Amsterdam Hotels World-Class
March 30, 2010 | Leave a Comment
When one is making travel plans to visit the Netherlands, the easiest arrangements that you will make for your trip will likely be choosing from the many Amsterdam hotels available. The reason for this is that there is a terrific number of wonderful Netherlands hotels, resorts, inns and hostels that visitors to the area can choose from. Within the center of Amsterdam city, there are locally owned hotels as well as many “name brand” hotel chains that are familiar to all travelers.
For travelers who might be making their first ever trek into Europe, seeking out the world-wide hotels chains can be a good way to begin your European experience, since there will be many amenities and services that will be so familiar. And, when traveling, especially to a destination for the very first time, familiarity helps the tourist to feel more comfortable right away and comfort is always the aim of the quality hotels that you will find.
Regardless of what part of the globe you will be arriving from, there are plenty of flights to Amsterdam, as it is one of the busiest airports in Europe. Located within the Amsterdam Schiphol airport are a number of Amsterdam hotels for those who will either be in the area briefly or who simply prefer the close proximity to their air transportation.
However, it is fair to say that the “best of the best” hotels in Amsterdam will be found in the very heart of the vibrant and effervescent city itself. In addition to the many “name brand” hotel chains that are located in the city, there are also the European boutique hotels that will supply more of the flair and flavor of Europe and will give their guests a better taste of European living, when compared to the chain hotels. That said, even the chain hotels, especially those that are four-star and five-star rated, will be imbued with much of the local culture, which will naturally be passed on to their guests.
The variety of hotels in Amsterdam spans the complete spectrum, from the high-end, luxurious accommodations for the more upscale clientele, to cheap and clean discount hotels that help people to stretch their budgets for their Amsterdam travel. This makes it easy for people to find just the right hotel to meet their level of needs and requirements in terms of style, comfort, amenities, and also convenience to the places that they plan to visit during their trip to Amsterdam.
For some people, they simple want to locate an Amsterdam hotel that will provide them with a good night’s sleep and clean bathroom facilities. However, for others, they are looking for just the right hotel that will help to make their trip into a true, once-in-a-lifetime experience, with the pampering and European style that so many Netherlands hotels have earned a reputation for.
As you begin searching for Amsterdam hotels for your trip it is a good idea to have a list of the things that are most important to you. If you will be primarily out and about sightseeing around Amsterdam, then you might be happy with a one or two star hotel. However, if your plans center on having a luxurious European experience, then choosing Netherlands hotels with a five star rating will most likely be a better fit for you.
Finding Discount Airfare and Hotel Reservations
March 16, 2010 | Leave a Comment
People love to travel and they love to find a good deal. When booking vacations, the major costs will be your air tickets and your hotel reservations. Finding sources of discounted rates for both of these things can really add up and make your trip much more affordable. With the availability of travel information on the internet, you can easily do a little sleuthing and save a good deal of money.
In addition to doing your legwork by researching the various airfare deals, discount hotel accommodations and car reservations that are available, the timing of your trip and your flexibility can also have a great impact on the final cost. When it comes down to traveling, there are certain factors you have a great deal of control over, and others you don’t. Some of the factors you can control, and therefore influence the price you will pay for are: the day of the week you travel, the time of day you fly, the days of the week you will be in a hotel or renting a car, and when you book your travel.
One of the most important considerations in booking air tickets and hotel reservations is knowing when you should do the booking. Determining the best time to book the flight and make those reservations is a little akin to gambling because air fares and hotel rates are constantly changing.
There are many travel agencies and travel industry experts who advocate for booking your air ticket and your hotel as early as you can. For early booking, they will often reward you with better pricing and substantial discounts. When you book early you can relax, knowing that your vacation arrangements have been made, with your itinerary firmly in hand. You can simply focus your energies on packing, losing a few extra pounds before the trip or saving up some extra cash to pamper yourself while away.
However, almost everyone who has done a bit of traveling will tell you that if they had waited and booked their flight or made arrangements for their hotel room at the last minute, they might have saved a good deal of money. In some instances, a call to the airline or the hotel will result in a discount being granted, even if you have already paid a deposit or paid in full in advance. But, more often than not, the security of knowing that your vacation plans have been set for months will give you more peace of mind.
On the other hand, there have been many stories about travelers who decided to wait to book a room at their favorite hotel. Unfortunately, to their chagrin, they discovered that not a room was to be found. Every cheap hotel to luxury hotel room had been booked for a convention and they were out of luck. That’s where the gambling aspect of last minute reservations comes into play.
The good news is that if you can be flexible with your destination, then the solution can be as simple as choosing a different city to visit and securing flight and hotel reservations. But, not everyone can be that flexible and if you have to be in a certain city for a once-in-a-lifetime event, then it’s best to take the best deal you can find early and enjoy the knowledge that your travel plans are all set.
Celebrity Cruises
March 15, 2010 | Leave a Comment
The experience of vacationing on a cruise ship is quite unique and unlike any other kind of vacation experience that you can enjoy. Just close your eyes and imagine how it feels to have warm tropical breezes caressing your face as you take in the 360 degree view of a mesmerizing ocean and stunning coastal scenery. Celebrity Cruises are one of the most popular cruise lines and they not only bring such experiences to life, but they do so by offering excellent value, while delivering a quality cruise vacation for their passengers.
Another of the wonders of a cruise travel vacation is waking up each morning to find yourself transported to a new, interesting and exciting destination that you will have the opportunity to explore. In addition to having new sights to see every day, cruise vacations also allow you to relax and be pampered by the staff. This cruise line has ample experience in taking people to wonderful destinations and to seeing to it that they have a wonderful time during every aspect of the adventure.
Celebrity Cruises are well-known for their outstanding amenities, their unrivaled accommodations, their luxurious appointments, and their attention to the smallest detail. In addition, they take great pride in striving to make you feel as though you are the only guest aboard their vessel and treat you as though you were indeed a celebrity.
Many people who have been aboard the Celebrity cruise line, come back to land and report that they truly had a once-in-a-lifetime experience and enjoyed a cruise travel vacation that was a journey from the ordinary to the extraordinary. All Celebrity Cruise vacation packages are considered “all inclusive.” This means that virtually everything you need for a marvelous vacation is included in the price of your ticket.
The Celebrity cruise line makes sure that you have luxurious accommodations that include everything from comfortable beds to gracious surroundings. Gourmet meals are included with a wide array of dishes to delight and tantalize your taste buds. Entertainment options, a selection of activities and numerous amenities are yours to enjoy in making sure that you never have a dull moment. All are at your disposal as part of the price of your ticket.
Taking a Celebrity cruise has been likened to staying at a luxury hotel, with personal staff to follow you as you travel the globe. Each day you have the advantage of exploring a new location, or simply taking in the new view from aboard ship. But you never have the hassles of constantly packing, unpacking, repacking and hauling your bags to the next stop on your journey.
Instead, this cruise line allows you to simply focus on the fun, the excitement, and interesting aspects of taking in all the sights and sounds, tastes and treasures of each new port of call. Best of all, after a long day of wandering the streets of a new destination, you get to “come home” to a staff who knows your tastes and has been busy preparing your quarters for an evening of relaxation.
Celebrity Cruises visit more than 130 different destinations that cover many continents, so you should have no trouble finding an itinerary that fits your interests. You can also choose from quick two-night cruises to more extensive voyages that span more than two weeks. Consistently rated as one of the top cruise lines, you can’t go wrong when you choose a Celebrity Cruise for your next vacation.
Paris – Art, Architecture & More
March 14, 2010 | Leave a Comment
There are many different reasons why people choose to visit Paris France. According to the Globalization and World Cities study group, Paris is among four “full service world class cities,” which also includes London, New York City and Tokyo, ranked for their cultural, political and economic significance. Some people come to the location Paris for its architecture, monuments and historical significance. Others wish to soak in the culture of art, dance, music and fashion. Yet another class of people might wish to sample some of the best food the world has to offer. No matter why you come to Paris, you will find a wide variety of experiences awaiting you.
Architecture buffs have a number of places to see when they visit Paris France. You’ll see palaces like the Palace of Versailles, which was built in the French Renaissance tradition circa 1678; Chateau de Villette, another 17th-century palace, crafted in French Baroque style for Louis XIV’s ambassador, Jean Dyel; or the Palais de Chaillot, a stripped classical structure designed for the 1937 World Exposition. Other French Baroque palaces include the Château de Maisons, Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, the Jardins des Tuileries, Palais du Luxembourg and Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre. In addition to palaces, there are churches in Paris that date back to the 12th and 13th Centuries, such as the Notre Dame de Paris Cathedral (1163), La Sainte-Chapelle (1238), Basilique Saint-Denis (1136) and the Cathedral of Our Lady of Chartres (1140). Mont Martre, St. Louis des Invalides, the Church of Saint-Sulpice and the Paris Pantheon are other beautiful, historic churches.
In addition to showcasing beautiful palaces and churches, Paris France is world-renowned for its impressive monuments. The Arc de Triomphe, at the western end of the Champs-Élysées, was built in 1806 to honor soldiers who fought for France during the Napoleonic wars. The Eiffel Tower was the tallest structure in the world from 1889 to 1930 and is considered one of the most romantic spots on the planet. For architecture buffs who also are intrigued by history, the Invalides museum is the burial place for French soldiers like Napoleon, Turenne and Vauban, while the Panthéon church holds the bodies of Voltaire, Victor Hugo and Marie Curie. There are two Statues of Liberty located on the Île des Cygnes on the Seine and in the Luxembourg Garden, which was the prototype for New York’s famous monument. The Paris Opera house and the University of Paris in the Lation Quarter are other beautiful places to Paris visitors.
Paris France, the “City of Lights,” is blessed with breathtaking architecture, the natural beauty of the Seine River, many centuries of history, a vibrant art scene and thriving industry. It’s a far cry from the Eiffel Tower Paris Las Vegas, that’s for sure! To really understand how much Pablo Picasso, Ernest Hemingway or Thomas Jefferson loved France, you really must come and see for yourself. Whether you stay for a romantic weekend at hotels in Paris or you spend several weeks soaking it all in, you’ll find all that Europe has to offer all in one world-class city.
Online Maps of Amsterdam
March 13, 2010 | Leave a Comment
Although the seat of the government of the Netherlands is the The Hague, Amsterdam remains as the nominal capital. It is well-known as the country’s largest city, with a population of almost 750, 000. Recent statistics have also shown that Amsterdam is the country’s most visited spot, with more than 3.5 million foreign visitors annually.
Now, Amsterdam is considered as one of the greatest small cities in the whole world. It also has gained the title of being the most romantic and beautiful cities in Europe because of its great canals, world famous museums, and historical sights. As commonly noted, your destination is never far away in Amsterdam as this is a city of tolerance and diversity.
Having said all these, Amsterdam is then a place worthy of visit. But, before planning to visit the city, Read more
Transatlantic Cruises
March 12, 2010 | Leave a Comment
If you’ve ever taken a cruise to Italy and purchased one of those Mediterranean cruise deals, then you know how grueling these trips can be! Perhaps you imagined just relaxing in the sun, sipping a cold, fruity Bellini and catching some much-needed relaxation. Yet it seemed like the ship was docking several times a day, which always had you hustling on and off the boat or left you struggling to choose between pre-paid ship entertainment and the more expensive shore excursions. For those who wish to slow it down a bit and leisurely cruise across the Atlantic Ocean, Transatlantic cruises returning from Europe to the Caribbean are perfect during the summer months!
There are several different Atlantic cruises’ routes you may take. The first, the Northern Route, traverses from Southampton, England to New York, passing along Southern Greenland. This short voyage, similar to the one the Titanic took, can be accomplished in just seven days. The Middle Route begins in Madeira, in the Portuguese archipelago, at the Spanish Island of Tenerife or in the Grand Canary Islands and ending in the Caribbean or South America. This route is much like Christopher Columbus’s fated 1492 voyage, which was guided by trade winds. The transatlantic Southern Route cruise starts in South Africa’s Cape of Good Hope and takes you to Chile’s Cape Horn.
One of the most highly regarded Transatlantic cruises is aboard Cunard’s “Queen Mary 2,” which launched in 2004. Since then, she’s seen high profile passengers such as Queen Elizabeth II, Jacques Chirac, Tony Blair, George HW Bush, George Lucas, Rod Stewart, Katie Couric, John Cleese and Donald Trump. Aboard you’ll be treated to 15 restaurants and bars, 5 swimming pools, a casino, a ballroom, a theater, a planetarium, the Canyon Ranch Spa, a state-of-the-art fitness center, basketball courts, book stores and a movie theater. Three-quarters of the rooms offer private balcony views, as well as cozy apartment-like accommodations. Enrichment programs also help to make this voyage an informative, unforgettable and never dull experience, as you see what Atlantic cruises have to offer.
The long days at sea involved in Transatlantic cruises are ideal for passengers who want to get some rest and relaxation on their voyage, without the burden of constant port stop bombardment. They’re also perfect for passengers who like the predictability of all-inclusive food, drinks, entertainment and accommodations, without having to penny pinch for too many land excursions. Travelers can get that real feeling of “being at sea” if they step out on the decks, or they can go below and do some gambling at the casino, take a ballroom dancing class, watch a movie, play a game of shuffleboard or take a language course. The food aboard voyages that spend most days at sea are usually much better than those on shorter Greek Islands cruises or the port-heavy Western Mediterranean cruise. These journeys may not be for everyone, but they’re the most like what you’d imagine a cruise to be; adventurous, serene and loaded with amenities.
Ocean Village Cruises
March 11, 2010 | Leave a Comment
You could say Ocean Village Cruises was Carnival Group’s experiment. Launching in 2003, Ocean Village fancied itself as “cruises for people who don’t do cruises” or “cruising gone casual.” Their target market was the young, the “dress down” on Friday crowd, the former hostel backpackers, the light packers and the people who love the idea of 24/7 buffets more than fancy balls. Unfortunately, Carnival has announced they will cease operations in the summer of 2010 to “maximize performance from their other assets.” Despite this bad news, passengers who act quickly may be able to score some terrific end-of-the-road deals.
One way that Ocean Village Cruises sets itself apart from other ships is with the food they serve. Some Mediterranean and Caribbean cruises close up shop at night, allowing only minimal snacking options. However, Ocean Village boasts a delicious 24/7 buffet of Mexican, Italian, Thai and American foods. “We don’t believe in set meal times or fixed seating plans,” the website declares. “We don’t believe in formal dress codes either, so you can leave the tuxedo and tiara at home.” You can also feast on fish and steaks under the stars at the pool side restaurant La Luna, where you’ll be personally waited on. Or perhaps you’d like to snag a meal from celebrity chef James Martin. European themed food will be served daily at Plantation, while Waterfront treats you to the Mediterranean cruise thoroughfare. Charlie’s has a cozy cafe atmosphere where coffee and panini sandwiches are served up daily. The Blue Bar features cocktails and pints of imported beer and is a comfortable gathering place.
When you cruise Mediterranean or Caribbean waters, you’ll have no shortage of things to do and places to hang out. Since they cater to a younger crowd, it’s reasonable to assume that Ocean Village Cruises offer a wide variety of bars, lounges, cafes and mingling opportunities. Ocean Village I has standup comedy at Connexions Bar, a romantic three-deck atrium and ocean view at The Blue Bar and a casual pub atmosphere at The Oval. The Splash is a swim-up bar, where you don’t even have to get out of the pool to have your drink served! The Sunweaver Bar lets you enjoy the sunshine or the moonshine, while sipping on your margarita. The Bayside Bar features live sports coverage on TV, while the Marquee Cabart Bar entertains with dance performances. Ocean Village II also has the Connexions Bar, the Marquee Cabaret Bar and the Sunweaver Deck Bar. Additionally, you can see the romantic atrium at The Balcony Bar, hang out in six-seat alcoves with your new friends at The Casbah, enjoy an espresso at Charlie’s or gamble at The Player’s Bar and Casino.
Parents love Ocean Village Cruises because they can send pre-teen children to the supervised Youth program at no additional charge or send babies as young as six months old to the nighttime nursery for a few hours, while they enjoy some of the evening performances and nightlife the ship has to offer. Teens love the video game consoles, internet connections, laser tag and private teen area where they can meet new people. The Action Ashore trips include family-friendly excursions, like water parks, aquarium visits, beach trips and pizza-making. Great Escapes take teen youth groups hiking up Mt Vesuvius or to the Nou Camp stadium, allowing parents time to rest and relax, while their kids have the adventure of a lifetime. Buffet dining ensures that someone will find something they like, at no additional charge, which is as family-friendly as it gets! With circuses, movies, laser shows and a number of entertainment options, Ocean Village offers some of the best Caribbean, Western and Eastern Mediterranean cruises. After summer 2010, look out for these ships on P&O Cruises’ Australian waters tours.
Best Sources for Discount International Airfares
March 11, 2010 | Leave a Comment
Even though many people dream about soaking in the sights and cultures that can be found in different countries, many believe that international airfares are so expensive that they will never be able to afford global travel. But, as with domestic flights, there are discount airline tickets often available for international flights as well. There are many online travel agencies that have a great deal of experience in helping people plan for international journeys and finding great airfare deals.
Because travel plans can be more complex and challenging when voyaging internationally, as compared to domestic air travel, it is best to work through a travel agency to book your air tickets. But, it is important to be sure that the travel agency you choose has a good deal of experience in working with international flights and the international airlines that service the country, or countries, you are planning to visit.
It is also a good idea to seek out a travel agency that has an office located in the same country where you plan to travel. This factor alone is a good sign of how experienced they are and how well connected they will be in that country, and generally helps to make the booking process for international airfares go smoother.
Another reason to deal with a travel agency that has offices in the country where you are bound is that they will often have access to special international fares with airlines based in that country. This can help you to get the best airfare deals and save considerable money on your air tickets. Since airfare is usually a large part of a travelers budget, especially when global flights are involved, these kinds of discounts can help make the trip more affordable and enjoyable with some extra spending money for sightseeing and souvenir shopping.
In many instances, discounted airfares for international flights are only available for non-refundable tickets and in general they are also non-transferable. One of the reasons for this has to do with the increased security measures that are in place in different parts of the world, part of which is having the name, dates and flight number all fixed when booking, to reduce security problems.
In most instances, when dealing with internet-based global travel agencies, you should be prepared to pay for your ticket in full at the time that you book your flight. Depending on the discount that you received and the terms of the agency and the airline, you may be able to make slight changes to your flight itinerary. However, many international airlines only allow changes by adding a significant fee, which can effectively wipe out any discount you might have enjoyed. For this reason, it is advisable to hold off booking intercontinental flights if you have any doubt about your travel dates.
Research is an essential part of securing the best prices on international flights. Even when working with a global travel agency, you should do as much additional research as possible so that you can ask the right questions and be confident that things are being well planned. And, there’s no reason why you cannot contact more than one travel agency to have them research the best airfare deals for you and then compare their offerings.
While the travel agency is working on booking the international airfares for you, you should also ask them to look into special rates on hotel reservations that might be available. In many instances the travel agencies have access to special package deals that are not widely promoted and can provide additional savings to you.
Backpacker Travel Insurance
March 9, 2010 | Leave a Comment
If you’re planning a backpacking or hiking trip soon, chances are you’re doing lots of things to prepare for your new adventure. But, while you’re getting all the right gear together to go backpacking in some of the world’s most beautiful destinations, you’ll want to get backpacker travel insurance for yourself as well. Here are some of the benefits of this type of insurance, as well as t the best sources to get the coverage that you need.
First, it’s very important that you purchase your backpacker travel insurance policy before you leave for your trip. You can purchase a policy that will protect you for up to two years (which is ideal if you are going to be studying abroad), but you can purchase a policy that will last you for a short period of time as well. And, you should also be aware that ‘backpacker insurance’ isn’t just for people that are planning on taking a nature-inspired trip all around the world. The backpacker policy is usually significantly cheaper than a single trip travel insurance policy, and there are a number of features to the policy that you’ll want to take advantage of as well, such as ski or sport insurance.
One of the reasons why you’re going to need backpacker travel insurance is that you will be at the greatest risk for accident and injury in most cases. You’ll be staying in the most affordable places, which means you may not have all of the luxuries of home, and some of the greatest physical feats that you’ll encounter during your trip may put you at risk for the greatest injuries. For instance, if you’re going hiking in the Alps, or are trekking through Thailand, you’ll need to make sure that your are protected if you twist your ankle or pull a muscle and have to be taken to the local hospital.
Another reason why you will need trip travel insurance when you are backpacking is that different countries have different regulations for how healthcare is handled in their region. For example, if you have U.S. insurance that allows you to go to the doctors of your choice while you are in the states, you may not be afforded these same opportunities if you are backpacking in another country.
If you want to know more about backpacker travel insurance, you should also talk to a representative from the company that handles your home or auto insurance policies. You may be able to take out a smaller policy just for your trip, and your rates may be discounted if you are already a customer. Be sure to visit www.geico.com or www.progressive.com for more details.
Disneyland Paris
March 9, 2010 | Leave a Comment
Disneyland first started out in Anaheim, California and was based on the imagination of Walt Disney, the creator of Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy and friends. This multi-million dollar enterprise soon expanded its parks and resorts to Orlando, Florida; Hong Kong, China; Tokyo, Japan; and Paris, France. Built in 1992, the Disneyland Paris park cost $4.4 billion dollars and is the biggest theme park in all of Europe. Walt Disney Productions say they chose France because of its close proximity to Germany and London, as well as the fact that the Channel Tunnel high-speed rail line was opening in 1993 to bring even more passengers to their gates.
Despite its current success of $37.7 million in profit, 86% occupancy and 12 million visitors each year, Euro Disney in Paris got off to a rough start. Initially, the Disney crew believed that Europeans were ready to immerse themselves into a “totally American experience.” After all, the Disney movies sold better in Europe than they did in the U.S., and Hong Kong Disney was outperforming Disneyland in Anaheim. However, they had to make some changes to accommodate a multicultural audience. Now they sell espresso at refreshment stands, wine and beer with lunch and hand out park maps in six different languages. Currently the Disney strategy is to expand beyond the French market to attract other European visitors (40% of all tourists come from France) and to encourage people to stay at the parks and resorts longer, since the average stay is only about 2 days, compared to 4 to 5 in other parks.
Disneyland Resort Paris consists of two parks: Disneyland Paris and Walt Disney Studios Paris. There is also a shopping district called Disney Village. Disneyland Paris is comparable to Orlando’s Magic Kingdom with different “lands,” whereas Walt Disney Studios is more like Orlando’s Hollywood Studios with a movie-making theme. The whole Euro Disney experience is magical, from the sophisticated audio-animatronic robots and the beautifully landscaped grounds to the detailed settings and themed restaurants that borrow from Disney character films. Children are spellbound by the magic of Disney, but there is much for adults to enjoy as well. Sometimes children are too young to really enjoy the experience, so generally, parents should wait until their kids are between seven and twelve. It’s true that some kids as young as two have a perfectly fine time with no tantrums, whining or complaining, although they won’t remember the trip when they’re older.
Visiting Disneyland Resort Paris is around the same cost as any of the other Disney parks around the world. Visitors may choose from several different ticket options. The 1 Day 1 Park ticket for either Disney Studios or Disneyland Paris costs €43 for children and €51 for adults. The 1 Day Park Hopper ticket lets visitors move freely between Disneyland and Disney Studios all day long for €54 for children and €62 for adults. For extended stays, there is also a 2 Day Park Hopper (€47.50 to €56 per day) and 3 Day Park Hopper passes (€39.33 to €46.33 per day). The three day pass is naturally the most economical option. Of course, Disney makes all their money on the resort stays. Yet Disney offers a great system to book accommodations and park tickets together for a discounted rate, so interested travelers should first consult www.disneylandparis.com.