLA
At Cane Garden Bay Quito Rhymer is an extremely popular local musician who can be found performing at his bar/restaurant Quitos Gazebo. Further down the beach Al Henleys Big Banana Paradise Club Rhymers Beach Bar Stanleys Welcome Bar and Myetts Garden and Grill all offer meals drinks and live music on selected nights that can be heard from your anchorage spot out onto the water. The Pub below the Fort Burt Hotel was the original bar in Road Town in The 60s and 70s and is a lively hot spot today. There are bars at Village Cay Marina Mariner Inn Pussers waterfront and many other locations in town but these can hardly be considered beach bars although many people visit them when embarking and disembarking from their Caribbean Yacht Charter.
VIRGIN GORDA
Spanish Town
The Bath and Turtle Pub often has live music and dancing.
The Baths
Poor Man’s Bar is the ultimate watering hole to relax after snorkeling.
North Sound
Leverick Bay has a beach barbecue every Friday with live music and entertainment. The Sand Box is a casual bar and restaurant offering lunch and dinner. The Bitter End is a large resort with shops water sport facilities restaurant and an English pub but they often also have live music and entertainment. Saba Rock is an excellent restaurant and bar located on a tiny island. Enjoy the popular 241 Happy Hour while watching a fabulous sunset over The Sound.
West End/Sopers Hole
Pussers Landing Company Store has two restaurants and a variety of shops but it also has a popular bar. Here’s a hint when you order your first ‘Pussers Pain Killer’ ask for a card. After visiting three different Pussers bars and having a painkiller at each you will get a Pussers Triangle Pennant you can fly from your boat or hang at home!
While most vacationers like to enjoy the comforts of their luxury yacht charter a true Caribbean Yacht Charter isnt complete until you stop for a cocktail at a few of the best spots in the British Virgin Islands. You never know what you’ll see or who you willl meet but you’ll be sure to have some tales to tell at your own watering hole back home for years to come.

About the writer:  eYachtCharter.com is a comprehensive directory of luxury sail and motor yachts for charter to exotic destinations worldwide. In addition to marketing and promotion services EYC is the leading resource provider of luxury travel destinations and yachting news from around the world.

Top 10 Honeymoon Destinations In-demand These Days

The honeymoon is a very important part of a newlywed married couple’s life. Both of them want to make the event memorable so it requires careful planning and considerable time to plan it.

There are many honeymoon themes available for couples like romantic honeymoon dream exotic island luxury beach mountain tropical adventure winter safari and exclusive honeymoons. If you want to decide on the theme of your honeymoon and to help you with that task you can find the top ten list of honeymoon destinations here.

Before checking out the list there are certain things to consider before choosing your honeymoon destination like

in planning for your honeymoon make a listing of different places that both of you would want to visit and the activities that you want to be involved in
the honeymoon budget
how long do you plan to spend on your honeymoon
get as much information of your chosen destination
shock each other with surprise plans

Every couple is excited for their upcoming honeymoon. And so they should choose a honeymoon destination that will suit their tastes and preference. Here is the list of top ten honeymoon destinations:

1. Bora Bora

If you want to add a captivating aura for your honeymoon a Bora Bora vacation is the topmost choice.
You can enjoy the crystalline seas and powdery beaches of this beautiful place. Spend quiet evenings together along the beach coast as you watch the moon and stars above. A couple nice places to visit would be the Bora Bora Le Meridien or the Bora Bora Bora Pearl Resort.

2. Mauritius

This magical place with the Mauritius weatherlanded on the second place as a top honeymoon destination. Holiday Mauritius in case you are going during the holidays is also very popular. This place will truly enchant you and you’re sure to get personal attention. Set on a turquoise sea the island is considered an oasis of tranquility and peace.

3. Barbados

This is an island in the Caribbean that allures many honeymooners with their white beaches quixotic atmosphere and turquoise seas. The island boasts of its sophisticated and charming sandy shores that are alive with so many possibilities so You will find much to do such as a Barbados shore excursion. You can enjoy the Barbados activity and picture taking. You’re sure to wake up in a paradise together with the tropic’s rhythm.

4. Maldives

If you want to visit an impressive place that is secluded and calm and is most ideal for honeymooners this is the perfect love spot for you. Enjoy a Maldives honeymoon with the island sun and Other places like some of the island Maldives royal island Maldives Sun where The Little Mermaid Dive Center is located for instance on Sun Island Maldives. This is located 100 km from Male International Airport on the uninhabited island Nalaguraidhoo.

5. Aruba

This place is also called the lover’s paradise. The couple can enjoy their stay in this romantic place and receive champagne upon arrival. They will also receive a gift as a souvenir that they’ve been to Aruba. These days they also offer a promotional ‘free night’ on a return visit. If you are looking into an Aruba vacation package they offer cruises to Aruba there are beautiful locations such places as Palm Beach and Aruba fishing Aruba deepsea fishing even an Aruba wedding if you like.

6. France

You can also find mountain slopes beaches cathedrals monuments and museums in France that caters to honeymooners. There are some great vacation packages for those seeking honeymoons in France especially as it is considered a ‘short break’ to France. Another cool idea would be to go camping France or make it a camping holiday in France as it is your honeymoon.

7. Thailand

In this country you can find sunkissed waters and seas. Become one of the Thailand woman or a Thailand man or Thailand nude if only for a few days with your loved one. They also boast of their exquisite Thai cuisine and attracts many newly weds. Be Thailand sexy with a full moon party. Just watch out for tsunamis in this gorgeous country of Thailand in the event that you fall into a deep delicious sleep with your partner after all that fun and sex on the beach! Just playing.

8. Singapore

You can find a lot of botanic gardens and natural environment in this country and you’re sure to have an unforgettable honeymoon. For a great Singapore singapore vacation Tiger Airway Singapore offers some affordable packages and airfare to those wishing to enbark on Singapore travell.

9. Seychelles

If you want a tropical honeymoon this place could best suit you as a couple. They offer powdery Seychelles beaches and islands meant for lovers; it’s a great place to experience romance like the waves that caress the shores at midnight. A seychelles honeymoon may be just the thing for you.

10. Italy

Many honeymoon couples are attracted to this beautiful country. You can find painters paramours poets and potentates in this bootshaped country. Its light sumptuous and dreamy landscapes are meant for romance. You can visit como Italy lake hotel in Italy venice Italy Sorentoitaly little maggianos a fine restaurant known for their incredible cuisine plus much more.

So there you have it the top ten 10 honeymoon destinations top preferred by many couples.

About the writer:  Esther is a wife mother and small business owner who lives in WA state with her family. She enjoys family life writing and Internet marketing among other things. For more helpful Tips Books on: Romantic travels Weddings and Honeymoon destinations please visit: http://rivierabooks.2ya.com