Archive for the Category ◊ Travel and Leisure ◊

Author: admin
• Monday, November 17th, 2008

Everyone loves a freebie, but can you really get one for travel or a vacation? We have all seen the offers from various businesses. This marketing tool has been around for decades and you can decide if this method of increasing business is right for you. This Article is being brought to you by montagu accommodation

The most infamous of all “free vacations” is the stay at a resort where you are required to attend a time-share presentation. Actually, these are great offers if you don’t mind sitting through a high-pressure sales presentation for 2-3 hours. For many it is worth it. But if you do decide to take advantage of one of these offers, leave your checkbook and credit cards at home because the salesmen in this industry are very good at what they do.

Just go in with a firm resolve that you are not going to buy anything and give the salesman their due respect, they are just doing their jobs and after all you made a deal! You knew what you were getting into, so pay the piper, do your time and enjoy the vacation. Ever thought of montagu accommodation

One of the most popular offers used by off-line and on-line businesses is the “vacation certificate”. Even though these are presented as free, there are costs involved. But if you understand these offers and how they work, they can be quite lucrative in helping expand your business and make you clients very happy also.

Here are some things to look for before purchasing any of these certificates. Blackout dates-they are in the fine print and read them carefully. Some are reasonable some are not. Blackout dates between December 1, and January 15 are fairly common as most certificates won’t allow travel during peak holiday seasons. Also, try to stay away from certificates that specify or restrict travel to certain day of the week.

Make sure the “lead time” or advance notice for the reservations do not exceed thirty days for a short 3-day vacation or 60 days for an 8-day vacation.

The hotels, knowing in advance from previous trends when they will have vacant rooms that will not be sold, make almost all of these vacations possible. The hotels figure the room is going to stay empty anyway, so why not invite a guest to stay for free with hopes that they will spend money in their casinos, restaurants and shops. If the traveler enjoys their stay they may even come back or extend their vacation at the resort.

You do not get to choose the destination property, as this would defeat the purpose of this system. However, industry wide, there are very few complaints about accommodations and you can expect to stay in a 2-4 star property in the location of your choice.

Most travel incentive certificates require a small processing fee, usually around $10.00 to $15.00. Also, almost all will require the traveler to pay the room taxes that would run about $12.00 to $18.00 per night for a 3-day vacation. For longer 8-day vacations the cost could be as much as $300.00.

Consumers love these deals, and many businesses thrive on bringing in new business with these vacation certificates. Another aspect is the good will you can create with your current customers or clients.

Only you can decide if giving away an almost free vacation to your potential clients or customers is a good idea. One of the best features of these certificates is that they are very inexpensive. Some companies even let you print them yourself for a small one time licensing fee. This article was brought to you by montagu accommodation

Author: admin
• Saturday, November 15th, 2008

Once known as the capital of pineapple production, Lanai, Hawaii is now 98% by David H. Murdock, earning it the name “Secluded Island”. It is also the sixth largest of the Hawaiian Islands and is the home of two of the world’s most elegant resorts and golf courses. But sports aren’t the only highlight of Lanai; people choose lanai for their weddings and honeymoon as well.

Want to know why people choose Lanai for their wedding? First, wedding requirements in the area are minimal – all you need is a marriage license application, a government issued ID with your photo and approximately $60 in cash and you can already get married! Of course, you need a divorce certificate or death certificate if you’ve been previously married. You don’t even have to make church arrangements just a licensed marriage agent and you’re all set. You can download your application form at Hawaii.gov/health.

If you want a seaside ceremony, the Four Seasons Resort Lanai Manele Bay offers a big ballroom located at the top of the rugged red lave cliff. The Lodge at Koele also offers a tranquil upland setting for those who want to get married outdoors amidst a manicured English garden and the towering Cook pine trees.

Find more information at http://www.rentalmadeeasy.com/

Author: admin
• Friday, November 14th, 2008

They say that everyone has to experience the Christmas blues at least once in their lifetime.I always thought that it was impossible.I love Christmas. Every year I look forward to Christmas more than any other holiday. But they’re right. I’ve got the Christmas blues. I am officially experiencing Christmas stress. I can’t face the idea of holiday garland.

I don’t know what’s gotten into me. I just feel so tired lately. I was supposed to get gifts for everyone this week but I just can’t seem to find the right kind of cheer I need.I always try to my best to have a cheerful demeanor because I believe that when you shop happy you buy gifts that make people happy. As if things couldn’t get any worse, mu husband Jim was talking to his boss who mentioned how much fun he had at last years dinner party so essentially invited himself.Jim must have “forgotten” to tell me again last night.

So aside from the gifts I still have to buy and the Christmas stress I have to get out of, I have to prepare a dinner party that will top the one I gave before. I need to switch into my Superwoman mode right now. There’s nothing going on. I’m just too tired. With my luck I’m going to come down with a cold.That would be hard on the children. They’re really expecting my usual upbeat self during Christmas season. I wouldn’t want to hamper their festive mood.

Ugh. I really, really don’t feel so good.Pardon me…. WHAT!? My Christmas stress is officially over.

I just got the news that me and my husband are having a baby! Bring on the festivities! I guess the pre lit garland might get hung this year.

Author: admin
• Wednesday, November 12th, 2008

Molokai have been dubbed as “the Most Hawaiian Island” and “the Friendly Island” because this is where the “aloha” spirit is found the most. If you are looking for breathtaking natural beauty, rainforests and deserted beaches, then this is the perfect destination.

In Molokai, no building is taller than a palm tree; traffic is almost nil that their government no longer bothered to put up traffic lights. The area is in a rural setting and so peaceful that a visit to Molokai is like stepping 50 years back in time. If you want respite from malls, elevators, neon lights and burger wars, go to Malakai, Hawaii.

Molokai may be rural, but it isn’t a boring place. There are hundreds of things you can do here for little to no cost. Here are some of them:

1. For tourist, a Molokai Mule Ride to the leper colony is a must-do. It’s like smelling the flowers in the park, only this time you’re on horseback. Take this time to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.
2. Ever tried lei making? At Molokai Plumeria you can handpick the Plumeria blossoms in the orchards. Here, tourists can attend a short lesson on picking the best blossoms and lei making, so you can create leis for yourself and your loved one!
3. A visit to the Kalaupapa National Historical Park is a place with unique geology and history, there is no other place in the world like it. Make sure to visit it when you go to Molokai.
4. Another thing you can do in Molokai is camping. Indulge with the beauty of untouched beauty of nature while you sit by the campfire at night. In Molokai, there are two county campgrounds and two state campgrounds, where you can sleep peacefully.
5. What is a Hawaiian visit without a trip to the beach? While you’re there, go kayaking or perhaps snorkeling. Make sure you choose vacation homes near the beach – this is probably the only way you can enjoy the endless waters to the fullest!

Author: admin
• Tuesday, November 11th, 2008

Here’s a smart suggestion for a very special visit to Rome. The capital, in fact, has an incredible range of attractions that are less known than the famous Colosseo, Piazza di Spagna, Fontana di Trevi and Basilica di San Pietro…A holiday in the Italian capital (sleeping in one of the beautiful apartments (appartamenti Roma)) can give lots of amazing experiences in more of a low-key way.

As if there weren’t already enough on the surface, the eternal city also holds a complete subterranean world below the concrete. And in the bowels of Rome there is much to discover. It is precisely this dark atmosphere, both unsettling and mysterious, below the earth which makes its exploration so attractive and exciting.

At the age of 2500 years, the sewerage system in Rome is the oldest in the world, and due to this you will be able to discover many traces and findings dating from Antiquity. Beneath the bustling Roman streets, a complete network of streets is to be found, replete with temples, houses, aqueducts and imposing murals. The largest sewer of them all, known by its Latin name of Cloaca M

Author: admin
• Monday, November 10th, 2008

A vacation is really a combination of many items. On the surface, it seems that a vacation is little more than a destination. This is of course not an accurate assessment. Vacations are more than just the geographic area one visits. After all, the vacation does have to include lodging and accommodation in addition to a host of other items as well. Most people do realize this and that is why they seek a complete vacation. Unfortunately, they sometimes go about it by putting together a vacation on an a la carte basis. This is a huge mistake for several reasons. Instead, it would be much wiser to purchase a vacation package that encompasses everything.

The most common items that are required for a complete vacation package are airline tickets, hotel accommodation and car rental. There might be other specifications as well such as a hotel that accepts pets, a car that can accommodate six passengers etc for instance montagu. But, on a baseline level, a vacation must include a way to get to the destination, a place to stay and a way to get around. The way travelers put this together however, can sometimes be flawed.

For example, many people will try to purchase all these items separately. They will buy an airline ticket, call their favorite car rental agency ad book a sedan and the look for a hotel they like and book that as well. Now there is nothing wrong with this method. However, it can be quite costly. Remember, such a process involves piecing together parts of a whole from companies that are operating independently of each other. As such, the ability to put together a discount package deal is impossible.

When you purchase a vacation that includes all three previously mentioned items, you will usually receive them at some sort of discount. This is often facilitated by the travel agency (both online and brick and mortar) as an incentive to purchasing the package. After all, if not additional benefit was provided to purchasing a package deal most people would probably not seek them. Also such a purchase saves a lot of time. Instead of having to deal with various companies, the vacationer only has to deal with one. If there is a problem, it can resolved by contacting one agent, instead of three.

Really, it is a far better idea to stick with package deals rather than trying to put together a vacation on a piecemeal basis. Vacations should be enjoyable and not stressful so leave the designing to the pros. Visit montagu accommodation for more information

Author: admin
• Monday, November 10th, 2008

It is no secret that Berlin offers a lot to see and to do. But one thing you should know is that you can save a lot of money by seeing and doing all of these things!

If you visit the German capital with a partner, the get2riCard offers you the chance to see a lot of things in the city but save a lot of money at the same time! The way it works is quiet simple: Just order the card online or buy it in one of the many selling points in Berlin directly. The card costs 20euros and it will give you discounts for more than 300 establishments. Since the card is non-transferable you have to write your name and the starting date on it. From that day on the card is effective for 7 days. Your partner does not need an own card so you can share the card with a partner so that they can benefit from the discounts as well.

Additional to the card you will get a map as well as an overview of all partners and their offers if you show them your card. Most partners will give you a discount of around 50% by having “2 for 1” offers. All partners are divided into 9 categories: Culture, nightlife, Food & Drink, Movies, Beauty, Sport, Sightseeing and travel, Services and shopping. Therefore, the card provides you with discounts for any sights that are not free of charge, souvenir shops, hotels and hairdressers for example.

As you can see, the get2riCard offers you a lot of possibilities. Furthermore, you might find some special tips in your partner overview which you might not have considered without the card! If you plan to stay longer in Berlin, there is also the get2Card. This works the same way as the get2riCard but it is valid for a year and costs 60euros.

Have a look for a nice travel partner and discover the city! Plan your travel long enough in advance and have a look at what you want to see and how much you can save. Have a closer look at the partner overview and think about what you want to see when. You should do the same with your accommodation. There is a lot of cheap accommodation (Unterkünfte Berlin) which is a great starting point to discovering the city. Have a look at all the Hotels in Berlin (Hotel Berlin) or look for an apartment (Ferienwohnung Berlin).

Author: admin
• Sunday, November 09th, 2008

Enjoying a Culinary tour through the US Southwest is not a trip for the faint of heart. The Southwest is filled with culinary style that is as simple to prepare as it is flavorful – as full of hot ingredients as it is filled with the freshest vegetables. If you’re looking for a food tour in the US Southwest, don’t expect to stop in a big Mexican restaurant with a dizzying array of fillings for chimichangas. In fact, don’t limit the Southwest and put it all under one blanket, because you are in for a gustatory awakening.

Southwest cuisine can actually be broken up into hybrids of different cuisines. Border cuisine, sometimes playfully referred to as South of the Border, might be more similar to your local Mexican restaurant fare, with some menu items flavored mildly to suit a wider range of tastes. You also have Tex-Mex cuisine, a blend of Texan and Mexican, heavy on the meats and spices. There is also the fresh, corn-rich American Indian cuisine, the richer and hotter Mexican offerings, and even nueva Latina, a new version of Southwestern pairings that is springing up in various places across the Southwestern states.

If you are going on a Southwestern culinary trip, then you’ll surely pass by the Lone Star State, and get a whiff of large Texan meats and steaks. You’ll go through Kansas, where you can sink your teeth into rich corn breads and products. Nothing beats a Kansas vacation. You will visit Southern California and the Baja, where the burritos are hot and the tamales are even hotter. You will discover yourself in New Mexico and Colorado, even parts of Oklahoma, and you’ll get yourself lots of American Indian cuisine that is as old as the heritage but plenty flavorful, as well!

It is no surprise, then, that the Southwest is often described as the godfather of all American cuisine, containing the roots of its indigenous cooking. Think about it: even before Jamestown and Salem got their first taste of Europe, a whole lot of food was already cooking in these parts! A culinary tour through the Southwestern United States, therefore, is a trip through history, where you can actually savor the meals that have been around from times past, and are testaments to tales long past but never forgotten.

So what should you discover? Look for blue, purple, or even red corn, all of which can be made into different tasty tortillas, among other things. You will also discover a whole lot of spicy, so go for fire-roasted chilies, and other chili dishes that will make your mouth water immensely (and your eyes tear up, too!). You’ll get meat smoked with mesquite, searing the air with flavorful smells. Whether you’re drinking it all down with a bottle of South of the Border Tecate, or a bottle of European wine, you’ll surely discover something to look forward to in the US Southwest.

If you are scheduling a trip to the US Southwest on a food tour, there are many things that you will need to remember. First, since many of the dishes are hot, you may want to check if you have any palate or health concerns with spicy foods. For example, if you have irritable bowel syndrome, then you may want to ease up on the peppers. You may also want to check with your tour group if the tour covers all the lodging and transportation, while you have to pick up the check when you stop for meals. Don’t forget to read the fine print and discuss questions. Take the necessary precautions, and you can manager your Southwest US Culinary tour into a fantastic getaway.

Author: admin
• Sunday, November 09th, 2008

Typically, golf vacations are for seasoned golfers who want to try their hand at new and challenging golf courses around the world. However, as the golf sector grows, the market is growing as well to include vacations geared toward golf training and family golf vacations.

To learn about fun ways to plan a great family golf vacation, keep reading.

1. Choose a golf resort that’s family friendly.

If you’re planning to bring your family along on your next golf vacation, choose a resort that seems family friendly. Look for alternate activities like tennis, swimming, spas and recreation areas so that family members who don’t feel like golfing have other optional activities to do while you’re all out on the green. Or for those who do enjoy the sport, you can look around to purchase appealing golf-related gifts.

2. Investigate training and school possibilities.

A lot of new golf resorts are starting to offer golf boot camps geared toward all levels and ages of players. If your little ones are just learning the sport or you’re trying to improve your skill, this can be a great option. Some resorts offer junior training camps and a separate course for the adults to enjoy while their kids are at golf school.

Another fun and cost-effective idea for families is to hire one professional instructor to work with the entire family over the course of a day or a week. Your instructor can evaluate your skill levels, work with you through a game, and you can spend your vacation learning the game together.

3. Try renting junior gear for the kids.

If your children are still growing, you might want to look into renting, borrowing, or buying used gear. Junior clubs come in a variety of sizes. Before you shell out the money for a brand new set that will be too small by next year, you may want to look into less expensive options.

4. Pack lots of sunscreen and water.

Kids are durable, but before you set off on a long day of walking the course with them, make sure you’ve packed lots of extra sunscreen, bottled water and a hat. Heat stroke and burns happen often on the golf course, so be prepared.

5. Leave early for your tee times.

Parents know that kids can take forever to get ready, so if you’re typically at the course 30 minutes ahead of your tee time, aim to be there an hour in advance if you’ve got the kids in tow.

6. Spread the wisdom.

Use this opportunity to impart on your children the importance of good golf etiquette and strong sportsmanship.

Author: admin
• Saturday, November 08th, 2008

The coolest and most fashionable part of the city many would say, the Latin Quarter in Paris is where the young artists, students and anyone who is anyone go to spend their freetime. From funky bars and restaurants to shops, galleries and museums, the Latin Quarter has got it all.

Why not stay in the Latin Quarter to really make the most of it? If you book a apartments Paris or hotels in Paris nearby you’ll be able to enjoy everything this fantastic district has to offer. This district is an eclectic mix of the new and old – with a 12th century university and the oldest church in Paris – along with the city’s newest museum, this district is still the most modernizing neighbourhood in Paris.

Amongst many beautiful winding streets in the Latin Quarter you will discover the pretty church of “Eglise St-Julien-le-Pauvre”. Formerly a sanctuary for pilgrims on their way to Compostela, this church dates from the late 12th century and is beautifully decorated. As well as this, you will also find “Eglise St-S