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Travel around the world -- in a lunch hour

2010-08-27T05:50:00.000-07:00

The members of the New Neighbors Club of South Florida invite you to join them on Sept. 8, for lunch and a special travel presentation by two long time members and past presidents Suzuyo Fox and Joan Kanet.

The two have traveled extensively around the world including Central and Eastern Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. They will dispute the guests with a travel enigma, by presenting an overview of a past travel vacation. The guests will approximate what country or city they were in.

Extremities and guests also will be bade to share their travel adventures.

In a press release, Phyllis Webber, the club's program chairman said, ``We are very excited to learn about exotic aims in the world, through the eyes of two of our very ain members.''

The dejeuner will begin at 11:30 a.m. and will be at key signature Gardens, 12725 SW 122nd Ave. The cost is $24 per person and reservations are asked. Call Barbara Richards at 305-595-8631 to reserve your place.

SUPPORT LITERACY

You can help stamp out illiteracy by contriving to attend the Alfalit International fundraising event to begin at 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 25 in the Versailles Ballroom at the Intercontinental Hotel at 100 Chopin Plaza in business district Miami. The theme of the event is ``More Precious Than Gold and Rubies'' and is being acquainted to raise awareness and support of the administration educational programs. Myrka Dellanos will be the Mistress of ceremonials.

Agreeing to a press release from the organization, there are about 800 million illiterate people throughout the world. And while Alfalit International has changed the lives of more than 7 a million mass worldwide by providing basic reading, writing and math sciences, there is still much work to be done.

In the press release Roberto Perez, president of the Miami-based administration said, ``We face many challenges as we sustain and expand our broadcasts. Our major challenge is to find teacher replacement in various countries and the buying of textbooks.''

In addition to its literacy, basic breeding and preschool courses, Alfalit International also supports community development, health and aliment programs through cooperative projects with other international organizations. The administration serves 22 countries throughout Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa and Portugal, and has been recognized at the 2006 and 2007 White House Conferences on Global Literacy. Alfalit also has received honors and the highest awad for literary development from UNESCO.

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Air travel flights - Air travel rules and requirements constantly changing

2010-08-27T04:39:00.000-07:00

Whether you’re planning a faraway vacation or business trip, it’s a good idea to be aware of all the rules and regulations before heading to the airport. Arriving at the airport early enough and knowing the list of prohibited items could prevent an exciting feel from turning into a frustrating and possibly dangerous nightmare.

Aviation security is a shared responsibility around the world and abuses are continually being implemented to make air travel safer. Just as airlines do what they can to stay one-step ahead of any violent plots, everyday citizens can also do their part to keep air travel safe and commodious.

Binding to the rules and policies of airports and individual airlines will most expected make for smoother travels.

Pat Corfman, manager of marketing and public relations for Flint Bishop International Airport said the greatest thing they are dealing with right now at the airport is building. The Sam Adams bar, complete with charging stations for calls and computers, is set to open this calendar week and a full-service grill and gift shop are regular to be open for business by Thanksgiving.

As security remains a top priority, Corfman said the buy at flyers are accustomed to all of the ongoing restrictions and demands. Oftentimes, the infrequent flyer is unfamiliar with the liquid restrictions and packs a large shampoo in their bag besides a small bottle.

Corfman said there are to be no neglected vehicles parked in front of the entrance. She said nearby cell phone lots are uncommitted so that those picking up a traveler can wait there for free until they get the call that their beloved is ready to be picked up at the door.

Enhanced security

According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), riders traveling on flights to the U.S. from international destinations are sure to notice heightened, random security measures, including the increased use of explosives trace detection, canine teams, advanced imaging applied science (body scans), and behavior detection among other measures.

Passengers who opt out of imaging technology screening, which some believe is too intrusive, will go through alternative screening, including same-gender pat downs.

Arrive early

Because of the extra time asked to conduct enhanced security measures, passengers are advised to adjoin their airport to find out how early they should arrive. AirTran at Flint Bishop International Airport advocates travelers arrive at least 90 minutes early. Keep the number to the airline handy or curriculum it into one’s cell phone.

Prohibited food items

Airport employees have seen it all when it bears on passengers wanting to carry food on to the plane. The TSA has a long list of banned carry-on food items. Rather than assuming, it’s OK to have that big-ticket bottle of perfume in a carry-on bag, check out the list (see sidebar) and see that this is one of those banned items.

Oversized electronics

If oversized electronics (laptops, full-size picture game consoles, DVD players and video cameras that use cassettes) are in a carry-on bag be cognisant that the traveler will be required to remove these items from the bag and accede them separately for x-ray blocking out. Small electronics, such as iPods, can remain in the carry-on bag.

Liquids

To simplify the come of liquids that can be in a carry-on bag, airlines refer to the amount as “3-1-1 for carry-ons.” This term adverts to 3.4 ounce (100ml) bottle or less (by volume); 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per rider placed in screening bin. Although some feel it is an inconvenience, it is also an bother for would-be terrorists who might be attempting to carry on a dangerous sum of explosive or damaging liquids, agreeing to the TSA.

Medications, baby formula and food, and breast milk are allowed in fair quantities exceeding three ounces and are not required to be in the zip-top bag, all the same, they still need to be declared.

Metal detectors

All travelers must authorize through metal detectors before boarding an aircraft. Transportation certificate officers have to identify any metal that is discovered at the checkpoint. If the metal detector alarms as the passenger walks done, the person will be required to experience additional screening. This includes a hand-wand and pat-down inspection.

Firearms

Don’t attempt to carry on a firearm. Security officers are required to contact law enforcement immediately if one is discovered, regardless of the traveler’s excuse. On average, the TSA reports finding two guns per day.

In addition to potentially missing the flight, passengers could have their gun confiscated and/or face criminal charges. A fine from TSA is also possible. Firearms meeting all airline requirements can be transported in checked bags.

Shaving razors

For anyone who plans to take a razor with him or her on a flight, pack it in the checked luggage, rather than in the carry-on bag. Since the razor blades can so easily be removed from the old-fashioned razors, they are not allowed in carry-on bags, but the disposable razors are.

Number of carry-on bags

Browsing Air-Tran’s website, travelers will learn they will be restricted to one carry-on item and one personal item.

Checked baggage

The number of bags each traveler is allowed to check varies from one airline to the next. The TSA recommends the traveler contact the airline directly to find out sizes and quantity of allowed bags and how much of a fee will be charged for each.

Sharp objects

Knives or sharp objects will not be allowed in carry-on baggage or past the security checkpoint. Any sharp items a traveler may need in their travels should be packed in their checked baggage. Customers dependent upon syringe-injected medications may carry on such items.

Identification

The TSA encourages each adult traveler to keep his or her airline-boarding pass and government-issued photo identification available until exiting the security checkpoint (children are not required to show identification). If a traveler does not have identification (lost, stolen, etc.), he or she will be required to provide the officer with some information to help verify their identity. This will slow down the screening process and will result in additional screening.

Air travel issues to consider:

• Prohibited food items

• Oversized electronics

Travelers are required to remove their shoes before entering the walk-through metal detector at all U.S. airports and put them through the x-ray machine for inspection. This allows officers to see if the shoes have been tampered with in any way.

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Unlimited Vacation Time Not A Dream For Some - vacation apartment rentals

2010-08-13T08:41:00.000-07:00

Rosemary O'Neill's employees weren't sure whether to believe her when she announced a change in vacation policy early this year.

"When I said, 'Unlimited paid leave, no strings affiliated,' there comprised a moment of, 'Are you punking us? Is this a joke?' " O'Neill says.

It wasn't a joke. O'Neill and her husband, Ted, own Social Strata, a small herding media outfit in Seattle. Their business has joined a tiny but acquiring group: For the first time this year, 1 percent of U.S. businesses say they offer infinite paid vacation.

For the O'Neills, the change started with an effort to help an employee in crisis. Their treasurer was struggling to care for a badly injured husband while also keeping up with her work. The O'Neills talked about letting her take off some time she needed. After all, she comprised a hard worker, and they trusted her. Then, they accomplished that was the case with all of their 10 employees.

"My husband said, 'Well, why don't we just do it for everyone!' "

That was a Friday. They addressed a Monday morning meeting, and, as Rosemary puts it, cast the bombshell. O'Neill says the fresh policy aims to go far beyond just allowing employees spend August on the beach.

"People have lives," she says. "We want them to be able to, I do not know, take a pottery class or go to their child's play or help a congenator who's sick." "Everybody's a doubter, like, 'That can't actually be true!' " says Brian Lenz, Social Strata's aged software engineer. He says friends still can't believe he's got it so adept.

One of the greatest changes he sees as a result of the policy is that if colleagues are sick now, they're more likely to actually take a sick day, since it no more cuts into a set chunk of paid time off. Lenz was also grateful for the new insurance when he became a father in February.

"I took six weeks off for that," Lenz says. "So that was a actual blessing just to be able to have that time with my wife and girl, that bonding experience."

Why the uptick in inexhaustible paid leave now? Studies have long shown that — conceive it or not — such flexibility actually makes workers fatter and engaged. But Lenny Sanicola, with the human imaginations group World at Work, which surveys company benefits, suspects something a lot of. Sanicola notes that with all the perks being cut during the ceding back, vacation time has held its own.

"Maybe not being able to provide other rewards," he says, "some accompanies said as long as the work gets done and the productivity that we're anticipating is achieved, you don't have to track your time and you are able to take unlimited leave."

Of course, Sanicola says this comprises limited to white-collar professionals. He's never heard of it by the hour employees; you can imagine a factory shutting down without a steady current of workers. In fact, the U.S. is alone in the industrialised world in that 1000000s of mainly low-wage workers have no paid vacation at all.

Some critics worry that in a acculturation of workaholics, unlimited vacation might actually mean no vacation; that without a specified time to be "off" employees might feel blackjack to always be "on."

The movie subscription service Netflix has had unlimited allow for a decade. "I personally am ardent about my job," says Steve Swasey, vice president for corporate communicatings, "and I don't mind checking my BlackBerry when I'm climb ruins in Guatemala and Honduras, which I've done."

But Swasey says Netflix does not ask its workers do that. He calls traditional vacation, as a matter of fact the whole 9-to-5 workday, a "relic of the industrial age." Swasey says Netflix values actors who can manage their own time.

"We have engineers who work jolly much around the clock because that's the way they work," Swasey says. "And then they accept two months to go visit family in India. We have citizenry who never take a vacation for three years and then take a 90-day trip someplace. But they've earned it."

At Social Strata, vacation flavor hasn't changed as dramatically as you might imagine. People must still bring off time off around deadlines and work that needs to get acted. Rosemary O'Neill says no one seems to be taking off much a lot of time than last year. That is, about no one.

"Well," she says with a laugh, "I took a longer holiday than normal!"

After years of devoting themselves to their business concern, O'Neill and her husband took their three young babies on a monthlong, cross-country road trip. She says she Bob Hope* it will inspire employees to set off on their own up adventures.
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Summer travel deals still available in Virginia

2010-08-12T00:07:00.000-07:00

Virginia is ranking high on even national travel internet sites as a great place to find a last minute summer holiday deal. Travel experts say that's good news for anyone on a budget who's appearing to stay close to home.

Travel agent Stephanie Goff says, "A lot of times you don't have time to go quite so far, so people like the finisher to home attractions like amusement parks, Williamsburg, you know dozenses, and you know a lot of vineyards are becoming a lot of popular with world class wine as close as about an hour aside in Charlottesville."

Goff says there are lots of addresses to be had, and you all the same have time to get them.

Goff says, "by all odds you are able to sew it up at the last minute. It looks like the trend is now becoming well lets see where we can go in the next calendar month, people used to book six months to a year in advance, and that's just not bechancing anymore."

Virginia Tourism officials say many people miss out on great travel deals since they forget to look in their own backyard.

Tamra Talmadge-Anderson with the Virginia Tourism corp says, "even if you live in the state there is so much to discover from account to beaches to mountains to wineries. There's something for everybody."

Smartmoney.com is evaluation Virginia as one of five top places to acquire a good deal right now.

Your best bet at a budget holiday is a flexible schedule.

Goff says, "that allows you to amaze the best bang for your buck whatever day they might be offering the advancements."

If you've already had a stay-cation or mayhap took that route last year, the deals outside Virginia and even the US can be even as good. Travel agents say prices drop when hotels or sails aren't booked up.

Goff says, "Vegas is always a great deal, cruises, it almost seems like they are affording them away they are so cheap, all inclusive trips to the Caribbean."

More times when you are booking travel at a discounted rate, those deals are non-refundable. So, you might prefer to think about getting travel insurance policy in case something unexpected happens.

Tips for finding the best cruise deals

2010-08-11T04:59:00.000-07:00

When people find out I write for a travel publication, I inevitably get asked about good deals for upcoming vacations. My standard reply is that it all depends on what you like to do, and the conversation goes from at that place. I rarely advocate just going with rock-bottom costs, and instead suggest that travelers do a bit of investigating (both personal and trip-oriented) before planning a vacation. Essentially, a good deal or a avid value can only be determined by you—but there are cosmopolitan benchmarks to go by. Calls into question to Ask Before Planning Your Trip As you're starting your trip enquiry, always consider the following: How active of a vacation do you want to have? Are you the type who deficiencies to plop on a beach, enjoy a variety of another activities, or some blend of the two? Consider your traveling keeps company. What are their interests, preferences, and energy levels? Do their vacation anticipations match up with yours? How much do you want to drop? In what areas do you want to splurge, and which components are you willing to cut back on? Will you be spending most of your time outdoors?
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How important is it to you to have ideal weather? How long do you want to be away? Are you able to tailor your budget and interests to fit your time requirement? For More data on This Topic and Other Travel News Visit Our Partner SmarterTravel Once you have does to these questions, you should have a good idea of what type of vacation you're contriving, from which accommodations type is right for you to how light or active your path should be. Let your answers inform how you plan the rest of your trip, especially in determining the best value for each travel element.
Airfare
Airfare is the most fixed travel area, as far as appraising value goes. You'll be subject to factors beyond your control, so much as seasonality, supply and demand, and airline fees; but there are a few areas you can tweak to get the better value for your travel dollars. Always start chasing flights early to get the best sense of prices, add up of daily flights, and airlines that offer routes to your finish. If your travel dates aren't set in stone, take advantage of the many flexible-date explore tools out there to see when costs are lowest.
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Decide if you want a address flight (if available) or are willing to connect. Often, associating flights are cheaper, although you will add more time to your journeying and risk the chance of getting waylaid if there are any checks or cancellations. Once you've zeroed in on a few flight hypotheses, determine the true cost of your ticket by accounting all applicable baggage, meal, and other fees. SmarterTravel's on a regular basis updated Airline Fees: The Ultimate Guide can help you anatomy out what your final ticket cost will be, as well as compare true prices across competitor airlines to find the best value since your trip.

Americans Afraid to Take Full Vacations

2010-08-11T03:59:00.000-07:00

Forget that week-long cruise, drive through the national parks or journey to London. These days Americans are taking shorter trips -- mostly extended weekends -- and leaving a large chunk of their paid vacation days unused.

Americans already have fewer paid vacation days than their European counterparts, but now comes news that only 57 percent of people here are taking all of their vacation time.
"People are fearful for their jobs. They want to stay there and work but they also need the money," said John Wright, a senior vice president at the research firm Ipsos. "They don't want to miss out on anything at work because they don't want to fall behind or lose their job or something like that."
Ipsos teamed up with Reuters to look at where workers were more likely to use all of their vacation days. North American and Asian countries were at the bottom of the list, with Europeans and Latin Americans taking the most advantage of their time off.

"There a number of different countries that have mandated or legislated periods of rest. You look at France being at the top of the list. Italy is also there," Wright said. "It's not uncommon for some of the countries to basically shut down for four weeks."

Italy has the most vacation days, with the average worker there getting 42 paid days off, according to the World Tourism Organization. Next was France with 37 days, Germany with 35, Brazil at 34, the United Kingdom at 28, Canada with 26 and Korea and Japan both with 25. The United States was near the bottom of the list with the average worker getting 13 days off. But even with those 13 days off, only 57 percent of Americans take them all. Eighty-nine percent of the French use all of their days off.

Kathleen E. Christensen, the founder of the Workplace, Work Force and Working Families program at the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation and author of the book "Workplace Flexibility: Realigning 20th-Century Jobs for a 21st-Century Workforce," says a lot of this is cultural.

"Within different countries there is just a clear cultural norm that people take their vacations. In France, the country -- particularly in the cities -- virtually closes down during the month of August," she said. "In the United States we don't have any kind of prevailing cultural norm that is so dominant, that defines that this is a vacation month."

Discount Travel for Kids and Seniors

2010-08-11T02:41:00.000-07:00

Discount travel may seem out of reach to some. We all know that traveling can be very expensive, especially when it comes to traveling with babies and/or other family members. We can at once thank sites like Travelocity.com, kayak.com, and additional holiday help-planner sites to find the best prices for hotel and traveling accommodations. One of the best types of travel for baby boomers today is chance traveling. Sure, staying at a nice hotel vacationing and acting nothing may sound enticing, but a fun, adventurous vacation in an exotic location may be the exact escape you are looking for. These adventure travel ideas for aged adults combine comfort and fun--while bidding a break from traditional travel. In fact, the travel company, Elderhostel was made in 1975, the age limit for engagement in its adventure travel and learning vacation programs was 60, later abbreviated to 55. Adults of any age are welcome--even travelers in their 20s.
Travel agencies with travel packages especially created for boomers hopes to assure older travelers by insisting that while the company will accept travellers of any age, the focus will continue to be on appealing boomers and seniors.
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Vacation rental sites you use in Australia

2010-08-10T06:04:00.000-07:00

If the vacation rental sites you use fall short on options in Australia.

What's hot: It lists more than 23,000 holiday rentals in Oz. You are able to even track your darlings as you browse through a luxury villa on Whitsunday or an citified tree house in the Margaret River area. If you're not familiar with different areas, use the "Accommodation by Holiday Type" boxful in the right sidebar. You can look for locations accommodated for beach outings, skiing, surfing, or other travel feels.

What's not: Prices are in Australian dollars. As with many rental sites, you must accomplished a form to request a booking. Availability calendars are shown, and deposits are asked. Searches for specific types of properties don't always give exact results.
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Travel firm squeezed as holidaymakers hang back

2010-08-10T05:51:00.000-07:00

THOMSON Holidays owner TUI Travel has been left with a lot of cheap deals to sell after would-be sunseekers sat on their hands amid nerves over post-election tax rises, decent summer weather and the World Cup, the firm said today.
TUI, which has more or less four million UK customers, said disruptions from Republic of Iceland volcanic ash cloud also affected trading as it warned of full-year results at the bluer end of City hopes.

UK bookings have fallen 2 per centum since its last update in May and the firm now has more vacations to give away in the "lates" market, bosoming profits.
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TUI, which is as well braced for a hit from the pound's recent defend against the euro, said the uncertainty was likely to linger as would-be tourers waited longer before booking.
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Chief administrator Peter Long warned: "It remains difficult to predict how the later engagement pattern will change over the next 12-18 months in the light of the current efficient environment."

Travel briefs: New Bay Area flights to Eugene, Oregon

2009-04-17T01:47:00.000-07:00

Allegiant to fly from Oakland to Eugene

Allegiant Air, which moved its Bay Area operations from San Francisco to Oakland earlier this year, has announced that it will begin non-stop flights to Eugene, Ore., in June.

The low-cost airline will offer twice-weekly service — on Monday and Fridays — using MD-80 jets that seat 150 passengers.

A limited number of seats are available for the introductory fare of $39 one way; purchase by April 29 on www.allegiantair.com or via travel agent or phone card (702-505-8888) for flights through Sept. 30. After the introductory period, the one-way ticket price will rise to $59.

The flights will leave Oakland at 11:25 a.m. and arrive in Eugene about 85 minutes later, at 12:50 p.m. On the return flight, departures will be at 1:30 p.m., with arrival in Oakland at 2:55 p.m.

In February, the carrier started flying from Oakland to Bellingham, Wash., twice a week. That frequency will increase to three flights a week in May and four in June.

HOTELS

New loyalty points for frequent stays

Desperate to fill empty rooms, hotel chains are beefing up loyalty programs. Most say they're trying to avoid slashing rates to attract business. But they're more than happy to toss in goodies — free hotel rooms, free breakfast
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and oodles of bonus points.

"Awards in general are richer across the industry and probably will be a lot richer soon," says Don Berg, vice president of loyalty programs for InterContinental Hotels Group, or IHG. The company's brands include Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza and InterContinental Hotels.

IHG is giving Priority Club members 3,000 points for a qualifying third-night stay through April 30, double the standard reward. Other chains — Starwood, Marriott and Hilton, among them — are offering similar deals for frequent customers.

UNITED STATES

Advance bookings down in Yellowstone region

Fewer tourists compared to last year have booked advance reservations to visit the greater Yellowstone region this summer, but industry leaders hope low gas prices will lure people to drive to national parks and other attractions in Montana and Wyoming.

Lee Haines, a spokesman for the Buffalo Bill Historical Center in Cody, told the Billings Gazette that museum planners are expecting flat visitor numbers this year with a slight rise possible in recreational vehicle traffic compared to last year. He said because many RV owners are retired, they have more flexible travel schedules that allow them to drive when gas prices are lower.

Rick Hoeninghausen, director of sales and marketing for Xanterra Parks and Resorts, the main lodging company in Yellowstone, told the Gazette that advance reservations so far this year are down 13 percent from last year. He noted that bookings are good for July and August, but group tours and early season stays are down.
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Britons warned off Bangkok travel

2009-04-12T09:05:00.000-07:00

Britons travelling to Bangkok should "urgently review their plans" after the Thai government declared a state of emergency, the Foreign Office has said.

Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva gave the order for the capital after anti-government protesters forced the cancellation of an Asian summit.

The protesters say Mr Vejjajiva took power unlawfully and the military and judiciary are undermining democracy.

The Foreign Office urged Britons already in Bangkok to stay indoors.

A bulletin on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) website stated: "In view of the deteriorating security situation anyone considering going to Bangkok should urgently review their plans.

'Enemies of Thailand'

"British residents in, and visitors to, Bangkok are advised to avoid any areas where demonstrations are taking place and to stay indoors as far as possible."

The FCO told Britons abroad in Thailand to avoid demonstrations and gatherings, including near Government House in central Bangkok, where anti-government protesters have been holding an on-going rally since 26 March.

The protesters broke into the interior ministry and at one point attacked a car they thought was carrying Mr Vejjajiva. He was not inside.

They have also blocked a number of busy road junctions and at least one railway, and taken buses and two armoured vehicles. The prime minister has threatened "tough measures" to end the protests.

About 812,000 British nationals visited Thailand in 2008, according to the Thai tourism authority.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has denounced the protesters, who are calling for fresh elections, as the "enemies of Thailand".
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Holiday Parks in the UK

2007-12-25T21:19:00.000-08:00

The UK Holiday Park has become one of the great national institutions. Generations of families, from the turn of the century onwards, have left the UK’s cities to head for their two weeks summer holidays on the British coastline.

The Holiday Park had a fairly humble beginning, essentially offering accommodation, entertainment and food all under one roof, more often than not on the edge of a large traditional seaside town like Blackpool, Skegness or Great Yarmouth.

These holiday parks were very popular with families looking for affordable holidays, at a time when overseas travel was expensive and unobtainable for a large percentage of the general public.

However as overseas travel became more affordable Britain saw the rise of the package holiday in the 70’s and 80’s, which meant that the UK holidays no longer offered the value that was such a unique selling point for many of the popular parks. With the new found competition from guaranteed sun, cheap accommodation, food and drink, UK holiday parks came under increasing pressure.

The challenging times that faced the industry were definitely compounded by a change in perception of the holiday park experience. When you mentioned holiday parks people began to think of the popular TV series Hi-de-Hi and never ending rounds of knobbly knees competitions, donkey rides and red coat style entertainment. Unfortunately combined with cold and windy chalets and indifferent food!

The holiday park has however come a long way since its humble beginnings and in the last ten years the industry has seen a massive revolution in the breadth, quality and style of holiday parks available in the UK.

Like many UK tourism business the independent and multiple holiday park owners began to see a decrease in the interest in their holiday offering. The park owners came up with a number of solutions to counter the perception and the improve the quality of the holiday park experience.

Firstly the accommodation was upgraded. Customers were no longer happy with basic facilities, so holiday parks spent millions on improving accommodation facilities, from upgrading the standard rooms to developing penthouse apartments with plasma TV’s, four poster beds and room service. This resulted in holiday parks giving a more upmarket feel to all their accommodation and provided customers with a much greater range of choice.

Secondly the entertainment offering changed enormously. Some UK parks began to specialise in just offering specific entertainment breaks. Top comedians, shows and musical acts have begun to top the bill and themed weekends specialising in entertainment like county western, 60’s revivals and dance and sport breaks. Parks have also become better at targeting key groups like adult weekends, family activity holidays or special nights for stag and hen groups.

Thirdly the traditional three meals a day offering of parks has probably seen the greatest change. To adapt to the change needs of holiday makers more and more parks have began to offer self catering options rather than providing full or half board and charging extra for meals. Some of the larger chain parks have gone even further and don’t offer any catering, just inviting the restaurants and fast food places to offer food on the Park. However, as the parks themselves have diversified, offering different things to different holiday markets, so has the catering, and some holiday parks now make a virtue of the fact that they offer three top quality meals all day.

One example of a company who stayed ahead of the game was Potters Leisure Resort (http://www.pottersholidays.com/). As the UK’s only Five Star Independent Park they had long been investing to top quality infrastructure, entertainment and catering and the initial costs of the project have been rewarded with a reputation for top quality holiday park experience.

But Potters aren’t the only company offering top quality park style holidays. More and more developments in the UK are building the lodge style accommodation away from the traditional holiday park centres of seaside towns. The inland lodge style developments have specifically moved away from the ‘park’ image and now offer champagne and hot tubs style breaks in a quiet and secluded rural environment.

Parks are springing up right across the UK on the coast and inland and more than ever before the UK holiday park experience offers something for everyone from traditional entertainment in Great Yarmouth, to five star luxury in the Cotswolds. With so much innovation in the industry holiday parks will continue to offer more of what the holidaymaker wants and needs – a top quality holiday experience.
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Apollo Bay: Paradise by the Sea

2007-10-18T19:05:00.000-07:00

by Gavin Wyatt
Nestled in at the base of the Otway Ranges, separating the lush green rainforest from the deep azure blue of the Southern Ocean, lies the peaceful coastal hamlet of Apollo Bay. Referred to by locals, and remembered by visitors, as 'paradise by the sea', Apollo Bay is built on a perfect, bow shaped beach whose white sands and gentle waves help justify this label, as does the relaxed atmosphere of the town and the laid back, no worries attitude of its residents.

With a history of fishing that dates back over 100 years, fishing, together with farming and tourism is one of the chief incomes of the town. The huge fleet moored in the towns harbour has become something of an attraction to visitors, who like to wander through the wharves observing the different boats coming in with their catch for the day. Seafood doesn't come much fresher than this, and lobsters and various other fish and crustaceans can be bought directly from the fishermen. If you fancy a bit of fishing yourself then charters are available from which you can fish out at sea or along the coastline, or you can hire rods and try your luck in the surf of the beaches around Apollo Bay. These beaches are swimming safe, so a dip could provide the perfect respite from your endeavours with the rod.

On the landward side of Apollo Bay lie the spectacular Otway Ranges. Characterised by the thick, lush rainforest vegetation and breath taking mountain scenery, you will need at least a couple of days to explore the exciting and enthralling attractions throughout this mountain range. There are thirteen impressive waterfalls in these mountains, and it is well worth your while to visit at least a few of them as they are all easily reachable from Apollo Bay. The Erskine Falls are the most visited, where water cascades down a steep rocky face into a fern lined gully, kicking up a wall of spray that coats everything around in a fine layer of moisture. Triplet Falls are just as impressive, sharing the same damp rainforest characteristics.

Heading slightly west from Apollo Bay you reach Cape Otway, a rugged peninsula that juts out into the ocean and marks the start of the treacherous Shipwreck Coast. The Cape Otway lighthouse towers over the coastline from the peninsula, built to guide ships into the Bass Strait. These days you are able to climb the lighthouse and enjoy the coastal views on either side from its top, taking in the broken cliffs and rocks that have proved so perilous to ships of the past. Behind the peninsula is the Otway National Park, which is a continuation of the rainforest that covers the mountains in the hinterland.

Back into town and you can spend some time browsing through the many art galleries and studios that have developed in the area. Apollo Bay has a strong tradition of arts and crafts, and many artists come here to find inspiration from its tranquil setting and picturesque surrounds. A lot of inspiration is taken from the sea, and in the foreshore of the centre of town there are twenty four sculptures that strongly represent this influence. Created by various artists from around the world, these sculptures are a large feature of the towns centre. On Saturday mornings a market opens on the foreshore, where local produce and arts and crafts is available for purchase, and many bargains can be found. In keeping with the strong cultural vibe of the town, the Apollo Bay Music Festival is held here each year in April. It attracts local and international artists and draws in people from all over the world.

If golf is your game then you will be delighted with the nine hole course in Apollo Bay. Hugging the coastline, each hole offers its own unique views of the ocean as well as its own challenges to the golfer. Its the perfect way to get some fresh air and take in some of the views the town offers. Talking about sports, the Great Ocean Road marathon is held in Apollo Bay annually and draws crowds from all over the region and contestants from all over the world. It takes place in May every year, so if you are sports mad then try and work your holiday around these dates.

Apollo Bay has a range of accommodation styles to suit all budgets and group sizes. If it seems a bit daunting trying to plan your stay and choose somewhere to stay, it shouldn't be. All you need to do is log onto www.accommodationinapollobay.com.au which is a simple and easy to use website that lists the details and information of all the accommodation options in the town. It also provides information on tourism operators in the region, and what sites and attractions you should see. The perfect means to planning your holiday!
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Top 10 Items To Buy In Singapore

2007-10-18T19:03:00.000-07:00

by Gary Hendricks
Have you arrived in Singapore and are craving to go do some shopping? Well help and guidance is here!

In Singapore, shopping is upheld as a national pastime. You will find a lot of shopping malls, coupled with nice discounts, low taxes and tariffs, as well as a huge variety of goods.

Most stores in Singapore stay open 7 days a week and operate from 10 am to 9 pm. If you're planning to shop, keep in mind these opening times.

One nice event to look out for when you visit Singapore is definitely the Great Singapore Sale. What happens here you ask? Well, it is an event held during June and July of each year, where shopping centres go crazy with discounts to attract shoppers.

To help the avid shopper scouting Singapore for goods, I've come up with a list of ten items I think you can and should purchase from Singapore.

1. Antiques
Antiques are always a nice item to buy from SIngapore. Where can you find them? Where's the best place to get good value? Well, if you go to the 2nd floor of the Tanglin Shopping Centre, or perhaps the shops along South Bridge Road in Chinatown, you will find some rare gems.

2. Books
Who isn't looking for books? Many tourists come to Singapore and go away with tons of nice reading material. Definite good places to check out in clude Borders at Wheelock Place) and Kinokuniya at Ngee Ann City. I love these two bookstores - my wife can't tear me away from them sometimes.

3. Cameras
Right - the next item has got to be cameras. Whether you're hunting for digital or analog cameras, one of the best places to get them would be Peninsula Plaza. It is situated near the City Hall MRT station.

4. Computers
If you're a computer buff, you definitely want to check out Sim Lim Square, which is situated near Little India. This place stocks all manner of computer hardware and software. Another place for good computer stuff is Funan the IT Mall.

5. Electronics
Ok, next item - electronics. Electronics sales are very high in Singapre. You can find great bargains in Funan the IT Mall or Mustafa at Little India. I suggest you avoid those touristy places like Lucky Plaza or shops along Orchard Road. Oh, and please remember that the voltage requirements in Singapore are 220V - we follow a British-style three-pin plug.

6. Ethnic Items
Singapore stocks many ethnic items worth purchasing. You can go to Chinatown to buy these. Some interesting item I've come across include Buddha statues and glow-in-the-dark Merlion soap dispensers. Strange, but yes, many tourists go out of their way to buy the odd curio or two from the island to take home.

7. Fashion
Those interested in fashion items, listen up. The best places to shop for high-street fashion is Takashimaya and Paragon on Orchard Road. You'll find many rich folk (particular Japanese and Indonesians) shopping in boutiques there. For the more youthful and street-oriented look, try Bugis Junction. Here, you can find hip and young clothing very easily.

8. Fabrics
Talking about fashion, we might as well touch on fabrics. Without a doubt, the best places to obtain fabrics in Singapore (particular fabrics for Indian saris) include Arab Street and Little India. You can also find some batik there (exotic Malay fabrics).

9. Food
Well, food is not really a 'shopping item'. But food is such a major part of Singaporean life that I had to mention it. One absolutely great place to shop for gourmet food is Jason's Marketplace in the basement of Raffles City. You can get there by MRT and stopping at the City Hall station. Another great place for food is definitely Takashimaya's basement.

10. Music
Ah, who can forget music. Music is very well rooted in Singaporean culture and the best place to buy music CDs has got to be the HMV store in the Heeren. Situated along Orchard Road, it is Singapore's largest music shop and certainly one of my favorite leisure haunts.
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Visit Pontevedra and Enjoy the History

2007-10-18T19:01:00.000-07:00

by Scott James
Galicia in particular and Northern Spain in general have long been considered to be a hidden jewel in the entire Spanish tourist industry and hidden away within Galicia itself are some further jewels and we are going to examine Pontevedra further.

If you look at all of the autonomous regions that make up modern day Spain, Galicia has to be the most remote and hidden away within that remoteness lies Pontevedra.

Historically, always classed as the poorer cousin to some of the other richer regions Galicia had an economy that did not easily lend itself to modernisation and herein lies a paradox in that it is this very reluctance to embrace modernity throughout that gives the region much of its appeal as far as tourism is concerned.

The natives of Galicia if you trace them back far enough have origins very similar to their Celtic cousins in the north and are justifiably proud of their language and culture and these connections no matter how stretched or tenuous give them their sense of regionalism and uniqueness.

Galicia always seemed to be a very closed and inward looking area being fiercely resistant to any formal external invasion and in many ways this degree of isolation was very much driven by the geographical location of the region.

Slowly but surely in the 20th century, Galicia began to develop and today traditional lifestyles rub shoulders with modernity throughout the region whilst at the same time the region has lost none of its more traditional culture and within the tourism economy this is starting to show real benefits.

For those who wish to visit somewhere slightly interesting and possibly out over the ordinary then a trip to Pontevedra is just the order for the day.

Pontevedra can be found on the main road leading from Vigo northwards to Santiago de Compostela on the N550. If you believe the stories that surround the town according to myths and legends and then Pontevedra was supposedly built by a character called Teucro who was one of the heroes of the Trojan War.

In reality however Pontevedra was actually constructed by the Romans who first constructed a bridge across the Lerez River and the present day town began to emerge round this bridge.

The original bridge has now been restored almost to its original condition and is now called A Ponte do Burgo and the bridge remains to this day one of the town's principal landmarks. The town is also one off the four provincial capitals within Galicia.

A total of Pontevedra and is probably best started on what is called the Alameda Boulevard which has often been described as the green lungs of the town. One of the more established parts of the city the boulevard houses many lovely 19th century buildings that are now home to many important offices.

If one had to provide a potential top five of "must see" sites in Pontevedra then I guess that the following would make it onto the list.

The first site would possibly be the Ruinos do Santa Domingo which are the ruins of a Gothic church which can be found at the end of the Alameda Boulevard. These ruins form part of the Museo de Pontevedra where it is possible to see Roman artefacts medieval coats of arms and tombs. The main buildings of the museum which is highly regarded and viewed as one of the best in Galicia can be found on the Praza da Lena.

All in all museums and collections house rare artefacts including Gold Celtic bracelets and necklaces and locally found Bronze Age treasures.

Alongside these ancient artefacts can be found rare paintings from down through the centuries including paintings by Zurbarin and Goya.

There are other attractions within Pontevedra amongst which is the huge Praza da Ferraria with its huge fountain in the centre. Alongside this and worthy of a mention is the Casa das Caras with its sculpted faces, the 14th Century Iglesia de San Francisco.

Perhaps the best site to see in Pontevedra is what could be described as one of the greatest monuments to Galician Architecture is the 16th Century Basilica de Santa Maria la Mayor.

The church, dedicated to Pontevedra's patron saint, the Virgin de la Peregrina and is built to a circular plan and features amongst its many highlights a bow fronted façade that is well worth a visit.

All in all Pontevedra is perhaps not the tiny, boring little town in the regions that many assume it to be.
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Enjoy the History that is Coruna

2007-10-18T18:59:00.000-07:00

by Stephen Morgan
With regards to the tourist industry within Spain, Northern Spain and in particular Galicia especially have been very much a hidden treasure and hidden within lies a further particular treasure called Coruna. Of all of the autonomous regions of Spain Galicia is considered the most remote and therein lies the charm of Coruna hidden away longing to be discovered. Galicia has always been seen as a poor rural region, whose economy was dependent upon agriculture and fishing and did not lend itself to modernisation and yet as far as tourism is concerned it is this constant contact with the past that gives the region its appeal and charm. The Galicians are fiercely proud of their culture and language and their Celtic heritage; it is what makes them unique (they feel) within modern day Spain. Galicia always seemed to be a very closed and inward looking area being fiercely resistant to any formal external invasion and in many ways this degree of isolation was very much driven by the geographical location of the region. In what has been a mountain to climb slowly but surely Galicia is now trying to manage successfully the twin track of its regional lifestyle with a much more modern society and thankfully this appears to have had very positive results with regards to tourism with little sign of negative effects..

Corona is the oldest town in Galicia. It is even mentioned in Irish Celtic folklore as the destination of the Celtic hero Breogan who apparently travelled to the Iberian Peninsula, landed and where he landed built a tower.

There is a large tower outside Coruna, but this particular town is a famous lighthouse and is called the Torres de Hercules and dates back from Roman times. The tower is the world's oldest working lighthouse and has been the subject of a recent renovation project which has restored the lighthouse to almost its original splendour. The tower was originally built during the period of the Roman Emperor Trajan but legend attributes the construction to Hercules which as has been proven is not quite true but is a splendid tale nonetheless.

Coruna is also the birthplace to a local heroine of Galician folklore (in this case a story more substantiated) Maria Pitt who it is alleged became a heroine overnight when she was the focal point and leader of the Galician Resistance to the English sailor (and in this case probably privateer) Sir Francis Drake when he raided Coruna in 1589.

Coruna has been one of the most important ports within the whole country of Spain for centuries and is one of the centres for the Spanish fishing fleet that travels as far away as fishing grounds off the coasts of Iceland and Canada. Fishing is immensely important to the Spanish who actually probably consume more seafood than any other European country with the exception of Portugal.

The Galician fishing fleet which has been mentioned is centred in Coruna and Vigo supplies near the half of the fish and shellfish caught and consumed in Spain. The industry employs as a nation over 61,000 fishermen and over 16,000 boats with as has been said more than 50 percent of the fleet based in Galicia so you can see that Fishing is immensely important to the local economy.

There is more to Coruna, in fact a whole lot more than just fishing and the delights of Coruna are in fact many and varied.
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Planning a Camping trip

2007-10-18T18:57:00.000-07:00

by Gemma Ogden
Many things go into planning a camping trip and the plans you make will vary from trip to trip depending on a range of circumstances. Here, however, are a few tips that should apply to most of your camping adventure preparations.

Consider the Weather The first thing you should do is to think about when planning a camping holiday is the climate at the location and the time of year you're heading off camping. Clothing that meets the weather challenges, be they hot or cold, is fundamental to your enjoyment of the trip. Clothes that are not too constricting are usually best and you should bring along enough clothes to last you for the duration of the your camping holiday. It's also worthwhile taking a couple of extra outer warmer layers. You can always get cooler but it's not quite so simple to keep warm.

Consider the Size of Your Party and How You're Getting There If you're off camping on foot as opposed to by car, you're going to be restricted in the amount of camping equipment you can carry on your person but ensure that there are enough tents, sleeping bags, food supplies and other items which you deem essential to accommodate your whole party.

Cooking Simple foods are best for cooking, and you are there to enjoy your camping holiday not spending hours cooking! Try to minimise the amount of fresh produce that you take with you. Whilst things like fresh meat, poultry and dairy produce can be taken, it provides you with the additional burden of keeping it fresh before arriving at your camp site. Also ensure that if you're taking a stove, you have enough gas or fuel supplies to last the whole trip. Campsites Whether you're camping off the beaten track or going to stay on a recreational camp site, make sure you know the level of facilities that are available once you're there as you may need to make extra provisions for example a family camping holiday. Try to find out what kind of access there is to drinking water as it's even more important to have enough water than food. Also, ensure you're familiar with the rules and regulations of the area in which you're camping. Find out in advance if there are any restrictions and/or regulations, especially around issues such as building a fire for cooking or warmth. First Aid kit Accidents do happen so make sure you take your first aid kit with you on your camping holiday and, more importantly, know how to use the things in it and what to do in the event of an accident or emergency.

Emergency A camping holiday often involves adventure and experiences of the great outdoors that you wouldn't normally get from a package holiday. With that, comes some element of risk so be sure you leave a family member or close friend an idea of your itinerary, what camp site you're likely to be located at any given time and, if you're planning on moving around from place to place, let them know when they can expect you back and agree to check in with them now and again. That way, if you fail to get in touch, it may be an indication that you are in difficulty and they can summon help.

Planning a camping holiday needn't be tedious. If all the family get involved, it can be great fun and provide a sense of anticipation and excitement at the trip ahead.
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Walk the Trials of New South Wales

2007-10-18T18:56:00.000-07:00

by Jenny Brewer
Walking the trails in NSW Experienced bushwalkers are looking for challenges and diversity. Beginner bushwalkers are looking for safety and beauty. New South Wales has some of the most diverse walking tracks in Australia, and there is no doubt that there is something available for everyone. A campervan holiday is perfect for the flexibility to spend a few days at each national park if you wish, or base yourself in one and enjoy all the walks available.

You have the choice of the remote outback, famous mountains, magnificent coastlines and lush rainforests. There are hundreds of national parks in New South Wales, with a multitude of bushwalking tracks available for all levels of fitness. Close to Sydney, there are beautiful trails in every direction. If you are picking up your vehicle from the city, head to one of these parks to enjoy the magnificent views. One of my favourites is the stretch from Turrumurra to Berowra, which travels over close to fourteen kilometres of sweeping bushland and rainforest not far from the city centre. Lane Cove National Park is even closer, with a thirteen kilometre walk you can enjoy in stages or completed in close to three hours.

One of the most well known parks in New South Wales is the Blue Mountains, close to an hour from Sydney. Plan at least a few days to enjoy all this Australian wonder has to offer. There are plenty of camping grounds available, and most trails start with a family friendly picnic ground. There are a number of one kilometre walks which end in some spectacular views, from one through to a forty two kilometre walk to Jenolan Caves.

You can get off the beaten track to the interior of the park to experience some incredible canyons, cliffs and gorges on some of the lesser known tracks. There are all types of activities available as well such as mountain biking, abseiling and caving. One four hour walk which is popular is the Ruined Castle walk. You are rewarded with a 360 degree panoramic view of the Blue Mountains at the summit, and it is fairly easy for most levels of fitness.

Another well known walk is from Kanangra to Katoomba which takes close to three days to complete but offers some of the best mountainous scenery. Katoomba is perfect if you want to take day trips to the mountains and stay in one of the comfortable caravan parks. It is the central hub of visitors to the mountains, with the famous Three Sisters within easy reach, and the scenic skyway and the Katoomba Falls all worth visiting.

Wollemi National Park is huge and one of the best places to head to for thick forest, canyons and cliff faces that stretch on as far as the eye can see. Dunns Swamp and Wolgan River are popular camping bases, and just over an hour north west from Sydney.

Close to the capital is the Royal National Park, famous for being the second oldest national park in the world. Fantastic for a day trip to escape the traffic, there are plenty of walking tracks through the forests which take you to lookouts on the cliffs, picnic areas and beaches for a refreshing swim. You can opt for a two day walk taking in the park in all its diversity.

Head south close to 150 kilometres to Jervis Bay National Park, where you will find all types of scenery and attractions, including the lovely Lake Wollumboola. It is such a lovely area to visit, with pristine beaches and walking trails through the tranquil forests. You can take the White Sands Walk and then return by taking the Scribbly Gum Track to enjoy the diversity of the park. Make sure you visit Hammerhead Point which also has a great picnic area. There are caravan parks in the nearby towns or in Booderee National Park nearby.

There are simply too many national parks and walks in New South Wales to list, but choose a few areas and base your holiday around them. You will not only have a relaxing holiday, but experience incredible scenery, increase your fitness levels and spend some quality time with your friends and family. A campervan and bushwalking holiday is the ideal choice to make the most of the Australian outdoors at its best.
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The Lake District + the lakes in Cumbria

2007-10-18T18:54:00.000-07:00

by Lakes lad and Ashley Gilmour
The Lake District is located in Cumbria, The North West of England and is one of the most beautiful and picturesque places in the world, it is also known as "the lakes" or "Lakeland". In 1951 some 886 square miles of the lake district became a national park and today it takes up a massive 885 square miles, the Lake District is the largest of England's 12 national parks and is the best known tourist destination in England, outside of London. The lakes are only a few hours travel time away from three international airports making the lakes easy to get to, via car, bus or train.

Home of the writer Beatrix Potter and loved by the poet William Wordsworth, the Lake District maintained by the UK's National Trust is now a world famous national park visited by up to 16 million people a year. The Lake District is a very beautiful and tranquil place to relax, but for those who like adventure there are lots of activities to get involved in. The area offers a wealth of interesting visitor attractions and outdoor activities with plenty of places to stay including hotels, hostels, camping and caravanning sites which are all ideal for a holiday in the Lake District. Travelling around Lakeland is very easy, with a number of services on offer including taxis, buses, even the traditional steamer boat on Lake Windermere.

The Lake District is a walker's paradise at any time of the year with many walking routes mapped out and is famous for its breathtaking scenery, charming Lakeland towns, villages and historical houses and castles that can be seen along the way it is also superb mountain biking territory with many paths and tracks to explore. Many Rock climbers visit the Lake District as it is home to Scafell Pike, England's highest mountain at 3210ft high. Windermere Lake a massive 10.5 miles long is popular with sailing boats, anglers and other water sports activities. Among the many lakes Wastwater, which is located at the foot of Scafell is the deepest lake in England at around 258 feet deep.

Whether you visit the area to unwind and relax surrounded by the natural beauty of the area or visit to participate in a sporting activity the Lake District is an enjoyable area for a wide range of age groups with lots to offer.

For more information about a holiday in the Lake District or Static Caravan Sale please contact South Lakeland Parks
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Rich Use Their Choppers More On Holiday

2007-10-18T18:52:00.000-07:00

by Roger Munns
There's no hiding the fact that people in the French Riviera have money. They enjoy the finer things in life and can actually afford to have them. For years this meant owning property or taking a holiday in Monaco or owning a yacht. It seems that isn't enough anymore, though. Yacht owners not only need hot destinations, they also need transportation. Many yacht owners now have luxury cars and helicopters on board for easy transportation options.

The French Riviera to Monaco Helicopter rentals and charters have been popular for travel between the French Riviera and Monaco for some time. Heli Air Monaco makes flying from Nice to Monaco a breeze, with complete air time of only seven minutes.

Helicopter rides are also available for visitors to tour the Principality of Monaco, the areas surrounding Monaco, St. Paul, Nice and the French Riviera. Tours range from 10 to 40 minutes and provide a priceless view of the beautiful scenery.

Helicopters Used for the Monaco Grand Prix Heli Air Monaco is the official transportation of the F.O.C.A. The Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix run around the streets of Monte Carlo is a major sporting event that draws visitors from numerous locations around the world. Having helicopter transportation available during this event allows travelers and media personnel to get from Nice International Airport to Monaco in minutes versus hours.

Luxury Living in the French Riviera and Monaco The wealthy people of Monaco and the French Riviera want bigger and better things to make life easier. When owning a yacht became commonplace, a super yacht seemed to be the next step in major purchases. To fully explore the world at one's leisure, however, it is almost a necessity to own a private helicopter as well.

Some of the richest people in the world enjoy the luxuries of life in Monaco because of the tax regime. Monaco has been known for generally low income tax rates, making it a great place for the rich to invest their money without paying a large sum of money in taxes.

Aside from the benefits of the tax regime, Monaco and the French Riviera offer the lifestyle of the rich, with places to dock their yachts, tourist attractions, casinos, cultural events, annual yacht shows, and celebrity sightings.

Why Private Jets Have Become a Necessity Traveling between Monaco and the French Riviera is common for people who own property in one location or the other - and sometimes both. While travelling by yacht has been the norm for the rich in recent years, travellers seem to be in more of a hurry all the time. The addition of a helicopter and helicopter pad to a yacht makes it easier and faster to get from one place or another. It also means adding a pilot and mechanic to the crew.

With the British and Germans spending their holidays in Monaco and the French Riviera, travelling to and from Monaco can be a bit of a hassle. Holiday sales to Monaco are on the rise this year, making waterways and airways busier than ever. Having a private helicopter allows people to travel at a moment's notice in a fraction of the time it would take to travel by charter.

Traveling by personal helicopter is also less time consuming because it allows the rich to travel from the French Riviera to Monaco without dealing with tourists.
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South Africans sought to fill skills gap

2007-10-18T18:50:00.000-07:00

by Amanda O'Brien
SOUTH Africans are to be recruited to fill council jobs in Western Australia as statewide skills shortages sparked by the booming mining sector threaten to decimate local government services.

The move comes on the heels of a new survey showing that difficulties attracting and retaining staff in the state are having a negative or very negative effect on a record 71 per cent of businesses.

State Local Government Association president Bill Mitchell said the shortage was so serious that the prospect of councils having to reduce services was "a very real possibility and probability".

Long delays for planning approvals and engineering work were likely if skilled staff could not be found.

Mr Mitchell said councils taking part in the South African recruitment drive would pay success fees of about $4000 for every vacancy filled but considered it well worth the money.

The association gave a shopping list of 80 jobs to recruiters, who will travel this week to South Africa hunting for town planners, engineers, accountants and environmental health officers.

Local government is Western Australia's third-biggest employer, with about 14,000 jobs, but Mr Mitchell said more than 10 per cent of jobs were unfilled as the sector competed with the booming resources industry.

The latest Commonwealth Bank-Chamber of Commerce and Industry business expectations survey found a record 76 per cent of businesses were worried about labour shortages, and many reported having to pay higher wages and incentives to keep staff.

Mr Mitchell said many councils were helping to pay HECS debts for new employees as one of a range of incentives.

In the September quarter, the index of non-wage labour costs surged to its highest level since the survey began in December 1997, and 38 per cent of respondents said they expected to raise prices in the next quarter as a result.

West Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief economist John Nicolaou said overcoming labour shortages must now be a priority for the state and federal governments.

"While shortages are still most pronounced among skilled workers and professionals, critical shortages have now also been observed among lower-skilled labouring jobs and junior workers," Mr Nicolaou said.

With business expansion and growth set to continue at a rapid pace, he said, labour shortages would remain a problem for some time. More than 40 per cent of respondents reported they wanted to hire more staff in the coming quarter.

Western Australia's record low unemployment rate of 3.1 per cent is causing problems for the state Government, which has more than 900 vacancies advertised. Last month alone, more than 3300 new jobs were created in the state.

Police have been forced to recruit overseas to cope with a shortfall of about 120 officers. The force's recent recruitment drive in South Africa attracted about 300 applications, which are now being worked through.

Police Minister John Kobelke said that in the past 18 months more than 270 officers had been recruited from countries including Britain, Ireland, South Africa, Singapore, Denmark and The Netherlands.

Mr Mitchell said councils would spend about $200,000 this year promoting local government as a career that offered a better quality of life for workers than the resources industry.

"You can get big money in the mining sector, but you need to weigh up lifestyle with a job that is two weeks on and two weeks off against what we offer - like flexible hours, childcare, job-sharing and the like."
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Get Information of Alabama Airports

2007-10-18T17:52:00.000-07:00

by Anirban Bhattacharya
Alabama or the Yellowhammer is one of the important states of the United States. The state is the home of aerospace, education, healthcare, banking and various other heavy industries to become really advance in every area of interest. The state is further becoming a business center for many business activities to attract many entrepreneurs to establish their interest here. Due to increasing business interest and favorability, Alabama has become an instant flying destination. To serve the requirements of the visitors, Alabama airports provide its comfortable and enjoying journey. To get the best of air travel, you can actually hire Alabama air charter travel very conveniently and easily. Air charter is the safest and luxurious way to reach your destination. This also gives a facility to choose your own airports and land at any moment of time. Moreover, you need not to wait in a queue and just line up for your security clearance. In case of flight delays, Alabama charter airlines will give a leading edge. You will be king here, controlling the authoritative seat to reach your destination.

New in Alabama? No problem. We will give a brief idea about the airports of Alabama State. Birmingham International Airport is largest airport of the state, covering the needs of the Greater Birmingham area and surrounding Southeastern cities.

The airport is currently offering more than 160 arrivals and departures on regular daily basis to major cities throughout the United States. Due to its facility and convenience, the airport has ranked in the top 100 airports of the country. In addition, it is expected to serve more than 3 million travelers this year.

Besides this, the state has many other airports including Alexender City TC Russell Field, Dothan Regional Airport, Mobile Downtown Airport, Troy Municipal and others.

If you are visiting Alabama and just want to enjoy your journey, make sure you choose the best airline and airport to get the maximum satisfaction.
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Things to do in Dubai

2007-10-13T18:53:00.000-07:00

by James Heinefield
Are you going to be visiting Dubai sometime in the near future? If so, you will want to become familiar with the many attractions that will be sure to keep you busy. After all, if you are going to visit Dubai you might as well see as much as possible. You do not want to find yourself at home thinking that you could have done more. The nice thing about visiting Dubai is that there is something for everybody. No matter your tastes, you will find attractions in and around the area that will excite and educate. First off, you may want to consider stopping by some of the archaeological sites. These feature artifacts dating back to the seventh century. As you can imagine, these areas of Dubai are not only interesting but they can be quite educational as well.

Are you the adventurous type? If so, you will want to visit Bedouin Village. This is where you will have the chance to experience real desert living. You will have the ability to experience a desert safari, take camel riding lessons, and much more. Remember, there are many people in the world who live in the desert. By visiting Bedouin Village you will be able to experience their daily life.

If you like beautiful settings, make sure you stop by Dubai Creek. This is one of the calmest and most peaceful atmospheres in all of Dubai. No matter if you visit by yourself or with a loved one, you are sure to find peace when you visit Dubai Creek.

Overall, there is a lot to do in Dubai; listed above are only a few ideas. Take the time to plan out your trip before you leave so that you are sure to see all the sites of Dubai and the surrounding areas.
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A Bhutan Vacation In The Himalayas

2007-10-13T18:52:00.000-07:00

by Peter R Stewart
The Kingdom of Bhutan is a landlocked haven between India and China , and it is often described as the last place you will find traditional Himalayan Buddhist culture. It is virtually surrounded by the Himalayas, and for centuries has been a difficult place to visit.

Bhutan opened its doors to tourism on a limited scale over thirty years ago, so now it is possible to think in terms of a Bhutan vacation.

The Kingdom of Bhutan is known locally as The Land of The Thunder Dragon, and it is one of the most isolated and least well developed nations in the world.

It is difficult to comprehend a place like Bhutan which is a kingdom whose main issue is with happiness. Everybody seems happy, cultural values and traditions remain unchanged since Buddhism began to be the dominant religion in the 7th Century. In other words the world that we live in today has left Bhutan largely untouched.

You will fall in love with the beauty of Bhutan, the lack of pollution, be it 21st century rubbish, or the noise of pop music machines. The scenery and architecture will hold you spellbound, and you will find the people quite the most charming, and very hospitable.

A Bhutan vacation will normally begin by entering the country by air using the national carrier Druk Air. The airline flies into Paro from Bangkok, Delhi, Kolkata, and Kathmandu every week, and it is the only airline that flies in and out of Bhutan. If you fly from Kathmandu ensure you get a seat on the left hand side of the airline, because the views of the Himalayas are exceptional. Departure tax is included in the ticket price, and you must ensure you have a visa organised before you set out from home.

You can enter by road through Phuentsholing on the southern border with India, and you could have a fantastic trip from Kathmandu to Darjeeling then to Sikkim prior to entering Bhutan.

To get around in Bhutan you need to hire a motor vehicle or walk!! There are no railways, no helicoptors, and public transport is packed and uncomfortable.

The entire country of Bhutan is mountainous apart from a small sub tropical plain area in the south. The mountains rise to as high as 7000 metres, so the climate has enormous variation. The rainy season lasts from May to September, and visits to altitude are at their best in October and November.

Apart from the sheer beauty of the Himalayas there is much to see and enjoy on your Bhutan Vacation, and space precludes large descriptions, but you ought to visit.

Bumthang which is the spiritual epicentre of Bhutan and home to its most ancient and precious Buddhist sites.

Thimpu is the only world capital without traffic lights, has a real medieval feel to it. Dechenphu Lhakhang at over 8000 feet this imposing chapel is accessed by a stone staircase Taktshang Goemba is the most famous monastery in Bhutan on the side of a cliff 2925 feet above the Paro Trongsa Dzong is the most impressive fort monastery in Bhutan and can be seen from far away.
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Amankora Lodges In The Kingdom Of Bhutan

2007-10-13T18:50:00.000-07:00

by Ian SG Smith
Your journey of discovery in Bhutan will take you to the remote valleys and high passes , from Paro to Thimpu the capital, Punakha and Haa. You will visit and see dramatic unspoiled landscapes, awesome fortress monasteries known as dzongs, and you will be enthralled all the way.

Your next stop on this journey will be at Amankora Thimphu which has 16 suites and is secluded within a forest of enchanting blue-pines in the upper throngs of the Motithang area on the other side of the Thimpu valley at an altitude of 7709 feet. This is a 2 hour journey from Amankora Paro. It is close enough to the fascinating sights shops and sounds of the capital but is peacefully quiet. It is designed like a dzong.

To get to the Amankora Punakha is a journey of two and a half hours, you have to cross the Dochu La Pass, at over 10000 feet, and is accessed via a suspension bridge above the Mo Chhu (mother river). This quaint, three-storey structure containing 8 suites, has a preserved vegetable dye wall paintings is now the combined common guest area with a dining room, traditional altar room, a courtyard for alfresco dining and a tea pavilion. Just beyond is the Spa with two treatment rooms, steam room, changing areas and a Yoga/meditation room

Your next stop is the Amankora Bumtang, the newest of the Amankoras, and this will take over six hours. It has a beautiful position in a valley, within an orchard of apples and pears, situated between the First and Second King's palace.

The lodge has a Library, comfortable Living Room, regal Dining Room and cosy Spa with three treatment rooms, a steam room and changing areas. There are terrific views over the courtyard, palace and monastery

Bumtang is as far as you will travel, now returning to Amankora Gangtey which takes four hours. Amankora Gangtey is in total isolation with staggering views across a misty valley near the charming village of Gangtey. The accommodation is all under one roof in a rammed earth building and consists of 8 suites identical to Amankora Thimphu.

Finally a return to Amankora Paro, some last minute sightseeing, and departure. This will be a Bhutan holiday of a lifetime, taking in all the Amankoras and the breathtaking sights and sounds of Bhutan.
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