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 Buying designer luggage today can be a daunting task if you do not know what to look for. Traveling can be stressful as it is but not knowing which luggage set or designer luggage to choose can cause even more headache. You will need to spend some time shopping for luggage to get the best deal and find what really will be the best fit for you. You may want to look for some well made designer luggage so that you don't have to worry about whether your new pieces will hold up through the wear and tear of travel. Designer luggage comes from many well known brands like Samsonite luggage, TravelPro luggage, Andiamo luggage, Boyt luggage, Delsey luggage, Eagle Creek luggage, French luggage and the list goes on. A good place to find information on designer luggage is at www.savinarluggageonline.com.  You can find information about designer luggage like the wide range of colors available, the materials the luggage is made from and the selection of wheeled luggage, monogramming and oth...

 Denia, on the Costa Blanca of Spain has always been strategically located on the skirt of the Montgo hills, dominated by a castle which was once an Arab fortress, right on the Mediterranean Sea. Dianium was its first name given to it by the Romans owing to the fact that there was a temple nearby which had been dedicated to Diana. The Greeks seem to be the first tourists in 6 B.C. and staying for a while because of its climate, very similar to that of Greece, giving it the name of Hemeroscopeion. But as we have seen in many other places in Spain, the Arabs were the ones who stayed the longest and who really populated the area, converting it in the capital of the region of the Caliph of Cordoba. After the expulsion of the Moors, this city suffered terribly both economically and in population. But it made its comeback with the production and exportation of raisins, mainly to England. But unfortunately this has decreased considerably both in Denia ( http://www.alicante-spain.com/denia...

 The Courchevel 1850 resort in France is one of the best ski resorts in the world if you happen to be a beginner.  Yes, we were all beginners once, and no one knows better than the Courchevel 1850 resort, that if you get the beginners right, the intermediates and advanced will follow.  With over 50% of all runs dedicated specifically to beginners, it is a haven for those learning to ski, or looking to refine their skills and expertise whilst on vacation. Rumoured to be the most expensive resort on the French Alps, this isn't strictly the truth.  You can find really good deals if you know where to look, and there are really good discounts for group bookings, although you get what you pay for, so don't expect a cheap vacation.  Courchevel is part of the Three Valleys resorts, and itself is divided into four distinct areas from the bottom to the top: 1300, 1550, 1650, and 1850.  In general, the further up you go, the more expensive your trip is likely to be, s...

 Colorado Springs, located a little over an hour south of Denver, is well-known for such landmarks as the Broadmoor Hotel, the Garden of the Gods, and the campus of Focus on the Family. Several of its landmarks, though, are not so much Colorado landmarks as they are American places of interest. Three distinctly American locations stand out in particular.  The United States Air Force Academy, located 14 miles north of downtown, welcomes visitors year-round. Among the chief sites is the world-famous chapel, known for its unique, angular architecture. Music buffs are also familiar with its famous organ. The chapel shows just a small part of the lifestyles of cadets as they pursue excellence of character, physical fitness, and outstanding academic achievement.  Another site, which is beginning to rival the Academy in popularity, is the United States Olympic Training Center. Yes, there are opportunities to watch athletes train, and even to meet them, but most people don't know...

  Cheap air fares are easy if you keep these 8 tips in mind. Airlines aim to make as much money as possible. They are not going to put the cheap air fares out front, so you need to know how to find those gold mines yourself. There are basically 8 rules I use on a regular basis when booking flights to be sure I get to my destination the cheapest way. These are tips that every person can easily use, frequently cutting the price in half you pay. 1. Make your reservation as early as possible. At least 14 days in advance. After this time, the air tickets can easily more than double in price and cheap air fares may not be available. 2. Be flexible with your travel time. Changing the day or the time of day can drastically reduce the price of your air flight. The best day to fly on is Wednesday, which is also the best day to book the flight on. The cheapest time to fly is early morning or late evening. 3. Fly during the off-season. Prices are a direct result of supply and demand. As demand...

 A carnival cruise is one of the best-loved types of cruise in the world. It offers a heady mix of onboard entertainment, pampering and relaxation, all within the plush surroundings of a cruise ship as it sails from port to port. The cruise ship caters for every taste, making carnival cruises equally suitable for those who want to laze endlessly by the pool, to people who are looking for a full-on party atmosphere.  Sports activities are widely available on a carnival cruise. Volleyball, basketball, table tennis and even golf can be played on board the cruise ship. You will always have access to a well-equipped gymnasium too, along with personal trainers to help maximize your fitness routine while on the cruise ship. Additionally, there is a plethora of watersports on offer, including jet-skiing and opportunities to learn how to scuba dive.  Carnival cruise cuisine is delightful. All cruise ships pride themselves on offering a dining experience that is second to none. The...

“Ladies and gentlemen, please fasten your seat belt. We are about to land in a moment...” Well, you might think that you have reached your destination. But not necessarily the end of the journey. In fact, when you hop around places for business or leisure, there are plenty of reasons to worry about. Your stay being one of the main reasons. The moment you step out from an airport, the same reason always bothers you with never-ending questions. Where to stay? Where is it located? What is the price? After all, the entire experience of your trip counts on how good or bad your stay was. However, it doesn’t mean that you have no clue of what you are up to or where you are heading. But it’s about how precise you are in planning.  As this world is an amalgamation of various caste, culture, and creed… leading to many ways of life, you are bound to see different things the moment you land in a different territory. Of course, it is the reason that makes your journey always interesting – meeti...

 One of the best ways to save money and time when you are buying boxes for moving is to think about the items you will be taking with you. There is nothing like going through the stress of moving, only to find that your household belongings are damaged or missing. Here are some great tips to remember when purchasing boxes for moving that everyone can use:  Start by packing light items like clothing that you know you know you will not be using for a while, such as winter or summer items that are in your closet. These are the easiest items to get out of your way and also the easiest items to fit into boxes for moving.  Next, sort out your heavier items. When buying boxes for moving, always remember that the heavier an item is, the smaller the cardboard box you should use. A good example would be books. One book is light, but large boxes full of books get too heavy for any one to lift. Books should always be packed in small cardboard boxes. Trying to pack up a lot of books i...

You need to buy a backpack for your son, but you are unsure which one to buy and don’t know how to choose the right one. After all there are those reports about how backpacks are damaging our children’s backs. What are you as a parent supposed to do? Here are a few do’s and don’ts about buying and using backpacks. Hopefully you will at least some of them helpful. Don’t buy the first backpack you see no matter how much your son whines. Do shop around. Check the department stores and sporting goods stores, do a web search.Try to find out what is available and how much you can expect to pay. Some schools require the children to have a backpack, and others do not. Also, some schools insist on see through backpacks, to cut down on he chances of kids bringing contraband, such as drugs or weapons to school.  If your child’s school has this policy, then you have few choices to make.  Some do not allow wheeled packs, they are seen as a tripping hazard. Do check to see if the product ha...

 Moving halfway around the world, to a culture as foreign and difficult to penetrate as Japan's is difficult for anyone. If you become an English teacher here, you will probably have to deal with a Japanese boss and staff with different cultural values from your own. This can lead to a feeling of paranoia in some cases; isolation and disillusionment.  To a great extent, leaving your friends and family and going to Japan to teach English engenders some of the same feelings as that of teenagers rebelling from their parents in the West. Teenagers rely on their parents, yet resent and rebel against them. Of course they complain to their friends about them too.  Foreign English teachers in Japan must rely on their Japanese bosses for: their work visa, in some cases their apartment, and of course their salary. Some teachers come to Japan with virtually no knowledge of the country. Childlike, they ask questions about Japan that many six year old Japanese know the answers to. The...

 It has been an emotional evening tonight. In my earlier blog of today I indicated that I just heard news tonight that my friend Neil passed away, something that is going through my head as we speak.  Before I heard these news I had actually been watching the movie Motorcycle Diaries which has just been released on DVD. I have been meaning to see this movie for a while now, obviously because it would show great footage of Latin America, because it is about a long road trip, a true adventure - something that a travel nut like me would obviously enjoy. But as the movie moved on to portray significant scenes of Ernesto “Che” Guevara and Alberto Granado in the workers’ selection at the mine, their visit to Macchu Picchu, their stay in the leper colony; you could really see the transformation of the characters. A transformation from a simple travelogue, coming-of-age story of two young men to their (and particularly Ernesto’s) spiritual and political awakening, planting the seed fo...

 The islands of Hawaii are a dream destination for many travelers, and a cruise that incorporates all four of the state’s beautiful islands could be just the ticket for your vacation plans. Each island has its own beauty and charm and is not the same as the others. From “Big Island” to Maui, to Oahu, to Kauai, there is something different and special about each local flavor. The best way to get a real taste of Hawaii, is to try the sample platter. Below, here is a little bit of what each individual island has to offer.  Kauai is the smallest and furthest from the “Big Island,” but do not count it out in terms of local culture. Nicknamed the “Garden Island” for its rich wildlife and beautiful scenery, the island of Kauai is home to all kinds of different nature-based activities. You can go kayaking, biking, tubing, whale watching, off road sightseeing, picnicking, snorkeling, on eco tours, dinner cruises, or see a little bit of everything from an airplane tour. The best that Ha...

 If you are disabled or have certain special needs, you can still have a cruise ship adventure. If you fall into this category, your best bet is to consult with a travel agent to find the best cruise line that will accommodate your needs.  No two cruise lines are quite alike, so comparison shopping is required when choosing your options. Your particular disability could be the deciding factor on which cruise to take. For instance, not all cruise ships can accommodate wheelchairs easily. Cabins are notoriously small, so you must get dimensions to determine if your wheelchair will even fit inside your room.  Luckily, some of the larger cruise lines have specially designated cabins that have wider doorways. The bathrooms are large enough for a wheelchair to roll right inside. The closets are built for a lower reach and the elevators have controls easily accessible for those people sitting in wheelchairs. Some cruise lines will have collapsible wheelchairs available, but it i...

 Before you apply for a job on a cruise ship, or take your application any further, you should think carefully about exactly what it is a potential cruise line employer is looking for. This has two benefits: firstly, it will help you decide if the job is really for you and secondly, it will help you decide how to put over your own personal skills and qualities to best effect. Let's take a look at exactly what cruise line employers are looking for in a potential candidate. * Experience Don't worry, this isn't always a necessity! There are plenty of positions onboard where you don't need any experience whatsoever.  But having some kind of land-based experience in your desired job is always going to be an advantage.  Cruise line employers especially like people who can show a broad range of experience.  For example, if your job involves contact with the public then experience of serving the public in several ways will be an advantage. * High Standards of Service All fun...

 Covered Bridges first appeared in the U.S. around 1805, but the history of these monuments to another age date back thousands of years to China. Covered bridges had also existed in Europe since medieval times and there were once hundreds of them in Switzerland, Austria and Germany.  But it’s here in the Northeastern U.S., where wooden covered bridge design and construction reached its pinnacle in the nineteenth century. A combination of pressing need, plentiful old growth northern forests, and sheer Yankee ingenuity, advanced the development of wooden covered bridges to a rare combination of marvelous engineering feats that were also pleasing to the eye. WHY SO MANY COVERED BRIDGES IN THE NORTHEAST? The northeast is a region of rivers, streams and creeks. As the population surged out away from coastal areas into the forested interior, villages sprung up near water sources. The water source was used to power mills in these towns, and villages often developed on both banks of a...

 Costa Rica is a wonderful place to visit with your family or even alone. Many couples honeymoon in Costa Rica combining romance, adventure and mystical visits to volcanoes, rainforest's, waterfalls, and secluded beaches.  Our goal here is to provide a condensed guide that you can print and take with you to use for reference.  For more detailed information about Costa Rica our website is the best information source on the web. Country Information Costa Rica is in Central America north of Panama and south of Nicaragua.  The Pacific ocean borders the country to the west and the Caribbean to the east. The citizens of Costa Rica are affectionately called Tico's and Tica's.  In all of Latin America, the Tico's are most like North American's in their thought process.  There are many cultural differences but tourism and tourists in general are welcomed warmly in this country. Costa Rica has the highest literacy rate in Latin America.  Every four years electio...

 This is probably the biggest and oldest infrastructure project in bridge construction that is still in use, and it wonders us that our small hands can do such a miracle when guided by the mighty mind. The project was gigantic and so was its construction. It was a battle of engineering science with nature that took lives of many during the construction, and the first one to sacrifice was the creator himself. Any person who has sentiments, cannot cross this bridge in continuation, the grandeur and beauty compels him to stop and glance at it for a while. - Chandra Bhushan, Architect Brooklyn Bridge – Creating Grandeur In 1860, due to population explosion in New York City and Brooklyn, it was realized that a bridge was necessary to connect these cities that are separated by East River. In 1866 New York State Legislature passed the bill for construction of a bridge over the East River and New York Bridge Company was formed. The company appointed John Augustus Roebling as its Chief Engi...

 Bruges is the capital of West Flanders, which is a region of Belgium. The city has been nicknamed "the Venice of the north" due to the many waterways that cross through the city. Bruges is a historic city and has been a world heritage site since the year 2000. The city is fairly small, with a population of just over 100,000 people. Bruges is the location of many medieval forms of European architecture, and is one of the most popular cities in Belgium to visit. If you are looking to go back in time, Bruges is the city to visit. The city is known for its great works of art, and many tourists visit the city during the summer. The summer is the best time to witness the true beauty of Bruges. Many famous people have hailed from Bruges. The mathematician Simon Stevin was born there, as well as Tony Parker, a basketball player in the French NBA. Tourists to the city who love art will want to visit the Groening museum, a museum which houses an art collection which dates back to the ...

  Why choose a beach vacation in Florida? One good reason is because wherever you go in Florida, you're never more than 60 miles from the beach! Florida is also easy to get to, the temperature is pleasurable year round, it offers good value for your money and that’s just for starters. So whether you are looking for a family vacation, a romantic vacation, a relaxing vacation or getting in some golf time, there is a Florida beach vacation area for you. Best Florida Beach Areas for Families Siesta Public Beach Siesta Public Beach in Sarasota makes a great family beach because of its gradual slopes, shallow waters, lifeguards on duty, fine white sand and tranquil waters. It has won awards for best beach based on sand, water quality and facilities. The beach facilities include picnic areas, rest rooms, concession stands, playground, trails, and tennis and volleyball courts. If you enjoy collecting shells, try Turtle Beach, at the south end of the island.  Tampa Bay Area - St. Petes...

 Cruise ships are not commonly thought of as family vacation vessels. However, there are a fair amount of cruises, like Carnival’s “fun ships” targeted at fulfilling just this purpose. Look at it this way: you know the kids are not going that far, unless of course they have gone overboard. Also, there is a little bit of something for everyone in all age groups. From adults, to teens, to kids, there is are coordinated activities as well as focused facilities for all of the different age groups. You can rest assured that no one will be bored on a family cruise.  For parents there are the usual activities. Your rest, relaxation and rejuvenation is certainly the focus and you can spend all the time you’d like lounging by the pool or on the deck, as well as making appointments for a massage or facial. There is plenty of evening recreation for once the kids are in bed, and it varies from ship to ship. There are also great opportunities for socializing and networking, and it is a goo...

 If you haven’t been on a cruise vacation yet, then you're missing out on one of life’s greatest adventures. Have you spent years envying those who take cruises to Alaska or the Bahamas while you're stuck at home or driving to Florida? Well, now is the time to take action. Cruises aren't just for the rich anymore; they're for everyone! The great thing about a cruise is that one price pays for everything. More and more people are discovering the fun and value of cruising, but many more still have not heard the good news.  Now more than ever, a luxury cruise is easily affordable and accessible to everyone. Regardless of which cruise you choose, all cruise lines pamper their guests with first-class service around the clock. The Staff are there to make sure you needs are met. From chocolates on your pillow to your favourite drink waiting for you at your dinner table, you will feel like you are being spoiled day and night. The hassles of an ordinary vacation are completely e...

 Vacationing in the Caribbean is something that everyone should experience at least once in a lifetime. From beautiful Belize to the truly amazing St.Barts, the Caribbean islands have tons to offer in terms of rest and relaxation. Whether you are traveling with the entire family or are planning a romantic vacation with your special someone, you can rest assured there is an island resort guaranteed to meet your every need.  When planning your Caribbean vacation, the first thing you must do is determine which island you'd like to visit. While this might seem a grueling decision, you can take comfort in the fact that when it comes to the Caribbean islands, you really can't make a wrong choice. With crystal clear water on all sides and delicious sunshine bathing each one in warmth and luxury, the Caribbean islands are a wonderful place to spend any vacation.  Caribbean vacations can generally fit just about any budget. Whether you have several hundred or several thousand doll...

 Renovating and designing a new hotel is a daunting task; even more so when you’ve decided to create a chic, boutique place to stay. How do they do it? Owners of boutique hotels often transform buildings no-one would touch into hotels that everyone wants to go to. It takes a lot of hard work, planning and an eye for design and detail to create a successful boutique. Imagination Imagination is a key skill when it comes to creating a stunning small hotel. To see a building that is either derelict or in need of substantial renovation, and know that you can transform it into a stylish, desirable place to stay is a talent that not many people have. You need to be able to see the arrangement of the guest rooms, the provision of public spaces, the kitchens and offices and the outdoor spaces. If you don’t have a vision, it can be very difficult to pull off a successful make-over. Experience Although many boutique owners are first-time hoteliers, many have either hospitality or design exper...

  Costa Rica has long been famous among serious bird watchers, but many  people who would never consider the activity at home quickly have become interested in the country's spectacular avian diversity.  With almost 850 species of birds -more than total of what North America  has- packed into an area half the size of Kentucky, it's hard not to  become enthused about the variety of feathered creatures one encounters  in Costa Rica. And we can provide us experienced nature guides who make  any costa rica bird watching vacation an educational experience.  One of the reasons for Costa Rica's extraordinary bird life is the  country's great variety of habitats: rain forests, mangrove swamps,  beaches, cloud forest, rivers, etc. And any two of those ecosystems,  with their resident bird species, are often only a short distance apart.  Birders from North America who enjoy their Costa Rica bird watching  vacation during the norther...

 Costa Rica - A Modern Day Paradise  Costa Rica, a small country filled with sun, beaches, vulcanos, buses, good food and party!  No one will leave Costa Rica feeling they did not have a good time.  Family Vacation in Costa Rica  You will not have any problem visiting Costa Rica even with small children. Costa Rica is a country where most families have more then 1 child. The food is good and the number of tropical diseases found in Costa Rica is no problem.  There are som many beaches where the waves are smaller in size and the hotels and cabins have pools, that choosing a place to have fun is no problem.  Vacations for Couples  A tropical paradise. A couple can go anywhere in the country and enjoy tranquility, serenety as well as the party side of life.  Many hotels and hostels have special romantic deals, tours and packages to make your stay something even more special. If you choose a smaller, more secluded and private place to stay, talk ...

 Beautiful antique furniture, big fluffy robes, extravagant breakfasts, and intimate settings are what most people bring to mind when thinking of bed and breakfast inns.  Handmade doggie treats, however, is one luxurious amenity that one would not normally include.  The truth is that more and more inns are accepting, as well as pampering four legged guests.  Here is some information about how you and your pet can have a relaxing stay at a bed and breakfast. If you decide to take your pet with you to stay at a bed and breakfast, it is important to plan your itinerary around them.  It is key to book accommodations that are pet friendly.  Visit www.BnBFinder.com/PetsWelcome, which lists more than 400 pet friendly inns in 300 cities around the country.  With so many to choose from it is easy to find the perfect bed and breakfast for you and your pet. When booking, tell the innkeeper that you want to bring your pet.  Some inns have policies regarding t...