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By Gaizka Pujana

 Its and historical significance notwithstanding, Berlin attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world every year, all of whom are drawn to the city’s unique blend of modern and classical architecture, cultural establishments and exciting entertainment and leisure scene. With so many things going for Berlin, it is hardly surprising that the city can accommodate your every need, no matter what it is.

Of course you will a place to leave your bags and rest for the night, and Berlin has scores of options in hotel accommodations at every price point. Many of the finest hotels to be found in Europe are located here but if your needs and budget are more modest, you will have no trouble finding decently appointed budget hotels here as well. Keep in mind that things can get pretty crowded particularly during the peak tourist months, so you will want to book your holiday accommodations well in advance. Among the hotels that are well worth checking out are the Agon Opera Hotel, which has an elegance that belies its 3 star classification, the Hotel Lohwasser, and the Blue Band Berlin Excelsior Hotel and Hotel Orion for accommodations that are a bit more on the expensive side.

The colorful and sometimes somber history of the city is well apparent in the many cultural establishments that stand as reminders of the city’s legacy. Numerous museums, galleries and architectural landmarks abound, which are great places to catch a glimpse of what the city was like before more modern and urbane influences came along. The architecture in Berlin is particularly worthy of mention. Although severely damaged during the Second World War, the city has managed to rebuild these glorious monuments to the past and they now stand as some of the finest examples of architectural ingenuity in Europe.

Culture is one thing but for many people particularly the younger set Berlin is almost synonymous with the party scene. The city is home a stunningly vibrant and exciting nightlife, one that rivals the best that the world has to offer. Berlin is actually one of the most modern and cosmopolitan cities around in this regard, and the numerous clubs, bars and various other entertainment hotspots are proof of this. Almost every night of the week, the city pulsates with the energetic and unique nightlife that is distinctly Berlin.

Berlin is also the ideal place for a pursuit that is less pulse pounding but no less rewarding: shopping! Some of the finest and most chic boutique brands can be found here and there are many upscale department stores as well as smaller specialty shops that make for great bargain hunting adventures.

Contrary to what you may think, Berlin is also quite a lush and verdant city with numerous parks, gardens and bodies of water that provide a soothing contrast to the vibrancy of the city center. All of these elements make Berlin a city that can deliver on all counts!

Accommodation in Berlin by Get Ready Rentals.

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By Roger Munns

 Residents of the UK who chose to vacation in the United States this year were pleasantly surprised at how cheap it was due to the weakness of the U.S. dollar. For the most part British tourists were getting close to two dollars for each British pound. Even with the increased cost of gasoline, tourists in the U.S. were able to get pretty good deals.

Though air fares are going up and some transatlantic flights may be cut back, it is still possible to take advantage of the weak dollar. If you are planning to book a holiday in the U.S. later this year or in 2009, keep in mind that the dollar has begun to climb a bit and may continue to do so.

Don’t be put off, however. The U.S. continues to be a great holiday destination. There is so much to see and do in the States. Cities from New York to San Francisco offer enormous variety. If it is culture you want, New York has great museums, including the Metropolitan and the MOMA. Broadway’s theaters offer something for everybody. Even off-Broadway is a mecca for cutting edge entertainment. Shopping in New York is legendary. From Saks Fifth Avenue to Bloomingdales and from Macy’s to Century 21, New York is unparalleled.

On the west coast take your pick. Los Angeles with its movie culture and San Francisco featuring Nob Hill and cable cars and the stunning Bay vistas greet residents and tourists alike. A few miles to the north and you are in the wine country of Napa and Sonoma.

Don’t overlook what falls between the coasts. The Grand Canyon will take your breath away, as will Monument Valley and the Painted Desert. Nestled in the Sierras is the famed Lake Tahoe. Tahoe is the skiing destination on the west coast, and the view of the lake from the slopes of Heavenly Valley is stunning. In the summer the gondolas ferry tourists to the top of the mountain where they can spend a day or several hours taking on spectacular sights.

Don’t forget Las Vegas with its over-the-top casinos and hotels. You can spend days taking in a dizzying array of luxury hotels like the Bellagio and Circus Circus, which features its own amusement park.

Speaking of amusement parks, the two most visited parks in the world are in the U.S.: Disneyland in Anaheim and Disney World in Florida. As always, Disney has new and more exciting attractions in the works at any given time. Whether you stay at a Disney hotel located within the parks or a nearby hotel, the Disney experience is not soon forgotten. If that is your preference, be sure to check out whatever special deals the parks are offering. You may be surprised at how affordable a Disney vacation can be.

Though Disney is still the leader of the pack, other amusement parks are worth visiting as well. Universal Studios and MGM Studios both feature Hollywood extravaganzas. You can find yourself in the middle of a Spiderman episode or an Indiana Jones adventure.

The real drawing card for any number of amusement parks are the death-defying roller coasters. With their incredible loops and twists and 360 degree spins, roller coaster rides are the thrill seekers ultimate thrill. Knots Berry Farm in Southern California has some of the best thrill rides going.

The U.S. is such an expansive and diverse experience that just traveling from region to region illustrates this better than anything else. From the Old South to the Yankee Northeast and from the Midwest to the Northwest, the differences are both noticeable and distinct. Regional differences are pretty much defined by geography. The geography within U.S. boundaries runs the gamut from lush green forests to deserts, to endless plains and mountain ranges.

So if you are contemplating a holiday and deciding where to spend it, give the U.S. a good bit of thought. Even with a strengthening dollar it may still be well within your budget. Take out the calculator and do some Internet surfing to get the latest deals in all the areas you find attractive. If you plan ahead and book early, you may still come out way ahead.

Information about hotels and airfares for the USA from the UK can be found at expedia hotels

More information about travelling in the US can often be found on the most popular blogs for travel, and other free articles

Take A Trip To Bogota!
By Gaizka Pujana

 Located 2,547 meters above sea level, with the stunning grandeur of the Cordillera mountain range visible from many parts of the city towards the East, Bogota is truly a breathtaking spectacle of a city in more ways than one.

If you are planning to visit the city for the first time, you will probably want to know what hotel accommodations are like. The good news is that Bogota is great place to find accommodations on a budget. Numerous lodging houses, pensions, backpacker hotels and budget hotels can be found, with most of them offering superb value for the money.

Particularly worthy of mention is the amusingly named Cranky Croc Hostel, which is built into a 19th century colonial structure. An ideal place for those traveling with everything they can carry in a backpack, the hostel offers comfort and tastefully appointed surroundings that belie its very affordable rates.

Another one of the better budget hotels in Bogota is Platypus Hostel. This place is perfect for backpackers that want to socialize with travelers from all over the world or simply enjoy a good night’s rest in comfortably spacious surroundings.

With your hotel accommodations taken care of, you will probably want to know what there is to do and see in Bogota and the city will surely not disappoint. If a bit of history is what you are after, head straight to the center of town where impressive displays of the city’s architectural marvels await. The La Candelaria district is particularly noteworthy, since it is where many of the city’s most majestic buildings are located, among them the Catedral Primada, the Luis Angel Arango Library, which covers a whole city block, and the El Museo del Oro, which is a popular tourist destination housing some truly spectacular collections of gold artifacts.

Bogota is a city that takes its libraries very seriously, and some of the most renowned ones are just as impressive for the books that they contain as for their architectural design. El Tunal, and Virgilio Barco Vargas are only two of the most impressive ones and they are well worth visiting if only to catch a glimpse of their majestic facades.

Bogota is also a place where you can totally forget about culture and simply party the night away. With scores of clubs, bars and assorted nightspots that are filled to the rafters with hordes of beautiful people, there is usually something going on in the Bogota nocturnal scene most nights of the week. Among the bars and clubs that you should not miss out on are Mister Babilla with its unique brand of music, Salome, which is very popular with the local residents of the city, and the appropriately named Tropical Cocktails where you can sample from the extensive menu of drinks.

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You Must Visit Granada South Spain
By Gaizka Pujana

 Although not quite a household name among more casual tourists yet, the city has long been a well-kept secret by the world’s most seasoned and jaded travelers. This secret is not expected to last much longer however, as word about the unique treasures and characteristics of this charming city is bound to get out sooner than later!

Granada sets itself apart from other more popular tourist destinations with its gorgeous natural features, its rich cultural heritage, and the distinctive charm of its local residents. In addition to these attractions, Granada can also boast of an active social scene characterized by vibrant bars and clubs that cater to the younger crowds, and beach parties that last until dawn. There are plenty of venues that offer live entertainment as well, and drinks are inexpensively priced.

Before you head out to check out what Granada’s nightlife has to offer however, you will want to make sure that you have a place to rest when all that partying is done. Thankfully the city has loads of options in hotel accommodations ranging from picturesque villas and holiday apartments, to budget hotels that are ideal accommodations for students and back packers. Check out Cortijo la Loma Granero for a very reasonably priced lodging house that offers a private pool and tastefully appointed rooms. Another lodging house worth checking out is Cortijo la Loma Villa, which is set amidst the lush green of olive trees.

Being an internationally known tourist destination, Granada of course has enough gustatory treasures to satisfy the palettes of an international clientele. If you want to have your fill of some familiar dish from back home, you will probably find something in the many restaurants to please your palate. That being said, you would be missing out if you didn’t at least try out that most delectable of Spanish culinary contributions called the tapas bar. Meson del Jambon is one these places, and it is well known in the city for its delectable Cerano ham. Other restaurants that are worthy of mention are Mirador de Morayma, which offers traditional Spanish cuisine, Lago di Como with its distinctly Italian flavor, and Bar Kiki for its superb summer lunch menu and its extensive wine selection.

Granada has plenty to offer with regard to natural and cultural attractions as well. The stunning Royal Chapel is a must-see for the grandeur of its architecture as well as for being the burial place of Spanish monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella. Granada’s Arabic heritage is also well evident in the awe-inspiring Alhambra palace. Impressive Moorish architectural touches combined with quaint gardens scattered throughout the palace make this one of the most stunning man made sights in the city.

These are only a few of the sights and treasures that await the traveler to Granada. Suffice to say that there remains a lot more to be discovered in this fabulous city.

Granada Accommodation with Get Ready Rentals.

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By Fred Ramsbottom

 A twenty minute drive south of Exeter, Torquay is one of the biggest town’s in Devon. Originally a bustling fishing and agricultural town, it wasn’t until the mid 1800’s when Torquay began to establish itself as a popular seaside town.

Used regularly by the Royal Navy throughout the time of the Napoleonic War, Torquay attracted a more aristocratic visitor in the late 19th century, when wealthy Victorian’s visited throughout the summer months.

Torquay has a somewhat warm climate throughout spring and summer, which is the primary reason behind its nickname the English Riviera.

Accessibly easily by road from M5, Torquay is home to two separate train stations, seeing regular visitors from both local towns are cities from out of the county.

As a family resort, Torquay has ensured that there is something for everyone, regardless of age, sex or interests.

History - for those interested in the historic side of Torquay, there is plenty to take in. Kents Cavern is one of the most popular historic attractions, the home to early homosapiens for over 700,000 years. Regular tours by qualified guides are carried out and well worth the time and money spent.

Culture - Torquay is packed full of theatres and art rooms and has a thriving film industry. Attracting popular, household names on a regular basis to appear in the many films filmed on location in Torquay, it’s not unusual to see film crews working in the town throughout the year.

Torquay’s largest and most popular theatre is the Princess Theatre, located near to Torquay Harbour. Able to hold over 1,500 people, the theatre is home to a variety of different productions, from small, theatre companies to large orchestral performances.

Another popular theatre, Babbacombe Theatre, is frequented by many local citizens. A smaller venue, it plays host to several different acts in a more intimate setting, making it a popular venue for those who visit.

Shopping - whilst Torquay is primarily a seaside resort, it caters for even the most avid shopper. With a variety of areas available for shoppers to visit, it’s possible to find everything you would need in Torquay. From high street names to local boutiques, Torquay’s shopping precincts are popular amongst both local residents and visitors.

Choosing the right place to stay when visiting Torquay is key to a relaxing and enjoyable holiday.

As a seaside town, Torquay is packed full of quaint bed and breakfasts and in close proximity there are several, well equipped camping and caravanning sites. However, if you’re looking for luxury during your stay, take a look at the Marstan Hotel. A five star hotel, the Marstan features an on-site spa, comfortable lounge and drawing room and a popular, social bar. Room rates are reflective of the amenities this hotel provides, but well worth the money for those looking for something a little luxurious.

Torquay is a great place to visit for all the family. With its warm weather and fantastic beaches, mixed with its rich historic values and cultural points, it provides an enjoyable holiday for every member of the family.

Open Roads are a leading travel information portal, specialising in Torquay Hotels, London Hotels and other places throughout the UK and Europe.

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By Joseph Carducci

 The New Forest is one of England’s most fascinating and scenic places. It is full of beauty and wonderful scenery.

What is the New Forest?

The New Forest is one of England’s oldest medieval forests, and a British National Park. It encompasses an area of 150 square miles, including ancient woodlands, heathlands and valleys. There is a wide variety of scenery and landscapes which change from season to season.

You can explore quaint little villages such as Lyndhurst, Brokenhurst, or Ringwood.

There are a large number of attractions and sites to explore in this park. You can see many different types of wildlife, from horses to otters and owls. It is also a world-renowned area for bird watching. There are zoos, museums (lots of museums!), gardens, castles, parks, even vineyards. There is truly something for every taste and fashion in the beautiful New Forest National Park.

Brief History

It is now known that settlers in the New Forest area can be traced back to the Bronze Age. The area was the site of heavy farming, which involved cutting through the woodland. This is also the main reason why you can see heavy woodlands on one side of the road and then it ends abruptly and turns into a heathland totally devoid of trees on the other side!

It is believed that William the Conqueror actually created the New Forest in the 10th century as a protected area for Royal Hunting.

After heavy shipbuilding in the region throughout the 17th century put severe pressure on the health of the woodlands, the New Forest Act was passed in 1877 to preserve and protect the area. Finally, in 2005, the New Forest was elevated to the status of a National Park, which has also increased the number of tourists who visit this fantastic place every year.

Located between Southampton and Christchurch in the south, west of London it is easy to find the New Forest. However, since it has the status of National Park, there are no airports or rail stations that will take you directly to the most picturesque areas of the park. If you wish to come by train, probably the best location is Brokenhurst. You can reach this town very easily from London, Bournemouth, Poole and Weymouth. By car, it is Junction 1 off M-27. The closest nearby airports would probably by in Southampton and Bournemouth.

Once you are here, enjoy! Whether your pleasure is horseback riding, cycling, walking or hiking there is something for you here! I have thoroughly enjoyed all my time in this area and look forward to returning. It is equally as beautiful in the summer with all of it’s greenery as it is in the winter beneath a blanket of freshly fallen snow. Enjoy!

Joseph Carducci is a lover of all things English and a frequent traveler to the UK. For more information about visiting England or the UK, please visit his sites at:

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Salisbury England Travel To Salisbury
By Joseph Carducci

 Salisbury is one of England’s finest places to visit, and seems to have been largely overlooked by many of the tourist and travel guides and writers. Situated less than a day’s train trip from London, it is definitely accessible.

Salisbury was formed during the 11th century, when citizens came here to escape the Viking raids on England. However, it’s official founding was in 1217. Several years later the city held it’s first annual fair and had a marketplace. It received it’s Charter (an official settlement status from the King which gave it’s citizens certain rights) in 1227.

Since the city was in a very strategic location between London, Exeter & Southampton it flourished primarily due to trade. During the middle ages the wool and cloth trades were extremely important.

Situated on the river Avon, Salisbury is probably best known for it’s proximity to Stonehenge and it’s own world-famous Cathedral. Construction on the Cathedral began in 1220 and was not completed until 1258. With the exception of the towering spire, built between 1285 and 1315, it has remained largely undisturbed throughout it’s history. The spire itself is the tallest in England at 404 feet, and quite a sight to behold. Stonehenge of course, has held our mysterious attention for thousands of years. It was thought to have been built by the ancient druids, but it’s meaning today is still unclear. Nevertheless, countless tourists and visitors come to see these sites every year.

The building of the Cathedral marked the modern town of Salisbury. Before this event, most of her population lived a few miles away in a place called Old Sarum. Old Sarum is a town which dates back to the iron age and can be seen on tours even today (run by the English Heritage Society). There is little remaining of the settlement today, but some of the original stone was taken to build what is called the Cathedral Close.

Within the Cathedral Close there are several main attractions. The first is the National Trust’s Mompesson House. This is a Queen Anne style house built in 1701, with a walled garden. There is also The Salisbury and South Wiltshire Museum, which is set in an old medieval building called the King’s House. Another attraction here is the Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiment Museum. This is situated in a 1254 building which was one of the first to be erected in the Cathedral Close. These are some fascinating places to visit, especially if you enjoy actually seeing history!

Throughout the town of Salisbury you can see some lovely medieval streets and buildings. Be sure to also visit the Wilton House, which has simply a gorgeous estate and gardens. Also, do not miss the Malmesbury House, which was built in the 13th century and the home to the first Earl of Malmesbury.

Of course, this is just a small sampling of some of the things to see and do in this lovely town of Salisbury.

Joseph Carducci is a lover of all things English and a frequent traveler to the UK. For more information about visiting England or the UK, please visit his sites at:

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By Richard Parks

 Taking a holiday in Poole will always be a fun and exciting one. With so much to see and do, you will struggle to fit it all into one break. Trying to fit everything into one holiday will be an exhausting effort, so throughout your holiday, try and fit in one day of retail therapy.

Shopping in Poole is broken down into three main areas, each with their own individual and unique characteristics.

Dolphin Shopping Centre: Poole is home to the Dolphin Shopping Centre, the largest indoor shopping centre in the whole of Dorset. With well over 100 individual stores, there really is something for one in the Dolphin Shopping Centre. Whether it’s clothing at Next or La Senza, food at the Cornish Bakehouse or Thornton’s or bit of music from the HMV; you’ll find just what you’re looking for in the Dolphin Shopping Centre.

Easily accessible by car with masses of affordable local car parking, public transport is extremely reliable around the centre of Poole and both buses and taxi’s are a cheap and handy way of getting to and from the Dolphin Shopping Centre.

High Street and Old Town: The main shopping area in town is definitely the Dolphin Shopping Centre. However, a trip into the Old Town with a look on the High Street is definitely worth an hour or two. The High Street is packed full of fantastic brand name shops that are recognised up and down the UK: perfect for the inner shopper in you. However, take a look in the Old Town and you’ll be loaded with masses of individual boutiques. From clothing to candles and books to boomerangs, each little store has it’s own feel, meaning that before you know it, a whole afternoon has passed and it’s time go home!

Markets: The markets in Poole are well respected and revered by all the local residents. Taking place in Falkland Square and on part of the High Street, each Thursday plays host to a great farmers market where local produce can be sampled. Cheese made with solely local ingredients and the finest cuts of beef can be bought and taken home for the perfect meals and evening snacks.

After a day out shopping in Poole, a well deserved rest is often the first port of call for most. With so many accommodation types available in and around Poole, it can often be somewhat confusing and frustrating trying to decide upon the right one. When looking for the right accommodation, have a look at Rockley Park. It’s chosen by many families visiting Poole for a variety of reasons: it’s close to one of the many award winning beaches; it’s packed full of amenities on site and yet it’s quite and idyllic for those relaxing moments - something for all the family in an ideal location. Perfect.

Shopping in Poole is a great way to take the unnecessary stress out of any holiday. Give the family their own spending money and watch them enjoy buying a variety of both popular and quirky items available in Poole, whilst you indulge a little well deserved something yourself.

Richard Parks is a UK based travel writer who specializes in providing information about the best places to enjoy short caravan holidays at resorts such as Rockley Park. Information about UK holidays is available at

Eco-Friendly Hotel Chains Fill Lodging Niche
By Rodney Marvel

 In an environmentally conscious world, filled with pleasure seekers and international travelers, there is a seemingly significant absence of eco-friendly hotels. That is to say, if you don’t want to room in a hut while on vacation, there are limited environmentally friendly choices when choosing where to stay.

Fresh new hotel chains are now getting some attention, since they offer the eco-savvy traveler a place to kick off their Birkenstocks, as well as a place to take pleasure in the modern amenities of the 21st Century.

For example, chains like Oriens Travel and Hotel Management Corp. give peace of mind to travelers who pay attention to preserving the environment, especially in the fertile jungles and environs of developing countries like Costa Rica, Panama and Nicaragua where eco-friendly hotels are primarily located.

Eco-friendly hotels make energy conservation and waste disposal core concerns. In simple terms, these hotels want to impact the environment and protect the surrounding ecosystems for future generations of the local inhabitants and the eco-savvy traveler.

These new brand of eco-friendly branded hotels provide clean, upscale styles to the traveler looking for economic accommodations. Guests can enjoy crisp clean interiors and world-class service at a fraction of the cost of three and four star hotels.

Rooms can come complete with all-white bed sheets to all-white linens. Some sport white porcelain tiles with subtle shades of grays. Free flowing window drapes and contemporary furniture complete the white, South Beach Miami concept.

Some lodging accommodations of these new hotel chains are 3.5 star hotels with warm and cozy interiors. Rich colors and textured woods make these hotels the perfect place to relax and get away from the world. Some are designed with elegant Mediterranean-style architecture, modeled after the traditional Spanish paradores and quaint European boutique hotels, makes these resorts unique in selected regions.

These hotel locations offer all the expected amenities of a four-plus star resort, coupled with European refinement and a warm tropical touch.

Some of the eco-friendly hotels even have resorts bed and breakfast style locations that place an emphasis on cleanliness, tidiness, exceptional services, and most important of all, affordable pricing, aimed at drawing in the eco-tourism market.

These properties are a wonderful experience for someone looking for a quiet retreat, warm intimate services and a relaxed atmosphere. Their bed and breakfast style accommodations offer travelers a less corporate atmosphere. Each location may have no more than 25 rooms, giving guests the opportunity to embrace pure tranquility. Services can still be very impressive, some featuring complimentary breakfasts, Internet access and phone service.

These eco-friendly hotel chains offer a wide range of hotel and resort options to the eco-savvy traveler. Whether you are looking for that bed and breakfast to enjoy with your special someone, or just for an eco-friendly place to take your family, these fresh new hotel chains are now getting some attention, since they can offer the eco-savvy traveler comfortable and eco-safe lodging.

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Rodney Marvel is currently the Director of Operations for e-media Direct (www.e-mediadirect.com). He has five years of experience in the marketing and financial industries. You can contact him at: http://www.e-mediareport.com or rmarvel@e-mediadirect.com or 866.284.2835.

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