Princess and Holland America are the entrenched market leaders in getting you into the Interior, either before or after your cruise. They own their own hotels, deluxe motorcoaches, and rail cars; and after many years in the business, they both really know what they’re doing. Some of the other lines actually buy their land products from Princess or HAL.
Holland America’s strengths are its 3 and 4 night cruises combined with an Alaska/Yukon land package. In addition, the company’s exclusive entry into the Yukon’s Kluane National Park last year proved extremely popular. Not only will it continue in the Kluane area this year, HAL has added yet another Yukon gem Tombstone Territorial Park, about 90 minutes drive up the Dempster Highway from Dawson City.
Tombstone is a region of staggering wilderness beauty, Native architecture, stunning vistas, and wildlife. Princess is arguably stronger in 7 day Gulf of Alaska cruises in conjunction with Denali/Fairbanks or Kenai Peninsula land arrangements. In 2002, Princess also introduced its fifth wilderness lodge the Copper River Lodge, by the entry to hitherto difficult to access Wrangell St. Elias National Park. Its addition gave Princess an attractive new cruisetour component, which has become more popular each year with the growing public awareness.
This year, getting to the company’s wilderness lodges in Denali will be easier and faster than ever before with the inauguration of a “Direct to the Wilderness” rail link. Passengers will board trains right on the dock in Whittier and whisk through some of Alaska’s most scenic areas to Denali.
The scheme operated by the government supported Scottish Tourist agency, called VisitScotland and their grading system is to be adopted over the whole of the UK. But it is massively unpopular in Scotland. There is a petition to the Scottish Parliament complaining about them. They are seen to be bureaucratic and top heavy, they lose money every year, which must be paid for by the Scottish taxpayer, and they have now given up the responsibility for selling members properties.
Their inspectors look at every property and decide on the grade for that year. Here is the percentage breakdown of self-catering members of VisitScotland as of to-day. VisitScotland have 3600 members soe of whom more than one property
Out of 5000 or so vacation rental properties on their books, 150 are five stars, 1,600 have four stars, just under half have three stars, 800 have two stars and a very small number have only 1 star.
But it is reckoned that a further 5,000 properties offered for self-catering Scotland are ungraded and have nothing to do with VisitScotland. They look after
their own properties, they promote by themselves without support from the tourist body, often through the use of their own websites and specialist web site directories. They do very well thank you very much. They do better in terms of occupancy than over half of the Visit Scotland graded members.
VisitScotland do comprehensive research into occupancy levels and it is easy to get comparisons from the figures. This shows a summary of Scotland’s results looking at unit occupancy in weeks for different VisitScotland grades versus ungraded.
Ungraded, 55% occupancy – 29 weeks of lettings a year. The research measures ungraded as well as graded.
VisitScotland graded properties
One star 49%
Two stars 46%
Three stars 56%
Four stars 57%
Five stars 70% 36 weeks
So, after all this money ploughed into grading, funded by the VisitScotland members and with the annual VisitScotland losses made up by the taxpayer, the fact is that it does not pay off properly unless you have a five star property!
We sold 44 weeks last year, in our own single property in the Highlands. We are lucky – we have only one property and we are in Glencoe, superb position. But we have no grading and no support from VisitScotland. We do all of it through our website.
It is a paradox this result. I believe that when people do the work for themselves they usually make a remarkably good job of it. They work every day of the week, they graft all day long and in the end it either works or they pull out. Those people who turn the job over to others to do for them will not do so well.
But they can work less hard, and this is an advantage to many property owners. So you pays you money and you takes your choice. Work less hard at marketing and as a property owner you will probably be ok when selling your property for vacation rentals.
But your agencies will take a significant slice of your income, and that is fair because they are doing most of the difficult work. All you have to do is to take the bookings, get the house cleaned and maintained and bank the cash.
Up to you.
John
John Winkler used to be the marketing correspondent for The Times in London. Now retired he and his wife have a pretty period cottage on the lochside at Glencoe in Scotland. They let it out for vacations, and offer free help to other holiday home operators in their blog holidayhomewebsupport.blogspot.com holidayhomewebsupport.blogspot.com
holidaysscotland.blogspot.com holidaysscotland.blogspot.com
bayviewkentallen.co.uk bayviewkentallen.co.uk
Taking a break by going for romantic getaways with your loved one is a precious moment. So all the things needed for the trips has to be prepared carefully especially when you travel abroad. Each country has its own requirement for visitors to visit the country. Here are the tips for preparing your romantic getaways that really could help you especially when it is your first time to travel abroad:
1. Research romantic getaways places
Research the romantic getaways places or honeymoon places that you want to go. You should discuss places to go for your romantic getaways with your partner to make sure that both of you will enjoy the trip. Discuss the budget that you both have in order to pick the best place to enjoy your honeymoon or romantic getaways within the budget.
2. Check the weather
When you travel to the tropical country, actually any time of the year is perfect because the tropical countries mostly have a stable weather all year long. The weather in the tropical countries is mostly warm and humid. When you want to travel to any four-season countries, you should check the weather on the country. Also, you need to check the weather of the time when you visit the country so that it will help you to decide either to bring thick clothes, t-shirts, short-pants or tank-tops.
3. Credit Card Frequent Flyer Program
Check whether your credit card has a frequent flyer program so you could get a discount or points for traveling. You could save a lot if you have a frequent flyer program credit card which eventually will grant you a free ticket after you reach a certain points. Especially if you are a frequent traveler or your job requires you to travel a lot then you definitely need to have that kind of credit card.
4. Book an airline ticket
There are a lot of airfare deals out there for you to choose. Usually the deals that most airlines offer are for a short time only, so whenever you are sure about your destination then you need to book it right a way. The other thing about the online travel deal is that you have to make sure that the date and the time of travel before you purchase the ticket because most of the good deals are usually non-refundable.
5. Rent a Car
One thing about renting a car, you might want to consider getting car insurance. That is usually also offered at the rental car place when you want to do one. The reason why you need this is because you don’t know that something will come up when you travel and you might find the liability insurance is really helpful and save you a lot.
6. International Driving Permit
Applying an international driving permit is one thing that you need to be considered when you are planning to rent a car during your romantic getaways. . Especially when you are traveling abroad, international driving permit can really come in handy. You can get your international driver permit by applying from AAA.
7. Reserve a hotel
A good tip for couple who usually go on their honeymoon is that when you arrive at the hotel, you could tell the front desk that you are on your honeymoon. You don’t know something good might surprise you two just because you let the people know that you are on your honeymoon. Some hotels might prepare a bottle of wine in your room of maybe a bouquet of flowers. Just don’t forget to mention that you are on your honeymoon.
8. Apply for Passport and Visa
If you are going for international trips, then you should check the visa necessities and your passport whether it is still valid. It is best to apply for your passport at least eight weeks before you plan to leave. This will allow the time for processing and any possible complications.
9. Write up your honeymoon packing list
Write a list of things that you need to bring during your honeymoon. Most of the small general necessities like toothpaste, toothbrush, underwear and condom you could get it at the hotel. If you are traveling on your honeymoon, do not forget to bring lingerie, candles, bubble bath, sunscreen and motion sickness medicine.
10. Find out the easiest way to use money/credit
You might want to purchase Travelers Checks or get a “Travel Money” card from your local bank or currency exchange office. It is better to carry traveler’s check instead of large amounts of cash.
Yochention and his wife love to travel and they love to share their knowledge of travelling to couples. Visit their site at Romantic-Escape.com Romantic-Escape.com to get ideas for your next romantic getaways, or you can visit Indonesian Dating Site Datingku.com DatingKu.com
A mysterious artist is busy beautifying the city of Amsterdam. The artist makes statues and then leaves them in public places. All these are for the tourist as well as the local people. The statues are made or bronze or even iron. These sculpted pieces are a joy to behold in the eyes of the viewers. This has been happening for the past fifteen years. Though the name of the artist is still not known, it has been found that the artist is a local doctor. This doctor in his spare time is an artist and makes statues. The welcome this artist has been given is a huge success though on the condition that his identity is not disclosed.
Amongst his work is a bronze women’s bust. This bust is very strategically located in the pavement in front of the Oude Kerk on Oudekerksplein square. It has been gracefully present and has been linked with the boldly displayed female bodies near the Oude Kerk, which is situated right in the heart of the Red Light District. At Leidsebosje a small man is working up a tree. He is sawing through the very branch on which he is standing. The statue has been kept on a branch of a tree which is a very unique creation. This statue was put up by whom and when was it put is still a mystery which has not been solved. This mystery gives fascination to the artist and his work which have become a landmark. Almost no one knows the artist, but every Amsterdammer likes the mystery he has created.
Another remarkable statue is the headless statue. In Marnix Park one will find a man with a violin case is rushing in the direction of Marnix Street. This gives sense of wonder where is this man trying to rush to, that too, without his head. This statue can be found at the corner of the Marnixstraat and the Tweede Hugo de Grootstraat, opposite a police station. Just imagine the violin player having had a head, what will be the direction of his face, well then he would have been facing a shop that sells newspapers and magazines. It has been rumored that the owner of the shop knows the anonymous artist.
Yet another statue of the mysterious artist is in the entrance of the City Hall/Music Theater. Here a violinist bursts through the tiled floor. Ten Kate Markt boasts a bronze statue of a musician. All these statues are related to some city landmark and have some significance. The bronze women’s bust gracing the pavement in front of the Oude Kerk on Oudekerksplein square has been linked to the famous Red Light District of Amsterdam. In the same manner at Leidsebosje a small man is working up a tree. He is sawing through the very branch on which he is standing. What is the connection- it is sawing through a tree. In Amsterdam all the trees were cut down during the World War II. In the same manner in Marnix Park a man with a violin case is rushing in the direction of Marnix Street. The busy after office hour is the message of this statue. Ten Kate Markt boasts a bronze statue of a musician which has been related to the statue in the entrance of the City Hall/Music Theater where a violinist bursts through the tiled floor. The unique and simple messages are to be cherished by the people of Amsterdam.
Rahul viz recommends that you visit bookings.nl/city/nl/amsterdam.html?aid=305255 bookings.nl/city/nl/amsterdam.html?aid=305255 for more information on bookings.nl/city/nl/amsterdam.html?aid=305255 Mysterious Statues in Amsterdam.
Lights on sailboats are very important because you do not want to get hit by another vessel. Once the sun goes down you do not have the advantage of being seen as you do during the daytime with that huge sail. There is a lot of vibrational energy, which could be harvested from a sail to power up an LED bright white light. This energy could power up lights on you sailboat for nearly anything, thus saving your fuel for your generator. For long voyages you can use this energy for lighting, rather than draining the batteries.
The buffeting of the sail and that vibrational energy can be used to power up the lights using electromagnetic induction technology to charge a capacitor instead of the headlights working off a battery. Currently there are some nifty micro-flashlights being used which you can buy which use a similar technique and are available thanks to the Everlite Flashlight technology research lab. These smaller flashlights work by shaking them for about thirty seconds and shine for about 6 minutes and they shine quite bright since they use a very bright LED light. Here is a link to this home use flashlight:
modernoutpost.com/gear/details/ee_shakelight.html
Here is a quick movie you can watch online to see how this technology works.
modernoutpost.com/gear/movies/ee_forever.MPG
I propose we use the wave action against the hull and the buffeting of the sail to light the interior lights and collision avoidance lights. If the lights get too dim from too calm seas, yah, we wish, then the system would revert back to the battery. Perhaps this is a good way to save fuel and energy; allowing the wind and waves to power up all we really need? Think on this.
“Lance Winslow” – Online WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/ Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance in the Online Think Tank and solve the problems of the World; WorldThinkTank.net www.WorldThinkTank.net/
Located in the middle of San Francisco Bay in California, the 12-acre Alcatraz Island was declared a military reservation in 1850 but was later converted into a federal penitentiary in 1934. The name, “Alcatraz” comes from Spanish and refers to a kind of seabird.
People can now tour the Island and is one of the most popular tourist stops in the west coast.
Alcatraz Island was also the first long-term Army prison. During the 1800s, Civil War and Spanish American War Prisoners were the first inmates to arrive on the Island. By the 1920s, the three-story building was almost at full capacity.
Due to its isolated location, the authorities regarded Alcatraz Island as an ideal place for setting up a maximum-security prison. Therefore, it is also well known for having accommodated dangerous criminals like Robert Shroud, Alvin Karpis and Al Capone.
Alcatraz Island received national attention when Native Indians occupied it in 1969, associated with the Native American civil rights movement, citing an 1868 federal treaty. However, Federal agents removed them in 1971.
Alcatraz Island is now a busy tourist site mainly because of the old abandoned prison, the oldest operating lighthouse on the West Coast, remnants of early military fortifications, and natural features such as rock pools, a seabird colony, etc.
Many famous movies have been filmed on Alcatraz Island such as, “Escape from Alcatraz” (1979) – the true story of an escape attempt by three inmates and “Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back” (1980). More recently, Alcatraz Island was also the filming location for box-office hits such as “The Rock” (1996) and “Murder in the First” (1995).
e-alcatraz.com Alcatraz provides detailed information about Alcatraz, Alcatraz Ferries, Alcatraz History, and more. Alcatraz is affiliated with timeshares-web.com Timeshare.
During the 18th and 19th century, Cornwall was transformed by the growth of copper and tin mining. The region was mined extensively and became a major contributor to the Industrial Revolution. The technology used in the Cornish engine houses and foundries was exported all over the world and was of great benefit to mining as a whole. Today the remains of this once, vast industry are protected by ten World Heritage sites, that preserve this proud heritage. These include the Wendron Mining District, the St Agnes Mining District and the Port of Hayle.
The word ‘Riviera’ has often been applied to these parts due to the agreeable weather conditions. The mild climate encourages the growth of a large number of sub-tropical plants and flowers such as The Slender Mullein – a type of flower that only grows wild in Devon and Cornwall. The deep blue seas and sweeping, golden beaches are also reminiscent of far-off Mediterranean shores. Despite the evidence of these similarities with continental Europe, Cornwall still manages to maintain a distinct character and charm, exemplified by the secluded, seemingly untouched towns of Antony, Bodinnick and Fowey.
North Cornwall is more remote than the southerly reaches. The wild and seldom-visited Bodmin Moor is crossed by just one road, the A30. Thankfully most of the moors are only accessible by foot or horseback with little or no accommodation for vehicles. The large southern resort towns are contrasted by tiny hamlets that pepper the wind-swept landscape of Bodmin. Bolventor is a fine example and was used by Daphne De Maurier as the setting for one of her famous smuggling novels.
Cornwall’s beaches offer some of the best surfing in Europe with a variety of reef breaks scattered on both the North and South coasts. Other water-sports such as Kite surfing are also popular and take advantage of the powerful winds that sweep along the waterfront. The 270 miles of coastal paths, which twist in and out of valleys and coves, attract hikers and ramblers who come from far and wide to enjoy the spectacular seascapes afforded by these trails.
The variety of activities and attractions in Cornwall ensure a steady influx of visitors every year. For thrill seekers the beaches and cliffs offer an abundance of possibilities, while others can take pleasure in the World Heritage sites and dramatic, varied landscapes. The English Riviera, surely one of the most desirable holiday destinations in Europe.
John Dale travels throughout the UK writing about the regions he visits. Many of his accounts are detailed on his site:
Dubai is such an exciting and diverse travel destination that it attracts millions of visitors annually – particularly during the winter months when the weather is perfect for every single activity from sunbathing and scuba diving to camel racing and desert safaris.
If you’re planning a trip to Dubai here’s a guide to the types of attractions and activities you and your family can plan on enjoying.
First things first, as stated the winter months from November through to March are the most popular time of the year to visit the emirate. The weather is perfect with daily sunshine and high temperatures but the sun is not at its most intense which means that visitors can actually get out and about and not have to avoid the desert heat that radiates excessively in Dubai in the summer.
In January each year Dubai plays host to the now world famous Dubai Shopping Festival, a retail extravaganza that annually attracts in excess of 3.3 million visitors who come to enjoy the month long festival and associated celebrations.
The shopping festival is such a hit because the luxury bargains that tax free Dubai is world renowned for are available at sale prices for example, and every single day there are incredible prizes to be won from luxury cars to substantial cash lump sums! Add to this the fact that the Dubai Shopping Festival is a family experience and has daily events and activities for children and nightly firework displays for example and you can see why January is such a great time to be vacationing in Dubai.
Once you’ve shopped in the gold souk and the incredibly luxurious malls and marketplaces you might like to get away from the crowds and head out away from the emirate into the desert on a camel or jeep safari; alternatively you could try sand skiing, dune or wadi driving and then have a desert picnic feast.
Heading back into Dubai there are two great ways to get to know more about this historic and incredibly interesting city – a visitor can either take to the air or the water ways and get a unique glimpse of the emirate. Taking an aerial tour of Dubai in a helicopter is a once in a lifetime experience; or for those who prefer something more sedate why not cruise Dubai’s waterways in a traditional wooden dhow.
For those who’re after a more action packed experience from their vacation in Dubai why not try thunder bowl, horse riding in the desert, go karting, golf, ice skating or deep sea fishing? And for those with traveling to Dubai with children there are a whole host of exciting adventure parks to try from Dubai Wonderland to Wild Wadi, from Magic Planet to the soon to be completed Snow Dome.
Whatever type of event, activity or attraction you’re after Dubai can satisfy your every whim. With daily cultural events, nightly entertainment activities and a whole world within one emirate waiting to be discovered what are you waiting for? Book your vacation today!
Rhiannon Williamson is a freelance writer whose articles about travelling and living abroad have appeared in publications around the world. To find out more information about vacationing and shelteroffshore.com/index.php/living/more/shopping_in_dubai/ shopping in Dubai click here.
The Galapagos Islands are the prefect ecotourist destination, as one gets the chance to encounter a huge variety of wildlife both on land and under water. Many of the animal species here are so rare or endangered that they can be seen nowhere else on the planet. Plus, with a number of endemic bird and mammal species, the Galapagos Islands are often nicknamed nature’s playground or the laboratory of evolution. Some 5 million years old, these volcanic islands are a fascinating place to vacation in.
Among the many birds that one can catch sight of on their Galapagos Island Vacations, the Waved Albatross is a sight to behold. A magnificent bird, the albatross is one of the largest birds in the world. Graceful and elegant fliers, these birds are a treat to watch during mating season, as they have the most fascinating courtship display, with bowing, swaying, honking and whistling rituals. Another marvelous bird to watch is the Flightless Cormorant, which is the world’s only non-flying seabird. An endemic bird species, the cormorant has small wings and powerful legs that help them to hunt better.
A popular bird in the Galapagos has to be the booby. Though not endemic, these birds are funny and amusing to watch with their clever antics. While scuba diving or snorkeling don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for the Galapagos Penguin, the only penguin found near the equator. Indigenous to the region, these birds are clumsy looking on land, but superb swimmers once in the water. Of the most spectacular birds in the Galapagos, try and spot the red billed tropicbird with its beautiful tail streamers. On land, be on the look out for the 13 species of Darwin’s Finches that can be found on the various islands. These birds played a key role in the Theory of Evolution.
Walk along side giant Galapagos Tortoises and strikingly colored iguanas that live on land. If you enjoy the ocean more, Galapagos Island vacations let you take a scuba dive or snorkeling trip to discover the treasures that lie below. With hundreds of brightly colored fish, the waters of the Galapagos are some of the most marine rich in the world. Swim with dolphins, sharks, whales and rays or play with the ever friendly sea lions. Also watch the elegant sea turtles and marine iguanas as they serenely swim by.
With its unique animal life, Galapagos Island vacations are a treat for all ages. Both families as well as ecotourists can enjoy themselves taking in the interesting and fascinating sceneries that are to be found here. A great place, these islands let you get up close and personal with nature as it is evolving.
For more details visit govisitgalapagos.com/vacations govisitgalapagos.com/vacations . A fantastic ecotourism destination, the Galapagos Islands is home to some of the most rare and endangered wildlife on the planet. Dedicated solely to the Galapagos as a travel destination, GoVisitGalapagos.com GoVisitGalapagos.com has tons of information on this incredibly fascinating place. Island info, historical importance and tour and travel details can all be found on this website.
“The 8.16 train to London Victoria has been cancelled due to leaves on the line. We apologise for this inconvenience”
A collective groan, with British reserve, reverberated along the station platform. Another normal day in the life of the commuter trying to get into work to earn a heavily taxed crust.
I stood on the station platform and looked around me. That familiar site that had greeted my pollution-reddened eyes for the last 15 years was becoming tainted. The drab colours of ill-fitting and over worn suits, mixed with badly ironed shirts and “racy” ties. Let me tell you about those ties.
It seems that there is a belief that you can be thoughtless and grey in all of your attire, but when you enter a Gentleman’s outfitters, and head for the section marked “Ties”, you enter into a new world. This one garment can describe and liberate you, verging on being risqué and out of character. Your eyes are attracted to South Park characters, Disney or at worst, a Jackson Pollock reproduction that looks like your scrambled egg missed your mouth. You purchase this tasteless tie, and walk out of the shop, floating on air, like Mary Poppins clutching onto her umbrella.
The weather too- the favourite topic of conversation- never seems to vary. The grey, heavy skies with ever threatening rain, add a dull lustre to everything.
So, while waiting for the next train, that I know will be full, and that we will be treated to an experience that even cattle on the way to market would decline, I had to ask myself a question. What’s it all about? This has been my life for the last 15 years, the quality of my life is being diminished by continuing to be a rodent clone in this rat race, and there must be a better way to exist- even to live happily every day. Is there a way out?
My brother had left England and moved to South West France to start a new life. He was vaguely forced to do this, as he had fallen victim of the 21st Century culture of being far too old at 54 to be considered for new employment. What happened to those values that stated that experience is everything? He bought a ruin of a property in a small village for next to nothing, spent 1 year renovating it, and began a new life. I had been to visit them on a few occasions and discovered a region in France that I had previously not known. The Languedoc-Rousillon is on the West coast of the Mediterranean heading towards the Spanish border. Their home is situated in one of the 6 regions, namely the Aude.
The 5 other regions are; Herault, Tarn, Haute Garonne, Ariege and Pyrenees Orientales. Each one is different, filled with touristic and rural villages, beaches, mountains, waterfalls, history, and variety to quench all tastes. More detailed information on the regions in future articles.
Maybe this is the way out? Sometimes the best solutions are the most obvious and simple. Why not sell my home in London, kiss goodbye to my fellow commuters (maybe not) and buy a property in the Aude and work for myself.
Over a gin and tonic, with plenty of ice, a plan was hatched. I would go and spend 2 weeks with my brother, make appointments with property finders and try and find the dream. I booked my budget ticket and flew out, filled to the brim with expectations. That was short lived as the property finders had not followed my brief at all, and the appointments that they had made for me turned out to be a total waste of time. Estate Agents were not expecting me, then they dug out a handful of properties to show me that missed the mark by many kilometres.
Imagine looking at properties, day after day, that, even with the wildest imagination, one knows that they could never be renovated to any suitable level of comfort or quality. I was looking for a primary residence, not a holiday home, and therein lies a big difference. Holiday home buyers can see things through rose tinted spectacles as their needs are different to purchasers who aim to live permanently in their new home.
At the end of my first week and 27 properties later that all got an emphatic thumbs down, I was walking from my brother’s home to the Boulangerie (a trek of at least 1 minute), when I spotted a hand written notice on a green metal gate. “2 houses for sale, could be made into 1, with other properties. Contact buyer on ****** )
A phone call was made, an appointment set up for later that morning. What lay in wait behind that green gate?
Imagine 300 year old stone which was part of the villages’ ramparts. Originally the total property for sale contained 6 homes, now turned into 4 “spaces”, which included a ground floor apartment that was being used, partly, as a “kitchen” to sell Kebabs through a window to passing trade and a greasy living area. Then we have next door, a commercial property that housed an Estate Agent of unknown origins. Above both of these ground floor properties, there are 2 houses, both containing 2 floors. Lost? So was I when being shown around- trying to imagine the overall picture. After an interesting 3 hours of drinking Ricard and negotiating in typical French style, a deal was struck to purchase all 4 “spaces”, and at the end of my second week, I was a home owner in Bize-Minervois, Aude, Languedoc.
I was now free to make the next bold step and sell up in London and move to the Aude, refurbish the spaces into workable properties, and start the dream. It was no easy move, with many “interesting” experiences. I decided to set up my own Property Finding Services to offer future dream hunters a smoother ride down this worth-while but pot-holed route to leaving the rat race behind.
Copyright 2006 Propertysolutionslanguedoc.com
Purely and honestly from personal experience!
propertysolutionslanguedoc.com propertysolutionslanguedoc.com
