San Francisco is the USA spirit as much as it is the opposite = people who love the USA as a tourist destination will love San Francisco, people who dislike the USA as a tourist destination will, yes you guessed right, love San Francisco just the same and this is because San Francisco is surely a unique place because it has it all, in terms of culture, fun, highrise buildings and small traditional houses, squares and avenues, hills and sea, yuppies and hippies, modern and old etc…

In two words San Francisco IS one big meltin’ pot of everything you would want from an international city and looks as much american as it does look european, but it does as well look very chinese, or thai, or well.. much more. The nice feel of San Francisco is the kind of feel of a place where everyone is welcome and things works just fine in any condition and in any manner: chic and stylish as well as alternative and anticonventional and you can experience it all in one go, what a deal!

From Beat Generation, Critical Mass, Gay Pride and North Beach to ‘super-technology-chic’, fashion, design as well as tradition. The city itself in its structure resemble this ‘mixed’ attitude and it is a mosaic of different tastes composed of Chinatown, Mission, Castro, SoMa, Haight-Ashbury, North Beach and much more to explore. With its 751.000 inhabitants is smaller than you might think, but surely looks bigger and has nothing less than New York City in terms of entertainment, things to see and do, latest trends, etc… It is in many ways the very soul of Californian style and its ‘plot’. It is somehow like reading a huge book from the index and we think you could easily think of it as a start and an end as well of the ‘big book of California’. Downtown streets rise on impossible gradients to reveal stunning views of the city, the bay and beyond and a taxi run is an experience itself.

San Francisco has for sure something magic and that is pretty clear as soon as you see the fog envelope the city in magical mist and the clouds embracing the Golden Gate. not to forget the incredible sea and all that it has to offer to visitors and locals and you should not miss a visit to Fisherman’s Wharf and the Marina. San Francisco is not generally considered to be cheap but yes you can find loads of offers in terms of hotels (including luxury discounted ones) and restaurants. It is suggested to book in advance since you can find real good hotel deals in hip hotels if you do so. Apart of lodging, in terms of well… food, there many many options that won’t kill your credit card and if you want to eat cheap we suggest you try some thai restaurants and of course chinese restaurants. Compared to many other US cities that require quite a big load of cash to enjoy, San Francisco often offer free live music and events and for $30 you can get a good night out (and remember to bring your id with you, because yes you’ll get ‘carded in many nightclubs, etc…).

If you’re up for a show check out the free weekly Bay Guardian, as well as the Sunday Chronicle ‘Pink Pages’ supplement. Of course if you’re up for a major event and/or you wish to experience something out of the ordinary we suggest you -again- book in advance. Bars: you mention it you have it, lots of bars, from trendy, to alternative, from family friendly to wild. In terms of classical music and opera San Francisco has not got an incredible reputation but local symphony, opera and ballet companies are as far as we experienced really good.

For a good comedy night go for: Bay Area Theatresports Bayfront Theatre, Bldg B, Third floor, Fort Mason Center (Marina Blvd at Buchanan St) tel 415/474-6776. An acting-based improv group that can be hilariously spontaneous. The majority of theater in downtown San Francisco are reasonably inexpensive and worth attending. We do think that San Francisco it is one great city and we hope you’ll enjoy it as much as we did.

http://www.travelton.com Hotel reservations – Hotel Deals, lowest rates guaranteed, flights, activities, car rental, free destination guides, resources and more.

You may have heard the saying ?Singapore is a fine city.? You get fined for this, fined for that? you could even get fined for chewing gum (it caused a major door drama that stopped the MRT subway running). While there?s no doubt that Singapore takes a tough stand on fines for anti-social issues and basic public behaviour, Singapore is also fine city for a tourists on a stopover or vacation break.

In fact, Singapore is one of the world?s most popular destinations. A tiny island with mighty appeal, lying between Malaysia and Indonesia. Just 14 miles from north to south and 26 miles wide from east to west, it?s slightly more than 3.5 times the size of Washington, DC. Singapore lies in the heart of exciting Southeast Asia, a bridge between east and west and a place that buzzes 24/7.

It offers visitors a world of fantastic possibilities. Its ultra-modern skyscrapers and towers of glass contrast with the colonial charm of historic buildings, secret laneways and Chinese shop houses.

It?s a confusion of culture with slick style and business energy. A melting pot of Chinese, Malay, Indian and Eurasian races. Safe, fun and friendly, the perfect place for a break. Singaporeans are super helpful to visitors and just about everybody speaks English as this is the main language of business and everyday life.

Singapore is also just a few degrees from the equator, so it?s always a hot and happening place literally. Tip: dress for the tropics with light comfortable clothing.

Seven great things to do and see.

Singapore Shopping. A buyer?s paradise.

The number one attraction is undoubtedly shopping. Stroll down the main boulevard of Orchard Road and you?ll find plenty to tempt you and your credit card, but window shopping costs nothing. Each side of the road is lined with glossy designer boutiques, big stores and fabulous malls, not to mention shops displaying the latest digital wizardy.

Don?t miss exploring the other side of Singapore either. It?s fun to spend a day wandering the different locales and historic backstreets of Chinatown, Little India and Arab Street.

Enjoy a Singapore Sling at Raffles.

?When in Singapore, feed at Raffles?, that was the advice of the renowned English author, Rudyard Kipling, and it still holds true today. The legendary Raffles Hotel is consistently voted as one of the top hotels in the world. It attracted a bevy of literary talent to its doors, from Joseph Conrad to Somerset Maugham to Noel Coward who were inspired by its unique atmosphere. First opened in 1887, Raffles has undergone extensive restoration over the years but today it?s still as stylish as ever.

Now film celebrities, royalty, sports stars and anyone who?s anyone, chooses to stay Raffles. Even if your budget doesn?t allow an overnight booking, you could probably stretch to a refreshing Gin Sling in the Long Bar ? it was invented here. Bartender Ngiam Tong Boon created this deliciously different cocktail close to a century ago.

Food glorious food.

Making money is not the only things on people?s minds in Singapore. The subject of food is a national obsession. After breakfast has finished, where to have lunch and dinner are the big topics of the day. As a visitor, your taste buds are spoiled for choice with plenty of food halls, stalls, cafes and upmarket restaurants.

Nonya or Peranakan food is the closest Singapore has to a ?national? cuisine. It combines Chinese, Malay and other influences into its own unique blend. The resulting dishes are imaginative, tasty and often extremely subtle.

Travel tip: If you?re heading this way in the month of July, the annual Singapore Food Festival is in full swing. A gastronomic feast of workshops, places to eat, amazing recipes and things to try are all on the menu.

Singapore Zoo Night Safari.

Forget a typical zoo experience, this is an ?open? green environment where animals are allowed to roam in acres of lush jungle and parklands. Oppressive cages are absent. The animals are actually kept in spacious, landscaped enclosures, separated from visitors by dry or wet moats. The moats are concealed with vegetation or dropped below the line of vision.

At night, Singapore zoo takes on a totally different feel with the famous Night Safari. A unique experience of exploring wildlife in a tropical jungle at night. Through subtle lighting, you can view over 1,000 nocturnal animals from 100 species in their habitat. It?s well worth spending an evening out here. Show time starts at 7.30 as the sunset in this part of world is very reliable, thanks to the position, close to the equator.

Sentosa. Singapore?s premier island resort getaway.

Just 15 minutes from downtown Singapore, you?ll find the resort getaway that is Sentosa Island. A stunning blend of leisure and recreational facilities, sea sports, golf and peaceful retreats. Get there by cable car (fantastic views) or bus, taxi and car.

A canopy of secondary rainforest covers 70 per cent of the 500-hectare island and it?s home to monitor lizards, monkeys, peacocks, parrots as well as other native fauna and flora. With is long stretch of white sandy beach, this is the only place in Singapore with real beachfront accommodation, such as Shangri-La’s Rasa Sentosa Resort. You?ll find this property (and many more choices all over Singapore) at sites like http://www.hotel.com.au/singapore

Clarke Quay. Night moves and grooves.

When the sun goes down, Clarke Quay, on the Singapore River, comes to life. During the 19th century, this was a commercial waterfront area, bustling with merchant vessels. The rich heritage is alive and kicking. The Quay been restored to create a colorful and stylish meeting place, filled with cosy cafes, bars, music and restaurants. Trendy night spots attract a big crowd, especially at the weekend.

Reflexology. Traditional Foot Massage.

Transport-wise, Singapore is easy to get around, by subway, bus or taxi, but you?ll probably pound the sidewalks taking in the sights and sounds of this great Asian destination. Make time for some pampering.

Reflexology or foot massage has long been part of Chinese tradition and culture – a superb way to relax after a tough day bargain hunting. You?ll find plenty of places to enjoy a massage, at exclusive Hotel spas, or the more reasonably priced specialty outlets all around Orchard Road, in shopping centres and Tanglin Road.

Singapore hotels to match every budget.

Singapore is one of the world?s top travel destinations, especially for stop overs. (U.S. citizens can stay up to 90 days without a visa.) Accommodation-wise, you?ll find a wide range of hotels to suit your budget ? from major 5 star international names to smaller hotels offering great value rates. Book online and see the deals you can find.

During holiday time, Chinese New Year and during special festivals, it pays to book ahead because Singapore is always a fine experience. Web sites such as http://www.hotel.com.au/singapore have dozens of choices, in the shopping, business and nightlife districts.

Matthew Lawson heads up http://www.hotel.com.au and is an avid traveler.

Family holidays do not have to be filled with roller coaster rides and cotton candy for the children to enjoy every minute of your family holiday. There are many wonderful and exotic holidays available that adults and children will both enjoy from the beginning of the adventure until the very second it ends.

The world is full of exciting and unique places to travel that will give your family holidays a memorable experience other than just the thrill of a amusement ride that can be found at any state fair. When you begin to think about your family holidays consider such exotic places as the Galapagos Island, China, Costa Rica, Mexico, Turkey, Alaska, Belize, Tanzania, Egypt, Ecuador, and even such places as the grand canyon in the United States.

Family holidays are meant to be shared by the entire family and can have as much and excitement as you could imagine. Just think about riding mules down the Grand Canyon and camping out over night. This is one experience that will not be forgotten any time soon.

What about a cruise along the Alaskan Shoreline, no child would ever forget the beauty and the difference in this wonderful countryside, or maybe a family holiday in Belize where you and your children could explore the undersea adventures by snorkeling. Seeing the coral reefs, the fish and being able to be up close and personal is so much better than a trip down log flume.

Family holidays are ways to enjoy each other and to share what time and adventures together. Make the most of your family holidays by showing your children the world around them. You will enjoy these family holidays just as much as the kids and you will all take home memories that will last a lifetime. So, check out all the exotic places that you can find, maybe some are a lot closer than you ever imagined.

The Author of UK Hotels and Hotels in Holland – Hotel directories, with descriptions, photos, rates and on-line booking.

The Mirage Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas recently introduced their new exclusive adult alternative pool area, Bare. This European-style (topless) pool provides all the comforts of ultimate luxury. Bare offers only the best for all their client?le with many complementary perks. Picture yourself draped over a chaise lounge, in sheer sun worshiping bliss when a rather attractive server approaches and offers complementary tasty treats like frozen fruit, mini fruit smoothies and Popsicles. Just to be sure you stay cool under the Las Vegas sun, refreshing Evian misting bottles are provided as well as iced towels, rolled and chilled in flavored water, no less.

To enhance your experience, DJ-spun music keeps the fun alive. If all this isn?t enough to lose yourself in this exotic pool haven, dolphins, yes actual dolphins, are swimming and playing just a few short feet away. Never under estimate the limits Las Vegas will go to please you!

With the end of summer rapidly approaching, pamper yourself with the ultimate Bare experience. Nothing can wrap up the summer like being treated like a VIP, sunning away those tan lines while relaxing on a day bed and sipping on your mojito and nibbling on exotic fresh fruit. If you?re up for a unique pool experience, this adult-only pool is the place for you.

Miku Araman is the publisher of site such as http://www.VegasHotelPools.com, http://www.VegasFreebie.com and http://www.VegasHotelSpecial.com

Whether it?s for skiing on the edges of the wilderness, exploring the landscape with snowmobiles or dog sledding on endless stretches of snow, Sweden is the preferred travel destination for many.

The prime reason tourists visit this country is for the winter and snow. Winter activities in Sweden in the midst of nature are liberating experiences. Riding a snow mobile is the top one among all activities. Riding a snow mobile is very easy. Simply sitting on a snowmobile and revving the accelerator can take you to remote mountaintops and across alpine lakes. If you are averse to the idea of using smoke-spewing machines in the midst of pure nature, then skiing is the best option. Sweden has resorts to suit varying levels of experience of skiers. From the snowboarder’s wild paradise in Lapland to the family resorts in the southern mountains, Sweden?s resorts accommodate all types of skiers.

If it?s the water that attracts you, then Sweden with 3000 kilometers of shoreline spoils you for a choice. Fishing, swimming, diving, surfing and deep-sea explorations are some of the activities that you can indulge in Sweden. Cruising in the Baltic Sea can be added to your itinerary. The ports of call would introduce you to the history of Sweden, through magnificent palaces, castles and museums. In term of cities, Stockholm, Goteborg and Malmo are fast emerging as Europe?s top city vacation destinations.

A trip to Sweden is incomplete without a stay in the famed ice hotel in JukkasJarvi. Getting off at Kiruna airport and heading towards the ice hotel by dogsled is a perfect prelude to a more interesting event ? staying in a hotel that is entirely made of ice. The suites, beds, pillars, lobby and bar, everything that a hotel should have is made of ice. The drink in the bar comes in glasses made of ? ice, of course.

There are other hotels in Sweden rated by the Sweden Hotel and Restaurant association, which cater to tourists with all kinds of budgets.

The Author of Sweden Hotels and Denmark Hotels – Hotel directories, with descriptions, photos, rates and on-line booking.

Travel to New York

Would you like to Travel to New York? The dream became reality in the summer of 1996 as I stayed in New York for a week after working at a summer camp in Maine. Two of my friends also said let’s Travel to New York and jumped on a plane from London Heathrow to JFK to join me in the big apple.

Looking back, we could have planned the trip better as there is so much to see in New York but we managed to catch an Ice Hockey Game at Madison Square Gardens, watched the Yankees win at Baseball, and even appear on a national TV Show!

We were hanging around Times Square when one of the staff from the Montel Williams show offered us free tickets for the afternoon show, so two guys from Scotland and a Londoner sat in the audience while the usual story unfolded on stage with married couples having affairs….

So, fresh from our Montel Williams Show we then went on to visit the famous NBC studio tour in New York where we also managed to grab free tickets to the Conan O’Brien show ! It was a decent show with some guy from LA Law as the main guest.

Accomodation in New York could have been better planned as our first two nights were spent staying in a dodgy hotel near Times Square, think it was called the St James and was only $25 per night!

Back in 1996 the internet was just emerging but you can now book many New York hotels online from the comfort of your own home.

I also recommend staying on a New York youth hostel. I stayed in a few youth hostels in the Chelsea area which was basic but great, one of them even had a free beer night where you could meet up with people from around the world!

Would I travel to New York again? Yes, there is so much to see and do apart from the usual tourist attractions. I would plan your trip to New York well in advance and buy a good guidebook while also making sure you have plenty of dollars with you as it is not the cheapest place!

Walter Patrick offers a directory of hotel related websites at New York hotels

http://www.hot-hotels-worldwide.info