Article Travel Leisure Tip

Gifts you bring back for your personal use must be declared
but you may include them in your personal exemption. This includes gifts people gave you while you were out of the country
such as wedding or birthday presents
and gifts you have brought back for others.

Gifts intended for business
promotional
or other commercial purposes may not be included in your duty-free exemption.

Also note that by federal law
alcoholic beverages
tobacco products
and perfume containing alcohol and worth more than $5 retail may not be included in the gift exemption.

Gifts worth up to $100 may be sent
free of duty and tax
to friends and relatives in the United States
as long as the same person does not receive more than $100 worth of gifts in a single day. If the gifts are mailed or shipped from an insular possession
this amount is increased to $200.

Unless returning to the United States from an insular possession
you don’t have to declare gifts you sent while you were on your trip
since they won’t be accompanying you.

Gifts for more than one person may be shipped in the same package
called a consolidated gift package
if they are individually wrapped and labeled with each recipient’s name. Here’s how to wrap and label a consolidated gift package.

Be sure to mark the outermost wrapper with the:

* Words “UNSOLICITED GIFT” and the words “CONSOLIDATED GIFT PACKAGE;”
* Total value of the consolidated package;
* Recipients’ names and
* Nature and value of the gifts inside. For example
tennis shoes
$50; shirt
$45; toy car
$15.

For instance:

To John Jones—one belt
$20; one box of candy
$5; one tie
$20.
To Mary Smith—one skirt
$45; one belt
$15; one pair slacks
$30.

If any item is worth more than the $100 gift allowance
the entire package will be dutiable.

You
as a traveler
cannot send a gift package to yourself
and people traveling together cannot send gifts to each other. But there would be no reason to do that anyway
because the personal exemption for packages mailed from abroad is $200
which is twice as much as the gift exemption.

Your personal belongings can be sent back to the United States duty-free if they are of U.S. origin and if they have not been altered or repaired while abroad. Personal belongings like worn clothing can be mailed home and will receive duty-free entry if you write the words “American Goods Returned” on the outside of the package.

If a package is subject to duty
the United States Postal Service will collect it from the addressee along with any postage and handling charges. The sender cannot prepay duty; the recipient must pay duty when a package is received in the United States.

For more information about mailing packages to the United States
visit the page called "Sending Goods to the United States" (Sending Items Back to the United States) at the Customs and Border Protection website. Make sure you get the latest information before your travel.

Speaking Thai will get you lots of smiles and better deals while on your holiday in the Land of Smiles. But
you can get by knowing just a few words.

The traditional greeting in Thailand is Sawasdee (pronounced Sa-wat-dee) and a polite article is added to the end. For women
ka is added. For men
kharp is added. This is not required but is used 99% of the time. So the typical greeting would be Sawasdee khrap (or ka) to say Hello.

This is usually accompanied by the other traditional Thai greeting – the wai. This is done with palms together
fingers pointing upward. There are different levels of wai from lower class to higher
from worker to boss
from average person to royalty. There are also times when someone wai's to you and you are not required to return the wai. For example
if a small child wai's you
you are not required to return it – just acknowledge it with a smile.

Typically after saying hello
or sawasdee
you will be asked one of two things. Sabai dee mai
or geen kow mai. It is normal to be asked if you are fine or if you have eaten. You may also be asked where you have been or where you are going – bpai nai mah or bpai nai.

The Thai language is not that difficult to learn and there are many resources online. There are also paid programs like Pimseleur or Berlitz. Many sites also have downloadable mini-dictionaries in English
Thai and phonetics. This way you can try to speak the word or phrase and as a last resort
just point. You can also download files so that you can hear how words are pronounced.

I have had both bad and good experiences speaking Thai. Some people like the fact that I can speak enough to get by and can understand more. Some tell me that "I know too much" and I take this as a compliment since that means that they can’t rip me off.

Knowing the language isn’t essential but sure helps when giving a taxi directions
ordering a meal
or asking where the bathroom is. My problem is that I lose a lot of the language skills between vacations. Not being able to speak the language at home causes me to lose a lot of my vocabulary. I try to keep current online chatting with people from Thailand
but chatting using phonetics is not the same as actually speaking Thai.

The best thing to do is try to pick up a few words with some of the free sites online. Print out a dictionary or phrase book and bring it with you. Try and speak and ask for help. Everyone will help if they see you are willing to learn.

Give it a try – speak some Thai and have some fun with it. If you make a mistake
learn from it. You will find that you make a lot more friends speaking the local language.

Chok Dee Khrap (Good luck)

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The one dream that parents in America have
is to take their children for a trip to the Disney World in Florida. The vacation at times proves very difficult on the parents as they need to save through the year to be able to spend on the trip to the resort and then there are the expenses during the stay that need to be calculated as well. But they are willing to go to any lengths
so they can show their children the joys offered within the walls of the Castle like Disney World.

The cheapest Disney World vacations are about cutting corners and pinching pennies
which is what parents become experts in by the time they are ready to pack and leave for the fun rides. There are some points to be kept in mind so one can make the most of their cheapest Disney World vacations and yet have a good time.

Decide on what your budget is - It is important to plan ahead of time as to how much money you can afford to spend on your holiday and work towards it. Once you have determined this figure
you can plan your trip around the same. It does not make sense to go over board during your trip using your credit card and then come back to a pile of debt. Allocate funds to different aspects of the trip
so you can cover all the basics and use the leftover for the occasional splurging.

While booking flights
check for those offers and don’t wait for the last minute to book your tickets. Or if Orlando is only a couple of hours away
see if you can take your SUV and drive it down
this way you save flight tickets and have a vehicle to go around Disney World.

Accommodation and food - A major part of our cheapest Disney World vacations is where to stay and how much the various options cost. If you are not very particular about the place
you can stay at a private home or cottage
which is very comfortable and cozy. This way
you can save money but keep in mind the cost incurred going to and from to the Disney World theme parks. Book your stay well in advance to get the early bird offers and various discounts that come up.

Since most of those who want an affordable and stress free Walt Disney World vacation and a visit to the various theme parks
especially to Magic Kingdom and The Tree Of Life
you need to allot at least 4 days. This means
that much more expenditure on your place of stay and food
and requires immense amount of self control to not give into those temptations at the park. Make sure to have food brought in from home or cooked at the cottage you are staying in to save money. If by taking a bit of extra effort
you can provide your children with a chance to enjoy the rides and the adventures
then why not?

A famous Da Vinci’s masterpiece Lady with an ermine is hosted at the Czartoryski Museum. Painted around 1489-1490
its subject is identified with Cecilia Gallerani
the mistress of Lodovico Sforza
Ludovico il Moro
Duke of Milan. The painting is one of only four female portraits Leonardo painted (the other three being the Mona Lisa
the portrait of Ginevra de' Benci and La Belle Ferroni่re). Another art treasure is the gold-plated dome of the Sigismund Chapel that crowns the best example of Renaissance art and architecture with no match without Italy and few equals within or the 81-meter-tall tower with a Gothic spire dating back to XV century. Always in theme of arts
another Krakow’s wonder is the 42-foot-high and 36-foot-wide Veit Stoss' magnum opus.

It is considered to be the largest Gothic sculpture in the world and consists of 200 fine lime wood sculptures treated with colour and gold foil. Who’s Veit Stoss? he was one of the first artists from Northern Europe who could be compared with Italian Renaissance artists. The power of expression of the gestures of his characters
compounded by the folds in their garments
give his sculptures a dramatic aspect. Veit Stoss
besides being a sculptor
was also a productive engraver and painter.

Through his engravings he could circulate his works on a generous scale. But even in the two-dimensional space of his engravings
he always expressed himself as a sculptor. You can see his sculpture at the St. Mary's Church
in Krak๓w. Subterranean wonders? Nine centuries of mining in Wieliczka produced a total of some 200 kilometres of passages as well as 2
40
caverns of varied size. So you will be able to spend your time in a world of labyrinthine passages
giant caverns
underground lakes and chapels with sculptures in the crystalline salt and rich ornamentation carved in the salt rock.

If you got inspiration by this subterranean world
maybe you can have a quick visit to the Franciscan monastery adjoining the church of St. Casimir where bodies get mummified by themselves in the dry cold crypts. Beside cultural and curious sites to visit
Krakow offers a lot of green spots where you can relax
have a pic-nic
or stroll with some music
friends and meet locals. There are something like 40 public parks
including the 1020-acre Las Wolski forest. You cannot miss the planty ring of about 30 gardens since it encircles the central Old Town historic district. Its leafy alleys and flowerbeds replaced Krakow’s once awesome city walls in the 1820s. But one of the most beloved by local people is for sure the Park Jordana very close to the National Museum
downtown. There you can get a paddling tour in the pond or play your sport in different playgrounds.

As the park spread alongside three major campuses and the central university library
it is clear that this is a spot privileged by students and joggers
strollers
dog owners
sunbathers
etc. There is also a very old botanical garden set up in 1779 featuring 5000 exotic and native plants (27
Kopernika street). Very nice place to relax right in the middle of the city. Also
in terms of accommodation
you will be happy to know that Krakow offers some of the nicest and cheapest youth hostels of Poland and Eastern Europe. The Bling Bling Hostel or the cool AQQ hostel
are very comfy
as well as The Lemon hostel or the Secret Garden whose names are a programme!! Or again the Free hostel or the Old Walls youth hostel and the Moon hostel are very nice. In general
all those youth hostels offer clean
colourful and cosy rooms at very inexpensive prices in Krakow.

Let’s say you should pay no more than 10 euros per person per night with breakfast included! Not bad ah? You can easily find their information
photos and addresses in internet in some bookers providing online bookings and prices comparison. Usually are the best option if you do not know the city.

So have a look around and you will discover that some of the cutest and cheapest youth hostels of Eastern Europe are in Krakow
Poland offering a warm hospitality! It is advisable to make your bookings well in advance to reserve your accommodation if you wish to get a central location and the best price in beautiful Krakow.

A discount travel package allows you to visit your favorite destinations at lower than normal rates. In short you dream vacation with your family is no more a dream
it has come alive. Being able to travel cheaply does not mean that you will always get the best deal. Therefore
it becomes very important to plan and evaluate different discount travel packages and select the one that fits within your budget and needs.

A discount travel package is one way saving your money on trips to popular destinations. Travel agencies can help you decide on a package that suits your pocket. they have multiple packages and you get a handful of options in front of you.

A travel agent can even customize you travel package according to your background. This includes
the time and duration of stay
popular places in and around your destination and even accommodation. These things should be taken into account when you decide on a travel package. Also
due to immense competition in this industry
one should always compare packages with other agents. This will give you bargaining power
if possible.

It is not necessary that a discount travel package will have all those things which you have in your mind. Guesswork or assumption might not help here
so speak up and inquire properly
say “yes” only when you are 100% convinced with the details mentioned in the package brochure.

To be on a safer side
you can contact your friends or relatives who have been on discount travel package. They will definitely have something important to share with you. Their experiences can guide you to prevent unscrupulous people from offering cheap discount travel packages and literally taking you for a ride!
Remember
a travel package that is well planned and managed can lighten your traveling load and make the trip more valuable and fun.

For further details on cheap discount fares
click here Cheap Discount Fares Or visit our website http://www.cheap-discount-fares.net for comprehensive and detailed information.

Everyone wants to see the world
but few people have got the money to go everywhere they’d like to. What’s the solution? Do it on the cheap! Discount travel is an industry that is rapidly growing: it seems like every few years some entrepreneur comes up with another new way to get to nice places and stay there without hurting your bank balance.

The most important advance in discount travel has probably been the widespread availability of cheap flights
from companies like America’s Southwest Airlines and Europe’s Easyjet and Ryanair. They use a so-called ‘yield management’ system that allows prices to vary wildly depending on when you book your flight – meaning that if you book far in advance
you can fly for pennies.

Booking online makes it possible to look through all the dates available for months in advance and choose the one that will be cheapest for you. Third-party price comparison websites allow you to then compare the fares from different airlines that fly on the route you’re looking for
meaning that you can fly with the cheapest airline on the cheapest day with very little effort.

Once you’re there
you can stay in some kind of no-frills accommodation
like a youth hostel or a cheap hotel. Companies are starting to realise that many people want nothing more than a bed when they travel
and budget hotels are exploding in popularity all around the world
making it cheaper to stay abroad today than it has ever been before in history.

If you’d like to travel for longer than just a one or two week holiday
there are plenty of ways to do that at a very steep discount – in fact
if you work part-time when you’re abroad
you might be able to travel around and come out having made a profit. More and more students especially are opting for programs where agencies arrange jobs for them in lots of countries over the course of a few years
allowing them to see the world and work at the same time.

People who often travel would like to have as much discount as possible on you airfares
hotel stay
and tourist hot spots. Discount fares allow you to travel at affordable rates. If you are a frequent traveler
you can save quite a few dollars. This saved amount can be spent on shopping; dining or you can even save it for your next trip.

Now
you don’t have to cancel your vacations due to budget. Discount fares can make your trips affordable and within your budget. Discount fares can make your travel experience economically reasonable as well.

Traveling in itself is a wonderful experience. There is a saying “you learn more than traveling a mile than by reading a pile of books”. Traveling can be a good learning experience; you see different places
different cultures
different food and a whole new different lifestyle. There is nothing like getting to know the world a little better
after all we are all here for a short time.

When you travel next time
ask if there are any discount fares available or even before planning your vacation place just check out with different travel agents or companies if they are offering any travel packages this season. With travel packages you spend less and see more places.

Internet enables you to find local as well as national travel agents who offer discount fares on various destinations. It is always better to inquire from more than one agent as that gives you enough bargaining power and more often than not you will get a good package due to strong competition.

So next time when you plan to pack your baggage don’t forget to ask for Discount Fares.

For further details visit Cheap Discount Fares Or visit http://www.cheap-discount-fares.net/

Even if your budget is tight
you need not spend it in a cheap hotel. You can still have a vacation that comes with romance in mind and luxury hotel amenities
such as 24-hour room service
designer bed linens and a concierge who will book dinner
concert
or theater reservation
even with a discount Caribbean travel plan. All you really need to know is where you can find the best discounted deals
specials
and packages.

Below are our top picks for discount Caribbean travel deals:

Quikbook.com

If you’re looking for drab $49.95 hotels
don’t visit here. This site is not for cheapies
but it does offer you great discount Caribbean travel packages from some top of the line hotels all around the U.S.
Canada
the Caribbean
and the rest of the world.

The quickest way to book a discount travel deal at this site is to use their online search tool where you can find the perfect deal by destination
arrival date
price range
neighborhood
and number of nights and rooms.

You can also find a specific hotel by simply choosing a destination and the site will automatically direct you to a page listing all the discount Caribbean travel accommodations that are affiliated with Quikbook.com.

Do you want to know where you can find discount Caribbean travel deals on hip hotels with premier collection and spa treats? The Quikbook.com site has all that as part of their Great Getaways collection
plus additional discount features like seaside favorites
family fun
golf getaways
casino hotels
and all-inclusive resorts.

AllLuxuryHotels.com

If you want guaranteed lower rates
then be sure to visit All Luxury Hotels. The site offers a triple guaranty of lower rates
payment security
and privacy for nearly 100 domestic destinations and close to 50 international cities
including Europe and resort cities in Mexico.

When you book a hotel reservation through All Luxury Hotels
you are guaranteed to get the best discount Caribbean travel package there is. What’s more
if you find out that there is another lower rate available for the same dates and the same hotel you’ve already booked
you can contact All Luxury Hotels within 24 hours of booking and they will either refund you the difference or cancel the reservations without penalty.

LuxRes.com

Calling itself as “definitive source of luxury travel”
you may find it surprising how much discount Caribbean travel packages you can find here. LuxRes.com offers hotel rooms at up to 40 percent discounts off typical rates. And to think that the hotels included in their roster of discount Caribbean travel accommodations include the very upscale Raffles
Relais & Chateaux
and The Leading Hotels of the World Brands.

Aside from that
LuxRes.com also offers vacation packages
spa stays
cruises
and car rentals
all at discount prices.

ClassicVacations.com

It’s not called “Classic Custom Vacations” for nothing. For great customized luxury vacations tailored to fit your vacationing needs and budget
ClassicVacations is exactly what you’re looking for. Here you can customize your own discount Caribbean travel by choosing any of their first-class airfare for less and list of discount hotel rates. When you’re done personalizing your Caribbean dream vacation
top off the whole process by calling the toll-free number provided at the site so you can speak to a Classic Custom Vacations travel agent who will help you finalize everything.

Cyber Styles Articles

In Austin hotels heavy discounts are offered
even for four- and five-star hotels. These discounts can be up to 70 percent of the room charges. So if one is lucky enough
or if one does a bit of online research
one can get a four-star hotel room for a two-star price. The chances of getting a discount are higher if you are getting your room booked well in advance.

If there is a group of tourists visiting the city
they can always seek bargains in their room rent in most of the hotels. However
these discounts are mostly offered only when the number of rooms booked by the group is more than 10. Some smaller hotels can give a group discount even if the number of rooms booked is less than that.

There are a number of online and offline resources which provide information about the ongoing discount rates offered by various Austin hotels. Go through them before you get a hotel room booked. Then there are certain websites which provide reviews of these hotels. These reviews often include comments from not only the writers
but also from ordinary people who stayed at these hotels.

However
not all hotels provide discounts. Also
one must verify the kind of services offered by the hotels which are offering heavy discounts. The information sheet provided by such hotels must be read very carefully
since to make up for the discount they might have removed the free breakfast from your list and in the end you might end up shelling out more money for breakfast than you have saved in the discount on your room rent.

Foreigners love their hamburgers
French fries
soft drinks and Thai’s just have to have rice with every meal. But which would I prefer after living most of my life in Canada and now having retired to Chiang Mai
Thailand?

As with any large city there are an abundance of fine restaurants catering to different tastes and budgets. Chiang Mai is no different. Thai people love to eat. Restaurants are full of Thai’s and foreigners enjoying all types of cuisine. Rather than deal with fine restaurants which we all dine at but not every day this article deals with the day to day dining of the Thai people here in Chiang Mai.

Popular restaurants in North America are Harvey’s
McDonalds
and Burger King. Here we have the street vendors. The end result is a quickly prepared affordable meal.

The street vendors may sell fresh fruits such as pineapple
mango
watermelon
strawberries (locally grown)
and more. Each fruit is cut up into small pieces and placed in a plastic bag and you are provided a long wooden stick with which to eat it. Cost is normally 10 baht which comes to about 25 cents U.S. and the fruits are kept cool and are delicious. Also vendors here sell fast foods and snacks. Get a meal of cooked rice
meat and veggies again placed in a plastic bag but this time wrapped tightly by an elastic band for about 20 baht or 50 cents U.S. Take your pick of a rice dish
or a noodle dish or a soup. Tasty and normally already prepared and wrapped and still warm or if you want to wait one minute they will take it out of the pot and put it into the bag while you wait. So a cooked meal and a tasty snack for a total of about 75 cents U.S. For many Thai’s in Chiang Mai this is there most common meal. They then proceed to drive home
unwrap the elastic
put some rice in a bowl
place several cups of the table with a bottle of water and that is one of their meals.

We all love fast foods and we all want it to be affordable. That we have in common. What you will find different between here and there is the price
quality and service.

Price. The price of meals whether it be at restaurants
or street vendors is cheap compared to what we are used to. A filling meal can be had for less than a 1US dollar for a meal I described above which includes a bowl of rice
cooked meal from street vendor and fruit from street vendor. For only $2.50 U.S. you can dine out at an all you can eat full course buffet
desserts
coffee
tip and taxes included as well as a tip for the parking lot attendant The prices are low because the ingredients are locally grown and because the labor cost is inexpensive.
Quality. The quality of the food is much healthier here than back home. Back home KFC
McDonalds
and Harvey’s are popular lunch and dinner restaurants. If you think you are thinking healthy foods there think again. Here you do not have the greasy French fries
Hamburgers stuffed full of ketchup
mustard
onions
mayo and more to hide the taste of the meat you are eating. Here you eat rice
fresh vegetables
fresh fish
drink water with the meals as opposed to a bucket sized plastic container packed full of ice and watered down sugar flavored soft drink.
Service. A teenager earning a few extra bucks in a fast food restaurant or an adult making a living out of working full time in a restaurant here. Which one would you expect to provide the best service? Nothing more needs to be said.

If you come to Chiang Mai do not go searching for restaurants that have what you normally eat. You may as well stay home and buy a video about Thailand
or watch a TV program about Thailand.

The foods here are tasty
healthy
and inexpensive.

The basic ingredient in all the meals is rice. Yes rice for breakfast too. I have never been one for rice. Potatoes was my staple. But here potatoes are pricey and although I admit to buying them and making potato soup and french fries it is the exception and not the rule.

As I have said before
the Thai’s are known for making anything taste good.

So take fresh ingredients combine that with rice and special sauces which are the key to the taste and there you have it - Healthy
Tasty
and Inexpensive meals.

Top if off with locally grown fresh pineapple
watermelon
mango
strawberries or a dozen or more fruits and you have a meal you will enjoy and which is good for you.

The funny thing about foods is that whatever you really like is NO GOOD for you. What are your favorites? Cake
pies
French fries
hamburgers
ice-cream. Well they are not that good for you in terms of eating them regularly. What do you hate to eat? Broccoli
asparagus
spinach
brown rice
boiled chicken. Well these are good for you.

So if you come here to Thailand. do try several different types of Thai foods. You may find a soup that you just cannot get enough of
or a Thai dessert that you have no idea what it was and which you absolutely enjoyed
or fresh fish which is abundant here. Prawns
sea bass and more cooked up on a large plate will leave you wanting more.

I have eaten meals
snacks and fruits sold by small roadside food vendors and never experienced any problems. The ingredients are fresh
kept on ice if required and cooking areas cleaned regularly. So I see this as a safe
inexpensive way to buy snacks and meals. I would recommend that you carry a bottle of water which can be purchased at 7-11 for only 13 cents as you may get a bit dehydrated especially if you are doing a lot of walking and this if anything may be the cause of a quick jaunt to the rest room.

Are there things that I do not eat that Thai’s eat? Yes there is a fruit called Durian
the Thai’s just love it but it has such a foul odor that when I gave it a try I had to breathe through my mouth. Apart from the odor it has the texture of a pudding and is rich in flavor. What I did not have the courage to try and which I expect would be healthy to eat was the fried insects. I suppose that it is just a matter of getting used to the sight of them. Perhaps I could dine on both the fruit and insects regularly if I kept breathing through my nose and kept my eyes shut while I ate.

But you should try what we call Suki. It is a soup that you cook on your table in a pot with hot coals underneath. You decide on the ingredients such as chicken
beef
liver
fish and add them and take them out when they are cooked. Normally the meats go in first as they take longer to cook and then the vegetables. In about 5 minutes you have your soup. Two small bowls will accompany the meal. They are both made of hot peppers. One has the appearance of a green paste and the other a red paste. You can either dip your meat or fish into the paste or put a teaspoonful into your soup. The green paste is spicy
makes me perspire a bit and gives me a longing for a cold glass of water during I eat my soup. The red paste I do not touch and would not recommend you try it unless you are accustomed to eating it or you are Mexican. My girlfriend eats her Suki with the green paste and admits to making trips to the washroom during the middle of the night and not to brush here teeth. A filling meal for 4 people for about $3 U.S. and that includes taxes
tip
and bottled water with a bucket of ice.

Remember how earlier on I said that the Thai’s have a reputation for making any food taste delicious. That is true. The KEY is the sauce. I do not know what ingredients go into the sauces but I do know that I was not a rice eater and now with I will be scraping the bottom of each bowl of food that is served to me. Normal white rice cooked in a rice cooker combined with fried vegetables and meat with the special sauce is simply delicious.

And if you want to know where I would eat given the choice now
a fast food restaurant there or a street vendor here? My reply would be a street vendor here. After the meal here I am filled up
the food is delicious
the fruits are fantastic and prices are so low and I feel fitter.

Want to learn more about Thai foods. Check out our Thai foods and recipes on our website: http.//www.retire-on-550-month.com and they are on the Living in Chiang Mai page.
End

Introduction:

Derby holds a great appeal for those visitors in search of unspoilt tradition and character. In the shadow of the ornate Cathedral tower lies a great multi-cultural city bursting with a wealth of entertainment venues
attractions
parks and shops. Derby is perfect for those in search of a short break
whatever their needs.

Places of interest:

Derby is a busy industrial city
home of the famous Royal Crown Derby Porcelain. Derby sits on the west bank of the River Derwent
close to its meeting with the River Trent. Located in the beautiful rolling countryside of Derbyshire
it is an ideal base for touring the area
exploring the Derbyshire Dales and the Peak District National Park.

Derby Cathedral - The Medieval Tower is the second highest in England at 212 feet; its bells are rung regularly and are the oldest ring of ten bells in the world. James Gibbs designed the superb early 18th century classical gold and white nave. Features include the wrought iron screen by Robert Bakewell
Bess of Hardwick's elaborate memorial and St. Katherine's Chapel.

Derby Museum and Art Gallery - The Museum
which has a gallery dedicated to the craft of ceramics
also features on Natural History
Egyptian Mummies and Military history. In the town's history section you will see the Bonny Prince Charlie Room
with wood panelling taken from Exeter House where the Prince stayed in 1745. The Art Gallery has a collection on the work of the local artist Joseph Wright.

Pickford's House - This is one of Derby's fine Georgian Town Houses
built in 1770 by local designer Joseph Pickford. In the beautifully decorated rooms
you will find scenes of Georgian domestic life and historic costume displays.

Derby Heritage Centre - This quaint timber-framed building is home to a wealth of historical local information
including photographic displays and books.

Derby Industrial Museum - Situated in the first factory building in England
an 18th century Silk Mill. Here you can learn about the history of railways
coal mines and Rolls-Royce aero engines. There is also a variety of changing exhibitions.

Things to do:

Derby not only offers all the activities associated with a large city but those associated with living in rural England. You can shop till you drop
or enjoy the local countryside and historic monuments. Tourist routes are available to enable you to make the most of any walk or cycle tour you wish to take.

Shop in a traditional department store established in 1864
or one of the well known High Street names in the modern indoor shopping centre
explore the Victorian Market hall
and the colourful crafters market.

Eat in one of the speciality restaurants
coffee or tea shops Derby has to offer. Evening entertainment in the city can vary from a visit to one of the cinemas or theatres
to live music in one of the many wine bars and clubs.

Take the Kedleston Lanes cycle route that starts and finishes in the Riverside Gardens by the Council House in Derby. The route takes you through the lanes north-west of Derby and visits the villages of Kirk Langley
Weston Underwood and Quarndon. Unfortunately this route is not suitable for young families or inexperienced riders.

Discover the beauty and heritage of Derbyshire's River Derwent by following the Derwent Valley Heritage Way. The total distance is 55 miles but it can be taken as a long distance walk or as a series of shorter walks. The Derwent Valley Heritage Way has been way-marked using small yellow and purple disks.

Allestree Park dates from the end of the 18th Century when the present Hall was built. The park is preserved as a Local Nature Reserve because of its wide range of wildlife habitats. A Nature Trail follows an easy
reasonably flat route around the lower part of the Park and the lake shore. The trail is just over 1.5 miles long and should take about an hour and a half to complete.

Food & Drink:

Derby offers an excellent choice of restaurants where you can savour traditional and worldwide cuisine to suit any palate and wallet. There is also a multitude of modern cafes and bars
many hosting live evening entertainment.

Famous for being the ‘real ale’ capital of the UK as the city is home to a great selection of traditional pubs
together with the annual summer and winter Beer Festivals at the Assembly Rooms.

White Derby occupies a prime position in Old Blacksmiths Yard. White has revolutionised Derby's restaurant scene overnight with its unique mix of exquisite food and drink
sumptuous interior design and exemplary service. White is a truly unique experience.

Lamp and Seam is located in the New Bath Hotel is popular with local business men and women and tourists alike. The Lamp and Seam offers French/English traditional cuisine in a charming setting. Service is friendly and efficient.

The Paddock is a friendly pub located on the outskirts of Derby
where you can find good food
drink and conversation. Traditional pub food is served from a main menu
and special boards offer homemade and favourite dishes.

Bennetts Ltd is a traditional style coffee shop in an elegant setting
with large tables and comfortable padded armchairs. A varied menu is available including toast
teacakes
scones
cakes
sandwiches
salads
hot and cold meals and snacks. Freshly ground coffee and specialty teas are available all day.

Mediterranea occupies part of an older building on Friar Gate and offers a relaxed and friendly atmosphere in modern casual surroundings. The food is based on the cuisines of the Mediterranean
North African and Middle Eastern.

Hotels & Accommodation:

The city of Derby has a wide range of hotels and quality assured guest houses. As Derby is a base for tourists and business people accommodation is available all the year round. Prices can be found that are suitable for any kind of budget suitable.

International Hotel
Express by Holiday Inn Derby
Menzies Mickleover Court Hotel
Derby East Premier Travel Inn
The Priest House on the River
Kegworth Whitehouse Hotel East Midlands Airport
Yew Lodge Hotel - Best Western
Express by Holiday Inn Nottingham East Midlands Ai
European Inn
The Stuart Hotel
Days Hotel Derby
Best Western Midland Hotel
DAYS INN HOTEL DONINGTON(Derby South)
Swallow Hotel Derby

Entertainment

The Assembly Rooms is Derby's leading entertainment venue
located on the Market Place in the centre of Derby. A programme of Arts and Entertainment
including an orchestral season
comedy
rock and pop events and family entertainment can be found there.

The Guildhall Theatre
also located on the Market Place
provides a blend of professional touring theatre and music events. It also offers a venue for many amateur productions and is perfect for small meetings and exhibitions.

The whole city of Derby has something to offer whatever style of break you prefer. Entertainment
historic homes
parks and good food is on offer. There is something and everything for every visitor regardless of age or budget.

This Article may be freely copied as long as it is not modified and this resource box accompanies the article
together with working hyperlinks.

When selecting a flight
remember that a departure early in the day is less likely to be delayed than a later flight
due to "ripple" effects throughout the day. If you book the last flight of the day
you could get stuck overnight.

If you have a choice between two connections and the fares and service are equivalent
choose the one with the less-congested connecting airport. This reduces the risk of misconnecting. Also consider potential adverse weather when choosing a connecting city.

Consider paying by credit card
which provides certain protections under Federal credit regulations. For example
in all recent airline bankruptcies passengers who had charged their fare and were not provided service were able to have their credit card company credit their account for the amount of the fare.

If possible
pick up your ticket from a travel agency or from one of the airline’s airport or city ticket offices. Airline procedures for replacing a ticket that you claim was lost in the mail can be inconvenient. Safeguard your ticket after you receive it; it is an accountable document and has value
much like cash. Keep a separate record of the ticket number.

Bring a photo I.D. when you fly. For security reasons
most airlines are requiring such identification at check-in. Also
airlines don’t permit tickets to be sold or given to other persons. Make sure your name on the ticket is exactly the same as it appears on the I.D.

As soon as you receive your ticket
check to make sure all of the information on it is correct
including your name. Have any necessary corrections made immediately.

Keep checking your fare after you buy your ticket. Fares change all the time and if that same fare goes down before you fly
the airline will often refund the difference. But you have to ask.

Call a day or two before your flight to reconfirm your reservation. Flight schedules sometimes change
and while airlines usually call to notify you if this happens
it’s wise to double-check.

Check in early. Airlines rescind specific advance seat assignments 30 minutes before scheduled departure
even if you already have your boarding pass. You can lose your entire reservation if you haven't checked in 10 minutes before scheduled departure time on a domestic flight (longer on international flights). Allow time for traffic and parking problems. If a flight is oversold
the last passengers to check in are the first to be bumped
even if they have met the 10-minute deadline.

Check your ticket immediately after checking in for each flight on your trip. Airline agents accidentally lift two coupons instead of one on occasion.

If you are "bumped" because your flight is overbooked
read the Overbooking Notice in your ticket
and then ask for a copy of the rules mentioned in that notice. This information applies to over sales
where your flight operates and leaves you behind; it does not apply to canceled or delayed flights.

Before agreeing to accept a travel voucher as compensation for being bumped
ask about restrictions. For example
with some vouchers you can't make a reservation until a few days before you want to fly.

Put a tag on the outside of your baggage with your name
home address
and home and work phone numbers. The airlines provide free stick-on tags. Most carriers also have "privacy tags" which conceal this information from passersby.

Put the same information inside each bag
and add an address and telephone number where you can be reached at your destination city.

Verify that the agent checking your bags attaches a destination tag to each one. Check to see that these tags show the three-letter code for your destination airport. Remove tags from previous trips to avoid confusion.

If your bag arrives open or unlocked
check immediately to see if any of the contents are missing or damaged.

Report any baggage problems to your airline before leaving the airport. Insist that the airline fill out a form and give you a copy
even if they say the bag will be in on the next flight. Before leaving the airport
ask the airline if they will deliver the bag without charge when it is found.

Open your suitcase immediately when you get to your destination. Report any damage to contents or pilferage by telephone right away. Make a note of the date and time of the call
and the name and telephone number of the person you spoke with.

Annually
more than 40
0
people lose their life in automobile accidents each year. Another two million suffer disabling injuries. These startling statistics are from the National Safety Council. The amount of casualties could be reduced if more people learned to drive defensively.

No matter how careful or a skilled driver you are
high speeds
impaired or careless drivers
and not using occupant restraints correctly or not at all
threatens each person on the road.

We have all heard the term to drive defensively. This means that you take responsibility for yourself and your actions and in addition
you are always aware of the other driver's actions.

Below are some driving tips from the National Safety Council to help reduce risks on the road.

ุ Do not start the engine without securing each passenger in the car
including children and pets. Safety belts save thousands of lives each year! Lock all doors.

ุ Remember that driving too fast or too slow can increase the likelihood of collisions.

ุ Do not kid yourself. If you plan to drink
designate a driver who will not drink. Alcohol is a factor in almost half of all fatal motor vehicle crashes.

ุ Be alert! If you notice that a car is straddling the centerline
weaving
making wide turns
stopping abruptly
or responding slowly to traffic signals
the driver may be impaired.

ุ Avoid an impaired driver by turning right at the nearest corner or exiting at the nearest exit. If it appears that an oncoming car is crossing into your lane
pull over to the roadside
sound the horn and flash your lights.

ุ Notify the police immediately after seeing a motorist who is driving suspiciously.

ุ Follow the rules of the road. Do not contest the "right of way" or try to race another car during a merge. Be respectful of other motorists.

ุ Do not follow too closely. Always use a "three-second following distance" or a "three-second plus following distance."

ุ While driving
be cautious
aware
and responsible.

Following these common sense suggestions
you will be sure to have a safer ride in your car
as well as the safety of others on the road.

Your trip to Thailand is all set. You have booked your flight and hotel
packed your bags and you are ready to go. But
you just found out that your money is no good in Thailand!

Well
actually it is good; it just needs to be converted to the local Thai currency. You have many options – some good and some bad.

Option #1 is to go to your local bank or currency exchange in your home country to get some of the local money. This is a bad idea because you will get a really bad rate of exchange.

Your second option is to change some money at your home airport. There will be a small booth with the rates posted and this will be as bad as option #1.

Your third choice is to pick up some traveler's checks at home and cash these in Thailand. This can be good or bad. It is ok if you don’t have to pay any fees for the TCs. And don’t even think about cashing them in at your hotel. You will get ripped off big time. Cash them in at a Thai bank. Don’t forget to record the numbers somewhere and stash them safely.

Fourth option is to bring all cash with you. This is obviously dangerous because if you lose your wad
your vacation is over. Bringing some cash with you is ok – but just enough for one or two days.

Fifth would be to bring an ATM card with you. Having a debit ATM card is an easy way to get Thai Baht at the current rate of exchange. Having a second debit card specifically for your trip is a good back up.

Last would be to use your credit card to get cash. Be careful. You may get a double whammy. You may get charged when you get your cash and then get charged an international exchange fee. There is also the possibility of your credit card being cloned – so be careful. I recommend that you don’t use a credit card in Thailand.

When I go to Thailand I bring a few hundred dollars to exchange to se me through my first couple of days. I also usually have a few thousand Baht left from my last trip. I transfer money to two different debit ATM accounts and use one as a primary and one as a backup (just in case). I bring my checking account ATM card with as a last resort. I have yet to use this but it is good to know that I have options.

I used to bring traveler's checks with me but when the bank started charging me 1% for them
I stopped using them. Also
only being able to exchange them at banks during business hours
or cashing them in at the hotel at terrible rates is not how I want to do business.

I prefer to use a debit ATM card since ATM machines are everywhere in Thailand and they are open 24 hours per day. You get the best rates and ATM machines provide the most convenience. Just plan to have a couple of different ways to fund your trip. It is no fun to be in foreign country on vacation with no access to funds.

White sand beaches
seagulls floating freely
cold colored drinks with cute umbrella. That’s something that you really want. The perfect way to slow down is to go on a relaxing and enjoyable cruise to the Caribbean.

You can chose from many travel packages when you decide to spend your vacation cruising the Caribbean
whether it be a 7-night Southern Caribbean Cruise
or a 4-night Western Caribbean cruise
you are guaranteed to experience the time of your life in this paradise earth.

While planning your trip make sure that you don’t miss the following option that your cruise package will offer you. The Adventure of the Seas Cruise ship features an ice-skating rink
a rock-climbing wall
in-line skating
a 9-hole miniature golf course
a day spa and fitness center and even a full-size basketball court. But that’s just for starters.

The Royal Caribbean International has a number of cruises that you can avail of. Let’s take their 7-night Southern Caribbean Cruise on the Adventure of the Seas Cruise ship as an example of how a cruise should go.

On Day 1
you would be at the Port of San Juan
Puerto Rico. Before the ship leaves at 8:30 PM
you can check out the sights at one of the largest islands in the Eastern Caribbean. In Puerto Rico
you have to check out El Yunque Forest and be amazed with the exotic flora. You can also go see Ba๑o Grande
a natural pool that is so inviting
you might be tempted to take a dip. There are a number of tourist spots that you can still go see
but maybe a day would not suffice going around Puerto Rico.

On Day 2
on the way to Oranjestad
Aruba
you can have fun on the cruise ship with Casino Royale
or pretty much anything you want to do with their onboard facilities.

On Day 3
the cruise ship docks at the Port of Oranjestad at about 8:00 AM. Here
you can be taking a submarine 150 feet below the sea. On the surface you can go shopping for bargains or go for land sporting adventures. Just set your alarm and remember that the ship leaves at around 8:30 PM.

On Day 4
the ship will dock at the Port of Willemstad
Curacao at 8:00 AM. If there’s one thing that you would really hate to miss
it would be exploring the Hato Caves and their mystical underground lake. You can also go biking and enjoy a trolley-train tour
before the ship leaves at 5:00 PM.

There will be more cruising to do on Day 5
so enjoy your day-off from land.

On Day 6
you would probably be competing in a race in Philipsburg
St. Maarten and experience kayaking.

On Day 7
you will find yourself sprawled out on the beach of Charlotte Amalie
St. Thomas. You will have the whole day roaming around the beautiful island before getting back on the ship by 5:30 PM.

By 7:00 AM the next morning
you will be back at the Port of San Juan
Puerto Rico with a memory stick full of pictures and videos from your cruise.

Cruising the Caribbean is the perfect vacation for you
not only because it is affordable
but the whole cruise package is convincingly worth it.

Buying a house and living in Spain has been seen as “living the dream” for many years now. Torrevieja situated on the south of Spain just south of Alicante
is one of the more popular places to buy property as a holiday home
or to move out and live there. But for while now Torrevieja has been seen as a crime black spot
with many instances reported every day. One of the challenges the Spanish police had
was their policing budget as it is based on how many residents live in their area. As many people holidaying in the area do not register as a resident
they ended up with not enough police to cover the influx of regular holiday homeowners. Add to this there is the language problem
as many think that even the police should be proficient in English.

A lot of crime occurred from illegal immigrants from North Africa
where the crime was committed in some cases just to say alive
not necessary the Spanish
with addresses and police records. It is not hard to see that the local police had a challenge on their hands. But things now have moved on. In 2004 it was reported that crime had been reduced by an amazing 40%
this has been achieved by introducing local “neighbourhood watch” schemes like they have in the UK. Stickers were produced and put on everyone’s windows and when anyone saw anything suspicious
it was then communicated to the local police. The police would also issue details say on stolen cars and find that residents were finding the cars on their behalf
reducing their workload. If you are buying a new house or live next to new houses
many say that crime drops when the builders go away. That doesn’t mean that the builders are stealing but only that building sites in themselves attract thieves.

Basic security measures should be done whilst living in Spain
protect your passports
credit cards and driving license. Invest in a wall safe and have this hidden. Most thieves are opportunists or look for the weakest target. Have dead lock doors and then use the dead lock
some dont turn the key the second time. Leave a key with a trusted neighbour
as locksmith call outs can be expensive; to foreigners anyway. If this is your holiday home then do not personalise it
make sure everything is replaceable. Leave things around the house or property that makes it look like someone is at home or is about to be. Finally
even with all this bad news
thousands live in Torrevieja and would not live anywhere else
and by taking some simple precautions you maybe can “live your dream”.

Hotel and rental car owners don’t just offer you discounts at random
you have to ask for it work for it
and sometimes
these discounts aren’t even worth it
well unless you’re looking to traveling during off peak season where there is at most a 50% discount. But let’s face it
we travel during peak season because this is the season when we actually have time to travel. So aside from waiting for your favorite hotel’s tirade of discounts during off peak season
when you can’t really travel and then end up not traveling at all
why not take the initiative and find your own ways to cheap travel
make your own discount.

- Check detour flights other than the straight one you’re bound to get when you inquire. You can get cheaper overall prices if you choose to book two flights instead of one. Some people have been able to save as much as $2000 by doing this.

- It is always better to buy food at the grocery and cook it yourself rather than eating everyday at a restaurant. You won’t want to spend all of your pocket money on food. Restaurants tend to have cheap and sometimes unhealthy food
ensure your own health as well as your pockets health by cooking your own
that is
after all
the reason why there’s a stove in your hotel room.

- Travel to places which boast of natural beauty but have lower costs of living
prices here tend to be lower. Take the Philippines or Malaysia for example
both have great views and tourist spots but come without the hassle of overpricing
English speaking natives are also a plus for these countries.

- If you’re planning to stay for more than a week
call the hotel that you’d want to stay in and ask for week long stay discounts
these can range for percentages off your room price or even a “free day.”

- Package deals usually save a lot
airfare and lodgings combined into one are usually cheaper compared to paying for them separately. Some travel agencies even provide trio packages which include airfare
hotel and car rental
you can save a lot if you have the industriousness to canvass.

- Find web-only discounts or coupons which some hotels and airline owners provide especially for those willing to reserve online. You can save as much as 50% on your travel costs by going this way.

There is a quite interesting list of things to do
see and live while you’re there. In June there are some interesting events that can be worth a visit to the city of Krakow (Cracow). The Jewish population of Poland was cruelly squashed by the holocaust
however Jewish culture is still rich and flourishing. The Jewish Culture Festival proves it. Every year the Kazimierz district of Krakow
destroyed in World War II
holds an internationally-famous Jewish Culture Festival.

The event first took place in 1988 and today it’s arrived to its 18th edition. Each June for more than a week
all kinds of events
from synagogue singing to klezmer music and Hasidic
classical
and Jewish folk music
take place in the Jewish district. The music is the core of the festival
but besides music there are also film screenings
exhibitions
presentations and story telling about a Jewish theme. The visitors can make an experience of Jewish traditional dances
songs
cooking
theatre and even paper-cutting and calligraphy. All initiative are opened and free for everyone. For more information about the Festival visit : jewishfestival.pl/. A couple of weeks later
Krakow celebrates another Festival.

The Wianki - Floating of the Wreaths Festival. The beginning date is 24 June
2008
The festival traces its roots to a peaceful pagan ritual. Whianki literally means 'wreaths' and it is a traditional midsummer celebration that remembers St John. Polish girls wear wreaths of flowers with a lighted candle in the centre and then throw them into the Vistula River.

This ritual is for predicting when they would be married. If the wreath comes back to shore
the girl will never marry
if it sinks
she will die young and if it flows down the river
she will be married and be happy. By the 19th century this tradition had become a festive event
and it continues today. Apart from the official floating of wreaths
there are musical performances
dignitaries' speeches
fairs and fireworks by the river bank opposite the imposing Royal Wawel Castle. Poland's top pop stars are now joined by international acts to complete a day of celebration. More info at : visitpoland.org.

Also
in terms of accommodation
you will be happy to know that your budget won’t be suck up all in a sudden! Krakow offers some of the cosiest and cheapest youth hostels of the Eastern Europe. The Lemon hostel or the Old Walls youth hostel are very nice as like as the Bling Bling Hostel or the cool AQQ hostel
the Free hostel
the Secret Garden
the Moon hostel. They are easily found in internet in some bookers providing online bookings and prices comparison.

Very useful. In general
youth hostels offer clean
colourful and comfy rooms at very cheap prices in Krakow. Let’s say you can expect to pay no more than 10 euros per person per night with breakfast included! Not bad ah?

So look around and you will see that some of the cutest and cheapest youth hostels of Europe are there
in Krakow and will offer you the warmest hospitality! And do not forget to book in advance your accommodation if you wish to get a central location and the best price in hot summer months.

The action takes place down in mellow Kazimierz on Plac Nowy
and the guzzling is usually accompanied by live music from a number of enthusiastic bands. Best of all
everyone is a judge
as the soups are all free to be sampled - until they run out!

In the same month an increasingly fashionable fixture on the international scene is the Krakow Film Festival that concentrates on short films
documentaries and animated features
There are different categories and prizes
from Polish to International. There is also the possibility to attend to the press conferences and meet the actors and the film-makers for some chit-chat.

Other thing not to be missed is the Krakow's annual Month of Photography. Various unusual venues in bars
clubs
breweries
cafes for dozen of exhibitions throughout the month. If you're a student or you have friends in Krakow
May is the best time of the year to be around for an ancient and venerable tradition: the Juwenalia! For a week parties erupt across Cracow and most of them are open to outsiders.

Until the 4th of May at the Arsenal of the Czartoryski Museum Arsenal (ul. Pijarska 8) will host twenty works by the master sculptor Antonio Canova (1757-1822). One of the most eminent representatives of classicism
the Italian sculptor worked in Venice
Rome
Wien and Paris . Inspired most by Hellenistic sculpture
most of his works relate to mythology and the main attraction should be a marble sculpture of Prince Henry Lubomirski as Cupid.

And after a long day visiting
tastino
listening
cherishing all Cracow ha sto offer in may
we recommend an after dinner at the Harris Piano Jazz Club
one of the best places to head for if you're in search of an evening of quality jazz. Many local talents have performed there
whilst a host of established stars regularly drop by to have a jam. For classic jazz
be there on Tuesdays; for jam sessions on Thursdays
whilst Fridays for Blues. On Saturdays there are big concerts from well known Polish and international names. Small cover charge is the norm.

Once you are done will all this stuff
guys
you’ll need a secure
warm place to rest.

Consider booking in advance your accommodation if you wish to get a central location and the best price! Anyways
you will be happy to know that this voice of your trip won’t suck all your pocket up! Krakow offers some of the cosiest and cheapest youth hostels of the Eastern. You can try to find a spot at the Lemon hostel
the Old Walls youth hostel
the Bling Bling Hostel
the AQQ hostel
the Free hostel
the Secret Garden
the Moon hostel. They all offer clean
colourful and comfy rooms at very budget prices. Meaning from about 7 euros per person per night with breakfast! Fair enough?

Every country has a unique beverage it claims as its own. In Costa Rica
the beverage of choice is Guaro.

Beverages

There is a certain national pride associated with claiming an alcoholic beverage. Think of Mexico and tequila immediately comes to mind. Vodka
of course
goes with Russia. Visit Greece and an ouzo headache can’t be far behind. Aquavit in Sweden will definitely turn your head…and stomach. Costa Rica
of course
couldn’t miss out on the fun.

Guaro

Depending on which bartender you speak to
Guaro is either a mind erasing alcohol beverage or an energy drink with a little kick. Guaro is the national beverage of Costa Rica. Despite visiting Costa Rica on multiple occasions
I have never tried. And for good reason.

The Guinea Pig

Ten of us were hanging out in the beach town of Carrillo just taking in the evening after another day in the sun. Carrillo is a great town for fishing and a few epic surf spots are close by. It is similar to Tamarindo
but without the overwhelming ex-pat influence. Unfortunately
Carrillo is extremely tame at night. Put another way
there is really nothing to do.

A bit bored
the ten of us had congregated in a caf้ overlooking the ocean. Tables and chairs had been pushed together and we had reached the point in the evening where we were telling lies about how great we used to be. The bartender/owner approached our table and suggested we hadn’t experience Costa Rica until we had sampled Guaro. One of our merry band was selected.

Known humorously as Mexico Mike
our guinea pig was experienced in the ways of Mexican Tequila. Mexico was remotely close to Costa Rica
so the drinks were probably similar. Indeed
Mexico Mike was the man for the job.

The shot glass came. Jokes were made. Mike through it back. A small grimace
a lime
slaps on the back and general laughter. Just as we started egging each other on to be the next person to experience Costa Rica
a funny thing happened.

Mexico Mike was becoming Pink Mike. Laughter stopped and concern spread across the table like the rash developing on his arms. We were probably three hours from a hospital and the term “pink eye” was taking on a much larger meaning. His skin was turning pink! You could actually see it moving down his arms and across his chest. His girlfriend
Stuart
was not happy!

It has to be an odd feeling to sit there and watch your skin change colors. Mike was cracking jokes as is his nature
but there was a definite tension to his laugh. Fortunately
the reaction soon slowed and retreated. Within 20 minutes
he was good as new and we had a new story to tell.

We universally passed on further offers of Guaro. A traveler has to know his or her limits!

For all the future travelers that have the opportunity to read this story
I would hope that after you finish this article
you would highly consider Travel Insurance!

As a former travel Agent
when I read sad stories about travelers that have bad medical experiences abroad
it starts to make my stomach turn because I would quickly check all my client files to make sure they have all purchased some form of medical and/or cancellation policies from me prior to their travel.

However
when he awoke in the Costa Rica hospital where he had admitted himself
he quickly found out that his kidney was removed! This young man’s jaw was never fixed and the medical doctor in Costa Rica claimed several of his internal organs were damaged
and out of all the organs that were injured
they had to remove one of his kidneys. Makes you go Hmmm!

Now in my professional opinion
I would classify Costa Rica as a popular destination that I would recommend to many of my past clients to visit for their ecotourism and exotic vacation appeal. The problem is that when we suggest these destinations that are glorified as paradises
we sometimes forget to tell them that these vacation destinations don’t have medical facilities that are comparable to North American standards
and also not all facilities operate in the best faith.

All the facts about this incident are not proven yet
but the truth of the matter is in this incident
having the proper travel medical insurance coverage could have been the difference in this gentleman coming home safely with a fixed jaw and his kidney intact.

How Does Medical Travel Protection Policies Eliminate Situations Like This
You Ask?

Keep this in perspective due to the nature of the incident. The facts are still coming in about this mans occurrence Costa Rican hospital
and I’m not totally certain he did not have travel coverage
but in my professional opinion
if he did have a reputable comprehensive travel medical policy
I truly believe this situation would not have happened.

Here is my explanation that you can apply to having quality medical coverage. When you visit your travel agent
or decide to book your vacation online
many of the agencies and online companies will offer you an insurance policy that is designed specifically for your travel protection while away from your originating country. Due to a large percentage of your medical costs that may not be covered by the country you live in
travel medical emergency policies are there to protect you from the additional costs that your country will not be covering.

Let’s take this one step further. While you’re away on vacation
the Travel Medical/Cancellation Company you purchased your policy from now has a vested interest in your physical and financial protection. However
they also have a reputation and a financial interest in their company! By saying this
they must make sure that claims that are paid out are legitimate
and are not abused by many of the un-regulated foreign medical facilities that treat patients for emergency situations.

To control these illegal practices
most
if not all
travel insurance providers (including online Insurance companies) establish worldwide relationships with a great number of medical facilities in the tourist areas
and in this relationship
the selected Travel Insurance Company regulates them with very strict rules and guidelines.

This is why it’s important to read the policy terms and conditions
and understand what is required as the policyholders must follow these terms for their own protection under emergency situations. What many conditions state are that the people who get injured due to an unexpected situation
must contact the insurer prior to admitting themselves to a hospital
or a large percentage of their claim may not be paid.

Now I know many of you may be saying that if you were not conscious at the time you were admitted to a hospital
that’s beyond your control
and you’re right! However
upon becoming aware
you must at your earliest opportunity advise the Insurance Company where you are
and if it’s not a regulated hospital on their list
they will make arrangements to remove you to their preferred medical facility.

Why Does A Travel Insurance Company Go To All This Trouble?

This is where we continue from the story about the young man that had his kidney removed. Again
I’m going by my own opinion and no one else
and like I mentioned prior I don’t have all the facts
but in my profession I strongly believe that if this person had coverage with a reputable Travel Insurance Company
he would have more than likely contacted their toll free worldwide number
and talked to professional staff that are trained in the medical field.

He would have been directed to the correct hospital
and when he arrived
upon the instructions of the Insurance staff
he would have passed this information on to the medical staff at the Costa Rican hospital. This does one of two things
it gives the Insurance Company the power to regulate and make sure that only the necessary surgeries are taking place
and because they’re paying the bill
they will ensure that every situation is medically documented for any future liability.

I can’t guarantee that having the medical coverage would have avoided this situation
but I have to say when you eliminate all the risks by working with the Medical Insurance provider
you have a better opportunity in walking out of that foreign hospital with the peace-of-mind that you’re not going back home without all your valuable functioning organs.

Changes in pressure can temporarily block the Eustachian tube
causing your ears to 'pop' or to experience a sensation of fullness. To equalize the pressure
swallow frequently; chewing gum sometimes helps. Yawning is also effective. Avoid sleeping during descent; you may not swallow often enough to keep ahead of the pressure change. If yawning or swallowing doesn't help
use the 'valsalva maneuver':

* Pinch your nostrils shut
then breathe in a mouthful of air.
* Using only your cheek and throat muscles
force air into the back of your nose as if you were trying to blow your thumb and finger off your nostrils.
* Be very gentle and blow in short successive attempts. When you hear or feel a pop in your ears
you have succeeded. Never force air from your lungs or abdomen (diaphragm); this can create pressures that are too intense.

Babies are especially troubled by these pressure changes during descent. Having them feed from a bottle or suck on a pacifier will often provide relief. Avoid flying if you have recently had abdominal
eye or oral surgery
including a root canal. The pressure changes that occur during climb and descent can result in discomfort.

If you have an upper respiratory or sinus infection
you may also experience discomfort resulting from pressure changes. Postpone your trip if possible. (Check to see if your fare has cancellation or change penalties.) A final tip on pressure changes: they cause your feet to swell. Try not to wear new or tight shoes while flying.

Alcohol and coffee both have a drying effect on the body. Airliner cabin air is relatively dry to begin with
and the combination can increase your chances of contracting a respiratory infection. If you wear contact lenses
the low cabin humidity and/or consumption of alcohol or coffee can reduce your tear volume
leading to discomfort if you don't blink often enough. Lens wearers should clean their lenses thoroughly before the flight
use lubricating eye drops during the flight
read in intervals
and take the lenses out if they nap.

If you are permitted to buy bottled water and bring it on the plane (check before your fly)
get the biggest bottle you can carry. Some countries don’t allow you to carry a bottle of water through the security checkpoint – but you can purchase one in the terminal (at ridiculously higher prices). Even if you can buy the water at the terminal
doesn’t mean you can carry it onboard. Check
check and re-check.

If you take prescription medications
bring enough to last through your trip. Take along a copy of the prescription
or your doctor's name and telephone number
in case the medication is lost or stolen. The medicine should be in the original prescription bottle in order to avoid questions at security or Customs inspections. Carry it in a pocket or a carry-on bag; don't pack it in a checked bag
in case the bag is lost. Check with TSA on latest rules and regulations.

While in a foreign country
a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations
which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Thai laws
even unknowingly
may be expelled
arrested or imprisoned.

In this connection
it is a criminal offense to make negative comments about the King or other members of the royal family. Thais hold the King in the highest regard
and it is a serious crime to make critical or defamatory comments about him. This particular crime
called “lese majeste
” is punishable by a prison sentence of three to fifteen years. Purposely tearing or destroying Thai bank notes
which carry an image of the King
may be considered such an offense
as can spitting on or otherwise defiling an official uniform bearing royal insignia.

The Thai Government has publicly stated that it will not tolerate the use of Thai territory as a base by groups trying to overthrow or destabilize the governments of nearby countries. Numerous American citizens have been arrested or detained under suspicion of carrying out such activities; sometimes these detentions are carried out by military authorities
and the Embassy does not learn of them until many days after the fact. Many other Americans suspected of advocating the armed overthrow of other governments have been "blacklisted" from entering the country. Americans should be aware that attempts to overthrow foreign governments by force may violate U.S. law as well as Thai law.

Penalties for the possession of
use of
or trafficking in illegal drugs in Thailand are severe. Convicted offenders can expect long prison sentences under harsh conditions
and often heavy fines as well. Thailand also has a death penalty for serious drug offenses
and has executed convicted traffickers. The U.S. Embassy frequently does not learn of the arrest of U.S. citizens for minor drug offenses
particularly in southern Thailand
until several days after the incident.

Engaging in illicit sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime
prosecutable in the United States.

Thai police occasionally raid discos
bars
or nightclubs looking for underage patrons and drug users. During the raids
they typically check the IDs of all customers in the establishment
and then make each person provide a urine sample to be checked for narcotics. Foreigners are not excused from these checks
and anyone whose urine tests positive for drugs is arrested and charged. Although some Thai civil libertarians have questioned the constitutionality of these forced urine tests
the Embassy is unaware of any successful challenge to the practice
and customers can be jailed if they do not cooperate.

When Henry Hudson arrived in 1609 few could possibly have anticipated the legacy he would leave behind. From humble beginnings
New York City has developed into the greatest metropolis on the planet.

Far from the crime ridden cesspit portrayed in films from the 1970s
New York has cleaned up its act. Many visitors are pleasantly surprised at the new found order and obedience within the present city.

Few places can compare for modern human spirit
depicted perfectly in the mass gathering of human emotion that is the New York City Marathon. Sunset in Central Park is the motivation for training.

But New York is also a place for individuals. The mammoth manmade canyons – a consequence of New York’s endeavour to reach the sky with its epic buildings – provide a space to reflect on its worldwide fame.

For many New Yorkers the sun can prove pretty elusive. The rousing skyscrapers shroud the Big Apple in shadow for much of the time.

For the tourists however
New York is blessed with iconic landmarks on every corner. Make your way to the summit of the Empire State Building to witness a magnificent 360-degree view that is the glory of Manhattan.

Art lovers should make their way to the Metropolitan Museum of Art and revel in its noble works from America
Europe
Asia and Africa. Alternatively you may try the more enigmatic collections housed at the Museum of Modern Art and purchase eccentricities within the gallery stores.

If you’re fortunate to be in town at Christmas
don’t miss the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting including the wonderful festivities. New York captures the full Christmas flavour; maybe you’ll even be lucky enough to see some snow.

The bottom line is New York – and Manhattan in particular – is a living organism. The city that gave the world legends such as Miles Davis
Irving Berlin and Martin Scorsese quite literally shakes you by the shoulders and pushes you into the 21st century.

Many have succumbed and sought refuge in this vibrant theatre. John Lennon
Andy Warhol and the great lady herself
The Statue of Liberty – a gift from Paris – have all yielded to the cities charm.

When you find yourself entering the gates of New York for the first time
ignore the lousy coffee
New Yorkers’ dress sense
and the constant irritation of ‘wacky’ mobile phone ring tones. Just take a breath
grab a seat and go along with the ride.

Berlin: city of a new era
Today Berlin is a creative
dynamic place to visit with museums
theatres
many bars
cubs and restaurants. A city which was at the grim heart of 20th century European history
the Berlin of today has a tendency not to take itself too seriously.

Transport: how to get there and around
To reach Berlin by air
you will probably have to make a connection through Amsterdam or Frankfurt. Not many direct flights arrive in the city. The Train service in Germany is extremely efficient
you can get to Berlin from other European countries this way. The bus is also an option.

The city itself has an underground system to help you get around
it is also cycle and pedestrian friendly. The East part of the city is served by a tram.

Weather
Berlin winter is between November and March and can be cold below zero. Throughout the rest of the year
rain is often a possibility.

Accommodation: Luxury to budget stays
The internet can offer some of the best information on the cost
range and location of hotels in Berlin.

Attractions & Events

*February brings the worlds second largest Film Festival to Berlin known as the Berlinale.

*10 days of festival fun with concerts and operas takes place in April for Festage.

*Popular gay festival day
Christopher Street Day is in June.

*Jazz lovers can enjoy JazzFest in August.
*As Christmas approaches the city opens markets throughout the city in November.

Munich: Sophisticated capital of Bavaria
Munich creates images of ledehosen and beer
but this is a very incomplete picture. The city is sophisticated and has many cultural attractions including art galleries and museums.

Transport: how to get there and around
European flights are served by the Franz-Josef-Strauss Flughafen in Munich. From further a field you need to make a connection with Frankfurt airport. The train also serves many European cities.

The city is served by buses and underground trains
which make is easy to get around. Munich is also a cycle friendly city.

Weather
You can catch some Munich sunshine during months April - May and also September - October. The coldest time of year is between November and March.

Accommodation: Luxury to budget stays
The internet can offer some of the best information on the cost
range and location of hotels in Munich.

Attractions & Events
*January brings the beginning of Fasching
six weeks of street celebrations.

*The end of Lent is marked by Starkbierzeit
with strong brews consumed.

*The Munich Film Festival is held in June.

*Strangely
in September
you can enjoy the world best beer festival Oktoberfest.

Frankfurt: with a heart for art
Frankfurt is not as formal and business like as you might imagine. The city loves art and has many attractions at its museums. And its spectacular skyline is a work of art in itself. What's more
Frankfurt is Germany's most cosmopolitan city which adds to its pizzazz.

Transport: how to get there and around
Frankfurt can easily be reached from all over Europe and beyond with it’s major airport and train station. The bus is also an option as Frankfurt links with many major cities.

Like most other German cities
Frankfurt has excellent public transport
you are spoilt for choice
which is fortunate as walking is not really an option in the city.
However there are plenty of bicycle lanes for the cyclist.

Weather
Winter here is very cold and often has storms. For the best months come to Frankfurt between June and August.

Accommodation: Luxury to budget stays
The internet can offer some of the best information on the cost
range and location of hotels in Frankfurt.

Attractions & Events
*There are parades held before Lent
the Fastnacht parades take place in February.

*The International Music Trade Fair is held in March.

*You can enjoy Frankfurts famous apple wine all summer with many events being held throughout the city.

*Art and music lovers can enjoy the July riverside with the Museumsuferfest exhibitions.

October 4th
2007
- The Toronto nightlife scene glows remarkably brighter now that legendary New York nightclub guru Peter Gatien has unveiled his highly anticipated project
CiRCA nightclub. Hailed as Gatien’s most extensive project ever
the 55
0
square foot CiRCA is unlike anything the world has ever seen
offering a multifaceted club with a unique blend of arts
fashion and entertainment.

Peter Gatien started his career in the 70’s spanning three decades known as the “King of Clubs” in New York City. His accomplishments include the opening of Limelight
Palladium
Tunnel and Club USA. Gatien’s current undertaking will encompass everything he’s learned over the years into one truly astounding project.

Located at 126 John St. in the heart of the Entertainment District
Gatien has overhauled the former Playdium / Lucid building into what promises to be one of the most sensory stimulating club experiences you’ve ever had. Building on the existing architecture of an open concept with overhanging balconies
Gatien has transformed the four floors into distinctly themed areas capable of accommodating 3
0
people.

Gatien has invested heavily into the $6.5 million club which will also serve as a giant interactive canvas. Local area and international artists are invited and encouraged to push the creativity envelope and showcase their work. Ongoing contributions will ensure a dynamic atmosphere that is frequently changing. All in all
this will add an exciting dimension to the club industry while beautifully highlighting the artistic and cultural diversity of Toronto.

Aside from the main dance floor which can accommodate 1
0
people
CiRCA will feature several other intimate and distinctly themed areas. The world’s first SKYY Cinema Lounge includes a state-of-the-art screening room with a bar
DJ booth and 16 foot screen presented by SKYY Vodka.

The Sensa Bar will further your experience with its sensitive surfaces that react to touch and movement. Highly responsive surfaces can be programmed to allow for an entertaining level of interaction
and two private booths put you in control allowing for changes in lighting and music.

The Ball Room caters to the distinguished clientele who prefer a more refined setting. The luxuriously appointed room will include its own bar and DJ booth to create the intimate feeling of being at a private social club.

Embrace your inner child in the Kidrobot Room. Founder of Kidrobot Paul Budnitz has designed a room allowing patrons to admire and purchase the exclusive products. Kidrobot fuses urban street trends and pop art to create limited edition collectible toys and apparel. The buzz around this collaboration has quickly stretched across the globe with enthusiasts and collectors alike.

After months of anticipation
CiRCA opened its doors on October 4th to glowing reviews. If you happened to miss the unveiling you can still experience this unique endeavor every Friday and Saturday night.

Carefully chosen walking shoes will make a world of difference on your vacation. Your feet are as unique as your personality so just any old shoes won't do.

Here are some tips to help you choose the right walking shoes for you.

Find an athletic store that has qualified people who can evaluate your walking gait. They can then point you toward a shoe that will match your style.

Your feet will swell on a walk. So pick a walking shoe that is about a size bigger than you usually would buy. Or
if possible
try on your shoes after a long walk.

Fit your shoes while wearing the same socks that you will be wearing on your vacation.

Consider the type of walking you will be doing. Hiking boots are good for poorly maintained trails
off trail or cross country hikes. But they are heavy and stiff. Stick with walking or running shoes for walks on paved or maintained trails.

Make sure there is room at the toes and the sides. Even a small amount of rubbing will produce blisters.

Cushioned shoes provide comfort and are great for non rugged walking surfaces. They usually have a little less support.

Lightweight is important when you are walking all day. You can afford to give up a little support for light weight when you are walking on pavement or maintained trails.

Avoid flared soles and heels that are more than an inch higher than the sole in front. These types of shoes are not good for a walker's gait.

You want a flexible shoe that will twist and bend at the ball of the foot.

If you have wide or narrow feet make sure that you get a shoe that is sized for you. Don't settle for a standard width shoe. You will regret it.

The success of your vacation can depend on having a comfortable pair of shoes to walk in. Take the time to find the right one. It is worth it.

Whistler is perhaps North America’s best ski resort; certainly there is nowhere close for vertical drop
acreage of groomed runs and variety of expert terrain. However there is also a tremendous variety of rental accommodation
and before you make a choice it would be as well to be educated about the options and their implications.

Whistler properties vary along 3 key dimensions: size
quality/style and location. We don’t need to say much about size; there are properties on the rental market ranging from shoeboxes of 350 sq. ft to imposing chalets of 6000 sq. ft. or more. Quality is another question altogether. Much of the Whistler rental inventory was built in the 80s and 90s when the profile of the resort was lower and cost was the name of the game. Most developments were built with indifferent design
cheap materials
poor quality fixtures and fittings and d้cor that is unimaginative at best. You do not want to spend your vacation in a condo with a blue carpet
magnolia walls
formica countertops
shiny brass bathroom fittings and garishly-coloured sofas. So you need to seek out either one of the more recent developments
such as Taluswood
that were built to a much higher specification
or you need to find a unit that has been recently renovated (or ‘Whistlerized’
as the local term has it). ‘Whistlerization’ typically involves installing slate floors
granite countertops
stone fireplaces
wooden cupboards
beams and trim
and painting in earthy autumnal tones of caf้-au-lait
caramel and burgundy. These units have a much more mountain-cabin feel. The top-of-the-line properties in Whistler go a stage or three beyond this
with spectacular designs and extremely high-end finishes
although only a few of these properties are on the rental market.

Location is perhaps the key issue in choosing your Whistler rental. Although only a small town
there are many different areas you can choose for your vacation
and each of them has advantages and disadvantages.

The Village is the place for proximity to bars and restaurants
and for being a relatively short walk to the lifts. However most of the inventory in the Village is small
with one or two-bedrooms units dominant in the mix
and it was all built to a cheap standard. It is critical to find a unit that has received a recent quality renovation. There are also one or two units that are larger
but you may have to search hard to find them.

The Upper Village is on the lower slopes of Blackcomb Mountain. This is the location for ski-in
ski-out units that are also reasonably accessible to the Village. However
if you want ski-in
ski-out make sure that you check what this means. Some properties are actually on the slopes; others
still styling themselves ‘ski-in
ski-out’ may be up to 5 minutes walk away. Still others are ski-in
but not ski-out.

The second main location for ski-in
ski-out units is Taluswood on the lower slopes of Whistler Mountain. This is a very upscale area with a variety of accommodation
but all of a high quality standard using peeled logs
natural materials and quality d้cor. Access to the slopes is very easy
with no more than a 2 minute walk from most properties. However you need a vehicle to get to shops and restaurants
as this area is not served by either the free shuttle or by municipal buses.

The fourth location is Creekside
the original location of Whistler. This used to be a very downmarket area
but recent heavy investment has made it a decent alternative to the Village. The Creekside gondola is always less crowded than the lifts in the Village
and there is now a great selection of shops and restaurants in town. The quality of accommodation is very mixed
with many unattractive older properties and a few newer
luxury chalets that are equal to any in Whistler. You can walk to the lifts from most locations in Creekside.

Finally
there is a selection of other locations
including Blueberry Hill
Nicklaus North and Alpine Meadows. Here you will generally find larger homes
but they are not ski-in
ski-out and you will have to drive to the Village as well. However
you will get more for your money in terms of the quality and size of the property itself here.