Asia Vacations

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Although the season for a vacation is just past, there will be many more reason to go for a great vacation in the days and years to come. If you are among those who has not had an opportunity to come to the Asian region, I suggest you make your next vacation an Asian vacation. Not only will you have the time of your life in your Asian vacation, but you will also discover the joys of a whole new culture and way of life. Make that several new cultures, as nearly each country in the Asian region has its own, unique culture which is guarded and zealously protected.

Among the very first benefits of an Asian vacation will be the exchange value. All currencies in the Asian region are favorable when compared to the US dollar. So while on your Asian vacation, you can stretch your dollar to get you that much further and to do so much more. Add that to the fact that in regions like India and China there is always a craving for the green back and you can rest assured that you will manage the best deal.

One reason to visit Asia is how diverse the country is. From India to China, you will find everything from desert to lush tropical jungles and amazing architecture. While there is no way you will see everything in one visit, you will certainly get your fill on each and every visit. It is advisable that when you visit you choose an angle to sculpt your visit, either to see the historic sites, enjoy the natural beauty, relax at some of the amazing health spas or just amble your way around. Try not to spread your trip out to too big of an area, or you will just feel hurried and you won’t have the time to enjoy everything there is to offer.

China itself offers thousands of different opportunities to see and experience the varied culture. Not only can you visit any of China’s thousands of cities and villages, you could also take a spiritual journey into Tibet, go shopping in Hong Kong, or even take a short trip over to Taiwan and see what it is all about. Don’t forget the beautiful regions of Cambodia and Laos, which offer opportunities to see temples and statues that are hundreds of years old. If you really want a taste of the exotic then you will want to continue on through Burma and Indonesia. It is easy to see why you will need a lot of time to travel around if you want to see different areas of the region, otherwise you will just feel rushed and you won’t be able to enjoy all the sights of Asia.

If you’d rather stay in the more industrial regions of Asia, where you can find easy access to amenities as well as having less of a struggle with the language (there are more English speaking people in the major cities) then you will want to focus your trip on areas of Singapore and Tokyo, Japan. Here you will find some similarities between this interesting culture but with more Westernization. If you decide during your vacation that you want to see some more of the cultural aspects of this great region, then you can easily find these things within the town, or even shortly outside it. Wherever you choose to go, you will have a great time and come home with excellent memories.

This Year’s Perfect Gift: A Free Night at a Country Inn

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With economic woes everywhere, ’tis the season to be frugal. Well, let your heart be light, because American Historic Inns, publishers of award-winning bed and breakfast guidebooks, has the perfect, inexpensive gift idea. Purchase a copy of Bed and Breakfasts and Country Inns and your loved ones not only will enjoy detailed descriptions of more than 1,400 inns, but also receive a Buy-One-Night-Get-One-Night-Free certificate.

This certificate can be used at any of the bed and breakfasts in the guidebook. The average savings per certificate is $142, and the book costs only $24.95, a great bargain. After the certificate has been used, the guidebook is still an excellent travel resource, so it is like giving two gifts in one. The book’s lodgings include everything from romantic seaside B&Bs to quaint New England country inns. Here are just a few, tempting options.

Beautiful Santa Barbara, with its pristine coastline and mild weather, is a wonderful spot for a romantic getaway. The Cheshire Cat Inn, a whimsically named bed and breakfast, is one of the town’s best lodging choices. Two lovingly restored Queen Anne Victorians comprise this inn, which offers lushly appointed rooms with plenty of amenities. Several rooms include a fireplace or Jacuzzi tub, and some also include a balcony or patio. During the week, an expanded continental breakfast is included, and on weekends, guests are treated to a full breakfast. Each afternoon, guests are treated to a wine and hors d’oeuvres reception. The inn’s rates range from $199 to $410, depending on the season, so with the certificate that’s potential savings of more than $400.

If your gift recipient is a history buff, there are hundreds of historic places to choose from in the guidebook. One charming example is the Williamsburg Manor Bed and Breakfast. Located in the popular tourist destination of Williamsburg, Virginia, the inn was built in the 1920s during Colonial Williamsburg’s reconstruction. Each of the rooms has been decorated with fine linens, Oriental rugs and carefully selected antiques. The scrumptious full breakfasts are a highlight of any stay at the Williamsburg Manor, and the inn is just three blocks from the historic village. Rates run from $159 to $179, so you could save nearly $200 with a Free-Night certificate.

Enjoy all the fun of New York City, as well as the historic ambiance of New Jersey’s first inland settlement. The Pillars of Plainfield Bed and Breakfast, located in a restored historic 1870 home, is just 28 miles from the city but serves as a more peaceful, quiet home base from which to enjoy this exciting region. There are seven guest rooms; each one is different and decorated with antiques. Fine linens and down blankets top the beds and the bathrooms are stocked with handmade bath products. A three-course breakfast gets the day off to a perfect start. The rates range from $125 to $250 per night, so with a Free Night certificate, you’ll save enough to score theater tickets or dinner out in the city.

You can order the guidebook, which usually ships within 24 hours, at ILoveInns.com. This comprehensive website includes detailed listings to more than 19,000 country inns and bed and breakfasts. ILoveInns.com also offers printable gift certificates for many of the inns listed on the website. This is a great instant gift idea that is both easy and thoughtful.

Book a Stay at Germany’s Top Inns, Hotels

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Germany is a land of extremes. In this ancient land, you’ll find geographic wonders ranging from the sand dunes of the North Friesian Islands to the towering Alps to idyllic pastoral land dotted with enchanting villages. You can visit castles, sample some of the world’s best beer and wine, explore historic sites and so much more.

Of course, you’ll want to visit Bavaria, home to Munich with its many unique towns and villages, of which Neuschwanstein is perhaps the most famous. The castle, by the same name, was the inspiration for Disney’s signature Sleeping Beauty castle. There are plenty more interesting destinations, so consider planning a trip other regions, as well. You might a journey to Germany’s most northerly province, Schleswig Holstein, and visit Hamburg and the surrounding area. Another idea would be to explore the Black Forest, which boasts picturesque scenery, relaxing spas and even casinos.

On her popular travel website, writer Karen Brown suggests several interesting itineraries for travelers to Germany. She offers detailed descriptions of various regions, as well as driving directions and suggested pacing. In addition to this helpful information, her readers also have voted and chosen the following inns and hotels as Germany’s best lodging experiences:

Situated across the Elbe River from the city center of Dresden, the Hotel Bulow Residenz offers romantic accommodations in a quiet neighborhood filled with historic homes. From the impressive Baroque exterior to the elegant interior with its mix of traditional and modern dcor, this is truly one of Dresden’s best hotels. Breakfast and afternoon refreshments are served in the charming courtyard. The hotel’s formal restaurant, The Caroussel, is Michelin-rated and ideal for a romantic, intimate dinner. Cocktails, wine and beer are served in the hotel’s piano bar. The hotel has been chosen by Karen Brown readers as Germany’s “Most Romantic” hotel.

The Romantik Hotel Markusturm was chosen as the winner of the Karen Brown Readers’ Choice Award for the “Warmest Welcome” in Germany. Located in Rothenberg, a fanciful medieval town surrounded by turrets, ramparts and walls, the hotel is just as charming as its surroundings. Hosts Lilo and Stephan Berger will make you feel right at home and pamper guests with inviting individually decorated guest rooms and plenty of hearty cuisine, complimented by Stephan’s signature homemade beer.

Enjoy warm hospitality without a high price tag at Gasthaus Die Krone. The hosts of this family-run hotel are friendly and helpful, offering both a restaurant and accommodations. The exterior is decorated with a unique mural commemorating the Revolution of 1848. Inside, guest rooms are light and airy with simple pine furnishings and comfortable beds. The hotel is located in a quieter area, designated as a pedestrian-only section of town. Karen Brown readers chose Gasthaus Die Krone as the recipient of Germany’s “Greatest Value” award.

The Romantik Hotel Benen-Diken-Hof is an excellent spot for every type of traveler. Its location is unusual, located on a sand-dune island in Germany’s northernmost spot; the hotel is surrounded by acres of prairie land. There is a wellness center where guests can enjoy a relaxing spa treatment, as well as a sauna and swimming pool. The inn’s restaurant serves breakfast far longer than traditional breakfast hours, so you need not rise early and rush to get in the morning meal. Children will adore the hotel as there is plenty of room to run and play, and the hotel has a children’s program, baby sitting services and a room filled with toys. Hiking, fishing and golf are among the many local activities available. Karen Brown readers have chosen Hotel Benen-Diken-Hof as Germany’s best “Splendid Splurge.

Taking a Cruise With a Baby? You Must Read This

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We just came back from a cruise vacation with our nine month old daughter. We had a great time on the trip. We did a lot of things very well which contributed to the success of the trip, and there a few things that we will do different the next time so that our next trip will be even more spectacular.

I thought it would be beneficial to other travellers planning a cruise with a young baby to read about our typical day on a cruise ship.

Princess Cruise Line was wonderful to us. They provided us with a very sturdy, clean and safe playpen for our daughter to sleep in. We positioned the playpen out of the way in the small hallway in our cabin near to the cabin’s washroom. Our daughter sleeps very well - her normally waking time is 7 am. When she woke up during the vacation we would give her a quick change of clothes and then the three of us (baby, dad and me) would snuggle in our bed for a while waking up and playing.

After changing her out of her wet diaper and into some dry clothes my husband would put our daughter into her stroller and he would go for a 30 minute walk on the promenade deck of the cruise ship. While they were gone I would have a shower and organize our cabin and pack the diaper bag for the day. When they returned my husband would have his shower and get ready for the morning.

The three of us would than meet at the buffet area of the ship for breakfast. One of us would put our girl into a high chair (again provided by the cruise ship) and the other would go to the buffet to get breakfast.

When we finished our breakfast we went back to our cabin and changed into our swim gear. Our daughter wears swim diapers under her bathing suit. Off to the kid’s pool where on the Crown Princess children are allowed if they are wearing a swim diaper.

After swimming it was nap time for our girl. Either my husband or I would stay in the cabin while she slept and the other one of us would go off and have some solitude time. It was very important to us that the child-care responsibilities be shared equally - so we made a point of taking turns staying with our daughter during her nap periods.

After nap time we would put our daughter into her stroller and we would walk around the ship together just exploring. We would have lunch together in the buffet area, maybe go for another swim and then it was afternoon nap time.

The highlight of the day was having dinner in the formal dining room. We opted for personal choice dining which meant we could go to the dining room at a time that worked best for us. We would all get dressed up for dinner, and around 5:30 or so we would go to one of the many bars on the ship for a pre-dinner drink. After our drink we would head off for dinner around 6 o’clock. Every dinner was spectacular and the service from the dining room staff was excellent. All the staff loved talking to our daughter.

Right before dinner my husband and daughter would go to the buffet and gather up a few pieces of fruit to take with us to the dining room for our daughter to eat during dinner.

The two of us would order off the menu while our daughter would snack on fruit, small pieces of bread and other snacks that I brought with us.

At some point during dinner our daughter would be ready for her dinner. Before we left to go on the cruise (about a month before) I had pre-ordered baby food from Princess. At dinner when she was ready to eat I fed her a jar of baby food and some cereal mixed with water. When we were all finished eating our little family would sit and relax and enjoy being together as our daughter had her bottle.

After dinner we went back to our room. Our room did not have a bathtub it only had a shower. We would plug the drain in the shower and run some water into the shower and it was plenty deep enough for our daughter’s bath.

After bath time we put her in her sleepers and we put her back into her stroller and off we would go to a show, to see a comedian, listen to some music, or just walk the ship.

Our daughter loved watching all the excitement that was going on around her - and in about 30 minutes or so she would fall fast asleep in her stroller. We adjusted the stroller seat so that she was reclining as she slept.

With our daughter now fast asleep in her stroller my husband and I would continue doing things until we were ready to call it a day. We would back to our cabin, tuck our daughter into her playpen for the night, and then tuck ourselves into bed as well.

For us cruising is a wonderful way to have a stress-free vacation, enjoy our daughter and enjoy being a family. The secret to a successful cruise vacation is to do some advanced planning, and don`t try to be too busy on the cruise.

Surprise Your Loved Ones With a Free Night at a Bed and Breakfast

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Let’s face it - this is a Christmas where budget is a consideration for many of us. But you can still give your friends and family the perfect gift. A copy of Bed and Breakfasts and Country Inns, an award-winning guide with descriptions of more than 1,400 inns and B&Bs, includes a Buy-One-Night-Get-One-Night-Free certificate.

The certificate is valid at any of the inns in this book, and your loved ones can save up to $300, depending on which inn or bed and breakfast they choose. The guidebook itself, costs only $24.95, which is a huge bargain when you consider that the average savings is more than $140. Here are some of the romantic examples of inns that accept the Buy-One-Night-Get-One-Night-Free certificate.

If you want a taste of luxury, try the Cheshire Cat Inn in picturesque Santa Barbara, California. The guest rooms and suites are spread among two restored Victorians located in the town’s charming downtown area, within walking distance to shops and restaurants. Each of the rooms is decorated with Laura Ashley fabrics and fine furnishings; some have a fireplace, Jacuzzi tub or perhaps a balcony or patio. Guests are treated to an expansive continental breakfast each morning, and on weekends, a full, gourmet breakfast is served. Each afternoon, the innkeepers serve local wines and hors d’oeuvres for their guests. The rates run from $199 to $410, but with the Buy-One-Night-Get-One-Night-Free certificate, you could save more than $400 off a two-night stay.

At the Williamsburg Manor Bed and Breakfast, travelers enjoy historic ambiance just a few blocks from famous Colonial Williamsburg. The home was built in Colonial style in the late 1920s and the innkeepers have decorated the rooms with fine antiques. The innkeepers treat guests to a full breakfast each morning, with treats such as baked French toast or homemade English scones. Rates range from $159 to $179 per night, so with the Buy-One-Night-Get-One-Night-Free certificate, guests can save almost $200 off their stay.

Just outside of New York City, you’ll find the Pillars of Plainfield Bed and Breakfast. Located 28 miles from Manhattan in Plainfield, New Jersey, this elegant 1870 inn offers seven distinctive rooms all decorated in period style. There are plenty of thoughtful amenities, such as handmade lemon verbena bath products, fluffy robes, down comforters and fine linens. Multi-course breakfasts include a fruit course, homemade muffins or breads and a special daily entree. The rates run from $125 to $250, depending on room choice.

You can order the guidebook, which usually ships within 24 hours, at ILoveInns.com. This comprehensive website includes detailed listings to more than 19,000 country inns and bed and breakfasts. ILoveInns.com also offers printable gift certificates for many of the inns listed on the website. This is a great instant gift idea that is both easy and thoughtful.

Sharm, Egypt: Jewel of the Red Sea

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Sharm el Skeikh, or just Sharm, is one of the hottest travel destinations in the Arab world, and for good reason. It’s quickly being recognized as one of the finest diving spots in the world, and the variety of activities available to the visitor is mind boggling.

Forty years ago, Sharm Egypt was little more than a tiny fishing village. But during Israel’s occupation, the land near Sharm’s center began to be developed and it gradually transformed into a tourist destination. It now contains most of the amenities that you would expect in a travel destination, except that it’s been able to maintain its historic roots.

Sharm and nearby Hurghada are located on the Red Sea coast, and just offshore there is a wide spectrum of aquatic life and beautiful coral, including dolphins and sharks, if that’s your cup of tea! Sharm caters to scuba divers of all levels, so even if you’re new to the activity, you’ll find a reputable dive operator who can accommodate you.

If scuba diving is not for you, there are plenty of other beach activities that you can participate in. Sharm and Hurghada beaches have beautiful white sand and the water is crystal clear. Bad pictures are almost impossible to take here!

While some areas in Egypt are known more for their historic value, Sharm has a reputation as more of a beach or resort destination. Here you’ll find hotels in all price ranges, including some world-class properties, and you’ll also find an active nightlife, which is not particularly common in Egypt. But do expect to pay a hefty price for beer, wine, and spirits, even in this more liberal area.

Egypt hosts more than 5 million visitors every year, and in recent years, over one quarter of them have visited Sharm. The locals are very friendly and accommodating with travelers, but there are still some taboo customs that you should be aware of if you’re planning a vacation. To get the most out of your holiday, look into Egypt packages, which will help you plan your visit.

For the most part, most of Egypt is generally safe. There is very little violent crime, with the most common infraction being petty pick pocketing, but security is stationed in many public areas to protect the travelers’ interests.

Sharm is a beautiful city in an amazingly historical city. If you plan a holiday to Sharm, whether on its on or as part of one of the available Egypt packages, you will not be disappointed, and you will leave with some fantastic memories (and hopefully photographs) that will last a lifetime.

Finding Glasgow Flights

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You can fly on a Glasgow flight to many world destinations and arrive in Glasgow from many cities around the world. There are two airports in Glasgow, Glasgow Prestwick (PIK) and Glasgow International (GLA). It does take longer to get to Glasgow Prestwick from Glasgow center, about 30 miles, where Glasgow International is only 10 miles from the city center.

The following airlines all have flights that arrive and depart from Glasgow International; British Airways, Loganair, Flybe, BMI/BMI Baby, and Easyjet. There are many domestic flights from Glasgow International. You will travel through Glasgow International when you are going to the Scottish Highlands and Islands. Domestic flights also leave from Glasgow Prestwick but they have less than Glasgow International.

Airlines also fly to many European cities from Glasgow. There are regular flight to Poland, Amsterdam, and Berlin and all for very affordable prices. You can fly Ryanair and depart from Glasgow Prestwick for low prices to most major European cities.

You can also fly to Ireland on Glasgow flights. Air Lingus flies direct to Dublin and Ryanair travels to a variety of destinations in Ireland. You can fly Flybe and Easyjet to Belfast and Loganair offers regular flights to Londonderry from Glasgow International.

There are many long-haul destinations that leave from Glasgow International or that have a stop over/connection in Glasgow. There are many North American city destinations that have direct flights; Chicago, Toronto, Philadelphia, Boston, New York and daily flights to Orlando, Florida. You can also find direct flights to Dubai, Lahore and other Asian cities.

Glasgow International also offers many long-haul charter flights to North Africa, the Caribbean and Mexico. No matter your destination you will be able to travel there from the airports in Glasgow.

Cheap hotel deals

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We all like to get away from it all once in a while, but some of us feel like we can’t afford it. What with the price of airfare skyrocketing and gas prices getting ridiculous it is no wonder that most of us are putting off our vacations indefinitely. But what if there was a way for you to enjoy a nice vacation without breaking the bank? There is, as long as you are willing to do some research first.

I’ve met quite a few people in my years who travel for a living. Their companies don’t always provide them with lodging and it may be up to the individuals to find their own hotels. Sometimes, cheap hotel deals leave those frequent travelers sleeping in a room that they may not be comfortable closing their eyes that night. With some research and knowledge of your destination, you can find some cheap hotel deals that will better suit your needs and provide a lot more comfort.

Start With High End Hotels

Check out the hotels that are located in the area where you want to visit, and keep you sights high - you never know what kind of deals you can find once you start looking. Even the most luxurious hotels may offer spectacular savings if they are having trouble filling up.

Surf the Internet

Can You Say Google

If you would rather a one-stop shop for travel deals then check one of the online travel booking websites. Once you enter when you are planning to travel, along with the destination and number of people travelling with you, it will return all hotels in the area that they use and list them by number of stars, cost per night, or even proximity to a local attraction like the beach. You can sort through these hotels and look at pictures and even customer reviews to find one that fits your budget.

If you still aren’t having any luck try adjusting your dates to see if you can get a better deal. Occasionally the website will offer travel advisors at no charge, give them a call and see if they can help you out. After you book your trip all that’s left is to pack your bags and enjoy!

Discover Kenya Great Places: The Amazing Gedi Ruins

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In Kenya tourism, the Coast is among the top travel destinations, with a wide array of tourist attractions. The mysterious Gedi ruins are one such Coastal attraction. The ruins lie about 15km south of Malindi and 100km north of Mombasa in the Kenyan coast. These remnants of the ancient town of Gedi are found deep in the Arabuko Sokoke forest, and are one of Kenya’s greatest unexplored treasures.

Apart from the common belief that the town was abandoned in the early 17th century, little else is known about this ancient coastal town that still puzzles both archaeologists and historians. The reason why the town was abandoned is not documented but one school of thought believes that unknown invaders destroyed the town in the 17th century. Many researchers dispute this theory because there is no evidence of any disturbance or battle in this ancient Swahili settlement whose population was estimated at 2500 people.

Another school of thought thinks that the town residents abandoned it as a result of receding ocean waters which caused a reduction in water availability in the water wells. Other people also allege that the entire population was wiped away by the deadly and incurable Black Plague introduced by the Portuguese.

One more recent theory believes that Gedi townspeople fled from an imminent arrival of the Galla, an inland tribe known to have been very hostile. Recorded history however does not mention any such large scale evacuation at around that time.

In 1927, Gedi ruins were declared a historic monument. Since then, there have been many excavation and preservation works in the ruins. Many large areas of this ancient town have been revealed, including the palace, a great mosque, and the pillar tombs. Despite all this research work however, nobody knows with certainty what happened to Gedi and its inhabitants.

Between 1948 and 1958, excavations at Gedi ruins uncovered an Indian lamp, porcelain from China, spanish scissors, and Venetian beads among other items that point to engagement in some form of international trade by citizens of Gedi.

Gedi ruins were declared a national park in 1948. Since then, the area has become among the top tourist destinations in the Kenyan coast. The place still remains mysterious with its ruined mosques and tombs in the midst of trees, and pillars and stone walls.

Gedi remains an oasis of tranquility to date, though surrounded by modern day villages. The ruins are overgrown with plants and flowers. Getting to Gedi is easy from Mombasa, Malindi, or Watamu. A small museum in the area displays ancient artifacts retrieved through excavation works. These include Arab wares, Chinese porcelain, and Phoenician artifacts. More Gede ruins artifacts are also displayed at the Fort Jesus museum in Mombasa.

Egypt Packages: Exceptional Vacations for Modest Prices

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An Egypt holiday is one of the most memorable and rewarding excursions that you can possibly experience due to the huge amount of activities, sites, historic value, and travel options available.

When many people think about Egypt, they envision monuments, pyramids, and the desert. But there is so much more to Egypt than that, and each destination in Egypt has a unique offering from the others. For example, Alexandria and Luxor are well-known for their historic value, Hurghada and Sharm are known for their beaches, resorts, and watersports, Cairo is known for its culture, and so on.

You will also find that travel within Egypt is moderately, with accommodations, airfare, and entertainment being quite reasonable considering its popularity. A local exception is beer, wine, and spirits, however, which will cost you anywhere from US$8 to $12 for each drink.

Unfortunately, because of the wide range of activities, if you want to participate in a variety, e.g. exploring the beaches of Sharm Egypt, then on to Luxor or a Nile River cruise with a safari and horseback ride along the way, your travel plans become much more cumbersome to implement. Luckily there are a good number of qualified travel guides who can assist you with numerous plans, from group tours to fully escorted Egypt packages.

If, like me, you’re a do-it-yourselfer, there are some exceptional travel books that will give you the inside scoop on destinations, customs, and prices, which will all be immensely helpful in planning your trip. But this approach isn’t recommended for everyone, because we all have different tolerance levels for chaos!

One of the aspects of Egypt that struck me even more than the surroundings was the people, who are largely helpful, friendly, and hospitable. Ask a local a question, and you’re likely to draw a crowd of people with suggestions on the best answer!

A popular fear when traveling to Africa or the Middle East is one of safety, but Egypt is one of the safer destinations you can visit. Aside from the tourist bombings in 2005, purportedly orchestrated by Egyptian radicals bent on ruining Egypt’s rich tourism industry, Egypt is largely free from violent crime. Pick pocketing is the most common form of crime, but security is placed in most public places to discourage this from happening.

The best time for Egypt travel is between November and March, when the temperatures are the most accommodating. During this time, you’ll likely see temperatures in the 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit range. Of course, this is also the most expensive time to travel! If you’re willing to brave the off-season heat, you will be able to find some incredible deals on lodging.

Egypt packages are a great approach to what will be one of the most memorable holidays during your lifetime, almost assuredly. Prepare fully, plan in advance, and enjoy one of the most beautiful regions in the world, along with one of the original seven wonders.

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