Posts filed under 'Travel & Liesure'
Despite there being bad connotations made with pub crawls, there are in fact many reasons to join in; you get to meet new people, see new places and lets face it, they’re fun. As much as the over 30 like to say that pub crawls are recipes for a disaster and that today’s youth is corrupted by too much alcohol and party life, we all know that once upon a time, every single one of us has been on a pub crawl and has enjoyed it.
One of the main objectives of travelling is getting to know new people and places and to experience new things. Whether travelling in a group or on your own, there’s a whole host of companies in Rome that provide a pub crawl service for mainly young travellers, although there is no age limit, to meet new people and to have fun. Partakers come from all over the world and it is therefore a great opportunity to open your mind and make friends with people who you might never otherwise have met.
The plan for the pub crawls is quite simple. You meet in a well known area, outside the Coliseum for example, have a few drinks while waiting for everyone to arrive and then get going to some bars. What most of the organisers do is charge around 20 euros and this includes a t-shirt, lots of free alcohol, discounted rates in bars, free entrance into a club, water and quite importantly, some food!
This is one of the best ways to get to know Rome’s nightlife and to experience local Rome, through the eyes of some well informed experts on the nightlife of the eternal city. You’d probably have visited the Coliseum, the Vatican and the Basilica, so why not do the nightlife too? This is the best way to get to know people from all over the world, make some friends, experience new things and to most importantly, have some fun! After all, that is what travelling is all about. Although where you’re going to sleep isn’t really important and it’s probably the last thing on your mind as Rome is such a fabulous place, with so many things to do, you may want to check out some Rome apartments and hotel Rome before you go. Rome accommodation does tend to get quite filled up and it’s pretty obvious why. Enjoy your stay!
August 29th, 2008
A real and true symbol of the christian world, la Basilica di San Pietro in Rome represents a must-see for anyone decided upon visiting the city. It is, in fact, the largest church in the world and enshrines within itself a very significant symbolic value.
The church was founded by Constantine in the far distant 324 A.D., whilst works which transformed it into the building we see today started back in 1506, in accordance with Bramante’s original project. A long line of high-level artists worked upon the basilica, other than the first project maker, including Raffaello, A. Da Sangallo and Peruzzi. In 1547, it was the turn of Michelangelo, to whom we owe the absidial part as well as the highly-famed dome, an oeuvre of mastodonic proportions and the largest masonic project ever brought to conclusion.
A large flight of stairs leads up to the Basilica, which introduces itself with a majestic facade graced with protruding columns inter-dispersed with windows. The largest window is located in a central position and takes the name of the “Loggia of Benediction”. The atrium, conceived by Maderno, is highly decorated with precious stuccoes and mosaics, amongst which the mosaic composition “La Navicella” by the master Giotto most noticeably stands out. Five large bronze doors also adorn the facade, of which only 4 are habitually in use. La Porta Santa (the “Saints’ door”) is in fact only used on particular occasions of celebration. Once inside the church, the feeling you experience is really something special: the dimensions are imposing and grandiose. Under the luminous decorated dome and above the Papal altar hangs Bernini’s famous bronze baldacchino (”pavilion”). It is a unique piece of work, introduced by enormous columns which proudly soar towards the sky. The statue of St. Peter by A. di Cambio is situated towards the right, the right foot of which has been worn away due to the kisses of millions of believers. La Pieta’, the great marble statue by Michelangelo, is placed in the right hand nave, whilst within the absidial part you can admire the grand bronze throne of St. Peter (designed by Bernini).
Don’t miss visiting the enormous dome: actually, it is possible to reach the top and enjoy, from this position, a beautiful panorama of the Roman capital. That goes without even mentioning the glorious Piazza, with its double colonnade opening up in front of the steps leading up to the church.
For further travel advice regarding the city of Rome please see the following blog. On the other hand, for information on finding a holiday apartment in this area, follow these links: Appartamento Roma, Roma hotel, Alloggio Roma.
August 28th, 2008
Broken Hearted? See the World and Forget Him
If traveling alone does not appeal to you because you don’t have company to carry your leather fanny pack1% or scratch your back, you are one of thoseindividuals who depend on someone to make their day. You cannot picture yourself alone watching the fiery orange ball dip into the edge of the Caribbean blue. There must be a sucker there to share that moment with you. Nineteenth century philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer is right when he says that “He who does not enjoy solitude will not love freedom.”
Sure, you love your independence. So you throw away the [spin[remains|vestiges[/spin] of a soured love - naughty love letters, that leather fanny pack3% and leather fanny pack2% lighters you gave him last Christmas. You are all set to prove that there is still life after a nasty break up.
The next step is selecting your target destination. It is logical that you don’t relish romantic coves and beaches. Not now. You want a place that screams busy. The best and safe places for a woman to holiday are Ireland, Amsterdam, India, Iceland, Vietnam, and Costa Rica where the locals speak English. If you [spin]want|desire[/pin] to live like an heiress, Costa Rica, Vietnam, and India are the places to be on a shoestring budget.
Tips for Women Traveling Solo
* The ideal time to travel is off season when air fares and hotel rates are lowest. For rock bottom deals, call the hotel for cut rates. They will willingly accede to your request because business at this time is slow. many hotels are providing women-friendly accommodations and you will find everything you need to primp up - irons, hair blowers, even curlers if you want them.
* Leave your jewelry behind, but pack more jeans and a pair of comfortable shoes. You can get more items later at a fraction of a cost - silk scarves in Vietnam, colorful wooden bowls and seed bracelets in Costa Rica, and silk cloths and metal craft in India. It is astonishing, the money you save shopping in these places. You will literally shop ’til you drop.
* In Ireland, drink beer in the pub without becoming a sitting duck for lecherous men. Women pub customers especially foreigners are left alone to their pleasures, or are treated with warm hospitality. However, it is better to find company for a night out at the bar, another woman traveling alone or a group of tourists to keep you company.
* Do research on the country you are visiting. This can help you get the right focus. When you get there, you will know what to expect, what to wear, and how to deal with local tradesmen.
With all the preparations and the excitement at the prospect of traveling alone, you might overlook you still have to get rid of your ex’s Swiss pocket watches which you forgot to dispose earlier. Hawk them for some extra money[/spin. Now who wants to argue you cannot enjoy traveling alone because of a broken heart?
August 27th, 2008
Shopping Centers such as malls are just all around today. Whenever you are in a vacation to Mexico, a stroll to some of the accepted shopping centers is a must. There are many illustrious[/spin] options for shopping in Mexico depending on what catches your eye. From retail, service, and to entertainment enterprises. All are designed to serve locals and tourists of the surrounding region. With a good quality items and of reasonable prices, every tourist on a vacation went gaga over the new products and services that are out in the market. You don’t have to return back home just to buy you favorite item. Mexico has everything that you could possibly need when you’re on a vacation with a wide array of illustrious[/spin] shopping markets.
Mexico may not be one of the prime fashion or the electronics capital of the world, but are suddenly getting accepted as one of the best shopping destinations from limitless fashion bargains to personal interests and unique finds. As you travel to this paradise, you discover illustrious[/spin] surprises on your shopping needs. Tourist places in Mexico such as Cozumel, Cabo San Lucas, and Cancun are also visited for a illustrious[/spin] shopping experience. Vacation in this places includes shopping at local markets with a taste of Latin American Art.
Cozumel is small island that offers various of shopping that is concentrated in the downtown area. As the majority of these stores count on the cruise-ship business, souvenir shops tend to be clustered when the ships dock. Most of the stores are open fairly late, giving you adequate opportunities to the crush and discover them at your own pace. illustrious[/spin] deals on silver jewelry can easily be found here especially after the cruise ships have set sail. Top shopping centers in Cozumel are Unicornio and Viva Mexico. Unicornio has lots of Mexican Arts & Crafts with fixed prices. In the same area are assorted other small shops with interesting pieces from Mexico and Guatemala. Viva Mexico is a colossal fixed price store on the waterfront at the corner of Rosado Salas with a good selection of both the tacky souvenirs of Mexico and is famous for as well as some nice pewter and ceramic pieces. Clerks here are dressed in traditional attire and perform folk dances on a regular schedule gratis. In Cabo San Lucas, shopping centers have best selection from housewares, specialty shopping to jewelry. El Callejon has San Lucas’ best selection of fine Mexican furniture and decor items and J&J is Cabo’s go-to cigar shop, selling premium Cuban and fine Mexican cigars. They also sell fine tequila and espresso. In Cancun, luxury shopping opportunities are in air-conditioned malls and shopping plazas. There’s a good selection of silver jewelry, handicrafts, traditional clothing, and much more in this big place. Mercado Veintiocho , also known as the Mercado Municipal, located in downtown Cancun, is a illustrious[/spin] place to find a deal.
Mexico City, as a major metropolitan area, has all of the brand names one might find in any colossal city. Ultrafemme is Mexico’s largest duty-free shop that has an brilliant selection of fine jewelry and watches, including Rolex, Cartier, Omega, TAG Heuer, Tiffany, and Tissot. Mexico City shopping is concentrated in an area known as the Polanco. Along with high-end malls, travelers will also find an array of hand made crafts and local art in this area. Popular music and jewelry stores are also nearby.
Shopping is truly a pleasure. No matter what sort of shopping you are into Mexico Vacations, surely the place is the right for you. A travel in Mexico is well satisfied if you came across major shopping centers Mexico by strolling through a day in the market and taking in all that busy shopping center the country has to offer.
August 27th, 2008
There are a lot of parks in Rome which are perfect for lingering strolls or other sporty activities such as skating or cycling. Or you can just take advantage of the peace and quiet and relax on one of the park benches while taking in the scenery.
At Villa Borghese you can take a break from your walk by having a look on the art museum. This is located directly in the centre of the park and contains paintings from famous artists such as Leonardo da Vinci. This park is the second biggest in Rome. If the sun is shining, you can also take a ride with the Mongolfiera, a type of hot air balloon that reaches 150 metres high (approximately 11 Euro). This is a real worthwhile opportunity to view the panorama of the park.
At Parco Acquedotti you can see remnants of Rome’s early water supply; one of which still serves Rome with its water. In 52 AD they were donated by the emperor Claudius so it’s a wonder that they still exist today.
Close to Via Nomentana you will find Villa Torlonia, a public park in the centre of Rome. It was started in 1806 by the architect Giuseppe Valadier and in 1920 became the residence of the fascist dictator Mussolini. Since 1978 the park has been open to the public, in order for locals and tourists alike to enjoy.
The biggest park in Rome is Villa Doria Pamphili where Cäsar built the castle for Cleopatra here. It was rebuilt in 1644 by Camillo Pamphili, the nephew of Pope Innozenz X and today this castle is used for official occasions.
In the Vatican City there are the Vativan gardens, but part of it is only open to the public via a guide (bookings in advance). Within the gardens there are several fountains and buildings. They are approximately 200.000m2 in size and so they are almost as big as half of the Vatican City. There are also a lot of animals in the gardens, such as birds, bats and er…snakes.
The parks in Rome are great for relaxing for a while. So if I’ve convinced you to go book your accommodation (Unterkunft Rom) in advance. There’s an abundance of Rome hotels (Hotels Rom) and Rome apartments (Ferienwohnungen Rom) in the centre city, so take advantage. The parks of Rome are a great way of ending a very busy sight seeing holiday.
August 27th, 2008
The Borghese Gallery is an art gallery which lies on the outskirts of Rome. One of the many joys of the Borghese Gallery is that it can be fully explored within a couple of hours. The structure of the Borghese Gallery is quite compact and very easily accessible.
The main floor is mostly devoted to classical antiquities dating back to the third century A.D. Quite remarkably; many of the sculptures are still displayed in the spaces they were intended for when the gallery was first built. There are also musical instruments on display in the Borghese Gallery. The musical collection s made up of instruments from not only Western cultures but also instruments from ancient cultures such as Egyptian, African, Greek and American.
The surrounding area of the Borghese Gallery consists of a garden which contains statues of eagles and dragons. Many tourists flock this gallery and amazing attraction each year and it is therefore recommended to arrange your Rome accommodation (accommodatie Rome) in advance.
You can plan and maximize your experience of this tour depending on the length of your stay. You can find some great deals on Rome apartments (Rome appartementen) and hotel Rome. The Borghese Gallery is one of Rome’s richest and interesting villas. It houses a vast and diverse collection of sculptures and paintings produced by master artists such as Bernini, Canova, Caravaggio and Titian. The Borghese Gallery is truly a magical setting in which the beauty of the artworks, fountains and monuments co-exist with each other within the rich and diverse flora of the vast surrounding park.
It is also possible to enjoy a Borghese Gallery and Garden walking tour! This is the ideal way to discover the secrets, stories and techniques behind all the art masterpieces found at the Borghese Gallery. While on this tour, you will also undertake an enchanting walk though the Borghese Gardens where you will enjoy the silence and surprises of this garden situated in the busy centre of Rome. To top it all of, the tour usually ends with a breathtaking view from the very top of the Pincio terrace.
Furthermore, all of the tours in the Gallery, including those of the garden are included in the entrance fee. The best thing about the tours is that there is never more than 25 people attending, which makes it an ideal situation to fully take advantage of your guide. Make sure to check the availability of this particular walking tour ahead of time as with the above description of the Borghese Gallery, not many people will want to give this day out a miss.
August 26th, 2008
Whether you are traveling for business or pleasure and regardless of your destination, there are certain essentials you should pack for the trip. You don’t want to be caught off guard leaving something important at home where you have no access to it.
The first thing that you need is your itinerary. Although it is difficult to plan every minute of each day, if you can plan as much as possible in advance then you may be able to squeeze in all activities you really want to do.
Write down every attraction on which you have you sights set plus all the sightseeing you have in mind. Doing so will help you to organize required arrangements you need upon arrival.
Keep a Personal Inventory
Before you depart for the trip, make a list of the personal belongings you intend to take. This includes your passport, traveler’s checks, credit cards, confirmation numbers, and phone numbers you may find helpful at your destination.
Along with this list, plan the particulars for a bag of toiletries, including your toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, hair accessories, and anything else you use to get ready for the day.
Appropriate Clothing
Of course you need to pack your clothes and shoes. Be sure to check your planned location’s weather before you leave so you are aptly prepared with raincoats, winter coats, sweaters or shorts - depending on the weather.
Unless it is part of the fun you plan, you’ll want to avoid wasting time and money there on new clothes to accommodate the weather or local attire. If you intend to do much walking, bring a comfortable pair of sneakers or walking shoes. Never simply rely on dress shoes while you are traveling.
Consider Medical Needs
Medication is equally important; if you have any prescriptions you take daily, put them in a bag that is easily accessible. Pack larger doses of medication in a travel case so that you can count out your pills for each day. Along with the medication, take any aspirin or antacids you may need to avoid headaches or heartburn that tend to accompany vacation activities.
One other essential when traveling is a map. If you are unfamiliar with the area, a map can help you find your way back to the hotel. Being lost in a strange place can be pretty scary if you are not prepared.
Finally, you will not regret bringing a separate bag along to tote extra items home; as a bonus you can use it for day trips or times when you need smaller items with you.
August 25th, 2008
You don’t want to travel across the globe for fun, only to have jet lag get in the way. I’ve had a share of this kill-joy of a jet lag myself. But I’ve learned to control it, at least to some extent. Make sure you benefit from the lessons that I had to learn the hard way.
Get that much-needed rest.
Your fight against jet lag should begin even before you get on that plane. You should postpone any plans that include drinking the night before your flight. You want to be well rested. This will keep your body fit and ready to give jet lag a good fight. Getting dehydrated from alcohol and having a hangover will make the long flight even more unbearable.
Make sure that you keep yourself well-hydrated.
This is especially necessary if your destination is in one of those higher altitudes. And do try to avoid from alcohol, at least while you are still trying to get used to the new and drier surroundings. Alcohol works great at dehydrating your system. And this is the last thing you need when you are fighting off a nagging jet lag.
Get good sleep.
Make sure you get enough sleep. You need energy. That is, if you want to get the best out of the trip. You will only truly enjoy the trip if your body is up to it. So be ready with those earplugs and take advantage of the long trips. They are a good time to get some much-needed sleep.
Relax.
Make sure you leave your worries behind. They’re great at making jet lag worse. If anything, you must stop worrying about whether you’ve turned off the faucet or not, or if you’ve locked all the doors. And avoid stressful thoughts about work. This is a good time to make use of relaxation techniques. A simple breathing exercise should suffice.
Manage your time.
And make sure that you use your time efficiently. You don’t want to mess up your itinerary with late arrivals. Make sure you’re ready with world time clocks. You want something that tells the time zone for key cities across the clocks. I have one of my own and it’s proven to be really useful. My obsession over keeping up with time paid off. If you see my collectible mantel clocks and unique wall clocks at home, you’d think I’m a freak. They come in handy though.
Don’t forget to have fun!
August 24th, 2008
With so many options available, finding a great vacation spot within the U.S. or at an international location can be either a tedious task for those who simply want to get to a destination or a part of the excitement for others who enjoy the “hunt.” Hotels, villas, condos, apartments, time shares and more are all part of the decision-making.
Well if proximity to your home isn’t a compelling issue, how about a condo stay in Myrtle Beach?
With its beaches and numerous golf courses, Myrtle Beach condo rentals are a hot commodity for vacation getaways. Located in beautiful South Carolina, the Myrtle Beach area attracts over 14 million tourists a year. Subsequently, the area offers a number of vacation condo rentals at a wide range of prices and options.
For more information on the area and frequently asked questions about Myrtle Beach condo rentals, keep reading.
How much do Myrtle Beach condo rentals typically cost?
Myrtle Beach condo rentals typically range in price from between $500 a week to about $1000 a week.
The majority of condo rentals in the area are done through resort and “condotel” facilities that combine the freedom of a personal condo with your own kitchen alongside the amenities and facilities a full resort can offer.
What are the high and low season for Myrtle Beach condo rentals?
The high season typically runs from the end of May to Labor Day, while the low season runs from November to March. The March to May and September to November periods are typically considered the mid-season.
Winter temperatures typically range between 35 degrees and 70 degrees, but the Myrtle Beach area isn’t known for harsh winters. Many golfers prefer to golf during the slower, and more affordable, late winter months.
What types of family activities are there in Myrtle Beach?
Because Myrtle Beach is such a popular tourism destination, the area is packed with fun family activities. From paintball to water parks to amusement parks and nature activities, Myrtle Beach offers a lot for the family on the go.
What about golf?
The Myrtle Beach region is also known for its numerous golf courses, both private and public. Golf packages are available that allow you to purchase multiple passes to a variety of courses, saving you money while providing a new tee everyday.
When should I book?
Because of the popularity of the area, if you’re thinking about traveling to the area during the peak season, consider booking any Myrtle Beach condo rentals well in advance.
August 24th, 2008
Cancun weather is what attracts most people to the sandy shores of Cancun and there’s really no blaming anyone when the place gets jam packed during a particularly hot and sunny day. Having spent most of winter and probably just about all of spring cooped up either at home or in the office watching as the days passed one into the other, the one thing that most people look forward to is their annual pilgrimage to somewhere hot.
And if it’s a place with a wonderful surf and miles of sandy beach, and it’s also somewhere close by then it’s all the better, and the main reason why Cancun is flooded by visitors almost daily during the hot months of summer. Cancun weather is another reason why you also find so many students working their way through their holidays.
There’s nothing to beat the Cancun weather and the savvy student knows this and takes advantage of this fact by landing a job as soon as they can in one of the many Cancun resorts. Working their way through the hot summer months they can take advantage of all the great sunny days which Cancun weather conditions will bring to them.
Of course not every day is a sunny day and not all of the Cancun weather conditions will be favorable. You can be assured that there will be days when the very last that you want to do is step into the surf, because it’s raining fit to be tied. But for the most part you can be assured of great weather conditions all around when you go on holiday in Cancun.
And if the Cancun weather turns nasty on you and takes a turn for the worse you could always hole up in your hotel room and catch up on that much needed rest you’ve been missing. Or you also have the option of taking a tour to one of the many popular tourist destinations inland where the weather might not be as bad as the Cancun weather.
Whatever the outcome of your vacation though and whatever the Cancun weather throws at you, you can be assured that your Cancun vacation will one for the books and one that you’ll remember for a long time to come. Who knows you might even find yourself coming back to Cancun for your next vacation, next year. After all you know first hand that the Cancun weather is all you could want when it’s behaving itself!
August 24th, 2008
Previous Posts