Florence Italy Is The Place To Be In

When you imagine Italy, it is really Florence Italy that you are seeing. That is because Florence is at the heart of Italy. It is a place filled with passions and indulgences that awaken all the senses. Visual masterpieces are there to behold and one almost begins to salivate at the thought of the Florentine cuisine. To make the most of your visit to Florence, you can learn a little here about where to stay, what to do, and what you can expect from the locals.

A Warm Welcome

The first thing you expect from your visit to Florence is a warm and hearty welcome. The local people are lovers of people and are not afraid to show it. It is not uncommon to be greeted at your villa by a someone's "Nona" (grandmother) with a big hug and a hot plate of food - no matter what the time is when you arrive.

Next your accommodation at any price level will be clean and pristine. The linens and furnishing may not be the most luxurious in the lower costing rentals, but they will be freshly washed and painstakingly starched. It's just the Italian way to keep their homes extremely clean and they offer no less to their guests.

Some Choices on Where to Stay

There are some popular favourites within the city limits of Florence. The Savoy hotel, Florence, Italy is one of those. Here you will find five star accommodations within walking distance of two of Florence's most popular attractions - the Uffizi Gallery and the Ponte Vecchio.

Another Florence hotel popular among tourists is the Westin Excelsior. It is also located close to the most visited and historic attractions and offers rooms and services American's are most comfortable with. In addition to these highest rated hotels, visitors will be comfortable at such centrally located lodgings as the Hotel Rivoli or Palazzo Galletti.

For extended stays in Florence you may want to look into apartment or villa rentals. Apartments can be found within the city limits, while most villas are about 20-30 km outside the city. For travel to wine country and then back to the city, Florence car rental offices can accommodate your needs.

Apartments in Florence Italy are generally small, but efficient. You will find a small kitchen is the norm, but they provide enough space to cook simple meals. For a short term rental, they are more than adequate and provide a good home base for exploring the entire Tuscany region.

Downtown Florence Italy is one of the most historically significant cities in Italy. Here tourists come to take in the Uffizi Gallery, the Ponte Vecchio Bridge crossing the River Arno, and the St. Croce Chuch. In addition, there is the Duomo, the city's Exhibition and Congress Centre. No visit to Florence Italy would be complete without feeding the pigeons at Boboli gardens or walking down the garden's avenue lined with cypress trees dating back to the 1600s.

Florence is a city that needs more than a weekend to see it all. Plan on visiting during the most pleasant season between April and June and make sure you give yourself at least a week to enjoy the city and surrounding countryside.

Malaga Spain Overview - Sights And Attractions

If you are planning a vacation in the wonderful Spanish city of Malaga, you will find that there is plenty to entertain you throughout your time in this area. This Malaga city overview will provide you with an array of information relating to the history, culture, sights, attractions, and entertainment on offer in this destination, as well as some more general information about Malaga. Popular with tourists from Europe, this city is located in a popular part of Spain, and is the ideal place for a holiday if you enjoy great weather, natural beauty, a vibrant atmosphere, and plenty to see and do. You will find it easy to travel around this city, which means that you can make the most of your time here, and you can look forward to enjoying all that beautiful Malaga has to offer. The capital city of the Costa Del Sol, Malaga has plenty to offer to its visitors, and when you come to this destination you can look forward to an enriching and exciting vacation experience in a destination that is rich in history and culture as well as adorned with natural beauty and fabulous scenery.

Malaga city guide - what to see and do When you visit Malaga you will find so much to see and do that you will never be bored or short on entertainment. You will find everything you need within easy reach, from recreational facilities and wonderful places to relax to historical sites, cultural events and festivities, natural beauty, vibrant nightlife, excellent shopping facilities, and more. The birthplace of the famous artist, Pablo Picasso, visitors can enjoy exploring his old house, which has become a very popular attraction amongst tourists. You can also enjoy delving into the past and learning more about the area's roots and origins with a visit to the historic quarter. The city is host to a range of events and festivities over the course of the year, and this includes Holy Week and the Summer Fair. Pay a visit to the famous but incomplete cathedral, the Moorish castle, and the fortress, and take in the beautiful gardens in the area.

Malaga city guide - a city for old and young alike In addition to the historical sites and attractions, the natural wonders and recreational areas, and the cultural events and festivities that take place in Malaga, you will find some fabulous nightlife on offer, from bars and clubs to restaurants, live entertainment, and more. Whether you want to relax and enjoy a drink and a tasty meal or whether you want to dance into the early hours you can continue to enjoy this city even when the sun goes down. If you are something of a die-hard shopper you will be thrilled with the great range of shopping opportunities available here, from world class shopping facilities to unique shops and boutiques selling an array of unusual and unique gifts and souvenirs. No matter what your age, Malaga is a city that has something to suit everyone when it comes to fun, adventure, entertainment, and sights, so you can look forward to a really wonderful and memorable vacation experience.

Author:
Jack Blacksmith writes mainly for http://www.alicante-spain.com , a web publication about Spain , Costa del Sol and other interests. You might discover his abstracts on Malaga and Spain at http://www.alicante-spain.com .

5 Places to Get Great Snacks In Singapore

Hungry while you're in Singapore? Perhaps you've checked into a hotel and don't wish to eat the boring hotel food or room service? Well, this article introduces you to some of the best snack places in Singapore. Check them out the next time you're in need of a quick snack.

1. Bengawan Solo
Bengawan Solo sells many 'nonya' (Peranakan Chinese) snacks and pastries that will surely delight adults and kids alike. I've been eating snacks from Bengawan Solo since God knows when. It's one of my favorite snack places and I always go there is I'm starving and have no food in the fridge.

2. BreadTalk
A relatively new place, BreadTalk sells all manner of breads to Singaporeans. Recently, the brand name has expanded to other countries in Asia. The flagship product here is called the 'Pork Floss Bun' which is filled bread with butter sprinkled with bits of pork floss. Certainly something that you want to try - it tastes pretty interesting. The 'Pork Floss Bun' is not one of my favorites, but some folks really, really love it.

3. Jollibean
Jollibean is found mostly in air-conditioned shopping malls and sells small cakes that are filled with cheese, chocolate or kaya (a traditional spread made from coconut milk). It's another one of my favorites - kids will love the cakes for their cute, easy-to-eat shape.

4. Old Chang Kee
Old Chang Kee is a household name in Singapore. This place sells small, deep fried stuff Siew Mai (pork balls), curry puffs, spring rolls and fishballs. You can find one prominent Old Chang Kee stall right outside the Heeren shopping centre along Orchard Road. Check it out if you want to know what traditional Singaporean food is - in every sense of the word.

5. Ya Kun Kaya Toast
Ya Kun is the name of a coffeeshop owner who made toasted bread filled with kaya (a traditional spread made from coconut milk). I used to eat it when I was young with my Dad and I can tell you - you've never tasted bread this good. The combination of toast, butter and kaya - and a hot cup of coffee - is simply heaven on earth. The traditional coffeeshop has been torn down and replaced by a franchise called Ya Kun Kaya Toast. I find the franchised version of the bread less tasty, but still good enough for newcomers to this interesting snack.

Conclusion
Well! Now you know which places Singaporeans go to get quick snacks. I love the places listed above and you should certainly check them out if you're in Singapore and get a chance to do so.

Author:
Gary Hendricks runs a travel website about sunny Singapore. Visit his website at Best-Singapore-Vacation.com to learn about the garden city of Singapore and the fun things you can do there.

History, Nature and Wonder Await you in Arizona

Out west there is a place that words and pictures can only begin to describe. The awesome landscape, the breathtaking view of the open space that spreads out before you is something that we should all strive to see at least once in our lifetime. I'm talking about the Grand Canyon in Arizona.

The first time someone visits in the Grand Canyon they can truly appreciate the vastness and wonder of it all. You can enjoy the view from above or go on a guided excursion down in the canyon. The best way to experience it is to do both.

Once you are in Arizona, there are plenty of other things that you need to do as well. If you are a golfer, you need to head to Scottsdale, Arizona and play a few rounds. There are over 300 golf courses all over the state, but Scottsdale is well known for its golf.

Rich in Native American culture, while in Arizona you can visit with different tribes to learn about their history and customs. Local artist make everything from pottery to rugs to woven baskets. At different times of the year you can also experience festivals and special events put on by different tribes.

If you like nature and being outside, then Arizona will not disappoint you. There is hiking, biking, canoeing and horseback riding among other things. Even though Arizona is known for hot weather, it is not humid, so many people find it very tolerable all year round for outdoor activities. It has become a favorite vacation place for those wishing to escape the cold of winter.

One of the favorite activities for many people to do is to just get in the car and drive to explore every nook and cranny of the state. There is the beauty of the dessert as well as lush, green places alive with vibrant colorful flowers. When on the road, you can feel the vastness of the state as a country drive can mean not seeing a car for a good period of time. Don't forget your map!

Arizona is a great place to go for a family friendly vacation as well as a romantic getaway. From the beauty of the Grand Canyon to the abundance of nature to the rich history of the state, there is something for everyone waiting in Arizona.

Author:
More city information is available at our website. Look for more about WashingtonCities, SouthDakotaCities and OklahomaCities there.

Orlando - A City Guide

The City of Orlando was incorporated in 1875; it is situated in heart of central Florida, USA. Presently Orlando the 'City Beautiful' and 'Tourist Haven' is the most important and fourth most popular US tourist destination among international visitors. "Jernigan" was the original name of the city and it was changed to Orlando. City's most exciting events that include Arts, Business, Music, Shopping, sports Night life, Restaurants and more. In the early years Orlando and Central Florida have been called as 'The Wild South'. Orlando draws visitors by its attractions,, hosts over 90 attractions including the Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom, Universal Studios theme park and SeaWorld are the top most.
History:
The Orlando Municipal Airport opened (1928) Most of cotton crops destroyed by hurricane through the town (1871) Orlando actually became a city (1875) South Florida Railroad was built between Sanford and Orlando (1880) Orlando Freezes: destroyed agriculture (1894) Martin Marietta missile factory (Presently) Lockheed Martin (1922) First Radio Station - WDBO (1924) Navy's three Naval training Center is established (1968) Disney World is opened (1971) Universal Studios is opened (1987) The Orlando Magic reached the NBA finals (1995) Orlando's XFL football team The Orlando Rage plays their first game (2001)
Place of interest :
The Orlando tourist haven is famous for many attractions all over the city to the visitors and local residents to make the leisure time or vocations to be the happiest moments. The city is also called as Theme Park capital of the world. The major theme parks Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom and Epcot; Universal's Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, Disney-MGM Studios, and Seaworld's aquatic adventure park are located here. The city is dotted with more like Kennedy Space Center, Everglades National Park, and International Drive which offers a host of shopping and eating experiences.
Museums & Art Galleries :
Museums and Art Galleries in Orlando are also included in Orlando's entertainments; it inspires the cultural life of Florida. Museums provide all the latest news about what is going on in Orlando's Arts and Entertainment Society, and also on visual arts, American art, African art and art of the ancient Americas. Some of the museums located at Orlando are * The Orlando Museum of Art * Ripley's Believe It Or Not Orlando Museum * Central Florida Railroad Museum * Orlando Fire Museum * DeLand Museum of Art * Maitland Art Center All museum's and galleries in Orlando are filled with unique and different collections. The city is gathered with numerous art centers which can be visited including * Osceola Center for the Arts * Pine Castle Folk Arts Center * Maitland Historical & Telephone Museum * Art Lovers Gallery.
Shopping:
Orlando is home of major shopping venues, shopping malls. Orlando also can be called as shoppers Mecca or shoppers paradise. Shopping in Orlando is not only a purchase; it's a part of your vacation, pure pleasure, an enthusiastic activity. The array of shopping options awaits you. Here is a list of some hottest shop till you drop places. * Altamonte Mall * Lake Buena Vista * Florida Mall * Osceola Square Mall * The Mercado * Seminole Towne Center Mall * Belz Factory Outlet Mall * Orlando Airport - Florida Mall
Food & Drink:
The various varieties of Food and Drinks available in Orlando offer a delightful, enjoyable break for your vacation in streets of the busy tourist corridor of Orlando. Choosing a dish to eat in Orlando can be a tremendous experience. You'll find all the familiar comfort food favorites at this sparkling and tranquil city. There are too many choices Chinese, Japanese, Greek, Indian, Thai, Mediterranean and Italian. You'll be puzzled to select.
Universities:
Orlando is renowned for educational organizations; there are numerous universities in city. A petite list of distinguished universities in Orlando include * University of Central Florida, * University of Phoenix * ITT Technical Institute, * DeVry University, * Capella University Online, * Argosy University, * National School of Technology, * Florida Metropolitan University Online and more
Sports:
Orlando is a home to a surfeit of sports and cultural activities, the city boasts the NBA's Orlando Magic. The Orlando Tour stop is TD Waterhouse Centre, it is the popular sports center for PlayStation gaming pavilion, the interactive BMX dirt course, skateboard street course and much more. As the city is grouped with plentiful foremost sports stadiums, the Dew Action Sports Tour is the major action sports of annual events that take place in Orlando. Hockey, Football, Baseball, Basket ball, golf, water sports are the local sports.
Hotels & Accommodation:
Other Specialty of Orlando is Hotels; there are lots of hotels to choose, to ones need And comfort which is located in and around the city.
Luxury hotels: * Omni Orlando Resort, * Universal's Hard Rock Hotel, * The Westin Grand Bohemian, * Wyndham Orlando Resort and many more.
Budget Hotels: In vacational seasons, luxurious hotels booking are closed, here are some reasonably priced options * Budget Suites of Orlando, * TownePlace Suites by Marriott, * The Doubletree Castle Hotel.
Tours and Sightseeing:
Quit naturally some of the best tours and excursions are available in Orlando. Perfect sightseeing trips, adventure tours are arranged by every hotel in city, you can also find reservations and booking centers. Double Decker Bus tour, Kennedy Space Center & Airboat Safari, Clear water beach and Boat tour, Universal Islands of Adventure, Disney's Boardwalk, International Drive, Thornton Park, Gatorland, Busch Gardens, One Day Miami, The Sea Screamer, Deep Sea Fishing, Monster Truck Safari and Airboat Ride, Thriller Powerboat Tour, Airboat Ride.
Transport:
The Transport is accessible and options are plentiful when you're in tourist paradise Orlando. The Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority runs the LYNX bus system, which reaches all through the attraction places and city centers. Lynx bus systems I Ride Trolleys are also available with 78 convenient stops. In addition to bus service, the free Lymmo bus service presents convenient transportation in and around Orlando. Naturally the fastest and easiest transport, Orlando International Airport provides a live schedule of flight Information, arrivals and departures of flight. Amtrak rail system includes both passenger trains and auto trains. It is also one of the easily accessible transports to reach all over Orlando. Other facilities in transportations rental vehicles, cars, taxis are also obtainable.
Orlando is the ultimate family vacation spot.

Author:
Leveto Orville is a traveler who reviews various cities she has visited and writes exclusively for yorlando and ybocaraton online city guides

Shopping in Maine

Some might think that because of Maine's vast green forests and undeveloped terrain that there aren't places to shop. They would be wrong. So if while visiting Maine you are dreaming of malls and smoking credit cards instead of the rugged beauty of ocean crashed shorelines there is hope for you. Maine is overwhelmed with places to spend your money from traditional malls to flea markets to shopping towns.

The traditional malls can be found in South Portland and Bangor. The mall in South Portland is actually called the Maine Mall. With 140 stores, 18 restaurants and anchor stores such as Sears, Macy's and J.C. Penneys you can have hours of shopping enjoyment. Because of its size, everyone in your family will find places to lose some green. Don't worry guys, there is a Best Buy, Electronics Boutique, and Fye to feed your electronic urges. Kids will find the Disney Store, Build-A-Bear and, if they're like my chocolate munching children, Godiva of special interest. The traditional mall in Bangor is appropriately called the Bangor Mall. Shocking, huh? It's about half the size of the Maine Mall with 79 stores but it has the same anchor stores. You can find hiking, fishing and outdoor gear at the Dick's Sporting Goods store. For those seeking to support Maine businesses I'd suggest stepping into Berg Sportswear and picking up your University of Maine Black Bear's t-shirt.

If a traditional mall is too sterile, new or ordinary maybe a flea market is for you. It's difficult to tell what strange forgotten treasures you can find at a flea market. In Maine there are too many flea markets to review so I'll give you a list to explore.
Flea Market - City
Augusta Flea Market - Augusta
Bargain House - Lebanon
Cascade Flea Market - Saco
Evergreen Flea Market - Poland
Gloria's Flea Market - Topsham
Gorham Flea Market - Gorham
Granite Ridge Flea Market - Waterboro
Montsweag Flea Market - Woolwich
North Vassalboro Flea Market - North Vassalboro
Undercover Antique Mall - Oxford
Waterfront Flea Market - Brunswick
West Gardiner Flea Market - Gardiner

Another shopping experience can be found in towns that specialize in shopping. Yes, you heard me correctly, entire towns dedicated to fine art of shopping. Freeport Maine is such a town. A motivated shopper could spend days wandering through the streets of Freeport, it's an incredible place. From the whimsical fun of the Cool as a Moose store to the striking beauty of the pottery at Edgecomb Potters there is a store for you. Because of an unwritten law, I have to mention the massive L.L. Bean store or they will bar me from Freeport forever. After a tiring day of shopping go to Gritty McDuff's to unwind. They have a fenced yard with a swing set for the kids to play while you enjoy adult conversation on the deck. Those of you who have rug rats know how rare it is to eat and chat without interruption. Bar Harbor is another quaint town with plenty of shopping and other fun tourist activities. If you've ever been to Ben and Bill's Chocolate Emporium and savored some delectable treats you understand that being a tourist isn't a bad thing. Overall, Bar Harbor has a flare for local crafts and arts. It seems as though the entire town is comprised of artists and craftsmen. Long ago Bar Harbor was known as a place for the ultra wealthy but today everyone can feel comfortable here. Please realize that these aren't even a fraction of the shops in Maine. There are tiny towns throughout Maine with wonderful shops and breathtaking views that offer additional shopping. Take a day or two to meander through harbor towns with small mom and pop shops to really understand Maine and its friendly people.

Author:
Ron Cloer is the father to some of the best kids on the planet. His website http://www.MaineTrip.net includes articles and suggestions for families traveling to Maine.

Ten Tips For An Enjoyable Florida Vacation

Many people living in Northern areas escape the cold and non clement weather by heading South when autumn and winter arrives. It is a proven fact that natural light has a positive effect on the overall mood of people and that living in the open outdoors greatly lowers the probability of a person catching colds or other transmissible diseases. Furthermore, one can hardly feel down when being seeing the beach, the sun and Disneyworld.

It then makes perfect sense for people living in cold and Northern areas to migrate South when cold temperatures arrive. Planning a short or long term trip South can be very exciting and following the simple advices included in this article will make their trip even more enjoyable. Here are the top ten advices that one can follow to make their trip to Florida or any other southern destination a fun and worry-free one:

1) Insurances are a must if a person is planning to travel outside their country. Many companies offer full coverage for any medical or transportation fee a person might encounter if a medical problem arises. 2) If a person lives in an area where snowfall precipitations are to be expected, hiring a person to remove the snow from their entrance might be a very good idea. If an entrance is all cleaned and nice, people going by will naturally think that the owner is home. 3) It is recommended to ask a friend or a neighbour to pick-up your mail. An overloaded mail box is a signal for burglars that the owner of the house has gone on vacation and is an open invitation to just drop in. 4) Investing a couple of dollars in timers will guarantee that a house's lights will turn on at sunset and will make the house look like it is inhabited. 5) It is recommended that a person does not cut-off the water arrival in her house to save a couple of dollars. Hence, if a person lives in a cold area, the risk of their water arrival to freeze is high if the water does not circulate. 6) Upon driving South, one has to make sure that their car is in good order. The last thing a person wants to do is to spend their precious travelling time in a foreign garage. 7) Notifying family and friends that a person will be away so they do not worry and fill your answering machines with their concerned messages is a very wise precaution. 8) Keeping a good record and photocopy of one's passport, credit cards and important addresses and phone numbers can prove very valuable. If a person looses credit cards during her trip, it will be easier to contact her bank and have them stopped before anyone can charge expenses on them. 9) Storing valuables and jewels in a safe place is also a great precaution. Tourists are easy targets for burglars and there is no reason to tempt them by openly wearing expensive watches or necklaces. 10) If a person is using any medication, it is easier to bring enough supply for the whole trip and a little more (in case of delays to get back). It can be very complicated to have an appointment with a doctor or have a pharmacist renew prescriptions if one is in a foreign country.

All these tips and many more (infection prevention, learning keywords if you are going in a foreign country, learning the customs in the country where a person is going to, etc) will make their trip more enjoyable.

All this said, little problems when travelling are inevitable and if one faces them with a smile, life goes on more smoothly. After all, being in a warm, sunny place if enough to smile about.

Author:
Dr Nathalie Fiset is a family doctor and a certified hypnotherapist. For more information go to: http://www.bigfloridavacation.com www.aperfectharmony.com or www.a-1hypnosis.com

Top 5 Myths About China

What do you think you know about China? Are your ideas about China and Chinese people outdated or even ignorant?!

Over 20 percent of the world's population are Chinese, and by economic standards, China's ascent is only just beginning. The Chinese nation, culture, economy, and language are going to get more and more important in the world during your lifetime. But how much do you currently know about modern China?

What you learned at school about China, and what you read in the newspapers or see on the TV news may not be true any more.

Have a look at the following generalisations about China and see if you ever heard or believed something similar. Can you open your mind and change your preconceptions about China?

Misconception 1. *China is an ancient culture*

What? Of course Chinese culture is ancient! One of the world's oldest actually. Yes, but what's modern China all about? China nowadays is a vibrant modern society, with unique pop culture, fashions, arts, tastes, and habits. Chinese people are proud of their heritage, and there is always an awareness of "old China" inside people's habits and tastes. But the real China of today is a fast-moving modern place: the old continues to give way to the new, and and Chinese people are all looking to their future, not resting on the laurels of the past.

Misconception 2. *China is backward and poor*

By 2050 it's estimated that 50% of China's population will live in the cities, and this is where the focus of national policy is at the moment. Chinese cities are being built up at an astounding rate: every city in China is currently a dazzling scene of infrastructure change - new roads and flyovers, new skyscrapers, new stadiums, new hotels and resorts, and of course new massive ostentatious government buildings. The word "developing" has come to have connotations of 'third world', but in the developing cities of China you can only marvel at the pace of improvement all around.

If you travel to the countryside in China, you certainly might have the impression of a 'developing nation': people are still farming the land using pre-industrial-revolution tools and techniques, and people's lifestyles certainly couldn't be described as cosmopolitan. However, what you may not see is that these people's children may well be smart professionals in the city, sending home ever increasing paychecks to their family. Chinese people are ultimately loyal to their parents, and will routinely save and send home large proportions of their salaries. Even if the youth who move to the Chinese cities aren't managers or entrepreneurs, city salaries for even basic jobs are enough in comparative terms to make everyone happy. Everywhere you go in the Chinese countryside, you can see previously lowly families buying cars and building new houses. So the wealth of the cities will filter to rural areas through private channels, regardless of the urban-focused investment policies of the government.

Misconception 3. *Chinese people eat Chinese food.*

Yes, of course Chinese people eat Chinese food! But do you even know what Chinese food is?

Forget what you think you know from your local "Chinese" takeaway. Unless you've spent several years living in mainland China, it's unlikely you have even a clue about Chinese cuisine. The variety is mind-boggling and almost certainly unrivalled in any other country. Expatriates in China will all tell you that every day they are still trying new dishes, even after living there for years. (And since we're on the topic of mythbusting, sorry to be politically incorrect, but actually you can find dog meat restaurants everywhere in southern China and people really enjoy eating it in the winter. On the other hand, in case you are getting a bit worried now, dog is a pricey speciality so it's impossible that you will ever receive a meat dish which is dog meat unless you explicitly ordered it!!)

Modern Chinese people in the cities also eat pizza, burgers, spaghetti, sandwiches, chocolate, and all sorts of real international cuisines, not only junk food. Visitors to China who can't use chopsticks, or have a phobia of rice, will have absolutely no problem feeding themselves! (But if you visit China, please be a little more imaginative than to go straight to one of the hundreds of Starbucks springing up in every city.)

Misconception 4. *China is a communist country.*

Politically, China is still a one-party state and the Chinese people do not elect their leaders. How much does this matter? For a start, China was never the same style of 'communist' government that we associate with Soviet Russia. And the days of Mao are loooong gone!

Government in China nowadays is actually much less centralised than in most other countries, with an amazing amount of power in the hands of provincial or city-level governing bodies. These local governments are increasingly competing with each other to improve and enrich their domains, and the effect is a lot more positive than controversy-hunting western journalists' usual portrayals.

Are the Chinese people oppressed? Hardly! Chinese society is, any observer would be forced to admit, remarkably free and progressive. In point of fact, most Chinese people couldn't be described as particularly agitated about "freedom" or political change, being more concerned about getting a piece of the GDP pie and improving their lives and their children's lives. The political sentiment which most Chinese people share is a desire for stability, safety, and prosperity - and basically anyone would have to admit the government in Beijing is currently doing a really good job at that regardless of any abstract criticisms of their "communist" political identity.

Economically, what is China? People always laugh at the phrase "capitalism with Chinese characteristics" but it's true it's hard to find any description or comparative model for the Chinese system these days. In many ways the Chinese are more capitalist at the moment than anyone else, perhaps because the system has lagged behind in regulating and taxing the explosion of private commerce in the last twenty years. The name "The Wild East" has a certain truth about it at the moment, but things are getting more standardised, the RMB (Chinese Yuan - the currency) is now open to trading, and of course China is in the WTO now. Expect the China pages of your newspaper to get ever more prominent as businesses and governments wake up more to the economic power of the Chinese market.

Misconception 5. *China is closed and difficult to visit.*

Anyone from almost any country in the world can easily obtain a Chinese travel visa from a travel agent and book a flight to any of China's growing list of international airports. Once in China you can go and stay where you want. It's just as easy as visiting any other country. The only reason your travel agency isn't packed with brochures about visiting China is because those travel companies just don't get it yet... Don't worry - the travel agency will soon wake up!

"Yes, but Chinese people don't speak English!" Pssst - can you think of any other popular world travel destinations where the local people, maybe, possibly don't speak English as their first language? Seriously, in the cities a lot of people can help out clueless travellers, and even if you're trying to be independent or adventurous, you'll find Chinese people friendly, tolerant, and generally not scary at all.

In terms of other traveller fears about safety, security, and cleanliness, China is already in the top tier of countries in the world to live in or travel to. Frequent travellers to China will back this up: even in the inner cities of China, you can walk around as a highly visible foreigner, and although you may be stared at, you will never feel in any danger or discomfort. (Unless you expected a 'normal' western style toilet - oh dear! - but that's an experience you'll have to find out by visiting China yourself!)

*CONCLUSION*

Wake up and smell the tea! You need to visit China and experience it yourself: there is no way you will break through the misconceptions and prejudices about China from your armchair.


Author:
Just a little bit interested in visiting China? To learn about Chinese visas and invitation letters to visit China on business, visit China Invitation Letter - http://www.china-invitation-letter.com/

Read more informative articles about modern China: Articles About China - http://www.chinamaze.com

5 Hawaii Whale Watching Tips For An Unforgettable Vacation

Each year, the great Humpback Whales migrate some 4,500 miles, from summer feeding grounds in Alaska, to mate in warm Hawaiian waters.

Hawaii is a popular destination for whale watching because, during mating season, Humpback Whales are more active resulting in elevated surface activity. This exciting surface behavior, such as breaching and tail slaps, make for exciting whale watching in Hawaii.

As a Hawaii local and avid waterman, I have 5 simple tips that will help you get the most out of your Hawaii whale watching adventure. So before planning your next Hawaii vacation, follow these tips and you might just have an unforgettable whale encounter!

1. Plan Your Trip During Peak Months
Humpback Whales begin arriving in Hawaii in November and head back to Alaska in late May. If you have planned a Hawaii vacation during this time, you should have no problem spotting whales. However, peak Hawaii whale watching season occurs during February and March. So if you have not made your travel arrangements yet, shoot for these months.

2. Visit Islands Known For Whale Watching
Maui, Kauai and the Big Island are the most popular islands for Hawaii whale watching, so plan to visit one of these islands on your vacation. If you are visiting Oahu, you can see whales there too, they just won't be as abundant.

3. Plan A Boat Tour
Hawaii whale watching tours are ideal for seeing these spectacular animals in their natural habitat. Not only will you be in the whale's environment, but because humpback whales are curious about their surrounding, they will sometimes approach your boat. Plan a Hawaii boat tour to truly get the most out of your whale watching adventure.

Boat tours are available departing from Lahaina Harbor many times throughout the day during whale season. On the Big Island and the island of Kauai, whale-watching opportunities abound with a full schedule of tours provided by seasoned, knowledgeable guides.

Humpback whales may also be observed from land if you prefer solid ground to the deck of a boat. On Kauai the Kilauea Lighthouse, Kealia Lookout and various high-points of land in coastal areas are good places to start. Once you're in the right place, spotting the whales is easy: just look for the majestic plumes of water ("blows") rising in the air and the playful splashes made by these gigantic creatures.

4. Respect their space
In Hawaii, whale watching is an avid activity, and like with most outdoors activities, there are rules. Observers may not approach by vessel or by swimming within 100 yards of a whale (known as the 100-yard minimum rule). However, there is no rule that keeps whales from approaching people. Experienced leaders of Hawaii whale watching tours know how to gently approach these animals and encourage them to come closer.

5. Preserve the Humpback Whale
The humpback whale almost came to extinction in 1966 after mass commercial whaling during the early 20th century. Today there are approximately 30,000 to 40,000 humpbacks worldwide. Federal laws protect them, but there are things we can all do to help preserve this amazing animal for future whale watching generation.

• Keep beaches and waters clean and debris-free
• Participate only in responsible whale watching activities
• Support efforts to stop illegal whaling
• Support legislation, research and preservation programs
• Patronize eco-friendly companies and organizations

You can read books about whales, but with so many opportunities to see them up-close and personal, there's no reason why you shouldn't start thinking now about your next Hawaii whale watching tour. It's fun, it's easy and it's a great experience for the whole family.


Author:
Local Hawaii adventure traveler, Justin Britt, invites you to learn more about Humpback Whales in this Hawaii whale watching guide. And if you are plannig a Kauai vacation, learn more about the Na Pali Coast.

African Safari - Back To Basics And Reflections On The Creation

The Swahili word "safari" originally meant "journey" which is further correlated to "hunting for survival" and "exploration of lands".

The safari is typically traveled by foot amidst the vast lands. This is of course deemed to be the best way of experiencing the circle of life in the safari since you can reach to the core of the natives and their unique cultures.

Walking trails are continuously maintained so that the explorers are guided along their courses better. However, visitors can always widen their safari options with many forms of travel available with each safari tour package. Other modes of transportation include hot air ballooning, fly-in safaris, driving safaris, canoeing safaris, horseback riding safaris, and elephant back riding safaris.

These do not only add ease on travel but may also allow access to the deeper domains (and often uncharted places) which contribute more thrills while on tour.

As for the categories, African safaris are normally offered in three basic types: permanent tented safaris, lodge safaris, and mobile safaris. There are also a couple of other safari choices customized depending on the traveler's needs. One good example is the honeymoon safari for newly-wed couples.

One complete safari tour that will take you from the Eastern region to the Southern parts lasts around 10 to 21 days. If you are planning to journey this long, it would be best if you avail from a local tour operator or a specialist so you are sure that you what you get is a complete safari adventure.

It is helpful if you have the knowledge of some of the practices, culture and etiquette to adopt well with the localities. As for your choice of safari package, consider the factors such as meals, accommodation, transportation, driver and guide service, excursions, itineraries and supplemental packages.

There are hundreds of conservation parks and wildlife sanctuaries that display the continuous interplay of the wild in its natural setting, marvelous places untouched by technology, and vast array of flora and fauna.

Life in the safari is more serene and offers more grounds for realizing how beautiful creation is. And all these are topped with the unique (and sometimes peculiar) cultures of different African tribes that mark the richness of their history.

African safari seems to remind us how the sixth day of creation looks like. They are the living remembrances of how the Creator intended things to be- the perfection, the diversity, the coexistence between man and his nature, and the life that surrounds everything.

3 Steps to Choosing a Family Vacation You Will Not Regret

When planning a family vacation getaway, the choices can be overwhelming. What should you do? Where should you go? To make life easier, these questions should be answered before you start planning.

The bottom-line is, vacations are meant to be enjoyable and relaxing for the whole family. Identify what you and your family, especially your children, enjoy doing. What kind of weather do you prefer? Is shopping important or a sunny beach?

There are 3 simple steps to planning an unforgettable vacation for both you and your family.

1) Choose your destination

Simply identify the cities, towns, places that you would like to visit. Make sure while planning that the trip will be family-oriented and not just catered to your preferences.

2) Research

Once you have chosen your destination, it is vital that you do your homework before going on vacation. There is a host of ways to obtain information on your travel destination. With the abundance of information on the internet, read-up on your destination. This will give you a rough idea of what to expect from the place, its culture and people. Many travel guides are also available. Lonely Planet and DK Eyewitness Travel are good reads.

It would also be a good idea to make your accommodation booking online. If you are just a leisure-seeking tourist, try seeking accommodation that offers breakfast as part of your package. This will save you loads of time searching for dining places open in the morning, especially so if you are new to the place.

You don't want to start finding out about the local attractions only when you arrive at your destination. Hence, do your homework once more. Where is the main shopping district? Places of interests? Wonderful museums or restaurants worth a specific visit? If your children are young, visiting theme parks for a day or two will be an excellent idea. Put simply, planning your itinerary. Therefore once you get there, more time can be spent finding out more about the places you already know about, instead of finding about these places from scratch.

3) Get Maps

If you intend to drive, make sure you have maps of the country you are visiting. Even if you are not driving, street maps of certain areas of the city will be extremely helpful with navigation. If the city you are visiting has a railway or train system, it would also be helpful if you obtain a transport map which makes traveling by public transport more hassle-free.

Plan your route beforehand, be it as a driver or as a commuter taking public transport. This saves time as well as gives you peace of mind when traveling.

Now that you know these 3 steps, it is time to enjoy the vacation you deserve.

Author:

Darren Yong contributes to VisaTravels.com, a site dedicated to Vacation Planning and Travels Tips.

Visit http://www.visatravels.com

Good To Know Things About Hawaii

More and more tourists each year decide to go on a vacation in Hawaii. As first-time visitors, there are numerous questions they have to get answers to, before actually leave home for Hawaii. At the top of their questions' list is the one referring to which of the six different islands in Hawaii to choose as their destination. Another thing they must definitely know before heading off is how to get there.

Should you want to visit Hawaii, the first thing you will need to know is that the Hawaiian Airlines, Aloha Airlines or Island Air is the one to handle all inter-island flights. So be sure to check with your mainland flight company or their website to find out what their prices are.

With Oahu being the heart of Hawaii transportation, the Honolulu International Airport (HNL) is the place where almost all of the mainland and International flights will fly into. The airport is on the outskirts of Honolulu, about a 20 minute drive to Waikiki and about a 45 minute drive to the North Shore. Even if you are heading on to another island you may have to deplane and get on an inter-island flight to reach your final destination.

The three airports in Maui are: Kahalui Airport (OGG), Kapalua Airport (JHM) and Hana (HNM). The Kahalui Airport is the most important one, which offers direct flights from the West coast of the U.S. mainland. You can also get on one of the day ferries to get from Maui to Lanai and back.

The Big Island is actually called Hawaii, but in order to avoid confusion, it is referred to as the Big Island. It also has two airports, the Hilo International Airport (ITO) and Keahole Airport (KOA), situated at about two hours drive from each other. There are direct flights from the mainland only to Keahole. Ferries are not an option here.

The airport in Kauai is called Lihue Airport (LIH) and it allows direct flights from the mainland on some carriers. There are no ferries available to get to other islands.

Molokai has one airport, Molokai Airport (MKK) in central Molokai. Small commercial boats can ferry you from Maui to Molokai. The Lanai Airport (LNY) in Lanai and the Molokai Airport in Molokai only accept small airplanes.

The news for the following year is the introduction of the Hawaii Superferries, which will make inter-island traveling easier and cheaper.


About The Author:
Visit now to grab your own Hawaii Surfing Posters . Also, Endless Summer Posters available on the world's largest poster, poster frames store.

Switzerland - A Paradise on Earth

Switzerland is a divine destination in the center of Europe. The fantasy land is blessed with scenic beauty, stone churches, lovely lakes, dense forest, ancient cities, attractive countryside with picturesque meadows and farms, adventure sports and alpine landscape. Adventure, thrill, enthusiasm and joy seem to be prevailing around every corner of the country.

Switzerland is a prosperous and peaceful country and has a stable modern economy. It is one of the richest countries in Europe. Its standards of living, worker productivity, quality of education, and health care are higher than any other European country.

There are various places of tourist interest in Switzerland that one can explore during the tour of Switzerland. Zurich is the most populous city of Switzerland and is famous for its financial institutions and shops as well as for its superb art galleries.

Geneva is the second largest city in Switzerland and is one of the best places to visit in Europe. Abuzz with a large number of museums, cultural events and restaurants, Geneva is a great place to visit on your tour to Switzerland. There are many other popular cities in Switzerland such as Interlaken, Lucerne and Lausanne.

Switzerland is rich in architecture and culture and is influenced by the heritage of Germany, France and Italy. Some of the world famous attractions in Switzerland include Museum of Art, Cathedrale de St-Pierre, Chateau de Chillon, Montreux, Vaud Great Church, Church of Our Lady, Jungfrau, The Jungfraujoch Experience, Bahnhofstrasse and Swiss National Museum.

Switzerland has become one of the most booming financial and tourist centers in the world. It is renowned for its high quality of export manufactures, such as motors, generators, turbines and watch making industry. Switzerland's milk chocolate is also world famous.

So, we can say that whole of the world's beauty could be experienced in Switzerland and this beautiful country has something for everyone.

Locations That Offer More But Cost Less

So you want to travel the world but you have a tight budget?
Are you tired of reading about everyone else’s exotic adventures and
ready to have some of your own? Have
you always wanted to take an international vacation but thought you couldn’t
afford it? There are numerous
travel destinations across the world that are both exciting and affordable.
Five of them are described here to give you ideas and get you started
planning your own getaway.

There are two ways to approach affordable vacations to distant destinations.
Either you will save money getting there or the savings will occur once
you arrive at your selected spot. If
you want the trip there to be affordable, many travel consolidators recommend
choosing well-known destinations that are served by numerous airlines and
receive millions of travelers each year. The
competition for customers usually drives costs down for everything from lodging
to tour packages. Airfares between
major hubs tend to be more affordable and there are often plenty of discounts
and last minute travel deals.

London

In Europe, London is a top pick for affordable vacation destinations, for these
exact reasons. Not only do you have
more flights to choose from, they are cheaper than if you flew to a more remote
location. On average, staying in
London may be a bit more expensive than other European destinations, but the
seemingly endless choices in hotels, restaurants, transportation, tours, and
other travel essentials gives travels opportunities to mold their vacation to
fit their budgets. And you can use
London as your home base to set out on day trips to other more exotic locations
or buy a Eurorail pass and see those more remote countries without the expense
of flying there.

Playa del Carmen, Mexico

This theory also works well for traveling in the Caribbean.
Belize is an appealing destination, with wonderful Caribbean beaches and
a lush tropic setting, but since it has only recently emerged as a popular
travel destination, it is more expensive than Cancun, Jamaica or other
well-traveled locations along the Mayan Riviera.
With fewer flights, getting there is more expensive, and there are few
moderate lodging options. Development
of larger luxury resorts have begun to boom, but the only real alternative for
those on a budget is staying in local facilities that may be hard to locate from
home and may be more rustic than most travelers are willing to try.

Although there are many options for affordable vacations in the Caribbean, an excellent
pick is Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Accessible
via flights to Cancun, which are often some of the cheapest in the region, Playa
is just a half hour away. It is
filled with a multitude of lodging choices, from expansive luxury resorts on the
ocean to quaint but clean hotels downtown.
From Playa, travelers can branch out and visit Tulum and other locations
on the Mayan Riviera or take the ferry across to the island of Cozumel where
snorkeling is prime and the attractions are many.

For Asian destinations, travelers often do better to focus on saving money once they
get to their destination. Depending
on your country of origin, getting to just about any spot in Asia is going to be
a sizable chunk of your travel budget. The
difference will come from the cost of lodging, food, entertainment and other
travel expenditures once you arrive. By
choosing destinations where you get the most for your money, you can save a
great deal on your international vacation.
A drink or dinner in Tokyo will cost you many times more than what it
would in Saigon. The key here is to
go where your dollars buy you more and where the local cost of living is low.

Tioman Island

An affordable yet exotic choice for Asia is Malaysia and specifically Tioman
Island, knows as the mythical 'Bali Hai' from the film 'South Pacific.’
Tioman Island is located at the southern end of the east coast of
Malaysia on the South China Sea. Its sandy beaches, bordered by lush jungles and
stunning mountains make it a relaxing yet intriguing destination, ideal for sun
lovers, snorkelers and divers. The
island also has many villages for exploring and shopping.
English is widely spoken and the
rates are amazingly affordable, with a two night lodging package for a suite at
a lovely oceanside resort averaging around 100 U.S. dollars.
Typically visitors reach the island via the speed ferry from the
mainland. Although the trip can
take over two hours, it is enjoyable and provides opportunities for dolphin
watching along the way.

Buenos Aires

South America also has many destinations that are affordable because of the savings
once you arrive. Locales like Rio
de Janeiro in Brazil, the areas top destination, are coming down in price but
are still more expensive than cities such as Buenos Aires in Argentina, where
the rates are lower and the U.S. dollar goes further.

A huge metropolis that is more European than South American, the city has much to
offer including cultural events, thriving nightlife, shopping, local sports, and
a host of tours and excursions. La
Boca, with its street performers, shops, and unique architecture is a big
tourist draw. The large number of
choices for lodging, restaurants, and activities provides opportunities for
budget travel and savings. Airfare to the city is relatively reasonable for an
international destination, with discount fares from the U.S. averaging around
$500 round trip. Buenos Aires might
not be one of the most exotic or inspiring destinations in South America, but it
is a city that everyone should see at least once, and with some of the most
affordable rates and fares around, it makes the list as a top South American
destination.

Las Vegas

The list would not be complete without a North American destination, and the champ
of all affordable locales is Las Vegas. It
too is a city that should be seen at least once, and many world travelers return
again and again for the gaming, art, shows and people watching that just can’t
be found anywhere else. Close
enough to other top U.S. attractions like the Grand Canyon, Vegas provides other
options for those who have had their fill of casinos.

The city has long been known for its cheap vacation packages with hotels and resorts
that offer discount rates for rooms, meals and entertainment in hopes of
attracting people to their gaming tables. Airfare
rates into Vegas are some of the most reasonable in the United States, no matter
the origination destination. And
with more than 100,000 hotel rooms to choose from, there is sure to be a lodging
choice that fits your budget.

The world provides hundreds of affordable travel destinations. With all the options available, there is no excuse to put off that
life-long desire to travel to exotic places at the far ends of the earth.

Travel Accessories

No matter what anyone says you can’t travel without some kind of accessory. Whether it be suitcases, suit bags, brief cases or money pouches you will always carry some kind of travel accessory with you.

The travel accessories say a lot about the life and personality of the person carrying them. Depending on the style and color of their travel accessories, and indeed what particular accessories they are carrying, you can gain insight into what country they are from, whether they are happy, outgoing and energetic or rather old fashioned, whether they are well off financially or have little money to spare and a myriad of other details.
The buying team at Mori Luggage and Gifts recently returned from the Travel Goods Show in Washington, D.C. - the largest exhibition of travel accessories and leather goods in the world. For three days, buyers walked the aisles seeking the hot new trends in luggage, briefcases and travel accessories.

President of Mori Luggage and Gifts, John Mori, said the Travel Goods Show was an excellent opportunity to network with other businesses who also manufacture travel accessories.
“The Travel Goods Show allows us to meet with all of the leading manufacturers in our industry,” he said.
“With the improving economy and travel increasing, we were pleased to discover lots of new, innovative travel products for 2004. Our customers expect us to always have the newest items that make travelling easier.”

Mr Mori said manufacturers of travel accessories such as luggage, briefcases and leather goods were responding to consumer demand for bright colors - especially when it comes to women’s business cases. While black will always be popular, fashion-conscious businesswomen can now pick a different color briefcase for each season. The Lodis Audrey Capri Brief has been tipped as a hot seller for spring and summer. Available in salmon and periwinkle, this beautiful brief is constructed of fine-grade Italian leather and features a streamlined exterior, organizer pockets for cell phone and business cards, and a removable shoulder strap.

The Zuca MobileLockerTM is a super-durable, lightweight rolling case. It was designed by a mom who couldn’t stand to see her 4th grade daughter lugging 50 pounds of books each day and developing back pain so early in life. The main compartment holds books and important gear and can be used for school, picnics, or airline travel. The top is so strong you can use it as a seat and the magneto LED wheels actually light up as it rolls. It’s an excellent travel accessory that is suitable for a wide range of uses.

One of the most interesting developments in luggage and travel accessories is the 22” Transformable Upright from Briggs & Riley. Either use it as a one-piece rolling carry-on or transform it into two separate bags: a deluxe duffle with optional backpack straps and a wheeled carry-on upright. Once the duffle is zipped off, a face panel zips onto the wheeled upright creating a new carry-on. Each bag can hold 2-3 days worth of clothes.

So just what’s new in the travel accessories industry? Ever wondered if the airline pillow covers and blankets are as clean as you’d expect? After all, its one of the most commonly provided travel accessories you’ll come across! According to a new company called pb travel, recent studies have suggested that many are not changed or cleaned often enough. That’s why they have introduced the pb blanket and pb disposable pillow covers. The pb blanket is a warm polar fleece blanket that is machine washable and dries in just 10 minutes.

If you’ve ever flown overseas, you’ve probably heard of deep vein thrombosis and other circulatory problems that can occur during long flights. Compression Socks by Elastic Therapy use a graduated compression system to improve blood flow and relieve leg swelling and discomfort. They are definitely a must-have on your travel accessories list. They are also great for walking or anytime you plan to spend a lot of time on your feet.

Brushing your teeth while travelling or at work just got easier with the Travelon Toothbrush. Actually, it’s a toothbrush and toothpaste all in one making it another one of those fantastic and ingenious travel accessories. Simply twist the handle and refreshing mint toothpaste comes up through the high quality

Ever seen a sophisticated man who carries his stack of dollar bills in a rubber band? We found a way for him to do this in style with the Grand Band from Budd Leather. Each Grand Band features a durable, colorful band with two replacement bands and a stainless steel plate that can be engraved. This is a useful and essential travel accessory for the stylish and professional traveller.

Online Travel Bargain

Are holiday bargains for true or have catches hidden?

REMEMBER YOUR LAST CONVERSATION WITH THAT family relative who couldn’t talk enough of how much they saved on their last holiday package deal? Or that colleague bragging about his $59 round- trip flight to Las Vegas and his stay in a 5-star hotel at $89 a night? Have you found yourself staring wistfully (and suspiciously) at a $399 package deal for two for Hawaii?

Just because your email seems flooded at times with seemingly impossibly priced travel offers, and you find Internet search engines are flooded with 1000’s of sites selling internet travel besides big hotel brands and branded distribution sites don’t discount them all.

Who can you count on?
Just four or five years ago, when you looked for travel discounts you could choose between a travel agent, the airline offices and the hotels themselves, and maybe, if you were lucky, some travel guru down the street. Today, there’s a massive range of things you can do online, and a lot of them can save significant amounts of money.

The reality is:

• Nine out of 10 online travelers now have some history of shopping for travel online, and nearly 15% of all Americans purchased travel online last year - that’s five times the penetration rate of 1998. (PhoCusWright Consumer Travel Trends Survey)• Nearly one-third of online travel buyers say the Internet was responsible for their travel purchases last year.

• In 1998, six million consumers bought travel online in the U.S. Jump ahead to 2002 when 30 million Americans purchased travel online in the last year. Half of them only buy their travel online. (PhoCusWright Consumer Travel Trends Survey)

• Online travel bookings exceeded $23 billion in 2001, and are expected to reach $63 billion by 2005.

• Internet bookings in the first three quarters of 2002 accounted for over 23% of rooms sold in New York, and over 15% in Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco. Anecdotally, for some properties, hotel managers are reporting Internet bookings ranging from 30% to 50% of all room nights in 2002. (Smith Travel Research and TravelClick)

What does this mean?

This means that online distribution channel is extremely successful in reaching buyers and buyers are finding it more confirmable to shop online. They are seeing a broader range of travel options and variety of products and packages. And its more likely that consumer wants to control that transaction through access to more competitive pricing. Pricing is becoming key factor to determine the sale.

Key factors: Why travelers prefer to book online

• Competitive Price
• Ability to compare product and Prices
• Ability to plan last minute
• Availability of Range of options

Online travel shoppers are not very loyal on where they shop—65 percent of online travelers do not view themselves as brand-loyal. As much as they love to shop online and spend their time researching what suits their needs, they are not loyal to the companies from which they buy.

The above scenario indicated that the travel suppliers have no choice but to participate in this online distribution channel. The suppliers are realizing that the traditional channels like GDS (Global Distribution System)/travel agent and call center/reservation office is somewhat inefficient and expensive, especially when the economy is weak. Ignoring online distribution channel and concentrating only on traditional distribution channels will result in lower occupancy, and higher distribution and operational costs for travel suppliers. As online channels become more popular among suppliers their participation is increasing.

How Pricing and Distribution Become Key

9/11 caused a dramatic shift in how consumers booked their travel. The instability caused a large drop in demand for airlines, hotels and car rentals leading to ever-lower prices. This low demand factor forced travel suppliers to introduce unprecedented discounts. Travel suppliers struggled to sell seats, rooms, car rentals to a significantly shrunk leisure and business travel market. Every air seat, room and auto not booked cost their companies money. Better to sell dirt cheap than not to sell at all. But how to get the word out?

Smart, proactive suppliers adopted the Wal-Mart business model—sell low and distribute inexpensively and efficiently. But how?

The Internet allowed them to reach consumers, sell inventory outstrip their less progressive competition. Those suppliers who had no clear Internet strategy or understanding of how the Web and online distribution works suffered.

Discount hotel sites attract millions of buyers with their special rates leading to stratospheric sales through these channels. They thrive on hoteliers selling their distressed inventory at a fraction of their normal rates. Occupancy is the lowest its been in years, hoteliers continue to work with leading online retailers to move inventory at lower price.

The $6.3 billion in online hotel sales (2002) with are split roughly evenly between discount agency sites and hotel Web sites. PhoCusWright projects that around 75% of discount agency hotel site sales are via the merchant model, where the agency typically takes a 20-30% “margin” on the hotel net rate (instead of the usual 10% commission). This approach has helped profits at Expedia and Hotels.com, who have roughly 60% of online discount agency hotel sales. Travelocity and Orbitz are instituting the same successful approach. Other notable players thriving in this arena are Hotwire.com, http://www.hotels-and-discounts.com , Lodging.com and Travelweb.com.

What is the Future?
Online travel growth will continue to grow in 2003-2005, but it will slow down year by year compared to the record gains see so far. However millions of travelers haven’t yet made their first purchase so the market is not near saturation. Technological improvements will soon make it possible to more easily dynamically package vacation deals including air, hotel and car leading to even lower prices but higher average sales. So growth is projected to come from customers buying more, higher-ticketed products online.

The growth of the online distribution channel will prove beneficial to the end user when the suppler finds it easier and more cost-effective to distribute their inventory there than over the traditional distribution channels. As technology becomes mature in the online distribution sector, it will become more effective and user friendly for the Buyers and thus will attract more Suppliers. Due to its low cost of distribution and emerging ability to package and cross sell inventory, prices will be attractive for years to come, until this channel eventually becomes a commodity.

Top Ten Travel Nursing “Hot Spots”

The great thing about being a traveling nurse boils down to one key component – it’s about the travel! For those of us who love moving around and seeing the world, travel nursing is the profession of our dreams. There are many travel destinations available, based on weather, activities, cost of living, and salary. Therefore, I have gathered a list of my “Top Ten” destinations that nurses choose, based on the number of travelers who inquire about each location every month. Are you a travel RN scouting a new assignment? Then I’d like to suggest the following ten “Hot Spots”:

HAWAII – It’s no shock that Hawaii generates over 500 travel nursing inquiries per month. The wide range of outdoor activities from snow-capped mountains to snow-white sandy beaches elevates Hawaii to one of those meccas where you can build a snowman or a sand castle all in one day. Nurses tell me that you’ll discover virtually every type of outdoor activity imaginable—hiking trails that wind through erupting volcanoes, secret beaches, and lush green ranchlands. Many travelers also hunt, mountain bike, go rafting, and golf on some of the world’s most extravagant courses.

ALASKA – Travel nurses are intrigued by the possibilities of Alaska’s rugged mystery. Alaska is a huge wilderness with beautiful scenery, and travel nursing assignments offer plenty of time to see and do everything you want, whether in winter’s darkness under northern lights, or the glorious spring and summer where it’s light most of the time. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy Alaska for its’ wildlife, spectacular natural landscape, and fishing expeditions where the fish really are as big as the stories about which they’re told. Countless day cruises and sightseeing expeditions abound, as well as opportunities to hike, kayak, canoe, ski… Need we say more?

MONTANA – Whether photographer, adventurer, or both, Montana is truly a state that beckons with open arms. River trips, fishing and camping, history, snowy mountain ranges, and waterfalls are what you’ll encounter, along with plenty of open space to explore. Assignments in Montana appeal to those travel nurses who just need some time to break away from their city grind to enjoy marching to the beat of an entirely different drummer. The Big Sky Country boasts some of America’s most famous mountains, canyons, river valleys, forests, grassy plains, badlands, and caverns, and many travelers find it just irresistible enough to keep coming back.

MAINE – Maine’s splendor has inspired artists like Georgia O’Keefe and three generations of the Wyeth family, since the mid-nineteenth century. Travel nurses can’t resist at least one adventure in this charming getaway. Whether you embark on outdoor adventures like skiing and snowmobiling, or if you prefer the cozy ambience of antiquing through charming villages or just strolling or riding horseback on miles of sandy beaches in the smell of salt air, Maine is legendary and offers some wonderful travel nursing experiences. Its’ unique culture is outdoorsy and quaint, and of course you get to enjoy lobster as the locals do—fresh from the ocean!

CALIFORNIA – Warm weather and world-famous beaches make California a favorite choice for traveling nurses. Nine-hundred miles of coastline gives nurses in all locations the chance to spend many hours near the waves; and for nature lovers, California is home to many wildlife parks, remote wilderness areas, and safe-havens for endangered animals. If you’re an excitement junkie, you can scout out a wide selection of theme parks; and no matter what your taste in music, concerts abound in every type of venue. Historic sites and museums invite, as do five-star restaurants and clubs in which to see and be seen. The shopping is unparalleled, whether it’s trendy Melrose Place, La Jolla, or the strand in Venice Beach; and of course it’s home to Hollywood, and, yes, movie stars. Whether northern, southern, or coastal locations, traveling nurses return to California time and again.

WASHINGTON – The Evergreen State boasts the gorgeous Pacific Ocean, the Cascade Mountains, desert experiences, rain forests, towering volcanoes, glaciers, and lush wine country. Washington State rates high on the list of many nurse travelers. Must-sees are the Space Needle and Coulee Dam. The culture here is incredibly diverse; sophisticated, outdoorsy, and loaded with resorts, history, parks, museums, and botanical gardens. Whether touring downtown Seattle for cozy antique and book stores, exploring ancient Indian grounds, or hiking and biking mountains or trails, Washington holds a strong allure for many nurse travelers.

SOUTH CAROLINA – Endless adventure, excitement, fun and exploration represent why South Carolina is always a favorite destination for travel nurses. America’s oldest landscaped gardens frame mansions rife with historical heritage, in addition to pristine beaches and legendary marshy wetlands. For all you golfers, with over 330 golf courses, there’s always a new place to swing your clubs. But what fascinates many traveling nurses is the rich heritage in which South Carolina has paved the roads of culture, art, and folklore in our past. You can visit several historical areas and discovery centers of American history, including the American Revolution and the Civil War.

COLORADO – World-class winter skiing and summer music festivals in the mountains are just two reasons that nurses love traveling to Colorado. Boasting four spectacular seasons, Colorado is where travel nurses get to explore the state’s 18 million acres of state and national parks, forests, and monuments for biking, hiking, fishing, mountain climbing, and kayaking, to name a few. Colorado has many cultural treasures, including ancient Native American sites and dinosaur fossil exhibits, historic ghost towns, and even award-winning vineyards in Grand Junction. And for those who enjoy city life, amid all this natural beauty lie wonderful metropolitan areas like Denver and Boulder, full of shopping, performing arts, and professional sports.

TENNESSEE – From energetic nights of blues on Beale Street, to gorgeous rolling acres of Tennessee Walker horse country, to peaceful Smoky Mountain sunsets, Tennessee is a vacation that offers many world-renowned attractions. Nurse travelers who visit Tennessee will find that they’re within a day’s drive of 75-percent of the U.S. population via quality interstates and highways. Attractions in Tennessee include the Jack Daniels’ distillery, Elvis’s Graceland, the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, and lots of southern hospitality. And don’t forget the crown jewel of the southern Appalachians, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

ARIZONA – If you adore the outdoors, then the Grand Canyon State might just be for you. The nurses who go there just rave about Arizona’s landscape which takes in tall mountain ranges, swift rivers, grasslands, sand dunes, and cactus forests all set against a beautiful sky that glows pink in the sunset. The traveler nurses who enjoy history will find plenty of it here, including Old West reformations, Native American nations, and Spanish-influenced areas all in one state. Arizona is also home to the nation’s greatest golf courses, resorts, spas, cabins, and ranches.

As you can see, limitless possibilities exist for those nurses who want travel, fun, and adventure to be part of their daily lives. If you’re a nurse who travels and it's time for you to move on to a new location, try one of these top travel nursing destinations and see what new experiences lie ahead.

Yes, You Too Can Take A Vacation

Surveys are interesting. I took note of this one done recently by American Express because it backed up some data I learned at the (National Association of Female Executives) NAFE National Conference in May. According to the survey, 40% of the smallest business owners - those with less than $200,000 in annual revenues - are planning no vacation whatsoever this summer. But even business owners with higher revenues aren't doing much better - only 75% of them expect to get away from the business this summer.

As we were told at the NAFE Conference, even those business owners who do get away from the office, won't truly get away. Rather, one in three will link their vacation time to a business trip and 50% will still check in with the office at least once a day.

Why can't business owners let go? What are the concerns that keep them tied to the business? According to the survey:

* An important client or customer will not receive appropriate service
* The business will miss out on a new opportunity
* There is no other competent person to leave in charge
* The individuals left in charge will make the wrong decisions
* An operational or equipment breakdown will occur without anyone to solve the problem

Such concerns are not surprising. It is hard for a business owner to take any type of vacation worry-free. But with planning, preparation and good leadership you can boost the enjoyment level of your time off to come back refreshed and ready to tackle new challenges and opportunities. Here are 8 steps to prevent vacation angst.

1. Make a plan - To avoid surprises, create a list of scenarios on your current projects and brief your staff on the possibilities and your major concerns about each client. Assign specific staff to each client/account so there is someone that clients can speak to who understands their concerns when you aren't there.

2. Brief your key clients or customers - Offer them advance notice of any extended absence you are planning. There's no reason to keep your vacation schedule a secret. Introduce them to your deputy and convey your confidence in their ability to handle any issues that may arise. If appropriate, consider letting them know how to reach you should a true emergency arise - not that one will because of all your pre-planning.

3. Leadership is being a delegator not a dictator - If you never delegate important tasks to others, you can't expect them to be ready to fill your shoes when you want to take time off. To create a saner situation and build confidence that good things will happen when you aren't there, learn to delegate responsibilities - divvy up those pieces that must still happen in your absence and postpone those that can wait for your return.

4. Strategically schedule your vacation time - Most businesses have a slow season or times of the year when the pace is slower, or at least a bit less crazy. Plan your vacations to coincide with those lulls.

5. Mini-Vacations - If you just can't let go of the business for a whole week or two, or you can't bear to be too far away from the office, try taking a few days out of town, or extend a weekend somewhere else. Even a brief escape from routine with a change of scenery can do wonders for your perspective and re-energize you.

6. Disconnect entirely - When you do take a vacation: turn off your cell phone, don't bring the laptop, don't check your email, don't bring work with you and avoid the temptation to call or visit the office to "check up" on what's happening. If there's an emergency they can't handle, they will find you.

7. Take time off to sharpen skills - If you just can't justify taking time off to kick back and relax, then take time off to learn something new - business or personal. Taking continuing education courses at a local college or business school is a low-cost and effective way to break from your office routine, be with new people and try new things. Some programs are 3-5 days off-site if that fits your schedule better.

8. Keep your priorities straight - When you go through the exercise of listing the things you really care about, is your business really #1, 2, and 3? Outside of work, your priorities might be connecting with family and friends, spending time with kids, cultivating personal interests, staying healthy or pursuing an avocation. To regain balance in your life, you need to keep work, family and personal time in perspective. Those other priorities help you find more enjoyment in your time away from the business.

Let me know if these tips help you take a well-deserved vacation (or two) this summer.

Ajanta Ellora Tour

If you wish to have the wish to experience the flavor of ancient Indian culture you must visit Ajanta Ellora. For this you better opt for Ajanta Ellora tour package in India. The amazing chasm pictures and crafts of those days will make you mad.

Arrive at Mumbai International airport and have your Breakfast at the hotel. Morning is at time off for own actions like swimming, etc. Lunch is served at the hotel. Now you mentally prepare yourself for the forthcoming India cultural tourism as to Ajanta Ellora.

After Breakfast, one hour boat ride across Mumbai quay brings you to the verdant green Elephanta Island where you start experiencing the cultural tourism India package of Ajanta Elllora. Here, visit some of the massive and intricately engraved Elephanta Caves that date back to the 8th century.



For rows of gigantic columns cut into solid rock from three Bravura Boulevard, lead to the wonderful three-headed sculpture representing Brahma the Creator, Vishnu the Preserver and Shiva the Destroyer. Devoted to Shiva, the beauty and power of these phenomenal statuettes depicting the different manifestations of Shiva is uncontrollable. You feel like as you are one of those exquisite ancient “engineers”. There are many organizations that arrange such cultural travel India.

After breakfast go out for a full day trip of Ajanta Caves & Ellora Caves. Ajanta Caves - situated 100kms a 2½ hour drive, and northeast of Aurangabad in the Waghora dell. These splendid rock-cut caves, 30 in number, date from 2nd BC to 7th Century AD. They are completely Buddhist, exceptional in that they mingle three forms of Art - architecture, sculpture and painting. You can consider it as a heritage tour India. The fabulous frescoes and paintings describe episodes from the Jataka stories and the life of Lord Buddha. So, in Ajanta Ellora adventure tour you get taste of both the history and cultural of ancient India. Thus you have a learning experience from this particular India culture tourism package i.e. Ajanta Ellora cultural tourism package.
Early morning shift to the airport for Mumbai.

About Author

Maria visited most of the touring places in India including Ajanta Ellora, she found them best touring places through out the World,
Pls visit at: http://www.allindiatourpackages.com/culture-tours-india/ajanta-ellora-tour.html




Source: ArticleTrader.com

Outdoor Activities Available In Denver

The city of Denver is also the city of outdoors and adventure. The pleasantly warm climate can change at any moment. Therefore, it is always advisable to keep your sweaters or jackets at arms length, wherever you go. It is also to be noted that though it snows at unexpected moments, you can find snow melting away in no time. You will enjoy the climate at the Rocky Mountains beyond the plains. So leave your Denver hotel and get out there to enjoy it.

Activities like bicycling, trekking, hiking, rock climbing, horse riding, camping, canoeing, boating, kayaking, rafting, skiing, fishing, ice fishing, fly fishing, snow mobiles, dirt biking, jet skiing, etc are some of the activities you can pursue while in Denver. The places to look for are Dillon Reservoir, Gross Reservoir, High Line Canal, Eleven Mile Reservoir, Williams Fork Reservoir and Waterton Canyon. Dillon reservoir is known for boat camping. Hunting is prohibited in Denver, but you can go hunting to adjacent state and federal property.

I am not that adventurous; do I have some thing in Denver? Hey, did you ask that question? OK, I will let you know other activities available in Denver too. Are you a lover of the past? Then you can go to different museums in Denver.

The main museums in Denver are:

Buffalo Bill Museum
Colorado Historical Society Museum (see here how Colorado looked 3 million years ago)
Denver Art Museum (a treasure-trove of American Indian and Spanish Art)
Museo de las Americas (learn about the art, life and culture of Latinos in America)
Denver Firefighters' Museum
Colorado Railroad Museum
Denver Children's Museum (designed for children up to age of 8)
Denver Museum of Nature and Science, and
Molly Brown House ("unsinkable" lady millionaire Molly Brown's home - memoirs of Victorian era in Denver)
The Denver Art Museum has just reopened in a stunning new building- an architectural masterpiece.

Advance reserve a trip to Denver mint to have a look at the processes of coin minting. Enjoy dance, theater performance, and enjoy shopping at Denver Pavilion in Sixteenth Street Mall or Larimer Square.

Denver zoo, always filled with some exotic wild animals is another place you can enjoy. You can take a ocean journey at the marine sciences center, where you will find fauna from the depths of the Pacific Ocean.

If you are an ardent fan of artworks, go to the different art galleries of LoDo Historic District. Lower Downtown (LoDo) is also known for its restaurants and shopping centers. Red Rocks Amphitheater is a natural amphitheater, where you can enjoy some summer concerts. LoDo is also a place where you can find many Denver Hotels.

Do you plan a full day playing with roller coasters and water theme games? Six Flags Elitch Gardens is the place to go. Here there is lots of fun for families and singles alike.

Are you in the mood of spoiling your taste buds? You can hit more than a few hundred restaurants serving Italian, Chinese, continental, Indian, culinary delicacies. Most restaurants have an informal setup while some are formal, where you need to observe certain dress code.

Getting around in Denver is not a major hassle as it is in many big cities. Denver is a warm hospitable city. It also gives you a tranquilizing country life experience. Accomodation is available at a wide range of Denver hotels.

About Author

A Lennon is a Denver hotel owner. His property can be viewed at www.bestwesterndenver.com



Source: ArticleTrader.com

Holiday Destinations - The City of Kalamata, Messinia, Greece

The Prefecture of Messinia

Messinia lays on the southern part of mainland Greece, now divided from the mainland by the Corinth Canal. The peninsula hosts some of the most important and impressive ancient sites in Greece. It has a warm winter, it’s not too hot in summer and boasts some of the best and cleanest beaches in the whole of Greece. Even in the height of the summer holiday season there are no more than a handful of people to be seen on them.

The mountain landscape of the Messinian Mani is simple stunning and is dominated by Taygetos, one of the largest mountain ranges in the Peloponnese. Whereas the Messinian peninsular has rolling hills and fertile valleys considered to be the market garden and wine centre of Greece.

Messinia is an ideal place to relax and go for walks. Wander off the beaten track into the old hill towns and discover the true beauty of the region. A world apart from the islands, the beautiful and sparsely populated the Peloponnese is a bastion of disappearing Greek village life. The rural villages in this area are beautifully authentic, traditional and spread out. The local villagers are friendly and welcoming, often plying new tourists with gifts of wine and oranges.

The City of Kalamata

Kalamata is positioned at the head of the crystal clear Messinian Bay, between the Mani and Messini peninsulas and Sparta to the north. This makes Kalamata an ideal base from which to explore the beauty of the surrounding areas. The capital and chief port of Messinia, Kalamata is the land of the Kalamatianos dance and the silk kerchief. Of succulent black olives, honeyed figs and the sesame-covered sweet called pastelli, which can all be sampled at the immense new market near the bus station. Kalamata market is a collection of meats, cheese, and fruit shops as well as a daily farmers market

Kalamata has three districts; the seafront, the residential quarter with its strict grid plan and the old town with its wandering narrow streets. The seafront has all the attributes of a resort: hotels, cafes restaurants, ice cream parlours and bars, but it is fairly low key compared to other towns. The beach is clean and the water is clear and safe for swimming in. Another lovely attraction is the train park at the end of Aristomemous street. It has shady trees, cafes, a performance area, a duck pound, and ice cream parlour in the converted station. Antique trains are displayed on the tracks. Just off the water front is the Kalamata School of Fine Arts which exhibits the work of Greek Artists. The residential quarter was rebuilt after the 1986 earthquake that killed 20 people and left 12,000 homeless

The charming old town is dominated by the 13th century Frankish fortress built by Geoffrey de Villehardouin which rises above Kalamata. On the north side of the citadel there is a small Byzantine church, dedicated to the Virgin of Kalomata (of the good eye), from which the town may have acquired its name.

From the fortress you can survey the expanse of sea below with its sandy and pebbly shores or turn your gaze upon the deep green plain, the "happy land" of the ancients.

The old city with its busy streets and shops reaches out underneath the fortress. Here you will find the Byzantine church of the Virgin Ypapanti and the convent of the Kalograies, where the nuns are famous for weaving and embroidering the Kalamata silks.

There are many churches in town, the oldest being the historic church of Agii Apostoli (13th c.), where the Greek Revolution against the Turks was formally declared on March 23, 1821. And the Benaki Museum displays the archaeological remains from the War of Independence. It also presents a small collection of folklore and fine art exhibits and a library containing 60.000 volumes.

Every summer cultural events like concerts featuring jazz, rock and classical Greek plays put on by the Kalamata theatre are held in the amphitheatre of the fortress. In the evening, the town comes alive, especially along the waterfront which is lined with tavernas, seafood restaurants and rotisseries serving local dishes and drinks, fresh fish, roast suckling pig and chicken, sausages, cheese, olives, retsina and ralki.

Other Useful Information

 Tourist office in Southern Peloponnese 9699500
 Main language/s Greek
 To dial from Southern Peloponnese call 00
 To call to Southern Peloponnese dial 30
 Emergency phone number/s
 British Embassy: (1) 723 6211 Police: 100 Fire: 199 Tourist Police: 171 Auto road assistance - ELPA: 104 Auto road assistance – Express, hospital 0721-85203/25555
 Lost travellers cheques: Thomas Cook: 00-800-4412-8366
 Lost credit cards: Mastercard freephone number: 00-800-11-887-0303 VISA: call collect 24 hours a day 410 581 9994
 Electricity supply 220V, 50Hz
Food: There's a predictably wide choice of seafood and the ouzo is cheap and very good.

Nightlife: The nightlife in Peloponnese resorts tends to be low key and centered around a few bars and clubs, though some tavernas have live music. The emphasis in this area is concentrated on good company and wine.

Shopping: Local arts and crafts, wine and clothes are good buys.

Days out: Hire a boat for a trip around the Messinian Gulf, or rent a car and travel around the Messinia peninsular
Events: Arrange to watch a show at the internationally acclaimed Kalamata Dance Festival, held every summer at the Kalamata Castle, above the town. Check local tourist information. Or for further information call (UK) +44 (020) 7734 5997.

Travel Information

How to get to Messinia

Kalamata airport is served by charter flights from the UK, currently on Sundays, from Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle and East Midlands. Alternatively you can fly to Athens and take an air-conditioned coach to Kalamata (four hours).

The drive from the south of England to here takes about four days with ferry from Ancona to Patras being the easiest. A great drive!

Travel Suggestions

There are many different website and discount travel companies who offer cheap charter flights. You can simply type “charter flights to Kalamata” into a search engine on the website or try some of the sites or companies listed below. The charter flights run from beginning of May to mid October and go from Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle and East Midlands.

Scheduled flights to Athens go mainly from Heathrow, Gatwick and Luton although there are flights from many regional airports (mainly with British Airways). You can book online at their website www.ba.com and they often have competitive fares. www.easyjet.com is also often very competitive with fares from Luton and Gatwick. Olympic airlines are also very good and you can book direct with them at ww.olympicairlines.com

To give you an idea of cost for travel midsummer, a return charter flight from Gatwick to Kalamata averages £230. A return flight on Easyjet to Athens is around £140. A scheduled return flight to Athens on British Airways averages £170. Prices do vary, dependent on how much in advance you book and the time of year you travel. Bargains are often available!

Buses: Buses from Athens to Kalamata run every hour in the mornings and every 2 hours in the afternoon, costing approx. €15 one way.

Car Hire: It is possible to book car hire in advance which may be collected at either Kalamata airport or Athens airport.

Taxis: There are always numerous taxis waiting at Kalamata airport and Athens airport to take you to your holiday accommodation. Taxis from Athens cost approx. €70 from Athens to Kalamata (although you may have to share with other people.

Train: The train station is at the west end of town, between the fortress and the waterfront. Five trains a day to Athens. Three a day to Patra. 0721-23904

Companies to try for competitive priced flights:

www.flycheapuk.com
www.go-nowtravel.com
www.wecanbookit.com
www.greektourismtravel.co.uk
www.mytravellite.com
www.lastminute.com
www.cheapflights.co.uk
www.charterflights.co.uk
www.skydeals.co.uk (tel: 0800 298 0912)
Argo Holidays 0870 0667070

The Greek National Tourism Organisation has a website with useful information: www.gnto.gr

For further information about Messina follow the link http://Blog.r-and-c-pms.biz

About Our Company

R & C Property Management Services can help you look for the prefect holiday rental accommodation for your dream holiday in Messinia, Greece. We have a selection of holiday rentals in the Kalamata area. To view our website for further information click the following link. http://r-and-c-pms.biz/

About Author

Claire May is the owner of R & C Property Management Services which offers full property management and real estate services including; building maintenance and renovations. We can care for your holiday home and for your holiday guests. Or simply find you a property to rent for your holiday. For more details about our services look at our website. http://r-and-c-pms.biz.html



Source: ArticleTrader.com

Malta Tourism In Freefall

Tourism figures just released show a fall in the number of visitors to Malta for the first six months of 2006 compared to the same period last year, adding pressure to the Malta government to secure a deal to allow low cost airlines to fly to the Mediterranean island to reverse the trend.

The fall of 2.4 per cent of visitors included a decrease in the important British, French and German markets, but a welcome increase in Italian tourists.

Commenting on the news one local travel guide said 'if it hadn't been for the increase in visitors from Italy it would have been far worse. The UK, Germany and France still account for nearly two in three holidaymakers coming to Malta, and if these markets decline further the island will become less and less attractive to the tour operators to promote'.

Rumours in the island's tourism industry earlier this year suggested that one of the major UK tour operators was considering pulling Malta out of their holiday brochures, which could have led to others taking the same action, but so far these rumours have not become reality. If they were to it would have a major impact on Malta's economy.

Unemployment is running at over 8 per cent in Malta, and tourism is a major industry and employer.

The Malta hotel industry was particularly badly affected by the drop of visitors for January to June, with a near three per cent drop compared to 2006.
Malta Holidays

The Malta travel guide also commented on the delay in the introduction of low cost airlines to Malta and the possibility from that of an increase in tourist numbers.

With worrying signs that the number of tourists for the whole of 2006 visiting Malta could be similar, or perhaps even down from 2005, the opportunity for the island to have low cost flights operating from the UK appears to have slipped by for the all important summer season.

The island's official airline, Air Malta, reported a drop of over two per cent in the number of passengers it carried in the year from March 2005 to March 2006.

The hope among hoteliers and others involved in the Malta accommodation trade is that at least one of the low cost airlines will start operating from the UK and perhaps other parts of Europe in the near future to boost visitor numbers.

'With the holiday market vital to the Malta economy,' comment the guide, 'potentially millions in lost revenue will be lost this year because of delays in agreeing to allow the low cost airlines to fly into Malta. In today's world Malta has to compete with new destinations in Europe as well as Spain and her islands. Cheap Malta flights aren't in themselves enough to sustain tourism at reasonable levels anymore, although this will be welcome, but the trick of sustained tourism is to have repeat business, and unless Malta attracts new first time visitors then repeat business is an impossibility'.

About Author

For a Malta map and a seven day forecast for the Malta weather visit YourMalta.com



Source: ArticleTrader.com