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by Margaret MacGillivray

Although I don’t travel much these days, over the past years I have been fortunate enough to visit some lovely countries – Austria, Bavaria, Switzerland, France, Spain … and more. I am getting itchy feet and am about to plan some more overseas travel.

One thing, though, as I get older, I worry more about stuff – such as having adequate travel insurance to give me a safety net should I fall ill – or just fall over! So, before I start planning the trips for the year, I’m investigating taking out adequate travel insurance cover for myself and my husband – and would strongly recommend that you do the same.

That’s one way to make sure I have peace of mind on holiday.

Have a lovely time at New Year – and I wish you all the best for 2008.

Keep safe, keep well – and don’t forget the travel insurance.

Guest article by Stuart Cheese

In my capacity as the UK Director of Operations for One World Tours Limited, every time we add a new destination, the questions come flooding in and so when Japan came on line the questions, especially about Tokyo, was no exception. So here are my top hints for your first trip to Tokyo.

You are going to do a lot of walking. So wear comfortable shoes. Tokyo has more than its fair share of trains, subways, monorails, taxies and buses. But depending upon where you are staying, once any of these modes of transport get you to roughly were you are going, then it’s time to let your feet do the rest. Tokyo is an amazing and vibrant city and without doubt the best way to see and experience it, is on foot

Drink lots of liquids. There are almost no diet fizzy / soda drinks on sale in Japan. This is apparently because the Japanese are generally very fit people and just do not drink them. To every rule there is of course an exception and in this case it is Coke Light (aka Diet Coke). The problem this can cause is if you are a diet drink drinker, you may find yourself simply not taking enough liquids on board. If you are a calorie counter, you may find yourself saying no to drinks when normally you would say yes. So just try to make a mental note and be sure to top up your body with a bottle or two of water or maybe a fruit juice.

If you like to eat, Tokyo is gastronomic heaven! Tokyo proudly boasts over 60,000 restaurants. Fortunately in most of them, language is not an issue as wisely most of their menus carry pictures of the food too, so as a last resort you can just point at what you are trying to order. A lot of restaurants all have plastic mock up display items, so you can often just point a what you fancy.

Tokyo can be expensive when it comes to food, but this is more only the case in hotels and high class restaurants. Locals keep eating out costs down by eating in local restaurants. As in most big cities the other way to eat cheaply, depending upon your personal preference is fast / junk food. Tokyo has all the worldwide standards including 7-11, Subway, Burger King, Wendys, KFC and of course McDonalds. Even if you are not a fast food fan, some of the above are worth a look, as unlike in so many other countries, these restaurants do have a uniquely Japanese feel to them.

A camera is a must. Tokyo is an amazing place to take photos, be it the landscape, the architecture or the people and as you would expect, even if you want them there and then, getting your photos printed out is not an issue. Tokyo is technology capital of the world and theres plenty of places offering a while you wait service for photographs and of course, assuming you are using digital cameras, there no problem in picking up an extra memory card or 2 if you are running out of room for all those pics.

Taxis are the last resort. As mentioned previously, there’s lots of ways to get around Tokyo and if going on foot is the best, then taking taxis is probably the worst. The only reason for this is the traffic means the journeys are long, not the end of the world, but they are expensive and like with many big cities, with taxis charging (in this case) a lot for standing time, then unless you have money to burn, then Taxis really should be the last resort.

Most Japanese don’t speak English. so its not a bad idea to take a phrase book. Even if you do not get understood with your attempts to massacre the Japanese language, you can at least point out the phrase (in Japanese of course) and they can read it for you. If you make sure you get a English – Japanese / Japanese – English phrase book, this is good as even if they cannot answer you, they will at least in theory be able to find the answer in the book and point it out to you.

Sunscreen can be a factor !. A lot of people think of Japan as being a cold place and although it can at times be overcast, Japan is actually on the about the same latitude as the middle of California; and you would not go there without packing your sunscreen. Pack or buy an Umbrella or raincoat during the rainy season The middle of June to the middle July is the rainy season in Japan and whilst it does not rain everyday, there is every chance that if you are out and about in Tokyo during these months, it could rain at any moment.

Keeping Connected. If you are looking for internet access in Tokyo and in the unlikely event your hotel does not have it, there are plenty of internet Cafes dotted around the city and more and more wifi / ireless internet access is available (sometimes for free but usually at a charge)

And Finally

Mini bars cost the earth. This is true all over the world but especially in Tokyo (and the rest of Japan for that matter). Anything from the minibar is going to be very expensive, so pick up any snacks and drinks you may need before returning to your hotel. Your wallet will love you for it.

About the Author

Stuart Cheese is the UK Director of Operations for One World Tours and, having visited over 110 countries, has a wealth of travel experience.

Guest article by Glynis Shaw

If you’re planning a holiday or break in France, you’ll find an almost bewildering choice of accommodation. At the top end are luxury hotels, usually found in big cities and smart coastal resorts or in converted chateaux in the countryside. Also in rural areas are auberges, country inns that offer basic comforts and often have a restaurant attached.

France has several big hotel chains – many of them excellent value – but they tend to be close to motorways and ring roads. This is convenient for an overnight whilst travelling but not so inviting for a holiday, when you want to relax in pleasant surroundings. At the economy end, camping is popular and camp sites are usually clean, well-equipped and efficiently run.

But by far the favourite choice of Francophiles in the know is self-catering accommodation. If you think this sounds basic or hard work, think again.

Modern gites and holiday houses are just as likely to have designer-look interiors, to provide a maid service and to boast facilities like DVD player, central heating, English satellite TV and dishwasher. The properties themselves range from bijou town apartments for a romantic weekend through charming country cottages to huge family farmhouses with swimming pool and grounds – not forgetting the occasional chateau or converted water mill.

When planning your holiday, there’s a big advantage in being able to browse every detail of properties on a specialist website like French Connections, whose listings cover most of France, and then have direct contact wit the owners, many of whom are British. Once you’ve arrived, enjoy a great sense of freedom to do whatever you want whenever you like. Sleep until noon or get up early and take a trip to the local market to buy delicious locally grown produce or warm croissants from the baker. Relax around the pool all day and spend the evening sampling the local food and wine. Self-catering accommodation is not only for summer holidays.

There are great choices for skiing and other activities such as fishing, painting, cycling and riding. And why not take an out of season break or a long weekend? Many property owners are happy to be flexible on holiday start days outside the peak months and to negotiate lets of a month or more. Whenever you decide to hop across the channel, renting your own home from home will allow you not only to stay in a beautiful location but also to sample a slice of real French life.

About the Author

Glynis Shaw is http://www.frenchconnections.co.uk, the French property website for renting a holiday home, farm house, gite or villa in France, or to buy and sell property in France.

Guest Article by D. Karlson

Las Vegas is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. Many people come to Sin City to experience the nightlife, the gambling and everything else that the city has to offer. Most people look for a hotel to spend the nights. However, Las Vegas vacation home rentals are a new experience for most visitors.

Many travelers who have tried this experience are finding that they prefer it to a hotel stay. They marvel at how easy, convenient it is, and how much money they can save, since many Las Vegas vacation home rentals can cost less than hotels. In addition, they offer so much more than a hotel offers, especially the fact that you are staying in a home and not a room is so much more enjoyable for plenty of travelers.

There is a variety of Las Vegas vacation home rentals available whether you want a high-rise penthouse on the strip or a multi bedroom villa that can accommodate up to thirty people quite easily. There are so many options for the traveler interested in this type of lodging.

There is even Las Vegas vacation home rentals located on golf courses, these are known as ‘golf course villas’ and they are on some of the best courses in the world.

Many people from all walks of life love the option of staying in a beautiful Las Vegas vacation home including honeymooners, singles, young people with families and even celebrities looking to avoid the crowds. Therefore, it really does not matter what your background is, there is probably a home just waiting for you in Vegas.

Another excellent option with Las Vegas vacation home rentals is that many of the homes are available throughout the year. Therefore, if you are planning to get away from the cold wet climate of your home then it is great to know that there just might be a luxurious home waiting for you in Vegas.

Some of these magnificent homes have spectacular desert views, gorgeous swimming pools, tennis courts and beautiful spas, which you and your friends and family can enjoy in absolute privacy. The beautiful houses available through Las Vegas vacation home rentals also appeal to the culinary tastes of travelers. Vacationers will find fully equipped kitchens at their disposal. If you do not wish to cook yourself, some homes have on call chefs available.

Las Vegas vacation home rentals especially appeal to families because of the amount of space in the homes as opposed to the limited space of a hotel room. Thus, every family member has the ability to move around without getting in other family member’s way.

About the Author

Resource site for information on Las Vegas vacation home rentals, and European discount cruises along with other travel related information. by D. Karlson

by Dani Alonso

The past of Canary Islands is completely destructive. And I really mean that. Huge volcanoes exploded in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, next to the African coastline, spreading lava rivers and rocks that, when solid, formed these beautiful islands that nowadays stand there, and that have already a huge touristic potential, specially after the arrival or real low cost flights in Europe.

So, let’s get started. The first thing is to realize that there are many islands to visit and possibly you will want to focus in one of them. To really stick with my area of knowledge, I must admit I have only visited Lanzarote, so I will share my experience there with you.

The most important thing to do is to get a rental car. Lanzarote is not going to be a city tourism destination, so you really need to understand that renting a car will be the best way to move from one side to another with entire freedom. The island is not big, but still public transport adapted to tourism can make your bill raise up. And this in the case that you find the adequate transport to move to some places.

What to see in Lanzarote? First of all, even if I am not really into the sun & beach holiday, possibly because in my dear home Spain I already have it, it is obvious that temperatures and general climate in the Canary Islands, together with some white sand and black volcanic sand beaches with intense blue waters are a perfect combination to go for some swimming.

After that special recommendation for Nordic tourists, Lanzarote has a wide range of touristic attractions to look for, all turning around the volcanic activity in the island. The most important feature is Malpaís, that translated directly would mean Bad Country. This is quite a big natural park, where the only thing you can see when looking to the horizon is black rocks. And more black rocks. Trekking on this zone can be really challenging, and the reason behind the name is obvious. Nothing really can live there, and this is also announced when in the road you find the entrance sign to the park: a red Demon standing at each side of the asphalt welcomes you inside.

Another interesting place to visit is La cueva de los Verdes, translated directly as The Cave of the Greens. It receives the name for it’s great colors, and the artists have also done their job properly when placing hidden colored lights along the way that create fascinating shadows and visual effects. Also, a surprise is included at the end of the route. This is basically an exploration of the underground rivers of lava created after the eruptions.

Coming back to the thermal wonderlands, it exists a tour to a restaurant where they cook using the temperature of the ground at a special active place. Also some geyser exhibitions can be found there.

And finally, I really encourage the visitor to simply open the eyes. Nature in Lanzarote is abrupt, plenty of scars from the past. Admire this wilderness as a form of art, as a treasure, and you will bring home possibly the best of the souvenirs: amazing pictures on a dark volcanic landscape surrounded by the blue of the water.

About the Author

Looking for a trip to Europe or South Pacific? You can find some information here: Travel to Europe

For the ones looking for 80% discounted accommodation: Free Hotels

Dani Alonso

by Terry Pinto

There can be no denying the fact that life today has become very hectic and busy; so much so that by evening, when people return to their homes, they are completely out of breath. This exhaustion leads to burnouts. No wonder then that this era is replete with examples where people leave their jobs because they cannot take the pressure of work anymore. However, there is one way of dealing with work pressure — breaks. Yes, taking breaks from the daily grind and going on vacations with family is one sure way of recharging the tired body and preparing for the tough days ahead. And when it comes to vacations, one name that immediately springs to mind is self catering cottages.

There are enough reasons that elevate self catering cottages to the position of leader in holiday destinations that are preferred by people nowadays. For starters, they are set in country side that ensures that people here are subjected to calmness and tranquility. It is a far cry and a very welcome change from the maddening traffic and hustle and bustle of city life. No wonder then that after a short stint here, people feel fresh and rejuvenated to take on the challenges that lie ahead.

Self catering cottages offer some really good services that make them extremely popular with the masses. For example, it is accessible to almost every strata of the society. The place offers plenty of space and such freedom to guests, like self cooking and at any point of time. This facility makes it equally popular amongst couples and families.

The popularity of Self catering cottages has today reached such a high that it has pushed into oblivion such traditional holiday destinations like hotels and rest houses. The message, therefore, is simple. In times to come, such simple but highly effective cottages would be the holiday destination that would win everybody’s approval.

About the Author

Author: Terry is a globe-trotter specialising in travel writing. Having toured all over Britain, he has a fair idea of the best resorts, Self catering cottages, hotels, and other places of accommodation and entertainment, including self catering services in the British Isles.

by Robert Favero

- My friend mentioned that he and his wife are taking out a home equity line of credit to buy Christmas presents. Isn’t that a little crazy? Instead, my wife and I agreed that we’re limiting our spending to what we have — our existing home equity line of credit.

- Another friend says he’s disturbed by the over-emphasis on gift giving around Christmas. So this year he’s taking a different approach. He’s focusing on gift receiving.

- A compliment better left unsaid: Marvelous! You fill out that Santa suit better than anyone else I’ve ever seen.

- Which reminds me … I was complaining to my wife that I’m heavy enough to play Santa Claus. But she assured me that I’m not overweight. She says I just need to grow several inches taller.

- If only I could clone a taller me! But actually the idea of human cloning kind of creeps me out. I mean imagine if one year I had to buy myself a Christmas present. If that ever happened, I swear I’d be beside myself.

- At this time of year you know you’re in trouble if you’re thinking, “I sure wish I had anti-lock brakes.”

- … OR there’s another view: Anti-lock brakes are for the cowardly; the courageous file insurance claims.

- During the holidays, staying well-organized is no harder than simply being really good it.

- The best way for a person with a Scrooge-like personality to avoid broken friendships is to pick friends with short memories.

- You know you’ve arrived when you’re featured in the Christmas parade as Grand Marshall. You know you haven’t arrived when you’re featured in the parade as the street sweeper.

-A holiday-time reminder: Never take your friends and family for granted. Be thankful they let you take advantage of them.

- Driving to a Christmas Sale across town to save a buck always feels better than staying home to save 2 bucks on gas.

- To all you guys who get an electric razor for Christmas and plan to shave while you drive: That’s a pretty risky stunt. What are you going to do if your shaver battery runs out?

- On Christmas Day my family considers it essential to say a mealtime prayer. It’s the only chance we have to survive my cooking.

- Though we’ve all tried it, turning on defrosters really won’t clear a dirty windshield.

- If your teen is bored over Christmas break, here’s a tip to end the boredom. Offer your teen a job. Suddenly, he or she will find all kinds of great things to do.

- The love we share at Christmas reminds us of something very important. If you truly love someone, set them free. If they remain, you know their love is true. If they leave, you’ll have to go get them.

- My son is studying to become a genetic engineer. He hopes someday to splice a gene from a lightning bug into a tulip to make it glow. This will allow us to decorate our “artificial” Christmas trees with “real” light bulbs.

- Even on icy roads it’s considered poor taste to stop your vehicle by relying on the brakes of the car in front of you.

- Have you taken advantage of this freebee? During snowy weather, many communities offer a service where their snow plows will bury your car at no charge.

- A deep thought as we approach the new year: It’s important to maintain the status quo, because that’s just the way it is.

- My New Year’s resolution this year is quite simply this: I’m not making one!

About the Author

Looking for a unique Christmas gift? The Unique Christmas Gift marketplace features digital gifts sure to please anyone.

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Some are new, some are old – still made me chuckle!
Other places to find Christmas gifts include MacGillivray’s Scottish Gifts

The Secret To a Secluded Honeymoon in the Caribbean
by Susanna Miles

The options for a secluded and romantic Island honeymoon vacation in the Caribbean are rich in romance, adventure, and natural beauty. With so many islands to choose from, it’s hard knowing exactly which island would give you the most romantic honeymoon vacation, let alone which Hotel, Inn, Villa, or Resort would give you the best secluded honeymoon.

K.i.s.s Honeymoon and Wedding Ideas, an online website which specializes in keeping it simple and special is here to arm you with the information and knowledge you need to make the right choices for the best Caribbean honeymoon you could ever dream of! A good travel agent will go far, but being educated will save you from the travel agent who will opt for the big resort that offer them higher commissions, even if it isn’t the right location for you. There is a Caribbean Island that’s perfect for you, and you deserve your secluded & romantic island honeymoon vacation, regardless of your budget.

This is a list of the K.I.S.S honeymoon and wedding ideas top 8 favorites for the top best Caribbean honeymoon spots for a secluded & romantic island honeymoon vacation:

Anguilla has miles and miles of brilliantly clear white sand beaches, has incredibly luxurious resorts and is a hot spot for the rich and famous. There are a ton of locations that offer the best Caribbean Honeymoon services, and this island is all about relaxation and rejuvenation is what this island is all about and is renowned for its excellent spas, incredible food, funky music scene and snorkeling.

Bonaire still seems largely untouched by tourism, has incredible sweeping vistas and profusion of sea life. If you are a bride and groom who love to dive, this secluded & romantic island honeymoon vacation spot is perfect for you!

The Dominican Republic is known for having some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and some of the warmest people in the Caribbean! With a mix of luxurious and affordable options every bride and groom will find the romance they seek here!

Guadaloupe is an exotic and tropical paradise! Down-to-earth couples not after 5-star luxury will appreciate its lush green rainforest and rich Creole culture. This island has few all-inclusive resorts making it a wonderful option for the best Caribbean honeymoon.

St. Barthelemy is known for giving visitors a taste of European village life, without the massive resorts. There is excellent dining and tons of fashionable boutiques. Here you have seclusion in your Inn or Villa with the convenience and excitement into romantic strolls in the town centre.

St. Lucia is one of the most green islands on the Caribbean and has a very secluded and scenic central region with endless banana plantations and fascinating historical sites. Let’s not forget that is has a couple of very beautiful beaches.

St. Vincent & The Grenadines consists of 32 perfect islands and lush mountainous surroundings, making it easy to offer some of the best Caribbean honeymoon spots. With no mass tourism and a ton of old-style Caribbean charm it is a luxurious choice for honeymooners. Eco-brides & grooms will also appreciate the many wildlife trusts protecting its rare natural wonders.

Turks & Caicos is a luxurious island filled with beautiful uninhabited beaches. The smaller islands seem to live at the rhythm of the old Caribbean. Deserted beaches, excellent diving on one of the worlds largest coral reefs, and lavish Inns, Villas, Resorts make this a fantastic honeymoon destination!

The most luxurious places for a Secluded & Romantic Honeymoon Vacation in the Caribbean

This is a list of the K.I.S.S honeymoon and wedding ideas favorites for the most luxurious & romantic island honeymoon vacation spots in the Caribbean:

Ladera in St. Lucia is a small and sophisticated and small inn tucked away in the Pitons, it offers sweeping views of the sea and the countryside below.

Francais Plantation in St. Barthelemy offers an intimate setting with four poster beds, magnificent views, and an excellent chef!

Altamer in Anguilla offers villas fit for a king! If you are seeking extreme luxury on your secluded and romantic honeymoon vacation, this location with private butlers, custom and distinctly beautiful antique furniture will satisfy your appreciation for history and art.

How to save on Your Secluded & Romantic Honeymoon Vacation in the Caribbean

Having a secluded & romantic honeymoon in the Caribbean doesn’t have to be expensive, there are a ton of romantic honeymoon spots for any budget! The less visited islands, which also have few direct flights offer some incredible beautiful solutions. Places like Saba, the Dominica, Guadeloupe, and the Dominican Republic have affordable rates all year long.

If you want to visit the most luxurious honeymoon islands like St. Lucia or Anguilla, and Aruba you can save by staying at a condo, a timeshare rental, or even a villa. Other options include traveling slightly off season like late spring and early winter. Even the rainy season in most Caribbean islands is wonderful because the rain is predicable, and lasts for short spurts throughout the day.

If you really want to travel in the high season consider one of the busier islands like Barbados, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and St. Maarten. As a result of higher tourism and many direct flights, it’s easier to keep costs down. Staying at one of the smaller all-inclusive resorts, venturing out of the “hot spots”, or opting for an independent holiday in a condo or villa will surely give you the secluded & Romantic Island Honeymoon Vacation you seek.

About the Author

This article was written by Susanna Miles, K.I.S.S Specialist, and online publisher of K.i.s.s Honeymoon and Wedding Ideas, a resource site which provides honeymoon and wedding ideas that help brides and grooms K.I.S.S – keep it simple + special that is!