TRAVELLING

1. Free lodging!

Find a pen friend. Maybe you haven’t thought of this. It’s the best solution to your budget problems, but you can’t have it overnight! Greek people are hospitable and so are other countries’ people if you become friends with. It’s the simplest thing to do if you like writing letters or just exchanging cards and souvenirs. I’ve done it and a lot of other people have, why not you? Your friend will probably be happy to put you up for a couple of nights and show you around as well. The other alternative is to exchange your house/flat with somebody else’s abroad. There is a site online that will help you find a place . Try www.welcometraveller.org , they advertise ‘exchange homes free of charge’. Try also www.bigworld.com for offers and discounts.

2. Low cost travel

Stay at campsites. The cheapest alternative to free lodging, at least in Greece. You save money and have fun . Find a campsite at
www.greecetravel.com/campsites


3. Invest on a bike.

If you like cycling, then you can do it. In Greece you can cycle to most places and see areas that are worth visiting. You can easily rent a bike , and if you are in Corfu you can try
www.mountainbikecorfu.com


4. Rent a room in a village or at the port

There are families who rent rooms in their own house ; cheaper than hotel rooms but you have to follow the rules. Where can you find them?
Watch the port area if you come by ship. There are people who approach you and tell you about their own rooms around the area, at low prices. Sometimes you can even bargain to get a better price.

Well, if all these don’t suit you and you may own a caravan , you don’t have to worry about lodgings. You can stay at campsites at low cost, at the side of the road or even in a field for free. You can also hire a caravan and share the expenses, if you travel with friends.

Don’t know where to find one? In Greece you can try

www.greecetravel.com/carrentals

Greece is ideal for traveling at low cost. But you must be inventive and explore all the sources available. Visit www.google.gr
This is a search engine that will help you find all the info you want. Just type the word Greece and click on Search.

Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, is one of the largest cities in Spain. It is second only to Madrid and is one of the most influential European cities. It enjoys a globally acknowledged trendsetting image. Additionally, it has a very diverse art and cultural scene.

So, when you're in a city as steeped in tradition and culture as Barcelona, why settle for anything less than the best? Start your vacation with a classy and extravagant bang by staying at the five-star hotels in Barcelona. Very few hotels in the world can rival the opulence and exquisite service offered in these hotels. The city itself is renowned for fine living and gastronomic treats. It is, thus, no wonder that a stay in any of the five-star hotels in Barcelona will truly be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for weary travelers.

Hotel Arts Barcelona

Hotel Arts Barcelona is one such hotel. Arguably the most popular among five-star hotels in Barcelona, Hotel Arts offers breathtaking views of the marina and port area. The view can be seen regardless of your accommodations. You could book a suite, double room, or a luxurious duplex apartment and be equally treated to a magnificent feast for the eyes.

Hotel Arts of Barcelona is owned by the Ritz Carlton Group. It is situated in the marina area of Port Olimpico. If you are looking for style, charm, and an idyllic beach location, then the Hotel Arts is the perfect place for you. The staff are polite and friendly, and they will pamper you like royalty.

Eurostars Grand Marina Hotel

My personal favorite among the five-star hotels in Barcelona is the Eurostars Grand Marina Hotel. As its name suggests, this hotel is in Barcelona's marina area. It sits very close to the area where cruise ships dock. Like the Hotel Arts, the Grand Marina Hotel Barcelona offers astounding view of the marina area. It also gives guests first class accommodation and ready access to the heart of the city.

Le Meridien

If ready access to the city is what matters the most to you, then you cannot get a better option than Le Meridien. The hotel is on the famous Ramblas, the center of Barcelona's hustle and bustle. Like other five-star hotels, it boasts of an amazing view of the Ramblas. Unfortunately, the hotel's greatest draw also proves to be its greatest problem. Because most of the rooms in La Meridien overlook the Ramblas, guests can expect a little street noise. If you think you would not mind this, then book yourself into the Le Meridien. A basic double room can cost you between 330 and 360 Euros.

Claris Hotel Barcelona

The Claris Hotel Barcelona has an interesting geometric shape. Like La Meridien, the Claris Hotel is not far from where the action is. It sits at the intersection of two busy roads, and while this makes the hotel accessible to almost any vehicle, guests can expect to be subjected to a little road noise.

The Palace Hotel Barcelona

The Palace Hotel is not much different from the Claris and La Meridien, although it certainly is more pricey. For a double room at the Palace Hotel, expect to pay 380 to 550 Euros a night. The Palace Hotel is located in the modern part of town. It sits close to numerous cafes, bars, and shops. It is also surrounded by many historical buildings and is not far from the city's best shopping area.

Hotel Melia Barcelona

This hotel's location is not as accessible as the others and is, thus, not as conducive for sightseeing compared to other five-star hotels in Barcelona. However, it is only a ten-minute walk away from the nearest metro stop, and from this starting point, one can go anywhere in the city. What sets this hotel apart, aside from the distance? Locals and guests claim Hotel Melia serves the best breakfast in town!

A stay in any of the five-star hotels in Barcelona will make your vacation truly memorable. Ultimately, however, it is not just your preference for luxury that you have to consider but the health of your pockets.

As the prominent tourist destination, Bali has abundance choice of accommodation. It is ranged from budget hotel, guesthouse run by local people, cottage, bungalow, boutique hotel, luxury villa, to the international 5 star hotels. The accommodation spread up throughout Bali.

Cluster accommodation is not only to be found in crowd/centre tourist area, but also found even at secluded area. Hotel styles vary from traditional style to modern design. The tourists in Bali mostly favour Balinese style hotels. You’ll be easily to find a hotel that suits your needs either beach/lake side, cool mountain area, rice field view, hilltop, riverbanks, tropical garden, traditional village surroundings, town-centred, etc.

However, there are many things to consider when choosing your travel accommodations. The decision could make your trip fun or a disappointment. Choosing the right hotel is a must. Most travellers spend more time in airline ticket reservations and bargains but less time in choosing the right accommodations. Thus they may end up on the wrong side of the bed during their stay.

To get the most out of your hotel accommodations, remember to book as early as possible and make your dates more flexible. Hotels that specialize for business people will consider weekends as off-season. Family vacationers could tap into these special packages during weekends. Primarily, you should choose your hotel based on name, amenities, features, price, packages and location.

Here are some considerations in choosing your best travel accommodations:

1. Accommodations should be family-friendly. Always ask if your hotel offers children activity areas with educational and fun activities supervised by duly trained caregivers.

2. Your hotel should provide a swimming pool for children, day care service, crib rental and child-proof electrical outlets.

3. Stay in a hotel that has electronic room-key cards and has a security viewer installed on their doors.

4. Make it a priority to choose a room on the upper floor.

5. If you're the one who likes to spend more time in your hotel room and the balcony, you should ask for the available amenities and the conditions of the surrounding environment.

6. Depending on whether you're on a private or business trip, ask your hotel about the availability of laundry service, hair dryers, coffee makers, newspapers, free meals, fax machine, bar, cable television, parking, shuttle service, internet connection, etc.

7. The hotel property layout and its location may speak more of its surrounding environment. Noisy locations such as construction on adjacent property, car traffic and noisy waterfalls are not specified on hotel flyers. So be sure to ask about it.

8. Beautifully landscaped surroundings with trees, flowers and inner courts also enhance your travel pleasure. Moreover, gift shops and restaurants all add up to a wonderful travel experience.

9. The location of your hotel with respect to main attraction is equally important. It could save you money on taxi and bus fare.

10. Make sure that the room service is provided 24 hours a day.

11. Check out the room itself. Is it brightly coloured or classical? It sets the mood of your travel.

In order to get the most out of your travel, whether for business or family vacations, be sure to know everything about the hotel you are planning to check in to. Ask friends and relatives who have been there. Don't just depend on the hotel's web page, which is undoubtedly biased. Having to stay in a hotel, which you don’t like, could ruin your trip.

People are traveling with diverse desire one want to do business, to meet relatives or for holiday and total relaxation. If you are on vacation alone, couple or with your family and may be boring with the glint and the glamorous of the big hotel or the bustling city, why don’t you choose a place away from the beaten track?

Since few years ago villas or small resort became the popular choice to those who desire and insist to find fully relaxation for body and mind. Bali is a small island in Indonesia Archipelago the ultimate holiday island in Asia famed for its cultures, arts and the beauty of its breathtaking nature prepare you a lot of choice of luxury villas and small resort for self retreat with its best massage and spa treatments using either local ingredients or imported luxurious range of products.

You will be pampered by seaside or mountains breeze during massages and treatments offer exclusive service and expertise of Balinese hands. The superior ingredients and efficacy are used in combination with specially developed techniques to nourish, firm and hydrate the skin while enhancing the serenity and alleviating stress.

Understanding that beauty is not merely skin-deep. The resort usually offer yoga, meditation and stretching just ask to the manager. You can select hotel or small resort situated on the beach facing the ocean or beautiful resort in the countryside near the mountains.

The quickest and easiest way to find hotels or resort or villas at your destination is to go online and visit a hotel reservation or travel agent website. Do a search for the country, island and city you are traveling to and you will be presented with a list of available hotels/resorts in that area. As the wide choice can be confusing – especially for the first-time visitors and it’s sometimes difficult to select the right Bali Resort. So just let your travel agent knows (by e-mail) your personal needs and your preferences that he can recommend those resorts he feels will suit you best.

For short information I try to present you with some of the nicest and pleasant place to retreat in Bali.

Waka di Ume Resort & Spa.
Boutique Resort is situated at Jalan Sweta, Sambahan Village Ubud about 3 minutes by car from the center of Ubud and 45 minutes from international airport “Ngurah Rai” Bali. The resort offers very friendly ambience and situated within lush tropical garden and surrounded by a verdant terraces rice field. A real rural atmosphere.

The resort is built in traditional Balinese style using most of local materials like teak and coconut palm wood, stones, the elegant grass thatch roofs (alang-alang) and soft local fabrics. It is combined with all the modern amenities to complete your conveniences. The Resort offers excellent service of room, restaurant and spa.

Waka Gangga Resort & Spa.
The resort offers a fantastic view of the Indian Ocean and the most beautiful sunset (weather permitted). It is located at Sudimara Village Tabanan about one our drive from Bali International Airport "Ngurah Rai" after passing Kuta the way offer the road through an infinity panorama of verdant and fertile rice field. A truly place away from crowd.

The resort built in typical Balinese bungalows within the terraces rice field with the view of the thunderous of the Indian Ocean’s waves at the front and the spectacular view of the Mount Batukaru at the far back. For the total comport the room are furnished with local materials and modern amenities accompanied by smiling Balinese staffs with their most cordial services.

So for everyone who is reading this article and has chosen / will make Bali their preferred holiday destination; my thanks a lot; I am sure you will have the memorable holiday of a lifetime here.

Menorca (also known as Minorca) - situated east of Mallorca - is one of Spain's own Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea. With a population of about 82 thousand Spanish-speaking people, you're sure to find a wide variety of interests to enjoy should you decide to travel here - especially on January 17. January 17 is a nationally celebrated day that marks when Alfonso III of Aragon conquered the island.

In fact, the history of this island is what makes it so interesting to outsiders, as it has changed ownership several times over the centuries, inevitably showing the architectural and art influences with each successive change of rulership. Of particular interest to traveling Americans is the fact that Menorca was completely under British control in 1763 thanks to the Treaty of Paris, fell capture to Spanish and French forces during the American Revolutionary War - only to change hands again to the British during the French Revolutionary Wars.

This is of course before Spain acquired the island in 1802 once and for all. This does not suggest however, that Menorca lived peacefully ever after. Political stresses have continued to pull the island back and forth between reigning parties and powers over the years. Aside from this rich history, Menorca is known for bringing us some fun facts and trivia.

For instance, this little section of the world is responsible for sobrassada - a sausage that's made with paprika. The natives here also brought us gin and Mao cheese among other things like the world-known megalithic stone monuments: navetes, taulas, and talaiots for example. As you can see, Menorca has much to offer the new world traveler or adventurer and it really is to your advantage to experience some of the new and exciting things that the culture of this land has to offer.

In an effort to learn as much as you can during your stay in Menorca, take a crash course in Spanish, the native language of the island. It's not necessary to become fluent - although that would certainly make things easier for you and the locals that you communicate with. But it's helpful to learn at least a few phrases that will enable you to get help when needed or to develop a meaningful and educational relationship with the people that you interact with.

You should be comforted in knowing that Spanish is one of the most easiest languages to learn and chances are that you already know a little Spanish if you're an American. Many words of the English language are derivatives of the Spanish language, so as you learn it, you'll find that it's something you can pick up rather quickly.

Of course you could also educate yourself about the island prior to your visit. Learn about Menorca by reading books, learning about its art, literature, and music, its geography, its political history, and more. Viewing photographs will help you associate what you've learned from books with the images of the land so that they'll be easily recognizable once you get there.

At Menorca however, don't let books dictate how you'll receive the island. Another way to absorb Menorca's culture is to just get out and about and interact with people and the events that you find. The two major towns of this island are Ciutadella and Maó. So bring along a camera and really get into the experience so that you can not only enjoy it, but also learn from what the cities of Alaior, Es Castell, Ciutadella, Ferreries, Mahon, Es Mercadal, Es Migjorn Gran, and Saint Luís have to offer.

Just be sure that if you've arrived to the island with a schedule to follow, you can arrange your list of activities so that they grant you ample time to tour significant landmarks, taste the food, visit its religious buildings, and experience it's landscape. If time allows, rent a car and adventure out on your own or sign up for a tour. Treat the island as if it were your own homeland and experience it to the fullest.

Being so close to Spain, you can take a short trip to the mainland and witness the las fiestas de San Fermin celebrated every July 7th. This unique festival is known as "the release of the bulls" and precedes the exciting bullfights that this country has become famous for. Or you could take in a quick but intense game of futbol (soccer).

The important thing is that you make an effort to learn a new style of living, that you observe how that style of living works for others as well as how it can work for yourself and others you care about, and that you bring what you've learned back home. If all goes well, you should return home with a wider perspective and bigger appreciation of how the world really works.

Travel in Menorca by Taxi

Traveling by taxi in Menorca provides an extremely convenient way to move about and "sight-see." Like traveling by taxi in the United States, minimum charges accompany metered mileage plus a small additional fee for baggage and evening - night - or holiday drives.

Menorca Driving Advice

European Union citizens (18 years or older) must own a national driving license to drive in Menorca, however non-European Union citizens (18 years or older) also need an International Driving Permit as well. Both types of citizens must have car insurance and identification (license, passport, etc.) by law, is required at all times. Seat belts must be worn by all passengers, and travelers under the age of 14 must be seated in the back seat of the vehicle. When driving, remember that driving positions are reversed to American drivers. You must yield to on-coming traffic from junctures and traffic circles. Driving speeds are generally restricted to 30 mph (in urban areas) to 56 mph (on major routes).

Special care should be taken to restrict your driving to the main routes outlined on the most recent maps of this area as other routes may not be appropriate for driving (dirt roads, mountain passes, etc.).

Traveling in Menorca by Car / Car Rental

Because Menorca's city centers are so popular, you are cautioned to avoid driving in these areas - especially since the narrow roads in these places can accommodate traffic traveling in one direction only. In addition, parked automobiles make driving extremely difficult. Traveling by car rental is best accomplished by following a current map of its roads - which offer views that are nothing short of amazing.

If you are stuck in the hotels in Barcelona but wish to get in touch with nature, that is not a problem because the West Indian Continental-island country is very rich in various fauna and flora. The Caribbean island is home to many different kinds of beautiful and marvelous plants. Many Horticultural society and club were founded because of the lucrative hobby of gardening. Different garden houses were built on the isle, which gathers a lot of attention from tourists who want to enjoy the sights of beautiful flowers and plants available only in the country.

Barcelona hotels is rich in many colorful shrubs and has a wide range of flowering plants and other plantation. Almost each of the 7 parishes of the country has their own luscious garden to be proud of. The Parish of St. James has the Lancaster Great House Gallery and Gardens. The Andromeda gardens and flower forest can be found in the parish of St. Joseph. Because of the number of plant and flower enthusiast, the Barcelona Horticultural Society was founded by many plant aficionados. By joining this society, members can enjoy special invitations, discounts and other perks. Members of the Horticultural club only pay 5 BDS$ instead of the regular 15 BDS$ entrance fee for various garden spots on the country.

The nice weather allows much plant life to grow and blossom in this island. Trees like the Golden Palm is abundant in the isle, aside from palm trees, many frangipani and cordial trees offer a cool shade for other plants like orchids and other flowering plants to grow and blossom. Rare plants can also be found on the west-Indian continental country like the Rainbow Eucalyptus which has a varied colored tree bark. Plant enthusiast will really have an eye candy treat with the variety of flora growing in many of the country's gardens.

Vegetarians will also have stomach filling meals as the country offers many Bajan vegetables dishes for them to enjoy. Pumpkin Fritters is an ideal snack for those who love something sweet and spicy. Rice is often cooked with a variety of peas like pigeon peas, black eye peas or split peas. Vegetables like Okra and Asparagus are often sprinkled with lime juice and sautéed in butter. There are also unusual fruits for tourists to enjoy in local restaurants. A large green football sized Breadfruit which is similar to potatoes in taste and texture, is often served lathered in a butter, tomato and onion sauce or fresh cucumber and lime souse. Plantain may look unpleasant when uncooked but it is quite popular in local restaurants. It is a member if the banana family and usually served wrapped in bacon and baked. The sugarless member of the melon family, Chrisyophene is another unusual vegetable which is commonly served with cheese sauce.

The island has so many wonderful caves and gardens to explore. So after arriving in the country and finding hotels in Barcelona, get your gears ready and explore Mother Nature at her best in this tropical island.

Most people come to Bali to experience the marvelously rich culture heritage; some come for the beaches and the waves; some come for meeting and convention; others for pure relaxation. But if you are a nature lover don’t miss Jatiluwih, is a breathtaking panorama of genuine and fertile rice fields stretch from the foothills of Batukaru volcano to the south coast.

It is located at the western district of Tabanan. This western uplands of Batukaru are famed for magnificent landscapes. The view from the mountain village, Jatiluwih, takes in the whole of South Bali. Perched on a high terraced slope, Jatiluwih deserves its name, which means “Truly Marvelous”. A wonder of the world. It’s worth a venture.

You can initiate your trip in the morning leaving the hotel at 09.00. A.M. There are many ways to see Bali and each serves its own purpose well. Motorcycles are a pleasant (but extremely risky) way to see the countryside and cooler than ride in a car. Jeep and minivans are also available for hire – with or without a driver. It is advisable to settle the price with the driver before starting on a journey.

After passing the town of Tabanan the road takes you to the north through the villages of Wanasari, Jegu, Buruan and Wangaya Gede. On the route you will be amazed by the wonderful rural ambience; farmhouses, characteristically, a little shrine to place offerings dedicated to Dewi Sri the Goddess of rice, plowing, flocks of ducks that are brought to bathe and feed all day in the flooded paddies, and harvesting, that one pictures when remembering Bali. The cascading terraces of rice fields are the most striking features of the landscape.

If you see farmers are working the rice, planting or harvesting, and if you are interested in experience it, you can stop and joint them, you will be welcomed gladly. “Alo turis, alo turis!” followed by giggles is the standard greeting from children everywhere on Bali. Older people will be more sedate but their curious eyes will follow you, as will their more modest greeting of “mau kemana” (where are you going). Traveling in Bali can be exhilarating and getting off the beaten track can take you right to the heart of Balinese life, although you don’t have to stray far to feel it.

On the route at the village of Wanasari there is a butterflies park, you can stop and watch various kinds of colorful tropical butterflies. And then nearby the temple Pura Luhur is the holy spring of Air Panas, where hot water surges from the river bank. All strange, natural phenomena are believed to be frequented by spirits. Thus, Air Panas is graced by a small temple where people make their prayers with offerings.

The journey continues up the road until it dead ends at Pura Luhur Batukaru (2,278 m / 7,474 ft). Being one of Bali’s most venerated temples, every West Balinese temple has a shrine dedicated to it; it is isolated within its solitary clearing far above the populated farmlands. The dense rainforest of this upland would invite every adventurer to explore it. Wild orchids, healing herbs, fragrant spices and exotic trees could be discovered in this mystical heart and soul of this amazing island.

Then, the last destination (the goal of the journey) is the mountain village Jatiluwih, a breathtaking panorama of genuine and the most fertile terraces rice fields on the island. It is said as the granary of the whole Bali. Perched on a high terraced slope, Jatiluwih deserves its name, which means “Truly Marvelous”. The cascading terraces of rice fields are the most striking features of the landscape. Stretch from the foothill of Batukaru volcano to the south coast. The cool western uplands, overlooking half the island, offer magnificent views.

On the route to Jatiluwih you can observe many kinds of tropical vegetation; coffee, coconuts, cacaos, cloves, jack fruits, bananas, papayas, sirsaks, an extremely juicy fruit, rambutans, mangoes, durians the smelly fruit, etc. The western upland is the most interesting area to hike. If you love hiking (don’t forget your picnic basket). A true journey to the secret soul of Bali. But if you want to have your meals at a restaurant, continue your travel to the east till you arrive at Pacung, there is a good restaurant offers delicious buffet lunch – with its wonderful sight of terraces rice field and the sacred volcano Batukaru in the distance.

Waka Land Cruise a reputable company has been organizing a sacred adventure to the secret soul of Bali. Travel by legendary luxury Land Rover, on tiny country roads and tracks, through terraced rice fields and untouched rainforest to the real heart of Bali.

So keep in mind the beautiful Bali for your holiday, because it would be worth to venture there.

Thank you readers and have a nice day.

With over 30 million visitors a year, Las Vegas is the entertainment capital of the world.  From the gorgeous mega-luxury hotels to the exclusive Vegas shows to the unbeatable buffets to the 24 hour casinos, Las Vegas has something for everyone.

More and more travellers are booking their Las Vegas trips online.  So should you book your next Las Vegas vacation online?  Here are the top 5 reasons to consider booking your Vegas vacation online:


1) Save Money

You don't have to pay travel agent commissions which can amount to significant savings of hundred of dollars.  Plus there are direct-to-customer online travel services that give you special discounts just for booking online.


2) Convenience

Book your Vegas vacation from the comfort of your own home. You don't have to go out to pick up the tickets or haggle with travel agencies. You simply shop, click, book and print - easy as that. (and if you have questions, there's usually a toll free number you can call for 24 hour support)


3) Larger Selection of Las Vegas Packages:

Instead of just choosing from the latest travel agent specials you can choose from EVERYTHING that's available. You know what you want in a Las Vegas vacation better than anyone else - and you can easily browse everything that's available to you online.

Many online travel agents upload new vacation packages weekly so you can monitor the new packages being offered and find an amazing deal.


4) Easy To Search & Book

With easy search functions and large travel package databases, you simply plug in your search parameters and get a listing of possible trips, prices and descriptions.  The easy search functions make it simple and fun to find the Las Vegas vacation of your dreams



5) Research Hotels and Find Out What Other Travellers Think - BEFORE You Get There

Ever travelled some place, got there and thought - 'I wish someone had told me what this place was really like before I spent all this money!'?

Now you can know what your Vegas hotel is like before you stay there. Many online travel agents have pictures, detailed descriptions and even downloadable brochures on each Las Vegas resort.

And some online travel agents are also introducing a Travellers' Opinions section where people can leave feedback and rate their hotel vacation experience. They rate hotels and also leave comments on their experience.  This is a great tool for you to not only find out which hotels are popular with other travellers but you can usually also pick up other Vegas travel tips that can save you money.


Considering all this, it's no wonder that more and more people are booking their Las Vegas trip online, it's easier, cheaper and you end up making a better choice (and thus having a more enjoyable vacation).