Barcelona has been dubbed La Gran Encisera ? the Great Enchantress. With its medieval romantic style, it?s hustle and bustle and the history and art; it?s a great destination spot for travelers.

Many of the historic hotels are located in the Gothic Quarter, a stretch of streets with a romantic gothic style, making the hotels? locations convenient to sight seeing areas.

Tip to a Better Rate in a Historic Hotel in Barcelona

If you find yourself in Barcelona in a time that it is not busy and your hotel is not so full, you can usually bargain for a better rate. Business travelers can often get up to forty percent off the suggested price. Talk with the hotel attendants; don?t be afraid to ask for a discount.

Suggested Historic Hotels in Barcelona

While there are many beautiful historic hotels in Barcelona, one of the most convenient ones is the Hotels Condes De Barcelona. With over 150 guest rooms, each with an avant-garde style, the hotel is uniquely situated in a historic Nouveau building. The artistic beauty is astounding and each piece inside the hotel is customized specifically for the hotel. Located in the center of the city, it offers the convenience of public transportation for guests and is within walking distance to some of the city?s most popular destinations.

Another grand hotel is the Hotel Gotico. The deluxe hotel is a short distance from El Prat Airport, it is located in the heart of the city center and the Town Hall and the Palice of Autonomic Government. With it?s location right in the middle of the commercial district, a traveler will find everything they could want to see near by. With renovated soundproofed rooms, you?ll get a good night of sleep and the history of the hotel will keep the adventure of visiting Barcelona alive. Ask for a complimentary tour or ask about suggestions of sights to see in the city. The staff is knowledgeable and helpful.

For a moderate priced hotel, the Mes?n Castilla offers a Castilian fascia. For the best atmosphere this small hotel offers a convenient position to shops. It offers attractive views of the city and modest sized rooms. Its antique filled interior offers a history of its own.

How to Pick the Right Historic Hotel in Barcelona

When you travel to Barcelona, picking the right hotel for you may be important. If you are going to be in Barcelona for a short while, it would be better to select one that is closer to the areas of the city you plan to see. Having your hotel closer to your sightseeing destinations makes it convenient to get there and back from your hotel.

If you plan to stay longer and see much more of Barcelona, you might consider reservations at two hotels, one on one side of the city for the first part of your trip and another hotel on the latter part and on the other side of the city. This lets you enjoy two different hotels within the tourist areas of Barcelona, making it even more enjoyable.

For more historic hotel suggestions, contact your travel agent or visit Turisme de Barcelona.

Fionn Downhill is President of Four Corners Hotels offering hotels in cities around the world. To find out more about hotels in Barcelona visit http://www.fourcornershotels.com/index.php/ES–Barcelona

If you are planning a visit to Prague there are many excellent, top quality hotels to chose from. Five star ratings abound in this historic city.

The Hotel Le Palais is one of the five store properties in Prague. This beautiful property is a fine example of belle epoch architecture and has been lovingly restored with historical accuracy. Several portions of the structure are classified as historical buildings. This fine example of 19th century design will provide a lovely backdrop for your luxury visit to Prague. There are 60 rooms, all with updated bathrooms for your enjoyment. Another 12 elegant suites are available, and all have the most modern equipment available. The d?cor is tasteful, elegant, and true to it?s roots in the belle epoch style.

The stunning Hotel Ambassador is a fine example of Art Nouveau style and is located on the scenic Wenceslas Square. This wonderful five star hotel features outstanding rooms, each with a private luxury bathroom, jacuzzi tub and shower. Located at the center of the city on it?s most famous square, the Hotel Ambassador is a treat for the discriminating traveller. It is close to everything, beautiful, and boasts one of the finest addresses in the city.

The five star Iron Gate Hotel, located in the middle of Old Towne, is a charming 43 suite property. Most rooms feature antique furniture and several have authentic 14th century frescos on the wall. Located near the world-famous Astronomical Clock, this wonderful hotel is ambience itself. The building dates from the 14th century and has several fine restaurants featuring local delicacies.

If you?d prefer to stay near the castle, you might want to consider the Hotel Savoy. This hotel is grand, luxurious and prides itself on outstanding service. It is also convenient to the airport, monuments and sightseeing attractions. The 61 suites are elegantly appointed, feature complimentary mini-bar and breakfast buffet and access to the ?relax center?, a unique facility with a sauna, jacuzzi, steam bath and fitness center. One of the premier five star properties in Prague, the Hotel Savoy is a favorite choice of the veteran traveler.

The Mala Strana, or Little Quarter, is home to the new Hotel Aria, one of the first boutique hotels in the world. Not only is the property beautiful and well-appointed, the boutique theme adds an interesting twist to your stay. There are four floors of guestrooms, each dedicated to a different musical genre. Accordingly, the floors are called Jazz, Opera, Classical and Contemporary Music, and each of the guestrooms on the floor feature a different musical artist or composer in the genre. This unique concept makes each stay enjoyable and inspirational. You may want to choose one of the deluxe suites: the Crooner Suite (honoring Frank Sinatra), the Elvis Presley Suite, called the Rock ?n Roll Suite, or the Bach Suite. The remaining 48 suites honor other artists and types of music. The Hotel Aria is a truly musical experience.

The Hotel Pariz has been a fixture in the old center of Prague for over 100 years. This hotel has been owned by generations of the family, and the love that they have poured into the property is reflected in the fine amenities, outstanding service and five star rating. There are 86 fully appointed suites and several world class restaurants on site. Conveniently located near shopping areas, the Municipal House and historical sites, the Hotel Pariz is a gem in the heart of Prague.

If you?re visiting Prague, treat yourself to one of the outstanding 5 star hotels that the city offers.

Jay Moncliff is the founder of http://www.ofertashoteles2005.com a website specialized on Hoteles, resources and articles. This site provides updated information on Hoteles. For more info visit his site: Hoteles

ARRIVAL AT THE HOTEL

If you intend to arrive by car and don’t know the area, obtain detailed directions from the hotel. Be sure to ask if there are any areas that should be avoided en route, and if possible, plan to arrive during daylight hours. Parking is your next concern. If you drop off your luggage at the hotel and park your car in a public lot, consider how visible your car is, and how safe you will be walking to your car after dark. Find out in advance if the parking area is monitored by surveillance cameras. If you are a single woman, you may want to request that the hotel provide you with an escort to and from your car. If you use valet parking, make sure only your ignition key is left on the key ring given to the valet. It is unwise to leave anything of value in your car while it is parked; Even an adapter cord left plugged into the cigarette lighter is risky, since it an indicator to a potential thief that you own a cellular phone. Items to be stored in your car trunk should be placed there before you arrive so as to eliminate the security risk of someone watching you do so in the hotel parking lot. If you are arriving by limousine, taxi or hotel shuttle bus with other passengers, ensure that all your bags are loaded before you embark. If there is more than one stop between the airport and the hotel, watch to see that your bags remain on board as others disembark.

CHECK IN

At the front desk, the simple process of checking in can make you vulnerable from a security standpoint. For example, you will identify yourself by name to the desk clerk, and may be overheard by others. Your luggage tags may be visible to people standing near you. You will pull out a wallet or billfold to give the desk clerk your credit card, in clear view of others. Your room number may also be overheard, and a thief who is paying attention will quickly discern whether you are traveling alone or with others. To the greatest extent possible, be discreet when disclosing information about yourself, and be aware of who is standing around you and may overhear you. Women traveling alone should consider registering as Mr. & Mrs. Whatever. Generally, there is no additional charge for an additional person and it hides the fact that you are alone. If asked, say your husband is just around the corner. Where practical, look people in the eye to leave the impression that you could identify them. Request a new room if the desk clerk is overheard giving out your room number and then have them write down the number rather than announcing it. At a foreign hotel, discretion is much more difficult since a passport must be produced and sometimes even left at the desk. Unless you are familiar with the hotel, you have no way of knowing who will be privy to your passport.

If a bellhop is available to carry your bag, take advantage of it, especially if you are traveling alone. He will enter the room ahead of you and enable you to safely verify that there are no intruders hiding in the bathroom or under the bed. If you enter your room alone, prop the room door open with a chair while you check for intruders. If you are traveling with others, have someone stand in the open doorway while you check. Do the same for them if you are staying in separate rooms.

SMOKE AND FIRE

In most hotels there are bedside instructions outlining what to do in case of fire. It is wise to read them and follow them. Your first task should be to count the number of doorways on your floor from the door to the exit staircase, and then walk down the staircase to the ground floor. This will help you familiarize yourself with your escape route so that in a fire situation, when it is likely to be dark and smoky, you will be able to walk or crawl along your route to safety with no confusion, surprise turns, or unexpected locked doors. Put your room key and glasses beside your bed so that in an emergency, you will be able to find them quickly. If you leave your room in an emergency, take your room key with you so you can retreat back into your room if necessary. If you discover that the hotel does not have a smoke detector system, carry your own. It is also a good idea to carry an emergency escape smoke hood, which filters out the harmful gases that are present in a smoke filled environment, and provides those precious few extra minutes you might need to escape.

HOTEL ROOM SECURITY

Access to your room by strangers, and protection of your belongings, are the basic issues of hotel security. This is where the question of electronic door locks and key control comes into play. It is a virtual certainty that people unknown to you the cleaning staff will enter your room when you are not present, and the door will be left open for a period of time each day. Well managed hotels have elaborate security procedures in place to control who is issued a key.

Some hotels can monitor when and with which key a room is entered, and there are usually regulations about staff room cleaning procedures to thwart intruders. Out of the way hotels in foreign countries, hotels in cities like Moscow, and hotels in less developed countries, often do not have secure door locks. In some cases, the hotel staff may actually target you and your belongings. Your level of security awareness and the precautions you take must be adjusted for each city and area you visit, but there are standard minimal precautions that apply almost anywhere. Here are some tips to protect yourself and your belongings when you travel: e Don’t leave valuables in your room when you are absent. Use the hotel safe, and get a receipt for what you leave there. Professional thieves and hotel staffs are usually aware of every possible hiding place for valuables. Some hotels provide a safe in each guest room for storing valuables. Be aware that there could be an insurance liability coverage issue if you use a guest room safe rather than using the main hotel safe (e.g. your credit card loss/theft policy may not apply if you use the room safe). * When you are in your room, lock the door, use the chain lock, and use your door peephole to identify people who knock at your door. Overseas, there may be no chain lock and no peephole, so you should carry a good quality traveler’s door lock, a doorstop alarm that wedges against the base of the door, or a motion detector. * Do not open the door for unexpected visitors. Call the front desk to verify that someone claiming to be making a service call is from the hotel. Overseas, where a language barrier may complicate such a call, you should definitely carry your own interior door lock so that even someone with a key may be barred from entering when you are in the room. e Some hotels and motels that do not have their own dining facilities allow food to be delivered to your room from outside the hotel. It is best to have such deliveries made to the lobby. Delivery to your room allows an outsider to meet you, know your room number and determine whether you are alone. It is especially perilous for women traveling alone to have such details known by an outsider. Also, be careful about the leftovers you leave on a tray outside your door. A single drinking cup with lipstick marks and/or remnants of a single meal can alert passersby to the fact that you are alone in the room and can help them to determine your level of vulnerability.

When you are sleeping, make sure that your deadbolt lock and chain locks are in place and that no window or sliding door will provide access by an intruder. When you are not in your room, you may want passersby to believe that it is occupied. If possible, find out the hours for maid service, so that you may place the DO NOT DISTURB sign on your door and leave the TV or radio on at an audible level. At out of the way foreign destinations, this may be difficult because room cleanings may not be at appointed hours, and maids may have instructions to take down DO NOT DISTURB signs in your absence.0 Most security specialists advise you to keep your room key with you at all times in and out of the hotel so that no one (including hotel staff) can see by checking the front desk that you are not in your room. If you decide to use a hotel fitness room or pool, it’s a good idea to leave your key at the front desk rather than with your belongings. At some foreign destinations, hotels require you to turn your room key in as you go out. In Moscow, a concierge at the end of each floor is responsible for holding and dispensing room keys as guests come and go. With a few simple precautions, you can improve your personal security and protect your belongings even if there may be criminals lurking about your hotel.

A former chief investigator of a major law enforcement agency and director of the International Security Group, Ltd. in New York City and Israel. An executive level experienced security and investigative expert with proven diversified experiences in: anti-terrorism, managed operations, applied automation and technical information systems, administrative, staff development, and supervisory skills. Career spans more then thirty-five years in both the private and government sectors, with increasing levels of professional responsibility to the highest level. Decades of experience in national and international affairs, as well as close working relationships with U.S. and Israeli Security & Special Forces Units.

Badler can be reached at:

E Mail: mb@implexsecurityproducts.com

1. Book in advance – Whichever way you decide to go, if possible, book something before you arrive. Not only will your mind be at ease when you get here, but rolling up to a hotel in the rain, laden with luggage, looking jetlagged and pleading for anything resembling a bed, brings out the inner sadist in even the most empathetic hotel desk clerks and you will pay for your indiscretion.

2. Websites – Try searching for discount accommodation rates for thousands of properties on websites all over the internet. Many of them have great deals.

3. Bed & Breakfast – B&b is a very British way of enjoying home-away-from-home accommodation. Agencies such as Bed & Breakfast GB, London Homestead Services, Host & Guest, Uptown Reservations and Welcome Homes offer small guest-houses or rooms in houses with families Some are centrally-located and others in the ?burbs, but all provide a warm welcome to those who stay. Bed & Breakfast GB also offer the benefit of allowing children under 7 to stay for free in any of their properties. Alternatively, if you want to stay somewhere dirt cheap where someone else does the cooking, just turn up on the doorstep of those friends you haven?t spoken with since they arrived unannounced at your place five years ago.

4. Apartments – If you are staying in London for longer than a week, it?s worth looking into renting an apartment. They are generally not as well located as hotels, however, prices can start from around ?250 for week with the added bonus of a small kitchen where you can cook your own meals.

5. Stay outside city center – Accommodation is less expensive if you are prepared to stay outside the city centre. One of London?s most active pieces of real estate, the Docklands, near Canary Wharf, offer a growing number of hotels at amazingly good value to go with the waterside restaurants, concert-hall and shopping outlets. Here and in other easy to reach locations such as Greenwich, Kew and some central locations as well, you can find hotel chains such as Formula 1, Etap, Ibis – all part of the Accor Hotel group; Travel Inn, Travelodge and Holiday Inn Express. Many of these en-suite rooms sleep up to four from ?27.50 to ?83 a night. You might find that you can?t have breakfast slid under the door (not really recommended unless you are having pancakes anyway), but there is usually something available in the caf? next door, or from the hotel bar. Either way, they make for a rather attractive option for the budget conscious slumberer.

6. Top End ? It may be that splendor, opulence and hedonism are at the top of your accommodation agenda. In which case, London?s duchesses of luxury such as The Ritz, The Connaught, Claridge?s, and The Dorchester will serve your needs handsomely. These hotels epitomize the elegance, grandeur, and snobbery that you would demand from a place where the front desk clerk looks down his nose upon anyone that dares to ask what the cost of the suite might be, wondering how on earth such a vile creature made it past the doorman. Although eye-poppingly expensive to the frugal tourist, even these properties bow to the age of technology on occasion, so check the latest deals available through online vendors before you book – you could save hundreds of pounds without having to face the wrath of that snooty concierge.

7. Backpackers – If you enjoy sleeping with groups of people, London has a swath of backpacker options – some great, some not so flash. The Piccadilly Hotel, near Piccadilly Circus, is a backpackers? dream, with dormitory beds available at ?12 per night, including breakfast and linen. There are also twin and family rooms, too; a lounge with 100-channel TV, an internet suite, and the chance to mingle with a stream of fascinating people who have seen more countries than hot showers ? often quite literally. Others include the St. Christopher?s Inns group with its flagship hostel on the South Bank, The Generator near the British Museum and is definitely a fun place to stay – its bar offering nightly entertainment.

8. Check the room size ? Someone once said (not sure who, but more than likely they were small and male), it?s the quality not quantity that counts. Maybe so, but at some point lack of endowment begins to get laughable, especially when the quality is nothing to write home about. This can be the case with some cheaper London hotels. Whereas a 3 star hotel room in many countries will usually be large enough for two double beds, some of London?s older basic hotel rooms look like they were prototypes for jail cells with little light, a small monitor into the upper corner of the room pretending to be a TV, and barely enough room to click a mouse let alone swing a cat.

9. Bathroom situation – Most rooms will feature an en-suite bathroom or shower with WC (which stands for ?water closet?, an English term created to avoid the embarrassment of having to say ?toilet?). However, check before you book as some smaller B&B?s only have shared bathrooms, which means you have to run down the hallway ? of course you might find that an exciting option.

Gareth Owen is the owner and co-ordinator of the London Vacation Guide. For further information and resources on planning your trip to london go to http://www.londonvacationguide.com

City Break to Budapest

Anyone who has been to Budapest will know exactly what makes it one of Europe’s best-loved destinations; you’re really getting two cities for the price of one. Bisected by the mighty Danube the city has something of a split personality. On the west side of the river is historic Buda; the ancient heart of the capital. On the east side is industrious Pest; defined by handsome boulevards and the familiar sights and sounds of European commerce.

Each side of the Danube has its own temptations: To the west hilly Buda corrals together some of the city’s finest monuments with the Roman ruins at ?buda providing the obvious historical starting point. For a lesson in medieval architecture wander the cat’s cradle of narrow streets that surround the picturesque castle district. Keep an eye open for the Fisherman’s Bastion; a group of seven towers that symbolise each of the seven Magyar tribes that founded the nation.

On the east bank of the Danube is low-lying Pest; the capital’s business and administrative centre and the country’s economic powerhouse. Besides the impressive neo-Gothic Parliament building you’ll find an impressive collection of department stores, boutiques and markets selling everything from antiquarian books to lace tablecloths. However, it’s after dark that Pest really comes into its own; when the myriad of bars and all-night clubs begin to wake up.

Budapest is a pedestrian-friendly city and most of the ?sights’ can be easily reached on foot. However, if you fancy something different then head for Margaret Island and hire a bringo; the Hungarian interpretation of a tandem bicycle.

After an afternoon in the saddle there’s no better way to unwind than in one of the city’s fabled public baths. There are more than thirty thermal springs scattered throughout the city, but they don’t come any grander than the stunning art nouveau spa in the Gell?rt Hotel. Admittedly admission is pricey, but the experience is unforgettable. Anyone traveling on a tight budget should head to the Sz?chenyi Thermal Baths on the Pest side of the river.

Budapest is the richest capital in hot water springs in the world. That’s why it is often described as a city of baths. The underground waters and springs of Budapest have very important role in the life of the city. The mineral and medicinal waters contain various minerals. The water temperature varies between 14 ?C and 96 ?C. These springs are used both to replenish the waters of medicinal baths and open air pools and also for drinking therapies. These springs come from 600-1000m deep along an 80km long geological break line.

These hot waters have been known since the Romans era (2nd – 3rd century), and were often used for threat for rheumatic disease from the 13th century. Under the Turkish occupation (16th – 17th centuries) a lot of baths were built and were used for essential washing. Evilia Chelebi, a Turkish traveler, mentioned these baths among others. The next growth in Budapest’s bath culture is connected to the Hungarian Millennium at the end of 19th century.

The Kiraly (King) Bath is one of the most important Turkish buildings of the town. Arslan Pasha began to build it in 1566 and Pasha Mustapha of Sokol finished it in 1570. The original Turkish baths were covered with one larger and three smaller cupolas. The Fo street wing of the baths was built in classicist style in 1826. The Kiraly Bath has been operating continuously for more than 400 years.

The Rudas Bath. The Turkish repaired the first medieval building in 1566 by Mustapha of Sokol, Pasha of Buda. The octagonal basin of the bath is surrounded by octagonal arcades and topped by hemispherical cupola. In the 19th century a steam bath and a new building was added. This was the first covered swimming pool in Budapest. The oldest Turkish part of the bath is unique in this part of Europe.

The Grand Hotel Gellert and the Gellert Bath, a natural mud pit, once occupied the site of the present bath and was well known for its healing properties even in the Middle Ages. Buildings of the hotel and baths date back to the 1910s but have been modernised several times. The medicinal baths, where a hydro-therapeutical institute operates under medical supervision, adjoins the hotel building. The covered swimming pool and the open-air swimming pool with artificial waves are also popular features of ?the Gellert’.

Nowadays the hot waters play an important role in health and tourism as well.

For more information please visit: http://www.mybudapest.co.uk

I am a Delhi based SEO.

Vancouver is an incredibly vibrant, multicultural city experiencing tremendous growth in anticipation of the 2010 Winter Olympics. Considered one of the world’s most livable and beautifully-situated cities, Vancouver offers a wealth of interesting experiences for the curious visitor. Here we present a few old favorites for travelers to enjoy, as well as one or two places off the beaten path for the curious adventurer.

1) Canada Place

The first stop for anyone coming to Vancouver should be to walk along the spectacular promenade of Canada Place at Waterfront Station. Constructed as the Canadian pavilion for the World Expo 1986 and now housing the city’s Convention Center, a stroll around Canada Place allows the visitor to take in the beautiful harbor of Burrard Inlet, with its vista of snow-capped mountains, Stanley Park, and the modern glass towers of Coal Harbour nearby.

Canada Place also showcases the dynamism of Vancouver’s economic might and place in the global market. The inlet seethes with container ships bound outward to China and parts beyond. In the summertime cruise ships from the world’s major lines dock along the pier en route to Alaska. Floatplanes taking off for the wild natural coves of the Inside Passage and helicopters departing for Vancouver Island augment the energetic scene.

It was here that the Canadian Pacific Railway completed the transcontinental railway in 1889, bestowing on Vancouver the nickname of ‘Terminal City’. Since then Vancouver has changed from being the ‘end of the line’ and is now considered the ‘Gateway to Asia’ and the Far North. It’s a perfect introduction to the city of Vancouver and shouldn’t be missed by the curious traveller.

2) Spanish Banks

For another perspective on the city ride out the beaches at Spanish Banks, on the north shore of Point Grey. In summer with the tide out, the golden sands of the lovely beaches seem to stretch out to infinity. The water remains shallow and warm with the tide in during the hot months, but at any time of year the view remains breathtaking, with the tall modern condominium towers of Vancouver sparkling in the distance like shards of light within the green jade bowl of the mountains beyond.

Treat yourself to a visit at the Jericho Sailing Association and share an enormous platter of nachos served up on the delightful terrace. From your commanding perch you can watch boating hobbyists and windsurfers at play on the water or see stately craft from the nearby Royal Vancouver Yacht Club pull up their sails. Further inland, Ultimate Frisbee players sprawl out on the green fields and tennis courts attract some of the city’s best players.

The area of the park was once a seaplane base and military camp during the Second World War and now contains a youth hostel, with a local community centre and theatre. It’s a perfect spot for a picnic or just to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and well worth the visit.

3) Sushi in the West End

Vancouver is world-famous for its venerable Chinatown and the hundreds of restaurants contained therein. The city has been a home for Asian immigrants since the construction of the railway in the 19th century. Those who braved the voyage to the ‘Gold Mountain’ brought with them culinary traditions that have enlivened the palates of generations of Vancouverites. In addition to Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean neighborhoods Vancouver once had a thriving Japantown along East Hastings, now sadly in decline.

These days, thousands of English language students from Japan and Korea have turned the area along west Robson Street and Denman into a miniature Tokyo or Seoul. One of the best ways to sample some of the city’s delights is to visit a few of the many restaurants offering affordable and delicious all-you-can-eat buffets of sushi and sashimi.

Shabusen restaurant at the corner of Burrard and Robson is a great place to start, with its wide selection and wonderful Korean barbecue specials on the weekends, when you can cook spicy marinated chicken, beef and pork at your own personal brazier. Another great stop is Tanpopo restaurant near the corner of Denman and Davie streets, with its wealth of fresh wild salmon, tasty gyoza dumplings, salty spinach ohitashi salad and a marvelous outdoor patio where you can watch to world go by at nearby English Bay.

Be prepared to leave both restaurants perfectly satisfied as you continue your exploration of the multicultural feast that is Vancouver.

4) Nightlife in Gastown

For a night on the town Vancouver has a lot to offer the adventurous. The Granville Street strip is where revelers head to dance and drink the night away under the flashing neon signs of the heritage Orpheum and Vogue theaters at such bustling nightclubs as Republic, Tonic, and Ginger 68, to name but a few.

Gastown along Water Street is where the first European settlement was created back in the old lumber camp days and the locale saw one of Vancouver’s first saloons opened up by legendary ‘Gassy’ Jack Deighton in the late 1800′s. On the cobbled streets one may find some excellent watering holes that continue the tradition set by Vancouver’s pioneers.

Close to the original site of ‘Gassy’ Jack’s own Deighton Hotel is the charming Irish Heather Bistro, home of the best pints of Guinness in the city. In the rear, built into the snug walls of the old city jail, is a cozy glassed-in patio that hosts live Irish and Scottish music most nights. The ‘Heather’ boasts a progressive menu which combines old pub standards together with modern flair.

For a more raucous scene try the Blarney Stone pub across the street. A genuine Irish dance hall crammed with University Students on the weekends, the Blarney Stone is known throughout town as a wild and rowdy place to make new friends and have a good time. There’s free foosball tables on the upper level and be prepared to hoot and holler along with the fiddles and drums all night long.

These are just a few of Vancouver’s many active hotspots. Recommendations for music venues, concerts and movies can be found in the entertainment section of the free weekly cultural paper ‘The Georgia Straight’, found everywhere downtown. Pick one up and you won’t fail to find something for every taste.

5) Sports in the City

Vancouver boasts several professional sports franchises and a history of excellence. In 1915 the Vancouver Millionaires hoisted up the renowned Stanley Cup on the ice at the old Denman Arena, the first indoor artificial-ice hockey rink in North America.

Since then the city’s teams include the locally-beloved Vancouver Canucks of the National Hockey League and defunct Vancouver Grizzlies of the NBA. The 1994 and 2000 Grey Cup Champion British Columbia Lions of the Canadian Football League play at BC Place Stadium, site of the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Throughout the year there is always a game on somewhere for fans of every sport and every budget.

Some of the best fun can be had with Vancouver’s minor league teams. The Oakland Athletics affiliate Vancouver Canadians of the Single ‘A’ NorthWest Baseball league play in a jewel of a ballpark at Nat Bailey Stadium near Queen Elizabeth Park. It’s a fun afternoon of baseball in a lovely pastoral setting for young and old alike that will often end with music and fireworks, or a visit by the mayor. If Canucks tickets are too expensive or difficult to find a great alternative in the winter are the Vancouver Giants of the Western Hockey League. This young team plays at the historic Pacific Coliseum on the grounds of the P.N.E. fairgound and come off a championship 2006 season.

Vancouver is also seeing a resurgence of interest in soccer, notably with the resurrected Vancouver Whitecaps. The team was champion of the North America Soccer League in 1979 during the height of ‘soccernania’ in Canada and the United States, winning the Soccer Bowl in New York City that year. They currently play at Swangard Stadium close to a Skytrain station in Burnaby and there is talk of a new downtown stadium in anticipation of Vancouver hosting the 2007 U-20 World Cup.

Stanley Park is named after the Governor-General of Canada who donated the Stanley Cup to hockey and the city waits for its next championship and the eyes of the world in 2010 for the Olympics. With so much to do and see, a visit to Vancouver is more interesting than ever. It’s a chance to share the excitement and enjoy the hospitality of this ‘City of Tomorrow’.

The Victorian Hotel offers great downtown accommodation and detailed maps and guides for Vancouver dining, shopping, arts, sightseeing and going out guide. For more information please visit http://www.victorianhotel.ca

According to a recent survey by Expedia, the average American has 14 days of vacation per year. Comparing this to Englands 24 and Frances 39 days, it is no wonder so many people suffer from rode rage and take prozac. They have no time to sit back and chill out.

43% of Americans will not take a vacation this summer according to a Gallup poll. This is the lowest percent in 28 years and disgraceful.

Many reasons have been given as to why Americans do not take more vacation time. Among them, people are too afraid to leave their jobs. Expedia’s poll said the typical employee will give back 4 vacation days unused to their employer this year. That is up from 3 days last year.

In a travel article in The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, it touched on another reason why Americans don’t take more time off of work. They don’t want to! It seems hard to believe, but it makes sense. Many people don’t know how to have fun and vacation properly. Just like at work, they cram in too many things to do in too short a time period of time on trips. It is rush, rush, rush from one historic site to another. Some people even make spreadsheets allocating how much time they will spend on each activity, trying to maximize every last minute. They check off each completed activity as if it was another accomplishment on a resume. That’s not a vacation! It is worse then work. It is exhausting. No wonder why they dread vacations. Working to 8pm each night is more relaxing to them. It’s no wonder so many people have unused vacation days. They need to be taught how to relax. And nudist resorts are the perfect way.

The beauty of nudist resorts is everyone kicks backs and relaxes to the max. The nicest boutique nude resorts around like The Terra Cotta Inn Clothing Optional Resort and Spa in sunny Palm Spring, California sunnyfun.com hotel blog about nudism and the resort terracottainn.blogspot.com cater to couples so you don’t have noisy children running all around disturbing you. The hardest decisions you will have to make are when to schedule your massages and what times to eat your meals. Without kids, couples immediately go from mom and dad mode into a romantic husband and wife relationship again. You are reminded as to why you initially fell in love and still feel that way.

And some nudist resorts make it very easy for you to get away. Since almost 25% of people check their work related e-mails while on vacation the best nude hotels have free wifi and all the other business services you would expect at a top notch business hotel. Once people realize they can still check in at the office if necessary, they relax even more on their vacations. And the most amazing thing is most people have so much fun, they forget about work and leave the laptops in their briefcases.

I see and hear about many first time guests at nudist resorts who arrive really stressed out. They decided it is either a vacation clothes free or time for a breakdown. It is an interesting phenomena, once you take your clothes off, the stress immediately melts away. That is why so many celebrities are nudists and stay at topless, nude beaches or resorts as they have some of the most demanding careers around. Until you have stayed at a nudist resort, you just can’t imagine how much fun and freedom you are missing out on.

According to The U.S. Department of Labor, Labor Day was created in 1882 to recognize the social and economic achievements of American workers. We truly are the most productive country in the world, but socially we lag far behind especially in enjoying vacations. This year, if you want your best, most fun, romantic vacation ever, give a nudist resort a call. You will be glad that you did.

Tom and his wife Mary Clare Mulhall own the popular Terra Cotta Inn Clothing Optional Resort and Spa in Palm Springs, CA. sunnyfun.com CBSmarketwatch.com called them the most mainstream nudist resort in America and said they are the best nude resort for couples trying nude sunbathing for the first time. As a past president of the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce, Tom is an expert on tourism. It is no wonder that his hotel has one of the highest occupancy and repeat guest rates in the travel industry. If you want your best vacation ever, give them a call at 1-800-786-6938.

Ready for a vacation in the Orlando Florida area? Trying to decide how to find the right hotel for your vacation? Keep the following in mind when choosing the hotel for your family.

Determine what your budget is

The first thing you should realize is that you will find Orlando hotels in every price range. If you have an unlimited budget you can easily find hotels charging $1000 per night or more. Most people however, are not in that financial position. For this reason, you need to determine how much you are willing to pay per night for the amenities you will get.

Almost all Orlando hotels will provide you with basics like cable tv, air conditioning, 24 hour help desk. If you want fancier amenities like a pool, jacuzzi, frige and stove, microwave, or high-speed internet access, be prepared to spend more money for your room per night.

You pay more for hotels closer to major attractions

If you are planning a visit to Universal Studios, Disney World, Epcot Center, etc, you will pay more the closer you are to these major attractions. You need to make a decision as to how much you are willing to pay for being closer to your chosen attractions. If saving money is more important, you will probably want to choose a hotel that has a bit of a driving distance to your attractions. Some of the fancy hotels closer to the major attractions will offer you free shuttle service to and from your favorite attractions. A cheap hotel will force you to have to pay parking fees either at the major attraction or a local parking garage. This can be a hidden cost of going with a cheaper hotel.

Check at least one major hotel review site for user opinion

Almost everyone knows someone who had a horror experience on a vacation due to bad service at a hotel. Some hotels are terrible at service, have hard beds, or even have an insect infestation. While reading user reviews won’t absolutely guarantee that you have a wonderful experience, negative reviews can give you clues as to potential problems. On my website I have compiled a list of some orlando hotels that have received good reviews and look to provide you with good value. Another website where I have pulled user reviews on hotels has been travelpost.com

Whichever hotel you choose, do your homework and you are much less likely to be disappointed with your choice. Your choice of a hotel can certainly have a big impact on the enjoyment you get out of your vacation. Choose the right hotel and your vacation is well on its way to being the best vacation you’ve ever had in your life.

Lucila Duchesne is the CEO of Hotels-online-in-orlando.com a site dedicated to information about Orlando area hotels. Reprint freely as long as you maintain live links found in the article and resource box.

Planning a vacation? Well Romania is ?the? place to be?it is the most diverse country in terms of climate, terrain, flora and fauna; snow capped mountains and a sultry coastline- you can ski on snow or on water!

It is located in southeastern Europe. Romania is surrounded by Ukraine to the north, Hungary to its north west, Moldova to the north east and Bulgaria in the south. The famous river Danube flows through Romania from the northwest to the east into the equally famous black sea after forming a picturesque delta- the famous Danube delta!

Romanians are known to be very friendly and hospitable people. The national language is Romanian and others include Hungarian and German. Most Romanians can also communicate fluently in English.

How to get to Romania?
If you are in Europe you can get to Romania by train, road or a sea cruise! If you are in another part of the world then the most convenient airline is the AUSTRIAN. For the flight details, you can either visit an international travel agent in your area or book your tickets online the latter is preferable if you want to move about and discover the place on your own and of course if you have done it on previous vacations to other places. You can opt for a tour package if you are not too sure of going on your own.

Places to stay once you are there:

Why not try the 4 Star Hotel Europa in Eforie Nord. Situated in a dramatic setting overlooking the bay in the scenic Efories Nord.

Or perhaps spend your holiday at the 3 Star Vox Maris Club Resort Hotel an ideal short haul summer destination. In Costinesti the Vox Maris is a self-contained club resort and is a perfect location to enjoy the Black Sea.

Or finally why not stay at the excellent value Raluca Hotel in the beautiful Black sea beach resort of Venus.

Places to Visit

Looking for leisure?
The beaches along the black sea coast of Romania are your best bet. Romania has a 225 miles stretch of the most beautiful pristine white sandy beaches dotted with hotels and natural spas. The lakes and rivers of the Danube delta are another place for leisure and for the romantic at heart!

For the history enthusiast
There are a number of ancient castles and fortresses and still intact medieval towns for the history buff to visit. The most famous castles are Peles castle, Bran castle, Corvinesti castle and the Royal Palace Bucharest. Among the best preserved medieval towns are Brasov, Sibiu and Sighisoara. One of Sighisoara?s most famous attractions is the Clock Tower also known as Council Tower built in the 14th Century; another famous attraction is Vlad the Impaler or Dracula House. The painted monasteries are another very interesting must see place in Romania!

Looking for Natural Therapeutic Remedies?
Spas are said to have been started by the Romans and Romania is home to a third of Europe?s mineral and thermal springs. Romania’s main spas are located at Mangalia, Neptun, Eforie Nord, Covasna, Slanic Moldova, Vatra Dornei, Borsec, Sovata, Tusnad, Calimanesti, Govora, Herculane, Buzias and Baile Felix.

Activities:
Given Romania?s diverse terrain, climate, flora, and fauna you can choose from a number of activities such as Bird watching, camping, cycling tours, fishing, golf, hiking, horseback riding, rafting, skiing.

Darren Panto sales & marketing Peltours – the UK?s leading tour operator to Romania and the Red Sea. For more information on Romanian holidays and the major resorts of the area visit http://www.peltours.com/introducingromania/index.html Alternatively, for a full and comprehensive Romanian holiday search visit http://www.peltours.com.

Those who visit the Hotel Playa Mazatlan have the option of attending one of the longest running dinner shows in Mexico. The Fiesta Mexicana has been delighting guests of the Hotel Playa Mazatlan for nearly forty years. This night of food, drink and entertainment is a night of enjoyment that all who attend are sure to remember. Currently the Fiesta Mexicana takes place three nights a week at the Hotel Playa Mazatlan. Each Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday night the staff of the hotel delight the guests with this night of authentic food and entertainment.

The food is only part of the experience at Fiesta Mexicana but it is definitely a part that you shouldn’t miss. Fiesta Mexicana would not be complete without the scrumptious buffet that offers a variety of authentic Mexican cuisine. Some of the savory dishes offered in this seemingly endless buffet include carne asada, pineapple tamales, cheese enchiladas and smoked marlin tostadas. The variety of mouth watering dishes available in the Fiesta Mexicana buffet makes it difficult to decide what to eat. Luckily this buffet is available three nights of week so if you are staying for a few days you will likely have at least two opportunities to indulge in this feast.

Besides the mouth watering buffet, the other great aspect of the Fiesta Mexicana is the entertainment. The entire family will delight in the entertainment that features folk music and dance from all over Mexico. Everyone enjoys the live music and dancing but that is not all that the Fiesta Mexicana has to offer in terms of entertainment. In addition you can also witness the classic Mexican hat dance and enjoy featured comedians and magicians. The fire and machete dance is another crowd favorite as many are drawn to the intrigue that comes with the element of danger.

Visitors to the Hotel Playa Mazatlan should be sure to partake in the famed Fiesta Mexicana. This night of food and entertainment has a forty year tradition that has delighted countless visitors.

Shawn Bishop is the marketing manager for Hotel Playa Mazatl?n. Explore an oasis of lush gardens, cascading waterfalls and pools. Celebrate Mexico at our Fiesta Mexicana.