You Can Uk Flights More Satisfying

By Graham McKenzie

It is no secret that UK flights just like any other flight can be long and filled with anxiety when you can't bring along enough creature comforts. No matter how long you're traveling it can be very difficult to simply make yourself at home. It's not surprising to find that fewer UK flights are offering first class transport either. Yet there are few worries for the prepared individual.

There are not nearly as many airlines running full class service and you end up being in control of the outcome. Your comfort can literally be in your own hands.

Many of us believe that our carry on luggage will fit and are then abruptly separated from it when it is deemed too large at the gate. It is important to remember that your comfort can very well depend on being able to stay with your carry on luggage. In such cases that you are unsure, always go for the smaller bag. Not all airlines off you the same dimensions, but if you know the airline you are flying then you can easily look up the measurements to ensure your carry on luggage will fit.

A lengthy flight can mean the need to clean up. Many travelers do not realize that there are convenient personal products that are sold as airline approved products. This means they match or come in under the mandated ounces for the flying restriction on liquids. Try to make sure that you get these items well before you fly as the airport cost will be much higher than you would spend elsewhere. Some local drug stores carry such products.

It is a complete misconception that you are not permitted to have your prescription medications with you at all times. The airlines actually encourage you to be sure that your medications are with you. Lost baggage can result in some serious issues for you, as can a crushed prescription bottle inside your check bags. Prescription narcotics and opiates are allowed provided that your name is listed on the label and you're carrying a current bottle.

Keeping your carry on luggage with you for the flight is the best and most predictable way to stay comfortable on UK flights. While this advice seems rather simple and straightforward you still find people experiencing their flight without so much as the belongings they could stuff in a backpack.

Being able to brush your teeth, entertain yourself, and stay cleaner on the flight can play such a vital role in your level of comfort. In fact, there are plenty of people who notice an actual lift in their attitude when they land feeling good rather than worrying about whether or not their physical condition is even noticeable. - 29948

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Spa Holiday Resort

By Justin Davey

Have you ever heard of a small town in a Belgium known as Spa? If not, Then now is the time to have your mind opened to the endless possibilities this lovely piece of land has to offer.

Spa has quite an epic history behind it, as many greats from the history books have been thought to visit, such as Kings and great writers going all the way back to the 16th century, which was so long ago. Feeling thirsty? Not to worry, the healing natural mineral water of Spa, is bound to quench your thirst.

Nowadays Spa, is not a favourite amongst today's global society, but none the less, it can not be challenge when it comes down to the global sales and distribution of its natural mineral filled water. With tons of sporting activities, there is no reason why one cannot keep their fitness levels up.

If you want to get in touch with history, then why not visit the Hotel Brittanique. It was once the headquarters of the German Kaiser during the 1st world war, now turned boarding school.

Although it is considered old fashioned, the town does in no way come up short in terms of having the ability to entertain its much loved tourist. With such a beautiful landscape and a culture to be mesmerised by, there is no reason why every moment cannot be cherished.

When eating out in Spa be sure to try some of their unique dishes and be introduced to a culture like no other. Treat you taste buds to something new, and when its all over, be sure to wash it all down with that all good and natural mineral water.

A visit to Spa, is a lovely and luxurious vacation to take. As well as being informal with its insight into history, the relaxation and joyous times it offers really are second to none. - 29948

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UK Flights - Who Is Flying Where And What To Expect?

By Graham McKenzie

The United Kingdom has a great many very busy airports that are receiving inbound and outbound UK flights around the clock. The busiest UK airports regarding passenger numbers are: Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton, Stansted and Manchester. Thousands of flights land and take off from the airstrips here every week.

Since there are so many different airlines that are competing for your purchase, the prices of UK flights to the rest of Europe are very affordable and often ridiculously cheap. Several airlines have a mountain of flights operating out of the major airports in the UK, all of which are easily accessed by reliable and fast public transport.

UK flights that are arriving from further afield than the European continent around London land in Heathrow. Almost every ariline has operations in Heathrow, but some of the major ones include: British Airways, Qantas, Delta Airlines, KLM, Air India, LAN, Royal Brunei, Singapore Airlines and several others.

Just about every major destination in the world has a connection to Heathrow airport. Some of the most popular routes go to Bangkok, Beijing, Dehli, Cairo, Los Angeles, New York, Sydney and Kuala Lumpur. Departure taxes are included in flight prices leaving from Heathrow, so there are no surprises as you leave the country.

The next busiest of the airports offering UK flights is Gatwick airport. Many international carriers that operate on the European continent as well as further afield fly in and out of Gatwick. There are connections between Heathrow and Gatwick airports. Just some of the airline carriers with flights leaving from Gatwick include: Ryan Air, Thomas Cook, Aer Lingus, Easyjet, Viking Airlines, Thomson Airways and several others. There are flights to most cities in Europe as well as America and the Caribbean.

Other London based airports are Luton and Stansted, which also operate regular cheap domestic and international UK flights. There is fast and efficient train and bus links to these airports from Central London leaving approximately every ten minutes. These airports have flights to more than 30 countries on six continents. Manchester airport is the busiest airport in the north of England. It has UK flights to all major world cities.

There is so much competition in UK flights that there are a range of ticket prices and services available. Some of the cut price tickets do not cover luggage that goes in the hold, or they do not offer refreshments on board. You should ensure that you know what your ticket covers before purchasing. - 29948

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Destinations And Fees For Uk Flights

By Graham McKenzie

It is easy to get flights to and from the United Kingdom. However it will be important to watch for many things with these UK flights. These include not only their costs but also airports and carriers.

Although the UK is a popular place to fly to throughout the year some times are more popular. The peak times for travel are generally during the summer between June and September. This is when the weather will be more likely to be pleasant and calm. Because of the mild climate you can generally get the best deals on flights during the winter season.

Surcharges can be added to flights as well. Insurance and security charges can be added to flights to the UK. Fuel charges can be especially high for customers. If your flight originates out of the UK then your fuel charges can be very high. You may even have to pay more than fifty pounds for fuel in this case.

Sometimes you will have to stop in London even if it is not where you want to go. This is generally if your departing location is somewhere where there are few UK flight options. You will generally end up stopping at either the Heathrow, Gatwick or Stansted airport. Either way it will work as a connection to another flight to a UK airport. If you are arriving into the area outside of Europe this can especially be the case.

If you want to fly nonstop to a particular destination in the UK your destinations can be limited. This is because larger city airports are going to be ones that more air carriers can support. Larger cities like Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Cardiff have their own larger airports. They will have more nonstop routes. This is especially for flights within Europe.

Finally it is good to check on individual air carriers that can handle flights in the area. In most cases you will use British Airways but Virgin Atlantic, EasyJet and Ryanair are also popular. Many other airline companies outside of the UK offer various services to the area. These companies include Air Canada, American, Emirates, KLM, Lufthansa and United. For your needs you should check your local airport to see what carriers offer services for you.

These are all things to check out for UK flights. Charges can vary according to the season you travel in. Surcharges can impact your flight costs too. Be sure to also watch for the airports and air carriers you can work with. - 29948

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Going Somewhere New With Uk Flights

By Graham McKenzie

A trip to the United Kingdom can be the perfect solution to anyone who is in need of a vacation and curious about the world around them. If you have never been outside of your own country and you would like to see what life is like in other countries, then booking some UK flights may be of great interest to you. The earlier you book your UK flights, the cheaper your prices will be, and the more time you will have to plan all of the amazing sites and experiences you will see on your vacation.

A trip to the UK can be the exact vacation you have been dreaming about for a while.

However, if you keep your mind focused on how much fun you will have on your trip and allow yourself to be excited about your destination, you will soon see that the long hours will literally fly by.

Taking a trip via UK flights is a great way to see the world and expose yourself to the experiences of a culture that is different than yours. Sometimes taking UK flights can even be cheap, depending on when you book your flight, where you will be flying from, and the amount of layovers you may experience on your way to your destination. Whatever the price, taking some UK flights can definitely be worth it if you want to see and experience the cultures around you.

You can book your UK flights on a lot of different travel sites that you can find online via a search utility on the internet. Some sites will give you great discounts depending on where you are traveling and tell you about all the perks of your destination. Other sites will give you the option of transportation and hotel packages for when you finally arrive in the United Kingdom.

These sites may also help you out with transportation and hotel packages for when you arrive. You might want to sign up for a frequent flyer program - if you really enjoy your trip to the UK, you may find yourself taking UK flights repeatedly in the future. A trip to the United Kingdom is an amazing and memorable experience that you will be thinking of long after you have made the trip and had the experience.

If you are ready for a vacation and you want to get out and see the world, then take a chance and visit the United Kingdom. The memories will be unforgettable and you might even end up taking more UK flights than you expect to now. - 29948

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When Is A Cheap Hotel Not A Budget Deal

By James Mason

Locating a cheap hotel or budget accommodation can help save you on the overall cost of your vacation or trip. Whether you are searching for a low-cost hotel in Berlin, Manchester or Las Vegas the price of your accommodation can go up quite quickly. Like you everybody else is also looking for a low-cost hotel break and therefore you will find it a bit harder to find the correct hotel at the right price.

To help you get the most price effective accommodation make sure you check the costs from more than one place. Do not just determine the prices online, call a travel professional as well. A travel firm may have access to great deals you will not be able to get so make sure you call one that advertises offers to your chosen resort or city. They may also be able to offer you with some extra info, which may help you get more out of your vacation.

Prior to selecting your accommodation or dates and make a note that you are not travelling on a busy school vacation time or whilst there is a huge convention in the city you want to visit. Even a large wedding in the accommodation can cause the availability of cheaper rooms to disappear.

Make sure you deal with a respectable company even if there is huge deviation in price. You would have to question why a big reputable firm is unable to compete with a small firm you have never heard of. If the cost is to good to be true then it in all probability is.

Check to make sure that the accommodation is of a good quality for your expectations. There is no point in having a budget hotel break if the accommodation is so uncomfortable you have a terrible time. Location of a property can also make a difference in price, so make sure you don?t have to spend all your time on a bus or train trying to get to where you really wanted to be in the first place.

There is a fine line between cost and standard of accommodation. You must take this into consideration when you finally select the accommodation for your hotel break. - 29948

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This Is Not Just Any Tan It Was An Expensive One

By Jim Bonetti

I always wondered why people in Britain would desire to go to destinations like the Dominican Republic for a summer holiday. I have nothing against the Dominican Republic or any of the Caribbean Islands. Could they provide anything extra than you can find at one of the many popular vacation locations in Europe.

Why would you consider sitting on an aircraft for around twice as long as you perhaps need. This is even worse if you have young children who are not going to appreciate being confined in a seat on an aircraft for this amount of time.

For most holidaymakers a journey to the Caribbean involves one of the all inclusive offers as the cost of food on beverage on some of the Caribbean destinations can be very costly. They spend all their vacation time in the holiday complex, which is in all chance located next to the beach. The accommodation offers entertainment in the evenings and you have all your beverages included with your all inclusive deal.

You could be anywhere on the planet so why give extra to go all the way to the Caribbean. You could be in Spain in approximately two hours and holiday in an all inclusive compound if you want. This way you can spend more money on the standard of accommodation or spend less and get the same standard as in the Caribbean.

A suntan is a tan and anybody looking at you when you return back from your holiday is not going to be able to tell where you got your tan. So if all you are worried about is in is lying by the pool to get a tan why travel further than you have to. All you are doing is spending extra cash on a long haul flight, which could be either saved or spent on acquiring a better hotel or for extra spending money.

Prior to reserving a vacation, think about what you really want and then have a search at the optimal options for your needs. It is your vacation so it is important to make sure you get the best one you can. - 29948

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Choosing In The Correct Airport Simplifies Uk Flights

By Graham McKenzie

When flying in the UK you will probably be flying into or out of London. For the best flight experience as well as the easiest connections, you will need to know which airport will give you the best connection and is most cost effective for your UK flights.

Try to avoid the mistake of only considering the cheapest flight to London. Your final destination should determine which airport you choose. The whole point of a flight is to save time, so you will not want to fly into the wrong airport and then have to spend more time and money on the train. From some of the airports, the fare can quickly eat up the savings you gained by purchasing a cheap flight.

London City airport is the closest of all the airports to the city center of London. It is also the smallest of all or London's airports. The small size of this airport can work in your favor. Most passengers have claimed their luggage and exited the terminal in less than ten minutes, a record that you will not meet in the larger airports.

Heathrow airport is large and sprawling. If you plan to leave the country, you will want to use Heathrow airport. This airport is connected to central London with a fifteen minute journey by rail on the Heathrow Express.

The Gatwik airport offers excellent choices for connections by way of the Gatwik express and other train services. Rail service to either central London or Brighton are fairly simple through the rail station that is located on-site. This station was one of the first located in an airport.

Lutton does not offer an on-site railway station, but does have shuttles buses that will take you to the station at no charge. Connections from this station are easy to King's Cross and St. Pancras. Many offer non-stop service to central London.

For travel to Essex or even East London, the Stansted Airport make great sense; however getting to central London will take forty-five to fifty minutes to travel the 34 miles to the station on Liverpool Street. The cost for the trip is 15. 50 pounds.

London is a great place to visit. It is a central location for many historic happenings that affected the U. K. And the rest of the world. In 2012 the Olympic Games will come to London. There is currently many preparations that will make a visit to London even more enjoyable for the tourist. - 29948

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Thailand: My First Night in Pattaya

By Owen Jones

It was seven-ish and I was sitting in a nice-enough room overlooking the front entrance to the pub above which I had just moved in. The pub was the Pig and Whistle on Soi 7 in Pattaya. Across the way was a big hole, which they were hoping to construct a hotel in and next door to that, right opposite me, was a small bar with one lady sitting on a stool outside it. Not that there was a wall there, it was open on two sides. The Soi was nice and peaceful, I thought. I also thought that I might go and sit in that little bar and talk to that woman, if my friend was late, because I would definitely see him arrive from two metres away, the width of the Soi.

So, I went to the bar in the pub at 19:15 to await my friend who said he would arrive at 20:00. It was much busier than thirty minutes earlier but not noisy and I sat at the bar. The first thing a barmaid did was say hello, give me a menu and step back. I did not really want to eat, I only wanted a beer as I assumed we would be dining together later, but I wanted to read the menu anyway.

'A pint of Boddington's', I said. It arrived and the girl began laying a place for me. I tried to explain that I was not hungry, but it was no good. Like in Spain, most people eat and drink at the same time. All the while the girl was smiling at me. Then she said: 'You live upstairs? My name Charli. What you want to eat?'. So, I gave in and ordered something and rice.

'You first time in Thailand? You no can eat. Too spicy', she said with a grin. 'Oh', I replied, 'but I want to try. 'I put only 50-50 for you', she declared and was gone.

I struggled through that meal and it took a Boddingtons and a bottle of water. Charli had been right, it was too hot for first-time foreign visitors and she had reduced the chilis by 50%. I have always heeded a Thai's advice on food ever since.

I changed seat to by the window to see what was going on as it was dark by 19:30 and I was curious. Within thirty minutes Soi 7 had transformed itself completely. I could see hundreds of ladies and tourists walking about. I wanted to go out and join in or at least sit in the quiet bar across the lane, but I'm ashamed to say that I was too frightened, so I sat put, rivetted to the Pig like a rabbit in a hunter's flashlight.

My friend walked in on time and after we had been talking for an hour, he said: 'Drink up, I have someone I want you to meet'. This was it, we were going into that mele. A waitress opened the door for us and the racket and the heat were tremendous. Particularly the din. Every metre at least two or three girls would shout: 'Hello, sexy man, you want a drink'. Trying to say no courteously to each invitation was out of the question, so I just stuck close to my pal.

Fortunately, we only had about fifty metres to walk and we sat down in another bar. My friend said hello to several ladies and then said, this a girl I have been going out with for some time. I was flabbergasted as I had never heard him talk about her, ever. She was gorgeous, but could not speak English, so I sat in the tumult in silence. Not for long through, as my friend said, I have a blind date for you and he introduced another girl to me who was equally beautiful, but with whom I could speak a little. She was captivating and I was captivated. The din seemed to pass away, but it was only because I was listening to my new friend. The four of us had the best time and the best food I had ever had in my forty-nine years of existence. - 29948

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Uk Flights " A Few Things You Has To Know

By Graham McKenzie

Heathrow is one of the world's major airports and the busiest in Europe. For those who want to escape the congestion of Heathrow however, there are a number of alternative airports when choosing UK flights

All internal UK flights and also flights from Ireland use Heathrow terminal one, while international flights utilize one of the alternative terminals. Although heavily congested, Heathrow remains the airport of choice for most people. There are a couple of reasons for this: The number of connecting flights to major international airports is mind-boggling and it has excellent bus, train and subway connections to central London and other parts of the UK.

The increasing congestion of Heathrow is driving more people to airports like Gatwick, however. This airport lies exactly mid-way between Gatwick and London next to the Gatwick-London rail line. Getting to either of these destinations is therefore cheap and easy. As more budget airlines add Gatwick to their list of destinations, the number of onward connections to other cities in Europe are also increasing all the time.

Stansted is also very popular with budget airlines. There is a direct train connection to central London, but it has to be mentioned that this is quite slow - it takes up to 50 minutes - and also rather expensive. There is no direct rail link from Luton. You will have to take the (free) shuttle to Luton Airport station. The smallest airport in the vicinity of London is London City, which is predominantly used by domestic carriers and for charter flights.

Manchester is getting increasing support from budget airlines and it therefore offers a wide array of flights between popular holiday destinations in Europe and the UK. There are an especially large number of flights between Manchester and Spain and Portugal catering for the leisure trade. If you are flying from Europe and your destination isn't London, but somewhere else in the northwest of England, Manchester would be a good choice.

Flying to the UK from anywhere in Spain is quick and easy. The biggest number of flights are obviously between large cities such as Madrid and Barcelona, but there are numerous other options. There are flights between island cities such as Tenerife or Ibiza and destinations in the UK. Flights from smaller mainland cities such as Santiago and Cordoba to Gatwick or Stansted are also increasingly popular.

Flying to or from France is equally easy. There are of course a large number of direct flights between Paris and the major UK airports. These are supplemented by various flights between UK airports and smaller cities such as Nice and Marseille. This is where you will find the cheapest UK flights - between the lesser known cities in France and airports such as Gatwick and Stansted in the UK. - 29948

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Discover Where All The Cheap Flights Are

By Diane Sanders

It is astonishing that by just doing a few checks you could save a lot of money on air travel. It is evidently a good idea to look around to get the best flight prices for your journey. As obvious as it appears a lot of people do not bother and they end up over paying for their holiday flights just because they did not take a few minutes to look about.

The easiest step would be to call one or more travel agents and discover what they can find for you. Make sure you double check what they say to you as they may be giving you biased data dependent on what will give them the biggest commission by selling you a particular firm. They may also neglect to refer an airline that does not pay them any fees. Some travel agents will give you a flight price with flight firms that do not pay them a commission nevertheless they may have added on a booking fee in the total price. Check the prices with the airline direct either on the internet or by telephone whatever method is the easiest.

It is important that you are aware of all the airline firms that operate the route you wish to travel on so you are able to make the best choice. It is not always the cheapest price that is the most convenient as spending a little bit more may give you a longer holiday with less time in the airport. If you are only going away for a short trip it is more important that you get as much time in your chosen location as feasible.

Going to the right airport is also important as some low cost flight firms advertise that they have flights to London. London has more than just one airport and they are not all close to London itself. One of the London airports is a 45 minute rail journey away from the heart on London. In some cases this can be just as long as the airline journey itself.

When you do find some flights make sure you compare the costs properly as a lot of airlines add on lots of extras to the flight price. Typically additional baggage costs and fees to check-in at the airport are just to of the umpteen extras that could be added on to your fare. - 29948

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Book Early Uk Flights Early For The 2010 World Cup Football

By Graham McKenzie

It is no secret that British people are some of the biggest football fans in the world and if you want to see the South African football team, Bafana Bafana get their arses kicked in the World Cup next year (that is 2010), you need to book your UK flights now, before they become any more expensive.

For British people, travel to SA is relatively cheap, the Rand/Pound exchange rate is presently about 12 to 1, so at least this means they will be able to have a good time when they arrive. Getting your air tickets booked and paid for sooner than later will ensure you get a good price so start comparing UK fights prices now.

If you have never been to Johannesburg, I can promise you it is a world-class city, I know, I live here. There is a lot to see and do, and as far as tourist destinations go, I would compare it to the best cities in the world. Crime is no worse than any large city in the world, and as long as you take all the right precautions you will be just fine.

All major cities in the UK have flights available to Johannesburg, even if they are not direct. Take a look at the prices of flights on Quatar Air, Emirates, Air Tanzania, Ethihad, Ethiopia Air, Air Kenya and others. There are many more airlines which fly into Johannesburg, although for direct flights you would need to fly SAA, BA or Virgin more than likely. European airlines also code share with these airlines, and flights are available from Manchester, London, Liverpool, Glasgow, Newcastle and Edinburgh.

The very cheap UK flights deals are generally for the bit more adventurous types, if you are not flying alone, you could fly Air Ethiopia and have a stop-over in Addis Abbaba, that could be fun. If you are not quite as adventurous, a stopover in Tanzania or Kenya and a few days on the beach, might placate the wife if she is to be a football widow when you arrive in Johannesburg.

The beauty of taking cheap flights on less well known airlines is that you may even be able to fly business or first class, and this advantage is available to the middle class. Whatever your flight decision is, I know you will have a good time at the World Cup games and I know you will enjoy your stay in Johannesburg.

Johannesburg or Jozi as we call it, is waiting to welcome you, there is plenty to see and do, and Soweto is only one of the many attractions you must see while you are here. - 29948

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Summer Vacations For The Family

By Simon James

When looking for a European family holiday in the sunshine make sure you think about what you would require to make the most of your holiday. If the kids are looked after and happy then generally the grownups are happy as well.

If you have kids them you will probably know that most of them enjoy to spend hours playing on the beach. If you do not live close to the beach or the weather is not warm enough the next best alternative is a holiday in the sun.

Many hotels offer children's clubs and this should provide the kids with fun activities during the evening and during the day. This would give you time to relax and enjoy sunbathing or have a few drinks at the pool bar. Many of hotels also offer activities for adults as well so while the youngsters are busy you can be as well.

The best time to book a holiday is normally as soon as feasible. The earlier you reserve your holiday the bigger the choice of accommodation and flight dates you have to pick from. You also have a great chance of getting an early booking deduction and perhaps a free kid place. Most vacation firms also have special low deposit deals available to enable you to book your vacation early without having to pay out too much.

If you select a good resort with access to other activities or points of interest you could easily mix the amount of time you spend doing each. This will help break up the holiday and let you all enjoy it more. Most accommodation or vacation representatives will be able to counsel you on the best trips to go on and will also be able to book you on them. Make sure you check to see if you can do them yourself at a better price first and look out for any special deduction coupons.

A family vacation is something you can all look forward to and it is always a good idea to get the whole family involved when you are planning it. There is unquestionably a benefit to knowing that you have something to look forward to. Plan and start looking for your ideal summer vacation now. - 29948

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Get A Closer Look At Barcelona's Famous Barrios

By Birte Tran

It's widely known that Barcelona is one of the admired cities of the Earth that continually attracts thousands of guests every year. This is predominantly credited to its position along the Mediterranean and stunning design. However, one small part of Barcelona that infrequently goes unnoticed is its neighbourhoods or alluded to in Spanish 'barrios'. Here you'll find out a little about Barcelona's barrios.

Barrio Gotic is a Roman wall once defended this quarter, the hexagon-shaped heart of Barcelona. With its menacing tangle of small old streets and alleyways, the area is like Venice without canals. By day, the approaching--th-century Gothic cathedral lures a steady stream of visitors, but come sundown, they head for Plaza Reial, where, it is believed, Ferdinand and Isabella greeted Columbus after his maiden voyage to America.

Paradoxically, the square, filled with towering palm trees and Gaudi-designed lampposts, is often the 1st place that visiting Americans discover. Gold-painted human 'statues' provide free dinner theater at the countless outdoor cafes.

El Raval In the'30's, a considerably less good kind of entertainment drew crowds to El Raval, west of the Barri Gotic. The location for petty crime, brothels, and drag clubs, it seemed to be a cross between the Moulin Rouge and the pre-Giuliani Times Square. Though cleand in recent times, the streets round the port are still frequented by transvestites and thieves late. But as shops and cafs continue to open, El Raval appears poised to become the town's hottest district.

La Ribera In the district north of the Barri Gotic there's an range of medieval palaces, 5 of which house the Museu Picasso. As the provoking houses and their courtyards suggest, La Ribera was once-during its golden period in the 12th century-considered an A-list address. Ribera means 'waterfront,' and although the particular coast has long since disappeared, the area is still an urban oasis, thanks to the grand Parc de la Ciutadella-miles of grassy paths, a lake with rowboats for rental, and a zoo inhabited by Snowflake, a rare albino ape.

El Born The name of Barcelona's liveliest neighbourhood, east of La Ribera, meant 'joust' back in the Middle Ages, but the sole jousting that happens here now is between fevered shopaholics who elbow each other while brushing the racks at the tiny boutiques. Barcelona's answer to SoHo, the ancient town's original marketplace is once more abuzz with art galleries, hair salons, and cool bars. All of the shiny firms appear unimportant in comparison, though, with the stained-glass rose window of the Gothic church Santa Maria del Mar. Barceloneta formerly a fishermen's hamlet, the area south of El Born was transformed for the'92 Olympic Games and has become the address of choice, as well as a center for seafood restaurants.

Diagonal Mar Next in the summer of 2004 played host to Forum Barcelona, a gathering of worldwide minded designers, politicians, artists, and urban planners. Almost 150 days of events relating to such themes as cultural diversity and world peace are lined up to occur in the northeast end of the town near the Bess stream. In the works: an esplanade, a convention center, and extra beachfront and parkland, as well as skyscrapers and hostels.

So get out there and see Barcelona's fantastic and unique barrio's that has something different for everyone. - 29948

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Why I Came To Thailand

By Owen Jones

I first came to Thailand in 2004 and I came here more of less by accident. I had travelled a lot in Europe: Russia, Western Europe, Scandinavia, North Africa and north South America, but I had never found the time to travel to Asia.

One night, I was chatting to a friend who had travelled extensively throughout the world and he was telling me about his favourite place, to where he had been returning year after year for fourteen years. Knowing the man's experience as a traveller, I was very taken aback to hear that he had been choosing to go to the same location in Asia for fourteen years.

I had to ask him which part of huge Asia held such an attraction for him and he said Thailand. I knew practically nothing about Thailand, except that I had had a few meals at a near-by Thai restaurant over the years. I also knew from collecting stamps as a boy that it used to be called Siam. Anyway, my friend asked me if I'd like to go. I answered that I would 'one day' and meant it.

He startled me by saying that he was going for a month soon and that I was welcome to go with him. I replied that I had a few jazz festivals to go to soon and maybe I would, if there was at least a month between them and if I could get a flight and if... I could hear myself putting him off, but I did not understand why.

A couple of hours later, I went home and being a keen Internet surfer, I checked out a bit about Thailand on the travel brochure sites. It looked truly fantastic. The prices were good too except for the flights. Hotels were cheap to reasonable and food and drinks prices were insignificant compared to where I lived. So, I checked the dates of the two Jazz festivals and they were thirty-three days apart. Now for the flight. I spent well into the next morning checking flights and found one for the day after the first festival leaving from our local airport. It was far from the cheapest flight, but it gave me more time.

In a reckless moment, I booked it there and then online. I then found an inn with rooms to let online that my friend had said he went to on quiz evenings and guessed that they would be open by now serving breakfasts. I sent them an email and a response came back twenty minutes later. I had been lucky again. The boss was in the middle of checking yesterday's figures, when he saw my email come through. However, not sure of his Internet ability, he wanted me to phone him right away. I checked my watch, it was still 4AM so I phoned.

He accepted my booking on trust and so I did not have to make a deposit. I had heard about Thailand, made up my mind to go and booked the flight and room all within five hours and I could not wait for nine o'clock to come to inform my friend that I would be going too. - 29948

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Book a Journey to Spain

By Jonathan Peters

I wish I had more time to see all of the great countries in this world, not to mention the budget. Still, I try to make a point to take a trip once every two years, as I do believe that seeing as many places as possible is a great thing to try to do.

I've tried to make it a point to visit as many countries as I can during my life, and I plan on visiting many more. Still, there's one place that I've visited that stands out in my mind more than any other.

The country I speak of is Spain, a beautiful European nation that I hope to go back to within the next year. My trip there was one of the best of my life, and I'd like to tell you some more about this great destination.

This is a beautiful Southern European country with a culture that's pretty unique to the rest of the world. There are so many things that make this country special, but I'll name a few to start.

If you're a fan of beaches, you'll appreciate the fact that there's water bordering two sides of the country. On the East is the Mediterranean Sea, with the Southern coast of the country separated by a body of water between Spain and Africa.

Make it a point to visit the Costa del Sol as well, which is the Southern part of Spain. There are plenty of resort cities with beaches, casinos, nightclubs, restaurants, resort hotels, and more.

My favorite part of Spain, though, was Madrid. Modern yet traditional and true to the Spanish culture's roots, this gave me the most authentic Spanish experience of any of the cities.

I kept very busy in Madrid. Between the delicious restaurants and pastry shops, not to mention some great theater and museums, I had a blast in the nation's capital.

Writing about this country makes me wish I was there right now. Hopefully in due time, I'll be able to return. Until then, perhaps you could enjoy everything that I did by planning a trip yourself. - 29948

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5 Reasons to Visit Slovakia

By Isabella Olsen

Why visit Slovakia? Slovakia is considered one of Europe's hidden gems, with a trove of spectacular attractions like those listed below.

Bratislava

The city of Bratislava in itself is one of Slovakia's major attractions. Indeed, many visit Slovakia just to spend a night or two here. The Bratislava Castle, which overlooks the city, serves as its main landmark and a symbol of its rich history, while other architectural marvels like the Primate's Palace, Mirbach Palace, St. Martin's Cathedral and Michael's Tower are all worth seeing. If you want to relax, you can also do so at one of the spacious parks of the city, like the park surrounding Rusovce Mansion or the forests just nearby, while a trip to museums like the Slovak National Museum provides insights into the history of the entire Slovak Republic.

Other popular cities in Slovakia include historic Banska Bystrica, Kosice, with its magnificent St. Elizabeth Cathedral, and the cities of Levoca, Nitra and Trencin, which all have their share of must-see medieval architecture.

Tatra National Park

Of all the green spaces in Slovakia, the Tatra National Park is the most enchanting. True, this mountain range may not be as high or as popular as the Alps nearby, but its alpine climate, majestic mountain peaks like Krivan and numerous lakes and waterfalls make it a worthy destination. It offers opportunities for various recreational activities, too, like trekking, cycling, golfing or wildlife watching in the summer and skiing during winter. There are also many excellent hotels here with thermal pools and several cable cars that allow you to sit back and savor the amazing panoramic views.

Caves

Out of Slovakia's roughly 4,000 caves, only-- may be open to the public, but each one is definitely worth visiting. Some of them have even been included in the list of World Heritage Sites, like the Ochtinska Cave, the largest aragonite cave in the world, the Dobsinska Ice Cave, the Domica Cave, the Gombasecka Cave and the Jasovska Cave, all of which have many chambers and halls full of remarkable rock formations. The Demanovska Liberty Cave, is the most popular, though, because of its colorful stalactites - in shades of red, orange, yellow and black - and stunning lakes.

Architecture

Like many of the countries in Europe, Slovakia also has its own assortment of romantic castles. In fact, its Spis Castle is one of the largest in Central Europe, a World Heritage Site, and a popular film location. Other popular castles include Bojnice Castle, Trencin Castle and Nitra Castle, which, like Bratislava Castle, have a wealth of historical heritage, while Orava Castle and Cerveny Kamen Castle house excellent museums. Several, like Hradok Castle, give you the chance to spend the night in a unique and luxurious setting.

You will also find extraordinary wooden structures like the Wooden Lutheran Church in Svaty Kriz and the rustic houses in Podbiel, when you visit Slovakia, along with a large number of wooden churches scattered in various provinces, with the most located in the province of Svidnik. The Church of St. Jacob in Levoca contains the largest wooden altar in the world.

Arts and Crafts

The Slovaks are known for their creativity, which is evident in their folk handicrafts that make great souvenirs when you visit Slovakia. Consider buying a crpak (ornamented cup), fujara (folk woodwind instrument), valaska (a folk hatchet), kraslice (painted eggs), ceramics from Modra, or dolls in national costumes. Souvenir sets are also available. - 29948

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Edinburgh Flight Arrivals, What Should You Do

By Dan Fischer

Like most airports arriving at Edinburgh can be a stressful time if you are note sure what awaits you when you arrive.

Worrying about what to do and where to go when you disembark the aircraft can be very stressful when arriving at any airport including Edinburgh. You need to get to your hotel or make your way to the rail station and you may be short of time or worried about being ripped off by a taxi driver. When you first get off the plane you should simply follow the directions to passport control, luggage reclaim and through customs. After that you are on your own.

If you are meeting someone then you could arrange to meet at a designated meeting point or ask the person that is meeting you to suggest a suitable place to meet. They are more likely to know the best place to meet to avoid any confusion and thus avoiding any extra unnecessary stress. The short stay car park is only a few minutes walk from the main terminal building and could be a good place to meet.

If you are meeting someone then you could arrange to meet at a designated meeting point or ask the person that is meeting you to suggest a suitable place to meet. They are more likely to know the best place to meet to avoid any confusion and thus avoiding any extra unnecessary stress. The short stay car park is only a few minutes walk from the main terminal building.

The rail station is in the city centre and does not connect with Edinburgh airport at present. There is a shuttle service into the centre of Edinburgh and surrounding area, which runs every ten to fifteen minutes. The bus service also has a frequent service and it also runs every ten to fifteen minutes with a journey time of twenty five to thirty minutes to the city centre. This is the cheapest option to getting to and from the city centre and Edinburgh airport.

As with all airports there is an airport taxi service and again like all airport taxi services they are not the cheapest. They do however offer convenient and quick journey times and can take you exactly where you want to go.

Car Rental can be arranged at the terminal upon arrival and you can queue up to wait and see if they have any of the popular cars left. As an alternative you can pre-book online and save money, have the car ready and waiting for you and know what it is going to cost in advance. You can better plan your budget or expenses for the trip and get the car you wan

Plan ahead and arrive at Edinburgh airport worry free by simply doing a quick check prior to your arrival. - 29948

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Madrid Attractions - Planning a Trip

By Deborah Clarke

Madrid, the capital city of Spain, has not always been a hot tourist spot. With a population well over 3 million, though, it has certainly stayed full of things to do and activities to be enjoyed. More recently, it has focused on becoming an international destination, so you should be able to find something to do on your vacation to this bustling city.

World Famous Food

Madrid is known for many types of food, as well as its wine and spirits. Tapas, seafood, and paella are the main attractions, but there is much more noteworthy cuisine found in Madrid. Nothing is more appreciated than a great dinner accompanied by the perfect glass of wine in Madrid.

If you want to sample the best of what Madrid is known for, check out paella, seafood, or tapas. These three dishes are what set Madrid apart from the rest of the world. In addition, the wine and spirits industry is very well known in Madrid.

There are restaurants and cafes all around the city, featuring a variety of styles of cuisine and environments to choose from. Whether you want bustling restaurants and bars or quaint cafs, you can find it all.

Historical Attractions

Three of the most important art galleries in the world are located in Madrid. You'll find the Prado Museum, which hosts the work of Goya and Velazquez, as well as the Thyssen Bornemisza Museum, and the modern art museum known as the Reina Sofia.

However, you can still find history throughout Madrid that shows the different stages and centuries that Madrid has been through. There are plenty of famous sites and landmarks in and around the city.

The Prado Museum, the Thyssen Bornemisza Museum, and the Reina Sofia Museum are all located in Madrid. These are three of the most famed and important art galleries in the world, and they feature some of the most prominent artists of our time.

Nightlife and Entertainment

There is enough entertainment and activity to keep 3 million people happy in Madrid. There has to be, after all, since the population is so massive. You can find night clubs, bars, shows, and more.

The city is known for salsa, flamenco, and jazz music and you can find them at any number of theaters, bars, or night clubs. It's not uncommon for a night out to last all night long.

Shopping is another form of entertainment to be enjoyed in Madrid. You can find everything from large department stores to small boutiques and specialty shops, giving you plenty to enjoy while in town. It doesn't matter why you come to Madrid, because you'll definitely be able to stay busy when you're here. - 29948

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When In Madrid - A Fun Trip For All

By James Adams

Madrid, the capital city of Spain, has not always been a hot tourist spot. With a population well over 3 million, though, it has certainly stayed full of things to do and activities to be enjoyed. More recently, it has focused on becoming an international destination, so you should be able to find something to do on your vacation to this bustling city.

World Famous Food

Madrid is known for many types of food, as well as its wine and spirits. Tapas, seafood, and paella are the main attractions, but there is much more noteworthy cuisine found in Madrid. Nothing is more appreciated than a great dinner accompanied by the perfect glass of wine in Madrid.

There are a variety of restaurants throughout the city offering the finest food that you'll find in the country. In addition to local flavors, you'll also find plenty of international restaurants, including French and North African dining.

Whether you are looking for quaint caf dining or a five-star restaurant in the city, you can find just about everything in Madrid to suit your tastes.

Madrid's History

Madrid does have a lot of rich history, but they aren't really focused on showing it off. Right now, the country is working on becoming an international metropolis, so if you have trouble finding historical sites and tours, don't be surprised.

However, you can still find history throughout Madrid that shows the different stages and centuries that Madrid has been through. There are plenty of famous sites and landmarks in and around the city.

You'll also find three of the most important art museums in Madrid: the Prado Museum, the Reina Sofia Museum, and the Thyssen Bornemisza Museum, which boast artwork from some of the most famed artists in history.

Other Entertainment Options

Considering that there is enough going on in Madrid to keep 3 million people happy, you should have no trouble finding the best nightlife and entertainment on your trip to Madrid.

The city of Madrid has a rich musical culture, and you can find them at any number of theaters that are available. It isn't uncommon for the locals to spend a night out on the town and not go home until the morning, guaranteeing you entertainment galore.

Shopping is another type of entertainment available. With small boutiques, large department stores, and specialty shops of all kinds, there is plenty to do in Madrid when it comes to shopping and enjoying the city. Whether you travel to Madrid for entertainment, history, cuisine, or a little of them all, you'll definitely stay busy while you're in town. - 29948

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How Package Holidays Have Changed

By Wendy Tartine

Package holidays have changed substantially over the years as holidaymakers begun to want more than just two weeks in the sun. The initial novelty has simply vanished and people now want to experience more and journey to new destinations. In the early days of package vacations most people went to the eastern side of Spain along the coast. Now it is possible to get a package vacation from the UK to Mexico or the Dominican Republic.

One of the ways that package vacations have altered is in the hotels themselves. Normally you got either bed and breakfast or breakfast and evening meal now this has been made better. All Inclusive vacations are very popular now as individuals can plan their budget better for their holiday time away. Particularly with the exchange rate variations you can never really know what it will cost you for drinks and food when you get on holiday. On an all inclusive vacation you can relax knowing that all your food and beverage as well as some activities are all pre-paid.

Hotels have got larger and larger and now have developed in some cases into accommodation complexes where you could be holidaying in on of 5 buildings and still be staying in the same hotel as your friends who are a 10 minute stroll away. Rather than just one principal swimming pool there may be 3 or four. Some individuals like this and some do not, nevertheless there is even a package vacation for them. Some of the main holiday companies provide small traditional styled family run hotels in quieter areas of the resorts.

You can now get a package holiday that includes a holiday cruise and a weeks stay in lodgings with the same firms cruise ship. These vacations are generally known as cruise and stay and are usually very well priced. You do not have the cost of a 2 week cruise but can still enjoy a 2 week vacation and still spent part of it cruising.

Whatever type of vacation you pick you will in all probability discover a package vacation that covers it. Whether it is a safari holiday in Africa or a beach holiday in Brazil you will discover that a holiday firm will have what you want. - 29948

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Having A Great Holiday In Europe

By Michael Bolderwood

Europe is a continent that's full of exciting places, great people and the potential for wonderful new experiences. If you're planning a trip to Europe then you'll certainly be interested in getting the most from your visit that you possibly can. The way that you approach planning your holiday can have quite an impact on the type of trip that you'll experience.

You'll realise this from the moment that you come to make your holiday booking. Given the diversity of people and places here, you may have trouble narrowing down the list of available locations. The key to having a great time is to think about the type of holiday that you want before you get as far as booking.

You may be thinking about having a romantic break, a family holiday or the chance to learn more about the culture and history of a particular region. If you think very carefully about your ideal holiday experiences then you can give yourself a greater chance of getting more out of the trip to Europe.

Some people find that they can't properly enjoy a holiday because they worry too much about the costs involved. It's important that you relax and avoid such concerns. You can put yourself in a better frame of mind by comparing prices online before you make a booking. You can make sure that you get a real bargain, especially if you use a leading travel company.

Once you actually arrive at your chosen resort or destination, make sure that you embrace the local culture. That may mean making an effort to learn a few words in the local language and will surely mean going out of your way to try different experiences. As a result, you're likely to taste new food and see new places. These are the things that help to make the perfect trip to Europe. - 29948

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