Young Travelers

By Maida Busskohl

 There are plenty of hot, sunny destinations accessible via train, and many other, not-so-sunny, destinations on your own doorstep. Train fares across Europe are creeping down in price all the time, and spending some time researching the comparative costs of singles, returns and indirect routes can yield some remarkably cheap journeys; and a clean conscience too!

If you are determined to go further afield for your holidays, then the usual paradox for booking flights holds true: either as far in advance as you can manage, or as close to when you want to leave as you dare. Of course, last minute booking is decidedly more risky a method than advance booking, but it can lead to the holy grail of low-cost flight-bookings: the flight that costs less than the tax.

If you”re undecided between several destinations abroad, it’’s worth taking into account the relative exchange rates of each country. Considering the pound’’s considerable economic heft around the globe, you should get value for money wherever you go, but there will inevitably be places where your money will take you a lot further than others.

Low-budget holidaying need not mean low-comfort, and despite their reputation, hostels around the world are no longer the flea-ridden hovels of old. There is also an overabundance of them, particularly in the typically backpacker locations - a good place to find out where and how much hostelling around the world can be is HostelBookers.com, which contains comprehensive listings, guides and details of the world of hostels.

And don”t forget to get hold of a decent travel insurance policy before you go - if you”re trying to cut costs it could be tempting not to bother but this is one expense that’’s genuinely worthwhile. The best approach is to track down a good value policy instead - if you”re a regular traveller then an annual policy is certainly worth looking into - they”re cheaper than you might think, even if you only go abroad three times in a year it could work out cheaper.

Maida Busskohl is living the dream safely, accompanied by his backpackers travel insurance. He is safe in the knowledge that his backpacker travel insurance from eTravel Insurance won”t leave him stranded.

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Following in Messner’’s Footsteps

By Mui Aponta

 Climbing mountains is serious business. Many people die each year from being ill prepared, or having accidents.

All the same, mountain climbing remains a trendy new activity for those who want to experience something other people only dream about.

If you have serious thoughts about climbing one of the Seven Summits - one of the top peaks of any of the seven continents - you should start training beforehand with a reputable climbing company. This is one sport where the training wheels are OFF. In the meantime, there is some haggling over which summits count.

Top Peaks in the World?

For those who”ve decided to take the Seven Summit challenge generally go by the list of Reinhold Messner, a mountaineer and explorer who was the first to climb all 14 peaks in the world 8,000 meters above sea level. Also one of the first men to climb Everest without an oxygen tank, and the first solo Everest climb. (He also lost a brother while climbing another mountain.)

Other sources have used the list by Richard Bass, the first man to climb all Seven Summits, and at one time the oldest man to have climbed Everest. (A Japanese man in his 70′’s recently took that title.)

Their opinions differ only on one region - Oceania. Bass claims the 2,228 m. peak in Australia, Kosciuszko, is a more appropriate choice than Messner’’s Carstensz Pyramid in New Guinea, based on the general acceptance of Indonesia (of which New Guinea is a province) being part of Asia. Many climbers dislike the idea of Kosciuszko being on the list however, as its more a hike to the top and not really an intensive or technical affair.

In any event, they agree on the other six peaks. The following are regarded as the tallest mountains in the world (and as such, are some of the most popular for climbing):

AFRICA

Kilimanjaro in Tanzania at 5,895 m. (19, 341 ft)

ANTARCTICA

Vinson Massif claimed by Chili at 4,892 m. (16, 050 ft)

AUSTRALIA/OCEANIA

Kosciuszko in Australia at 2228 m. (7, 310 ft)

or

Carstensz Pyramid in New Guinea, Indonesia at 4,884 m. (16, 024 ft)

ASIA

Mount Everest in Nepal, China at 8,848 m. (29,029 ft)

EUROPE

Elbrus in Russia at 5,642 m. (18,510 ft)

NORTH AMERICA

Denali in the U.S.A. at 6,194 m. (20,322 ft)

SOUTH AMERICA

Aconcagua in Argentina at 6,962 m. (22,841 ft)

Critics of the Seven Summit challenge worry that mountain climbers and tourist companies will use the challenge as motivation to push people further than they”re ready to go. Beginners should stick to peaks lower than 13,000 ft. and continue to work on their physical health and knowledge of climbing. It takes more than sheer muscle to make it up Kilimanjaro alive. Just make sure you don”t skimp on travel insurance!

Mui Aponta recommends that you always take out travel insurance. He’’s recently opted for single trip travel insurance from AA Travel Insurance as he is travelling less these days.

Get lost in translation

By Mui Aponta

 1. Iwami Ginzan: This ancient silver mine is located in the Shimane prefecture of western Japan. Mining began in the 1600s and reached its peak during the early 17th century. Today, tourists can visit the old mines and the surrounding ruins, as well as seeing historical artefacts in the surrounding museums.

2. Himeji Castle: One of Japan??s most spectacular medieval castles, Himeji dates back to the 17th century. It originally served as a political and military clan base, before being given over to private use during the Meiji Restoration. In 1993, it became the first Japanese location to be recognised as a world heritage site.

3. Yakushima Island: Situated off the southern Kyushu coast, the island of Yakushima is most famous for its ancient cedar forests. Some believe that the island has trees which are over 7,000 years old ?V but, whatever the case, it is a beautiful place to hike, camp, and enjoy the amazing natural environment.

4. Shirakawa-go and Gokayama: These two traditional villages are among the most popular tourist attractions in Japan. Both are excellent examples of the Gassho style of Japanese architecture, designed to withstand heavy winter snowfall. Visitors can explore the surrounding countryside before spending the night in an old Gassho farmhouse.

5. Itsukushima Shrine: The Itsukushima Shrine stands on Miyajima Island, which has been considered to be a sacred place for hundreds of years. The nearby red floating gate is particularly spectacular, and travellers can also combine a trip to the island with a visit to Hiroshima, the city which was blown to pieces by a nuclear blast during the Second World War.

A holiday to Japan can be on the pricey side, so cut down costs by searching for budget accommodation, using public transport as much as possible, and utilising price comparison sites to find cheaper flights.

Mui Aponta recommends that you always take out travel insurance. He’’s recently opted for winter sports insurance from AA Travel Insurance as he will be limited to one ski holiday this year.

By Alethia Camidge

 Parliament Hill

In the middle of downtown, perched over the Ottawa river, this gothic building is the seat of the Canadian government, housing the Senate, Library of Parliament and the House of Commons. There are daily free tours around the inside of the building- but same-day tickets are available from 9am on a first come, first served basis, so get there early to guarantee a place! If the tours are fully booked, pick up a free guide and console yourself with a walk around the Parliament grounds. The back of the building boats breathtaking views of the Rideau Canal locks, and over the river to the French-speaking city of Hull in Quebec.

The National Gallery of Canada

This visual arts museum is internationally renowned and its impressive architecture, with a ”Great Hall”, spacious galleries, and interior gardens and courtyards has won awards. Everything from Inuit art to Canadian sculpture is on display here, with fascinating regular exhibitions. With panoramic views of the Ottawa River, Parliament Buildings and the historic ByWard Market, it’’s well worth lunching in one of the gallery cafes and soaking up the scenery.

Rideau Canal

Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Sight, the Rideau Canal runs from the St Lawrence River at Kingston to Ottawa, and empties out into a network of locks. If you have the chance, a boat trip through the various locks is a unique way of getting around and seeing the city.

Museum of Civilisation

This fascinating museum details the history of Canada’’s people, and is a monument to the various cultures that make the city so unique; from the Aboriginal inhabitants, to Viking Settlers, and the wave of British and French Invaders in the 1500s. Kids will love the special hands on children’’s exhibits, as well as the displays of Totem Poles, recreation of a Prairie Town and exhibit on Canada Post. You can buy a joint ticket with the Canadian War Museum, with interesting exhibits on Canada’’s conflict with the French and the British, and participation in major wars.

The Great Outdoors

You can”t visit such a green city without at least strolling around the extensive grounds of Gatineau Park, just across the river from Ottawa. Run, walk or rent a bike in summer and take to over 170km of public paved trails that lead through the city past the most famous landmarks across the river to the park. In winter, head to the Rideau Canal for the largest outdoor skating rink in the world. Vendors sell “beaver tail”, a Canadian donut cake, right on the ice!

Alethia Camidge is thourough when it comes to travel insurance comparison. Quotebana is a great site that makes the search easier.

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By Ben Draggin

 Valentines Day is a wonderful opportunity to build a memorable evening. Valentines flowers and a romantic dinner in a distinctive location will create the right frame of mind. You might go to a show, or do some dancing, maybe take a stroll on a moonlit shore. Then follow your heart. It will be a night they recall for a long time. Here is a good variety of Tampas top romantic restaurants.

Relaxed elegance is a phrase that fits the Capital Grille perfectly. Add intimacy to the mixture and you have the ideal location for a romantic and memorable Valentines Day dinner. The dark wood, the rich leather and the intimate lighting unite to create an ambiance made for romance. They also present an remarkable menu that includes dry-aged steaks and fresh seafood. To top it off, their service is amazing. Did I point out their impressive wine list? The Capital Grille can be found in the International Mall, off Westshore, in Tampa.

Armanis is an wonderful option for those who enjoy Northern Italian Cuisine with a view. Armanis is situated on the 14th floor of Tampa Bays Grand Hyatt Hotel, near Tampa International Airport. The location offers an amazing view of Tampa Bay, an exceptional Northern Italian menu, a great antipasto bar, and an outdoor deck to soak in the view. Did I mention amazing desserts? Armanis has produced a ideal formula for a romantic, and remarkable, Valentines Day dinner.

Yet another top romantic bistro in Tampa is SideBerns. The menu is a cosmopolitan twist on Mediterranean cookery. Fresh seasonal ingredients blend with French, Italian, Spanish and North African influences to produce a fresh and original menu. Add an extensive wine list and oh-so-rich desserts and you have a perfect Valentines Day dinner. Like its famous big brother Berns Steak House, SideBerns is situated in south Tampa. Its on Morrison, just off Howard Avenue, near Berns.

If your ideal Valentines Day dinner includes a spectacular view, you should consider CKs The View. Would you believe a rotating rooftop restaurant? Located at the top of the Tampa Airport Mariott, it offers an unparalleled view of Tampa Bay and Tampa International Airport. CKs also offers a superb menu including fresh seafood, certified Angus steaks and sushi. Live modern jazz, an excellent cocktail bar and wonderful service offer even more reasons to have your romantic dinner at CKs.

Found off the Courtney Campbell Causeway in the Rocky Point District, the Rusty Pelican offers several exclusive benefits. Set on its own pier it offers first-class views of Old Tampa Bay. It offers not one but four warm fireplaces. Tampa can be fairly cool on Valentines Day. Add an excellent menu that includes steak and seafood, excellent cocktails, and award-winning wine list and you have another outstanding option for a romantic Valentines dinner.

In addition to these exceptional restaurants, there are many additional ways to prolong the Valentines Day evening. You might wish to sip a luxurious cocktail and simply enjoy each others company. You might choose to enjoy a little dancing, or walk on a moonlit beach or take in a show. Whatever other options you select, be sure you call for reservations beforehand, and dont overlook the Valentines flowers.

Tampa is the heart of our delivery area. A-Bow-K Florist and Gifts has been a family owned Tampa florist for 25 successful years. We provide Valentine flowers and gifts to those you love in Tampa and nearby communities. Remember the flowers. Dont forget to order ahead of time.

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By John Farrow

 First of all, it is pretty much futile naming and shaming the scam artists that are continuing these well-known scams, simply for the reason that as soon as they gather any harmful exposure they are closing down and reopening with a different image, even operating from different offices. For this reason, I have just given a general overview of the way each scam operates:

1) A company will call you (by telephone) asking if you want to sell your timeshare. They often by and large declare that they have someone who wants to give thousands for your timeshare. The fact is that after a lot of smooth talking you have to pay them typically anything from 300-1,000 (US$500 or more) in advance of the sale. They will even claim that you are covered against fraud by paying with your credit card, so this is a very popular scam, which several timeshare owners fall for. In truth you will not obtain payment for your timeshare as there is no waiting buyer and your credit card payment will be paying for a elusive item such as ‘advertising services’ which are non-refundable. At some point your waiting ‘buyer’ will mysteriously pull out of the deal but not until your payment has been processed.

2) This is a telephone call designed to establish a friendship with you. They often inform you that RCI have a litigation case in the USA that may entitle you to compensation of up to 15,000 (US$25,000) as an RCI member. They may possibly refer you to a website that provides you with an overview. The intention is to get you to go to a face to face discussion. They will invite you to meet with them to complete a appraisal on the topic of your dealings with RCI and then to establish what you’re entitled too. The bottom line is that you will be asked to part with cash to join the latest fabulous “Holiday Club” where they claim you will be able to access timeshare accommodation from 99 with no problems with availability. They also say that you will be able to take as many as you require with the cheapest flights around and possibly bargain price cruises. They will tell you whatever you need to hear in order to get your money.

3) Another telephone call with a different tact to put you at ease. This time they quickly point out they don’t want any money in advance. However they have a genuine customer who wishes to purchase your timeshare for x amount. They will get their commission from this. They will point out that they are in your locale and only request that you bring down with you your deed and a utility bill as verification of ownership. You turn up to a room with other timeshare owners discover that it’s a seminar on a holiday club. They will trade in your week worth x amount against theirs which is clearly worth more.

4) This telephone call is to enlighten you that your resort will not permit you to simply hand back your week if you no longer wish to own your timeshare and that they will send out the debt collectors to make sure maintenance payments are made. They may also persuade you that even following your death your timeshare will pass on to your next of kin as part of your estate, so they will go after them for maintenance payments too. They very kindheartedly will take over your timeshare usually if you pay up the next 10 years worth of maintenances to them.

Holiday Clubs. These are best avoided. Their presentations centre around the fact that you don’t have to possess timeshare but can access them for as little as 99. They are dressed up on occasion with two for one cruises and or heavily discounted flights. Again, whatever that needs to be promised to get the sale will be incorporated into their presentation.

Nearly all of these holidays clubs don’t even exist except for on paper (they do not own accommodation or have resources or systems in place to safeguard your investment). You will only ever see polished sales and marketing materials. Most of these holiday clubs have only very poor availability and only access a limited range of destinations. Their supply is just ‘fly-buy’ accommodation, where resorts pay them to get individuals to attend timeshare presentations whilst staying at a specific resort. So the perpetrators of these scams get paid by you when you join AND by the resorts that you visit.

The ‘Cash Back’ Scam persists: this is where a company will dress up their offer with an opportunity to get your capital returned after a certain period of time.

Usually you are informed that you will get your funds back after fifty-one months with a generous interest payment too. They explain in order to receive this you have to present your cash-back documentation on a certain day. As most members ‘forget’ to do this or the documentation gets mislaid, this (they say) is how they can afford to offer a ‘cash back’. They will inform you that they will not remind you and it’s down to you to remember and attend on the day. They will present various testimonials and legal bodies signifying that this is a real offer. They can be very persuasive but yet again, it’s a complete scam.

TIPS

IF you have been phoned once, you are more than likely to be on a file somewhere that will be accessed by other conmen , so expect lots of calls. Just tell them that your timeshare has been sold. That information will gradually filter down and you will get fewer calls.

The conman will be always be looking at new ways to obtain your cash and persuade you that they have something that will be of benefit to you. You will have heard the proverb that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Check out offers by using a Google search and don’t forget to ask your district trading standards agency for advice, as they are often the first to hear about the latest scams.

Article submitted by Bryan Farrow of sell my timeshare and timeshare advice free resources for timeshare owners

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By Monika Nolte

 Is it the United Kingdom or Great Britain?

The United Kingdom is often called England, Britain or Great Britain but the correct name and the one on our passports is The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The confusion comes about through its history because although Great Britain is the name of the largest island in Europe, the United Kingdom is actually one country made up of the contiguous nations of England, Wales, Scotland and the province of Northern Ireland.

The United Kingdom does not include the Channel Islands of Guernsey, Jersey, Sark and Alderney nor the Isle of Man; these are all British Crown dependencies and each has their own governments, money and tax system. A governor is appointed for each by the Monarch of the United Kingdom.

Because history has brought together, sometimes in an uneasy union, 4 different nations*, it is important to exercise care in how one addresses citizens in different parts of the United Kingdom. Do not use the word English for natives of Wales or Scotland and while being called British might be ok for some in Northern Ireland, others may take offense.

London a city not to be missed

As one of the worlds most cosmopolitan cities, London is the capital of the UK and a major business and financial center, as well as a world renown centre of art and design . The capital is home to many different ethnic groups, in fact there are over 300 different languages spoken by its inhabitants.

With over 7,556,900 (in 2007) living within Greater London (bounded by the M25 Motorway), it is the municipality with the largest population in all of the European Union. The metropolitan area of London (travel to work area) is home to 12-14 million citizens. The London Underground is the largest underground rail network in the world and Heathrow is the busiest airport in the world.

As a city built by the Romans, London has a long and rich history. Tourists can see exceptional galleries, majestic buildings, fascinating art galleries and museums of man, animals, the monarchy and most anything else one might want to see. London has a varied night life which caters for every taste, underground clubs to retro burlesque and late night jazz. And lets not forget the West End where one can see the plays of Shakespeare as well as musicals and many modern offerings. London also has numerous venues for music, everything from world famous opera to the latest chart-topping singers and bands. London has it all.

London is the destination for food-lovers. There is something for every tastes restaurants for every ethnic cuisine, informal gastronomic pubs, wonderful delis and cafes.

And London is, of course, one of the premier shopping experiences in the world with the famous Oxford and Regent Streets sporting equally famous names like Harrods, Selfridges, Marks & Spencer, Hamlins Toy Store, Libertys and many, many more. The many side streets have chic boutiques and quirky shops filled with anything and everything you might want.

London has something for everyone. As Dr Johnson said in the 18th Century …when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life….

*a nation is a group of people sharing a common origin, language, historical tradition and culture, sometimes having its own government.

Article Writing by Monika. Contact us for your own special article at reasonable rates. This article written for Holiday Paradise - Miscellaneous information for visiting the United Kingdom.

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