Eastern Influences On Western Interiors: Japanese Décor - Part I of II - Color, Texture and Contrast, Display

The topic of eastern influences on western interiors is a very broad subject. Many countries, such as China, Japan, Tibet, etc., have had an influence. Therefore, I have chosen to focus on one country for this article, Japan.

Characteristics of Japanese Interiors

1.. COLOR:

Japanese interiors generally use neutral, natural colors, to provide a simple background. Interiors emphasize architecture, and as a result, provide a sense of geometric order. In addition, natural colors minimize a feeling of clutter, which is also essential to eastern design and its philosophy of simplicity. When a statement is made in a Japanese interior, it is usually through a single strong exclamation of color or a predominant texture.

Eastern art colors are pure. Unlike western art, which mixes color and refines sketches, eastern art is original. This means the initial color and/or brush stroke is the final result. Western art is often complex, whereas eastern art is simple, strong, and graphic.

Black is often considered a "non-color" in western society, yet, it is very important in eastern interiors. The use of black in oriental rooms lends definition and form. For example, black is a color in its own right, when used with white rice paper in a shoji screen.

2.. TEXTURE & CONTRAST:

Some Japanese textures and materials that immediately come to mind are cedar, rice paper, maple, bamboo, stone, and woven wicker. One might also think of textured silk, tatami floor mats, and the elaborate needlework of kimonos and obi's.

Japanese culture seeks to balance opposites in all aspects of life (yin and yang), and interiors are no exception. Interior finishes can be highly opposing and contrasting, and yet achieve balance. Examples are, highly polished floors with heavily textured mats, a lacquered box displayed on top of a rough wooden table, or white pebbles on a polished black granite ledge around a tub.

3.. DISPLAY:

Western homes typically use an object on the perimeter as a focal point, such as a fireplace, a painting, or an elaborate window treatment. Eastern interiors, on the other hand, focus on a central object, such as a hearth (irori), a garden, an altar, or an elaborate still life composition.

Japanese homes also commonly have display alcoves, called tokonoma. Objects placed in these alcoves generate two types of feelings, either (1) a natural or organic feel, by displaying an odd number of objects together, or (2) an ordered and disciplined environment by using an even quantity. For example, three calligraphy brushes in a cup would be organic, and four pebbles on a dish would be disciplined.

Japanese displays are fluid. In other words, a Japanese alcove may display a scroll one-week, and a set of pots the next. Eastern cultures tend to store and rotate objects. (This is probably for two reasons; (1) limited space, and, (2) visual pollution, outside the home, as the population increases.) Japanese displays are a reflection of the season, celebration, or honored guest. This minimal approach focuses on the quality and craftsmanship.

Instead of rotating objects, westerners tend to "display it all." (I guess its because they we're afraid someone whose given us something may come over and we won't have it out?) A westerner would also tend to add to a display to create a balance, whereas an easterner would create harmony by taking away. To easterners, less is more, order is harmony, and there is a place for everything and everything is in its place.

This concludes Part I. Part II of Eastern Influences on Western Interiors: Japanese Décor will focus on the Tea Ceremony, Furnishings, and Antiques or Reproductions.

About The Author

Catherine McGivern is a professional interior designer who hosts www.aboutdecorating.net. About Decorating is devoted to home decorating information and resources. And, to helping visitors find the best decorating products at economical prices. The site also features a free newsletter, and free 20MB community web sites.

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Why DO the Japanese Have The Longest Lifespan?

A recent statistic in the World Bank Group states that the Japanese have the longest lifespan in the world. Japanese men live be 78 years old on average while the average lifespan of a Japanese woman is 85. How do the Japanese do it?

After personally experiencing the Japanese lifestyle in Tokyo for five years, I learned a little about why Japanese people live so long and will share a few of their secrets. This month will feature Part 1: It’s All in the Food. Part 2: Live the Lifestyle will appear in the April edition of eNews at www.magneticrevolution.com

Part 1: It’s All in the Food

The Japanese diet does not center on delicacies eaten solely for taste. In fact, most dishes are consumed based on the health benefits people gain from them. Conscious decisions are based on ‘What would be good for me?’ as opposed to ‘What do I feel like eating?’ This leads one to contemplate what is the diet for the average Japanese person and what are their secrets?

Secret #1: Eating fish instead of red meat lowers the risk of heart attacks.

For a source of protein, fish is a common staple in most meals. Red meat is significantly more expensive and less frequently consumed. Fish is healthier and the fresher it is the better. Keep in mind that not all fish in Japan is consumed raw, there are many ways that fish is prepared (grilled, baked, fried, poached, etc) and served. Furthermore, Japanese women believe that the skin on fish helps bring out the natural beauty of their skin and improves their complexion.

Secret #2: Soy products help reduce heart disease and high blood pressure and are a great source of protein.

Tofu and soy products are also staples in the Japanese diet. Considering that saturated fats from meat and dairy products increase cholesterol, it is encouraging to know that foods derived from plants such as soy actually have the opposite effect. Soybeans provide adequate protein without the saturated fat and cholesterol of meats and high-fat dairy. Soy sauce, tofu, and natto (soy beans mixed with raw egg served over rice) are a few examples of soy products consumed daily.

Secret #3: Wheat and buckwheat flour helps in the digestive process.

The consumption of starches is at a minimum and usually contains no white flour. Japanese noodles are made from wheat flour or buckwheat flour. Both are significantly healthier than enriched white flour. Rice is a staple in the diet but consists of a small bowl at meals. The significance is to cleanse the mouth when changing dishes. Rice will remove the flavor in one’s mouth much like cheese and crackers when sampling wines.

Secret #4: Smaller portions reduce the opportunity for excessive eating.

Traditional Japanese meals are about half the regular portion of western dishes. Even though most dishes are viewed as healthy, portions are still relatively small.

Secret #5: Oolong tea counter balances some of the effects unhealthy food has on the body.

Finally, the consumption of Japanese green tea or Chinese oolong tea, served hot or cold, has numerous health benefits. Tea has half the caffeine of coffee. Oolong tea, in particular, helps to break up oil in the digestive system and is usually consumed at mealtime, particularly when fried or breaded foods are being served.

These five secrets help to explain why the Japanese are so healthy and have the longest life expectancy. Part 2: Live the Lifestyle will appear in next month’s edition of eNews at www.magneticrevolution.com, and will describe daily life habits in Japan. If you have any comments or questions please send them to: info@magneticrevolution.com.

Here’s to your health!

Peter McGarry
info@magneticrevolution.com

About The Author

For additional free information on health issues regarding fitness, nutrition, environment and financial well-being please visit www.magneticrevolution.com. This site is a guide to improving your quality of life.
info@magneticrevolution.com

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Italian Village Vacation: A Completely Different Experience

Traveling through Italy allows a wealth of options. Its northern regions feature the permanently snow capped Italian Alps and its southern regions are at a similar latitude to northern Africa. The beaches range from hidden little coves unknown to all but a few local residents on the shores of Sardinia or Sicily to those that are so crowded in August you can not rent a chair after 10 am. The cities range from the highly cosmopolitan, multi million inhabitants metropoli of Rome and Milan to medium sized but growing cities such as Florence and Bologna and reach to the amazing beautiful little villages that are scattered throughout the peninsula from the heel of the boot on northward. You can arrange everything from slow, relaxing holidays in Italy to a frenetically paced whirlwind tour.

If you have already done the type of vacation where you have only 2 3 days in a city with an itinerary packed chock full of sight seeing, museums and tight travel schedules, maybe it is time to consider one of the different holidays Italy has to offer. Some cities seem to suit themselves to faster paced travel. Who could imagine Milan during Fashion Week on a slow pace? While other parts of the country embrace the mentality of relaxing holidays in Italy, with the Italians themselves spending multiple weeks bronzing themselves on Mediterranean shores in August. A small, tranquil location surrounded with natural beauty and the characteristic charm that defines the Italian scenery may be just the escape you need.

Along with the growth of the Slow Food movement, there is increasing interest in a Slow Travel movement. A different holiday in Italy, from the jetting from Milan for two days to Rome for two days, taking the train to Florence for one day and then back on the train up to Milan, is becoming more popular. The idea of really soaking up the essence of a city or village, and unpacking only once, is becoming more and more appealing to people. The rush from airport to train station to taxi to hotel and back is beginning to take a back seat to the idea of taking at least a week in one place. Enjoying a relaxing holiday in Italy, either in a quiet village or on a sun soaked shore and really exploring and getting to know the people and the culture is a plan almost everyone can gives a thumbs up to.

Taking the quiet route, with a slower pace, and making the next trip a different holiday in Italy than previous trips may be exactly what many people need to recharge after the stress of the everyday depletes their energy stores. The appreciation for a slightly slower pace of life and enjoying all that surrounds you; whether it is scenery, your spouse or your dinner will make most people breathe more easily and smile more frequently. Taking the time to walk slowly, stop and speak to the locals and savor all the fresh local food that the surrounding countryside brings to your table will send you back home not needing a vacation to recover from your vacation.

About the Author: Roberta Leoni collaborates with many tour operators and writes for http://www.italianvillagevacation.com, the best place where to spend different, relaxing holidays in Italy.

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Cheap Ideas For Family Holidays

Holidays have never been this exciting as today. The development of tourism and travel amenities have changed vacation retreats and ventures from how they were used to be. But when holidays are on the hype and summer is fast approaching, money problems have hindered families to enjoy a few days of vacation.

Planning a vacation holiday with your family can be difficult, especially when finances is the real concern. But there are some companies that provides great discounts on resort vacation exclusively to their members. They do this by making agreements with resorts for lodging accommodations and give those discounts to their members.

To keep the cost down and to be able to come up with a wonderful vacation for you and your family, people are now getting into the holiday programs that purchase accommodations at resorts across the globe. Fees are relatively affordable and they also offer one time upfront fees for you to receive lifetime memberships to take advantage of their best packages. The best thing abut these programs is the money you save on your vacation lodging will quickly pay for the membership.

You can get lodging as cheap as $300 for a whole week stay. Plus, they have contacts to resorts worldwide in some of the best destination to spend the holidays. You can go for a cold vacation and enjoy skiing in places like Lake Tahoe, Utah, or Switzerland. You can also find great bargains on lodging whenever you decide a trip going to Disneyland or other theme parks or cut off prices from your tropical getaway in Hawaii.

Since everyone or every family likes to get some time off and unwind for a short while by taking vacations, the travel business became one of the largest industries in the world. But keeping the prices to accessible for the average family is getting a lot more difficult because the cost of amenities, fare and even food is rising. One alternative many vacationers have used in the past is getting a time share program. They do this by buying a certain week at a vacation condo, and you go there each year during that week. You pay the initial cost to be able to get into the program and then you have yearly dues. But you can deed your ownership of your time share to someone else, or give it to your children. Sometimes you can trade your week so you can have a different week, or go to a different place within their system.

Motor homes also provides another great way for people to enjoy a holiday vacations. Though the initial cost is a bit high but you are free to go where you want as long as there are campgrounds and accommodations in the area you are headed. You can have a very flexible schedule and you can hit theroad anytime . You can keep your motor home stocked up and ready to roll at a moments notice. You can usually find RV campgrounds near most resort areas.

About the Author: Know how to enjoy a holiday while paying lesser than usual at Cheap Holidays 24 (http://www.cheapholidays24.co.uk/). Visit us and read our latest article for Cheap Holidays: Cruises (http://www.cheapholidays24.co.uk/cruises.aspx) for more excellent tips.

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Cheap Cruise... The Absolute Best Kind of Cruising Experience

Do you want to take a cruise… a really cheap cruise?

Are you looking for the best cruise deal? Do you want to get great discounts?

Here are a few ways you can go on a cheap cruise:

1. One way is if you check out sites like Travelocity and Hotwire to see what kind of deals they have on cruise vacations. Travelocity cruise collects many travel packages from many of the ship lines (including Holland America and Norwegian)together so you can select the best deals that are right for you. You’re sure to find deals there!

2. Another way is to go directly to the cruise lines websites and ask to speak directly to one of their expert planners through their toll free reservation numbers. They may have the “inside scoop” on ways to get a cheap cruise from their site.

For additional information, click to the sites like Royal Caribbean or Princess or Carnival. If you speak to enough of their reservation specialists, you’re sure to find a cheap cruise!

3. Another way to get great rates is to book a reservation at the last minute. Like many other businesses in the hospitality industry, ships have a capacity they try to run at. If they haven’t sold out their capacity – a certain number of reservations – they’ll give great discounts at blow out rates.

The result? A cheap cruise for you! This is probably the best way to go… ...the only drawback is that you have to make your travel plans at the last minute. But if you’re the kind of person who just wants to go on a cruise – and you’re able to leave at a moment’s notice – the end result is that you can enjoy some of the best bargains around.

4. Still another way to go is to find a few of your closest friends who also want to take a vacation and all of you book at once. Many of the cruise lines offer multiple passenger discounts when you make a group reservation (for example) ten people or more. If you can find that number of people who are willing to go, you get to go on a holiday for free! Or, you can split the discounts between you and so that everyone pays a very low rate.

5. Yet another way to go on a cheap cruise is to book a shorter duration or make a reservation on a ship line that is not as well known. For example, if you’re willing to forego a great Bermuda or that glorious Alaska cruise, you can find a a discount by taking a Yangtze (up the Yangtze river in China) or a Galveston cruise or a Nile cruise or a Mississippi cruise. So many options! Or, save your money this year for a great world cruise next year and just book a dinner cruise for you and a loved one. You’ll enjoy it… and you’ll enjoy saving for your holiday in the future.

6. The last way to get a great trip is to get a job on board. If you work on these floating hotels, you’ll be able to go on the trip and get paid for it! Sure, you won’t spend as much time on the deck soaking up the sun, but you’ll still be cruising around on the ocean in a beautiful and luxurious environment. It won’t be as a passenger, but it will be a cheap cruise trip you won’t forget.

About the Author: To get a really great cruising experience, be sure to visit the highly rated website at: http://www.Cruise-Tips.com. This quality site has cruise information on all the major ship lines including getting helpful information about a cheap cruise along with vacation tips, hints and ideas.

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A Short Guide To Having Fun In Italy

The best time to go to Italy could well be, well, anytime. In reality the best time is between April and June as the flood of school holidays hasnt yet hit the roads, the countryside is at its fullest bloom and the weather isnt uncomfortably hot yet.

When deciding at which time of the year to go to Italy it may be worth scheduling around a couple of festivals as they are invariably spectacular occasions.

Here is a shortlist of the best on offer:

Festa dei Ceri, Umbria in May
Il Palio, Siena in July and August
Carnevale, Venice in February
Festa di San Gennaro, Naples in December
I Candelieri, Sardinia in August
Palio delle Quattro Antiche Repubbliche Marinare, Venice / Pisa / Amalfe / Genoa in May / June
Processione dei Serpari, Abruzzo in May
Sa Sartiglia, Sardinia in February
Umbria Jazz, Perugia in July

In August prices tend to skyrocket across the country along with the weather, so is best avoided. However, that is not true of the whole of the country. In a country such as Italy the weather is incredibly diverse, ranging from stifling heat in the low-lands of Florence to the snow-capped chills of the Alps and the Dolomites.

Overall you can expect long hot summers the further south you are, with Sicily and Sardinia enjoying the best of all, where sea swimming is possible right into mid October.

Italy is a fairly expensive country with accommodation being the single most costly aspect of a trip. You may find cheaper accommodation out of the city centres and in surrounding satellite towns. Expect to pay around 12 to 20 euros for a youth hostel, 25 to 45 euros for a basic pensione or small hotel, and around 70 to 120 euros for a mid-range hotel.

Eating out is an incredible experience throughout Italy. As any Italian will tell you, there really is no such thing as Italian food, as each region tends to be known for its particular specialities. Budget for around 20 to 35 euros for a great full-course meal with a house wine on average.

The delectable Cucina Italiana is never far away in Italy. If youre a bit of a gastronomic connoiseur then id recommend touring around the Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna and Umbria regions for the quintessential food tour.

Shop for Italian delights to take home in the Mercato delle Erbe in Bologna, then head off to nearby Modena for a bottle of perhaps the worlds finest balsamic vinegar.

Next pick up a delicious antipasto in the most well-known food town of Parma - see Parma ham and Parmesan cheese.

For you first dish perhaps Umbria for some umbricelli (pasta served with shaved truffles). If you can try to get your hands on the ever-elusive tartufo nero or black truffle from Norcia.

For the next course perhaps a taste of the infamous bistecca alla fiorentina from Florence or head to Perugia for a porchetta, an Umbrian speciality of suckling pig stuffed with its own liver plus a handful of wild fennel and rosemary.

What to drink with these delights? Head to the Chianti region for a rocking red, or Orvieto for a succulent and sharp white.

Round off this tour with dessert in Siena in the form of a slice of panforte, a hard flatcake of candied fruits and nuts, or perhaps cantucci e vin santo (yes you guessed it - a biscuit doused in sweet white wine), a Tuscan speciality.

Getting around Italy is relatively easy and cheap, although car hire prices are on the rise. If you decide to take a train the regionale (local stopping trains) are much cheaper than the diretto (fast intercity and eurostar trains) and in my opinion are far more rewarding as you get to see more and take photos along the way.

It youre in search of good reading to help in capturing the spirit of Italy then id recommend picking up a copy of Il Gattopardo by GT di Lampedusa, The Aeneid by Virgil, La Storia by Elsa Morate or perhaps Grazia Deledda's Canne al Vento.

Have fun!

About The Author

Jacob Fiennes is an enthusiastic traveller and photographer with a passion for discovery. He is a founder and regular contributor to the hugely popular worldwide hotel reservations site TravelBX.com. Visit the site for your next hotel room reservation, flight ticket, tailored holiday package and much more.

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Gap Year in Italy, The Ideal Program To Study Abroad In Italy

Once again, Scuola Leonardo da Vinci, one of Italy's largest provider of in-country Italian courses in Italy, is announcing the new programs for the year 2006 presenting innovative plans to promote the learning of the Italian language. Now, universities, colleges, community colleges, high schools and students worldwide are invited to read about our wide choice of Italian language and cultural courses.

This year following the great success of the inaugural Academic School Year in 2005, Scuola Leonardo da Vinci will feature the Academy School Year course in Italy in all its school centers (Florence, Milan. Rome and Siena).

The "Academic Year" is a 32 week language and culture course for students who wish to experience living and studying in Italy. The course combines not only language courses with Italian culture classes at the Scuola Leonardo da Vinci but the syllabus also incorporates the fundamental elements of level C2 of the European Language Portfolio. "All in all, the course offers students the opportunity to see at first hand the various aspects of Italy’s rich history and culture", said Chiara Poggi, the Head of Studies of the Italian School in Florence.

Needless to say, lessons are taught only in Italian from the very start. "At the end of the course, the student is ready to write a final dissertation on a topic related to Italian culture (art, history and business Italian)", said Wolfango Poggi, director of the Italian language school Leonardo da Vinci in Milan.

Created to provide an opportunity for motivated and deserving students to experience the magic of study abroad one year, the Academic Year Program in Italy aims to:

* progress from the Beginner and/or the Elementary level to the Intermediate stages, working on the basics of Italian grammar (articles, prepositions, present and past tenses) to more complex subjects such as the subjunctive.

* develop speaking and listening skills through daily conversation classes

* give an introduction to the everlasting beauty and charm of Italian art

* take you through the world of business and current affairs and the world of fashion: a sector where Italian artists are at the leading edge, where we aim to reveal some of the secrets behind the “Made in Italy” label.

* allow you to understand the mixture of tradition and change which characterizes contemporary Italy.

When asked about her experience, Sanda S., who studied in Milan with Scuola Leonardo da Vinci last year, commented: "I was delighted at the chance to travel to Italy and attend Scuola Leonardo da Vinci for 32 weeks. I believe the programme helped me to improve my Italian in a friendly and supportive environment. I really enjoyed meeting people from around the world. Being able to study in Italy also helped me gain an understanding of the Italian culture. It was certainly an experience I will never forget and intend to repeat in the future."

Program details and supporting information, including students opinions and histories on the Academic Year Experince in Italy, may be found on the Scuola Leonardo da Vinci Web site at http://www.scuolaleonardo.com/gap-year-in-italy.php. Next Starting dates, as written on the Web Site, are 02 January, 08 May and 25 September 2006.

For 29 years, Scuola Leonardo da Vinci (www.scuolaleonardo.com), the market leader in in-country Italian language courses, has been exclusively dedicated to the teaching of Italian to foreigners. Each year the company welcomes students from 60 countries to its schools in Florence, Milan, Rome and Siena. The company’s Web site, www.scuolaleonardo.com, an Italian language portal offering informations and pages of Italian language courses, culture and resources on 12 languages, receives more than 3,000 visits daily.

For general questions, contact the Marketing Office of Scuola Leonardo da Vinci.

Information and Registration Center (Florence, Italy)
Tel.: +39-055-29.03.05 - Fax: +39-055-290396
http://www.scuolaleonardo.com - scuolaleonardo@scuolaleonardo.com

About The Author

Scuola Leonardo da Vinci is one of Italy's largest provider of in-country Italian courses in Italy since 1977. It is present in the most beautiful cities of Italy (Florence, Milan, Rome and Siena). Each year the company welcomes students from 60 countries to its schools: http://www.scuolaleonardo.com

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Wonderful Queensland The Sunshine State

When a state is blessed with a warm, sunny climate, an abundance of beautiful scenery, and a coastline that is the envy of the world, it is hardly surprising that thousands come each year to visit. Indeed, many locals will tell you that Queensland, with its relaxed lifestyle and friendly atmosphere, is the best place in which to live, work, and retire.

This is a State full of extremes. In the far west the Simpson Desert, with its dunes and inhospitable gibber plains gives way to the Channel Country, an area laced with an intricate web of often dry streams that after heavy rain may spill to cover the land like a vast brown sea.

Eastern Queensland’s spine is the Great Dividing Range, a mighty barrier that separates the fertile coastal plain from the vast outback tracts extending to the State’s western border. Stretching from Cape York to the southern border and beyond, the Great Divide comprises a series of high mountains, tablelands, and low rolling hills. Here, rainforest gives way to eucalypt woodland, waterfalls fed by tropical rains tumble over rock faces and escarpments, and boulder studded streams flow through deep gorges.

The coastline is another world. Washed by the brilliant blue waters of the Coral Sea, long sandy beaches fringed with tropical vegetation edge the shores, broken only by rocky headlands and mangrove forests. Lying off shore is a multitude of islands and one of the world’s great natural wonders: the Great Barrier Reef.

The second largest State in Australia, Queensland covers an area of more than 1.7 million square kilometres in the north east corner of the continent. The northern marine boundary, passing within a few kilometres of Papua New Guinea’s coastline, includes the 200 odd islands lying off Cape York Peninsula in the Torres Strait; to the east, it includes all the islands within the Great Barrier Reef.

Until 1859, Queensland was part of New South Wales. The first European settlement, a penal colony, was established at Moreton Bay in 1824 and soon afterwards was moved to the present site of Brisbane — the State’s capital city. By 1839 nearly all the convicts had been returned to Sydney and the district was opened to free settlers.

The Brisbane settlement grew slowly at first; when the area was proclaimed the Colony of Queensland in 1859 the population was 23,520. Today, the State has a population exceeding 4 million — of which nearly half live in the Brisbane Ipswich urban area.

For the Aborigines — the original inhabitants of the land — many parts of Queensland are ritual grounds of sacred Dreamtime legends, and there are important traditional rock art sites, particularly on Cape York Peninsula in the north. It was in this area that a race of hunters and gatherers came to the Australian continent some 40,000 years ago, coming in across the Torres Strait when it was dry land during the last ice age.

Just over half of the State lies between the Tropic of Capricorn and 10 degrees south of the Equator. Inland, the summers are hot, but on the coastal plain the temperatures are milder — with far higher humidity. Winters are much drier and delightfully warm, though in the far south, nights can be quite cold with frost appearing on higher ground. Snow falls occasionally in the highlands near the border around Stanthorpe and Wallangarra.

The rainy season falls between December and March April, and it is during this time that the coast may be lashed by tropical cyclones. Rainfall varies enormously throughout the State, with the heaviest falls on the north eastern slopes and coast lands Tully averages 4550 mm annually and has the reputation of being the wettest town in Australia. Whereas Birdsville in the far west only averages an annual 150 mm and in drought it might not rain for years.

Agriculture is a major industry. Cattle and sheep graze on the grassy western plains, their drinking water supplied by a myriad bores that tap the vast store of underground water in the Great Artesian Basin. On the fertile tablelands of the Great Divide and the lush coastal plains farms grow a wide variety of produce from cotton to sugar cane, to peanuts, pineapples and a host of other tropical fruit and vegetables. The State is also rich in mineral deposits including bauxite, coal, oil, copper, silver, and gold. Indeed, the discovery of gold in the last century and the subsequent mining in the 1870s 80s did much to establish many of the coastal and inland centres throughout Queensland.

One of Queensland’s most important growth industries is tourism. Not only have overseas visitors discovered this favourable holiday destination, but Australians from other States now come in huge numbers. In winter, thousands flock to coastal caravan parks and holiday flats to exchange chilly southern days for delectably warm, sunny weather.

Apart from the lure of a warm climate, people return many times over to Queensland because there is just so much to do and see. Self drive holidays are probably the most popular, but for those who do not wish to drive, there is a vast number of conducted tours to choose from. Accommodation ranges from remote bush camps to five star luxury hotels with every type imaginable in between.

About the Author:
Escape Travel has a range of affordable and exciting Queensland holidays and New Zealand Holidays. Visit http://www.escapetravel.com.au/newzealandholidays/ today.

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Some Fun Facts About Scotland

The Gaelic word for Scotland is Alba.

Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom (in the North West of Europe), occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain.

Scotland is a mountainous country and shares a border with England to the South and is bounded by the North Sea to the East, the Atlantic Ocean to the North / West, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the South West.

Scotland consists of over 790 islands (with around 130 inhabited) in addition to the mainland, including the Northern Isles, (sometimes known as the Shetland Islands) and the Hebrides.

Edinburgh is the country’s capital and second largest city as well as one of Europe’s largest financial centres. It was also the first city in the world to have its own fire brigade.

The largest city in Scotland is Glasgow.

The highest point in Scotland is Ben Nevis at 1,343m.

Scotland is famous for its fresh water lochs (lakes) – there are over 600 square miles of them. The most famous is Loch Ness where a dinosaur like monster is said to lurk in the water but this has not been proven.

Famous Scottish inventors include Alexander Graham Bell (Telephone) and Alexander Fleming (Penicillin).

Culture lovers from around the world come to Edinburgh for its famous arts festival.

The national flag of Scotland is known as the Saltire or St. Andrew’s Cross.

“Flower of Scotland” is popularly held to be the National Anthem of Scotland. Scotland the Brave is used for the Scottish team at the Commonwealth Games.

The largest lake in Scotland is Loch Lomond: 60sq km (40 km long).
St Andrew’s Day (30 November) is the national day, although Burns’ Night tends to be more widely observed.

Scotland currently has a population of just over 5 million.

Edinburgh, like Rome, was built on seven hills.

Tourism is recognised as a key contributor to the Scottish economy. A briefing published in 2002 by the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe) for the Scottish Parliament’s Enterprise and Life Long Learning Committee stated that tourism accounted around 5 of GDP and 7.5 of employment in Scotland.

Famous musicians from Scotland include Annie Lennox, Wet Wet Wet, Travis and Simple Minds.

Members of the European Union can apply for jobs in Scotland and other nationalities can apply for a visa subject to meeting requirements.

The most famous football teams in Scotland are Glasgow Celtic and Glasgow Rangers.

Scottish music is an important aspect of the nation’s culture, with both traditional and modern influences. A well known traditional Scottish instrument is the Great Highland Bagpipes, a wind instrument consisting of three drones and a melody pipe (called the chanter), which are fed continuously by a reservoir of air in a bag.

The thistle is Scotland’s Floral emblem.

There are many famous universities in Scotland including the University of St. Andrews, Edinburgh University and Glasgow University.

The currency in Scotland is Pound Sterling.

The longest river is the Tay at 121 miles.

Scotland is in the Greenwich Mean Time time zone.

About the Author:
Albert Beetons wrote this article about Scotland on behalf ofhttp://www.creageiridh.co.uk Scottish Holiday Houses and http://www.casaphoenix.co.uk/ Spanish Villa Rental

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Five Iconic Ramblers

Some of the greatest figures in history have been wanderers and travellers, content only when on journeys of discovery. In tribute to some of these iconic figures, and to provide something to muse upon on your next trekking holiday, the following is a guide to five of these outstanding individuals.

Five Iconic Ramblers

5. William Wordsworth

Average time spent on a trekking holiday?: A Sabbatical Year

If ever there were a peculiarly English dedication to rambling, it was embodied in the life of William Wordsworth. Famously living in Grasmere in the heart of the Lake District, he would compose poetry and prose while hiking the north of England alongside intimate contemporary S.T.Coleridge. He famously spent his twentieth year on a grand European holiday, walking extensively throughout the alpine regions and crossing the Simplon Pass.

4. Bilbo Baggins

Average time spent on a trekking holiday?: One Adventurous Year

Though an extremely unwilling rambler, Bilbo can be said to be one of the most accomplished in literature. Despite his diminutive size, mild manner and perennial hunger for home comforts he travels far from his verdant homeland to the dark forest of Mirkwood, the land of the Elves and on to the Lonely Mountain; spending much of this time separated from his companions. A tremendous achievement for any Hobbit, and an adventure that lays the foundation for the trials of his adopted ward Frodo in The Lord of the Rings.

3. Grendel

Average time spent on a trekking holiday?: Unknown

“…from the moorland, by misty crags, with God’s wrath laden, Grendel came”… Though very little is revealed of Grendel in the classic Beowulf, we are told that both he and his mother are descendents of Cain, who himself was cursed to wander the world in repentance for the murder of his brother Abel. Presumably the monstrous Grendel shares the same fate, and so who could put a figure on the extent of his travels? What we can be certain of is that he would make an extremely poor partner for a walking holiday.

2. Charles Darwin

Average time spent on a trekking holiday?: Five Revelatory Years

The voyage of the Beagle, immortalised in the text of the same name, lasted five years from 1831 to 1836. While Captain Fitzroy and the vessel spent the majority of that period mapping coastlines, Darwin, who was serving as a naturalist to the expedition, spent much of his time on land observing and categorising creatures from all across the Southern Hemisphere. As one might expect this was far from a holiday, walking great distances being a daily task. From these years of diligent labour was born the theory of evolution and a sea change in the philosophical history of Man.

1. Ranulph Fiennes

Average time spent on a trekking holiday?: One Week to Three Years

Among this remarkable man’s achievements are; travelling up the length of the white Nile by hovercraft, running seven marathons in seven days on seven continents, and travelling from one pole of the earth to the other by land. He has also taken part in various expeditions to climb Everest and several solo and unsupported attempts to reach the poles. Familiar with every one of the harshest environments on the planet, there can be few people in history that have seen so much or travelled so far.

About the Author:
Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. A long-established and highly respected company, they have been operating since 1946 and now offer over 250 holidays in more than 70 different countries. They are dedicated to providing the very finest http://www.ramblersholidays.co.uk walking holidays at the best value prices.

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London’s Best Hotel Rates and Discounts

London gives more emphasis on their historic and ancient culture. These are national tourist attractions visited by millions of tourists yearly. London has many hotels, some luxurious and some simple, catering to all social classes.

London is a city bountiful of scenic views. The architectural glory of the magnificent Buckingham Palace can be seen here. The Cathedral of St. Paul, the Tower of London and the Westminster Abbey are all found in London also. The Royal Botanical Garden and other botanical gardens surround the area.

The England Museum narrates the beginnings of London through the artifacts it holds inside. It houses the ancient gold bars and other important historic belongings of London.

London is also famous for sports like tennis, golf and ice skating.

London has so many hotels for its many visitors. There’s absolutely a hotel that will suit one’s budget, be it for leisure or a business trip.

Here are some of the more affordable hotels available:

Express by Holiday Inn Greenwich

Express Greenwich is a 3 star hotel. It is seven floors high with 162 guestrooms overlooking the Thames river banks and the panoramic views of Docklands. Express hotel is surrounded by pre historic Greenwich Village and just 20 minutes travel by tube to get into the Excel Center. The tube can also bring you in the nearby Millennium Way from North Greenwich.

Rooms are all practically designed with comfort and reason. Each room provides coffee maker, one king sized bed or two queen sized beds, hairdryer, bathroom with complete set of toiletries, and a working desk with lamp.

Board basis: Bed and Continental Breakfast

Family rooms: Up to 2 children below 19 years old is free, sharing with 2 adults inclusive of breakfast

Lowest rate: Only £65 per night

Hotel rating: 3 stars
Check in: 3:00 pm
Check out: 12:00 pm

Central Park Hotel

Central Park is a modern hotel in a strategic location. It is adjacent to the magnificent Kensington Garden and Hyde Park. Central Park is just a block away from Queensway tube station, and near many shopping areas along Bond Street. It only takes a few minutes to get to The West End Theater. The Paddington to Heathrow Express and Covent Garden is along the way.

Central Park Hotel has 264 guestrooms, all furnished with 1 king sized bed or 2 double sized beds complete with pillow top and mattresses, satellite television, tea and coffee maker, hairdryer, telephone, safe, bathroom with toiletries and plump bathrobes.

Continental breakfast is served with tea or coffee depending on your choice. Eat healthy cereal, croissants, milk, butter, rolls, toast, and/or preserves, all inclusive of the accommodation. Breakfast upgrades and Master Continental breakfast are available at the lobby with an additional charge of £3.75 per person. The Master English breakfast buffet is charged £5 per person.

Board basis: Bed and Continental Breakfast

Family rooms: 1 child below 4 years old is free, sharing with 2 adults

Lowest rate: From £174 now only £79 per night
hotel rating: 3 stars

Check in: 3:00 pm
Check out: 12:00 noon

Quality Westminster Hotel

The Quality Westminster Hotel is a 19th century construction located in one the most beautiful and serene garden square at the center of London. The hotel is adjacent to the famous Buckingham Palace, Houses of Parliament and the Westminster Cathedral. The tube and railway stations at Victoria Square are all accessible and just a few minutes walk away from Quality Westminster and other landmarks.

Quality Westminster has a total of 107 bedrooms, all equipped and furnished with bed and pillow top mattresses. Also included are satellite remote controlled television with pay per view movies, wireless internet access, direct dial telephone line, play station, tea and coffee maker. Bathrooms are complete in toiletries, have hairdryers and bathrobes.

The in house restaurant, Connaught`s Brasserie, offers a wide selection of food. It serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. The cocktail bar serves lounge meal and other beverages. The restaurant is open daily.

Board basis: Bed & Continental Breakfast

Family rooms: 1 child below 12 years old is free, sharing with 2 adults (inclusive of breakfast)
lowest rate: From £160 now only £81 per night
hotel rating: 3 stars
Check in: 2:00 pm
Check out: 11:00 am

About the Author:
For more information on Best Hotel Rates in London and Best Hotel Rates in Monterey please visit our website http://www.besthotelrates.biz/London.php and http://www.besthotelrates.biz/Monterey.php

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Finding Discount Air Flights

When you are choosing a flight, you shouldn’t just take the first one you find. Here are some suggestions that may help you get better deals on air travel. These simple should save you some money.

Step 1:

Check the Internet. When considering traveling you should look for air travel deals on the internet. And check out travel websites such as http://www.orbitz.com/ and http://www.cheaptickets.com/. They will compare air travel providers and list discount air travel deals first. Just enter the city you are leaving from and going to (or the airport) as well as your preferred departure and return dates, and the website will do the rest of the work for you. Often times, you will get a better deal by using websites that compare prices like these than you would by ordering your tickets directly from an airline carrier’s site.

Step 2:

Look for specials. Other travel websites you may want to visit include those like http://www.expedia.com/ and http://www.travelocity.com/ to get cheaper air travel specials. They have sections where you may be able to snag a cheap flight for a lot less than you might otherwise have paid most travel websites like these have a ‘Red Tag Deals’ section or a ‘Last Minute Deals’ area. Make sure to browse the internet for the greatest discount air travel deals before booking.

Step 3:

Chat with a travel agent. Travel agents know it all when it comes to booking air travel, so it makes sense to talk to a professional about finding discount air travel deals. Supply your destination and have the agent look for the lowest fares. If you have no preference over what time, date or class you sit in, the travel agent will likely be able to present you with a few different flight options that are much lower than you would have found on the airline’s websites. (When you ask your travel agent to search for discounts on air travel, remember that travel agents make commission, meaning that you will have to pay your travel agent for the time they spend to search for these discounts.)

Step 4:

Use your flying points. Open up your wallet and you may find a few airline deals just waiting! Remember those valuable airline points that have been sitting in your account for years? Think about redeeming them for a lower price fare (not a free fare). As long as using your points doesn’t restrict when you can travel, you should be able to get a cheaper fare by using your points towards the purchase.

Step 5:

Sign up for AAA membership. Not only does AAA provide service to stranded motorists, but it helps eager travelers find great vacations deals. AAA has a travel department available to customers with travel agents who will find and book discount air travel deals for customers. Similar to a travel agent, an AAA agent can get some of the deals and discounts you won’t find online. You can easily get back the joining cost of your annual AAA fee when you book a flight through them and benefit from the discount deals.

About the Author:
Tiffany Provost writes about cheap travel and other traveling tips for http://HowToDoThings.com.

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Finding the Best Holiday Packages

If you planned for any vacation then you will automatically got a lot of information from various different sources. Use this guide to ensure you have access to vacation packages that appeal to you the most.

Step 1:

Book as late as possible. Holding out on last minute deals is great when you are booking a vacation package. The closer it gets to the actual travel date, the more the reduction in rates for vacation packages. Don’t let your budget limit you since often you may come upon a deal that affords you the possibility to visit a destination you thought you could not get to. Also, if you are willing to change where you’re going (as you will find out that sometimes destinations will be sold out) online research can result in finding the most affordable and enjoyable vacation packages. The Last minute deals section is great for booking a trip. You’re going to find some of these great deals on sites like; http://www.expedia.com/ or http://www.travelocity.com/.

Step 2:

Keep a look out. You can also save money and find a great vacation package by finding special offers. Often, travel websites, agencies and even the destinations (Disney is a good example) will send out information via the media about the best of the packages. So be alert to TV commercials, newspaper articles and radio ads that boast of the savings you’ll get with such vacation packages.

Step 3:

Contact a travel agent. Travel agents may be a more comprehensive resource if you are interested in more customized travel plans. They will be able to arrange every aspect of your travel abroad, so you won’t have the stress of finding the best vacation package. Explain what you want, where you want to go, what your budget is and let them fill in the blanks. This is a fool proof way to find the best package deal.

Step 4:

Use your traveler discounts. Membership in AAA entitles you to obtain terrific bargains on vacation packages. Get in touch with the AAA’s travel department and talk to an agent about booking a vacation package. The best possible vacation package may also be the least expensive package with your AAA membership discount.

Step 5:

Research the reviews. It is recommended that you check out other people’s past travel experiences when you are searching for the best vacation packages, especially if having a good time is more important than budgeting your money. Use http://www.tripadvisor.com/ to find traveler reviews for your intended destination. People will often comment on overall value for money, food, the service they received etc. Getting a range of opinions from others who have gone before is always a good idea.

Step 6:

Ask people. If you’re still uncertain where to go or what type of a vacation package you really want, ask people. Family, workmates and friends may be of help. Ask them for their best picks for accommodation and resorts; what extra activities or features were included in the vacation package they purchased, and whether they’d go back to that same place. You might save a lot of trouble and ensure peace of mind by booking the same package as a friend or family member.

About the Author:
Tiffany Provost writes about travel planning and other traveling tips for http://HowToDoThings.com.

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Holiday Property Rentals In Bournemouth

If you’re looking for sand, sea, sun and lots of fun, head to the exciting town of Bournemouth!

This great town, which is situated in the county of Dorset on the south coast of England, boasts seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches and lots of attractions!

It’s an ideal destination for a family holiday and there is plenty of self catering accommodation in and around the town, which makes it a perfect location to enjoy a traditional British holiday by the sea.

As well as its stunning coastline, Bournemouth offers a wealth of tourist attractions, many shopping and dining opportunities, sports facilities and a great nightlife.

What’s more, there are many interesting places surrounding Bournemouth, both inland and along the coast, which are also worth a visit during your stay in this lovely area of the UK.

Bournemouth itself has something for everyone. For those who are looking to enjoy some culture and art, check out the Russell Cotes Art Gallery & Museum. The lovely building houses an amazing collection of exhibits and art and also has a café, children’s area and shop – and admission is free!

A super family attraction is the Oceanarium, which has an abundance of marine life to see. The kids will appreciate a visit here and it’s an ideal place to go if it’s raining!

If you fancy seeing Bournemouth from a completely different view, then you can take a ride on the Bournemouth Eye, which is a huge helium tethered balloon with a gondola, and takes you up to a height of 500 feet, offering fantastic panoramic views of the town and the surrounding area.

Or, if you prefer, you can take a pleasure boat cruise from Bournemouth Pier. For example, you can take excursions around the bay, to Brownsea Island, Poole, Swanage and Corfe Castle and the Isle of Wight.

Bournemouth Pier is a big tourist attraction itself. It’s a great location to take a stroll, admire the views of the coastline, soak up some sun and even watch a show at the Pier Theatre. There is also a bar and restaurant on the pier.

If you want to be entertained during your holiday, you need look no further than Bournemouth. There are many venues and shows etc to choose from. One popular venue is the Bournemouth International Centre (BIC), which plays host to many concerts, conferences and exhibitions. There’s also the Pavilion Theatre and Ballroom.

Bournemouth has everything you need for a great night out. It also has an amazing selection of nightclubs, pubs and bars, some of which you might want to check out during your holiday.

This town is also a good location to go shopping. There is a great range of shops and stores in Bournemouth town centre and, if you are an avid shopper, you should also head to Castlepoint Shopping Park, which boasts a huge selection of shops and has something for everyone. You will be able to shop until you drop at Castlepoint!

But if you want to just sit back and take it easy during your UK vacation, Bournemouth has plenty of green spaces in which to relax and escape the hustle and bustle. The Upper, Central and Lower Gardens are definitely worth a visit.

You will also be spoilt for choice by the number of restaurants in the town. You can enjoy a wide variety of cuisine here, too. Whether you fancy some takeaway fish and chips or a three course meal in a restaurant, you will be catered for in Bournemouth.

If you want to keep active during your stay in Bournemouth, there are plenty of sports opportunities in and around the town. You can play golf or tennis, go bowling, biking or swimming. Or you could just take a leisurely walk around Bournemouth and see areas of the town that you might otherwise miss if you travelled by car or public transport.

And if time allows during your vacation, you can always explore some nearby areas, including Poole, Weymouth, Christchurch, Dorchester, Swanage and the beautiful New Forest.

Bournemouth is an ideal UK holiday destination for all the family. It has something for everyone, with beautiful sandy beaches, visitor attractions and plenty of activities to keep you busy during your vacation.

About the Author:
Daryl Self is the Managing Director of Self Property Rental, http://www.selfpropertyrental.com offering a wide selection of vacation rentals in Bournemouth and the surrounding area!

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Whale Watching is a Perfect Travel Destination in San Diego CA

San Diego is not just a large port and military base; it is also a center for a bustling metropolis situated on some of the most beautiful coast anywhere in the country and is a source of major interest to wildlife experts and conservationists because of the unique aquatic habitat it provides.

You will find large breeding colonies of many different types of seal, the waters are populated with many species of shark including the formidable Great White Shark and dozens of species of dolphin and whale are also to be found making their home in the fish rich waters off the coast.

The location provides an excellent spot for year round whale watching and due to the temperate maritime climate, you don’t have to freeze while enjoying the spectacle of some of the largest animals on the planet and enjoy being up front and personal; literally you can get so close as to touch these huge creatures of the sea. The traditional whale watching season runs from January to April and this is the best time to experience these fantastic animals, but you will find numerous operators providing year round whale watching excursions. The year round operators tend to be specialists offering services to tourists and also to marine biologists and conservationists which contrasts sharply with boat skippers who are simply trying to fill a gap in their annual fishing calendars in order to make some extra money.

The specialist year round operators know the whale grounds far more intimately and understand better the nature of the whales and their habits; this makes for a far more enjoyable and educative whale watching experience for many visitors. Not every trip is successful at finding whales the ocean is a very large place within which to hide if you don’t want to be disturbed and again you are more likely to find whales with a specialist than a fishing skipper and most of the specialist operators boast a success rate of over 96 . Most whale watching excursions are successful at finding whales and you are very likely to see sperm whales, humpbacks, grey and blue whales (the latter being the largest animal on the planet). If you are looking to see blue whales then you should make your trip in the summer months up until Fall.

You will also find that the specialist year round operators have better equipped and visitor friendly boats which are designed specifically with whale watching in mind and their staff are much more targeted upon providing you with an enjoyable experience as opposed to roughing it on a fishing skip.

You should expect to find year round whale watcher operators along the coast of Southern California and not situated in San Diego, but the extra travel time is well worth the experience you get from them. Typically you can expect to travel anything from 45 minutes to a couple of hours from downtown San Diego to reach their boats. One thing you will take away is the sheer majesty and intelligence of these amazing creatures and an experience you are never going to forget.

About the Author:
Johnson Storage and Moving Company provides storage and local or long distance moving services in San Diego, CA. Contact them at http://www.johnsonstorage.com or by calling 1-800-289-6683.

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All Inclusive Jamaica Vacations: What Should Be Included

Are you getting ready to plan your first trip to the island of Jamaica? If so, you will soon see that all inclusive resorts and inclusive travel packages come highly rated and recommended. You usually get a better trip, it is easier to make your travel plans, and you should get a better value for your money. All inclusive travel packages sound great, don’t they?

Since this is your first time traveling to Jamaica, you may wonder what all inclusive resorts and travel packages include. What do you get? A lot. Although these resorts and travel packages do vary, there are many common inclusions. They should and are likely to include:

Your Room or Suite

Of course, a stay at an all inclusive resort includes your overnight accommodations. Luckily, you get more than just a traditional hotel room. All inclusive resorts are classified as luxury resorts. More money is usually spent on décor and upkeep. Many travelers report feeling like royalty, even when staying in a standard room. However, you can upgrade if you would like. All resorts have luxury suites available for a reasonable fee. It is very easy to upgrade your all inclusive travel package.

Your Food, Snacks, and Drinks

Most all inclusive resorts will include the cost of your food and drinks. Great resorts will include your snacks too. The key to getting the most out of this inclusion is to pick your resort wisely. In terms of food, large resorts are best. They should have more onsite restaurants, snack bars, and drinking bars to choose from. A Jamaica hotel or resort with only one onsite restaurant is likely to cost you more money in the long run. You may get bored with the choices after the second or third day. This boredom may cause you to eat elsewhere, where you must pay for your food. Unfortunately, your travel package already included food, meaning you pay for your dinner twice. Avoid making this mistake.

Your Tips

Tipping is considered standard practice at many vacation resorts and hotels. It is also common practice in the Caribbean. However, some all inclusive and super inclusive resorts take care of this for you. Many include tipping in with the cost of your stay. What does this mean? It simplifies the process of planning your trip. It also makes it easier to stay on budget. You shouldn’t have to pay cash for your dinner and since you prepaid for the tip, you can leave your wallet back in your room safe. At some resorts, tipping is optional. In these cases, you should provide a small tip when it appears that an employee went above and beyond to help.

Land Based Activities

The uniqueness of all inclusive resorts and inclusive travel packages is the activities that are included. To examine these activities, we will start with land based activities. The land based activities available to you depends on the resort in question. What facilities do they have available? A Jamaica resort with an onsite golf course should include the cost of green fees in with your stay. A Jamaica resort with an onsite tennis court and fitness center should let you use these facilities without paying extra. When examining land based inclusions, look for fees. Certain extras, like a massage at the spa, will cost extra.

Water Based Activities

To make use of water based activities, you should opt for a beachfront resort in Jamaica. This opens up a world of opportunities for you. Of course, most resorts have onsite swimming pools. In fact, it is common to find floating or nearby bars. What you want to look for is water based activities in the ocean or along the coastline. It is common for all inclusive and super inclusive resorts to include the cost of snorkeling, scuba diving, and windsurfing. If these are listed as inclusions, and not just available activities, all rental fees are waived, as they were actually included in the cost of your stay.

As you can see, a lot is included with a stay at an all inclusive resort in Jamaica or when booking an all inclusive travel package. So, what are you waiting for? Do you want to get the best value for your money, simplify the process of planning your trip, and have the Caribbean vacation of a lifetime? If so, inclusive is the way to go.

About the Author:
Let Breezes, at http://www.Breezes.com, help you plan an amazing, yet affordable Caribbean vacation.

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Jamaica All Inclusive Vacations: 5 Must Do Activities

Are you gearing up for your all inclusive trip to Jamaica? If so, your travel arrangements should be set. Your flight is booked and you booked a stay at an all inclusive resort. Right about now, you may think that the only thing left to do is pack. Yes, this is good, but why not take the time to familiarize yourself with a few of Jamaica’s most popular activities and attractions. If you want to get out and explore this beautiful island, know ahead which activities and attractions are the best and cheapest to do. Save yourself time, money, and have the vacation of your dreams.

On the island of Jamaica, you will find no shortage of fun activities and attractions. In fact, that is just one reason why you should do a small amount of research. Choosing between them all may seem like an impossible task. If you need some assistance, continue reading on for five Jamaica vacation activities that come highly rated and recommended.

1 – Visit a Waterfall

The landscape of Jamaica is what makes it an amazing Caribbean vacation destination. There are mountains, jungles, beaches, and just about everything in between, including waterfalls. In fact, you are encouraged to visit one. Luckily, you have many options. It should depend on the location of your all inclusive Jamaica resort. Limit your travel time and expenses by opting for a nearby fall.

If staying in or around Ocho Rios, the Dunns River Falls is considered a must stop. In addition to visiting the falls independently, you can also book a daylong Dunns River Falls tour. Not only will the sight amaze you, but you can get up close. Human chains are created with trained tour guides, enabling you to climb the falls! If vacationing more towards Montego Bay, Mayfield Falls comes highly rated and recommended.

2 – Go Horseback Riding

Horseback riding is an activity that most can do back home; however, it is still rated a must do on the island of Jamaica. Luckily, horseback riding is available all across the island. Your best option is to take a horseback riding tour. Most tours last an average of 3 hours. For tours located near the coastline, your adventure may include a dip into the Caribbean waters with your horse! These tours are often marketed as horseback ride and swim tours.

3 – Take a Boat Ride

As with horseback riding, these boat rides give you many options. If vacationing at an all inclusive resort along the coast, look at nearby cruises. Some are classified as sightseeing tours, while others are known as dinner cruises or adventure cruises. For an adventure cruise, your boat may stop a few miles from shore where you can enjoy a few hours of scuba diving or snorkeling.

The tours on the Caribbean waters are the most popular, but boat tours are also available inland. For the ultimate adventure, forego the boat and opt for a whitewater raft! Rafting is perfect on the Great River. Slow moving water tube tours are also available for those looking for a little less adventure and for those looking to take in the surrounding landscape.

4 – Do Something Related to Bob Marley

Regardless of your taste in music, you have likely heard of Bob Marley. The Bob Marley Museum is located just outside of Kingston, but the island is home to many Bob Marley tributes. You can find unofficial museums, themed restaurants, and more. See how this legendry musician brought Jamaica worldwide attention and limelight.

5 – Spend at Least 1 Day at Your Resort

Jamaica is one of those vacation destinations you want to get out and explore. You want to see the landscape, the locals, and the great attractions. With that said, it is important to remember you are staying at an all inclusive resort. These establishments are designed so that you never have to leave. You could easily spend your entire vacation onsite and have the best trip ever. Since most tourists want to leave and sightsee, you likely will. As a cost cutting measure, spend at least one day at your Jamaica all inclusive resort.

Above you were provided with a list of five must do Jamaica vacation activities. These activities all come highly rated and recommend by tourists, just like you. Whether you opt for these vacation activities or others, you will never experience a moment of boredom. After all, you are on the island of fun and sun.

About the Author:
Book your all-inclusive Jamaica vacation at an affordable, yet luxury resort at http://www.Breezes.com.

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Make Room for the New Jet Set in St Tropez This Summer

St. Tropez has historically been the summer playground of the old monied Jet Set. Not any longer. The New Jet Set have arrived. The difference between the two classes of Jet Setters on the surface may seem indistinguishable, but make no mistake they are very different. One is concerned with making a bunch of cash and the other is concerned with creating an income that is automated, scalable and location independent.

The Old Jet Set

The old Jet Set model has been primarily based around amassing a bunch of cash either through inheritence or a lifetime of hard work. Good old hard work and savings will produce cash, yes, but it has its price. This deferred living model is flawed for many reasons. The most evident of which is the state of our current economic crisis. Fortunes are being lost over night and in many cases won’t ever be realized again. Now, compare that to how the New Jet Set have things set up.

The New Jet Set

The New Jet Set is A subculture of people who choose to live their life now, instead of deferring their dreams to later in life. They have learned to leverage technology to create income, time and freedom...... . That’s it. Right there. They learned to leverage technology to create income, time and freedom.

Leverage Technology and Create Income, Time and Freedom

We are in a new world. We have CNN and Ashton Kutcher fighting it out for the top spot on Twitter. Newspaper companies dropping like flys and grandma’s turning to Facebook to connect with their peeps. We can’t look to the future using a rear view mirror any longer. Things are changed forever. The information age isn’t coming it’s here. It’s time to leverage that technology, harness it and bend it to our favor. The old model is d e a d. Here’s something to consider. Last night Kim and I were watching a 60 minutes report about the 401k collapse. So many sad stories about peoples life savings gone, or almost gone, in the span of just a few short years. Kim pointed out (brilliantly) that if all those nice folks had spent equal time in creating their muses as they did funding their 401k’s they would have a monthly income to access now. No judgement here. I really feel horrible for these families. I’m not sayin’ I’m just sayin’. What we’re really talking about is not focusing on the big pile of cash at the end of the rainbow, the defered life plan, but rather income now and savings second. In NO way am I saying don’t save. That’s stupid. I’m saying work on creating income that is scalable, automatable and location independent FIRST!

Two Ways to Get to the Same Beach

Let’s get back to where I’m most comfortable. The beach. The same sexy beaches of the French Rivera will have two different people on it. The ones who have stepped into this wonderful new world of leveragable, scalable, technology driven income and those who haven’t figured it out. Save yourself the headache and the drama and get to work on figuring out how to create this for yourself.

If you already have your muse in place and will be in St. Tropez over the summer send us a Tweet here. Try not to loose your shirt in these crazy economic times unless of course you’re in St. Tropez then that would be a good thing :)

About the Author:
Robert Murgatroyd is the co-owner of Jet Set Life http://jetsetlife.tv/home.htm where he reports on where the Jet Set stay, eat and play around the world. For more reviews, photos and videos check out his blog- Living Jet Set http://www.jetsetlife.tv/robsblog/ For more about Jet Set Life Destination

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Planning your Provence holiday in Fayence

Holidays in Provence generally mean Peter Mayle territory or the Cote d’Azur. Great, that means that up in the hills behind Cannes and near Grasse you have a quiet, select few who can enjoy all the good stuff without the crowds: sunshine, lavender, wine, dramatic countryside, olives, thyme and great food. Still, you can rest happy with the knowledge that Nice, Cannes, Antibes and other Mediterranean sea towns are 45 minutes away.

Fayence is nestled between the mountains of the Esterel and the lower Alps. It is in a string of perched villages which include Montauroux, Seillans and Callian – each one no more than 10 minutes from the next. All these villages have typical markets, pleasant restaurants (to suit all budgets) and a sensible collection of day-to-day and tourist shops. None is over-run by foreigners, you can’t buy curry and there are no fish-and-chip shops. But you can drink Pastis and watch petanque.

Travel to the Fayence area is straightforward. For car drivers, it’s about twelve hours door to door from London via Eurostar. Set off bright and early, then aim to break anywhere from Beaune onwards. We’ve stayed in downtown Puligny at Le Montrachet – right in the heart of Burgundy and minutes away from the most valuable wine real estate in the world. We’ve also stayed in Tournus at the classy Hotel de Greuze.

For the brave and armed with books on tape, go on - do it in one go.

Air travel takes you to Nice (British Airways, Easyjet and British Midland/BMI) all offer routes. You’ll need a car, so avoid the hassle of queuing and rent one from Truche Location. They’ll make a plaque with your name on it and meet you. Leaving, just park the car in airport terminal parking and drop your keys in the post. Fayence is about 50 minutes drive from Nice airport.

Those wishing to arbitrage money for time can try Toulon/Hyeres – closer to two hours after a Ryanair flight.

Fayence is exit 38 (Les Adrets) off the A8 autoroute.

For aquatic activity, you have the beaches, the mountain streams and, well, the swimming pool – which can be enjoyed with a good book. We love heading off to the mountain gorges of the Siagne and the Siagnole – either side of the 830m high village of Mons. Splash around in “refreshing” streams, dive into rock-pools and plunge in the waterfalls. Or eat your picnic lunch and watch the children do it. The beaches really are crowded but a walk down La Croisette in Cannes, lunch by the sea and a quick dip should not be missed. For a more intimate experience, find a cove in the red rocks Esterel or visit Theoule. Make sure you book ahead for sun lounger: at about 10 euros a day, it’s well worth it. Marco Polo beach gets our pick.

Les gorges du Verdon offer something for everyone at about 90 minutes drive. Hire a pedalo (with water slide) at Lac St.Croix and meander down the river looking up several hundred metres of rock wall. For the walker, take the six hour Sentier Martel hike along the Verdon. (Tip: leave a car at the end then catch a taxi to the start point). The more adventurous can pursue hybrid sports like white-water rafting and canyonning: book ahead at Castellane.

Closer to home, there’s plenty of spectacular, challenging hiking (with gorgeous hostelries at either end). For 1200m and above, our top picks are Bauroux (start in Seranon, where Napoleon stayed on his way to Grenoble in 1815), the plateau de Caussols (between St. Vallier and Gourdon) which affords views of Cannes, Nice and the southern Alps from the same vantage point. For a riverside walk, head for the Pont des Tuves between St. Cezaire and Mons.

After a long hard day in the sun – temperatures in the summer average 30 degrees – one’s mind drifts towards food and drink. Lunch is never problematic: baguettes, salad, cheese and saucisson or rillettes are a done deal, washed down by some rose and followed by juicy, fresh fruit.

For a “quiet” night in, the chefs amongst you will prepare the cuisine yourselves. Fayence boasts three supermarkets to procure the wherewithal. The Leclerc in Montauroux has the widest choice: in our family the name “smelly Eric’s” has stuck and we have been ticked off for scantily-clad appearances. For the night out, Le Castelleras provides Michelin one star quality (order the menu gastronomique). Mons, Fayence and Seillans all boast sensibly-priced, well-prepared local fare with friendly service.

We like Mons: Le Petit Bonheur, busy and casual in the town square and L’Auberge Provencale with views out across the Esterel and the coastline.

To accompany your meals, there’s a splendid and affordable range of local Provence wines to sample – supermarket output is fine for everyday quaffing. For the connoisseurs, a visit to the Maison des Vins in Les Arcs will deepen your liquid knowledge.

Tired, enjoy a coffee and a marc de Provence under the stars – there’s no light pollution up here in the hills.

About the Author:

Roger Willcocks is a part-time writer and has a holiday home in Provence. To keep in touch, visit his weblog at http://www.go-provence.com

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Houlgate and its beaches

Due to its great beaches and charming general appearance, this town attracts visitors from many different spots, not only within France but many other places of the world as well. This place offers a wide range of activities of many different kinds in such a way that all visitors would surely find something suitable to them and their wishes fulfilled.

One first look at this town would show streets bordered by trees and leading to the beach located at the lower area. In general, a sight of this town would transmit peacefulness, fun, and relaxation combined with the sound of trees leafs slowly moving from the effect of a calm breeze and the sound of the sea.

One of the main characteristics of Houlgate and by which it differentiates from most other sea towns in the region is the fact that it maintains its antique constructions and its general original appearance almost untouched and without the addition of modern buildings. This way, by visiting this town, tourists can enjoy a typical French sea resort which shows an urban architecture that has not been affected by modern trends.

There is a wide variety of different spots and buildings throughout the town of Houlgate. Tourists who approach this town can meet from medieval buildings and Swiss chalets, to typical rococo constructions. It is interesting to remark that some of these constructions have become hotels and spots open for visitors to stay while being in the town.

Through the pass of centuries, many different people of historical importance have been at this town and even lived in it for some periods of time. Among these people, we can name, for example, Saint Saens, Sacha Guitry, Napoleon III, among many others before them. Nowadays, this spot offers a great combination of quiet spots such as its beaches and historical buildings mixed with other exciting places such as discos and pubs in such a way that there is something suitable to all different preferences.

About the Author:

Jakob Jelling is the founder of Eurotomic.com. Please visit http://www.eurotomic.com/france.php if you're planning a trip to France.

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Learn German In Munich

ESL-language provides each and every thing which is required or considered necessary to learn language abroad. It is not only a simple admission process, a lot of troubles and problems may be occurring in the way when you apply for admission abroad. ESL-language resolves your all problems. Munich the city of Germany is known as the city of scholars. Munich University has a great prestige among the top most universities of the world. ESL-language has arranged for you an opportunity to learn German in Munich. When you will complete your language course in Munich School of German, you will find out that your experience was very pleasant because of that superb, informative and literary environment of your class, during the stay at Munich. German language is full of expressions; you will enjoy your term a lot, and will get more than what you ever contemplated. Promote your business, make yourself more skillful, expect your carrier more bright, because you are the best one and you can do those things which could not be done by people. To learn German abroad is same as to listen to the German people, their music, their songs, and their voices. What is the resemblance between the words of your mother tongue and the German? What is the pitch of their throats? What type of sounds they utter during pronouncing a word? What expression they leave on a listener when they are angry or happy? Remember, wrong terminology makes your expression wrong for your listener, for your client, for your colleague, for your boss or for someone else. Always try to ask the meaning of words from a native speaker. You have another choice to choose the different city in Germany for your language course such as you may apply for Berlin school. You may learn German in Berlin school. Or you may prefer to learn German in Munich. One more, most important thing is that every teacher or every academy is not capable to convey real thing to you, may be you get admission in some school in German and after completion of your language course you think that you still know nothing about German language because of the complicated methods of teaching or some unsuitable atmosphere, or uncomfortable residence. Do you know that great linguists prefer to learn the language at its origin? Well known anthropologist Dr. Ruth Benedict writes in her book human and ancient civilization that: Languages are the combinations of morphemes, based on bucolic structure, express the inner experience of a person Join the language schools in German and build up your understanding according to the need of modern age, according to the needs of your clients, or bosses, may be they are native Germans.

About the Author:
Mr. Krister Weidenhielm
Manager of ESL language studies
http://www.esl-languages.com

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Learn German Abroad

Germany is the main developed and major industrialized nation in central Europe, a federal union of 16 countries. German is language of Germany. Historically Germany has played a major role in the history of humanity and affected map of the globe. In the history of knowledge Germany is known for its legends. Immanuel Kant was the most preferred philosopher of the Germany who condemned the orthodox paradigms of humanity and moved the Germany towards the good future. Apart from philosophy, Germany is famous for its political role which during first and second world war. Germany has been leading the Europe for decades in the trade and knowledge. For this reason German became a largely spoken language of the Europe. And now German is second language of Europe. There two main things, for whom people come to German, Study and business. German has still a solid place among scientists and most celebrated scholars of the world. Peoples come to German to gain knowledge, for work, or for business. It is essential for someone that if he wants come to Germany then he must learn German, not only for German but also for throughout the Europe, because German is spoken throughout the Europe as a second language. So leaning German is a basic need in many situations of our daily life. You should follow the following points if you want to learn German abroad. 1. Join ESL languages for becoming skilled at German as a foreign language at a language training institute in the nation where it is being spoken improves the erudition course. Actually this is the first and last point. Your first and last choice should be the ESL languages. Because the origin of a language is the main place, and imagine you are learning a language from its origin, what a wonderful result will appear. There are numerous language schools in German. But Hamburg language centre is the leading one in the most popular schools of Germany. It is much more amusing, simple and you will encompass the maximum knowledge, whether you want to Gain knowledge of Germen language or learn it as a second language or Spanish, or Learn French abroad or English, Italian Russian, Arabic Portuguese, Japanese Chinese. ESL guides you the right place which is your actual need. ESL will provide you sufficient information as per your request and requirement, and will offer you learn German in Germany. You may be provided the options if you want to learn German in Munich or learn German in Berlin.

About the Author:
Mr. Krister Weidenhielm
Manager of ESL language studies
http://www.esl-languages.com

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