Virgin Atlantic offers high-end travelers the biggest fully flat bed of any with up to 60″ of legroom, giving 80% more legroom than most others. Along with the comfort provided by the seats alone, passengers are treated to award-winning in-flight entertainment with individual television screens. All new aircraft feature the Arcadia entertainment system offering: 8 movie channels, 5 television channels of news, sports, comedy and music, Super Nintendo channel with 10 games, Sky Map, 9 CD audio channels. Individual Watchmans are also available for those seeking more movie choices.
The cabin crew to passenger ratio is 1:7 guaranteeing prompt and attentive service at all times including a snooze service available on all night flights with a comfortable duvet, pillow, snoozesuit and eyeshades, along with an amenity kit.
Complimentary drinks, including fine wines, beer, spirits and champagne, are served throughout the flight and passengers are always welcome to the on-board lounges and full-service stand-up bar. Wide choices of gourmet entrees are provided as well with the ability to order whatever you want, whenever you want. If that is not enough, a beauty therapist offering head and shoulder massages as well as manicures is available on select flights.
Upper Class Suites are available on all flights to New York (JFK) and San Francisco. The Suite is also available on selected flights to New York (Newark), Boston, Miami, Los Angeles, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Shanghai.
See for yourself why Virgin Atlantic offers the vast amenities and the biggest seating for an even bigger first class experience.
Mark Stone writes informative articles for many websites including American Express Imperial Travel, imptrav.com imptrav.com Imperial Travel are first class travel and business class travel experts with years of experience in finding the best prices for travelers interested in first class and business class seating.
If you’ve been budget travelling in the more so-called developed parts of Asia, such as Hong Kong and Japan, you’ve probably had to skimp on comfort when choosing accommodations. If you ever want to pamper yourself though and not spend much more than you would at most youth yostels, you should certainly check out the hotels in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
This city in northern Thailand is the second largest in the country after Bangkok. Don’t let this fool you though. Not only is it cooler and much less crowded than it’s big brother to the south, but it is also within spitting distance of some of Thailand’s most beautiful forests and mountains which are home to many of the country’s famed hill tribes.
Furthermore, Chiang Mai is a safe and convenient city with many excellent hotels. Too many in fact. The current glut of extra hotel rooms during all but the busiest holidays combined with the current favorable US dollar to Thai baht exchange rate has created an excellent opportunity for budget travellers.
In fact, a recent check of hotel prices there turned up many rooms with plenty of space, comfortable beds, air-conditioning, satellite tv, fridge and shower for less than $25.00 per night. Furthermore, hotel room prices in Chiang Mai are listed per room, not per person. This means an even better bargain if you are travelling with someone. Keep in mind, most hotels offer an extra discount for booking online, but it never hurts to call the desk and check too.
The next time you find yourself getting weary of sleeping in dorm style rooms and sharing toilets, consider enjoying a few nights of comfort at a Chiang Mai hotel.
Jim Allen lives and travels in Asia and writes frequently on Chiang Mai, Thailand. You can research yourchiangmai.com/thailand/chiangmai/Hotels/Hotels.php Chiang Mai hotels at his website: YourChiangMai.com YourChiangMai.com
If you have any discretion as to when you can take your vacations, my tip is to book them in the off-season at various resorts and destinations.
You’ll be happy you did, for at least five good reasons:
(1) Off-season travel is almost always cheaper. You can save 50% and more, for example, on hotels alone, by booking your trip to Hawaii in October or In March, when most people are trekking over there in the dead of winter and during summer and spring vacations.
(2) You’ll miss the crowds. Hey, you may love people and adore having lots of company, but believe me, crowds are no fun if they mean you have to shuffle along in tedium waiting for your chance to get on a chair lift at a ski resort. The more you ski, the more fun you have and the better you get. Standing in lines has absolutely no advantage, so why not book that trip to Lake Tahoe, as I’ve been doing the past few years in late March or early April, when there’s no waiting, whatsoever?
(3) You’ll deal with friendlier locals. Resort personnel are much more mellow after the crowds have waddled back home. They’ll tend to be more patient with you, and this will pay off in better suggestions for great local haunts and hangouts and nifty side trips that they’ll have the time to tell you about.
(4) You’ll get better service, and this is a mathematical fact. A few weeks into the off-season most resorts don’t slash their staffs, so there are more servers serving you! If you like being pampered, this is the time for it!
(5) You’ll save so much dough that you can afford two off-season jaunts for the price of one prime timer. So, that means skiing and surfing, in the same calendar year.
Typically, what constitutes the off-season is not pegged to the weather but more to the calendar. For instance, when Spring Break finishes early, say in the beginning of March, this means many Florida venues downshift to bargain rates.
The skies and waters are still warm and blue, but your money goes a lot further. And the snow doesn’t always disappear from the Sierras in February.
So, do what you can to seize the off-season as soon as it is announced, and you’ll have better and cheaper vacations!
Dr. Gary S. Goodman, President of Customersatisfaction.com, is a popular keynote speaker, management consultant, and seminar leader and the best-selling author of 12 books, including Reach Out & Sell Someone® and Monitoring, Measuring & Managing Customer Service, and the audio program, “The Law of Large Numbers: How To Make Success Inevitable,” published by Nightingale-Conant. He is a frequent guest on radio and television, worldwide. A Ph.D. from USC’s Annenberg School, a Loyola lawyer, and an MBA from the Peter F. Drucker School at Claremont Graduate University, Gary offers programs through UCLA Extension and numerous universities, trade associations, and other organizations in the United States and abroad. He holds the rank of Shodan, 1st Degree Black Belt in Kenpo Karate. He is headquartered in Glendale, California, and he can be reached at (818) 243-7338 or at: mailto:gary@customersatisfaction.com gary@customersatisfaction.com.
For information about coaching, consulting, training, books, videos and audios, please go to: customersatisfaction.com customersatisfaction.com
The Dutch guilder used to be the official currency of the Netherlands. When the European Union was formed in 1993, the Netherlands became a member country. On 1 January 1999, the European Monetary Union introduced the Euro as a universal currency to be used by financial institutions in member countries. Three years later, on 1 January 2002, the Euro became the sole currency for everyday transactions within the member countries. The Netherlands was the first of the 12 member countries to put its currency entirely out of circulation. The Dutch guilder passed into history with the introduction of the Euro which became the official unit of currency of Holland. Since then, Euro banknotes and coins have been in circulation and are an integral part of daily life in Holland.
The De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) is responsible for the overall issue and circulation of Euro banknotes in the Netherlands. There are seven different denominations in the current Euro banknote series, ranging from the -5 to the -500 notes. The designs on the notes feature windows and archways (on the front) and bridges (on the reverse) from seven important architectural periods in the cultural history of Europe.
There are eight denominations of coins with different national designs on one side and a single European design on the other. The two designs of Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, by Bruno Ninaber van Eyben, were chosen as the national design for Dutch Euro coins. The production and circulation of euro coins is not a duty of the Nederlandsche Bank (DNB). Dutch Euro coins are minted by the Royal Dutch Mint. Circulating these coins, however, is the responsibility of the Ministry of Finance.
Under certain conditions, the Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) continues to exchange guilders for Euros. Guilder coins will be exchanged until 1 January 2007 and guilder banknotes until 1 January 2032. Big establishments including restaurants, hotels and airlines will accept credit cards, whereas smaller shops will insist on cash. Foreign money can be exchanged at banks and post offices. You can withdraw money in most cases from the Dutch offices of the credit card companies.
z-Holland.com Holland provides detailed information on Travel Holland, Holland, Zuid Holland, Noord Holland and more. Holland is affiliated with z-Greece.com Greece Flights.
Some sports terminologies for you. Avalon Restaurant is known to many in the sports industry as being a leader in cuisine and sports entertainment.
The Dimple Duck Restaurant in Chicago (located in the West Loop of the windy city) was once the location of The Green Room, but now houses a fun, comfortable atmosphere that is decorated in tones of red wines. Boasting an illuminated red bar where couples sip their drinks, as well as a raw bar serving oysters and other fine foods, it has great places to study, such as the main dining area is lit by candlelight on the tables nearby and is overlooked by a lounge upstairs where many come to watch sports and bet.
At the Avalon Restaurant in Chicago, you learn to make great dishes, which are greatly varied and are guaranteed to appeal to the tastes of most. Try an appetizer of seasoned potato chips, truffle popcorn, oyster crackers, or cold pear-parsnip soup for something a little different to start the evening, then follow up with the halibut with royale mushrooms (also topped with shredded oxtail ravioli, spring onions, and tarragon sabayon). For a heavier meal, try Pork Two Ways (braised belly and tenderloin), served with tangy marmalade, carmelized apples, and apple gastrique.
Travel on the open road in an RV or motorhome can be very inexpensive to be sure, but there are some costs associated with it though. For those that travel on a budget, the challenge is to minimize those costs as much as possible. One way to really keep costs down is to carefully select the places that you choose to stay overnight.
There are several ways to find low-cost and even no cost places to stay in your RV travels, and here are some tips that you can use to help lower your overall camping expenses.
If you stay in a full-service RV park or campground you can expect to pay top dollar for everything that they offer, especially if it is conveniently located to a large city and a major highway. You can realize real savings though if you choose to stay instead at parks that have less hookups and facilities, or are located farther out in the country, off the beaten path. Sometimes the daily rates can be considerably lower at these types of campgrounds, so before you come into an area, use a campground directory like Trailer Life or Woodall’s to help you find those RV park sites that have lowered rates, instead of the most popular campgrounds that have easy access.
For even lower nightly rates, consider staying in a state park or recreation area. Quite often you can get a spot here that will be very inexpensive although you probably won’t find much in the way of hookups beyond just the basics, and that’s OK if your primary goal is just to save money at this point.
If you really want to save the most money though, consider staying for free on federal BLM(Bureau of Land Management) land, or in a national park. If there is no charge at all, you can expect no hookups and amenities at all, but if your RV or motorhome is equipped with solar panels and has an efficient power system you may be able to stay for several days here at minimal cost to you.
Two things to keep in mind about staying in free federal campgrounds though is that the roads that you must travel to access them can be difficult for some RVs, so you will need to check beforehand to make sure that your motorhome can safely negotiate the trip, and also that national parks can often be very crowded, especially if it’s a top rated park in the height of vacation season.
For low-cost and no-cost overnight stays you will need to spend more time and research as such accommodations are not easily and readily available. But if you plan your travels carefully and well in advance you can lower your RVing costs considerably.
Jim Johnson writes on many consumer related topics including motorhomes. You can find out more about motorhomes.consumerreviewsonline.com/rv-parks.html rv parks and motorhomes.consumerreviewsonline.com/index.html rv campgrounds by visiting our Motorhomes Review website.
Have you been wasting way too much time & money on flights? Make no mistake, Low-Cost Airlines save you lots of money. Typically, you’ll save around £320 per trip on midweek return flights within Europe, just for giving up a “free” lunch and a few air-miles. So why don’t you fly Low-Cost more often?
You’re probably thinking “At those prices they’re bound to be inconvenient with lots of snags & traps for the unwary”, and you’re right. The unwary are always at risk. However, with a little knowledge, you can make Low-Cost Flights a stress-free & cost saving part of your travel options. How many times have you heard the following?
“Flying Low-Cost wastes time.”
Low-Cost websites are so quick and easy to use. You instantly browse and book. None of the to-ing & fro-ing you can have on the phone to your Travel Agent. Check-in takes no longer than traditional economy class. Some Low-Cost Airlines even let you take all your bags into the cabin, so Check-in is quicker, and you don’t do Baggage Reclaim on arrival.
“I need Punctuality!”
Time is money! Low-Cost Airlines know it. That’s why they close check-in promptly, and won’t wait for latecomers. It’s also why some allow you take all your baggage with you into the cabin. Not because it saves you time at the carousel, but because they save time & expense on baggage handling. As a result, the best Low-Cost Airlines are amongst the most punctual in Europe.
“I need convenient Flight Times”
Many routes now have more Low-Cost Flights than Traditional. Don’t assume. Arm yourself with information!
“Low-Cost Airlines don’t fly to Major Airports”
Some do & some don’t. This is one of the Low-Cost Airlines’ strengths, Choice! Remember, not all your clients are clustered conveniently around major airports. How many times have you taken an onward flight, train or hire car to get to your destination? You may well have been able to take a single, direct Low-Cost Flight, saving you hundreds of pounds, hours of travel, and maybe even a hotel bill. If only you’d known!
“Flying Low-Cost gives you a “Cheap” Image”
Okay, I confess, when I first started using Low Cost Flights, I used to hide the fact. Then I realised how many of my fellow passengers were people like me and my clients, small – medium Business Owners. These guys accept, and even expect that cost-effective Professionals fly Low-Cost where it makes sense. You impress these guys by meeting them on Low-Cost Flights!
“You can’t network on a Low-Cost Flight”
These Business Owners are the ultimate decision-makers in their organisations. The fact that they fly Low-Cost also tells you they are open to new ideas, and are not afraid to change in order to improve. You’d be amazed how many sales I’ve made as a result of networking on Low Cost Flights.
“My Trips are too complicated for Low-Cost Airlines”
I often make multi-stop trips all around Europe using only Low-Cost Flights. The problem until recently, was that the European network is made up of 50 different airlines. They don’t co-operate, and most don’t sell through Travel Agents. Until recently, you’d need to look at 50 websites in order to see all the possibilities and make your bookings. Now, you can subscribe to services which channel all the timetables into one programme on your PC or even your pda, so you can browse, book & change flights, even on the move!
“What about Flight Connections?”
The wide range of Low-Cost destinations & flights means I can organise my appointments to have meetings between flights. Half a day allows at least one meeting, and is a great buffer between flights.
“But I need a flexible Ticket”
You can change most Low-Cost bookings for around £10 per flight, plus any difference in Fare Price. Remember, prices go up as flights fill up, so if you’ve booked a flight well in advance, then re-book to a flight leaving at short notice, you could have an extra £50 to £100 to pay. Even so, it’s win / win. If you don’t need to change you save up to 90%. If you do change, you’ll typically still save 60% – 80%.
If you are like me, more than 95% of your contacts will be within 1 hour of a Low-Cost Destination, you’ll also have the choice of several “Home” Airports. Get to know the whole network, not just your local connections, and make Low-Cost Airlines an important part of your Travel Choices. You’ll reduce your stress, save time & lots of money.
John Akin has been a European Business Traveller for over 20 years. Join his free Newsletter & discover how to drastically reduce your Travel Costs & Stress and improve your Productivity theflightdirectory.com theflightdirectory.com
Although bringing your pet on vacation seems like a simple, easy to execute idea, in practice it can be difficult, stressful experience if you are not fully prepared. The next time you want to board a plane with your four-legged friend, be sure to keep in mind a few details so you can experience an easygoing adventure.
If you have never traveled with your dog or cat before, you may not be aware of some of the airline regulations regarding pet storage and in-cabin travel. In order to bring your furry friend along as a carry-on, airline regulations specify that he must fit into a soft-sided dog carrier no larger than 23″ long x 13″ wide x 9″ high with mesh ventilation on at least two sides. After I booked my cross-country flight for me and my 5lb Yorkie, however, I was not able to find a bag that was this small. In the end, I purchased the small-sized Sherpa bag (slightly larger than the given dimensions) since it said it was airline-approved, but I would not push the limits on size any further since you do not want to be turned away at the airport.
Also, when you book the flight for you and your pet, be sure to notify the airline that you will be bringing along a dog or cat since there is a limit on the number of pets that can travel inside the cabin. The airline should tell you the cost of bringing the animal (American Airlines was $80 each way) and this can be paid at the counter when you check-in for the flight. It is also recommended that you obtain a health certificate from your vet the day before you leave since the airlines will sometimes ask for this to verify age and health status.
One of the most hectic times during your airport experience will be going through security if you are bringing along other items besides your pet. Since getting your laptop out of its case and taking off your shoes and coat can all be difficult when you are holding a squirmy and anxious animal, it is best to simply take your time and get through security at your own pace. You do not want to make your pet, who is in an unfamiliar, loud, and crowded environment, feel any more scared, so try to stay as calm and relaxed as possible even if the people behind you are trying to hurry or push you along.
While some individuals choose to sedate their pet with Benadryl or a prescription from their veterinarian, I chose to go it alone during my first plane experience. Since I had heard that your pet may feel “loopy” or out of it for a couple of days after taking a sedative and that many animals become naturally sleepy from the movement of the plane, I figured I could handle the five hour flight. I was wrong. My Yorkie, who is really active and not used to be confined, immediately began to claw at the carrier and actually bit a hole through the mesh. Although she had toys, treats, and her favorite blanket inside, she refused to settle down and seemed determined to gain her freedom by any means necessary.
After a half hour of attempting to soothe her, I asked my neighbor if he was uncomfortable with me removing my Yorkier from her carrier. While this is against airline regulations, the flight attendants did not seem to mind since they had probably seen my struggles. On my return flight, however, the flight attendants were more strict and would not allow her out of the bag, so I simply kept the carrier on my lap for the duration of the flight and tried to comfort her as much as possible.
Since giving your pet food or water before a flight is not recommended, try to set out food and water as soon as you settle in your vacation accommodations. While it can be hard to find a place that will accept your dog or cat, I have found that
If your ski vacation this year makes it to beautiful Summit County be sure to visit the most historic gold mining town in Colorado; Breckenridge. With world-class skiing and snowboarding, the four peaks which surround the town are massive but can actually be tamed.
Peak seven, peak eight, peak nine, and peak ten are all around 13,000 feet high. Each peak can be skied if you have the tools and knowledge.
Breckenridge started out as a gold mining town. Hundreds of families and people came to Breckenridge hoping to strike it rich. After the gold boost of the 1800s people had to wait almost 60-years for the white gold otherwise known as snow. Breckenridge gets lots of snow averaging over 200-inches per year. Many of the buildings here are from the historical gold mine era. The Gold Pan bar in Breckenridge used to be a miners bar from the 1800s, it is one of the oldest bars in the state of Colorado. When you walk through the door you will realize the historical significance.
In 1859 gold was discovered along the blue river, and a base camp was set-up, later to be known as Breckenridge. Breckenridge does contain more than 350 different buildings and structures that still remain. This makes Breckenridge one of largest historic districts in Colorado. During the summer time, the locals run Gold Mine Tours which are quite exciting.
In the year 1860, Breckenridge established the first post office which finally put Breckenridge on the national map. In 1882, the railroad arrived in Breckenridge. Today, you can hike up the trail as the old railroad has been removed, the railroad was very much responsible for the growth and wealth of Breckenridge.
Breckenridge, the ski town, was not established until December 16, 1961. On opening day they had one T-bar ski lift and only one-double chair lift on peak 8. With 17,000 customers in there first year, Breckenridge certainly seemed to have a bright future. Breckenridge was the first Colorado resort to allow snowboarding way back in 1984, their acceptance with snowboarders is still there today. In 1985, Breckenridge hosted the first snowboard world-cup and every year since then, they’ve been hosted major winter events.
In 1997, Breckenridge and Keystone were merged with Vail and Beaver Creek to form Vail Ski Resorts. On your next winter or summer vacation, I hope you’re able to make it to historical Breckenridge, Colorado where you are sure to have a good time.
Enjoy your ski vacation in Breckenridge, CO.
Scott Palat is an avid skiier and outdoorsman. Go to yourbreckenridgevacation.com yourbreckenridgevacation.com to learn more about Breckenridge.
Sometimes taking a week long vacation may not fit into our busy schedules. However, you can still get some much needed time away in just a week-end. With its central location within the U.S., the Smoky Mountains are within a days drive from any state. The mountains, the people, and the fun make this national park an amazing family, couples, or solo vacation for anyone who needs a couple of days away from their normal every day routines. The Great Smoky Mountain National Park receives over 9 million visitors per year, making it the most visited National Park in the nation.
The surrounding communities of the Great Smoky Mountains abound with shopping, theaters, arcades, games and more! Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville and other nearby towns offer incredible shopping opportunities. The area is filled with out-let strip malls. The stores located in these out-let malls offer quality merchandise at deep discounted prices. A very popular out-let mall in the area is the Tanger Outlet Mall, however there are several others in the area as well. You will also find unusual miniature golf courses and arcades. The arcades offer children’s rides, bungee jumping, indoor skydiving, and more. You may also take in a music show or visit one of the many Ripley’s establishments. There is always plenty to do and see in these bordering towns.
Many accommodation choices are available and very price competitive. You may choose to book a hotel, condo, cabin, chalet or even a campsite. The choices are endless and really depend on your personal needs and wants.
Hotels and Motels line the main parkway through the towns of Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. All offer very attractive rooms at competitive prices. Some have swimming pools and hot tubs. Many offer free breakfast.
If you want something with a little more space and a little more privacy, you may choose from countless cabins and chalets being offered on overnight rental programs. The price of renting and overnight cabin can be as low as $99.00 a night and many offer specials that allow you to receive a free night when you pay for two nights. Most cabin rentals come fully stocked with everything you need right down to the silverware. All have amazing views and tranquil settings! A rental cabin is the perfect place to find peace and relaxation.
If you enjoy the great outdoors you may want to bring a tent. There are 10 campgrounds found directly inside the National Park. These are primitive campgrounds with no hookups; however each one offers flush toilets and running water. Full hook-up campgrounds can be found in nearby communities and towns.
The area is known for its southern hospitality and friendliness. No matter what type of accommodation you choose or where it is located, you will be sure to be greeted by plenty of smiles and good ‘ole southern hospitality. While you are in the area, make sure you order a big tall glass of southern sweet tea. No Smoky Mountain Vacation is complete until you have had a few glasses!
While you are here, be sure to schedule at least three hours to visit one of the most treasured areas of the National Park, Cades Cove. The entrance to Cades Cove can be found in Townsend. Cades Cove is an open-air museum that follows an 11-mile paved loop. This loop can be driven or, during certain hours, biked. There are even opportunities to horseback ride and to enjoy rides on hay wagons within this lovely cove. Here, you will discover many close-up views of nature. Prepare yourself to see many white-tailed deer walking leisurely along the roadside. On occasion, you may even spot black bears along the way. Be careful not to disturb the black bears in their natural state.
Approximately 1,600 black bears live in the park. This equals a population density of approximately two bears per square mile. Bears can be found throughout the park, but are easiest to spot in open areas such as Cades Cove and Cataloochee Valley.
With the various attractions and activities as well as the National Park with it’s hiking trails, waterfalls, wildlife and more, you will not find a more family friendly vacation destination. There is something for everyone.
If you find yourself needing to get away from it all but do not have the ability to take a long vacation then the Smoky Mountains may be just what you need. It gives you the opportunity to have a week-end getaway that is not only close to your home but also affordable and enjoyable. To plan your getaway to the great Smoky Mountains, you may visit greatsmokymountainvacationguide.com/index.htm for a listing of attractions, lodging information, dining guides, horseback riding information, wedding information and more.
Written By Lannae Wilson
I live and work in the beautiful Smoky Mountain area and enjoy writing as a past-time.
please visit my site at greatsmokymountainvacationguide.com greatsmokymountainvacationguide.com to learn more about me and the area I live in.
