On your typical holiday in the country will spend about $ 150 per night to $ 300 a night for a standard nice hotel room for two people. A car to run about $ 35 to $ 50 per day for a car at low cost. Breakfast is on average about $ 15 per person, lunch run about $ 20 per person and dinner will run about € 30 per person, excluding taxes and gratuities. For a trip of a week, two people who spend somewhere between $ 2,200 and $ 3,400 before you factor in any business, Entertainmentor reference points. These figures are conservative for a holiday budget.

If you look at the latest cruise deals, in particular some of the last-minute cruise deals available, you can cruise for a minimum of $ 50 per person per day. In general, low prices is that going to give you an inside cabin (without Windows). However, the update and if you pay about $ 100 per person per day, you can get an outside cabin with balcony and maybe if you look around. Peter B. Diaz, President and CEOOnline Travel Travel monkey says we have to go in recent 7-day cruise to the Caribbean and in Alaska for less than $ 350 per person visa. An environment like this is hard to beat. The ships just can not go with empty cabins. You must fill in the final weeks before the deadline or lose money.

Your typical tour price includes all meals and entertainment. The meals are usually sit every day there are three full course meals, three meals a day and several cafeteria buffetAlternative dining options throughout the day including room service. There is no shortage of good food. Sit down dinners often include steak, lobster, chops and some ethnic theme nights. There is also a late night buffet and pizza and snacks 24 hours on many ships.

Their conversation will be the rule of the evening shows of Las Vegas-style musical and dance artists, stand-up comedy, lounge and dance club, and various magic. Other facilities include swimming in general shipSwimming pools, hot tubs, fitness center & Day Spa and Casino, with slot machines and gaming tables. Not included in the price of your cocktail cruise, spa treatments, gambling, shopping and shore excursions.

The interesting feature of a cruise is that you see yourself in the exotic ports of call along the route. Most of the cruises of seven days are generally attend three or more ports. Just go out, enjoy the ship at each port and the next day. It costs money to leave the ship andWalk through the city. Most ports of call are safe to venture out on foot and look to see. On your typical land vacation to visit a destination and residence for the duration. On a cruise you get multiple objectives, without making and unmaking of destinations. Also, do not have to worry about what table reservations. Cruise is the easy life.

Their time on the ship between the ports is anything but boring. Today, large ships are floating resorts and entertainment venues with a lotTravel. Spend the day away in the pool or spa, and dancing every night or enjoy the evening stars on deck. You will be very very nice to meet interesting people from all over. It 'hard to find a holiday of great value today. But thanks to the cruise lines, you just go and have a trip affordable and a great time.

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.

Long lines and restless guests in popular queues are a thing of the past at Walt Disney World. At least it is for those who choose to take advantage of Disney?s free service: FastPass.

So what is it?

FastPass debuted in 1999 and was embraced as a brilliant innovation in theme park engineering. This computerized system allows visitors to avoid standing in line for the most popular attractions throughout the Walt Disney World Resort. Many guests did not understand the system at the time and some still do not. As a matter of fact, during the three and a half years I was a cast member at the Disney-MGM Studios, I would often overhear guests remark: ?Hey, that?s not fair! Those people pay extra and get to cut ahead of us in line!?

How does it work?

The FastPass attraction reservation system is very simple to use and best of all?it?s free. Go to a participating show or ride, locate the FastPass machine and insert an admission ticket for each person in your party who wishes to enter the attraction. The FastPass machine reserves a return appointment for your party and prints a pass for each ticket with a one-hour window (for example, 10:20-11:20 a.m.). From here, you can feel free to explore the less crowded attractions in your selected park. During that one hour time frame, you can usually squeeze in two (maybe three) smaller attractions instead of waiting in that bloated line. Give yourself at least 15 minutes to be able to make it back in time for your designated FastPass time. When you arrive at the attraction, simply hand the cast member standing in front of the FastPass entrance your passes and you?re in!

Wow, that?s so cool! I think I?ll get one for every ride!

Not so fast. In order for Disney?s FastPass system to work properly, they had to implement restrictions on the amount of FastPasses a guest can hold during a given period of time. Each guest may hold one FastPass for one attraction every two hours or after the one hour window expires; whichever comes first. Why? If everyone were able to come in to the parks and get a FastPass for every attraction at once it wouldn?t be very fast, would it?

Great, I?m ready to go!

The most important factor in getting what you want out of your Disney World visit is time management. Now that you know the FastPass system inside and out, you?ll be able to get out there and experience more of what the Walt Disney World Resort has to offer?faster, of course!

Article Source: Orlando Vacation

Jose M. Negron has been a resident of Orlando, FL for the past 17 years and is a copywriter and web programmer for Affordable Travel, LLC and http://www.orlandovacation.com Feel free to visit to read more articles by this author or contact him directly: jose@orlandovacation.com

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..

Traveling is a very exciting experience. But before you go on perfect getaway, you should prepare yourself. A little preparation will go a long way. It is a good idea to do some research. You want to learn as much as possible about your destination. For example, you want to know the type of weather in the area, and you want to find out what types of diseases are common in the area.

Documentation is also important. You want to make sure that you have the paperwork and documentation ready. You do not want to forget your visa at home, when you reach the airport. It is also a good idea to find out about the medical coverage. You may consider purchasing trip insurance.

If you plan to drive, you should get your automobile ready. You should take it to the local mechanic. You should study the local road, laws, and other driving regulations.

You should plan your budget. It is important that you research the cost of local items. If you plan to visit the country that has high cost of living, you can easily run out of money. You also want to have ideas on taxes and tipping in the country of your destination. Many governments charge high taxes for travel related services. It is also a good idea to check for local major holidays. Some services may be limited to those dates.

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Whenever I?m about to leave on a road trip there is always someone that groans and feels sorry for me. Well, I?m here to tell you they don?t have to be torture. I happen to love them and I?m about to share with you a few of my personal survival tactics.

1.Your travel companion must and I repeat must be easy going. I am fortunate enough to have a most awesome husband. He, (unlike my father growing up) has the patience of Job and absolutely no problem pacing our trip. My experience growing up was quite the opposite. You stopped only for gas, bathroom stops must be timed with such. Hotel stops if you were lucky enough to get one was long after dark and too late to swim. Food was packed at the beginning and better last the trip!

2.It?s good to have a hobby. Some of my personal favorite car ride pastimes include Sudoku, rag mags and scrap booking. That?s right I even manage to scrap book in the car!

3.Know your route. Because my husband and I frequently visit family in Pennsylvania we are well familiar with the trip. ( Sixteen times this past year) We have made our own travel information log of our favorite stops along the way. For example we know that at exit 6 in Georgia, gas in very cheap, exit 8 in South Carolina is a good overnight stopping point. (outlet mall included). Exit 95 wonderful outlet mall and perfect timing for a car nap for the driver while the passenger(s) shop. Last but not least exit 33 in Virginia has the much needed Starbucks! So you see, by having points of interest along the way, you always have something to look forward to. These can be tailored to your own personal likes.

Do you see how just applying these few points a car trip can actually be fun!

Find out about DiscountHotels like BostonHotels and HawaiiHotels

Whether planning a romantic getaway or a quiet business trip, sooner or later, the question comes up, ?Do we stay at a Bed and Breakfast or one of the London hotels?? More often than not, the European bed and breakfast has been romanticized, in books and on film as the ideal getaway place. While they sound cozy and wonderful, do they really meet the expectations of travelers? How do the London hotels compare?

The bed and breakfast offered an inexpensive alternative to London hotels, and it became popular for homeowners to open their doors to the select public. Travelers were not only given a warm and cozy bed to sleep in, but this offered them the opportunity to stay in a more comfortable retreat, eat home-cooked meals, and enjoy the hospitality of London residents. Those who sought a more homey retreat yet didn?t wish to lease an apartment for an extended length of time flocked to the Bed and Breakfast, making them a popular alternative to hotels.

London hotels have their own advantages, however. Typically offering larger rooms and deluxe accommodations, the hotels also grant more freedom to their lodgers. Restaurants, health spas, and stores are just a step away, and since you are not staying in someone?s home, you have the ability to come and go as you please, without the constraints of a schedule.

While the Bed and Breakfast remains a popular vacation retreat, London hotels are now offering some hearty competition. Continental breakfasts are commonly served and reduced rates, offered during quieter seasons, often make hotels the better value. In the end, it all comes down to the preference of the lodger and a personal opinion as to what is the better bargain. Whichever you choose, Bed and Breakfast or hotel, there are many wonderful places to stay in the city of London.

James Hunt has spent 15 years as a professional writer and researcher covering stories that cover a whole spectrum of interest. Read more at http://www.london-hotels-guide.info

LOCATION

Located in the north of Honduras on the edges of the fertile Sula Valley, San Pedro Sula is Honduras’ second largest city with approximately 800,000 citizens. It is the business and commerce capital of the country and home to a modern airport, which is serviced by International Airlines. These include TACA, American Airlines, Continental, Iberia, Copa, Sol Air, Atlantic Airlines and others. The city is also situated close to the Merendon Mountain Range, which creates an impressive backdrop when you are downtown looking north or when you are flying into the city’s airport.

LOCAL HISTORY

Nomadic people are believed to have traveled in the Sula Valley from before 1500 BC. Around 700 BC groups began to settle in the valley and agriculture began. Squash, corn, beans, wild chilies, herbs, bell peppers and cacao are believed to have been the first plants cultivated while turkeys, ducks and dogs were domesticated.

Objects of clay, stone, bone and shell from this period have survived until today. During 200 AD until 900 AD numerous villages existed in the Sula Valley. During this period, the area’s art reached its highest point technically and aesthetically. Pottery and ceramic vessels were taken to Copan and further afield into Central America. Also, during this time, the major architectural structures were built in the valley.

During 900 AD and 1500 AD the local population began to decline. No one is certain why, but recent discoveries have pointed towards the possibility of a plague, severe erosion, soil degradation and/or a long drought as possible reasons.

Pedro de Alvarado founded the city of San Pedro Sula in 1536. The city was to serve as a warehouse for goods flowing to and from the Honduran North Coast Ports to Guatemala, Nicaragua and El Salvador. It was also a collection point for cocoa, indigo, leather, sarsaparilla and canfistula (a plant used medicinally).

Due to continual attacks of the city by pirates, the local residents decided to move away from the city into the countryside where they lived a self sufficient life. The city was nearly deserted until the later colonial era when it became a base for cattle ranchers.

In the mid 19th century, San Pedro Sula’s fortunes changed when commerce picked up at the port of Omoa and San Pedro Sula again became an important commerce spot in Honduras. But it was the growth of the Banana Industry and the reopening of Puerto Cortes that really set the city in motion to become Honduras commerce center.

Today San Pedro Sula is one of Central America’s fastest growing cities. Business and commerce continue to grow to today as does the city’s modern facilities and services.

ATTRACTIONS

The Museum of Anthropology and History is located a few blocks from Central Park on 3a Avenida between 3 and 4 Calles NO. The museum is a must see for anyone visiting San Pedro Sula. Its displays will take you through the Pre-Columbian to modern day history of the Sula Valley. The museum has a wide range of Mayan artifacts that have been found throughout the area and is open from Monday to Saturday from 9am to 4pm, is closed all day Tuesday, and Sunday it opens from 9am to 3pm. The entrance fee is $2 for foreign visitors and 20 lps (lempiras) for national visitors.

Guamilito Market is one the Honduras’ best handicraft markets. The market is between 8 and 9 Avenida and 6 and 7 Calles NO. The market is open daily, usually until around 5pm. The market is a great place to pick up souvenirs and gifts. Items of note are Honduran cigars, mahogany carvings, Mayan replica pottery, woven baskets, hammocks and a range of colored T-Shirts. Spend some time browsing and do not be afraid to bargain on the prices.

The Central Park of San Pedro Sula and the main Cathedral are definitely worth a look. The Cathedral, which was built in 1949, has just been remodeled and restored. The new Central Park (Parque Central) is open, fresh looking and at well lit at night. The park is always busy, with people coming and going and moneychangers and street vendors plying their trade. It’s a great place to sit back and people watch or to strike up a conversation with some locals. If it is a little hot outside, a popular place to hang out is the Espresso Americana Caf?, which fronts onto the park. It’s air conditioned and serves up great coffee and pastries.

The Coca Cola sign can be seen most days from the downtown area in its position on the Merendon Mountain Range, which is a only a 10 minute taxi ride from downtown. At night, if running, the sign flashes Coke colors and fades in and out. Whether you are a coke fan or not, a hike up to the sign is a good way to escape downtown and to see some great views of the Sula Valley. The walk takes about 1 to 2 hours and goes through some nice rainforest where Toucans and Motmots are regularly seen. Motmots are a brilliantly colored bird and Honduras has more species than any other country. Being a big city, San Pedro Sula has modern comforts and a range of activities such as sporting events, shopping centers, restaurants and nightlife. See the below sections for more information.

ACTIVITIES

San Pedro Sula is a good place to stay to enjoy the facilities of a large city and to see another side of the Honduran experience, big city life. The city has good banking, business, communication and hotel facilities. There is a wide range of restaurants and nightlife, places to shop. Sampedranos, what the San Pedro Sulans are called, are a friendly and helpful people. The city is home to a few football teams from the national league and a game is quite an experience to see, not just for the high quality of football but also for the atmosphere of the crowd and for the local passion that is a part of true Latin American Football. North Americans will know this brand of football as soccer. Games are regularly held in the Olympic Stadium or the Francisco Morazon Stadium, which is located on 1 Calle between 13 and 14 avenida. Tickets start at US$3 depending on the seating and the game.

San Pedro Sula is a good place to base yourself during a visit to Honduras, especially if you like the comforts of a big city. Day trips can be organized to Tela, Lake Yojoa, Omoa and the Mayan Ruins of Copan, with local travel agents or tour operators. Many rental car companies have offices in San Pedro Sula, which is another option for traveling around to explore the many nearby attractions.

INTERNET CAFE

Over the past year or two there has been an Internet caf? explosion in the downtown area of San Pedro Sula. Instead of listing places here I suggest you just walk a block or two from Central Park in any direction and you should find an Internet Cafe. Currently prices are around $.50 to $1 per hour and a few places have Internet phones for calling internationally.

NIGHTLIFE

San Pedro Sula has some of the country’s best nightlife and is a great place to go out and to drink and dance the night away or to catch up on all the latest movies.

The Mall Multi Plaza, Mega Plaza and Metro Plaza all have cinema complexes. Closer to downtown you will find 2 or 3 cinemas, Multicines Plaza being the best. Movie releases are a few months behind the USA or Western Countries. Most movies are shown in English with Spanish subtitles. Ticket prices range from $1.20 to $2.50 depending on the cinema and to extent the quality of their facilities. So if you enjoy the movies and like nice chairs and good sound try one of the more up market places. Movies are usually shown at 3, 5, 7 and 9 PM. Tuesday is a popular day, with 2 tickets for the price of one, but be prepared to go early to get a seat, as sometimes tickets do sell out. All local papers have a daily cinema schedule.

San Pedro Sula is home to a lot of bars. A fun night can be had in Zona Viva going from bar to bar. A local favorite and fun place to hang out is La Cava in Barrio Los Andes 2 and 3 Calle, 16 Ave NO. Great Karaoke nights and occasional live music on the weekends packs the people in. Jerry the owner mixes a range or cocktails. Watch out for the Barcardi 121 or ask if he has some Guaro for a fire packed drink. There is a good selection of music and the patrons are always happy to have a chat.

Karaoke Club in Zona Viva is a popular place with the locals and even if you are not a Karaoke fan it can be a good place to catch some quality music. The quality of the singers is at times surprising and at other times not so surprising. Big Daddies, Caribbean and Gators Sports Bar are also all popular spots in Zona Viva. Bars do come and go regularly in San Pedro Sula, so just look for a place with some people and some music.

TGI Fridays, Applebee’s, Ruby Tuesdays and Fogancito’s are all popular places to eat and drink on the weekends. All places are well located near the Circunvalcion. For a bit more local color and atmosphere, consider visiting a local disco. Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights are the most popular. But most discos are open every night except Monday. Check the local papers for promotion nights such as ladies night, live music, beer promotions or open bar (cover charge, then all you care to drink).

The pick of the discos is Kawamas Bay, which is located on the Circunvalcion. The disco plays a lot of Latin music and has a friendly staff. It can get very busy on the weekends usually around 11.00 PM. The disco stays open to 5 AM or 6 PM and it is a place to dance. You will find more people on the dance floor than at the bar or tables and chairs for most of the night. So put on your dancing shoes and be ready for some Salsa, Merengue and Punta. No need to worry, since you will still get a bit of house, rock and techno music. Cover charges vary from $2.50 to $6, depending on the night.

Confetti’s Disco is also popular and is only located a block on from Kawamas Bay. Confetti’s also fills up on the weekends and stays open to around 5am or 6am. The disco plays a variety of music on the weekends and a bit more house and techno music than Kawamas Bay. Cover charges vary from $2.50 to $6.

Millenium Disco is located in the Social Club Arabe at the end of Barrio Rio Pierdas the disco is the classiest place in town. Friday and Saturday nights are busy and cover charges vary from $3.50 to $6.

The Sampedrano Cultural Center holds regularly events such as concerts, performances and art shows. Call (504) 553-3911 or 553-3768 for event schedules.

For safety reasons, be sure to take a taxi when traveling even just a few blocks after dark. Walking around Zona Viva is OK but only within a block or two radius of the area. Otherwise just get a taxi, most fares cost $2 to $3, but prices do go up the later the night gets.

WHEN TO GO AND WHY San Pedro Sula can be visited at all times of year. Two special times to visit are during the Fair of June or Feria de Juliana. The month long celebrations range from Cultural Events, Live Music, Street Carnivals, AGAS Agricultural Fair to the Expo Centro Fair, which includes live music and food.

The Fair, though not as well known as Carnival in La Ceiba, offers a good chance to join the Sanpedranos in celebrating their city. Again at nights be sure to take a taxi other than that it is a great time to visit San Pedro Sula.

The other special time to visit is during the Folkloric Festival, which runs over 2 Saturday nights in September. The festival is a cultural event, which includes country food stands, music and national presentations of music and dance from different international cultural groups that have made their home in San Pedro Sula. To top this off a famous Latin American Group also plays. If you are visiting Honduras for a long period of time be sure to pencil this event in, as it is one of the country’s best.

HOW TO GET THERE

The Ramon Villeda Morales – San Pedro Sula Airport is located 13 kms from downtown. TACA, Continental, American, Iberia, Sol Air, Copa Air (from Panama) and Atlantic Airlines (from Belize City and Managua) all fly into San Pedro Sula. While Islena, Sosa and Atlantic Airlines connect the city to major destinations such as Tegucigalpa, La Ceiba, Roatan, Guanaja and Utila.

Buses to and from San Pedro Sula leave to and from most major locations in Honduras, including Copan Ruinas, Tegucigalpa, Tela and La Ceiba, with some traveling direct and non-stop and others stopping in route. Each of the capitals of the countries surrounding Honduras are also served by buses: Managua, San Salvador, Guatemala City. Each bus company has its own station but most are found a few blocks west of Central Park.

MAJOR BUS COMPANIES

Hedman Alas
Barrio Guamalito
7 and 8 Avenida, 3 Calle NO
Telephone: 553 1361
First Class buses to and from Guatemala City, Copan, Tegucigalpa, Tela, La Ceiba and the San Pedro Sula airport.

El Rey Express
Barrio Paz Barahona
9 Avenida 9 and 10 Calle
Telephone: 550 8355
Direct Buses to and from Tegucigalpa, hourly

Catisa-Tupsa
2 Avenida 5 and 6 Calle SO
Telephone: 552 1042
Direct Buses to and from Tela and La Ceiba, hourly

Toritos and Copanecos
Barrio Lempira
6 Avenida 8 and 9 Calle SO
Telephone: 553 4930
Direct Buses to and from Nueva Ocotepeque via Santa Rosa de Copan, 7 to 8 buses daily

Citul
Barrio Lempira
6 Avenida 7 and 8 Calle SO
Telephone: 553 0070
Buses to and from Puerto Cortes, hourly
Tica Bus
Texaco, Monumento a la Madre
Telephone: 556-5149
Direct buses to and from Managua and El Salvador

TRAVEL TIPS – SAFETY

San Pedro Sula, like so many large and growing cities, does have its fair share of crime. Travel common sense should be used at all times, such as taking taxis at night or when you are not sure of where you are going. Fares should range between US$2 in the downtown area and should cost US$10 from the airport to the downtown area. Visiting poor areas (slumming, as some call it) is never a good idea. Also, do not wear fancy jewelry, watches or expensive sunglasses and don’t carry large amounts of money or valuables with you. American Express Traveller’s Checks should be carried instead of cash.

OVERNIGHT STAYS

A lot of people, as they say, get stuck in San Pedro Sula awaiting connecting flights. Hopefully this guide may give you with some ideas on how to fill your time. To squeeze as much in as possible in an overnight, I would visit the Museum of Anthropology and History, shop in Guamalito Handicrafts Market, visit Central Park, admire the Coca Cola sign from a distance while pondering the influence of multinational companies worldwide. There is a good view of the sign from the Cathedral’s front steps. And then treat yourself to a nice meal and a few drinks or go catch a movie.

For more travel information check out http://www.travel-to-central-america.com a guide to travel in Central America.

NOTE: Things can change quickly in San Pedro Sula, so the information provided, including recommendations and prices are subject to change.

Dean Milverton has spent many years living and working in Central America and is also the creator of http://www.travel-to-central-america.com a guide to travel in Central America.

We stayed at the award winning Jackson House Bed and Breakfast, outside York in Railroad, PA. Located on the Heritage Trail, the house dates back to 1859, and the owners, Jean and George Becker treat you like family. With a well stocked fridge filled with cold beverages, including soda, wine and beer, you feel right at home. The delectable breakfast featured a myriad of items including homemade French toast (the best I ever had), scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage roll, potatoes, fresh fruit and more. Let’s just say, you won’t go hungry.

The four bedrooms are each decorated in their own special way and the beds rock you to sleep, so comfortable. Jackson House is perfect for a couples get-away, relax in the beautiful gardens in the backyard then take a dip in the hot tub. (Jacksonhousebandb.com)

After breakfast, head out for a day of factory tours. Martin’s Potato Chip Factory (martinschips.com), located in Thomasville, is the perfect place to start. You will watch as potatoes are cleaned, peeled, cut and cooked, right before your eyes, two types, Kettle and Country Style. The best part? Taste them hot off the line! Martin’s makes about 35,000 pounds a day and tours are available Mondays and Tuesdays, please call in advance to arrange your tour.

Next, head to Wolfgang Candy Company, voted one of the top 5 tastiest tours by the Food Network. As soon as you enter the factory, the smell of chocolate permeates the air. Bob Wolfgang lead our tour and told us his grandparents started the company in 1921. We saw butter creams being coated in delectable milk chocolate. Some of the newest products include chocolate covered blueberries and raspberries. Some independent markets carry Wolfgang Candies, but most are sold through fundraising programs (WolfgangCandy.com).

Stop for lunch in downtown York at The Harp and Fiddle. A cozy Irish pub offers a wide selection of beers, wines and of course, Irish food. I enjoyed the Corned Beef and Cabbage and the Shepherd’s Pie at the next table looked amazing! (theharpandfiddle.com)

After lunch, save room for dessert and head to Hope Acres Robotic Dairy Farm, in Brogue, and sample their homemade ice cream. Raspberry was our favorite. Take the factory tour and watch pampered cows that actually sleep on waterbeds and have back scratchers! (hopeacres.com)

A visit to the Family Heirloom Weavers in Red Lion will give you a real appreciation for the art of weaving. Personalized Jacquard Covers, runners, carpets and reproductions of 19th century goods are created here. They have also created costumes for many Hollywood movies including, Cold Mountain and Gods and Generals. (familyheirloomweavers.com)

Time to return to the Jackson House, enjoy a late afternoon glass of wine and get ready to head out for dinner at The Commonwealth Room, a 4-Diamond restaurant at the Yorktowne Hotel. Executive Chef Mark Pawlowski, offers up a first rate menu, including items such as Fresh Floridian Strawberry Grouper with a Tropical Fruit Salsa, Oven Roasted Quail and Pan Seared Lamb Loin. Begin your meal with the Tomato Bisque or the Yorktown House Salad served with a Cabernet Sauvignon Vinaigrette. There is a fabulous wine menu with several selected wines by the glass. (Yorktowne.com)

If you have an extra day, you don’t want to miss the Wilton Armetale Tour in Mount Joy. We were lucky enough to have a personal tour by John Wilton, his family began Wilton in 1892. We watched the process of sand molds filled with molten Armetale metal, then cooled and hand-finished. I own many Wilton pieces and found this tour extremely informative. There is an on-premise discounted store and tours should be scheduled in advance. (armetale.com)

Enjoy lunch before heading home at Bube’s Brewery, the only in-tact Pre-Prohibition brewery left in the United States, be sure to check out the underground catacombs. (bubesbrewery.com) If it is a nice day, you may choose to eat outdoors by the Susquehanna River at John Wright Restaurant in Wrightsville. Inexpensive dining with a lovely view. (jwright.com) Visit http://www.YorkPA.org/ for further information on places to stay, tours and restaurants.

Downtown Diane owns http://www.downtowndiane.net You can hear Downtown Diane every Friday on WHFS 105.7 FM Baltimore

Asia’s best-kept secret for expatriates, Malaysia has a vibrant mix of foreign and indigenous tribal cultures, creating a veritable melting pot of peoples, traditions and religions.

A sizable enclave of foreigners (Brits, Americans, Australians, and Canadians) live full time or maintain holiday homes in Malaysia, and you’ll find that just about everybody speaks English, since its compulsory in local schools.

Not only are three world-class playgrounds (Thailand, Bali, and the Philippines) all within a few hour’s travel from Malaysia, but with miles of white sand coastline, tropical islands, and beachfront property galore, it has all the makings of a fairy-tale setting.

Despite being the capital of a developing nation, Kuala Lumpur is a modern cosmopolitan with clean streets and sidewalks and every modern convenience to found in New York or London. Home to the tallest building in the world, there are also FedEx and UPS offices, international banks, English cinemas and bookstores, western-style supermarkets, French and German bakeries, Chinese, Indian, and Italian restaurants, gourmet coffee, Cuban cigars, Internet caf?s and some of the best shopping in the world!

One of the few things that lend a Third-world feel to the capital are the open-air night market, where local merchants peddle everything from fresh fruit and vegetables, to meat and fish, to exotic animals and traditional handicrafts.

All the major newspapers are available at newsstands, including the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, the Financial Times, the International Herald Tribune and The New York Times. Cable and satellite TV provides access to a wide variety of English-language programming, including CNN, the Discovery Channel, Filmnet and many more.

Despite the local Muslim population not drinking alcohol, Kuala Lumpur has some of the liveliest nightlife in the region and there are more than a fair share of clubs and bars, where tourists, expatriates and locals alike mingle and party. Though the official religion of Malaysia is Islam, great tolerance is shown for other religions, with many beliefs being represented and their adherents practicing openly, including Christians, Hindus, Buddhists, Taoists and Jews (the nearest synagogue is in neighboring Singapore).

Compared with other major Asian cities (Tokyo, Singapore, and Hong Kong, for example), Kuala Lumpur is downright cheap. Even in the over-priced tourist spots you can get a good meal for two for around $20. Outside of these places, a 3-course meal for two with all the trimmings, including drinks, will set you back no more than $10?a doctor’s visit $8 to $15 and live-in domestic help $200 a month.

Rental properties are readily available and not overly expensive by American or European standards. The cost of 2-bedroom rental apartments begins at around $225 per month, with 3-bedroom houses starting at $35,000. Naturally, comparable housing in expatriate communities or the luxurious suburban homes that date from British colonial period can set you back considerably more.

Other properties recently on offer include:

A 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom, 725-square-foot apartment with a dining room, a kitchen, ceiling fans, a walk-in closet, and parking, costs $45,215.

A small two-story bungalow with 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, a kitchen, a living room, and a dining room going for $35,700.

A penthouse apartment, close to downtown, with a sea-view and a 350-sqare-foot terrace. It comes fully furnished and has 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, a kitchen, and a dining room. The asking price? $75,000.

A spacious 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom, 2500-square-foot condominium with a large living room, an elegant dining room, a fully equipped kitchen, and a pantry, for $125,250.

Though there are expensive restaurants and accommodations, there’s simply no reason for you to check into a five-star hotel when you can stay in a clean, friendly hotel in the city center for $40 a night where every meal costs less than $5 per person.

CRIME-FREE AND FOREIGNER FRIENDLY

Of course, cheap living shouldn’t be the only deciding factor when choosing a new home. As well as being very affordable, Malaysia is safe.The government’s real no tolerance policy means street crime is virtually nonexistent.

The Malaysian government, through its Silver-Haired Program, offers expatriate resident retirees extremely attractive benefits. Outside of nationals of Israel and Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro), the program is open to citizens of most countries. To qualify, you need only be over 50, show you can bring a guaranteed income of about $1300 per month into Malaysia (or open a savings account in Malaysia with $40,000), and have a local sponsor (which can easily be arranged).

Penang, a small island off the northwest coast, has been called the Pearl of the Orient and its beaches are a favorite tourist destination. The coastline is also dotted with many small, quiet seaside villages. The tropical rainforests and jungles offer many opportunities for exploring lush mountains, trekking through the jungle, or even taking a riverboat safari. The bountiful sea surrounding Malaysia provides for some of the best scuba diving and fishing anywhere in the world (Malaysia’s seas are home to the Black Marlin, tuna, mackerel, sailfish, barracuda and a host of other species).

PRACTICAL BENEFITS

Medical care is good, with excellent hospitals and clinics in all the major towns. Doctors speak English, and the majority gained their qualifications in Western Europe or North America.

Although foreign residents must arrange private health insurance, visiting tourists who have an accident are entitled to free emergency treatment in public hospitals. A consultation with a private doctor in most cases will cost just $8 to $15.

When it comes to banking, management methods and the range of services offered closely follow the British model. Plus, most major world banks have full-service branches in Malaysia.

Many expatriates living here off investment income keep their cash growing tax free in Labuan, an offshore tax haven administered by Malaysia, and then bring into the mainland what’s needed for living expenses. Labuan is also perfect for anyone looking for a private, offshore bank account, a tax-free corporation, a trust, or other offshore structures.

Led by Malaysian Airlines, the national carrier, the island is served by many major airlines, linking it the world through its international airports. A good network of modern roads covers the distances between towns, and Malaysian telecommunications are among the best in the world.

If you’ve ever thought about living overseas, you owe it to yourself to investigate Malaysia.

About The Author

Copyright 2005 by Shannon Roxborough

Shannon Roxborough is an international lifestyle expert with close to 20 years experience. He has helped hundreds of clients with overseas living, retirement and travel matters. Visit his website at: www.TheGlobalLife.net

askinternational@aol.com