Travel To Italy – Rome And Venice

Where does one begin to start when discussing Italy. Well, if you intend to travel there, Rome and Venice are good places to start.

Rome

Perhaps you’ve heard of it? It goes without saying that Rome has a rather prominent past. Lets see, in Rome you will find…[deep breath]…the Vatican, Coliseum, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Church of Saint Agnese, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps and a guy name Allassandro. Just making sure you’re paying attention. Indeed, Rome is filthy with historically significant attractions. It seems you can’t turn around without bumping into something an Emperor built, captured or destroyed. For those willing to risk potential wrath, there are also the new Divinci Code tours, which take you to the locations found in the book.

In all serious, Rome is a city you should visit at least once in your life. No article could ever do it justice, so I’ll just stop here.

Venice

I fondly refer to Venice as the floating city even though it is apparently sinking. If you’ve seen Venice is movies or televisions shows, the depictions are accurate. Piazza San Marco looks exactly the same, birds and all. The Grande Canal is, well, a grand canal with incredible houses lining it and boats putting up down this water way. Built on mudflats in a lagoon, the city doesn’t really have much room to grow. It just seems paralyzed in time.

Once you’ve conquered the tourist attractions, it will be time to get serious about Venice. The best way to do this is stand in front of your hotel or hostel, determine which direction the tourist attractions lie and start walking in the opposite direction. While you may feel like you’re driving the wrong way on a freeway for a few minutes, you’ll eventually start getting into real Venice.

An entirely different side of Venice will appear and you’ll love it. You’ll find little cafes with locals happy to talk to you [and non-tourist prices]. In fact, the Venetians will tend to hold you in high regard since you’re a tourist who is bypassing the tourist areas. This, of course, will logically lead to a whirl of introductions to this nephew, that son of a brother and so on. Next thing you know, you’ll be complaining about Italian politicians and how things used to be better in the past.

While Rome and Venice are excellent travel destinations, you can’t really go wrong in Italy. For the adventurous, set your itinerary with the old map on a wall and dart technique.

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Travel To Italy – Rome And VeniceWhere does one begin to start when discussing Italy. Well, if you intend to travel there, Rome and Venice are good pl

Have A Weekend Break In Rome

The weekends around the Easter are the busiest times in Rome as this city comes alive for the most crucial week in the calendar of Roman Catholics.

The events start in St Peter's Square on Palm Sunday with the blessings of the public Mass and palms. On the morning of Thursday, the Pope preaches the morning Mass in Vatican Basilica. The best known "Mass of the Lord's Supper" takes place later in that evening where the Pope washes the feet of the 12 priests symbolically. The highlight of Good Friday is the "Via Crucis" procession of the Pope from Colosseum up Monte Palatino. The cross stations are detailed in various languages for the benefit of the many onlookers and the huge cross along with the burning torches lights the sky.

But it is Easter Sunday which is perhaps the busiest day when St Peter's Square is packed with visitors, waiting for the public Mass in the morning followed by the Easter blessing and address by the Pope. The conclusion of that benediction is declared by the bells of St Peter's which are quickly answered by cannons at the Castle of St Angelo.

The day after Easter is called "Pasquetta" or the Little Easter and it's where the celebrations actually begin. A number of Catholics head to the outskirts of the city along with their people to enjoy picnics in the surrounding towns and countryside and everywhere else around the country concerts, fairs and dances are held.

Florence

For more than 300 years, Florence has enjoyed Easter with the exploding cart or "Scoppio del Carro". A elaborate, huge cart is dragged through the streets by white oxen, strewn with flowers until they reach the Basilica di Santa Maria in the historic centre of the city. One steel wire links the cart to a High Alter present within the cathedral and, accompanying the Mass, the Archbishop sends a rocket designed in the shape of a dove down a wire into the cart, igniting fireworks hidden within it. This is followed by a lively costumed parade.

Siciliy

Easter in Sicilly (or the "Sa Pasca Manna") is the most crucial festival of the year. One of the most awesome processions in Sicily takes place in the Castelsardo on the Easter Monday. The lights in the town are put off and this procession, called the Lunissanti, winds its way through this town from St Mary's church, lit up only by torches. The other processions of Easter take place in the Castelsardo on Holy Thursday and Good Friday.

Catenanuova holds the annual Festival for Easter (30th of the March to 8th of the April 2008) with attractions, street entertainment and processions for all the family.

Sardinia

In Cagliari there are ceremonies and processions both in the surrounding streets and local churches all through the Easter week.

In Oliena on Easter Sunday, the residents line the streets to enjoy the 'S'Incontru at a moment when the two individual processions - one carrying a statue of Christ, meet with the other carrying the Virgin Mary.

Go to Rome over Easter and enjoy a remarkable European cultural break.

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Colosseum In Rome

The colosseum, also known as the Coliseum, is a large oval stadium located in the center of Rome. It is one of the largest structures ever built during the Roman Empire, and it is considered as one of the great achievement of Roman architecture.

It was constructed at around 70 AD spearheaded by the Roman emperor Vespasian. It was only completed during the reign of Emperor Titus. The Colosseum was generally used for public events such as gladiator matches. These matches are comprised of gladiators who fought against other gladiators, criminals or wild animals. Other events held at the colosseum included mock sea battles, executions and animal hunts. During the medieval era, the use of the colosseum for public events ceased. Instead, it served such uses as dwellings, workshops and fortresses.

The colosseum condition has worsened due to natural disasters such as earthquakes. There have also been reports of stone-robbers taking away bits and pieces of the structure. However, it is still one of the most highly recognizable symbols of Ancient Rome. It is also a very popular tourist attraction to this day.

Aside from the amphitheatre, which played host to the gladiator matches back in the day, there are other attractions in the surrounding area. One such attraction is the remains of the Ludus Magnus, which is also known as The Great Gladiatorial Training School. As implied from the name, it was used as a training ground for the gladiators. Most of the area has been restored, such as the triangular fountains located within.

Other nearby attractions include the Armamentarium, which was an armory used to store weapons and defenses, the Summum Choragium, which was used to store machinery, the Sanitarium, which was used as place to treat wounded gladiators and the Spolarium, which was used to dispose of the dead gladiators and their various equipment.

The Colosseum is used today for religious purposes. Some Roman Catholic ceremonies, such as those involving Pope John Paul II, were hosted there. There are crosses littered in various areas surrounding the arena. During Good Fridays, the Pope typically leads a procession called the Stations of the Cross.

The Colosseum walls have large amounts of flora. There have been more than 600 different flora species discovered there. Previous attempts to remove the flora, due to concerns regarding damage to the architecture, have largely been unsuccessful as much of the flora eventually returned.

Common sights near the surrounding area of the Colosseum are men garbed in the traditional costume of the ancient gladiators. There are plenty of souvenir shops along the way as people are usually milling about from a leisurely stroll.

Today, the Colosseum is a highly visible structure due to its inclusion in a variety of media forms. Some movies, such as Gladiator or Jumper, use the Colosseum as a site for some of its scenes. Computer technology was used to restore the Colosseum to an approximation of its original state. The term colosseum is used for other entertainment facilities such as theatres and halls.

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Rome Restaurants: Tips And Tricks For People Eating In Rome.

Eating and drinking in Rome restaurants.

Rome is not only the capital of Italy but also of the region of Lazio, which is famous for its food. Robust flavours and rich sauces abound in many typical dishes of the area, and pasta and gnocchi in all their many forms ( especially fettucine ) are served in restaurants across Rome city.

Lazio is notable for dishes featuring milk-fed lamb (abbacchio), veal (vitello), Parma ham (saltimbocca), thin-cut steak and offal, all of which are served with delicious herbs and seasonings. Best fish choices in Rome include sea bass (spigola), fried cod (baccalà), bream (orata) and turbot (rombo). Artichokes (carciofi) are scattered all over menus through the winter, before spring heralds the vignarola - a tasty blend of peas, fava beans, and artichokes served with cured pork cheek. Fried sweetbreads are also a Roman speciality.

Rome is rich in markets and this is often reflected in the wonderful variety of superb vegetables served in the city's restaurants. Beans are used a good deal in the cuisine and appear in many dishes, hot and cold. On a cool winter's day the visitor seeking a warming lunch could do no better than to choose a tasty minestrone soup, which is another of the area's specialities.

Standard ‘tourist menus’ generally offer good value, beginning with bread and olive oil with soup or pasta; a simple meat or fish dish with vegetables (contorni) for secondi; and cheese or fresh fruit to finish; accompanied by a carafe of locally produced Frascati white or red wine from Tuscany. As a rule, main dishes do not come with vegetables, which are ordered separately.

Whether you are dining in a no-frills trattorie or a more formal ristorante, owners and chefs invariably take pride in sourcing the best seasonal produce. Vegetarians can expect most first (primi) pasta courses to be meat-free; other choices include a seasonal vegetable 'fritto misto' ('mixed fried') or side dish combo, the verdure miste ('mixed green'). Kosher choices are limited because of the prevalence of meat and cheese, particularly pork.

As elsewhere in Italy, pizza remains a popular staple food for the restaurant and the street, and the Roman version is a hybrid between the thick crust, rustic Neopolitan variety and the thinner, more fancy Northern version. Away from the main tourist areas, most restaurants only serve pizza at dinner time.

The neighbourhoods of Trastevere, San Lorenzo and Testaccio are known for offering reasonably priced, authentic Roman cuisine; whilst restaurants around Campo de'Fiori and Piazza Navona are pleasurable places to dine, with musicians on hand to entertain.

Virtually every bar and dining establishment in Rome will offer first-rate filter coffee; Italians regard frothy cappuccinos as a morning drink and rarely a post-prandial treat, when the pick-me-up expresso or macchiato is preferred. Ice creams are sensational, creamy gelato and refreshing granita (sorbets) come in a host of enticing flavours, such as coffee, coconut, liquorice or sour cherry, that are lovingly prepared for an incomparable all-day dessert.

If one to write of Rome and omit mention of its gustatory delights the whole world would protest, because in Rome eating is an art and cooking a science, and he who does not know not what Rome provides knows neither art nor science.

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Rome Hotels: Where To Stay In Rome.

The accommodations in Rome

Rome's hotels since the liberalization of the accommodations in Italy are much more and in better shape than they'have been in years; dozens upon dozens of these properties have undergone recently deep renovations.

On the other side the huge quantity of tourism the city has experienced in the last couple of years, finding a good hotel room at any time of the year is harder than ever.

So, before traveling Italy, make the reservations as far ahead as possible.

The hotels in Rome are among the most luxurious in Europe, but, when reviewing the best of the upscale hotels, try always to have a good selection of moderately priced hotels, where you can find confortable, charming lodgings with private bathrooms. Rome has inexpensive choices and can offer more in services and facilities than you might expect from the prices.

Furthermore, the italian government controls the prices of its hotels, designating a minimum and a maximum rate. The difference between the two might depend on the season, the location of the room and even its size.

Government ratings do not depend on sensitivity of decoration or frescoed ceilings, but they are based on facilities, such as elevators and the like. Many of the finest hotels in Rome have a lower rating because they serve only breakfast.

Hotels usually require you to check out on the day of departure between 10 am and noon: later than this, you run the risk of being charged for a further night. As to check-in times, there are no hard and fast rules, but if you are going to arrive late in the dat, it's probably best to mention this when you book a room.

Nearly all hotels in Rome are heated in the cooler months, but not all are airconditioned in summer, which can be vitally important during July and August.

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Rome Airport: Getting Out From Rome Airports.

Getting to and from the main airport, Leonardo da Vinci, commonly known as Fiumicino, about 30 miles southwest of the city center is quite easy. But getting to and from Ciampino airport, 20 miles southeast of the city center of Rome is not that easy ,is time consuming and unconfortable by public transport and buses run infrequently, finish early and do not connect well with the metro trains.

Many of Italy's major cities have international airports, but the Leonardo da Vinci of Rome is the country's busiest and is a hub for flights linking Europe to the Middle East and Africa.

Soon after the big Fiumicino Airport opened in 1960, a new confortable motor road was built to link it with the centre of Rome across the Magliana section. Various big hotels for business travelers and conventioneers grew up nearby.

Negotiating Roman traffic by car is difficult enough, but you may be taking your life in your hands if you ride a motorcycle or moped in the city. The rule in Rome is to look straight ahead to watch the vehicles in front and hope that the vehicles behind are watching you.

Most of the historic centre of Rome is closed to normal traffic. Police controls some entrances to the centre, while other entrances have electronic gates. You are not allowed to drive to the centre of Rome from 6.30 am to 6.00 pm Monday to Friday and 2 pm to 6 pm Saturday, unless you are a resident or have special permissions. All 27 streets accessing the so called " Limited Traffic Zone " have been equipped with electronic access detection devices. To avoid a fine, customers wishing to drive to hotels in these areas, should first contact the hotel management who will fax authorities with your number plate.

Although Rome's traffic is nowhere near as cahotic as that of Naples, some drivers, particularly motorcyclists, do not stop at the red lights. And do not expect them to stop at pedestrian crossing either.

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Rome If You Want To - A Traveler’s Guide To Rome

Rome is one of the most beautiful areas in the world. The very cradle of human civilization, its many landmarks are a joy for the eyes to behold. The Eternal City remains unrivaled when it comes to the sheer aesthetic supremacy of its antique structures and its impressive, widely-venerated history. It doesnt come as a surprise then that Rome has claimed the #2 spot on the top travel destinations in the world.

1. Rome

With a climate mild and rainy in winter rather than full of snow, many find Rome the perfect place to vacation during any time of year. You do not need a Visa if youre only staying for 90 days or less. Experts recommend visiting Rome in the off-peak months between October and March to avoid the summer rush. If you can, try to book a hotel near or within the centro storico or historic district.

2. Take The Tour

Be sure to make a list of locations you intend to visit within Rome beforehand to save you time and money. Private tours are a great way to get around and at the same time soak up the local culture. Another great way to economize is by taking the TramBus system, that goes around the city and provides a fascinating tour of Romes neighborhoods.

3. Don't Miss These Locations

The Coliseum is probably, next to the Vatican, the best structure to visit in the city. You can tour the premises on your own or join those conducted every hour by guides dressed as Gladiators. Operating hours vary throughout the year, so you will want to call in advance if at all possible.

4. The Roman Forum

Check out the civic center of Ancient Rome where political, religious, and economic activities took place. Many of its columns remain standing among the ruins even after 2000 years, displaying the intricacies of Roman architecture. Admission is free, opens at 9 am and closes an hour before sunset. If you want, you can spend a little more to get a personalized guided tour complete with audio pedestals where you can learn more.

5. The Vatican

One of the most popular spots to visit in Rome is, of course, the Vatican. In addition to its religious importance, the Vatican has a fine collection of sculptures, paintings, books, and many other artifacts that chronicle the Catholic Churchs history. You can view St. Peters Basilica, marvel at Michelangelos Pieta, its detailed masonry, or the papal catacombs. Move on to the Vatican Museum where even more magnificent antiquities are housed, not the least of that are Egyptian mummies from B.C. era.

6. The Sistine Chapel

If pressed for time, skip everything else and proceed to the Sistine Chapel. Michelangelo, primarily, was known as an excellent sculptor so when Pope Julius II commissioned him to paint the Bible on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, he thought it was a ploy by his rivals who thought Michelangelo, not being a full-on painter, would yield mediocrity and eMBArrass himself. Of course, we all know it didnt quite turn out that way. In fact, the Sistine Chapel is probably the most recognized piece of work from the Renaissance period.

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A Weekend City Break In Istanbul

Istanbul the best known city in Turkey is without doubt Europe’s most exotic city, and is the ideal place to escape to for a weekend city break, or a romantic weekend getaway.

Istanbul may be in Europe, but it has the greatest Mosque you may ever see. It is split by huge expanses of the Bosphorus where Asia and Europe meet, and it isn’t expensive so is ideal for a cheap getaway.

It is important to see all the sights in Istanbul, and so your weekend Istanbul vacation needs careful planning, and you should plan to arrive in Istanbul as early as you can on a Friday, leaving as late as possible on a Monday, because you really need four days to see the sights whether it is for a weekend getaway or a romantic city break.

On day one of your weekend getaway to Istanbul should take in the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and the Hippodrome after checking into your Istanbul accommodation, and your Istanbul hotel need not be expensive. There is a great deal of sense in booking a hotel in the heart of historic old Istanbul, called the Sultanahmet, so when you are planning your weekend getaway then this is where you should look for your accommodation. The Four Seasons would be a top class Istanbul Hotel especially for a weekend break.

Your first afternoon after lunching in one of the many restaurants in this part of Istanbul, should be on foot, with a walking tour of Sultanahmet, but restricting yourself to the above mentioned Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and the Hippodrome, and possibly the Sunken Palace Cistern, which are all within close walking distance, or at worst a two or three stop tram ride.

Your second day of your weekend city break should include Topkapi Palace which is right on your doorstep, and the Grand Bazaar.

You need to be at the Topkapi Palace before it opens and go to the Harem to book your place on the escorted tour, before exploring the rest of the Palace. Lunch in the Konyali Restaurant overlooking the Bosphorous and the Sea of Marmara is the ideal mid day break, after which you can take the short tram trip to the Grand Bazaar for an unforgettable shopping experience. A firm no thank you does work, but be fair to the traders by not pretending interest when no interest is there.

You could take a taxi to the Church of the Holy Saviour in Chora, the Kariye Muzesi, where there are outstanding Byzantine mosaics.

Walk drink and dine in the evening along the Istiklal Caddesi otherwise known as La Grande Rue de Pera, provoding it is a Friday or Saturday and you will find plenty of small family run Tavernas, Cafes, and Bars.

Your third day could be a Cruise on the Bosphorous assuming it is a Saturday or a Sunday, and on your last day visit the Archaelogical Museums, the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, the Egyptian market or take the ferry over the Bosphorous and back again allowing you to say you have been on two different continents on the same day!!

Istanbul is like that, being two quite different continents in one, and just a perfect choice for a romantic weekend city break getaway.

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Beach front Vacation Homes

Beach front vacation homes are a great way to enjoy your vacation at the beach. A beach front vacation home gives you a spectacular view of the beach and the sea beyond right from its windows and the balcony. The experience is nothing short of exhilarating and you will definitely return fresh and with fond memories of your stay in a beach front vacation home.

If you're seriously interested in knowing about Beach front vacation homes, you need to think beyond the basics. This informative article takes a closer look at things you need to know about Beach front vacation homes.

You can either rent or buy a beach front vacation home. In case the beach is a few hundred miles away from your place of residence and you would like to visit the beach more often, especially during week ends then you can buy a beach front vacation home. However, in case you don’t go to the beach often, then it would be practical to rent a beach front vacation home. In addition to beach front vacation homes you can also try out beach front vacation condos, cabins, villas and apartments.

However nothing gives you more peace of mind and a memorable experience than having a beach front vacation home of your own. There are hundreds of rental agencies that can arrange to rent out beach front vacation homes for you. These agencies also sell beach front vacation home on ownership basis. It's really a good idea to probe a little deeper into the subject of Beach front vacation homes. What you learn may give you the confidence you need to venture into new areas.

You can visit the sites of these rental agencies to look where the beach front vacation home are situated. You can also post your beach front vacation home for sale on the website. Some of the best places to buy or rent a beach front vacation home are Oregon, Michigan, Virginia, Orlando, Palm Springs and Washington. For a few thousand dollars you can get a good beach front vacation home of your choice. You can then modify the interiors according to your wishes.

Do negotiate with the rental agencies in case you are buying a beach front vacation home. Also see to it that all the papers are in order and read all the terms and conditions before signing on the dotted line. Let the agent explain to you the points that you don’t understand.

Hence we see that a beach front vacation home proves to be the best choice in case you want to enjoy a quiet and peaceful vacation at the beach. You are sure to return to the city with fond memories of your activities at your beach front vacation home. Most of these beach front vacation homes are situated just a few hundred feet from the beach.
Take time to consider the points presented above. What you learn may help you overcome your hesitation to take action.

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Major Tourist Resorts In Morocco

For now, Morocco remains relatively untouched by mass tourism, however there are some spots on the tourist map that are particularly well served for visitors.

Agadir: Morocco’s Number 1 Tourist Resort
Situated towards the south of Morocco on the Atlantic coast, Agadir boasts 9 Km of superb white sandy beach and all the amenities of a modern seaside resort.

Agadir boasts 300 days of hot sunshine, which is also especially prominent in winter months. Here you can find many five star hotels and a huge supply of hotel beds, reputedly a quarter of the total in Morocco.

Initially, there seems little sign of the rich history and tradition to be found in other Moroccan cities, although if you search it out, you will find it within the depths of the town. This is largely due to an unprecedented earthquake that shook Agadir in 1961. It has now been re-modelled as a popular package holiday destination, as well as a major fishing port.

Once dubbed the Miami of Morocco, Agadir offers a wide range of activities - along the beach, camel rides, parascending, scooters and speed boats, as well as horse riding, tennis and an 18-hole golf course.

Nightlife in Agadir is typically European in style, being the number one tourist resort in Morocco. Moroccans see this as fantastic, compared to the lack of night clubs in most Moroccan towns. Most dicos and clubs form part of hotels, but normally welcome outside guests. Unfortunately, Moroccan girls do not usually frequent night clubs unless they are out working.

Agadir offers the latest laser light show technology in many of its clubs. Casinos at Club Valtur and the Sheraton Starwoods Hotel are very popular. Cafés abound with live music, cabarets and international and local entertainment.

Agadir is one of the best resorts to enjoy Moroccan and international cuisine; Italian, Spanish, Mexican, Lebanese, Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese as well as of course, the famous Mac Donalds and Pizza Hut.

Agadir allows you to discover the region. Places on the tourist trail are Taghazout, Tafraout, Taroudant, Tiznit, Essaouira, Inezgane, Marrakech Ouarzazate, Zagora, Erfoud, Tinerhir and the Imperial Cities Fes, Meknes and Rabat.
Other Main Resorts:

Marrakech

Despite its great number of European visitors, Marrakech makes you feel like you have been transported back in time to the “Arabian Nights”. It is this enchanting mood that brings thousands of sightseers to the most visited of Moroccan cities.
The Medina buzzes with noise, hustle and bustle while tradesmen and craftsmen go about their daily tasks of cloth dying, copper beating, sewing or leather working.

Snow-covered peaks of the High Atlas Mountains form a beautiful backdrop for the city, although they are often hidden by the heat haze. The ski resort within the mountains is at Oukaimeden, about an hour’s drive from Marrakech.

Nearby Asni is an excellent base for visiting Jebel Toubkal, Morocco’s highest mountain, set amidst spectacular scenery.

Essaouira

This popular resort dates from the 18th century, and is easily reached by bus from Marrakech.
Surrounded by a fortified wall and facing a stunning beach, the town consists of whitewashed houses, boat-builders’ workshops and art galleries. Visitors come for the laid-back atmosphere and the high wind that makes it a very popular centre for wind- and kite-surfing.
Essaouira is also famous for its wood carving tradition, mainly using local, fragrant Thuya wood. The harbour is a hive of activity at all times, particularly during the daily fish auction, attracting as many onlookers as buyers and sellers.

Fez

Fez is the bustling cultural and spiritual centre of Morocco.
The main attraction is the Medieval Medina in the colourful old city, which has been continuously inhabited since the 10th century. It is busy with traditionally dressed Moroccans, and rich with the noise of buying and selling, veiled women going about their work and bell-ringing water sellers.

Chefchaouen

Located in the Rif mountains about an hour’s drive from Tangier, Chefchaouen was first settled by Spanish Muslim refugees in the middle-ages. It has retained a distinctive Spanish character with its beautiful white washed houses and mountain setting.
Asilah
Located south of Tangier on the Atlantic coast, Asilah is a very poplular seaside resort, famous for its nearby Paradise Beach. Paradise Beach is a short taxi or a fun horse and cart ride from the village and is famous for its enormous expanse of unspoilt white, sandy beach.

Despite growing numbers of visitors, Asilah has retained a relaxing atmosphere. Asilah is known as the Artists’ Village and each year hosts a famous arts festival. Here you can find many locally painted canvases adorning the souks of its 15th century medina.

Last but not least, the town is also renowned for its great seafood restaurants

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Budgeting In Spain

Not everyone retiring or emigrating to Spain has the funds to lead a millionaire’s lifestyle in Marbella. On the contrary, many people have the intention of leading a more simple life, even along the Costas. However, unfortunately the reality is due to a lack of information and little planning, many people find that the costa living (pardon the pun) can be on par with that of back home and in some cases even more!

Planning your budget for a new life in Spain should take place before you have even left the UK. Be imaginative and plan for the worst case scenario. Of course, everybody’s financial situation will be different but people need to make an allowance for the following and what ever else comes to mind.


Removals.

Flights.

Hiring a car until you buy one.

Buying a car.

Insuring it and paying for it to be put in your name, oh yes you have to pay for that!

Renting until you have found somewhere to buy or your off plan has been issued the License of Occupation.

Storage for your belongings whilst you are renting.

Furniture and all the work associated with your new home.

School fees.

Medical Fees.

The list is endless. During the settling in period of about six months, people new to their life in Spain waste so much money before they eventually get their bearings. You will feel like you are on holiday until you become immune to the beautiful weather and notice that your bank balance has plummeted. Young families and couples who need to earn an income should be very careful as sadly many are forced to return to the UK every year due to a mixture of bad luck and unrealistic expectations.

The following are some suggestions to help to avoid unnecessary excess spending. It might be common knowledge for some people who are more familiar with the coast but I am sure it will benefit as reminder.

Learn Spanish. If you can communicate in Spanish it opens doors for you, cheaper ones! You are less likely to be ripped off and you will be able to sense potentially costly situations.

Bear in mind that for most services you pay a premium to have someone speak to you in your language, it is all part of the paid for service. For example, a wash and blow dry in a Spanish hairdressers where you will be expected to communicate in Spanish might cost you eight euros, in a similar hairdressers where a member of the staff can communicate with you in basic English it will cost fourteen but if you want the privilege of having your hair washed and styled by British hands, you can expect to pay around twenty.

Be careful in the market, market doesn’t necessarily equate cheap. When buying fruit make sure the products on display are labelled with a price. It is not unheard of for people to pay as much as nine euros for a kilo of strawberries. Which reminds me, become familiar with the metric system as it is the only system used in Spain!

Unlike in the UK, where we are following the US with economies of scale and good quality retail bargains, when products are cheap in Spain, it usually means they are poor quality. For example, you can buy a t-shirt from Tesco or Primark and the quality is reasonable and it will probably last at least a season. On the contrary, in Spain, you will be lucky if a cheap top lasts a couple of washes.

Keep an eye on your food shopping bill. There is a particular supermarket which stocks British brands at extortionate prices. Adapt your eating habits and you can save yourself loads. You don’t need to buy Kingsmill bread; there are Spanish equivalents. Check out Mercadona which is great value and excellent quality. Their own brand foods are excellent. I particularly recommend their Tiramisu in the dessert chiller. Okay, their choice isn’t overwhelming, but they stock everything that you need and their stores are a manageable size. You find that you eat more healthily without being tempted by an array of ready meals and you get your shopping done in half the time.

Eating out can be another money drainer if you don’t know the places to go to. Don’t go to the obvious touristy haunts. Drive half an hour to an hour inland and try out a “venta”, where a family of four can enjoy a delicious Spanish home made style cooking for as little as fifty euros.

Of course, it is all trial and error but keep your wits about you. I find that the best bargains are always to be had if you follow the Spanish. Watch where they shop and go out to eat and you shouldn’t go too wrong.

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A Guide To Colorado Mountain Vacations

The state of Colorado is one of the premier spots in the United States for mountain vacationing. A Colorado mountain vacation can be the adventure of a lifetime. There are many attractions in Colorado, including skiing, shopping, hiking, biking, and enjoying live entertainment.

A Colorado mountain vacation is a great trip for the whole family. Children can enjoy the outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and rafting. Families can go shopping together and eat at world-class restaurants. Attractions like Pike’s Peak are designed for the whole family.

Couples looking for a good way to unwind are also advised to check out a Colorado Mountain vacation. Many lodgings are designed for couples, and feature romantic amenities like private hot tubs, candlelit dinners, and breathtaking mountain views.

Colorado includes six of Ski Magazine’s top ten North American ski resorts. Skiing and snowboarding are major attractions of a Colorado mountain vacation. Some of the major ski resorts in Colorado are Vail, Snowmass, Steamboat Springs, Breckenridge, Beaver Creek, and Telluride.

Each of these resorts offers a variety of amenities, including accommodations, ski equipment rental, fine dining, and some of the greatest ski slopes on the continent. Many resorts also offer lessons to beginners, assuring that visitors do not have to be great skiers to have a good time. The slopes range in difficulty from beginner’s level to extremely difficult.

Each ski lodge rates its slopes somewhat differently, but the color code system applies to most of them. A green circle signifies a beginner’s slope, slopes for skiers with intermediate experience are designated by a blue square, and difficult slopes are marked with a black diamond. Some skiers are skilled (and brave) enough to try a double or triple black diamond. The most difficult ski slopes are marked with a yellow exclamation point.

A Colorado Mountain vacation can be the adventure of a lifetime. Aside from all of the breathtaking outdoor activities, visitors can also make the short drive to Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Denver to catch a concert, or go to the annual Telluride Film Festival. Vacationers on a budget can find lodgings and activities that will fit within their price range, too.

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Top 10 Coolest Ways To Get Around Barcelona. Part 2

Funicular de Montjüic. As mentioned above, the cable car of Montjüic starts about half way up the mountain, so what better way to get the first half out of the way than taking the funicular train? For those of you unfamiliar with Funicular trains, it’s like a bus on a cable, but is pulled not hanging. This leaves you on the opposite side of the street to the cable car, and is taken from inside Paral•lel metro station, so also fairly central.

The next 2 are not my stint at a bit of free publicity, but I have to include them as they are so cool!! First is GoCar Barcelona. This is an idea embracing the modern day world of GPS systems and whilst not strictly a car – it’s more like a motorbike sidecar, but for 2 people – the little yellow open-top bombers can be seen driving around Barcelona in many locations. The GPS gives you a guided tour in various languages and instructions of where to go as well, so you see the sights “on your own” as you’re driving but with your own Knight-Rider style KITT Car giving you the navigation – cool!! Barcelona shares the privilege of GoCar with only a handful of world cities including Lisbon, Miami, San Diego and San Francisco.

The second brand new arrival and well worth the mention is BarcelonaGlides. This really is a futuristic way to see the city, and involves an almost pogo-stick type invention but for the new millennium! You are considerable higher than the other pedestrians on a platform with two wheels, an axle and two handlebars kind of like a scooter. But the handlebars control the movement of your wheels, kind of like a motorbike. It’s so difficult to explain without actually seeing one, or using one. It’s almost like the wheels are an extension of your legs, and a slight flick of the wrist makes you move. This really is a sight to see, and guided tours give you an amazing insight to the city centre and surroundings – and you don’t even need to take a step!

Many cities across the globe have open top tourist buses, perhaps copying from the infamous red London buses. I usually avoid these buses, as it’s much more fun to work your own way around a city. However, the Barcelona Bus Turistic (the one run by the council, there are a few) is a great way to see the city over ground and get a real idea of the size and expanse on Barcelona. Visitors flying into Barcelona can see for themselves the great heights from Tibidabo down to the sea, and the tourist bus also shows all the major stops along the way in a hop on hop off fashion with discounts available for each and every tourist attraction. This is especially good for families who prefer not to lug pushchairs and strollers or small children in and out of the metro system. The Bus Turistic has enjoyed phenomenal success over recent years and it’s easy to see why.

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Top 10 Coolest Ways To Get Around Barcelona.

Barcelona is one of the most popular cities to visit in Europe and has a very high occupancy rate year-round. Its natural geographical landscape means that with Tibidabo Mountain at the back and the Mediterranean Sea at the bottom, Barcelona is on a slight gradient towards the sea. So what are the best ways to take advantage of this natural slope, and not make it all an uphill climb? Recent years have seen some great new innovative inventions sit side by side with the classic (and very classic) methods of transport in the city. Here are my first 5.

Walking. OK, so I’m starting with the obvious, but this really is the best way to see Barcelona – especially the Old Town, Gothic quarter streets, the old fisherman’s village of Barceloneta and the beach, the fantastic Palau de la Musica Catalana in the Borne district, leading you all the way over to the garden of Barcelona – La Cuitadella – this is a huge chunk of Barcelona and is a really great way to spend a day, and your feet won’t even notice it, believe me.


2 wheels. Bikes are big business in Barcelona – locals have the great subsidised “bicing” venture, similar to other cities where you can pick up a bike at one place and drop it off at another, thus saving having to bother with locks or storing the bike yourself. There are also many budget bike rental companies all over Barcelona and this summer has seen the re-modelling of many main streets, incorporating bike lanes, sacrificing parking spaces, as Barcelona’s mayor goes even greener.

4 wheels. It’s been known for years that Barcelona is a skater’s paradise. The slight downhill incline gives ease for skaters to effortlessly glide down towards the port, and the many flat parks and open spaces at places like the MACBA, 3 Chimneys Park and Plaça Universitat, plus the seeming indifference to the local cops makes Barcelona a fave for rollerbladers, skaters and all other urban methods.

Tramvia Blau. I’m including this for nostalgia – it’s the only and oldest working Tram in Barcelona, and it takes you from Plaça John F Kennedy up to the foot of Tibidabo, and is a real gem. It’s not a very long journey, but the wonderful houses on either side of the trajectory up Avenida del tibidabo give a great view, and a feel for Zafon’s famous “Shadow of the wind” novel.

The cable cars of Barcelona - two awesome ways to travel in Barcelona. What better way to arrive to the beach, than taking the Miramar cable car over the water of the old port, waving along the way to the cruisers on the ocean liners below, and taking in some breathtaking views along the way. The Montjüic cable car starts just near the Olympic diving boards and recent renovations give an all new experience as the Perspex boxes give an almost 360º view of everything around you. The destination is Montjüic castle where you can survey the working side of Barcelona port, and on a clear day, see the whole of Barcelona.

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Our First Stay At Bandon Oregon

Bandon Oregon has some of the most beautiful coastline I have ever seen. It has easily become one of my favorite coastal towns. Bandon has some really nice beaches and a healthy assortment of little coastal shops.It's a town geared towards the visitor and I'm very glad we finally visited.

The weekend before Valentine's day, my wife and I cashed in on some reservations we had made at the Best Western Inn at Face Rock. During the off season it is possible to find some awesome deals for hotels and motels. This particular deal afforded us fifty percent off of the normal price of our stay.


Our room had cable, microwave, refrigerator, desk, table and chairs, king size bed and free long distance and local calls. We were able to get all of this for $54 a night. The room was easily the size of our apartment kitchen and living room combined.

The Inn is located right acrossed the road from beaches and a spectacular ocean view. It's also nestled right up against a golf course and beside Best Western's own restaurant. The restaurant was closed for a remodel but friends have told us the food is great.

The second day of our stay, Amanda and I actually walked from the Inn to old Bandon. It was about a two mile walk right along the ocean with one of the most awesome views I've had the privilege of enjoying.

Old Bandon has all the great stuff that little coastal towns should have. Up until now I was pretty much hooked on Newport and walking the old bay front. Now that I've been to Bandon though, Ive got another great place to visit. Bandon doesn't have quite as many shops as Newport but if you want gifts, candy or food Bandon has it.

In town you'll find a couple a decent sized grocery stores and some pizza and fast food. There is also a Tiffanys, a dollar store and two or three little thrift stores.

We continued our walk through old Bandon where we stopped and ate breakfast at a neat little cafe. There are two or three by the bay. The food was excellent and really cheap. I was actually surprised when we got the bill. After almost six miles of walking we had come full circle back to the Inn.

Bandon really is a beautiful place and our recent trip there was the nicest trip my wife and I have taken since our honeymoon. The coastal view is characterized my majestic rocks stabbing up out of the waves and shear cliff faces bordering the ocean. Everywhere you look is the perfect picture.

After such a nice trip we will be doing our best to get back to Bandon Oregon.

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Spa Vacations: Why So Popular?

Can you imagine a universe in which you are the center of attention? You laze about for the entire day without a care in the world. In fact, the only thing that you have to think about is whether or not you want to get a facial or a massage. Hmmm. Decisions, decisions.

And if this doesn’t sound like enough paradise in itself, imagine this: When you do care to open your eyes, you are met with the exquisite beauty of your surroundings. Towering, majestic red rocks and desert mesas meet your every gaze, or maybe it is snow-capped peaks, or maybe, just maybe, the deep blue waters of the Caribbean.


Are you tempted yet? If not, maybe you just need to do a little more research into spa vacations. The truth is that spa vacations are a favorite among singles, couples and families wanting to get away from it all. And spa vacations are so versatile that almost anyone can find a vacation package worth drooling over.

The popularity of spa vacations has led to the emergence of luxury spas in almost every imagined spot on the planet. And if wasting away for days in a remote location doesn’t appeal to everybody, it is possible to combine short spa stays of only a few hours or a couple of days into a regular vacation.

As touched upon earlier, the popularity of spa vacations has to do primarily with their versatility. Granted, everyone in this stressful hectic world in which we live needs a little bit of rest and relaxation. But we also belong to a society that likes to have things on their own terms. Spa vacations meet this end perfectly by offering a variety of locations, pampering services and time commitments. With a spa vacation it’s quite possible to take only one day off for a little rest and relaxation or jet around the world and get lost for weeks.

Another thing that makes spa vacations so popular is that they are relaxing, extremely relaxing. There’s just something about a full-hour massage that will turn even the biggest stress bag into a mushy, contended bag of loose muscle and bone.

So, what kind of things does a spa vacation package include? Here are just a few of the perks:

* Massage - There are many different massage techniques offered at spas. Some of the most popular include Swedish, Thai, and Ayurvedic treatments.

* Body treatments - Many spas offer body wraps and scrubs that are unique to the area. For example: A spa located near the sea might offer their own unique salt-scrub treatment formulated from the surrounding waters.

* Facials - Facials are just one of the many beautifying services offered at spas. There are also exfoliating services and an esthetician on site.

* Visual stimulation - Picturesque always, spas captivate the mind and remove it far from the rigors of everyday life.

In addition to attracting the weary and downtrodden, spas offer a unique opportunity to pamper loved ones. For this reason, gift certificates and gift vacations to the world’s most famous spas are extremely popular.

Spa vacations can also be therapeutic. In fact, many people with physical conditions and limitations benefit from a stay at a spa. There are also spa vacations geared toward helping people get a jump start on losing weight.

Is it any wonder that spa vacations are so popular? With all of these options and pampering activities to choose from, the only thing to wonder about is when and where.

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Your Breckenridge Ski Vacation

You'll be welcome with open arms in Breckenridge, Colorado. Breckenridge ski resort offer the world's finest powder and terrain anyone can imagine. Half of the slopes at Breckenridge ski and snowboard resort are for beginners, while the other half are for moderate to extreme skiing. Breckenridge is the only ski area to offer this much skiing for all types of ability levels.

The town of Breckenridge is just like you would dream about on the way to your ski vacation. The town has a Main st. with stores, restaurants, and variety. You won't be disappointed as you stroll down Breckenridge's Main Street; the main area is about ½-mile long and makes for a lovely walk during the daytime or nighttime.


As far as resorts go, you can stay in a classy hotel and pay big bucks, or you can stay just outside of town nestled in the Rockies. Many condos are located a few miles down the road on RT. 9 otherwise known as Main Street.

If you decide to book a condo out of town, you'll get a better sense of what a mountain vacation is all about. On top of this advantage, you can also expect to pay significantly less than if you stay in the busy town of Breckenridge . Be prepared to breathe the fresh Colorado mountain air. It's truly invigorating!

As the seasons change in Breckenridge, Colorado your outdoor options expand and contract. Once Spring comes, the skiing gets better and the temperature goes up. Yes, it still snows hard in the Spring time.

The only difference is the quality of the snow. It tends to be wetter than the winter when it is dry-fluffy snow. Either way, it's great and you'll love the Spring time snow as much as the Winter snow. After all, the base of Breckenridge in April is about 60 inches deep.

Summer time in Breckenridge is truly a beautiful time! You can fish the streams for Rocky Mountain trout or you can mountain bike, raft, boat (Lake Dillon) or just relax in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. There will never be a boring day during your Breckenridge ski or summer vacation.

Fly fishing is a very enjoyable sport to engage in during the Summer time. It seems like every stream or lake in the Rockies, houses some of the largest trout in the world. Since fishing season is only 5-months out of the year, the trout seem to jump right on to the hook. Just kidding of course! It's not that easy to catch Trout, but if you use the right flies, you just might find the statement above to be true.

Mountain bike trails are everywhere, but be careful!! Be sure to have a map and enough food & water in case you get lost. The smartest thing to do is mark your course with sticks in the ground if you have any doubts about not getting back home or to your vehicle.

As long as you are sure of this, you're going to have a great time. Breckenridge offers mountain bike trails that go to the tops of mountains and down to the valleys. The scenery is breathtaking and without a doubt, you're going to love mountain biking in Breckenridge, CO.

As far as rafting goes, there are many options within 20-miles of Breckenridge. The water flows highest around mid-July because of all the snow which has melted from the mountains. There are plenty of guided trips who will help you navigate through the rivers.

Once you experience all the Breckeridge has to offer, you'll surely come back every year to enjoy yourself again and again. Also, did you know the state of Colorado has more blue sky days than any other state in the U.S.? It's true!

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Free Advertising For Vacation Rentals And Holiday Homes

Placing a free advertisement for vacation rentals or holiday homes will have unlimited opportunities. First, this site is not limited to a particular place in the world. From Canada to China and everything in between, you will be able to specify online the area where your rental is. This will allow the visitors to this site the option of discovering new areas where they think would be best for them to stay.

Another advantage to the advertising that is offered on this site is in relation to the different ways in which you can advertise. Several free services can be used as part of the listing process about your rental. Part of the free advertising includes five pictures that you can put next to your rental or home listing. You will also be offered a page that includes keywords within a customized article. These will be posted in relation to the property that you are advertising, allowing for more traffic flow to come to your particular listing.


When you go to this site to post your listing, you can also list a few other things in order to attract the right person to your vacation rental or holiday home. Pricing details for the area always helps to attract the right person. You can also provide a calendar stating when the property will be available. Arrange Your Vacation also provides a link to your own home page, allowing visitors to see other rentals you have available, as well as allowing them to know more about you as a person.

Arrange Your Vacation has organized and divided the listings of properties in several different ways. By doing this, it allows the customer to find exactly the type of rental for which they are looking. It will also allow you to find the desired type of person for your property. Destination areas, places that have special features, family and pet friendly properties, and new listings are all divided into certain sections. If you have a preference towards who you want to allow in your vacation rental or holiday home, then you can categorize it on this site as well. By placing your ad in a certain category, you will know that you are bringing the preferred renters to your property.

Arrange Your Vacation is only offering free advertising for your vacation rental and holiday homes for a limited time. By advertising here, you will be able to find great renters to stay on your property as well as allow more traffic flow to your personal site in order to see what offerings you have for your different properties. Now is the time to take advantage of the free advertising that this site have available for vacation rentals and holiday homes.

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