Travel - Guides and Deals for Hotels

Which is the Best Resort in Cyprus?

2009-04-06T06:54:00.000-07:00

What are the best luxury hotels Cyprus has to offer? Read the following guide to see which of these top resorts might be perfect for your next luxury holiday in Cyprus.

Paphos (Pafos)

A curious mixture of worlds, Paphos is sometimes described as being divided into two halves. The division of this south-western city comprises Kato Pafos (lower Paphos) and Ktima (upper Paphos). The former is the more developed of the two, there are more crowds, more music, more bars and more luxury hotels (Cyprus has seen tremendous growth in recent decades, Paphos no less than anywhere else) than Ktima. Yet it also houses the most intriguing archaeological sites and it's easy to forget the encroachment of the modern world as you explore them in the quiet of the day. Ktima, meanwhile, boasts a more traditional view of Cypriot life; with beautiful colonial architecture and regional food to enjoy, there is less of the hectic buzz that categorises an evening in Kato Paphos. Despite their differences, both offer a very real and undeniably exciting experience of modern Cyprus.

Limassol (Lemesos)

Limassol is the second largest city in Cyprus, and holidays here offer attractions matched by few other resorts on the island. The nightlife is famously exuberant (some might say raucous), and the restaurants are second to none. Divided by a busy main road, north of which sit all the attractive cafes, shops and plazas, south of which is a long and popular local Mediterranean beach, Limassol is a vibrant centre of Cypriot life. Some may describe it as a little rough in parts, though it is never threatening. If you like your cities to have the undiluted flavour of life on their streets, then Limassol is not to be missed.

Pissouri

A charming fishing village turned resort, Pissouri is nevertheless a fine choice for your luxury holidays in Cyprus. Surrounded by olive groves and vineyards, the modern town offers villas to rent along the beach or higher up on the hill, from which you can view mile upon mile of spectacular Mediterranean coastline. Located only 30km from Limassol, Pissouri offers a quiet, relaxed and beautiful alternative the more urban diversions of the regional capital. With around half of the residents being local Cypriots and the remainder being visitors from all over Europe and the world, there is an international flavour to the town, but certainly not to the detriment of its distinctly local character.

Kouklia

A small and famously beautiful village in the district of Paphos, Kouklia is surrounded by rich farmland that produces, amongst other things, grapes, olives, citrus fruits and avocados. While not an immediate choice for holidaymakers on the island (the luxury hotels of Cyprus tending to locate in larger towns), there are many fine villas to be found in the area, making it a great choice for those in search of something a little quieter and a little alternative, but with all the atmosphere that Cyprus is famous for.

Kyrenia

Kyrenia is famous for its picturesque stone harbour, filled with colourful sailing boats and overlooked by the imposing bulk of Kyrenia castle. A highlight on the itinerary of many Cyprus holidays, the town can suffer from overcrowding in the height of summer, but arrive at any other time of year and you'll discover a delightful destination which combines the charm of the modern island with the arresting architecture of a past age. Unmissable in any extended trip to Cyprus.

About the Author:
Jane Wilkinson is head of Marketing for Cadogan Holidays. This multi award winning travel company can arrange bookings for the very finest luxury hotels Cyprus has to offer, as well as a wealth of other inspirational experiences in a selection of other top destinations.

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Low Travel Looking Bad For Airports

2009-03-18T12:32:00.000-07:00

If you were thinking that the high gas prices were just hitting your pockets hard, then you need to think again. A lot of the top airports in the world, as well as the top airlines, are having to layoff people due to the fact that they are seeing very low levels of travel this year. The airlines say that they are normally hiring a ton of people during the summer time, but due to the slum in the number of people flying, they have actually had to let people go. This does not do well for the already hurting job market in places like the United States. Some airlines may even have to close if things do not change, and that means fast.

Guangzhou Hotel

Maui: The Best Place To Visit

2009-02-11T11:14:00.000-08:00

For many good reasons the Hawaiians say "Maui no ka oi," which means Maui is the best. Ranked annually in traveler polls as the best island in the world, Maui captivates everyone. A trip to Maui is a vacation you will want to repeat time and time again. Maui is blessed with wonderful weather, mild tropical breezes and abundant sunshine year round.

An issue with many islands is how much "human involvement" has taken place. Sure, it's nice to see an island that is untouched, but then again, we all love our air conditioning and our fine dining. In my opinion, Maui has a great balance of development. There are enough hotels, condos and restaurants to suit every desire and budget but not yet so overdone as to interfere with the timeless beauty of the island. To say that Maui is paradise is an understatement; it gets under your skin in a good way, calling you time and again to its shores to once again repeat the adventures that thrilled you, to discover new ones, to seek out its beauty once again and to relax at one of its fine resorts returning home refreshed and renewed and glowing with the spirit of aloha.

You can choose from various locales to call home base, whether it is Kaanapali or Kapalua to the north, or Kihei, Wailea or Makena to the south, yet easily explore any other part of the island in a day or less. Must see sights include the 10,000 foot Haleakala National Park, the road to Hana and the Oheo Gulch through tropical rainforest and spectacular waterfalls, the gorgeous Iao Needle and the quirky town of Lahaina. Adventures abound on Maui including biking down from the volcano, horseback riding in the crater or on the beach, hiking along the coastline or through the rainforest, golfing the superb golf courses, swimming and snorkeling in the beautiful bays, surfing, scuba, windsurfing, parasailing and more.

During the winter and spring months, whale watching is a joy as mother whales give birth to babies and the whales in general are relaxed and often playful. Whale watching is available both on boat tours and even from the shore as the whales love to swim and play along Maui's coast, making Maui the number one choice for whale watching in Hawaii.

Maui has some of the best snorkeling in North America. Whether you are snorkeling in one of Maui's gorgeous bays, out at the crescent shaped crater of Molokini or at neighboring Lanai, you will be overwhelmed by the undersea beauty, the colorful tropical reef fish, the coral and, of course, the amazing green sea turtles.

There are numerous golf courses on Maui as well. Most resort areas have several courses to choose from. The guy's love the variety and beauty of the courses.

Eating on Maui is also an adventure with nationally acclaimed chefs creating mouth-watering dishes, utilizing the abundant fish found in local waters as well as fresh produce grown on the island. You can find a wide variety of restaurants here from the typical U.S. chains to very high end gourmet experiences. Shopping is also an adventure with locally made Hawaiian crafts and colorful aloha wear fun souvenirs.

The best reason to visit Maui is the spirit of aloha that you will feel while you are here and that you will bring home with you. This is a place to truly relax even while partaking in all the beauty and adventures around you. Spend some time relaxing on one of Maui's lovely beaches or at your hotel's swimming pool. Memories of your Maui vacation will make you smile, fill you with aloha, and eagerly plan your next visit! If you ever have been to Maui, you know that one trip simply isn't enough!

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Travel Agents- Are They Needed?

2009-02-04T04:18:00.000-08:00

ravel agents aren't going the way of the eight-track tape just yet. They are also increasingly expected to know about and be able to advise travelers about their destinations, such as the weather conditions, local ordinances and customs, attractions, and exhibitions.These agents are the critical connection between the customer and vendor of the service that the customer is wishing to book. Travel Agents are experts in helping tourist with how to move within the country, where to stay & what to do are are held to a high standard of care and are relied upon by consumers.

When traveling abroad to a new destination, having a travel agent who has actually been there is a huge plus. Face to face is still the best way to do business and it's sad that the Travel Agent is considered an obsolete commodity these days. I had an aunt and uncle who would tell their travel agent when they had a vacation coming up and the agent would find a great trip for them year after year.Some people are also inexperienced travelers and speaking/planning face to face with an expert would make them much less anxious.

Good travel agents focus on finding deals during nonpeak times, which is when you can score the cheapest rates and greatest selection. Because they book trips in volume and have longstanding relationships with travel providers, travel agents routinely get preferred rates and extra amenities that you and your favorite travel site will rarely match. Written off as dinosaurs not so long ago, agents are seeing a welcome bump in business, with the 2006 average weekly sales per agent location up 15% over the year before. Many agents have become a specialized bunch, some offering adrenaline-fueled adventure trips, others pricey safaris. Other agents go after even thinner slices of the travel pie, with specialties ranging from twins-only cruises to kosher dude ranches. Some agents charge anywhere from $150 to redeem a frequent-flier award to a $500 consulting fee for arranging customized trips. In the 1980s, agents were the gatekeepers of travel, booking nearly 80% of all airline tickets.

I am not defending all agents, as there isn’t a standard, or requirement to become an agent,(other than basic computer skills) therefore, there are many agents that just wanted to get out of the house. I guess my point is: Lower your expectations, as many agents don’t know much more than the general public, although they have access to the info. The same would be for a lawyer, a real estate agent, a hair dresser and I can go on and on. So why do people think you do not have to do your research or get a referral to find an excellent travel agent. There are MANY great travel agents out there and the value of having a good one is ten times better than booking on the internet.

Travel agents are agents of the travel providers, receiving commissions from the travel providers for sales they make. You will find travel agents are like doctors, accountants, book-keepers and any other service professional. They are in the business of selling advice and service, not commodity products. MOST travel agents are continually learning about destinations and suppliers; who to work with and who Not to work with.They are there, though, because they work for you. Whether times are good or not, these agents are your secret weapon, hiding in plain sight.

small luxury cruises :Luxury cruise line information, including small luxury cruise ships, adventure luxury cruises, discounts on luxury cruise vacations.

A Trip To Revisit And Rediscover The Best Of Great Yarmouth

2009-01-09T11:44:00.000-08:00

Childhood memories are made of bright colours and tingling tastes and ring with fun and laughter. As you rekindle thoughts of those days when simple pleasures brought huge delight, the times that spring to mind are always care-free school days, delicious home cooking and classic seaside holidays.

Glorious days spent on the beach with bucket and spade, fish and chips by the sea or sticky-sweet candy floss and the vibrant lights of the fair! Sadly, when we return to our favourite places they never seem to live up to expectations. The hotel that you stayed in year after year has been turned into flats, the pier is off-limits due to repair work; everywhere is just a little bit tired and in need of some TLC. Yet there are some places that are bucking the trend and a return visit will excite and surprise you.

A popular seaside destination for over 200 years, Great Yarmouth has been attracting visitors to the stunning Norfolk coastline for the past two centuries. The first visitors came to reap the health benefits of seawater. The Great Yarmouth Bath House was opened in 1759 where guests could partake of seawater baths or, if brave enough, take a dip in the North Sea – but just for a few moments! Today, many come to experience what is great about UK seaside holidays while also enjoying many of the attractions the town and surrounding county has to offer.

Great Yarmouth has recently benefited from an extensive regeneration project with vast financial investment. Incredible improvements have been made to the seafront, market place and town with over £30 million of both private capital and public funding including that from Government, European and Local Authority pots.

The resort holds a dynamic blend of old and new, charm and character, whilst being full of vibrant energy, colour, excitement and surprise. The regeneration includes aspects of both improvement to current areas, along with exciting new construction projects including the build of an outer harbour.

Areas of the town have significantly benefited from the cash injection with a new look esplanade, with modern lighting that dances across the sands; additional seating and feature lighting in the Market Place for performance and events, and new road layouts with a pedestrain link to the town centre.

The town also has a fascinating historical heritage and funding is being invested in restoring and improving these elements. The 102 year old Wellington Pier is undergoing a complete re-build to restore it to its original glory. Maritime House (formally the Maritime Museum) located on the seafront has undergone restoration and repair and is now the new Tourist Information Centre, while the historical character of The Rows (Market Row and Broad Row) has been enhanced by Victorian style lighting and period paving.

Maui: The Best Place To Visit

2009-01-03T11:03:00.000-08:00

Options for Traveling With Pets

2008-12-16T20:19:00.000-08:00

Many people who fly with their pet are far more nervous about the experience than their pets are. However, traveling with a pet is commonplace and safe. US airlines transport around two million live animals every year and although you need some extra planning and additional time at the airport. Federal and state government rules apply to transporting live animals; however, airlines also have their own rules and regulations, which may vary slightly.

Most airlines allow passengers to take cats and dogs aboard their flight. Generally, you have two options; take your animal in the cabin with you, or have it transported in the cargo hold as a checked pet. Which option is most appropriate depends mainly on the size of the animal, although various airlines can have different criteria, which may include breed or weight. In addition, you can carry your pet in the cabin only if you are traveling domestically. For travel overseas (including Hawaii), your pet must be checked. In general, dogs and cats must be at least eight weeks old to travel.

If your cat or dog is small enough to fit in a container under the seat and meets all the other requirements of your airline, it can go in the cabin with you. Make sure you inform your airline that you have a cabin pet, as there is only room in the cabin for a limited number of pets; typically between two and six. Pet space is allocated on a first come, first served basis. Your airline can check for pet space availability before you buy your ticket and can suggest alternate flights if necessary.

If your pet is traveling in the cabin with you, you may be able to sit in the bulkhead (front row) seats or the roomier exit row seats, as the pet container would then block the emergency exit access. It may seem obvious, but your pet must stay in its carrier while you are on the plane or in the gate area, so make sure that the carrier is securely fastened.

Check with your airline on their rules concerning the size and material of a pet carrier. Typically, there must be enough room inside for your pet to be able to turn around and comfortably lie down. A hard-sided container is generally safer and more comfortable for your pet than a soft-sided container and most pet carriers sold at pet stores are usually adequate.

If your pet is too big to go in the cabin with you, it may have to be checked. If you are checking your pet, try to avoid connecting flights and flights that leave later in the day, as these are more prone to delays. You may not be able to check your pet depending on the season. Some airlines have a checked pet embargo during the hotter summer months, prohibiting animals from being carried in the cargo hold.

If you are checking your pet, the container should be big enough for the animal to lie down and freely move around. The outside of your container should be clearly labeled “live animal” and you should attach your name, address, and flight itinerary to the outside. You might be asked to verify that you have given food and water to the animal immediately before the flight.

If you are flying with your pet, it is a good idea to consult with your vet to make sure it is healthy enough to fly. Your vet may recommend a sedative to help keep your pet calm on the flight; and your airline may require a health certificate or proof of rabies vaccination. If you are traveling overseas with your pet, the requirements can be even more complicated, so it is important to check the regulations in your destination country.

Traveling with the family pet is not free and the charges can vary by airline and can be different for a carry on or checked pet. Typically, you can expect to pay anything from $75 and up to carry your pet in the cabin with you, and $150 or more to check your pet. These charges are one way and most airlines allow you to prepay the pet fee to save time at the airport. Seeing Eye dogs are usually exempt from these charges and are allowed to be carried on most airlines free of charge.

Traveling with your cat or dog can be a fun filled experience. Many airlines have different rules concerning traveling with a pet but with the proper research and planning you can bring your pet along on your next vacation. Two ways to travel with your pet are to check your pet or bring them with you on the plane. If you do not check your pet it has be able to fit underneath the seat. Consider these tips next time you are planning a vacation and want to bring your pet along for the ride.

Luggage tag

Going on vacation?

2008-11-16T19:44:00.000-08:00

Your deserve a vacation! You’ve probably worked hard all year and have been saving up and waiting patiently for a chance to get away for a few days (or a few weeks). Maybe you’re just planning for a quick weekend getaway with your spouse to a bed-and-breakfast, or maybe you are looking to splurge and go to a resort somewhere warm and tropical.

But what about your pets? What are you going to do about your pets this year? Perhaps you have a dog or couple cats or some fish that need to be taking care of. Do you rely again on the goodwill of your friends and neighbors and farm your pets out to each one and hope they come back alive and well-fed? Do you beg someone to come and feed them? This can sometimes be a problem if you have family and friends who do not have the same appreciation for your pets that you do. But there are alternatives.

Increasing in popularity today are pet hotels and pet bed and breakfasts. If you’ve never heard of these things before they probably sound quite funny to you. But for the animal lover, they are an ideal alternative to relying on family and friends or packing your beloved dog off to the kennel where it can be housed in a cage.

Animal hotels and animal bed and breakfasts are a little bit more expensive than kennels, but your pet will be treated with the dignity they deserve while you are traveling. So it’s like your four-legged family member is having its own vacation while you are enjoying yours!

While still a fairly recent phenomenon, animal hotels provide loving care by professionals to your four-legged family member. Your dog or cat will be able to run and play in an open area, will receive good food and exercise, and will be attended to and pampered by professionals. If you, like many people, consider your canine or feline to be simply another member of the family, you will have the peace-of-mind that they are well cared for!

So when you are away on vacation, why not send your dog or on vacation as well? A deserve it just as much as you do!

About The Author:

Jeff Lakie is the founder of Travel Information a website providing information on Travel

Personal Commuting Vehicle Used to Assists Daily Short Distance Travel

2008-11-10T05:06:00.000-08:00

Check out this innovative transportation concept known as Freewill Urban – Intercity Commuting vehicle designed by Jinn Wong. This vehicle is a personal commuting assistant which helps in daily travel for the journey between the train station and the user’s destination. This vehicle consists of three-wheels with a long handle designed to pull the vehicle in an indoor environment. Freewill Urban is powered by two individual motors in the hub area of the two front wheels. Each motor controls each wheel separately. The vehicle uses oval shaped form and curves in order to offer styling approach. So, you can surely try out this electronic scooter for short distances.

Secrets to obtain cheap air tickets

2008-11-09T01:35:00.000-08:00

There are hidden secrets with some people using which they can make their lives and experiences better than those of the commoners. We unlock for you the secret to book cheap air tickets. Yes! It is no more a joke and no more a mere trick; it is the truth that not only makes you happy but also saves money for you. There are several ways now a days to obtain cheap air tickets; the easiest being through online booking. Some people think it to be a taboo, but believe in your self and try it once! This easy process will make your dream trip a reality and will further inspire you to suggest the same method to your loved ones too.

Traveling is a well cherished dream for everyone who is busy in the hustle and bustle of life. With elaborate plans, and a wish to enjoy with the family; the only hindrance seems to be the threat of high expenditure. The hard earned money that you have saved should not be wasted; and a great way to use your savings with the world being mapped, you can easily locate a destination that can be a treat to all your senses and a wonderful getaway for you and your family. Once you decide the destination, then starts the tedious process of standing in queues to book airline ticket and that too cheaper than the standard prices.

Logging on to travel websites decreases your worries by a great percent. With multiple low air fare options to choose from, you can pick the one that you find the best. Book air tickets at the click of your fingers and that too within a couple of minutes. No matter what the reason of your travel be- business, holiday, or visiting relatives- you have equal chances of striking a wonderful deal. Using all these facilities once will make you go for it again and again as it is easy to access and makes heavy and difficult tasks fun! With many websites providing these services, there is a lot of competition and if you know how to benefit from that competition, then a smart trip is not too far away for you.

Compare prices and see what great deals can be like. It is an easy job and a cake walk through the various ups and downs in booking tickets. The prices fluctuate with respect to season of travel, time of travel and the days that you choose- and keeping in mind all these facts you can pay the least possible and make your dream trip a wonderful affair. By feeding in information about your desired destination and the time of your travel, you can get lots of air fare options and you get to pick the one that suits you.

These travel sites chart out prices keeping in mind hotel accommodation options and sight seeing too; thus giving you a clean and clear view of what you are in for. Going there and figuring out things can be quite tough- plan your trip beforehand and let there be nothing to disturb you. Holidays are places where you can pamper yourself and can share love with your loved ones; make such affairs even bigger and better by saving money on traveling.

Many travel planners are working day in and days out so that your trip can be a once in a lifetime affair. With so many beautiful places to choose from and with so many ways to treat your own self as special and loved; a vacation is the key to unlimited fun and adventure. The world stands with open arms in all its grandeur to give you a chance to enjoy- from activities like adventure sports, diving, swimming, water sports to museums, cathedrals, beautiful palaces, mesmerizing hotels and resorts- everything welcomes you into a wonderful never before fun world. Cheap air tickets can just be the icing on the cake of life.

Globester is one such travel website that can give you not only great air fare options but hotel accommodation deals, sight seeing options and money change information as well. Step into the world of smart traveling and with Globester as your all time companion, you can make your trip wonderful memory to behold.

Traveling is a well cherished dream for everyone who is busy in the hustle and bustle of life. Logging on to travel websites decreases your worries by a great percent. With multiple low air fare options to choose from, you can pick the one that you find the best. Book air tickets at the click of your fingers and that too within a couple of minutes. No matter what the reason of your travel be- business, holiday, or visiting relatives- you have equal chances of striking a wonderful deal.

100 Year Old Woman Glides into Record

2008-11-03T02:51:00.000-08:00

One-hundred-year old Peggy McAlpine paraglides off a 2,500-foot (762-meter) mountain peak in Kyrenia, northern Cyprus Oct. 31, 2007. The self confessed "daredevil" leaped into record books on Wednesday by paragliding off the mountain peak. The jump was to mark McAlpine's 100th birthday, which she had celebrated the day before when she received a congratulatory telegram from the Queen.

Himalaya Beauty

2008-10-30T05:59:00.000-07:00

The Himalaya is a mountain range in Asia, separating the Indian subcontinent from the Tibetan Plateau. By extension, it is also the name of the massive mountain system which includes the Himalaya proper, the Karakoram, the Hindu Kush, and a host of minor ranges extending from the Pamir Knot. Together, the Himalayan mountain system is the planet's highest and home to all 14 of the world's highest peaks, the Eight-thousanders, including Mount Everest. To comprehend the enormous scale of Himalayan peaks, consider that Aconcagua at 22,841 feet (6962 m) is the highest mountain in the Andes, while there are over thirty peaks in the Himalaya exceeding 25,000 feet (7620 m).

Etymologically Himalaya means "abode of snow" in Sanskrit ( from hima "snow", and aalaya "abode"). The correct name for the range is Himalaya, though the plural Himalayas is often used.

The Himalaya stretch across five nations — Pakistan, India, China, Bhutan and Nepal. It is the source of two of the world's major river systems — the Indus Basin and the Ganga-Brahmaputra Basin. An estimated 750 million people live in the watershed area of the Himalayan rivers, which also includes Bangladesh.

Tsongmo lake near the Indo-China border in Sikkim

The Himalayan (pronounced as Himaalayas and not with a short "a" as is commonly mispronounced)range runs for about 2400 km, from Nanga Parbat in the west to Namche Barwa in the east. The width varies between 250-300 km. The Himalayan range comprises three parallel ranges, arranged by elevation and geological age.

The Himalayan range at Yumesongdong in Sikkim, in the Yumthang River valley.

Welcome To Miami

2008-10-18T04:24:00.000-07:00

Miami is a sub-tropical city, climatically very different from most places in the USA. The city is a cosmopolitan playground that attracts more visitors than any other US destination.

Miami appeals to holiday makers wanting warm sun, clean sandy beaches, a laid back lifestyle, sophisticated entertainment in clubs and bars and a mix of art, music and international cuisines.

Travelers visiting Miami may actually spend their time in Miami Beach, a separate municipality situated 4 miles (6 km) across Biscayne Bay from downtown Miami. The combined greater Miami area includes several ethnic neighborhoods such as Little Havana and Little Haiti.

The population of the Greater Miami Area is a 50% mix of assorted Hispanic and the diverse cultural mix is evident in Latin American languages, cuisine and music throughout the city and. Dining in Miami offers the opportunity to visit a different ethnic restaurant every night and enjoy diverse international cuisines.

Once upon a time, Miami attracted mostly retirees turning their backs on snowy, colder climates but nowadays it attracts the ultra-chic glitterati, cashed up yuppies, the boating and yachting fraternity and Cuban immigrants.

** Miami Vacation Attractions

Greater Miami is a great base for access to several major Florida holiday attractions. The northern tip of the Florida Keys is just off shore, the Everglades are just a short distance inland and the affluent enclaves of Palm Beach and Boca Roton are just a short distance along the coast.

The Miami Beach Promenade, aka South Beach, is a favorite spot for cyclists, skaters, joggers and skateboarders. This is the most instantly recognized beach front location in existence and the place to be seen if appearances are important.

Many of the early Miami buildings from the early 1900's have been restored. A walking tour around the South Beach precinct is recommended to see the spectacular rejuvenation of the 1920's buildings in the Art Deco Historic District.

Miami boasts fine museums, galleries, historic gardens, zoos, sports stadiums, spring fed natural pools and of course, the ever present golf courses. Greater Miami has lots to brag about when it comes to world class golf courses and is home to some of the most testing courses in the world.

** Miami Vacation Cruises

The busiest cruise ship center of any city in the USA is the Port of Miami with holiday cruises to the Caribbean and Latin America making up the bulk of these cruises, but there are also cruises to all parts of the world.

Cruises are usually well equipped for gambling and casinos open as soon as the ship passes into international waters. Non stop food, games, movies and onboard activities ensure guests are always entertained and well fed.

** Miami Hotels & Resorts

Miami visitors are offered a range of hotels, resorts and vacation rentals to satisfy all tastes and budgets. There's accommodation and prices to suit everyone, ranging from the restored boutique hotels in the Art Deco and South Beach district, modern glass and chrome high rise hotels, budget hostels, beach front condos and villas, serviced apartments, inns and guesthouses... it's your choice.

** Miami Vacation Transport

Miami International Airport is one of the major airports in the USA, and a major hub city for American Airlines. Major domestic airlines such as Delta, Northwest/KLM, United and US Airways and Continental all servive Miami as well as several economy carriers.

There are two Amtrak trains that run daily from New York down to Miami and the travel time is approximately 27 hours.

The Metro-Dade Transit Agency runs two Miami rail systems, one being Metrorail which is a modern elevated commuter train that connects downtown Miami and the southern suburbs. Metromover is an elevated line looping the downtown precinct and connecting with many of the important attractions, shopping and business districts.

Source 1

Andaman Beauties

2008-09-29T21:53:00.000-07:00

Dubai to Build World’s Largest Arch Bridge

2008-09-21T22:45:00.000-07:00

Dubai to Build World’s Largest Arch Bridge

Dubai is set to spend $817-million on building the world’s largest arch bride, at 617-feet tall and 1-mile in length. Expect it to be in service by 2012.

Dubai is the Tetsuo of cities, expanding so fast it’s on the verge of creating of its own universe. And architecture that looks like it’s from the 22nd century only adds to the sheer grandeur of its growth—this bridge, envisioned by NY architecture firm Fxfowle, will be the largest and tallest arch bridge in the world, at one mile long and 670 feet tall.

Construction starts next month and is due to wrap up in 2012 after running some $817 million dollars. World’s first vacuum tube mass transit system will launch in Dubai shortly thereafter.

source : 1 , 2

National Aquatics Center, china

2008-09-01T22:46:00.000-07:00

PTW + CCDI + ARUP
Watercube
National Aquatics Center
Beijing, China

The Watercube associates water as a structural and conceptual “leitmotiv” with the square, the primal shape of the house in Chinese tradition and mythology.

Architect Chris Bosse has sent us a series of photos of the National Aquatics Centre in Beijing - better known as Watercube - which officially opened on Monday 28th January 2008.

The centre, which will host the swimming and diving competitions at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in August, hosted its first event, the Good Luck Beijing 2008 Swimming China Open, on February 4th.

The structure of the WATERCUBE is based on a unique lightweight construction, developed by China State Construction Design International (CCDI), PTW Architects, and ARUP, and derived from the structure of water bubbles in the state of aggregation found in foam.

Behind the totally random appearance hides a strict geometry t

hat can be found in natural systems like crystals, cells and molecular structures - the most efficient subdivision of three-dimensional space with equally sized cells.
The transparency and apparent randomness is equally transposed into the inner and outer building-skins, made of inflated ETFE cushions.

The reason for different coulours is The reflection of light changes the color; outside it reflects the sky and the outer layer is slightly tinted in blue, Inside the white prevails, the sun coming through highlights the ETFE and the structure.

Unlike traditional stadium structures with gigantic columns & beams, cables & spans, to which a facade system is applied, the architectural space, structure and facade of the Watercube are one and the same element. 90% of the solar energy falling on the building is trapped within the highly efficient structural zone and is used to heat the pools and the interior area.
Rainwater from the roof is reused, recycled and redistributed alongside efficient pool filtration and backwash systems.

The design uses state-of-the-art technology and materials to create a visually striking, energy-efficient, and ecologically friendly building. Conceptually the square box and the interior spaces are carved out of an unconfined cluster of foam bubbles, symbolizing a condition of nature that is transformed into a condition of culture.

Together with the main stadium by Herzog & de Meuron, a duality between fire and water, Yin and Yang, is being created with all its associated tensions and attractions.
The Project was recently recognized at the Venice Architecture Biennale for “demonstrating in a stunning way, how the deliberate morphing of molecular science, architecture and phenomenology can create an airy and misty atmosphere for a personal experience of water leisure.”

8 EXORBITANT LUXURY YACHTS

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7. Dubai ($230.000.000)

6. The Pelorus ($179.000.000)

5. The Maltese Falcon ($100.000.000)

4. The Boadicea ($120.000.000)

5. The Maltese Falcon ($100.000.000)

8 EXORBITANT LUXURY YACHTS

Some people have it all. Loads of money, beautiful partners, fast supercars, extreme houses, exorbitant yachts. Over a hundred million Dollars for a yacht is no exception. But we have pictures, and those are free…

1. The Amevi ($300.000.000)

Beautiful Beach Side Pics

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