Showing posts with label Vacations. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vacations. Show all posts

Saturday, October 15, 2016

Super-inclusive vacation packages simplifying your planning

Are you interested in taking a trip within the next year? Whether you are interested in taking a vacation, a romantic getaway, or a honeymoon, it is advised that you start making your vacation reservations as soon as possible. This is particularly important if you are interested in visiting an area such as the Caribbean Islands, like Jamaica, as they are considered popular vacation destinations.


As important as it is to make your vacation reservations in advance, there are many vacationers who put off the process as long as possible. While there are a number of different reasons for this, many dislike the hassle that is often associated with planning a trip. Yes, it can be time consuming, stressful, and frustrating to plan a vacation, but it doesn’t have to be. In fact, vacations are associated with fun and excitement and there is no reason why the planning of your vacation shouldn’t be the same way.


If you would like to plan your next trip, whether that trip be to Jamaica, the Bahamas, or another popular vacation destination, there are multiple steps that you can take to simply the planning process. One of those steps involves carefully choosing how you book your travel arrangements. Even if this is the first trip that you have taken out of the country, you likely already know that you have a number of different options.


One of your options, when it comes to booking a trip, is making your travel arrangements independently. While this is more than doable, you will likely find this to be the most time consuming process. Making your airline reservations first, your overnight accommodation reservations next, followed by all other additional reservations can be an extremely time consuming process. However, if you would like to save time and possibly money, you may want to examine vacation packages. Vacation packages enable you to make multiple travel arrangements all at once, in the form of a vacation package.


Vacation packages, saved time and saved money; they sound nice don’t they? What is even more amazing about vacation packages is that they come in a number of different formats. For instance, it is possible to find standard vacation packages, all-inclusive vacation packages, as well as super-inclusive vacation packages. In terms of just saving time, any vacation package type will do, but it is advised that you examine or place most of your focus on super-inclusive vacation packages. Super-inclusive vacation packages come highly rated and recommended by vacationers who have purchased them in the past.


Super-inclusive vacation packages, as you can likely gather from the name, are vacation packages that are large or super in size. Often times, the only difference between all-inclusive vacation packages and super-inclusive vacation packages is the accommodations and amenities that are included. For instance, an all-inclusive vacation package may include airline reservations, overnight accommodations, such as a vacation resort, as well as food and drinks at that resort. As for super-inclusive vacation packages, they often include more than just overnight accommodation reservations, airline reservations, and food and drinks. Many super-inclusive vacation packages include entertainment activities, like a concert or a round of golf, as well as other onsite services, such as childcare or laundry.


As previously mentioned, super-inclusive vacation packages are most well-known for their time saving abilities. This is especially apparent when you examine all that super-inclusive vacation packages include. When you purchase a super-inclusive vacation package, your airline reservations and overnight accommodation reservations are automatically booked and your meals are all taken care of. The same can be said for any entertainment activities that are included in your vacation package. The ability to not only make your vacation reservations, but also have your vacation activities all planned out for you can save you a considerable amount of time, as well as stress.


If you would like to reduce the amount of time and stress that it can take to plan a trip, you will want to take the time to seriously examine super-inclusive vacation packages. When purchasing a super-inclusive vacation package for you and the rest of your traveling party, no matter how large or small it is, it is important that you do business with a company that is reputable, as well as well-known for their ability to delivery what they promise. For that reason, you will want to examine Superclubs. com and all the vacation packages that they have to offer.


Monday, September 19, 2016

Disney honeymoon packages

Your wedding is one of those milestone days that help to usher in the adult stage of your life. All of the responsibility of the real world, real life, and a family are suddenly taking shape on your wedding day. Soon you will be buried in the reality of finding a job, paying bills, raising kids, and having to think about the future. So what better way to ring in your adulthood that to enjoy a Disney Honeymoon Package?


Many people would not think of Disney as a place to go for a honeymoon but Disney Honeymoon packages are extremely popular and they draw people from all over the world. Disney honeymoon packages offer you the choice of staying in any of the Disney resorts, enjoying all of the Disney parks, and also not having to worry about a thing as Disney will not only pick you up from the airport but they will also take you to anywhere in Disney you want to go for no extra charge. Disney honeymoon packages are a great idea and they give you the chance to feel like a kid just one more time before you return home to take on the task of becoming a responsible adult.


Plus let’s face it, it is really difficult to have a bad time in Disney. A Disney honeymoon package is an invitation to the happiest place on earth and they call it that for a reason. Everybody has their favorite part of Disney and when you get your Disney honeymoon package you begin to realize that there is more to Disney than you could have ever imagined and more than you have probably ever seen on television. Disneyworld is the kind of place that would take you weeks to see all of it and months to experience all there is to experience so a Disney honeymoon package promises to be exciting as well as a lot of fun.


Thousands of couples take their honeymoon at Disney every year and Disney attracts millions of visitors from all over the world. With so many people wanting to visit Disney every year it is natural to assume that Disney is doing something right. A trip to Disney is an invitation to let all of your cares go for a little while and be a kid again. When you are standing on the threshold of all of the responsibilities of being an adult there is absolutely nothing wrong with putting all of that responsibility to the side for a few days and having a good time in Disney.


If you are a Brahmin parent looking for brahmin brides or grooms please check the url brahminsmatrimony. com


Sunday, September 18, 2016

Online budget car rental

Renting budget cars online is a great way to save next time you’re on a trip, whether it’s for business or pleasure. There are many websites that offer budget car rental to online customers. In this business there is plenty of competition, so you shouldn’t have trouble finding a good place to rent.


When looking to rent a budget car online, you should make sure the company you’re dealing with is reputable. You should look at a few things when you’re choosing one. These are: cost, reliability, customer service, and selection of vehicles.


Price is one of the more basic things to consider when looking to rent a car. You should try to get something within your budget. When you rent online, you’ll save quite a bit on the rental cost. So it’s worthwhile to consider it as a good option.


The issue of reliability is important as well. A proper car rental firm should fulfill its obligations on the contract to the letter. Getting the right kind of vehicle for your trip is another thing to think about. And then there’s customer service: it’s a big thing. Evaluate it by seeing what kind of courtesy you are extended by the employees of the company you are dealing with.


Online car rental will get you lower prices. But even when you’re getting a budget car online, make sure you understand what all the costs total up to before you commit to anything. There are usually four different rates for car rentals: daily rates with some free miles, daily rates with the mileage billed separately, daily rates and no limit on mileage, or an extended period of free mileage. These companies will charge different amounts for different types of cars. Most of them will have deals on rentals, especially over the weekend. But remember to book or put in your request in advance.


You’ll pay a bit more than the regular rate, all in all. You always have to factor in the tax imposed by the state or province you’re in (most companies will add these). On international car rentals, 10% to 30 % is typically added on top of the standard charge. When you drop your car off in another city, a lot of car rental firms will ask a fee for the drop-off. Ask beforehand whether or not the drop-off rate is included in their regular rate. And there are different policies on gasoline among these companies. Some will ask for money up front and you’ll be able to return the car with an empty tank.


The cost of insurance is another thing to consider. You’re able to buy temporary insurance at the car rental company. If you get limited coverage you’ll be covered for a couple hundred dollars should you get in an accident. If you opt for the extended coverage, you’ll be released from all liability for the car.


Renting a budget car on the Internet helps you save lots of money on your rental expenses. But remember to make sure that you’re not overlooking some hidden costs. You’ll end up paying more if you aren’t careful.


Thursday, September 15, 2016

Tips on staying healthy while traveling

When we think of healthy travel issues, most of us think of travel to exotic destinations where they have tropical diseases. Domestic travel can make you sick, too, though unless you take some precautions. Here are a few ways to travel healthy when traveling.


Medications


Make sure you have any prescription medications that you need with you. They should be in the original bottles, and you should keep them in your purse or carry-on luggage.


Make sure you have any over-the-counter medications that you usually take, too. Acetaminophen, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids and antihistamines are always handy to have with you.


If you plan to do any sports or outdoor activities, you might want to carry a simple first aid kit.


Keep a list of all the medications you take and your medical history with you at all times. If you are diabetic or have other health conditions, consider wearing a medicalert tag or bracelet, or carrying a medicalert card with you.


Immunizations


Immunizations are important for healthy travel. Make sure they are up to date. Check to see when your last tetanus shot was and get one if it’s been over five years, and make sure you get a flu shot. Planes, trains and buses are ideal breeding grounds for all kinds of viruses.


Wash your hands


Wash them often. Carry antibacterial hand washing gel with you, and wash frequently. Germy people have touched everything, and those germs get on your hands and then they make you sick. The easiest way to prevent travel colds is to wash your hands a lot.


Drink lots of water


Travel tends to dehydrate you. Airplanes, especially, have very dry air in them. Avoid caffeinated or alcoholic beverages because they tend to make you more dehydrated. If you are flying, avoid carbonated beverages because the gas expands while you are in the air, and you know what kind of problems that can cause, especially for your seat mate. Bottled water is best if you are unsure about the safety of local water.


Walk


If you are stuck in a bus, train or plane seat for long periods of time, you can develop blood clots in your legs, which can be very dangerous. Get up and walk around as much as possible. Take a good walk at rest stops. As a general rule, you shouldn’t sit for more than a couple of hours at a time. If sitting is unavoidable, stretch your legs out and move them around frequently.


Follow these healthy travel hints and you can avoid most illnesses, even when traveling domestically.


Sunday, August 21, 2016

Pattaya a go go review

1. Happy - The Best of my favorite go go bar. There are beautiful girls, friendly staff, good set up - one main stage and seats all around it and one off stage to the left when you enter. This place is always busy, so if you can, get there early.


This place probably has the most talent I've seen in a go go bar. Typical go go bar music but are we there for the music? No! I’m there for beautiful women and this place has it. I don’t have anything bad to report about this bar because I've always had a great experience there. They have shows (I have no idea how often) girls come out, dance naked - good stuff. One thing I love about this bar, aside from the stunners who dance on the main stage, are the girls in the big white boots, black skirts and little boob tops.


2. Living Dolls LD - Great places, it reminds me a lot of Peppermint, just a lot smaller, but definitely has some talent walking around and other types. Typically, it is a really fun place to hang out. I met a bunch of really fun girls from there. I saw a handful of guys get shot down by the main performers, which honestly, I've never seen in other places. I guess it really can happen. The top performers are some beautiful girls; a little heavy on the tats, but if that's your thing, there's a girl with leg tats that's just ridiculously hot while dancing. I met a main performer who spoke great English, no tats and could move up on the dance floor like no other nice girls and if you expect me to remember her name, you're dreaming


3. Boesche - Beautiful girls everywhere and they have a great show in the Jacuzzi in the back. Girls eating each other as they put the back of their heads into your lap and you drink a brew with a girl eating downtown at the Y below you. Good stuff. Nothing to report here, this place can get very crowded, but seems to be a late night crowd (gets busy after 11pm). Main stage dancers are usually top notch.


4. Peppermint - Peppermint is a great place to start the West Side Crawl. All the girls I've ever met there were a lot of fun, spoken English and were a blast. It does have a mix of everything; some really smoking hot girls, some mediocre, but the place is so big, it really just houses any kind of girl so it doesn't really matter. There is nothing but great times there and some great talent walking around. Find the stunners they are there, but will go quickly at this bar.


5. Windmill - This place brings a tear to me eye back in April 2007, this place seemed to have so much young, amazing talent that my neck was on a swivel and I met a stunner who was a 12 on the looks department my favorite all-time girl. Since then, Windmill has seemed to go downhill, not so many stunners and while they are wearing plaid semi-school girl outfits, it is just not the stunner quality girls you'd expect. So sad because it used to be such an amazing haven and I used to run to it (imagine a foreigner running down Walking Street in slow motion, with a tear coming down his cheek). The show is great, but if the girls aren't hot.


Saturday, July 23, 2016

Travel savings tips

Travel, as exciting and interesting as it is, is also one of the most expensive things we choose to do. But if you keep a few things in mind, your holiday can be fun without breaking the budget. A small amount of research and effort can yield significant travel savings, and careful planning can be the best tool for travel savings. There are some tried and true tips for saving money while traveling, and several are presented below.


Car rentals are still a good way to stretch the travel dollar. Even though it seems expensive, remember the airport shuttle often costs around $50 per person, much more than the cost of an economy car rental. This will allow you affordable transportation for sightseeing and trips to the countryside, another money saver. Also, coupons and discounts are often offered by car rental companies and credit cards companies as incentives and promotions. Your airline may offer a great price on a car rental from a partner company. Take advantage of these deals to save or to upgrade to a more comfortable, vehicle.


If you don’t want to rent a car or it will not be useable, try to book a hotel that includes a free airport shuttle service. This can save enough for a good dinner. Many motels at airport locations offer free parking for the length of your travel if you stay one night at either leg of your trip. This can be a travel saver and a super convenience.


If this is a family travel, look for special airline incentives that offer free companion tickets or companion fares at lower rates. Also plan to eat meals where kids eat free and you can split meals. This can result in huge savings for a family of four or larger. Restaurants that are kid friendly usually accommodate requests for extra plates and relaxed places where everyone can feel comfortable after a day of travel and sightseeing.


Don’t eat every meal out. Even if you are not traveling as a family, eating out is often the most expensive part of travel. You'll be surprised what q nice change from restaurant food a peanut butter sandwich, chips, and fresh fruit makes. Book a hotel that has an in room coffee maker and purchase fresh bagels for breakfast. Or get deli takeout or a pizza for one relaxed night in. Take that much needed break from the crowds at tourist destinations.


Find and use coupons for travel savings. These are often offered for lodging, food, or attractions. You can find them everywhere, online, in local newspapers, and they save money. Also, seek out and take advantage of multi-day passes at amusement parks.


Bring your own water and snacks. People spend nearly $10 per day per person on just water and snacks. Sure, indulge yourself when you see really inviting salt-water taffy or fudge store but for the basics, bring your own.


Making your own reservations can result in travel savings. Many hotels and airlines offer additional discounts and specials for booking online. This also holds true for car rentals.


Doing a bit of work and seeking out promotions shall result in significant travel savings. Remember, the tourist attractions and hotels want you to return as much as you want another vacation.


Monday, July 18, 2016

Cheap alaska shore excursions

Taking a cruise to Alaska? No doubt you've read about all the wonderful helicopter tours or float plane adventures you can have on one of the many shore excursions during your cruise. You may also have noted the price of some of these excursions. And, while a helicopter tour is great fun, tacking on several high-priced adventures onto your moderately-priced cruise can quickly add up to one very expensive vacation.


Can you have fun shore excursions without over-taxing your travel budget? Absolutely, especially if you plan in advance. Also, be aware that you don't have to go on the shore excursions through your cruise ship. You can always venture out on your own and explore Alaska, sometimes getting to destinations on the city bus for much less than what you'd pay for transportation through your cruise ship. Remember to always compare the cruise ship's shore excursion prices with similar tours offered by independent tour companies.


What cheap Alaska shore excursions are waiting for you? Here are several inexpensive shore excursions at some of the most popular Alaska ports of call:


Juneau:


Want a great adventure for under $25? Take the Mount Roberts Tramway, a 6-minute ride to the 1,800 foot level of Mount Roberts. The great thing about this excursion is that the tramway is located where the cruise ships dock, so you can just walk to the tramway at your leisure.


If you want to get out and see Alaska's beauty as well as take a hike, then the tramway is perfect for you, as there are trails on Mount Roberts for all levels of ability, from nature walks to strenuous climbs, including a trail that is handicap-accessible. Depending on the time you have, some people like to take the tram to the 1,800 foot level and hike down. There is also a restaurant on the mountain, as well as a nature center.


Another inexpensive, yet must-see Juneau shore excursion is a visit to the Mendenhall Glacier. No doubt your cruise ship offers some type of package tour to the Glacier, ranging from the inexpensive bus/walking tour to the more expensive adventure tours where you can kayak, canoe or ride a float plane. If you want just a no-frills bus ride to the Glacier so you can explore on your own, there are many tour bus companies offering such rides. MightyGreatTrips. com offers a roundtrip service to the Glacier for $12, with transportation running every 30 minutes. If you don't mind the extra walk, you can also take a city bus which will drop you off a mile and a half from the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. City bus fares are $1.50 for each direction of travel.


Skagway:


One inexpensive shore excursion in Skagway is a float tour, which combines sightseeing and rafting. Skagway Float Tours offers a tour lasting approximately 2 Ð… to 3 hours which includes a 10-mile drive along the coast to the Dyea Valley, with a 45-minute gentle float down the Taiya River. This excursion costs $75 and is suitable for all skill levels. Call 907-983-3688 for more information.


If floating's not your thing, but riding a bike is, consider a bicycle tour of the Rainforest. This bike tour is suitable for all skill levels, and follows a flat path through rainforest, historic ruins and coastal tidal flats. Your cruise ship may offer this as a shore excursion, or you may go independently through Alaska Bicycle Tours, for a price of $78 for a 3-hr. tour. You can also rent bikes by the hour if you wish to ride around town. Rentals are $14 for 2 hours, $25 for 4 hours, or $35 for 8 hours. Call 877-292-4154 for more information.


Just want to get out and explore the town of Skagway by foot? Go to Skagway. com to download a walking tour map and have a great shore excursion in Skagway for free.


Ketchikan:


Ketchikan is a wonderful place to see totem poles, and many cruise lines offer shore excursions where you can tour the city of Ketchikan and then go view totem poles at the Saxman Native Village and Totem Bight State Historical Park. While these tours usually are inexpensive, you may be able to see the totem poles for even cheaper if you take the city bus on your own to Totem Bight State Historical Park - $1 each way.


Researching and planning ahead is a sure way to find fun, cheap shore excursions. Not only will you keep your cruise within your budget, but you may also find you save enough on one shore excursion to help pay for those more expensive, once-in-a-lifetime experiences such as a seaplane exploration of the Misty Fjords. When booking independent excursions, do keep in mind the time you have in each port of call, and book trips with plenty of time to arrive at the departure point and get back to your ship on time.


Tuesday, July 5, 2016

Weddings in cape town

Congratulations! Can I see the ring? Have you set a date yet?


Where are you going to get married?


One of the first questions newly engaged couples get asked is about the location and venue of The Big Day. The bride will soon be deciding on her wedding gown and the groom will be thinking of the honeymoon – but the choice of venue is generally of equal importance to both parties.


More and more couples are choosing to travel abroad for their wedding. This not only solves the problems of who to leave off the invitation list (or at least, you can invite sour old Aunt Jane but she’ll never be able to get there, thankfully!) but also makes this adventure of a lifetime, well, more adventurous!


Cape Town, South Africa has become a popular wedding location for many couples. A winning combination of fabulous climate, natural geographical beauty and a wealth of stunning venues from which to choose, has put the Cape firmly on the map of Great International Wedding Locations.


As one bride said: “We wanted to celebrate the most beautiful day of my life in the most beautiful city in the world – that’s why we chose Cape Town!”


So what’s your fantasy wedding location?


Will you be a barefoot bride on a beach at sunset?


Do you picture majestic mountains and vineyards as your wedding photo backdrop?


Fancy an ‘Out-of-Africa theme with a safari wedding in the South African bush?


Or how about high tea, or a formal dinner, followed by dancing to a live jazz band on the lawns of a 5 star hotel in front of Table Mountain?


Whether you want rural and rustic under thatch or glamorous and elegant with world-class cuisine, Cape Town offers it all!


Why not consider something unusual, romantic and a little daring – a Cape Town wedding. You’ll be the envy of all your friends, and those who do fly out to celebrate with you will thank you for giving them the excuse to have the holiday of a lifetime!


Monday, May 30, 2016

Hawaii vacation packages your buying options

How does a vacation to Hawaii sound? If you are like many other individuals, you would think that it sounds great. As much as some would like to take a Hawaii trip, not everyone does. One of the reasons for that is the cost. Unfortunately, too many individuals, mistakenly, believe that a trip to Hawaii is financially out of their reach. If you are interested in vacationing in Hawaii, at an affordable price, you can. You can easily do this by purchasing a Hawaii vacation package.


Hawaii vacation packages are packages that are designed to save you, as well as other vacationers, money. They commonly combine many of the services and accommodations that you will need on your trip. For instance, many Hawaii vacation packages include overnight accommodations, airfare, and entertainment. Before you automatically decide that you cannot afford a Hawaiian vacation, you are advised to examine the Hawaii vacation packages that are available for purchase.


When it comes to buying or reviewing Hawaii vacation packages, you will find that you have a number of different options. One of the most common ways that vacation packages are purchased is through travel agents. Travel agents are nice because they do most of the work for you. If you would like to find an affordable Hawaii vacation package, but you just don’t have the time to do the research yourself, you are advised to contact a travel agent. There are also a number of different ways that you can go about finding a travel agent.


The type of travel agent that you choose should all depend on your personal preference. If you would like to meet face to face with your travel agent, it is advised that you find a local travel agent, one that has an office located near your home. You can easily find a number of local travel agents by using your local phone book. In the back of your phone book, you should find numerous listings under the heading of travel agents or travel. If you don’t mind not physically meeting with a travel agent, you may be able to find an online travel agent. An online travel agent will typically communicate with you over the phone or via email.


Although it is relatively easy to purchase a Hawaii vacation package through a travel agent, you may wish to make your own vacation plans. If this is the case, you will also have a number of different options. Perhaps, the easiest way to find and buy your own Hawaii vacation package is by using the internet to find an online travel company. In a way, these online websites and companies are similar to travel agents, but they allow you to search for, find, and choose your own vacation packages. You can find a number of these vacation package websites, including discount ones, by performing a standard internet search.


You may also be able to find and purchase your own Hawaii vacation package by directly contacting the hotel or resort that you would like to stay at. While it is possible to find vacation packages that accompany Hawaii condos or Hawaii vacation rentals, most packages tend to include hotels or resorts. While it is not always common, you may be able to find a hotel or a resort that sets up their own vacation packages. These packages may or may not include travel accommodations, but they will likely include some sources of entertainment, such as dinner or a guided boat tour.


Regardless of where you purchase a Hawaii vacation package from, it is important that you know what your money is going to. Even if you rely on a travel agent to book your next Hawaiian vacation, it may be a good idea to personally review your itinerary, as well of the cost of it, before giving your final approval. Knowing exactly what is or is not included in your Hawaii vacation package is the best way to save money, as well as enjoy yourself.


Sunday, May 22, 2016

Pitigliano the little jerusalem in maremma

Pitigliano is a small town in Italy, situated south of Florence and north of Rome. Pitigliano is situated on the top of a steep tuff of a volcanic magma.


Pitigliano was considered the home of Jews. They shared the habitat with the gentile population of the town in a harmonious manner and together contributed for the cultural and social development of both communities. The village landscape reminds you of the Jerusalem city. The tuff rock bears unison with the medieval structures. The picturesque of the emerging grayish cluster of buildings from the dark woods brings the memory of the days of the Jewish community in this small religious city. Its culture and civilization is a tribute to the enduring devotion of the minority Jewish community towards this city.


The natural attractions of Pitigliano are the wild forest surrounding the cliff and the creeks that are developed into deep valleys. The largest Italian lake, Lake Bolsena is situated near Pitigliano. The landscape of Pitigliano is beautified with Mount Amiata, a 1738-meter high volcano that was separated from it long time ago. The Maremma coast extends 50 kilometers from Pitigliano with beautiful beaches that are not invaded by the human activities.


The city’s cultural establishments prove the dedication of the Jewish community towards the development of the culture. The Jewish University of Pitigliano was established during the flourishing days of the community in this small city.


Other attractions of Pitigliano are the following.


The Orsini-Castle - This medieval castle is situated at the entrance of the town. There is an archeological museum inside the Orsini Castle that recollects the ancient Jewish culture and activities.


The Orsini Park: Situated on the road to Sorano is the park that was created towards the end of 16th century. The notable features of the park are the statues and stone seats that are carved from the tuff stones.


Museum of the Giubbonaia – This unique museum is characterized by its collection of agricultural and household tools that were used in the ancient days. There is a labyrinth that takes you to the underground through the foundation of the museum. The labyrinth showcases the architectural talents that the Jews possessed in those days.


Piazza: There is a chapel inside the Piazza that had a collection of frescos. As time and history changed, the Piazza was modified, and now its highlights are the two bars, Bar Centrale and the Bar Italia that rise to the vicinity leaving the chapel underneath.


Synagogue: It is one of the historical remnants of the Jewish culture. It is located under the cathedral in the former entrance to the city via Zuccarelli.


The medieval painters were deeply influenced by the city of Pitigliano, especially its deep and winding streets that lead the city towards the valley. These streets are dug out from the steep tuff, with their walls more than 10 meters high.


Pitigliano bears a romantic tone with lots of memories of its ancestors, who made it a castle of hope. So if you are a connoisseur of medieval culture and art, come and join the league of those famous artists who were deeply influenced by this city.


Tuesday, May 3, 2016

Hello from chicago - part 4 - chinatown and second city

Chicago, Arlington House, Sunday October 23,2005, 6:30 am


After thoroughly exploring the Pullman Historic District, we decided to check out Chinatown, one of the many ethnic neighbourhoods that Chicago has to offer. The weather had turned from cool and grey with the occasional peek of sunshine to dark, rainy and cold, so rather than walking around we decided to have an early dinner at a Chinatown restaurant called the Lobster King.


Both my friend Linda and I had ordered vegetarian dishes, but after taking our order the waiter returned and informed us that he was going to charge us $2 extra for each dish since vegetables are much more expensive during the winter months. I decided to have a look at their takeout menu and saw that the same low price was listed on the takeout menu as on the main menu. As a result I put forward an argument that if both the dine-in and the take-out menu are stating the same low price for both dishes, I would not agree with being charged an extra $2 for each dish based on a verbal announcement. Either change the menu to include the higher price or charge the prices that are shown on both menus. I am not usually a difficult, picky guest in any hospitality establishment, but to try to charge $2 more for a dish that is listed at a lower price on both menus did not seem a proper business practice to me.


The waiter / manager finally agreed to charge us the prices listed on the menu, and the food was indeed delicious. After exploring the Chicago Cultural Center and the Historic Pullman District we had gotten quite hungry and we really enjoyed our early dinner.


After reviving ourselves we hopped on the subway because we wanted to check out Little Italy. So we got on the Blue Line and were told to exit at the UIC (University of Illinois) Campus and walk southwards. By that time it was raining and it was a rather inhospitable clammy day. We actually never ended up finding Little Italy, but walked around for about 40 minutes in the rain and after this exercise of futility we decided to pursue our evening plans: to attend a live performance at Second City, Chicago's famous comedy venue.


So we took the subway back downtown to Jackson and we waited for the Purple Line until we realized that this line only runs during rush hour on weekdays. So we inquired which line we had to take and we found out that the Brown Line (to Kimball) would take us to Second City. At that point we realized that we had also been waiting on the wrong side of the platform. I guess in the Loop el-trains only run in one direction and we had already been wondering why we had seen 3 brown line trains go by on the other side of the platform, but none of them had arrived on our side.


I'd say we spent a good 45 minutes waiting on the wrong side of the platform until we finally had enough and went downstairs to ask a CTA employee who directed us onto the correct platform. In the rainy clammy weather this wasn't the most exciting part of our trip, but we managed to entertain ourselves with lots of insider jokes in our original Austrian dialects.


Finally we caught a brown line train and made our way up to North Wells Street, into the Old Town Neighbourhood, home of the Second City Comedy Club. Since 1959 Second City has established itself as a Chicago landmark and a national treasure. This theatre has launched the careers of such comic geniuses as John Belushi, Mike Myers, Bill Murray, Gilda Radner, and others more. It offers nightly comedy shows, as well as a variety of other programs and services.


The theatre has two main stages, both of which were sold out yesterday, so we headed up onto the 4th floor of the building which houses Donny's Skybox Studio Theatre which is affiliated with Second City. This theatre features an eclectic mix of student productions as well as other alternative shows and at $10.00 per person, the tickets were a steal.


The Outreach & Diversity Program produces two to three original shows each year that are performed at Second City’s studio theatre, Donny’s Skybox, on the fourth floor of Piper’s Alley. At least one of these productions is an original revue written and performed by the Outreach & Diversity ensemble, a group of African American, Latino or Asian actors cast through annual auditions.


We bought tickets for the 9 pm show: "Six Degrees of Reparation", a hip comedy revue featuring improv, original material and Second City classic scenes with an urban multicultural twist which was put on by 6 young comedians which included 5 black and 1 oriental performers.


The show offered a lot of physical comedy and a variety of different sketches. One of the funniest ones was a sketch entitled "Osama bin Laden could be anywhere", where one of the female comedians donned a big black beard and kept popping up in different everyday situations. The "superior Asian girl" sketch played with A, B, C (Asian, Black, Caucasian) stereotypes and demonstrated how we all have pre-conceived notions of one another. In the "Black Black Awards" sketch the troupe made fun of famous celebrities such as Whitney Houston, Maya Angelou and even Martha Stewart.


One of the most poignant sketches was set in an imaginary Office Depot store, where the black and Asian store employees were giving very shoddy and unfriendly service to a variety of customers. At the end, the young black shopkeeper explained that with a wage of $6.50 an hour, after all her costs (food, rent, bus passes, doing her nails, etc.), she was $189 in the hole, and at that price a smile would not be included in the service.


We both enjoyed the live performance of these gifted comedians immensely as we both love live theatre and comedy performances. As far as culture is concerned, Chicago has something to offer to everyone.


Well, today is our last day here in Chicago, and the weather is forecast to be quite cold with a 60% chance of rain. Fortunately Chicago has many indoor venues to choose from so I am sure we won't get bored.


Sunday, April 10, 2016

Tips on malaga airport

The Malaga airport is often considered one of the best and most efficient in Spain. A nearly constant flow of tourists come into the Costa del Sol area through this airport every day. The city is situated among many attractions that are of interest to visitors. About twelve million passengers each year fly into this city.


Tips on the Malaga Airport


Due to the heavy traffic in this airport, they have become very efficient at offering services that meet the needs of travellers. Information on these services is available at the information desk in the airport. These are located in the entrance hall of both terminals and are easy to find.


There are two terminals at the airport. Most passengers come in or out through terminal two. Since this is the most used terminal, you may want to arrive early for your flight home. Allow plenty of time to check in and find where you are going. As with most airports, security is a concern and extra time is needed.


This is a large, international airport. Over 120 airports throughout the world offer flights into Malaga. For this reason, it’s possible to get good deals on flights. The downside is the additional traffic in and around the airport. This is another reason to allow for extra time when your vacation is over.


If you arrive early and want to eat, most of the restaurants and fast food places are located in Terminal one. There is also a pharmacy in this terminal. A few restaurants are located on the second floor of terminal two. Most of the shopping is also located in terminal one. There is a duty free shop in terminal two.


Most airlines offer assistance to passengers with disabilities. If you or someone in your party will need assistance in getting around the terminal, help is available. Notify the airline in advance of any special needs.


Transportation from Malaga Airport


Once you arrive at the airport, you have several options for reaching your final destinations. There are many ways to get where you are going. The first, and maybe most convenient is to hire a car. There are several car hire services located in the airport terminal. Other companies will arrange to pick you up. Either way, book in advance to be sure the car you want is available.


A taxi is available at the airport to surrounding towns. The fare you will pay depends upon your destination. If you are staying in a town close to the airport, a cab ride isn’t very expensive. The further out you travel, the higher the fare you will pay.


There are many options for public transportation from the airport as well. A train transfer from the airport is located outside the international terminal. The ride from the airport to the city is about twelve minutes long. The trains run from 7 a. m. to 10 p. m. everyday. The trains come at half hour intervals, so you won’t have to wait long.


The public minibus is available for larger groups. This bus stops at ten destinations around the Costa del Sol. The fare depends on your destination. The further away, the more you will pay. Smaller groups can take the shuttle coach. This is less expensive and travels to coastal resorts around Malaga. You will need to book the shuttle in advance.


The Malaga airport bus schedule is available at the airport information desk. This bus is not a direct route, but will stop along the way to pick up and drop off passengers. There is one direct bus. This runs from the airport to the Marbella bus station.


Sunday, February 7, 2016

The benefits of travel offers

Thinking of going to a vacation with your entire family but don't have much time for the tits and bits of planning, then the Travel packages are of great help in such a situation where your are thinking of going on the eleventh hour. Everyone wants there journey to be pre-planned with enough time for sight seeing, adventure, recreational activities and most important of them, enough time for relaxation.


But if you are going to travel for vacation with your family and you are assigned the duty of planning and execution, then you become the sole and whole responsible for the smooth and hassle free journey of your family.


Once you take the responsibility of managing all the affairs, you have to forget the word relaxation from your dictionary. This is because you will be hooked into the work of managing small details consuming whole of your time and spoiling your whole vacation.


To give you that edge in successful planning and to relieve you from hectic planning several travel companies offer hundreds of traveling packages making you free from all the worries and anxiety till the last moment.


A traveling package is altogether a planned affair right from your accommodation to sight seeing. The travel packages are the best ways to save your money when you are out with your family. The travel packages usually include package cruising, meals, hotel rentals along with entertainment and other major expenses.


No doubt the travel packages helps in saving a considerable amount on your travel but it is always advisable to go through the details carefully and check the deal thoroughly before paying and get proper regarding add-ons. The travel package enables you to make your holiday more enjoyable, without having to worry about the small details and their arrangements.


There are people who prefer travel packages for a specific destination. The motives behind utilizing the vacation packages are more than one. The major chunk of travelers who are usually accompanied by their families think the best way to enjoy traveling is by taking up travel packages.


Among the top reasons behind the popularity of vacation packages are, first of all it can save you money especially where family is concerned. Secondly the travel packages add convenience along with various amenities, which can be perfect for holidaying with the family.


With the growing popularity of vacation packages you can find hundred of offers which at times can actually confuse you while making a choice.


There are numerous ways of choosing the best travel package for you're desired tourist destination and one of them is to follow some necessary steps. First of all know all about the company offering the travel package and keep an eye on the terms and conditions before finalizing your travel package, even if you think you have found the perfect option for you.


A lot of travel packages do not include all the costs, which you may have to pay later. Also see to it that you are offered the topmost quality of food and beverages and the right kind of accommodation as promised. Carefully consider the excursions offered and the schedule of the travel. For the best travel choose the right vacations package and enjoy with everyone as long as you want.


Preparing for your caribbean vacation

Would you like to vacation in the Caribbean? If you would, you will soon have a number of decisions to make. These decisions are focused on the planning of and preparation for your next Caribbean vacation. If this is the first time that you are taking such an important trip, you may be wondering what you should do in terms of planning and preparation. If that is the case, you will want to continue reading on.


When it comes to planning for and preparing for your next Caribbean vacation, one of the first things that you should do is make your travel arrangements, namely your airline reservations and your overnight accommodation reservations. What many people fail to remember is that the Caribbean is a popular vacation destination. That is why it is important to make all of your travel arrangements and vacation reservations in advance, especially if you are hoping for something specific.


Speaking of making your Caribbean vacation reservations, you will find that you have a number of different options. For starters, you can either book your own Caribbean vacation or you can use the services of a travel agent. Although travel agents are nice, many vacationers prefer having complete control over the planning of their own vacations, as it often guarantees better results, in terms of satisfaction. To ensure that you are planning the vacation of your dreams, you may want to take the time to examine all of your options. This can involve examining all of the Caribbean resorts that you have to choose from, as well as all of the airlines that have fights to the Caribbean.


When it comes to making your reservations and travel arrangements for your next Caribbean vacation, you may want to examine vacation packages, as they have a number of benefits. In fact, the Caribbean is well known for many of their all-inclusive vacations, as well as their super-inclusive vacations. In fact, vacation packages have been known to simplify the planning of a vacation, as they enable you to make all or most of your travel arrangements all at the same time. This can save you a considerable amount of time, stress, and money.


Once you have your main Caribbean vacation travel arrangements made, like your airline reservations or your resort stay booked, you can then focus on what you will do while on vacation. When it comes to doing this, there are many vacationers who take the time to request free vacation guides or use the internet to do their research. This research often involves familiarizing yourself with popular Caribbean vacation activities, as well as popular Caribbean attractions. Since the attractions that you visit and the activities that you participate in, while on a Caribbean vacation, play an important role in the success of your vacation, it is important that you examine all of your options.


As important as it is to ensure that the activities that you participate in or the attractions that you visit, while on a Caribbean vacation, are exciting and sound appealing to you, you may be dreading the research that is often required. If that is the case, you may want to reexamine all-inclusive vacations or super-inclusive vacations. In addition to providing you with airline reservations and a stay at a popular Caribbean resort, many all-inclusive vacations and super-inclusive vacations often include the cost of food, drinks, and entertainment, particularly onsite resort entertainment. By carefully choosing which all-inclusive vacation package or super-inclusive vacation package you choose to buy, you may have your vacation, as well as all of its activities, already mapped out for you!


As previously stated, all-inclusive vacation packages or super-inclusive vacation packages can assist you with planning and preparing for your next Caribbean vacation. If you are still in the brainstorming stages or if you have yet to officially make any of your travel arrangements or Caribbean vacation reservations, you are urged to take the time to examine all-inclusive Caribbean vacations, as well as super-inclusive vacation packages. This can easily be done by visiting Superclubs. com. If you are like many other hopefully Caribbean vacationers, you will like what you see.


Thursday, January 28, 2016

Cesenatico adriatic coast italy... holiday of wellness and sport

Cesenatico is one of the best-known places on the Riviera not only for its beaches, entertainment places, ancient neighbourhoods, and Harbour, but also, and even more, because it was the home town of cyclist Marco Pantani.


The vast stretches of green land, which open up in front of the eyes of visitors, are perfect to play GOLF, or to attend internationally renowned cycle races, such as the Nove Colli, which takes place precisely in Cesenatico.


Pantani began here on his bike, he was one of the “Nove Colli” protagonist and from here became a big Cyclist famous in all the world.


Cesenatico, in fact, is popular to be not only a seaside town but also a cycling town, there a lot of cycling event during the year: “Ciclo&Vento”, for example is one of the cycling fair in Cesenatico.


A cycling lover can find a lot o f cycling itineraries in Cesenatico inland.


Cesenatico is at the same time an ancient and modern town, with a charming countryside and really impressing art and culture.


One should not miss to see the Valmarecchia (Marecchia river valley) and to stop in one of the villages of the inland, such as Santarcangelo and Sogliano, to discover a very beautiful part of the Adriatic Riviera.


The Flavours of Romagna and the vast array of typical dishes of the Cesenatico and Riviera cuisine are sure to please the most demanding palates.


Choosing a holiday in a town like Cesenatico also means wellness. Its wellness centres, massage and beauty treatments are a real paradise for the body and the mind.


The Hotels in Cesenatico provide a varied and diversified tourist offer for adults and children to spend an unforgettable holiday at the seaside.


So if you like golf and wellness, sea and relax, you have to visit this town full of story.