Article Travel Leisure Tip

With over 5.8 million visitors in 2005 and occupancy rate in excess of 83% Dubai is fast becoming one of the world's premier tourist destinations in the world with tourism business reaching unprecedented levels.

Dubai is a cosmopolitan city with a population over 1 million that offers a wonderful taste of Arabia
seamlessly combining some of the world’s most exciting tourists developments in a distinctive blend of modern city and desert. Where else can you spend a vacation that combines sand dunes and Middle East culture with stunning high rise hotels overlooking pristine beaches and the warm turquoise waters of the Persian Gulf?

Dubai is also a shopper's paradise. The tiny emirate is a duty-free zone and during its Shopping Festival
two million visitors arrive looking for discounts on gold
electronics
clothing
and Persian carpets.

Dubai has a subtropical arid climate and the weather is sunny pretty much all the year round… Dubai has experienced a total of 4 days of rain in 2005!

Given all the above reasons and keeping aside many others
is clear that the travel industry hence the local accommodation providers are riding the biggest wave of their life in fact in many cases the request for holiday accommodation as taken over the supply and it’s not breaking news for frequent travelers to hear that the hotels are fully booked and capable of offering only the most expensive suites (whatever left available).

There is a wide choice of accommodation available in Dubai ranging from hotels
hotel apartments and private villas or apartments for more exclusive retreats. Renting an apartment might be a cheaper option then staying in a hotel especially if you intend staying in Dubai for longer then the usual package holiday or if you are a large group or simply wish to have greater flexibility and privacy
this latest option being the most sought after in recent days.

One of the most popular areas of Dubai is the Dubai Marina which creates an awe-inspiring city-within-a city that delights residents with its cosmopolitan
free-spirited atmosphere and unique
invigorating lifestyle. It is a urban center on the water
comparable to the most exclusive waterfront developments in the world's leading cities. Dubai Marina is the place where people meet
laugh
live and enjoy life to the full
always alive
with the glittering Marina at its heart.

Booking a Hotel in Dubai Marina is out of reach for many travelers who rather spend their budget on shopping and dining
for this reason renting a self–catering apartment in the Dubai Marina itself or a self-catering villa on the world famous Palm Island can be a much cheaper option
more affordable
comfortable and also more exciting….

There are many villas and apartments available for short term rental on self-catering basis and can cater from a minimum of 1 guest to as much as 15 guests according to the number of bedrooms available.

When planning to book a holiday apartment or villa in Dubai on self-catering basis it is necessary to carefully select the right real estate agent to deal with.

The most recommended would certainly be those actually based in Dubai that can guarantee you full assistance on a 24 hrs basis. It’s really the quality that matters when you choose your holiday home in Dubai
yes you could be spending some extra bucks but in the end it will pay off.

Some properties are equipped with every amenity
from the bread toaster to the kettle
from the coffee machine to the microwave and also include a twice weekly house keeping service
fresh towels
fresh bed sheets
miniature shampoo and shower gel etc. some other properties that come across as a good bargain could end up being a bad surprise to say the least and you might experience issues such as faulty air conditioning
lack of cutlery items or crockery or cooking pans or lack of water pressure
poor hygiene and the list can go on and on to a point where your vacation could get badly compromised.

Professional agencies maintain and check on the properties on regular basis in addition to supply amenities and accessories to a level that can meet and in some cases go beyond the standard of a 5 stars hotel. When booking a self catering apartment or villa there are few questions that you might want to ask such as:

How far and where is the nearest hospital? Does the property have a telephone line to make outgoing calls in case of emergency? Will you be awaited at your arrival in the early ours of the morning and will you be escorted and checked in your apartment by professional and English speaking staff? Will you find first hand groceries in the fridge at your arrival? How far is the closest supermarket? How far is the closest pharmacy? How far is the closest restaurant or coffee shop? Are the bills included in the rent? Is there a house keeping service provided? Is there a maintenance number that you could call in case it was required? Will you be able to receive international calls from your loved ones? How far is the beach? How far is the closest mall? Is the area fully developed or is it still under construction? How noisy or quite is it and do the windows have double glazing to serve this purpose? Are taxis easily available? Etc etc….

In the end it all comes to experience and professionalism…

There are many companies over the internet offering holiday villas around the world which is a great advantage as it keeps the competition alive and the rates affordable however be always careful and do your homework before making your final choice
at the end of the day it’s your holiday on the line.

In Dubai
the lodging industry is revealing itself as the golden fruit of the country real estate developments and extensive marketing.

Although the number of players entering the market is growing there are still numerous opportunities available for successful entries and thanks to the lodging industry’s recent performance and outlook
financing for service apartments construction or investment is becoming more readily available.

The Serviced Apartments category has been doing consistently well meeting the needs of corporate executives and travelers alike with a good combination of short and medium term rentals.

Speculative hoteliers are taking advantage of the market
pushing rates to new heights and there seem to be no underperforming properties on the Dubai market to a point where it is reasonable to consider converting a residential property into a commercial one.

While pursuing service apartments construction or lease seems like a good investment
there is a fair chance that you would not be the only one to have this idea. While your overview for the project might look good today
given current market conditions
five more similar projects planned for the same market may turn your forecast into an alternative reality.

Remember
existing accommodation providers are likely to put up a battle
including lowering their rates substantially
to keep their clients away from your new property.

In any case the lodging industry will undoubtedly continue to be an exciting market over the next few years
with plenty of opportunities for hotel and hotel apartment investments.

A small size building between 2 to 5 floors or a compound of villas close to the beach could be the right step to begin with and if supported by a solid management and marketing plan
a tiny development could result in a large triumph.

Remember that not all successful projects have to be gigantic in fact a small property will most likely be perceived by the guests as cozy and private
something rather unique in Dubai in fact a valuable market gap can be identified with regards to small size projects in the 3 or 4 stars category and the potential for successful new entries is tangible.

For those new investors looking into exploring the Serviced Apartments business it is advisable to place a solid emphasis on careful market research and analysis for the property so that strategic plans can be developed tracking both expenditure and results.

These strategies incorporate: Industry networking
Database utilization
Telemarketing
Internet visibility & interaction
Media design & promotions etc

It is also essential to identify and appoint a management and marketing company for the property which will professionally look after all aspects related to the set up and running of the business from the recruiting and training of the staff to the daily management and marketing requirements in addition to a brand building and awareness program.

A tiny project will not be of any interest for those huge and well established international franchise however it can be very attractive for those management & marketing companies who are looking to enter the Dubai market in gradual steps bringing along their solid overseas experience and business relationships.

Here you are! You waited with great anticipation for this moment - Holidays are here!
There it is - your motorhome. Fully equipped
beds are made
a breakfast basket on the little table by the window
the tank is full and you are ready to go.

You probably have some questions when you handle a large vehicle for the first time. The change from driving a car to “piloting” a Motorhome requires some special attention and concentration. Always obey rules and regulation and use common sense.

The Motorhome is longer
larger
higher and heavier than cars you are used to driving but they are easy to handle. After the first km’s of driving you will find that they respond beautifully and are fun to drive. So don’t worry!

Please read the motorhome’s instructions carefully before you get behind the wheel. You will avoid mistakes and your travel through our beautiful country will be pleasant and trouble free.

Many of the hazards encountered on the road result from incorrect loading of an otherwise safe Motorhome. Overloading is the most common cause of accidents. A slight over load or poor weight distribution can seriously restrict steering and braking. It can also result in sudden blowouts an breakdowns. You can help control this situation.

To minimize swing and wobble keep the vehicle’s center of gravity low. Store heavy items low
forward and between the axles: lightweight items high. Try to balance the load between the vehicle’s two sides. Make sure everything is in place and easy to get at when needed. Secure all cargo inside and outside the vehicle or it will shift. Always leave room for the usual ground gear: leveling plank
wedges
water hose
jack and tools.

Avoid carrying spare gasoline; if you must
carry it in the storage container possible
tape the lid shut to prevent spillage and protect it with a shield.

While you are at the gas station check your motor oil
automatic transmission oil
radiator water
battery water and tire pressure. Heat in the desert can affect the tire pressure
over or under pressure can cause problems in steering your Motorhome.

Check your travel route every morning before you start. Plan for a camping place for the night for rest stops and dump stations. Also consider gasoline stops
especially if you travel in the desert.

Reserving a campsite in advance can save a lot of frustration later
especially during high season. When traveling without reservation
the earlier in the day you stop
the better are your chances to get to a good campground.

When driving into the campsite
especially at night
scout around the area of you on foot. A large log
a hydrant or other obstacles can punch through the paneling
tearing pipes or wiring and causing costly repairs.

Make sure you park level at the campsite. A board under one wheel or under one side might be all you need to do this. Check for rocks and jagged outcrops near the entry door. Avoid loose wires or hoses around the Motorhome. Check fuel lines and all connections before you use your appliances. Use a soap and water solution to detect leaks
NOT a match!

Should there be a leak somewhere
(it can happen because your Motorhome is constantly in motion) be sure to air the entire unit thoroughly
before using any matches or open flame. Your Motorhome is equipped with a fire extinguisher. Use it if needed. Dirt and baking soda are also great and effective agents to fight a fire. Do not use water! It can be very dangerous. Water on a gas or oil fire results in a bigger fire. Water on an electric fire can result in death or injury.

When you leave the camping place
it is a good idea to check your packing list for all items. It also helps to check the members of your travel party. You’d be amazed
how many travelers forget wives and kids. Disconnect all wires and pipes
shut off appliances (except the refrigerator). Drive the Motorhome off the boards or other supports and stow away. O around the Motorhome campsite for any articles left there. Always allow a little more time than you think you will need
to get started. Check your planned route and rest stops.

Written by Birgit Jurock (birgit@jurock.ws) for Happy Holidays Motorhome Canada at http://www.canadamotorhome.ws

Thailand has a good network of well-maintained roads and highways between all main centres. Road signage follows international convention and is in both Thai and English. Drunk drivers and an abudance of haphazardly driven motorcycles make night-time driving a real problem
however.

Road rules

Traffic drives on the left hand side and drivers must be at least 18 and hold a full
valid Thailand driving licence or an international driving permit. If you only have a national driving licence from your own country you will be permitted to use for up to two months. To hire a car
renters have to be at least 25 years old. Wearing of seat belts is compulsory and drunk-driving laws apply; all insurance is invalid if drivers exceed the legal alcohol limit.

Police regularly occassionally set up speed traps and offenders breaking the limits will be subject to on-the-spot fines
which are routinely less than the official rate
but no ‘ticket’ is given. The maximum blood/alcohol limit is 0.5mg/ml. Unfortunately the Thai police are very lax in controlling drunk drivers and this creates a hazard late at night.

Speed limits:
Urban areas: 45 - 60kph/28 - 37mph
Highways: 90 – 110kph/56 – 68mph.


Motorways and the road network

There are about 64
600
141
of paved roads in Thailand as well as a large network of unpaved roads (especially in the North). Major highways radiate outwards from Bangkok to all the major cities
with most of the north-south route consisting of dual carriageway. Interconnecting roads to smaller towns and cities are usually wide
and single-laned with two-lane sections at interchanges.

Parking in cities is usually on the street for a small charge or
for the most part
covered parking in hotel/plazas or shopping centres. Farther out of town centres parking is usually free
if you can find a space. Don’t block government building entrances or you’re likely to be towed.

Costs
distances and times

Service stations are plentiful and most of the larger ones accept major international credit cards. In more remote locations
hand pumps are common and cash will be required. Unleaded 91
95
and high-octane 98 fuels are available as well as diesel
and LPG at some locations. Unleaded 95 is about 18 baht per litre; diesel
15
baht.

Typical driving distances and times:

Bangkok to Chiang Mai: 686kms/426mls 9 hours
Bangkok to Hat Yai: 993kms/617mls 12 hours
Hat Yai to Phuket: 474kms/294mls 7 hours.

Safety

Renters requiring assistance will find an emergency phone number printed on their rental agreement and on the windscreen sticker. Try to refrain from driving at night as unsuspecting potholes
local drivers without tail lights and wandering livestock can greatly increase the possibility of having an accident.

Since Thai motorists are notoriously ill-disciplined with giving way or observing traffic rules
motorists are advised to drive at an ‘easy pace’ (50kms or less) in urban areas. In the event of an accident
Thais perfer to settle the legal outcome on the spot and often expect the wealthier motorist to absorb the cost
this includes foreigners.

Stay away from downtown Bangkok; traffic is horrendous and roads are confusing
not to mention road users who have a general disregard for other vehicles. Don’t drive too close to the edge of the road on any highway as motorcycles quite often drive up the wrong way
and keep out of the path of buses and trucks. The ‘songteaw’ minibus trucks have a habit of suddenly pulling ove