If you are planning on heading someplace as a hiker or backpacker or just looking to go on a local camping trip there are a few extra essentials that you can add to your kit to help with those unexpected things that turn up.

? Sarong
? Duct Tape
? Plastic Baggies
? Wet Naps or Baby Wipes
? Fold Down bag
? Plastic film canister that comes with each new roll of camera film
? Earplugs and eye mask
? Toilet paper

Many women have found the sarong to be an invaluable tool. You can use it as a skirt, head covering, bag, swimsuit, dress, towel, shawl, blanket, curtain for privacy and it can even be used as an impromptu bandage in case of injury. Duct tape explains itself. It can be your quick fix for numerous problems including a rip in your tent. Plastic baggies can hold everything from food to seashells found on the beach. Baby Wipes come in handy when you are short on running water. If you plan on making a lot of purchases a fold down bag can fold out and hold items for you. Those plastic film canisters make great medicine containers. Those who are on a long flight or in a hotel with paper thin walls will greatly appreciate earplugs and an eye mask. Last but certainly not least you can never know which places will run out of toilet paper right when you need to go, so always keep some on hand.

These are recommended extras that you can pick and choose from at length and will probable be more essential for some people, while merely being extra baggage for others. It?s really up to the traveler to decide what items they should add to personalize their travel kits, but my top three picks are duct tape, Baby Wipes and toilet paper.

Gail Leino is known throughout the internet world as Mrs. Party. She has become the internet’s leading authority on selecting the best possible party supplies with clever themes. Her simple party planning approach demostrates how to use proper manners while teaching etiquette with organizational skills. She shares lots of interesting fun facts. See travel vacations for more tips.

The Catalan town of Alghero is located on the Northwest coast of Sardinia. Known throughout the world for its stunning beaches and characteristic old town centre it is fast becoming one of Europe?s holiday hotspots. Alghero is an old fishing town that has embraced the tourist industry with two very large arms. Sprawling out along the coast line Alghero offers the tourist both the opportunity of a beach holiday or a small city break.

If you are looking to just relax and be somewhere that you can walk out the door and be on the beach you must stay in the Lido area. The Lido is Alghero?s own beach that runs all the way form Alghero to Fertilia, a small hamlet of Alghero. There are a number of hotels located in the area with sea views and private sun beds on the beach for residents. In the summer months the Lido comes to life with a number of bars, restaurants and pizzerias either on the beach or in the area and when the sun goes down you can find live music and parties on the beach.

For those who don?t want to be on the beach and want to experience a little more of the cultural side of Alghero there is the old town. Dating back to the 12th century the old town centre is truly something that must be seen to be fully appreciated. Have lunch along the battlements looking out to sea or take a stroll through the shops in the warren of cobble stone streets. There are a number of churches and historical places of interest to visit and many guided excursions to help make sure you do not miss anything.

The area of Alghero does of course spread beyond the boundaries of the city itself. There is Porto Conte with its natural wildlife reserve that spreads along the coast line in complete natural beauty. Reachable either by land or by boat excursion there is Capo Caccia and Neptune?s Grotto which is a must for any visitor to Alghero.

Away form the coast there is also much to see and do. Why not visit an Agriturismo, a working farm that has lodging and restaurant facilities serving up only produce from the farm.

As mentioned earlier Alghero is a Catalan town and although much of the cuisine available is Italian there are a few Catalan influences to be found. Why not try Paella Algherese or Catalan lobster (served cold with fresh tomato and onion). There are of course many Sardinian specialities to be tried such as roast suckling pig or Seadas, a pastry filled with Goats cheese and then dribbled with honey.

The climate in Alghero allows for a perfect vacation all year round. The summer months get up to about 35 degrees and throughout the day in the winter the temperature never drops much below 15 degrees.

A great place for children and adults alike, Alghero is definitely worth a visit.

For more Sardinian tourist information take a look at Sardinia – tourist information

Born in London Kirk Friis moved to Sardinia where he now lives with his wife and son.

Q. Where is Amorgos Island located?

A.= Amorgos Island is located in Greece in the archipelagos called CYCLADES.

Q. Is it near the Dodecanese Islands?

A.= Yes, it is.

Q. People say that Amorgos Island is quite ancient. How ancient is it?

A.= Life existed in Amorgos Island at the end of the Neolithic age.

Q. What type of life?

A.= Life was organized?people lived in an organized society ?a society with rules and traditions.

Q. Do we have proves of this statement?

A.= Of course, we have. Some excavations done in 1985 have shown that an organized society was living in Amorgos Island from the 4th millennium B.C.

Q. How many museums does Amorgos Island have?

A. Amorgos Island has only one museum.

Q. Where is the museum of Amorgos Island located?

A.= The museum of Amorgos Island is located in the town of HORA near of the center.

Q. People say that the Amorgos museum building itself represents a special attraction ?

A.= It is so indeed. The Amorgos museum building is a 16th century style building. It is a Venetian style building. This Amorgos museum building was the home of the Gavras family? a family of rich and famous merchants.

Q. What is to be seen in the Amorgos Island museum?

A.= The museum has an archaeological collection. The collection is made of a huge rang of antiquities from Bronze Age and from the Ancient World. The ground floor is organized to show a display of ancient pieces which are prehistoric finds. The first floor has a display of sculptures, tomb relief and lots of work of art from Historic period.

Q. How can we get in touch with the Amorgos Island museum, for more information?

A.= For further information, you can place a phone call at his phone number: 228 57 18 31 or call OTE the Greek phone company for an update on the number as phone numbers sometimes change.

Q. Is there a way of transportation to get to the Amorgos Island museum? A.= Yes. There is always a way of transportation to get to the Amorgos Island museums. There is bus service. You can also go by taxi if you live outside the center. The bus is also available if you are far from the center.

by S Pappas greekinfo@gmail.com

Rooms Apartments in Athens Greece Athensrooms.
Free Greek travel information traveling in Athens Greece. Athens hotels Greek Info.
Apartments in Athens Greece Self catering.

Ancient Athens versus modern Athens??? Could we marry those two antitheses without causing any disgrace? Could we be right to suspect that such a project may end up into showing a considerable lack of vision ?if not, a great lack of culture???? Ancient Athens versus modern Athens??….A question of great importance for tourists who wish to visit Greece?who wish to admire ancient Athens in its original ?dress??who wish to enjoy, at the same time, comfort and modernity in their daily life?

Modern Athens has succeeded to realize such a daring project without damaging its precious ancient atmosphere. We wouldn?t go further into this subject without underlining the presence of a woman at the head of the City Council : a modern young Lady, Mrs Dora Bakoyannis has been elected as the Mayor of modern Athens. Under her guidance, the City Council has developed numerous cultural activities taking place outside (at Summer Time, at Christmas Time, at Easter Time?). Does the year 2004 remind you anything? ?2004? a magic year for modern Athens.

2004? has inspired thousands of artists and workers to create a new look for their city. Modern Athens began to project her new image: a new born city ready for the Olympics Games ? Ancient Athens and modern Athens were proud ?so were the citizens?ready to welcome the crowds of visitors. Many features have been developed to receive the guests: ?walking roads to visit Archaeological Sites ?additional restaurants, Bars, Caf?-Bars ?beaches have become accessible by Trolley ?the public transport system has highly improved ?construction of beautiful highways ?addition of many hotels and rooms in Athens.

From the Airport, you can get to Ancient Athens or modern Athens or to the suburbs) by using public Transport, limousines services or taxis?.Taxis and public transport are more than reasonable (a ticket for the Airport Express Line is 2.90 euros/good for 24 hours). Searching for a place to stay can be simplified with the Internet. Rooms in Athens and Greekster can provide you all information you need for a memorable visit to the land of your dream.

And know let?s play this ??quiz?? to verify our information :

1.The mayor of modern Athens is, A?.Peter Papandreou — B?.Dora Bakoyannis
2. The last Olympics games in modern Athens took place in the year, A?2000 — B?.2004
3.To visit the Archaelogical Sites, going from one place to another, A?. you have to go with the Trolley — B?.you can go on foot
4.The new metro stations look like, A?.a sky painted in blue — B?.a living museum
5.To get to Ancient Athens or modern Athens from the Airport, A?.you have to rent a car or?drive your own — B?you can use the metro
ANSWERS at to this article. Quiz: answers and comments
1.=A, 2.=B, 3.-=B, 4.=B, 5.=B
Comments: If you found, 5 answers = excellent, 4 answers = very good, 3 answers = you need to read more articles on this subject, 2 answers = you need to come to Greece 1 answer = Athens is waiting ?it can?t wait to be discovered by YOU.

This article is designed to help you in your search of Ancient Athens versus modern Athens. Greek travel travelling in Athens Greece free travel tips. thanks

by S Pappas greekinfo@gmail.com

Rooms Apartments in Athens Greece Athensrooms.
Free Greek travel information travelling in Athens Greece Greekster.
Apartments in Athens Greece Self catering.

Sitting at a cafe terrace in Paris, and watching people passing by while sipping on your Perrier water is not something you want to miss. But here comes the check, and with it the question: should I tip, and how much?

The check is all inclusive

Unlike in America, cafes and restaurants in Paris directly include a 15% service charge in your check. This is required by French law as tips are assessed for taxation purposes.

The 15% service charge is clearly itemized on your check, on top of the VAT tax (a French version of the sales tax). The words ?Service compris? (Tip included) indicate that the tip has already been included in the total to be paid.

The good news is that prices rated on the menus are all-inclusive: they include both the 15% tip and the sales tax. There is no last-minute unholy surprise when you are given your check. What you saw on the menu is what you get charged, no hidden extras.

No further tipping?

A small extra-tip will be well received, of course. It is a way to show you liked how your waiter took care of you. This is not an obligation though.

Small extra tips are also welcome because they go directly into your waiter?s pockets. Oftentimes the 15% service charge goes to a common pot which is divided at the end of the day amongst all waiters. Some bar owners may also retain a portion or the entirety of the service charge: French law does not require that service charges be given back to waiters. So your waiter might not even see a dime of it.

In any case, you are under no obligation to extra tip. You paid your dues when you paid your check.

How much should the extra tip be?

Extra tips may range from just a couple of Euro dimes for a coffee or a soft drink, to 1-5 euros for a lunch or dinner. A nice ?Thank You? is 5 to 10% of the total check. But once again, there is no obligation, and no steadfast rule as far as the percentage goes.

How do you tip elsewhere?

In many cases, tips are a valuable income supplement for their recipients.

Take taxi drivers for instance: the average salary of a taxi driver employed by a cab company is about ?1,400 a month, which in Paris is more or less equivalent to a $2,500 salary in NYC. These guys put in 10 hours a day. Some years ago, they used to work 14-15 hours a day, 6 days a week, to make more income. French law forbids them to do so today. So they appreciate your tip all the way: 5-10% of your fare is a good rule of thumb.

At the theater, tip the lady usher: a couple of euros is fine at the opera house [these ladies are also paid on the evening programs they sell, 50 euro cents is good at the movie theaters. Years ago, the lady ushers were not even paid by movie theater operators. They lived on tips only. Even if they are on a salary today, it is doubtful they earn more than the minimum wage.

At your hotel, your porter will appreciate a euro per bag.

At expensive restaurants, classical concert venues, and discos, coat ladies usually take care of your belongings. Tip them a euro per large item when you retrieve your coats.

At the museum, you may leave a couple of euros to your guide if you went through a guided tour.

In summary

These are guidelines based on experience and custom. They are in no way a uniform code of conduct. These advices are also applicable elsewhere in France. In other French regions, where the standard of living is lower than in Paris, tips are even more construed as a mark of generosity.

In the final analysis, tipping is just that: a sign of your generosity and of your appreciation of the level of service you have just received.

(This article has been written in collaboration with Vincent Ramelli, a regular contributor to Paris-Eiffel-Tower-News.com, a Paris-born writer, and a specialist of the city.)

***About the Author***

Phil Chavanne shares many useful advices on how to visit Paris. His travel guide offers free information about Paris hotels, restaurants, tours, museums, and other sites.

Introduction

Aberdeen (The Granite City) is Scotland’s third largest city. Aberdeen is the chief commercial centre and seaport in the north-east of Scotland. It boasts the title of Oil Capital of Europe thanks to the plentiful supply of crude oil in the North Sea, and stands on a bay of the North Sea, between the mouths of the rivers Don and Dee.

History

Aberdeen grew up as two separate burghs – Old Aberdeen at the mouth of the Don and New Aberdeen, a fishing and trading settlement where the Denburn entered the Dee estuary. The earliest charter was granted by King William the Lion about 1179, confirming the corporate rights granted by David I. The city received other royal charters later. In 1319, the Great Charter of Robert the Bruce transformed Aberdeen into a property owning and financially independent community. The city was burned by Edward III of England in 1336, but was soon rebuilt and extended, and called New Aberdeen.

For many centuries the city was subject to attacks by the neighbouring lords, and was strongly fortified, but the gates were all removed by 1770. In the 18th century a new Town Hall was built, elegantly furnished with a marble fireplace from Holland and a set of fine crystal chandeliers and sconces. The 19th century was a time of considerable expansion. By 1901 the population was 153,000 and the city covered more than 6,000 acres (24 km?). In the late 18th century, the council embarked on a scheme of road improvements, and by 1805 George Street, King Street and Union

Street were open, the latter a feat of extraordinary engineering skill involving the partial levelling of St Catherine’s Hill and the building of arches to carry the street over Putachieside. The increasing economic importance of Aberdeen and the development of the shipbuilding and fishing industries brought a need for improved harbour facilities. During this century much of the harbour as it exists today was built including Victoria Dock, the South Breakwater and the extension to the North Pier.

Places of interest

The main places of interest for the tourists in Aberdeen are the museums, art galleries and the Scotland?s castle trails. Here is a list of interesting places in Aberdeen:

Aberdeen Art Gallery

Aberdeen Maritime Museum

Castle Fraser

Craigievar Castle

Crathes Castle & Gardens

Dunnottar Castle

Fyvie Castle

Provost Skene House

Museums and Art Galleries

The city is blessed with amenities which cover a wide range of cultural activities and boasts a selection of museums. The Aberdeen Art Gallery houses a collection of Impressionist, Victorian, Scottish and 20th Century British paintings as well as collections of silver and glass. It also includes The Alexander Macdonald Bequest, a collection of late 19th century works donated by the museum’s first benefactor and a constantly changing collection of contemporary work and regular visiting exhibitions. Some of the other Aberdeen?s museums and art galleries are:

Aberdeen Art Gallery

Aberdeen Maritime Museum

Provost Ross’ House

The Gordon Highlanders Museum

Marischal Museum

James Dun’s House

Museum of Education Victorian Classroom

Tolbooth Museum

Aberdeen Arts Centre

His Majesty’s Theatre 1906 (presently -2005- under renovation) is a fine granite theatre which provides a home for popular entertainments.

Shopping

The main shopping districts center on specialty shops on Chapel and Thistle streets and the well-known chains on George and Union streets. Of interest to collectors, Colin Wood, stocks furniture, wall clocks, and grandfather clocks from the 17th to the early 20th centuries. Someone may also want to browse through the eclectic mix of bric-a-brac antiques at Elizabeth Watts Studio, where items include glass, brass, antique jewelry, china, silver, and a few small furniture pieces. For one-stop gift shopping, drop in at Nova, which stocks china, silver jewelry, rugs, clothing, toys, cards, and gift paper.

Other interesting shops are Grandad’s Attic, which specializes in Art Deco ceramics and antique pine furniture; Just Scottish, retailers of quality items — all made in Scotland, including ceramics, knitwear, textiles, silver, and jewelry; and Alex Scott & Co. the town’s finest kiltmakers.

Food and Drinks

Although Aberdeen is a well renowned city, it does not have many restaurants in offer. Mainly all the restaurants and bars offer continental or British/Irish/Scottish cuisine. Some of the famous places for wine and dine are:

Elrond’s Cafe Bar

Ferryhill House

Howies Aberdeen

Martha’s Vineyard Bistro/The Courtyard Restaurant

Silver Darling

Education

The first of Aberdeen’s two universities, the University of Aberdeen, was founded in 1495 by William Elphinstone, Bishop of Aberdeen and Chancellor of Scotland. The University of Aberdeen is Scotland’s third oldest, and the UK’s fifth oldest University.

Robert Gordon’s College (originally Robert Gordon’s Hospital) was founded in and in the 1990s became co-educational and a day-only school. It also produced the Robert Gordon Institute of Technology, which became The Robert Gordon University in 1992.

Gray’s School of Art, founded in 1886, is one of the oldest established colleges of art in the UK. Aberdeen College has several campuses in Aberdeen and offers a wide variety of part-time and full-time courses leading to several different qualifications. Northern College was a teacher training college with campuses in Aberdeen and Dundee. In 2000, the Aberdeen campus of Northern College became the University of Aberdeen School of Education. Aberdeen Grammar School, (now comprehensive, despite its name) founded in 1263 and one of the oldest schools in Britain.

Sports

Aberdeen Football Club was founded in 1903. Its major success was winning the European Cup Winners Cup in 1983 and three League Championships between 1980 and 1986. The club’s stadium is Pittodrie which holds the distinction of being Britain’s first all-seater stadium. Aberdeen F.C. holds the distinction of being the last team to have won the Scottish Premier League Championship outside the Old Firm and is the only Scottish team to have won two European trophies adding to their European Cup Winners Cup success by winning the European Super Cup also in 1983. Well known footballers who have played for the club include Gordon Strachan (Current Celtic manager), Alex McLeish (Current Rangers manager) and club legend Willie Miller. Denis Law, the joint top scorer for the Scotland national team was also born in the city, but spent his professional career playing for English and Italian clubs.

Aberdeen Golf Club was founded in 1815. It has two 18-hole courses at Balgownie, north of the River Don. There are other golf courses at Auchmill, Balnagask, Hazlehead and King’s Links.

Tours and Sightseeing

The Aberdeen Tourist Information Centre, where the staff can usually find just the right way to visit Aberdeen. Some other organized tours and travel agencies are there in the city. These tours are organized by the operators and vary from its contents, theme and price. The tours mainly feature the museums, art galleries, Scottish Castles etc.

Hotels and Accommodations

Because of increasing numbers of tourists and business travelers to the Granite City — Europe’s offshore oil capital and less number of hotels compare with tourists — hotels are likely to be heavily booked any time of year. So reservation in advance is a must before stepping to the city. Some of the Hotels in Aberdeen (ranging from Affordable to Luxury) are listed below:

Antrim Guest House

Station Hotel

Royal Hotel

Express by Holiday Inn Aberdeen

Thistle Aberdeen Caledonian

Copthorne Hotel Aberdeen

The Edwardian Hotel

Bimini Guest House

The Spires Serviced Suites

Thistle Aberdeen Altens

Summerhill Hotel and Suites

Macdonald Ardoe House Hotel

Britannia Hotel Aberdeen

Waterwheel Inn

Dyce Skean Dhu

Transport

There are four main roads serving the city: A90, A96, A93, A92, A90 now used as a tourist route.

The city’s original ring road, Anderson Drive, which was built in the 1930s has long since been engulfed by the expansion of the city, and is inadequate for dealing with today’s traffic. To this end, a new main bypass road, the Western Peripheral Route, is planned to divert through traffic away from the city centre. The road is due to open in 2010.

The city is well served by the national railway network. Aberdeen has regular rail services to Glasgow and Edinburgh as well as long distance trains to London via Edinburgh. It is possible to take the longest scheduled rail journey in the whole of the UK from Aberdeen. Regular trains also run north westerly towards Inverness and north to Dyce for the airport.

Aberdeen also has an airport in the neighbouring town of Dyce, which is operated by BAA plc. As well as connecting the city to the rest of the UK, Aberdeen Airport (sometimes refererred to as Dyce Airport) is the largest helicopter terminal in the world, serving the many North Sea oil installations. The IATA airport code for the airport is ABZ.

Biography

Name: Maria Williams
Occupation: Traveller
Website: http://www.sleepuk.com
Biography: Maria writes for Sleep UK – providers of discounted hotels to make your stay in the UK as comfortable as possible.