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.

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.

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.

Let?s face it – when it comes to style, cuisine and wine – the French do pretty well! With world-class fashion and theatre, unrivalled music and clubbing, and an eclectic array of restaurant and bar choices, this is a city built on historical grandeur and everything chic.

Nowhere do all the romantic clich?s play more strongly than Paris ? the city of lights and of a thousand whispers. Like an impossibly beautiful woman who is placed on a pedestal, the sheer beauty of Paris can be overwhelming at first glance. But don?t let the glittering fa?ade fool you?look beyond the heartbreaking beauty and you?ll find a charming and disarmingly normal city, and people who are not only friendly – but also curious about you (where you come from, your views on politics and so on)! It does take a bit of attitude adjustment though ? just give the city a chance; not every Parisian is a snob! Just know, it certainly helps to arm yourself with at least a ?bonjour? in their language.

Here, it?s far better to experience the city, than to just look at it. Of course, the Louvre, Pompidou, Musee D’Orsay, the Opera, Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower are unparalleled. But, Paris is far beyond the shadows of impressive monuments and grand boulevards. So, skip the endless museum hopping for a day, find your spot in one of the numerous caf?s, and watch the world go by. Paris is a city full of romance and passion, so let it sweep you off your feet. Do like the Parisians do: enjoy your morning croissant or Nutella crepe as you stroll along the Seine. Or grab a mobile lunch of a baguette, brie, and sliced tomatoes. You too will feel like a Parisian (just like cute little Audrey Tautou when she portrayed eccentric Amelie) as you slowly stroll through the streets, taking in every smell, sight, and sound

When the sun starts to set, climb up to the top of Paris for the best views and Bohemian vibe in the city. No kids, not the top of the Eiffel Tower. We prefer the steps of Sacre Coeur where you can relax with the locals and a good bottle of wine as you watch the city transform.

Paris is chic, royal, ever-changing and always fascinating, so go ahead and discover where the locals hang out, eat, drink and reminisce about the day?s events in a tradition that?s impossibly French. If you want to run this town like Napolean did, checkout some of our journeyPod Picks and have some fun on us!

Top Paris Picks

Chez Papa – If you want to eat very good (and not expensive) Southwestern French cuisine come to Chez Papa early – because it’s always full. With several locations throughout the city, Chez Papa serves dishes in a charmingly old-fashioned way in pots, pans and clay bowls. The service is excellent too ? and, if you?re lucky ? you may even get a chance to meet the big daddy himself, Chez Papa! The place is vegetarian-friendly, so you may order any of your choices without the meat. And, you can?t go wrong with their omelets, salads and onion pie! If you find yourself at Chez Papa on the busy rue La Fayette, sit near a window for some people-watching.

Buddha Bar ? Roll up your sleeves and prepare to get into some trouble. Everyone from flight attendants to die-hard travelers to local Parisians agrees that Buddha Bar is the hottest spot in Paris! As you embark inside, you?ll find yourself greeted with an enormous Buddha who towers graciously over the crowd. Don?t piss him off as you climb the massive staircase to the restaurant and indulge in Japanese-American cuisine. If you?re in the mood for some chow, the most talked about dish here is the grilled duck. Just like their sister Buddha Bars in London and Dubai, this place also lets you dance off those calories after dinner.

Hungry for more? Well, you can hop a transcontinental to DeGaulle right now, but we’d advise you first to check out the rest of our top Parisian night spots at journeypod.com, and be prepared for some serious ooh-la-la.

journeyPod.com is the only place you need to visit for information on the trendiest bars and restaurants, the most luxurious hotels, and the most exclusive parties and shops for discriminating travelers. Visit journeyPod.com for the lowdown on where to go in Atlanta, New York, Miami, LA and other major cities around the world, and listing to our monthly travel podcast for the best in upscale travel and entertainment. If you like the finer things in life, journey to journeyPod.com!

The beautiful, rustic, old, colonial city of Morelia is situated about halfway in between Guadalajara and Mexico City and has a thriving population of around 1,000,000 people. It has everything from historical buildings and monuments to modern-day conveniences, shopping centers, restaurants, movie houses, universities and colleges, etc. What makes Morelia special, though, is its people. Their backgrounds vary from native Indian to French to Spanish and other nationalities. Their greatest asset, however, is their warmth and friendliness.

What Brought Me To Morelia

Most of my life I have studied foreign languages and other cultures. I spoke Spanish as a child and then went on to other languages. In 1996, I was attending Central Washington University in Ellensburg, Washington for a degree to validate my business experience. Then, one day, a visiting international programs speaker came to one of my history classes and shared her experiences about living in the country of Sri Lanka (an island country just south of India). As I was in a transition period of my life and needing a change, I checked on nearby countries where I could go on an exchange program to re-establish my Spanish language skills. My school had such a program with Centro Mexicano Internacional (CMI) in Mexico that really appealed to my sense of adventure and interest in other cultures. So, I signed up for Spring Quarter 1997 and headed off to Morelia, Michoac?n, Mexico.

Morelia would be my home from March 1997 until I moved to Guadalajara to enroll in a more advanced Spanish language program in August 1997. Even now, though, if given the choice of living in Morelia versus Guadalajara, Morelia would always win out. The city is vibrant with a deep sense of culture and history dating all the way back to the 1500?s. Every day, on my way to school and back, I walked by old colonial style structures, buildings, statues, monuments, fountains, and parks, each with a story about the past. For instance, an aqueduct (called El Acueducto in Spanish), built in the 1700?s to carry Morelia?s water supply goes right through the center of town (El Centro). I passed this marvelous structure every time I walked the avenue (Calzada Fray Antonio de San Miguel) leading up to my school. Next to the Calzada is a wide cobblestone pathway with benches to sit and relax, read, or visit with friends. On one side of Calzada Fray Antonio de San Miguel are churches and schools. The other side has shops, art galleries, and a restaurant or two. All of the buildings appear to be at least as old as the Acueducto or older and are fairly well maintained.

Paying the bills

When I first arrived in Morelia, I was depending on financial aid from my school in the US. Within a week or so of arriving at my new school I was asked to substitute for an ill teacher to teach Mexican students enrolled in CMI?s ESL (English As A Second Language) program. I found out that I loved teaching the Mexican students. And, as the school was very impressed with my teaching skills, they offered me a part-time job teaching all levels of English and Linguistics classes. Also, I began to work in the school?s computer laboratory as a supervisor in the evening after classes were done for the day. Together, both of my positions paid about $3 per hour. With the surplus from my financial aid and from what I earned, I lived on approximately $500 a month or less. Out of this amount I paid for rent, food, travel, entertainment, and obligations I had back in the US. After paying my US expenses, I usually had about $300 or less for my day-to-day living.

My monthly expenses generally amounted to approximately: $50 rent, $150 food, $25 clothing, $25 transportation, $50 other personal expenses (laundry, haircuts, entertainment, etc). Now, some people may think one can?t do too much on $300 or $400 a month. It can be done if one does not have to worry about the ownership and upkeep of an automobile. Granted, things were tight at times, but I always managed to go see movies at least a couple of times a month. And, I went to a lot of free or other low cost events such as concerts put on by some of the local schools or musicians. Movies, haircuts, and restaurant meals only cost about $2.

Finding a place to live

Before I even left the US, I checked Morelia?s hotels on the Internet and asked for recommendations from officials at my new school. The first place I found that I liked and stayed at was the Mintzicuri Hotel at Vasco de Quiroga No. 227. The rooms were very clean and comfortable at a rate of about $8 a night. Within a week of arriving in Morelia my school?s housing director, Charly (a dear, sweet lady), took me to look at local apartments. I found one at the Posada de Villa located at Padre Lloreda No. 176 for about $150 a month. Then, after a few weeks I decided to see what was available in the local paper. I found a rooming house that offered a room for about $50 a month at Vincente Santa Maria No. 1925. When I went to check it out, I found a large, comfortable room with a bath shared by 3 other roomers. We also had access to cooking facilities as well as a mini refrigerator in each room.

Day-to-day life in Morelia

I lived a basic, simple life. I would stop at a local bakery and buy rolls, bolillos (small loaves of bread), and/or galletas (large cookies) for breakfast on my way to school. Then, I ate sandwiches and fruit at my school?s snack bar for lunch. For supper, I would either eat at a local caf? or buy groceries and fix something in my room. My favorite item at the caf?s was milanesa, a thinly sliced beefsteak, chopped up and mixed with fresh avocado and eaten with tortillas. Or, I would have milanesa sandwiches and other local dishes. Usually, if I cooked at home, I would eat spaghetti type meals or fruit and vegetables.

Routinely, Monday through Friday, I took Spanish classes and taught English between the hours of 8:00 AM through 2:00 PM. 2:00 to 4:00 PM was siesta (break) time. Afterwards, I taught and worked in my school?s computer lab from 4:00 to around 9:00 PM. After 9 was suppertime. Saturdays, I taught classes half-day. I devoted the rest of the weekend to either resting or other personal activities.

When I wasn?t busy working or studying, I oftentimes walked around town or took a combi (Morelia?s VW Van Mini-Bus system) or taxi to various cultural sites such as the city library, the government buildings, other buildings of historical interest (ex: Mexican Patriot Jos? Morelos? birthplace and house), or mercados (open markets either outside or housed in large buildings) and did a little exploring.

I almost always felt safe in Morelia, not because of the visible presence of gun toting policemen, but because of the very low crime rate. El Centro (downtown) was generally always crowded and busy. Many of the side streets off of Avenida Francisco Madero (Morelia?s main downtown street) had shopping bazaars and mercados with every imaginable item from food to clothes to leather goods to electronic items and much more. The one area I did not care much for was right around the bus depot (long distance buses). There are x-rated theatres and other nefarious activities close to that location.

One thing I came to really appreciate in a hurry, was that I did not have to wash my own clothes. There are no self-service laundries that I am aware of in Morelia. I usually took my clothes to the laundry service in the block just down the street from my room. The two young ladies that ran it were efficient, prompt, and always welcomed me with smiles.

The people of Morelia

Generally, the people of Morelia were very friendly, warm, and caring. Two of my friends at a local Internet cyber caf? were especially helpful to me. When I first went to Morelia, my spoken Spanish consisted of only being able to speak in the present tense. I had never really learned how to properly conjugate verbs. Even though I could read and understand Spanish very well, I was very limited in my ability to converse. At first, I carried 2 very helpful books ? Practical Conjugation of Verbs and a Spanish dictionary, both published by Larousse. For 2 months I carried these books everywhere I went and referred to them almost constantly. One day, my friends Genaro and Marcos took me aside and told me to put the books away, try to think and talk as best I could in Spanish and let them help me to correct errors in my grammar. That was the very best thing I could have done. It worked! It was not long at all before I was able to converse fairly freely. The key is immersion in a language ? thinking, speaking, and living it.

Other people and families also befriended and ?adopted? me. Two of my students took to me like an older brother and included me in their family activities and meals and recreation and also acted as my personal guides around Morelia. One of their favorite activities was gathering around a big-screen TV and watching f?tbol (soccer). Sometimes, we would go to a local park or concert. Another of my students took me to events like the local fair and flea market.

Places of interest for tourists

Places I would recommend for visitors to Morelia to see: The sidewalk cafes and food stands, the shopping bazaars and mercados, Morelia?s Zoo, the annual Feria in April-May (the local fair), the cyber caf?s, local book stores, church and government buildings, museums and art galleries, the parks and fountains (ex: Bosque Cuauht?moc and the Three Sisters fountain in El Centro), the local universities, movie theatres (generally $2 or $3 for an adult ticket), musical entertainment ? one place that comes immediately to my mind is El Colibri restaurant (located in El Centro just off of Francisco Madero). El Colibri has a live band that plays both local music and soft rock as well as a show called El Baile de los Viejitos (The Dance of the Little Old Men), a delightful presentation and musical score.

The shopping bazaars and mercados have all kinds of clothes, leather goods, electronic gadgets, and food items. They even sell birds ? big birds! There are shopping areas or mercados all over Morelia. Some that I frequented are: 1). on the way towards the central bus station ? several shops selling food items and leather goods; 2). Mercado Revolucion ? between Francisco Madero and Plan de Ayala in El Centro; 3) Mercado Independencia ? on Avenida Lazaro Cardenas just off of Vincente Santa Maria. One word of caution ? when eating at the local food stands, make sure the food is fresh and has not been sitting out for an extended period of time. And, always, always ask for agua purificada (purified water). One more word of caution, this time to women, Mexican, American, or any other nationality ? always take along a companion or stay in a group.

Morelia?s weather

I was not there during winter months; however, I have heard that the winters are fairly mild. The summers can be very hot at times, but, for the most part, I found them moderately warm to hot. I have heard that it is wise during late summer, fall, and winter months to carry an umbrella, though.

Do your homework before you go

If you are really serious about visiting Morelia ? do your homework before you go. Many excellent hotel deals, information about sites to see, historical background, information about language schools, etc. can be found by looking on the Internet. Other great sources of information are travel guides you can either purchase or find at your local library.

My experiences in Morelia were generally positive mainly for the following reason ? I went there expecting to live like a native, not a foreigner and I kept a good attitude and sense of humor.

If you are looking for a place to start a new life or to seek a little culture and adventure then, this little hidden gem, Morelia, could be your ticket.

About The Author

The author, David Wix, lived, worked, and traveled extensively in Mexico during 1997 and has degrees in history and languages. Currently he is working as an insurance broker in California. He has had articles published in his areas of expertise and is currently working on a couple of books to be published in the near future. Author’s website: http://www.dave-wix.com and http://www.travelwriters.com/davewix.

dave@dave-wix.com

Terrific Tofino

The Esowista Peninsula is perched in the edge of the North America Continent. Next stop Japan! At the north end of the Peninsula is the town of Tofino, located in a protected harbour. Just to the North, you will also find protected waters, and directly offshore is the Wild West Coast.

The constant ocean surge in this area keeps the surf breaking on expansive white sandy beaches. In winter, waves can reach up to 50 feet in height! North of Tofino, you’ll find the Ahousaht First Nations Community, Cougar Annie’s Gardens and Hot Springs Cove, and just across the harbour you’ll find Optisat First Nations Village on Meares Island.

Before you enjoy all the exciting tourist activities Tofino has to offer, you must first find a place to stay. Since nearly one million visitors flock to this paradise each summer, it is best to book in advance.

Clayoquot-Orca Lodge

If you are looking for a good value, check out the Clayoquot-Orca Lodge. It’s centrally located on the East Side of Highway 4, just as you approach Tofino, and close to all the major beaches. Clayoquot-Orca is a unique destination resort featuring on-site Eco Experience on 4 acres of old growth rain forest. Well groomed trails lead to Jensen Bay, a waterfront Bird Sanctuary, while other trails will lead you throughout the rainforest. The Lodge has comfortable, spacious ensuite rooms, some with private hot tubs. There is a licensed piano lounge, ‘the Chuckling Oyster’ which is also pet friendly. It’s full of games and activities and has a nice fireplace to curl up beside on summer evenings.

Olivia, the owner/operator of Clayoquot-Orca is a unique character who’s dedicated to ensuring you have a special holiday. She quite regularly helps guests plan their days and book their chosen activities. Many people who’ve stayed here have written to say their stay in Tofino was the highlight of their trip. Olivia is currently adding an additional 30 rooms to the Lodge. We stayed in a spacious suite that had two Queen sized beds and a pullout couch in it. The room could have easily handled six people and there was lots of room to relax at the end of a busy day.

The Lodge also has a dining room that operates throughout the peak tourist season with an attached Solarium where guests can dine with their pets. Now that is pet friendly! Chloe is the host pet. The highway sign proudly boasts that the Clayoquot-Orca Lodge was voted #1 for best-value accommodation in the Tofino area.

Ron Kirstein is the owner of a Canadian Travel & Tourism Web site (since 1995). Ron has traveled the length and breadth of Vancouver Island BC Canada in search of adventures; see http://tourismmall.victoria.bc.ca/travelmagazine

Finding the right travel luggage before you depart on your trip will greatly depend on where and how you will be traveling. If your journey is a weekend getaway to Paris, and you will have all the amenities provided, then you may need little in the way of travel luggage; the same applies if you are a backpacker who will be constantly on the move. Your bags must be easy to pack, transport and carry. However, if you are heading to Southeast Asia and are planning to put your roots down in Bangkok for a long time, then you can buy the biggest suitcase allowed, along with some added trunks and boxes.

There are a couple of important considerations when choosing travel luggage. First, one of the greatest mistakes that people make when buying travel luggage, is worrying more about weight than size. Weight is less of a problem than bulk, though it is important to be conscious of both. If you can travel light, all the better, but if you cannot, then try to travel small. Secondly, bring what is the most important to you. Some people have the incredible ability to travel with merely a tent, a toothbrush, a change of clothes and a guidebook. I am not one of them, but have found that if you can bring a balance of basic necessities and things for enriching your experience (such as a camera or journal), this can help you pack more quickly.

Your choice of travel luggage is of paramount importance, and will most likely involve you making a purchase at one point or another. After a certain point in your life, it will no longer suffice to borrow your brother?s ripped backpack from fifteen years back or your father?s first roll travel suitcase. You will have to hazard a purchase on your own.

Backpacks can be an obvious choice for people who will be hiking over hills and doing a fair amount of camping. It is the kind of travel luggage that distributes weight evenly on your shoulders and hips and takes the main weight off your lower back. However, if you are considering using public transport and walking in busy, crowded areas, it may be wiser to buy a combination bag and backpack. Both pieces come apart and zip together depending on where you are going, and can be very helpful if you do not wish to look too conspicuous with your backpack.

If you are going on a tour, and will be with a group who has their travel luggage carried for them, it may be wise to look into purchasing a duffel bag. These are easily stored in compartments where suitcases do not fit, and can be easily hoisted on to a pack animal or stowed away on a boat.

Traveling by air may merely require that you purchase a conventional suitcase, and if you are a frequent traveler, it may be wise to get a good quality one. The typical way that travel luggage is handled in airports could easily seeing you replacing that cheap suitcase after each trip.

However and wherever you go, remember to consider the importance of what you will be carrying, and how the travel luggage that you eventually choose can either make or break a trip.

For more information on the best Travel Deals Online try visiting Ultimate Travel Deals Video located at http://vacation-travel-deals.com/traveldeals.htm where you will find valuable information on cheap tickets and other information..

Ah, yes! It sounds so exotic, Armor Manoir Sherbrooke in Montreal. You might wonder what the Armor Manoir Sherbrooke is. Well, it’s a bed and breakfast hotel in the vicinity of downtown Montreal. It is located on a very busy street in Montreal (Sherbrooke) so if you’d like some peace and quiet ask for a room not facing the main thoroughfare.

This hotel does not provide parking so when you arrive you have to either find street parking or park in a big parking garage. If you do decide to park on the street you have to move your car before 7am. The staff at this hotel was interesting. I asked for a copy of the map to the parking garage and they said NO! (?!?!) I could only look at the one they had under the glass on the main counter and redraw the map myself. Also, when I found out that you have to move your car before 7am on the street one of the staff smirked: Well, then you’ll just have to deal with that! … (?!?!) .. ok

You can tell that the hotel was not built for that function. We had to go through three doors (three feet apart) to get to our de luxe room. It was spacious and what one might say in shabby chic style. You could tell that the bathroom for the room was added later since it protruded from one corner of the room. The bed was ok, we were too tired to notice. Modest breakfast was included with the room. The Montreal Festival of Laughter was happening at that time and all rooms were completely booked.

Conclusion: The hotel was just ok. It served the purpose for an acceptable price and a decent location. We probably would not stay there again.

157 rue Sherbrooke Est,
Montr?al, QC, H2X 1C7
T?l.: 514.845.0915

Michael Philip is one of the editors and contributors for the SeeTheGlobe.com web site. SeeTheGlobe.com is a travel information web site and community. Reviews of restaurants, hotels, airlines and other travel resources are provided from first hand accounts.

Phuket is Thailand’s largest island, and is approximately the size of Singapore. Phuket nestles in balmy Andaman Sea waters on Thailand’s Indian Ocean coast-line 867 kilometers south of Bangkok.

Phuket is an island connected by bridges to southern Thailand’s Andaman Sea coast, in the Indian Ocean, lying between 7′ 45 and 8′ 15 north latitude, and from 98′ 15 to 98′ 40 west longitude on the map. Thailand’s largest island, Phuket is surrounded by 32 smaller islands that form part of the same administration, with a total area of 570 square kilometers. Measured at its widest point, Phuket is 21.3 kilometers; at its longest, 48.7 kilometers. It is bounded thus:

About 70 percent of Phuket is mountainous; a western range runs from north to south from which smaller branches derive. The highest peak is Mai Tao Sip Song, or Twelve Canes, at 529 meters, which lies within the boundaries of Tambon Patong, Kathu District (no roads go there yet). The remaining 30 percent of the island, mainly in the center and south, is formed by low plains. Streams include the Klong Bang Yai, Klong Ta Jin, Klong Ta Rua, and Klong Bang Rohng, none of which is large.

History of Phuket

Phuket Island has a long recorded history, and remanins dating back to A.D.1025 indicate that the island’s present day name derives in meaning from the Tamil manikram, or crystal mountain. For most of history, however, it was known as Junk Ceylon, which, with variations, is the name found on old maps. The name is thought to have its roots in Ptolemy’s Geographia, written by the Alexadrian geographer in the Third Century A.D. He mentioned that in making a trip from Suwannapum to the Malay Peninsula it was necessary to pass the cape of Jang Si Lang.

Phuket was a way station on the route between India and China where seafarers stopped to shelter. The island appears to have been part of the Shivite empire (called in Thai the Tam Porn Ling) that established itself on the Malay Peninsula during the first Millenium A.D. Later, as Muang Takua-Talang, it was part of the Srivichai and Siri Tahm empires. Governed as the eleventh in a constellation of twelve cities, Phuket’s emblem, by which it was known to others in those largely pre-literate times, was the dog.

During the Sukothai Period Phuket was associated with Takua Pah in what is now Phang-nga Province, another area with vast tin reserves. The Dutch established a trading post during the Ayuthaya Period in the 16th Cent. The island’s northern and central regions then were governed by the Thais, and the southern and western parts were given over to the tin trade, a concession in the hands of foreigners.

After Ayuthaya was sacked by the Burmese in 1767 there was a short interregnum in Thailand, ended by King Taksin, who drove out the Burmese and re-unified the country. The Burmese, however, were anxious to return to the offensive. They outfitted a fleet to raid the southern provinces, and carry off the populations to slavery in Burma. This led to Phuket’s most memorable historic event. A passing sea captain, Francis Light, sent word that the Burmese were en route to attack. Forces in Phuket were assembled led by the two heroines, Kunying Jan, wife of Phuket’s recently deceased governor, and her sister Mook. After a month’s siege the Burmese were forced to depart on 13 March, 1785. Kunying Jan and her sister were credited with the successful defense.

In recognition King Rama I bestowed upon Kunying Jan the honorific Thao Thep Kasatri, a title of nobility usually reserved for royalty, by which she is known today. Her sister became Thao Sri Suntorn.

During the Nineteenth Century Chinese immigrants arrived in such numbers to work the tin mines that the ethnic character of the island’s interior became predominantly Chinese, while the coastal settlements remained populated chiefly by Muslim fishermen.

In Rama V’s reign, Phuket became the administration center of a group of tin mining provinces called Monton Phuket, and in 1933 with the change in government from absolute monarchy to a parliamentary system, the island was established as a province by itself.

Boundaries

On the North Is the Pak Prah Strait, spanned by two bridges running side-by-side, the older Sarasin Bridge, and the newer Thao Thep Krasatri Bridge. On the South Is the Andaman Sea. On the East Is Ao Phang-nga Bay (In the Jurisdiction mainly of Phang-nga Province). On the West Is the Andaman Sea.

Climate

Phuket’s weather conditions are dominated by monsoon winds that blow year round. It is therefore always and humid. There are two distinct seasons, rainy and dry. The rainy season begins in May and lasts till October, during which the monsoon blows from the southwest. The dry season is from November through April, when the monsoon comes from the northeast. Highest average temperatures, at 33.4 degrees Celsius, prevail during March. Lowest averages occur in January, when nightly lows dip to 22 degrees Celsius.

Transportation

By Car

Take Route 4 from Bangkok south. Along the way pass the provinces of Nakorn Pathom, Ratchburi, Petchburi, Prajuab-Kirikan, and at Chumporn go right to Ranong, From Ranong, go south through Kraburi and Kah-Perr districts to Phang-nga Province. In Phang-nga the road passes through Kuraburi, Takua Pa, and Takua Tung districts before reaching the town of Kok Kloy, just beyond which is the Tao Thep Krasatri Bridge and Phuket. Distance is 867 kilometers.

Both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned buses leave the Southern Bus Terminal in Bangkok daily. For details call the individual bus companies: Borisat Kohn Sohng Jumkat Phuket Transport Co, Ltd., in Bangkok tel. (02) 4351200, or in Phuket (076) 211480

By Air

Details about flights to and from Phuket International Airport can be obtained from Thai Airway, in Bangkok Tel. (02) 2800070,2800080, or in Phuket (076) 211195, 212499, 212946 or from travel agents around the world. There are also many regular and chartered flights from other airlines.

By Sea

The Deep Sea Port (Port of Phuket) at Phuket is visited by both cargo and cruise ship from Thailand and from abroad. Contact your travel agent for information about the may different ships that stop at Phuket.

More detail

http://www.gosouththai.com/phuket/e-index.asp

Chan Phoondee

Web Director

http://www.GoSouthThai.com

It can be very enjoyable to go traveling both in country and abroad but you should be alert for possible cons while traveling on vacation. There are many types of cons to be on the lookout for and you can never know what direction they are going to come from.

Con Artists are very clever and one of their prime targets is the uninformed traveler. When you visit someplace you have never been to before take the time to research and learn a little bit about the place you are headed. You can easily find information on town and city layouts, crime rates and the types of restaurants and services available online or by making a few well placed phone calls. A Con Artist may offer to help you find information on places or help to secure you a hotel reservation or place to stay at a much cheaper cost, but will really take your money and leave you lost and confused. There are some people who actually supply these services to travelers but their methods may be under the table, quasi illegal or down right against the law. You could get in trouble if they are caught or you may even be tricked by undercover police officers pretending to offer such services.

You can take some simple steps avoid being taken by a con artist. Travel in groups or with another person. There is safety in numbers and con artists are less likely to go after a herd of tourists. If someone does approach your or your fellow travelers tell them ?no thanks,? in a firm tone of voice. If they persist and even begin to follow you remain firm, threaten to call the authorities. If you?ve done your research you should have seen at least a few photos of the type of clothing people wear in the place you are about to visit. Take note of this when packing. For example the French, especially Parisians wear dark and muted colors and they only smile at people they know, friends and family. If you take clothing that is similar to the style and do your best to adopt the social attitude of those you are traveling among you are less likely to stand out as a tourist. There may not be much you can do about the language barrier, but from a distance you won?t look as much a foreigner and therefore an easy mark.

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 information on exotic destinations.