Cape Town is a relatively safe city. Sure it’s important to be careful but, this applies to any city that you are unfamiliar with. It is always wise to take some precautions without the need of getting to feel paranoid. Here are some tips to keep you out of trouble and to make your accommodation and travels in Cape Town more enjoyable.

Firstly, you should not try to look like a tourist, although this may be difficult for a tourist. Try to not flash your expensive cameras and cellular phones for everyone to see and avoid carrying large amounts of cash with you or wearing expensive jewellery or watches. Don’t walk alone after dark and take special precautions to avoid going into secluded areas, such as, Table Mountain or to the beach at night time. During the day all these places make for some very good sightseeing. If you are venturing off somewhere, always let somebody know where you are. At ATM machines, be especially wary, they could be the location of really sophisticated con men, so don’t let anyone try and help you. Be aware of people standing too close to you or leaning over you to see your PIN code. Always seek help from a bank employee or from the staff at your accommodation venue.

You may be approached by street children or beggars during your stay in Cape Town. If you are to give them money, know that generally they are going to use it to buy alcohol or glue, which the street children sniff. So if you are feeling sorry for them, buying them something to eat instead would be a much better idea than handing over your cash.

While driving on the roads in Cape Town, especially in the city centre, keep your windows closed or partially open but not so that somebody could put their hand through the window. Do not leave any valuables, such as handbags or cellular phones visible on the seat and do not speak on your phone whilst your window is open. Make sure that all your doors are locked at all times, especially when stopping at robots.

That being said, Cape Town is an amazing city for the tourist or holiday maker. The Cape Town Accommodation establishments range from small guest houses and b&b to the luxury villa and six star hotel accommodation. You will never be disappointed by the huge amounts of activities that are available, from scenic drives over Chapmans Peak or driving through the Winelands, to taking the cable car or walking up Table Mountain, to watching the whales in Hermanus.

Enjoy an Italian cooking school tour…

Imagine yourself on a warm evening out on a deck in Italy, surrounded by vineyards spilling down slopes at all angles, covering green hills fading into the distance, drinking young, fruity Dolcetto and laughing away with friends. An imposing 11th century castle dominates the little town of Barolo in front of you. You can hardly believe you’re here, sitting back, thinking only of enjoying life in the moment, on a cooking, wine and culture tour in the country in Piedmont, home to some of Italy’s top reds, Barolo and Barbaresco. A tantalizing aroma wafts out on to the deck from the Brezza family’s restaurant kitchen ten steps away---Brasato al Barolo, a veal roll simmering slowly in robust, Barolo wine, onions, celery, yellow pepper, carrots, garlic, nutmeg, cloves, fresh rosemary and laurel. Your dinner experience starts with a delicate spinach flan topped with fonduta cheese sauce. Signor Brezza pours you his Barolo that goes perfectly with your Brasato al Barolo, bathed in rich gravy. A glass of sweet Moscato accompanies your decadent dessert, a semi-freddo with torrone, the local hazelnut nougat.

Next morning from a hill town above Barolo, you walk down through vineyards, farm hamlets and a forest to the Ratti family's private wine museum in an abbey where monks began making wine in 1162. Full of fascinating facts and humorous anecdotes, one of the owners, Massimo, takes you around, starting with an overview of the area’s five main wines and three kinds of soil. Strolling through the barrique cellar, up to the monks’ original kitchen and through well laid out rooms of tool, glasses and label displays, you discuss the history of the wines and their labels, the short supply of corks and your tastes in wines. Massimo shares glasses of three wines including their best Barolo with you. Someone asks very seriously, “How long should you age your wines?” He exclaims, “When in doubt, just drink it!” You’d never guess this down to earth wine producer is an author and a celebrity in the Barolo wine world.

Cook with a Family on Their Farm in TuscanyIn Tuscany among the rolling golden hills of fields, patches of olive groves and vineyards, for a short time you become part of a lively, enterprising farm family headed by Sandra and Ulisses. On their farm on a scenic ridge with a 180 degree panorama, they make pecorino cheese, grow herbs, raise pigs and sheep, run vacation bungalows, manage farm volunteers, make wine and preserves and have six children. Sandra sparkles with energy as you make delicious grilled eggplant and her special chestnut linguine with ricotta. More laid back Ulisses teaches you how to make Florentine arista, a savory pork roll with rosemary, garlic, sage leaves, a fennel flower and extra virgin olive oil, and a delicious tiramisu.

After your lesson, you tour the farm, chatting with Sandra about her life. Why did they choose the farming life? How does she find time to do all she does? Do they take holidays? Later you sit down at a long wooden table in their dining room and congratulate yourselves on your tasty creations. You experience a different way of life and learn a lot about Tuscan family life from two people passionate about what they do.

Experience the Real ItalyA cooking and wine tour opens doors to an amazing variety of traditional olive oil, cheese, balsamic vinegar and wine makers, chefs, restaurant owners, farmers, truffle hunters, artists and new local friends in their kitchens, wine cellars, homes, farms, restaurants, in the country and in towns. You relax, escape your cares, share stories, ideas and fun with people you’d never have met otherwise in places you’d never find. You feel immersed in the culture. You feel Italian!

These stimulating tours of discovery encompass much more than food and wine—they’re feasts for the mind, heart, senses and soul. In a six day tour you’ll cook beside three or four chefs or home cooks in the morning or late afternoon. Depending on the region you’re exploring, you can also shop for treasures in medieval hill towns, get pampered at the spa, walk magnificent country paths along the sea or through vineyards, admire Byzantine architecture in Ravenna, relax on a scenic boat ride along the Riviera coast or watch a live volcano in Sicily spew its fire into the night sky.

As Ron and Ruth Ruther of Santa Ana, California said, “Our trip to Piedmont exceeded our wildest expectations. We were interested in the trip because of the cooking lessons. As it turned out, the cooking lessons were incidental to the trip. We enjoyed the country, the food, the wine, the people, the restaurants and the hiking so much--the cooking lessons became less important to us.”

Feeling Overworked, Stressed Out and Need More Fun?

Cooking tours are the perfect antidote. On our cooking, wine and volcano tour in Sicily, we laughed every day. Our goofy, local guide, Maurizio hammed it up, and got everyone laughing, singing and dancing. Every chef or restaurant owner had a wacky side to him that had us in stitches.

Our third Sicilian cooking lesson was on the beautiful island of Stromboli, with brilliant, white washed, low, square houses, black, volcanic sand beaches, clear blue sea, all dominated by the mountain with green foothills and black top with an active volcano. In a B & B kitchen the serious, quiet, tense Chef Bartolo began our hands-on lesson with Penne Strombolana, pasta with a delicious sauce of black olives, capers, tomatoes and basil.

Soon the B & B owner, boisterous, loud Calogero entered the kitchen and started kidding Bartolo.

“Get him out of here! I can’t work with him here!” yelled Bartolo. The drama escalated into a side-splitting series of entries and exits in and out of the kitchen that felt like a theatre stage. Over dinner with Bartolo and Calogero we discovered they were friends and roared over the odd tale of how they’d met 20 years ago.

Looking for a Romantic Holiday? Something mysterious happens when you’re cooking together in Italy that makes your bonds of love grow stronger. We’ve seen couples fall in love more, like Patricia and Mervyn in the Riviera in a restaurant kitchen, up in the hills on terraces of olive trees above Rapallo. Making bread together at the kitchen counter at the window overlooking the garden, Pat exclaimed, “Here I am in a restaurant in Italy, on a sunny day, looking out at olive trees, lemon trees and roses and making bread with the man I love. What else could I want in life?”

How to Celebrate Life’s Milestones in “Dolce Vita” StyleYour 40th, 50th or 60th birthday or your 20th, 30th or 40th wedding anniversary happen once in a lifetime. Sharing a cooking, wine and culture tour in Italy gives you a truly special way to celebrate life, love and friendship with those you love and deepens your bonds.Jan in Colorado and Janis in New York, friends since college, had their 50th birthdays coming soon. Janis was ending chemotherapy and needed a fun filled, pampering escape. With their sisters from California and Florida and two Colorado women friends, they indulged in a cooking, wine and spa tour at a lovely, 15th century villa in Tuscany. A dream came true—a carefree week with their guide looking after everything, of cooking, eating, drinking, shopping and laughing all week long. Escape from your busy world of work and stress. Immerse yourself in a fun, sensual, stimulating cooking, wine and cultural adventure with a cast of warm, local people in Italy. Experience life’s simple joys in the present moment. Go back to being the person you forgot you were. Celebrate friendship and love with groups of friends or family…just because, or to mark your life milestones in a truly special way. You only live once!

About Mama Margaret

After a number of years working in the real estate and financial industries Margaret Cowan decided she needed more adventure in her life. In 1995 she founded Mama Margaret & Friends Cooking Adventures in Italy to be able to share her knowledge and love for the country with others. Now she and her local Italian tour partners offer adventures all over Italy in Piedmont, Riviera, Tuscany, Sicily, Bologna area, Umbria, and Le Marche.

Margaret’s first trip to Italy was in 1972 and she only came back long enough to pack up and move there. Cowan lived there 3 years, speaks Italian and knows many of the most interesting stories, people and places that Italy has to offer.

As an online shopper you should be skeptical of online product reviews. In most cases they are being used by big business to get free advertising. Hotel review sites are no different. However, there are some consumer great review websites that have valuable information on hotel that you may be interested in. Someone that has stayed at a hotel can give you a real good idea of what to expect from it. So where can you find valuable information and stay away from the advertising driven reviews? This is all explained in this useful article you are about to read.

What to look for in a good review:

The best consumer reviews offer detailed product information on the product and with regard to hotels, a good product review should tell you why they liked or disliked the hotel. How was the service; room stafff, bartenders, casino hosts, check in and out? How does the hotel favor against other hotels in the area? What special services did they enjoy; comps, entertainment gaming? What was the overall experience like would they recommend going back? What is there to do near the hotel. Answers to these questions could give you a real incite on whether or not that hotel is worth going to.

Also, some of the best product reviews will give you tips and tricks. Maybe the hotel you are staying at offers complimentary promotions, rewards, senior discounts, or discounted stays. All the best product reviews offer this kind of information, all of which is designed to get the best value for your money.

Reviews to avoid:

If a review says, "I loved your place! Keep it up!", then keep looking. It is rather uninformative so these should probably be ignored altogether. Also, if you feel the review may be to good to be true keep it in mind but look around to see what others may be saying. Finally, consider the source, do some research on the person who wrote the review. Is he or she is affiliated in any way with the hotel or stand to profit if you stay there? If so, then move on.

Las Vegas Hotel Reviews provides detailed information on Las Vegas Hotels, Las Vegas Hotel Discounts, Cheap Las Vegas Hotels, Vegas Shows and more. Las Vegas Hotel Review.

Most people have distinct associations with Texan – the steak, the ranch, and so on, but nobody would ever think to associate wine with it! Believe it or not, Texas wine tours are the state’s concession to culture. Texas seems to have a culture of its own, but the wine tours that they have actually lends itself to the wider workings of the world. Texas actually makes very fine wines. Texas wine tours may be nowhere near as famous as the California wine tours for example, but they are definitely worth a look if you are interested in wine. A tour through the Texas Hill country will lead you to several excellent wineries and give you a whole new experience!

When the Germans settles in Texas over a hundred years ago, they brought the grape along with them and found that they took to the land well. As a result the vineyards, and Texas wine tours, were born. However, there are a number of vineyards in the region that specialize in Italian and French wines as well as the German ones that gave rise to the wineries and trends. Texas Red is the main brand that can be seen on the supermarket shelves these days.

Texas wine tours will take you round all of the local wineries and will generally give you a great day out with a barbecue lunch thrown in for good measure. The wineries are well-rounded places that have expanded in their scope to tray and attract more individuals that may not have otherwise been interested. However, the nature of the Texas wine tours mean that more and more individuals are attracted to them every year. The tours will take you within spitting distance of the Wildseed Farm and Market Centre, which are the biggest farms in the United States at the moment and attract tourists as a result. You can therefore experience rural Texas all in one go by taking part in the Texas wine tours offered.

There are a number of companies that offer Texas wine tours so you should research them all before choosing the ones that you want to goon. You can find them readily enough on the Internet and all of the information about them will be on there waiting for you. Some wineries use imported grapes, others use homegrown ones and you can go and taste the difference between the two. There are tasting rooms, cellars, vineyards and wineries. Whatever you are looking for, I guarantee that you can find it when you look at Texas wine tours.

Whichever Texas wine tours you go on, you should take the time to visit Fredericksburg when you are in the area. The wineries there are simply awesome. You can take part in tasting sessions as well as sample the town’s culture and beautiful eateries. Fredericksburg was actually founded by the Germans settling in the area and specialises in Riesling wine. You can sample all of the varieties they have to offer though at a number of places. A trip here will put a different spin on your Texas wine tour and make it all the more memorable for the right reasons!

If you are looking for a European tourist destination, consider the Aosta Valley region of northern Italy bordering France and Switzerland. Depending on your interests, this beautiful area might be an ideal vacation spot. You can get classic Italian food, and wash it down with fine local wine. This tiny region, by far the smallest in Italy, has about 150 historic castles, forts, and towers. As small as it is, more than 20% of this region is classified as a nature preserve. And the Alpine skiing is some of the best in Europe.

We’ll start our tour at Bard in southwestern Aosta Valley near the Piedmont border. We’ll head north and slightly west to St. Vincent and then to Breuil-Cervinia near the Swiss border. Next we proceed southwest to Castello Fénis and the Gran Paradiso National Park. We continue north to Cogne and Aosta. Finally we’ll travel northwest to finish our tour at Courmayeur, not far from the French border.

The medieval village of Bard is fairly close to the northern border of Piedmont. In addition to its historic homes perched on a mountain overlooking a gorgeous gorge you can visit the Twelfth Century Forte di Bard that held up Napoleon’s military progress for almost two weeks. He had it destroyed. The fort was reconstructed in the Nineteenth Century.

Our next stop is St. Vincent, which has been a spa resort for well over one hundred years. It’s home to the Casino de la Vallée, where Sean Connery once won 20 million lire. St. Vincent is one of the largest casinos in all Europe and a favorite of jet setters. It was also the site of the European Chess Club championships in 2005.

Breuil-Cervina is a skiing village at the base of the Matterhorn founded in the 1930s during Mussolini’s rule. There are about 200 kilometers (120 miles) of ski runs on the Italian side of the mountain, said to be best for intermediate-level skiers. Experts will prefer the Swiss side of the mountain.

The Castello Fénis was built in 1330 by a relative of the ruling House of Savoy. It includes two sets of walls and several guard towers for defense. Castello Fénis once controlled the Aosta Valley. Some of its frescoes are still legible, especially if you’re familiar with ancient French. If you only have time to visit a single Aosta Valley castle, this is the one to visit.

The little village of Cogne is the entry point for the Parco Nazionale de Gran Paradiso (Grand Paradise National Park), Italy’s first national park, which once belonged to King Victor Emanuel III. It is home to hundreds of plant and animal species, including many that are rarely found elsewhere in Europe. Nearby sights include the Aymavilles Castle dating back to feudal times, a real upstart compared to the perfectly preserved Pondel Roman Bridge over the Grand Eyvia River, which celebrated its 2000th birthday in 2003.

The city of Aosta, numbering about thirty five thousand residents, is home to more than one quarter of the region’s total population. Founded in the very distant past it was a Roman garrison of three thousand soldiers more than two thousand years ago. If you approach the town from the east, you’ll see the Arco di Augusto (Arch of Augustus) commemorating Rome’s victory over the previous residents, a Celtic tribe. Be sure to see the Collegiata di Sant’Orso (Collegiate Church of Saint Orso), an Eleventh Century Gothic church built over a Sixth Century church founded by a local saint. The Twelfth Century Cloister guarded by about forty stone columns carved with Bible scenes and illustrating the founder’s life is right next door.

Unfortunately rather little of the massive Roman amphitheater remains. Its arches are now part of the Convent of the Sisters of San Guiseppe. In contrast, the Porta Praetoria (Pretorial Gate) is still in quite good shape, some two thousand years after construction.

The Duomo (Cathedral) was built over one thousand years ago, replacing the original Fourth Century building. It contains several objects of interest including a carved ivory piece honoring a Roman Emperor that recently celebrated its sixteen hundredth birthday. The cathedral is the major site for the Aosta Valley’s annual International Organ Festival.

We end our tour of the Aosta Valley at Courmayeur, as the ads put it, on the sunny side of Monte Bianco (Mont Blanc). The loads of tourists who go there either don’t know or more likely don’t care that both easy and difficult ski slopes are lacking and that the place is sometimes overcrowded. The site is beautiful, and there’s a lot of night life. And in the summer you can take the Télépherique de l’Aiguille du Midi and enjoy a spectacular view of a glacier snowfield as you pass over French territory.

What about food? Aosta Valley cuisine often resembles that of the neighboring Piedmont region. They both have a strong French influence due in grand part to the over five hundred year reign of the ruling House of Savoy. You can even get ham made from ibex or chamois from the Gran Paradiso National Park. The real Fontina cheese comes only from the Aosta Valley.

Let’s suggest a sample menu, one of many. Start with Zuppa Valdostana (Cabbage and Cheese Soup). Then try Costoletta alla Valdostana (Veal Chop with Fontina Cheese). For dessert indulge yourself with Panna Cotta (Cooked Milk Custard). Be sure to increase your dining pleasure by including local wines with your meal.

We’ll conclude this article with a quick look at Aosta Valley wine. Not surprisingly this tiny region comes in twentieth among Italy’s twenty regions for both area devoted to the vine and actual wine production. About one quarter of the wine is classified as DOC. DOC stands for Denominazione di Origine Controllata, which may be translated as Denomination of Controlled Origin, presumably a high-quality wine. There is only a single DOC wine, divided into 23 categories. Very little Aosta Valley wine is sold in North America. So that gives you another reason to visit this beautiful region.

In a city as rich in history and culture as Berlin, how do you make the most out of your stay? Why, by staying at a self-catering apartment, of course! A self-catering apartment in Berlin gives tourists the most value for their money.

Self-catering apartments in Berlin are usually found right in the heart of the city. Stay in one and you will find that the moment you step out of your door, you are immediately thrust into the pulsing rhythm of Berlin's culture-soaked atmosphere.

If you cherish your privacy and somewhat resent the overly attentive nature of a regular hotel staff, a self-catering apartment in Berlin is the perfect alternative for you. Most self-catered apartments provide individual access to sleeping quarters, thereby ensuring that you get the privacy you crave for.

Another plus to staying in a self-catering apartment in Berlin is that you never have to torture yourself with unfamiliar cooking while on vacation. You can cook your own meals in the well-equipped kitchens of most self-catering apartments. Finally, when you stay in a self-catering apartment in Berlin, you are never far from access to public transport. Therefore, it is very easy to stroll out the door and onto a waiting tram or bus.

A self-catering apartment in Berlin is available for nightly to monthly rentals. Rates can range from 30 euros per day per person in an apartment that could sleep six, to seven hundred euros per week for the same number of people. Of course, it would be a good idea to holiday with friends to help defray accommodation costs. Also, a vacation is more fun when spent in the company of friends and family.

With more and more vacationers opting to stay in a self-catering apartment in Berlin, it is always a good idea to make reservations ahead of time. Most self-catering apartments in Berlin have online reservations, and they accept major credit cards.

Having secured your accommodations for your Berlin vacation, you can then focus on sightseeing. Visit the places in Berlin that have cultural significance, such as museums, opera houses, theaters, and art galleries. Also, take part in the festivals held throughout the entire year in the city. For 2007, Berlin's calendar of events include the Carnival of Culture, the open-air concert in Gendarmenmarkt held in July as a herald to summer, and the Berlin Marathon slated for the month of September, wherein at least 50,000 runners and skaters stream into the city to take part in one of the world's largest marathons.

Tired of the affected airs of hotel staff? Fed up with staying at huge and impersonal hotels? Then, try staying at a bed and breakfast in Dublin. At a bed and breakfast in Dublin - the largest city, as well as the capital of Ireland - you can bask in the welcoming atmosphere of a home away from home.

If there is one thing the city has an abundance of, aside from the famed Irish charm, it's bed and breakfasts in Dublin. With over twenty tourist-board-approved bed and breakfasts, there is always a place for you to stay in. There are twin-sharing accommodations for those who love company. There are also single-occupant accommodations for those who prefer the solitary way.

Bed and Breakfasts in Dublin Some of the B&B accommodations in Dublin are:

1. Benavista Bed and Breakfast
Located in idyllic Kiliney, this bed and breakfast in Dublin is only twenty minutes away from the city center. It sits near two golf courses and numerous shopping establishments and watersports facilities. Benavista provides private parking space for staying guests.

2. Blackstone House
This is one of those restored Victorian houses that have been converted to a bed and breakfast in Dublin. Most of the original features of the place have been preserved, and look exactly the way they did centuries before. Blackstone House sits in Upper Rathmines Road. You can easily do your shopping or dining in restaurants in the village itself.

3. Flyover B&B
Guests can be assured of warm and friendly hospitality where they can relax in a cozy and inviting environment. Flyover B&B provides television sets in all room types. Easily accessible and with lots of parking space available, the Flyover B&B is one bed and breakfast in Dublin where guests will have no problems coming home to after a tour of Dublin's sights.

Cultural Immersion in Dublin
Staying in a bed and breakfast in Dublin allows you ample opportunity to enjoy the sites of the city. Chief among them are:

The National Museum of Ireland (Museum of Decorative Arts and History)
This museum is home to pieces of jewelry, weaponry, glassware, and ceramics. Through these artifacts, you can trace Dublin's history, as well as the political and social spurs to the city's development over the centuries. The museum is known for well-documented pieces of porcelain in its collection.

The National Museum of Ireland (Museum of National History)
Opened in 1857, the museum displays at least 10,000 specimens of wildlife. The specimens on display are representative of both existing and already extinct species of animals not only from Ireland but from the world over. The museum is open from Tuesdays to Saturdays, from ten in the morning to five in the afternoon. On Sundays, it is open from two to five in the afternoon. It closes during major Christian holidays.

Writers' Museum in Dublin
Dublin is a city famous for being the birthplace of many literary giants. It pays homage to its literary offspring through this museum. Here, you will find the personal items, books, letters, and other articles of daily life from writers like Oscar Wilde and Samuel Beckett.

The New Zealand Visa Requirements are one of the first things you should consider if you are thinking about visiting New Zealand. A New Zealand Visa or Permit may be required if you plan to study, visit or work in New Zealand.

New Zealand Student Visa and Permits
If you are intending to study in New Zealand for more than three months, then you may need a study visa or permit. However, you won’t need a visa or permit if you are a New Zealand Australian citizen, hold permanent New Zealand residence or you are an Australian resident with a permanent residence visa or a resident return visa that is current.

If you intend to study a single course that is less than three months in duration, and is approved or exempted by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority, then you can apply for a Visitor Visa.

You will need a Student Visa or Permit if you are going to study two or more short courses.

You will also need to meet health and character requirements, and prove that you can financially support yourself during your stay in New Zealand.

New Zealand Visitor Visa
If you are from Australia, or from a visa-free country and your visit is less than three months (or six months if you are from the United Kingdom), then you will not require a New Zealand Visitor Visa. Diplomats, aircrew and cruise ship passengers may also be exempt. All other people will need to apply for a visitor visa.

When assessing your New Zealand visa requirements, you will need to show that you are in good health and of good character. Your passport must be valid for at least three months past the date you intend to leave New Zealand, and you will also need to prove that you have they ways and means to leave New Zealand.

You will also need to show that you have enough money to support yourself during your visit to New Zealand.

The longest you can stay in New Zealand with a Visitor Visa is nine months. If you are from a Visa-free country you may stay for three months (or six months if you are from the United Kingdom).

New Zealand Work Visa
If you wish to work in New Zealand, either permanently or temporarily, there are a number of options you can consider.

Those aged between 18-30 may qualify for a working holiday permit, depending on their nationality.

Certain types of work may not require a work visa, for example if you are on a sales trip, and Australian citizens are also exempt.

You may be eligible for a temporary work visa or permit if you have a job offer from a New Zealand employer or you are a student or trainee.

Going on vacation in the beautiful Mediterranean city of Barcelona entails choosing from an endless array of accommodations. There are hotels, motels, inns, and hostels. But if you are looking for a place to get away from it all with that special someone, a romantic bed and breakfast is the place for you.

A romantic bed and breakfast is ideal for honeymooners in need of relaxation after the hustle and bustle of planning and orchestrating a wedding. Relationships often need spice and excitement, and a romantic getaway frequently does the trick. A romantic bed and breakfast is a good place for a weekend tryst with your lover and is guaranteed to set an atmosphere of love and romance.

It's Not the Hilton Romantic bed and breakfasts are built after old-fashioned boarding houses. The hosts are usually the owners themselves, and they also live in the establishment to serve the guests. Guests stay in private rooms. Meals are communal. This, however, is still a relatively comfortable setup as most bed and breakfasts can accommodate no more than 15 guests at any given time.

It's Not Called Bed and Breakfast for Nothing As the name suggests, romantic bed and breakfasts obviously provide bed space and breakfast. Because romantic bed and breakfasts are converted houses, bathrooms are often shared. However, bigger suites often come with en suite bathrooms so you are guaranteed privacy.

Scrumptious breakfasts are served family style. Depending on the host, breakfast may consist of full meals that include eggs, meat, pancakes, toast, and beverages. On the other hand, some romantic bed and breakfasts only provide light continental breakfasts consisting of fruit and doughnuts. Breakfast is often included in the rate offered by romantic bed and breakfasts.

Bed and Breakfasts in Barcelona A very popular tourist destination, the seaside city of Barcelona has since given birth to many tourist accommodations, among them romantic bed and breakfasts operated by some of the city's most hospitable locals.

Situated on a majestic building built on the turn of the 18th century, the Sagrada Familia Bed and Breakfast sits in the historical Eixample neighborhood. It has undergone several modern improvements to make your stay comfortable. At the same time, it retains its original romantic elegance. There is a large but cozy living room where you can unwind after a day of sightseeing. The Sagrada Familia offer double rooms. The rooms are pleasant and well-decorated, complete with a balcony where you can enjoy the view of the city. Bathrooms are shared, but these are cleaned several times in a day. For travelers on a budget, the Sagrada Familia also offers economy double rooms with the same amenities but of slightly reduced proportions.

Probably the most popular romantic bed and breakfast in Barcelona is the Palau de la Musica Bed and Breakfast. It is located right next to the famous Palau de la Musica Catalana or Barcelona Music Hall. This romantic bed and breakfast offers three double rooms with en suite bathrooms, six twin rooms, and apartments for groups. The double rooms with en suite bathrooms are recommended for couples on a romantic getaway.

A fully restored building at the heart of Barcelona's Ciutat Vella houses the Sant Jaume Bed and Breakfast. This romantic bed and breakfast is only a few minutes' walk to most of the city's historical and cultural sights, and is therefore ideal if you intend to do a lot of sightseeing.

A romantic bed and breakfast is a place where you can pampered without losing that homey feeling. It reminds you of home, and at the same time, rekindles the fire in your romance.

There is nothing trite or dull about Barcelona. In Barcelona, the dresses are brighter, the art more dramatic, the language more colorful, and the gestures more emphatic. The restaurants in Barcelona offer great food at modest prices. The nightlife never stops, and remarkable sights and sounds litter the streets like stones. Best of all, there is a wide range of Barcelona accommodations for backpackers and posh travelers alike.

Depending on your needs and budget, here are some types of Barcelona accommodations to choose from.

Hotels: Choose a list of hotels and motels online or from hotel listings in telephone directories. High-end Barcelona accommodations include 5-star and 4-star hotels, as well as 3-star hotels that offer 4-star services and amenities.

Bedsits and Studio Apartments: These are single-room Barcelona accommodations. They come with a private bathroom and a small kitchen. If you prefer to spend your vacation in solitude, with no desire to cook for friends or entertain guests, this arrangement is perfect for you.

Flats and Apartments: This type of Barcelona accommodation features up to two bedrooms, a living room, a private bathroom, and a small kitchen. If you have a single flatmate in mind and can afford a higher rent, this is a good option for you.

Houses: Barcelona houses are a 5-bedroom affair. They are perfect for you if you're staying with a large group, if you love to entertain, or if you don't mind sharing living space with several others.

Once you've decided which type of rented Barcelona accommodation to go for, make sure that you inquire about the following:

1. Affordability of rent: Check your budget and see if the Barcelona accommodation you have in mind is within your financial means to pay.

2. Parking space and transportation routes: If you have a car, check if there is ample parking space. If not, check the transportation routes available.

3. Proximity of shops, laundromats, and other facilities

4. Cleanliness and maintenance: To check on the cleanliness of the place, ask to see the health certificate to ensure cleanliness on the place.

5. Safety and security: Is your Barcelona accommodation nestled at a safe part of the city?

6. Amenities provided and the rules and regulations being enforced

In looking for a Barcelona accommodation, remember that old adage about doing something in haste and repenting in leisure. Evaluate your options carefully. Do not pay a deposit for the first Barcelona accommodation you find. Remember, the best things in life are those that are hardest to find.

Ernest Hemmingway calls Paris a movable feast. He does not lie. Paris is the city of cities. Not only is it the city of lights, it is also a city soaked to the bone with history and culture. There's so much to do and see in Paris. What's more, you don't have to sell the family silver to put yourself up in a gilded cage of five-star isolation. The best way to experience the city and at the same time, get the most value for your money is through a bed and breakfast in Paris.

For those who are new to the city and are there for sightseeing or romantic encounters, a bed and breakfast in Paris has many advantages over and against that of a hotel. The first and most obvious advantage is the price. On average, you will have to shell out anywhere from about €135 a night or even higher for a standard double room in a three-star hotel. That's about USD$181. For a more expensive room that you won't want to leave, expect to pay double that amount. So, why sell a kidney to keep yourself inside a second-grade hotel? For half the price, a quaint little bed and breakfast in Paris can offer all the advantages of a hotel.

Viva Le Differénce!
Bed and breakfasts in Paris come in two major styles. The first one allows you to pay for a room in a private house with a Parisienne host family. The second one lets you pay for a small apartment with any number of bedrooms. Both give you the chance to enjoy comfortable lodging at super low prices.

The first type of bed and breakfast in Paris is the most common. The good thing about it is that not only do you get to save, you also get easy access to local knowledge. The family you stay with can give you valuable tips about going around town, or finding your way to sights that the average tourist knows nothing about. There is a downside to this type of bed and breakfast in Paris, though. Because you will be staying with a family, you won't have all the freedom in the world to do crazy things, like walking around in the nude, raiding the min-bar, or accidentally packing the hotel robes and mini soaps in our luggage!

Do Your Own Thing!
The second and most convenient style of bed and breakfasts in Paris offer multi-bedroom apartment facilities for short term rental agreements, usually lasting a minimum of about three nights. These are cost effective and fun. They are the best option for you if you are traveling with a group of friends and want to share the cost with them. Moreover, bed and breakfasts in Paris that are of this type are found right in the heart of the city, often in the same neighborhoods as some of the finest hotels. A good bed and breakfast in Paris can give you most of the advantages of an expensive hotel, for a fraction of the price, and with a whole lot more freedom to design your own accommodation experience!

Coimbatore The 3rd largest city in Tamilnadu, Coimbatore is popularly known as the ‘Manchester of south India’ for its many textile mills. Is a large business and industrial city and a hub of discussion and debate with many medical, educational, business and technology groups conducting seminars here. Based at the foothills of the Nilgiris, the city also boasts of tea and coffee plantations along with numerous cash crops like tobacco and cotton. One of South India’s most important industrial cities, the development of hydroelectricity from pykara falls in the 1930s led to a cotton boom in Coimbatore.

Attractions in Coimbatore:

• VOC Amusement Park and Zoo
The amusement park, named after the freedom fighter V. O. Chidambaram, is an exciting place for both children and adults. The main attraction of the park includes a number of joy rides, an aquarium containing large variety of fish, a zoo and a toy train.

• Marudhamalai
Located on a hillock about 12 km from Coimbatore Railway Station, the temple of Marudhamalai, dedicated to Lord Subramanya, is one of the most visited temples in the region. One of the reasons of the large number of devotees flocking the temple is that the residing deity Dandayuthapani is believed to have performed several miracles here. Thai Poosam and Tirukarthigai festivals are celebrated with great pomp and gaiety at this temple.

• Agriculture University
Situated about 5 km from the railway station, the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University is one of the best institutions for agricultural studies in Asia. The university spread in an area of 300 hectares also houses a botanical garden with different species of plants and trees.

• Perur
Perur is a small town situated about 6 km from Coimbatore. Its main claim to fame is the holy Perur Temple, one of the seven Kongu Sivalayams. The outer buildings of the temple were built by rulers of Madurai in the 17th century but the inner shrine is much older. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. One of the remarkable features here is the figure of a sepoy (Indian soldier) loading a musket carved on the base of the pillar near the entrance, wearing identical dress to that of the Aurangzeb's soldiers.

• Forest College
The Forest College is located at a short distance from the railway station. A museum located inside the college is one of the major tourist attractions housing a collection of unique rocks, minerals, snakes, insects and other types of fungi.

• Siruvani Waterfalls
The picturesque Siruvani Waterfalls and Dam is situated about 37 km west of the city. The place abounding in natural beauty leaves the tourists mesmerized and spellbound by its sheer natural splendor. The water of Siruvani contains a lot of minerals and is known for its taste.

Coimbatore Excursions:
Thirty kilometers from the city is the famous Vaideki Water Falls, which is a popular Coimbatore thing to do. Visitors are spell bound by the beauty of the waterfall. The area around the fall is also a good trekking area. About ninety kilometers from the city is the Annamalai Wildlife Sanctuary. It is spread over an area of almost nine-hundred-and-sixty square kilometers, and is home to some of the finest species of mammals, including all the big cats.

Bhavani is a major pilgrim site that is located one-hundred-twenty kilometers from the city. All the Crocodile Dundees can travel twenty from Amarvati dam, to a crocodile farm, where you can feed a croc. This temple has visitors all round the year. You can also visit Black Thunder, which is frequently called the best amusement park in Asia. This water theme park is very thrilling indeed. Coimbatore is a gateway to many fascinating cities in the south, like Kodaikanal or Ooty.

How to Reach Coimbatore:

By Air
Peelamedu airport is 10-km from the Coimbatore city, which operates regular flights to Bangalore, Mumbai, Chennai, Kochi and Madurai.

By Rail
Coimbatore is a major railway junction on the Southern Railways and has trains to Chennai, Rameswaram, Madurai, Bangalore, Mumbai, Kanyakumari, Kozhikode, Mettupalayam, Kochi and Delhi.

By Road
Well built roads and highways connect Coimbatore to all the major cities in and around the state.

Local Transportation
For local transportation, city buses, taxis and auto rickshaws are available. State Transport Corporation ply mini luxury coaches between various points in the city and airport.

European railways have always been an expensive mode of traveling. And it isn't a very good news for all you bargain hunters. But in this article, you would be able to find out the simple methods by which you can avail a cheap rail ticket.

First things first. The commonest way to obtain a cheap rail ticket is to book your reservation before hand. Every one amongst us knows about this phenomenon, but they are never particular about their bookings and that leaves them with the only option of availing their rail tickets at the normal cost. On the other hand, buying your rail ticket 12 weeks before hand would make you save a lot on your money. Secondly, cheap rail tickets can also be availed directly from the Internet, and you can also find some perky discounts on your online bookings as well. These are basically promotional discounts for all the online customers.

It would also be good if you buy a rail card for yourself and for your family, if you are a frequent traveller. The prerequisite for availing this discount is, if you are less than 26 years old or more than 60 years old, or if your travelling with children, your fare is one third cut with the help of this card. The card is available for £20 and can help in making your fare cheap. You can easily buy these rail tickers online and also on the rail counters. However, these rail cards are not always applicable, its better not to solely rely on them. But availing a rail card is the most tried and tested way of getting a discount. There is a rail card for everybody, like for students, senior citizens and family rail cards as well.

So before carrying out any journey, always look for a bargain that will make cheap rail tickets available to you and help you save some of your hard earned money.

The River Thames is known for its many famous London sights and when organizing a Thames private boat charter you will need to consider which route you take so that you make the most of London's historic landmarks.

The route you choose for your Thames private boat charter will make a huge difference to your function. When cruising upstream to Putney from central London the difference in surroundings is intense. The busy life of the city is evident whilst cruising along Embankment pier yet can be quickly forgotten whilst heading up past Cadogan.

Your route is subject to tidal restrictions. A high tide can often mean that the larger Thames boats are unable to get under the lower bridges found in the central London area and further up near Putney. The tide also effects how long it takes for the boats to reach destinations at various times in the day. Your Thames boat hire company are always able to advice would what be the most effective route to take at the time and day of your charter so that your guests are able to make the most of the top London Sights.

Downstream, towards Greenwich, is often a popular route to take as the O2 is one of London’s more unique attractions. To begin your Thames boat charter at Tower Pier creates a dramatic atmosphere with stunning views of Tower Bridge and HMS Belfast for all to see. Passing Canary Wharf and docklands on the way towards the Greenwich Barrier means that there is a wide variety of sights to absorb.

If you decide that you want to make the most of the famous sights in central London then there are various routes to take. With landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye and the Globe Theatre to be seen, your moving lounge will enable you to see all of these without the hassle of having to find your way around London on public transport. The crew are able to provide your guests with commentary and historic knowledge if requested.

A bridge lift at Tower Bridge is a once in a lifetime opportunity. When chartering out a boat, it is one of the most popular and effective moments to have as part of your charter. Tower Bridge has stood over the River Thames in London since 1894 and is one of the finest, most recognizable bridges in the World. You would want to incorporate her into your route!

In conclusion there are a wide variety of routes on the Thames and each one is unique. The Thames enables you to make the most of London’s finest historical buildings and highlights. Depending on your required taste there is something for everyone on route when considering a Thames private boat charter.

Keith McGregor is a partner of Strawberrysoup, a web design agency with offices in Chichester and Bournemouth. Strawberrysoup specialise in creative web design, content managed websites, search engine optimisation, search engine marketing and graphic design.

As the second largest metropolis in India, Delhi has a vast amount to explore. From its rich history and culture to truly thrilling seasonal attractions, anyone who visits Delhi is sure to come away with an experience unlike any other.

For instance, Delhi hosts a number of spectacular celebrations and National events throughout the year. Republic Day (26 January) has a large cultural and military parade, while Independence Day - held on August 15th - invites everyone to celebrate by flying kites - a symbol of freedom. The Qutub is another cultural event which is held every September and sees performances by musicians and dancers from across India. The Spring Festival and International Mango Festival attract countless tourists and nationals each year. So, if you plan your visit to Delhi to coincide with these times of year, you'll have the added pleasure of partaking in the country's most celebrated events.

Holidaying in Delhi wouldn’t be complete without a taste of the region's fantastic cuisine. Local delicacies include Chaat and Dahi-Papri, available in restaurants and through street vendors alike but due to Delhi's cosmopolitan population, cuisines from every part of India can be found in the city.

Delhi is also a shopper's paradise. The markets of Old Delhi hold an eclectic range of products - from foods and spices to jewellery and textiles. Visitors can also find arts and crafts unique to Delhi's distinctive style, including Zardozi (embroidery with gold thread) or Meenakari (enamelled art). And if you're after the stunning fashion sense of India, Chandni Chowk, a three century-old shopping district that's popular for its jewellery and saris, is not to be missed.

A glance in any direction in the city of Delhi will reveal some aspect of the city's vast culture and history. Aside from the countless monuments strewn about the city (175 alone are national heritage sites while another two are World Heritage Sites), the city holds legacies of its rich Mughal past among the old city's narrow lanes and crowded markets.

Some of Delhi’s top architectural attractions include the Purana Qila fortress, Red Fort, the India Gate and the modern Bahá'í Lotus Temple. One of Delhi's most spectacular sites is undoubtedly the Jama Masjid - the great mosque of 'Old' Delhi. Built in 1644, Jama Masjid was one of the last architectural indulgences commissioned by Shah Jahan - the Mughal emperor, who also built the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort. And with a courtyard capable of holding 25,000 worshippers, Jama Masjid is renowned as the largest mosque in India.

If you're planning a trip to Delhi to experience the Jama Masjid - among countless other splendors - it's best to book your flights well in advance to get the best deals; particularly if you're planning to travel during the spring or autumn months. You'll find a number of airlines which offer direct flights to Delhi from London - so getting there is easy. So, don't miss out on one of the most exciting, beautiful and historic cities in India - visit Delhi on your next holiday!