Archive for May, 2010

Haunted Viginia part 1. Just a little ghost story about Richmond, VA!

America’s Largest Chinatown: San Francisco

LAS VEGAS, NV–(Marketwire – November 06, 2009) – La Asociación Mexicana de Desarrolladores Turísticos (AMDETUR) recently held its twenty-third convention in Mexico City with the topic of “Vacation Ownership, Paradigms and Opportunities”.  Holiday Systems International (HSI) was proud to add its 16 years of experience to AMDETUR’s ranks this year by attending and sponsoring several events.

HSI does a considerable amount of business in Mexico as well as abroad.  HSI’s CEO, Craig Morganson, was quoted at the tradeshow as saying, “Mexico is a world leader in its first-class service and has some of the finest resorts the Vacation Ownership industry has to offer.  It was a pleasure to support the tradeshow with our sponsorship and presence; we look forward to attending next year”.

HSI’s sponsorship during AMDETUR was spread over several events throughout the three day tradeshow including the opening night’s “Welcome Cocktail”, “The Future of Tourism in Mexico” panel (featuring renowned columnist, radio and television host Leo Zuckermann), and the show’s closing keynote motivational speaker Cecilia Gonzalez-Garza Ducoing, an insightful speaker on organizational change and the need for creativity in business.

Craig Morganson who also participated in the “Sales and Marketing Models” roundtable discussions further stated, “The tradeshow was on target in many key and fundamental ways.  The show centered on finding opportunities in the economic downturn, shifting paradigms and enhancing customer service.  Many brilliant ideas were exchanged.  Mexico City is a beautiful place with so many beautiful people; a great venue to hold the session.  It was also a wonderful opportunity for HSI to see so many of our friends in Mexico.  HSI looks forward to attending and having an opportunity for sponsorship next year.”

For further information on AMDETUR please visit www.amdetur.org.mx.

For additional information on Holiday Systems International, please visit www.holidaysystems.com.

About Holiday Systems International

Holiday Systems International (HSI) was founded in 1993 by still President and CEO, Craig Morganson.  Mr. Morganson is a long-time ARDA Trustee Member and is a leader in the Vacation Ownership industry.  HSI provides cutting-edge technology, high-end exclusive products and has a 16-year history of delivering the industry’s best customer service.

Most folks work hard all year round to make ends meet and treat themselves to a couple of weeks holiday in the sun. Cyprus villa holidays could turn those two weeks into the holiday you will want to take over and over again year after year. If you want the luxury of your own place without the huge cost of property ownership then Cyprus villa holidays could be just what you are been looking for. When you consider the cost of booking a package tour for a family and all the associated hassles that go with it, villa holidays begin to make great sense. The cost of a luxury Cyprus villa holiday may surprise you too if you think that they are out of your budget. So just maybe you should take another look before you book and check out Cyprus villa holidays for yourself.

There is little doubt that peoples holiday booking habits have evolved over the last few years due in part to the internet. Now anyone can instantly compare like for like holiday prices with the click of a mouse. Many families and couples are shunning the traditional package tour where everything is taken care of for them. They are instead booking separate flights,accomadation and car hire over the internet to assure themselves of the best deal. This is where Cyprus villa holidays come into their own and begin to make perfect sense for those demanding more for their cash. After all if you only get one shot at it every year you want to get it right and you deserve the best for your money.

There are some real advantages to Cyprus villa holidays particularly if you value freedom and privacy. If you loath queuing up for your meals and having to be back at the hotel in time for dinner a villa holiday could be for you.If you want the freedom to please yourself when you come and go then again a Cyprus villa holiday could be for you also. Imagine being able to swim in your own pool whenever you like and not having to fight for the sunbeds either. You could relax on your balcony enjoying the warm Cyprus sunshine with a long cool drink or just lounge around your pool all day. Eat when you want, go out when you want and come home whenever it pleases you. That’s part of the beauty of Cyprus villa holidays and there is so much more to this relaxed style of holiday making too.

Cyprus villa holidays make a great base from which to explore the rest of the Island especially if you are prepared to hire a car. Some villa owners can even offer the use of a car with the accommodation at a vastly differing price to the Cyprus car hire companies. That way you can explore Cyprus at your convenience without having to rush back in the evenings or follow the tour guide route either. You will have the total freedom of choice to please yourself and your family so everyone should be happy. You can choose to eat in or dine out and if you want to eat at home there is usually a barbecue area for that typical Cypriot alfresco cooking experience.

These luxury Cyprus villas are fitted out to the highest standards with all the comforts of home included and some more besides. Air conditioning will be standard at least in all the bedrooms and the kitchens will be fully fitted too. No one want’s to be cooking or washing when on Cyprus villa holidays but if you have the kids along it can sometimes be a necessity. Even if it is, at least you get the convenience of having everything you need right there in your own villa. In fact there won’t be anyone disturbing you to service the room so you don’t have to worry about getting up in the morning either until you are good and ready. All in all when it comes down to quality and freedom you just can’t beat Cyprus villa holidays.

Belfast is really a city of countless titles: The capital city of Northern Ireland, the biggest city located in Northern Ireland, the largest modern area in the Ulster province, the fifteenth largest city in the United Kingdom… what else? It is really a main traveller desired destination with plentiful parks and gardens. The town is certainly encompassed by mountains and sits at the entrance of Lagan River. The Botanic Gardens within the city center is simply stunning, breathtaking Cave Hill Country Park, Lagan Valley Regional Park, Colin Glen parkland, and other gorgeous forest theme parks that surrounds the Belfast. These are free points of interest that will definitely astonish nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Parks and gardens are generally an important element of its heritage where local wildlife are usually seen loitering around. It is a perfect place for residents as well as travellers alike to indulge in an open-air picnic, a walk or a jog. Fantastic fests are usually presented in these parks such as the Rose Week, bird viewing events at night as well as searching games and activities throughout every season.

The town is often named the largest park in the world as a result of high number of parks that completes the entire cityscape totaling to 40 public parks! These artistically designed recreational areas consist of attractions such as the Palm House at the Botanic Gardens located in the Queen’s Quarter, the Tropical Ravine exactly where pop concerts are presented, Princess Diana Memorial Garden, the Golden Crown Fountain, and Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park the location where the International Rose Garden event is celebrated July of every year which features more than 20 000 different varieties of flowers and attracts an incredible number of visitors. Other special activities within the town include the Belfast Film Festival, the twenty-five year old occasion Belfast Marathon, and the Belfast Pride that celebrates diversity including gay and lesbian communities inside the city.

One distinctive traveler attraction in Belfast will be the Belfast Zoo since it features 1,200 animals including 140 endangered species such as the Barbary Lions, the Asian Elephants, 3 openguin species, Western Lowland Gorillas, Common Chimpanzees, Red Panda, Langur and White Tigers.

Local climate: The city of Belfast is known for its temperate climate with plenty of rains particularly between the months of August and January. Temperatures during the summer and winter months are fairly average and seldom get extreme. Snow fall only averages five to six times each year. Nevertheless, humid climate temperatures during the summer season become very uncomfortable but it seldom gets really hot during these seasons.

Transport: The city is Belfast have many private cars as residents are more dependent on their own vehicles when they travel. In fact, most people prefer walking in the major thoroughfares of the city with lots of pedestrian lanes. The Belfast Metro is the city’s local bus service and it also features a night service but the service is poor for surrounding suburban areas. London style black taxis are also available in the city and there are also other public transport options for tourists such as boat tours, open-top bus tours and bicycles for hire services.

www.squidoo.com Travel to France France has been ranked as the number one tourist destination in the world. Knowing this fact, you can feel happy that the choice of selecting France as your holiday destination this year is a good one. Art, literature, philosophy, fashion and cuisine; no other place in the world can claim as rich a heritage of all the finer things in life, as France does. If you are looking for something special for your trip to France, our travel guides are ready to offer help in providing you with some valuable travel information about France. Visitors have different expectations from their holiday travel. You can count on us; we are here to help you and make sure your trip will be very special! France is the largest country in the European Union and the second largest in Europe. Places to see in France include: Alsace and Lorraine, Brittany, Champagne, Corsica, Monaco, Normandy, Provence, The French Riviera, Strasbourg, Paris, Toulouse, Cannes, Marseille, Nice, The French Alps, Chamonix, and Lyon. Think of wine, and you think of Bordeaux in France. This region creates one of the greatest wines in the world. Les Sources de Caudalie is the world’s first vinotherapy spa. It offers unique spa treatments, and uses grape-derived preparations to make people feel better and look younger. Make the necessary arrangements, and surprise your spouse with an enjoyable, and relaxing spa pamper treatment. You can look forward to your spouse thanking you later! Olive …

• ISBN13: 9780790774947
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.

Description
Join Tom Cat and Jerry Mouse for the thrill of the chase with a few winter chills tossed in, as they dash through the snow – headed straight for laughs. Skate through the classic battle of wits in these classics filled with purrfect comic timing and side-splitting sight gags! TRT: 50:00… More >>

Tom and Jerry – Paws for a Holiday

Early in 2008 the travel industry gives a dire warning of hard times for the year ahead, prices rising, and bookings looking poor.

But 2008 has so far been a good year, with the Easter holidays period showing no signs of a slow down, and summer bookings for traditional favourite holiday areas looking healthy.

Nearly all traditional travel agents and on-line travel sites report a surge of interest with many translating into bookings around the Christmas period, but this was before the real extent of the credit crunch was headline news on almost every news bulletin.

ABTA, The British Association of Travel Agents, who safeguard consumer interests for the travelling public in the UK, put the rise in holiday bookings for 2008 from British tourits who frequent the Mediterranean down to the awful weather in the country last summer.

The weather ABTA refer to were floods that affected large parts of England, claimed four lives, and left a hundred thousand homes without water for two weeks in parts of Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

Insurance companies have warned that the floods will ultimately cost small businesses millions, and insurers have processed tens of millions in claims from homeowners. The British government has given emergency aid to the worst affected areas to help with the cost of the clear-up. Yorkshire in the north of England saw some of the heaviest flooding, with thousands of homes left without power and three people dying.

Included in the holiday areas that have benefitted from good 2008 bookings are Malta, Tenerife, Menorca, Majorca and Lanzarote – some of the favourites from previous years.

Early reports from Malta suggest that the holiday island had a best ever year for tourism in 2007, and is now considering how she can broaden her appeal to entice more tourists to the Mediterranean sunshine isle. Malta Airport saw a record number of passenger flights arriving in 2007 thanks to the low cost airlines bringing in extra visitors, and 2008 looks set to be busier still as more competition arrives.

The Canary Islands have hosted a winter festival of classical music which boosted visitor numbers and hopes for a good summer too.

The fourth largest island of the Canary Islands Lanzarote, famed for its red mountains, hosted several of the festival’s concerts. Lanzarote is well known for its picturesque volcanic landscapes. It is perhaps also just as well known for its futuristic appearance and controlled development of wildlife and plant life.

Another of the Canary Islands, Tenerife, is known for its great winter climate and attracts nearly three and a half million tourists a year. Most of Tenerife’s tourism comes from the United Kingdom, followed by Germany, Belgium, The Netherlands, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Italy and France, among others.

The island is home to many excellent holiday resorts, including the Playas de las Americas and Los Cristianos. In fact, recent legislation was passed to ensure that any future resort construction must either be of five-star status or offer resort luxuries like golf courses or banquet facilities.

It is likely that both Tenerife and Lanzarote will see their overall tourism numbers up for 2008 based on the first few months, and if bookings continue as they have been can look forward to a good surprisingly good year – it could be the 2009 holidays trade which will suffer more from poor economies if people don’t book for next summer in January or so.

From centuries-old to spanking new, the top tourist attractions in Cape Town are worthy additions to any travel itinerary. Below, discover 5 of the city’s most exciting attractions, and be sure the visit them out during your next trip to the Mother City.

1. The Cape Town Stadium
Once known as the Green Point Stadium, this impressive arena was renamed the Cape Town Stadium following a R4.4-billion makeover that commenced in March 2007. In a highly successful collaboration between local and international architects, the 68,000-seater stadium was completed in 2009, and the breathtaking structure is now ready to host sporting events on a grand scale.

The Cape Town Stadium, with its reflective exterior and advanced design, has drawn much excitement from locals and visitors alike. Against a backdrop of Table Mountain, the arena is a spectacular sight to behold – particularly at night, when its interior spotlights ignite the skyline of the Green Point Common.

2. The V&A Waterfront
The V&A Waterfront is the premier destination for shopping, recreation and dining in Cape Town. Offering exclusive boutiques, restaurants and entertainment venues at the edge of Cape Town’s harbour, the Waterfront is the leading tourist attraction in the Mother City.

The V&A Waterfront is situated between Robben Island and Table Mountain, thus offering both exceptional views and easy access to these other top attractions. Aside from shopping, dining and live entertainment, the Waterfront also offers sea and air charters and tours, trips to Robben Island and Seal Island, the impressive Two Oceans Aquarium, ample parking and the historic Clock Tower, which was built in 1882 and is still working today.

3. Long Street
One of Cape Town’s oldest streets, Long Street is lined with Victorian buildings, eclectic boutiques and a selection of Cape Town’s trendiest nightspots. It’s also one of the best places to find curios, quaint bookshops and pavement cafes, and to experience the cosmopolitan atmosphere for which Cape Town is renowned.

Featuring colourful facades and the authentic architecture of yesteryear, the 3,8km Long Street offers fantastic photographic opportunities to travellers. It’s the ideal place to sample local fare, enjoy Cape Town’s famous nightlife, or simply soak up the unique Cape Town vibe.

4. South African National Gallery
The South African National Gallery is located along the tree-lined Government Avenue, adjacent to the Company Gardens in Cape Town. It features of extensive collections of permanent and temporary exhibitions, and is particularly celebrated for its collections of African, South African, Dutch, Flemish, French and British artworks. The Gallery also showcases a variety of indigenous sculptures, beadworks and crafts.

The South African National Gallery was established in 1871 with just 45 paintings. Today, it showcases one of Africa’s largest collections of local and international artwork. Exhibitions are regularly updated, and temporary collections are frequently showcased.

5. Robben Island Museum
Robben Island, once a site of conflict and incarceration, is today a celebrated museum that highlights the struggles of the past and the success of democracy in South Africa. Situated 12km from Table Bay, the island was used to imprison political prisoners from 1959 to the 1990s – the most famous of whom was Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s former president.

A guided tour of the Robben Island museum is valuable experience for any visitor to the Cape. Tour guides – many of whom are former prisoners themselves – offer riveting insight into the island’s tumultuous past. Tours include return ferry trips to the island, a tour of the now-disused maximum security prison, and a 45-minute bus tour of the island, with commentary.

These and other fascinating Cape Town attractions await you in the Mother City!
Explore these top travel attractions in Cape Town when next you visit the city. Also be sure to peruse part 2 of Top 10 Cape Town Attractions to discover another five of the best tourist attractions in the Mother City.

Book your luxury hotel accommodation in Cape Town’s city centre, and enjoy quick, convenient access to these fantastic attractions in Cape Town.

Teaser preview of upcoming overview of Puerto Vallarta and soon available 3D interactive travel guide of Puerto Vallarta. Visit www.AquaOdysseas.com for more info.

Cruise holidays are becoming increasing popular as they have lots to offer for a very nominal price. The price of rooms on a luxury cruise would be almost as much as a luxury hotel, or probably less and the food is usually great with lots to offer and costing you as much as in a mid-priced restaurant. One also gets to see a lot of places as a part of the trip. So a cruise holiday is like a jumbo combo, which comes with a variety of packages to cater to everyone.

The luxury cruise concept has evolved over time to cater to those set of people who want to travel in style. The rooms are more spacious than in a regular cruise and the facilities are first class, though one would hardly spend time in a room when you can explore the ship and relax to the silence of the sea. One may find it surprising indeed, but on the luxury cruise you can find all facilities provided by most quality hotels and not to forget the flawless journey through the sea. Most luxury cruises have entertainment for the night ranging from massage centers or gaming places to a dance floor where you can dance amidst the sea breeze.

Cruise holidays come in packages ranging from 2 days to about a month, hence I would say why not plan your next weekend on a luxury cruise and also get the chance to see a new place. The best part of a cruise holiday is the possibility of an absolutely customized tour. Whether you plan to get married on the sea or spend a month’s time travelling around the world from place to place, cruise holidays are the best deals you can ask for.

The highlight of many people’s year is their summer holiday, whether you’re a five year old on holiday from school or an office worker who’s escaping the indoors for a few weeks in the sun, everyone has some form of summer getaway which they take every year. 

The trouble this year in particular is that there’s not as much money as we normally have for holidays to throw around.  The current financial climate in this country has a lot of people spooked as they may not be able to afford their holidays this year.  When you consider how everything we spend our money on seems to be rising such as Petrol, Food, Credit Card repayments amongst all sorts of other expenses. 

Many holidaymakers will have already booked their holidays long in advance and so maybe have avoided this panic but may feel the strain this time next year as a result.  For the majority of holiday goers they have either had to cut back on holidays spending or consider other locations that are less expensive.

The majority of European countries are falling in popularity due to the strong Euro against the British Pound, many people have chosen now as the perfect time to go to America, as whilst their flights will no doubt cost more they will find their pound  going further when they change over to dollars. 

The other options are to limit spending whilst on holiday; the best way to do this is to go all inclusive.  There are many cheap all inclusive holidays to a wide range of different countries such as Turkey, Turkey has become wildly popular with all manner of UK tourists from young twenty-something parties to pensioners.  All inclusive holidays used to get a fairly bad reputation as the food was thought of as sub-standard and sometimes the bar wouldn’t be completely open to inclusive guests.

Many people may have left their holiday booking until now in hope to get cheap late deals to many destinations that will be falling in price due to them being off-season.  Some may even be looking at booking next year’s trip as many flights and tour operators operate on a cheaper rate if you book good and early.  Some flight companies will actually let you choose your seat when you book and in some instances can choose cheaper seating or cheaper flights this way.

So this year is no doubt a tough year for holidaymakers but there are plenty of ways that you can still go on holiday to wherever you want to go without breaking the bank.

There cannot be one and only reason for travelers to flock in large numbers to Singapore. Factually, Singapore is a popular and vibrant destination in South Asia. It enthralls travelers with its unique culture which represents a fine blend of both the east and the west. Indians along with Chinese, Malay, Europeans, etc. form a major chunk of population in Singapore. Major tourist attractions in Singapore such as Singapore Zoo, CHIJMES – The Singapore Art Museum, Clarke Quay, St Josephs Church, Fort Siloso, Little India, Chinatown Heritage Centre, Changi Village, etc. attract travelers from around the world.

Singapore has a rich history and heritage and culture of the country is an exclusive kaleidoscope of various cultures of the region. Singapore has a pluralistic society which respects all religions and races as well as believes in peaceful coexistence. Travel attractions such as Singapore night safari are attractive and exciting. Travelers who want to explore adventure and thrill in their travel experience in Singapore can go for Singapore night safari which gives a chance to view nocturnal animals. Special arrangements with artificial light have been made to show rare wildlife including of tigers, rhino and sloths, etc. Singapore attracts not only business travelers but leisure travelers also with its most happening tourist destinations.

The most sought tourist attraction in Singapore is ‘The Merlion’ which was designed as an emblem for the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) in 1964 by Mr. Fraser Brunner. As Indians form a huge portion of Singapore population, Hindu temples are quite visible at various spots in the country. Sri Veerama Kaliamman Temple, dedicated to Goddess Kali the temple has a main hall that consists three alters. The statue of Goddess Kali is in middle alter, whereas Ganesh and Murugan are in the other two alters. Made in South Indian architectural style, the temple has achieved a unique place in beautiful temples made using traditional Indian architecture.

Mount Faber in Singapore is another tourist attraction which is named as Telok Blangah Hill. Located at the height of 106 meters from the sea level, the Mount Faber falls is one of the popular tourist destinations in Singapore. With picturesque view and verdant valley Mount Faber Falls attract travelers visit and enjoy the tranquility of the place that rejuvenates their senses and brings them to a new world. Traveler can see the city lights of Singapore when on the mountain. UOB Plaza in Singapore is one such tourist attraction which is unique in many ways. Completed in the year 1992, the UOB Plaza I stands 280 meter tall.

Interesting fact about Singapore tourism is that the country offers one of the most modern and breathtaking skylines in East Asia. First it were British who built the country with astounding European architectural style. Later on Chinese and Indians added their style and architecture. Today, Singapore presents a unique blend of European, Indian, Chinese architectural style. Various skyscrapers in Singapore such as Singapore Land Tower, Temasek Tower, DBS Building and the OCBC Centre, etc. have been raised high in sky.

Product Description
Speedy Language Guidebooks for International language translation may not have you talking like a native, but you will be able to ask for what you need. Small enough to tuck in a pocket with a unique tabbed index to help you quickly find the words you want…. More >>

French Phrasebook – Guidebook Speedy Language

Très belle chanson =)

www.directholidaybookings.co.uk is a great way to advertise your holiday home online with Direct Holiday Bookings

www.WatchMojo.com presents… A look at 5 things you can’t miss if visiting the amazing city of Florence, Italy.

• ISBN13: 9780756661489
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.

Product Description
Drawing on the same standards of accuracy as the acclaimed DK Eyewitness Travel Guides, The DK Top 10 Guides use exciting colorful photography and excellent cartography to provide a reliable and useful pocket-sized travel. Dozens of Top 10 lists provide vital information on each destination, as well as insider tips, from avoiding the crowds to finding out the freebies, The DK Top 10 Guides take the work out of planning any trip…. More >>

Top 10 Normandy

A Little Something for Christmas =P Can’t Have Christmas Without The Coca-Cola Commercials =] I’ve got all the versions I can find of ‘Holidays Are Comin’ and put them into a video. *LYRICS* Holidays are Coming Choirs (throughout) Holidays are coming…(repeat) Verse 1 ‘Tis the season Watch out, look around Something’s coming, coming to town (coming to your town) Do do do do do, do do do do Do do do do do, always Coca-Cola Verse 2 Something magic in the night Can you see it shining bright? La la la la la, la la la la la La la la la la, la la la la la Holiday refreshments what we bring, ‘Tis the season, it’s always the real thing Choirs Holidays are coming Holidays are coming Verse 3 Always Coca-Cola Choirs Watch out, look around… ——————— Wonderful Dream (Holidays Are Coming) Melanie Thornton Verse 1: When the world is ever changing Light a candle in the dark There’s a source of inspiration in the air Let the magic dry your tears and heal your heart Chorus: A wonderful dream of love and peace for everyone Of living our lives in perfect harmony A wonderful dream of joy and fun for everyone To celebrate a life where all are free Verse 2: Now the children’s eyes are shining Like they never shown before Let their dreams and aspirations light our way Living life in harmony forever more Chorus Choirs: Holidays are coming Holidays are coming…. Celebrate a life where dreams come true Love is the reason it’s always the real thing Watch out – look around Chorus …

Kevin Derksen is set to plunge into the Atlantic with the Team at BP Granville Street, Halifax…the holiday reservations business goal has been achieved.