Chicago is famed for a number of things, but many people don?t associate the city with its amazing park district. This is a shame because with more than 7300 acres of parkland, encompassing 552 parks, 16 lagoons, 33 beaches and housing one of the world?s largest fountains, it is truly a great place to visit.

One of the most impressive and popular landmarks is definitely the Buckingham Fountain. The fountain is a great draw for tourists when it is turned on in April to signal the onset of summer. Constructed of Georgia pink marble, the attraction was first opened in May 1927 and still puts on spectacular 20 minute displays every day from mid April through to early fall, on the hour every hour between 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. The displays consist of all the fountain’s 134 jets shooting approximately 14,100 gallons of water per minute, with the center jet shooting 150 feet into the air accompanied by a tremendous light and music presentation.

The fountain was originally designed by Edward H. Bennett, influenced by the Latona Basin in Louis XIV’s gardens at Versailles, to represent Lake Michigan with four sea horses, created by Marcel Loyau, to symbolize the four states that touch the lake.

The fountain was dedicated to the people of Chicago in 1927 in memory of Clarence Buckingham, the late brother of Kate Buckingham who commissioned the creation of the structure. Kate Buckingham had a vision to construct a fountain which created the effect of soft moonlight, and she worked tirelessly with the fountain’s many technicians to test out a variety of colors for the glass filters and different water currents in order to produce a mystical, ethereal feel to the whole piece.

The pond life around the area is often teeming with frogs, herons, and dragonflies, and the shrubs are frequently filled with resting migratory birds; the lush prairie region is also embedded with native grasses and wildflowers, making the Park District of Chicago a beautiful and serene place to go to while staying in the city. It is within easy distance of the Sears tower, one of the tallest buildings in the world, with its new Skydeck, the up market Merchandise Mart Mall, which will make even the most enthusiastic of power shoppers happy, and luxury hotels like the fabulous Conrad Hotel – so you can get a taste of nature but enjoy all the luxury and amenities that a big city can provide.

Andrew Regan is an online journalist who enjoys socialising at his local Edinburgh rugby club.

Los Angeles is full of exciting and wonderful things to see. You can explore the tall skyscrapers of downtown or head out to Hollywood and try to get a glimpse of the stars.

Lovers of the art scene can join up with the regular downtown art walk. It occurs every second Thursday and is a self-guided tour through many of the popular art exhibitions in the downtown area of Los Angeles. Downtown L.A. also holds the Museum of Contemporary Art and visitors can get in every Thursday free between the hours of 5 to 8 pm.

Olvera Street is one of the oldest parts of Los Angeles and is filled with restored and interesting architecture. It?s also filled with lots of artists and craftsmen and tourists can stroll through daily from 10 am to 7 pm and see the sights and purchase souvenirs though there is no requirement.

Science lover?s can take a look-see of the California Science Center in downtown Los Angeles where every day visitors can view the permanent exhibits for free. The Griffith Observatory planetarium is also free to visitors.

While you?re in Los Angeles you should certainly visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame and have pictures taken of yourself with the stars honoring some of Hollywood?s most famous. The La Brea tar pits are also along this famous walk and you should pass up the chance to take a look at some of prehistoric history of Los Angeles. The Hollywood Forever Memorial Park is on Santa Monica Boulevard and is the permanent resting place of several film and acting greats. Take some flowers and honor the gravesite of one of your favorite stars. The graveyard is filled with both outdoor graves and two huge indoor mausoleums, visitors can usually buy maps to the stars graves to assist them in their visit.

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 and holiday spot destinations.

When it comes to hotels within China, you just have to be a little careful.

?Hotel Travel Guide China – International Brand hotels, 4 and 5 Star

Mostly these types of 4 and 5 star hotels will be ok, generally they will be run by a western boss and have western heads of all the departments.

Training, etc, of the staff, consistency of the level service from an international brand hotel is important, so most will have enough English speakers around to make your stay welcome and hassle free.

The breakfast will be catered for both Chinese and Western appetites, with the hotel occupancy rate around 50 ? 50 Chinese to Westerner.

?Hotel Travel Guide China ? Chinese hotels, 4 and 5 stars within the Major Cities

Within the major cities, most will be as the International brands and the level of service just as good.

Within the restaurants and shops, the English should be at a level that you would get most things without too much bother.

If the clientele is Westerner and Chinese, the breakfast will be all the usual food that you will recognize.

?Hotel Travel Guide China ? Chinese hotels, 4 and 5 star, Rural location

I lot of Chinese travel, for these hotels this is their major business, not westerners, the westerners are classed as an extra, which has come along over the last few years.

Some have not learnt to deal with this extra business yet.

These more out of the way Chinese 4 and 5 Star hotels are a little different; comparatively the fixtures and fitting will be the same standard as any 4 or 5 Star hotel, however sometimes the same care and attention in the maintenance and service to the customer will be different to what you will be used too.

Not necessarily worst or bad, just different.

Western and Chinese expectations in all areas of the China travel business are different, this is the why I set up Travel-the-Real-China .com.

The level of English generally will not be as good, so just take your time, they will find someone, or you will work, just keep your cool.

I have stayed at some great Chinese 4 and 5 star hotels, and been very happy, so do not be put off.

All I have visited have been clean tidy and for an overall statement: a pleasant stay was had by all.

The breakfast will be a Chinese breakfast and if it is a regular stop for Western travelers, some western food will be served.

If it is an out of the way place, you may not get the type of breakfast you expect, the Chinese eat different things for breakfast, so to get a simple cup of tea or coffee and some toast just will not happen.

There will be hot water, if you have to have your tea or coffee, bring your own.

The breakfast will have lots of food, just not, what you will be expecting.

?Hotel Travel Guide China ? Chinese hotels, 3 star

These 3 star Chinese hotels usually gets very high traffic and occupancy? mostly Chinese, and now the westerners, especially with the major cities

For these hotels, maintenance is not high on there lists, so you may find a few things that will not work or have fallen of the wall.

If it is dangerous, most of the time, something will be done, otherwise no one will care.

Within the major cities most will be clean and tidy and offer some sort of western food for breakfast. Out in the remoter areas? not really.

The breakfast will have lots of food, just not, what you will be expecting.

Take some tea and coffee if you really need this there will always be hot water.

The level of English within the major cities will be, just enough for you to check in, and out in the remoter areas, checking in can take come time.

There is a high number of these hotels and it can be a great way to see the country, in Tibet the 3 star hotels are a little pricy, however within China most are good value and will be clean with showers in all the rooms.

You just need to be a where; its good value, clean and some small things maybe a little frustrating with it, however that?s China.

Go with the flow, its part of the adventure of China.

?Hotel Travel Guide China ? Shanghai hotels – Special rates and location

I know of a few small and very good value inner city hotels within Shanghai.

These are Chinese hotels and will not be on anyone?s list to book, as they are new and classed as Chinese business hotels.

Please contact to author if you would like to know more details.

I hope this Hotel Travel Guide China gives you a good overview if you would like more info please let me know.

John Mckenna
www.Travel-the-Real-China.com
john@travel-the-real-china.com

Hi I’m John Mckenna, I am from New Zealand and have lived in Shanghai China now for 3 years.

I own and operate http://www.Travel-the-Real-China.com my site provides experienced based Travel and Tour information on the wonders of Travel in China, the Real China, Ancient China, China at its very best.

Your well-deserved vacation is near and you are thinking about making reservations. You have two basic choices:

Do you book different components of your holiday such as airline, hotel, and car rental separately or do you book the components as a package, all in one booking?

Depending on whether you have the time and the patience, you could book separately, which sometimes can lead to some savings. However, if you prefer to have everything ready and included in one price, then the package alternative is for you.

Holiday packages can be cheaper than other alternatives because the company selling the products has already negotiated substantial discounts, some of which are passed down to you, the consumer. The principle of packaged holidays is that places and seats are reserved in huge numbers, thus making an individual package relatively cheap.

In a sense it is good to know that all the reservations have taken place. An added bonus can be traveling with other like-minded people possibly leading to friendship. Also in case any difficulties arise, there is often a company representative who will be able to help you.

It is worth bearing in mind, the apparent ease and convenience that packages bring can have downsides too. This is how lower prices are achieved:

1. Your plane may depart late at night. Be prepared for this and it won’t be too much of a disappointment. Alternatively if you have the choice to have a late night departure you should notice a lower price. If not, ask for the discount. You’ll be amazed how often you get discounts by simply asking.

2. The allocated seats on the aircraft are sometimes in the middle (away from windows). This may be important if you are traveling with children. Make sure you carry plenty of suitable entertainment. Note that the in-flight movie may not be interesting for the children.

3. If there are several members in your party, you may not all be able to sit together. Again this is even more important if you have children with you.

4. Your hotel room may not offer the best view possible, nor may it be the quietest. Can you handle this? Ask before you book, find out the situation and take alternative action if necessary.

5. Packages are geared to suit groups, as opposed to individuals. They are not always flexible. Flexibility costs extra, quite a bit extra.

6. Cancellations usually involve a penalty or at least an administration charge, which can be more than you expect. Always ask before booking.

7. Extras such as upgrades and add-ons can attract a substantial premium.

8. You are stuck with other travelers in the group, whether you like them or not. There is always at least one annoying person in the group but then there are usually a few very interesting and likeable people too.

8. Popular packages are usually fully booked early. You may have to settle for an alternative.

9. Your airline may take an indirect route and a stopover may be on the cards. The right holiday packages can be fun and the majority of people using them are pleasantly surprised. Don’t let the downsides to package holidays put you off.

Remember, there is no such thing as a ‘perfect set-up’. Provided you go into it with reasonable understanding and an open mind, you’re sure to have a great time.

Sami T Fab operates a dedicated travel and vacation information website packed full of free travel tips and informative content.

For more tips on travel deals and other travel subjects of interest to you, please do visit http://www.Travel-Hotel-Beach-Vacations.com

The Parador Santo Domingo De La Calzada occupies a former 12th century hospital built to serve the pilgrims on the Road To Santiago. The first known pilgrim, the French Bishop of Le Puy, stopped in this city on his traverse of what was later to become know as the Way of St. James.

Both the city of Santo Domingo, and the Parador Santo Domingo De La Calzada have been inextricably bound up in the history of this famous pilgrimage route – the Road to Santiago. The founder of this city, a priest named Domingo, was instrumental in establishing the route to Santiago. He was given money with which to purchase lands through which the route ran, and he built bridges over impassable rivers along the way. He also built, in the 11 century, a hospice for pilgrims – on which site the later hospital (now the Parador) was eventually built.

The Parador Santo Domingo is in the heart of the compact old quarter, in an area steeped in history. Directly adjacent to the Parador Santo Domingo is the cathedral with its wonderful bell tower. The Albergue del Peregrinos and it Jacobean museum is also right next to the hotel.

The gastronomy of the region is renowned, and many travel here from afar expressly for that reason. As well as being in the heart one of the world’s most famous wine regions – La Rioja – this fertile land along the Ebro river has hundreds of small farms and large vegetable gardens that yield, perhaps, the highest quality produce in Spain. These provide the raw ingredients for unforgettable dining experiences. A meal in the Parador restaurant should not be missed!

Neither should the traveler miss the opportunity to visit a few of the Rioja wineries and vineyards. Sample some of Spain’s most famous wines – see how it is made – visit the big (and small) Bodegas and maybe a wine museum or two – learn the history and workings of the craft – all this will make your visit a memorable one indeed.

Interesting nearby excursions from Parador Santo Domingo De La Calzada:

- The old quarter of the city is right outside your bedroom window, and makes for very interesting rambling.

Interesting day trips from the Santo Domingo De La Calzada Parador include:

This city is perfectly situated to serve as a base for day trips into the Rioja wine district and points further afield.

- Logro?o and Haro – these are the two wine centers of the Rioja area where many of the well-known Bodegas have their outlets (especially in the Barrio de la Estacion near the train station in Haro).

- La Guardia is a fascinating hilltop village whose inhabitants have tunneled out miles of underground passages through the centuries – in which they age their beloved Rioja wine.

- Burgos and its awe-inspiring Gothic Cathedral is well worth a visit – about 45 min drive.

- Bilbao and its Guggenheim museum are only about an hour and 45 minutes drive north (fast freeway from Haro).

Staying at the Parador Santo Domingo De La Calzada is to stay in a place literally dripping with history (and the famous wines of La Rioja!). It is an experience not to be missed by any aficionado of Spain.

For more information on the Santo Domingo Parador – go to http://www.SpainParador.com where we make it easy to plan and arrange your next trip to Spain. This time stay in palaces, castles, and other places of great historical interest and rare beauty – the wonderful Paradors of Spain.

If you are a little wary of choosing the hotel because of the price, ask to receive brochures and photos through the mail; or better yet, go on the Internet if they have a website and check out details. If you like the hotel and you?re online, you can go ahead and book a room immediately. You?ll also find out details like whether there is cable television, a pool, health club, daycare, etc. Other details like the distance from shopping areas and places of interest will also be available to you on the Internet.

If you are a little wary of choosing the hotel because of the price, ask to receive brochures and photos through the mail; or better yet, go on the Internet if they have a website and check out details. If you like the hotel and you?re online, you can go ahead and book a room immediately. You?ll also find out details like whether there is cable television, a pool, health club, daycare, etc. Other details like the distance from shopping areas and places of interest will also be available to you on the Internet.

Some of the popular affordable hotels in Boston are The Howard Johnson Inn of Boston located next to Fenway Park; Chandler Inn Hotel located in downtown Boston; Hampton Inn of Boston, located one mile from Logan Airport; The Ramada Inn, downtown Boston and a very popular family hotel; A Bed and Breakfast in Cambridge, a 1897 colonial revival house and the Beacon Inn of Boston.

In Boston, your choices are definitely not narrowed down because you are looking for an affordable, comfortable and conveniently located accommodation. Go online or call the Boston Chamber of Commerce for more information.

Boston Hotels provides detailed information about Boston hotels, Boston luxury hotels, cheap Boston hotels, downtown Boston hotels and more. Boston Hotels is the sister site of Florida Timeshare Rentals.