Your IP : 54.234.126.92 |
City : CHANTILLY |
Country : United States ,US |
Latitude : 61.955 |
Longitude : -145.305 |
Beirut
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Beirut Tours: History Unfolds in The Middle East’s Most Cosmopolitan City
Though there actually aren’t that many organized walking tours of the city of Beirut, there are a number of companies that offer tours of the surrounding region. Many hotels run group tours for an extra fee, though some may include tours with the price of the room. Lebanon is really a very small country and you’ll never have to travel more than two hours to get anywhere. Day trips to nearby Tripoli, a small town famous for its traditional souks (covered markets) and homemade soaps are very popular. Here you can discover Lebanon’s captivating Arabian history in any of the preserved mosques, including Al-Muallaq Burtasiyat Madrassa, Al-Qartâwiyat Madrassa, Great Mosque and Taynâl.
Explore nature’s wonders with an informative guide in the nearby Island of Palm Trees, home to rare birds and green turtles. Scuba divers will enjoy guided diving tours to the ancient city of Tyre, an important archaeological site featuring sunken ships and lost treasures.
Walking tours of the city of Beirut are not as easy to come by as you might expect but they do exist. These tours will likely take you through the main areas of interest to tourists, such as Hamra, Clemenceau, Downtown, Tabaris and Gemmayzeh, and Corniche. Guides provide information on important sites such as the Roman baths and Martyrs Square. Tours are offered by English-speaking local guides, many of whom are students or recent graduates from the American University in Beirut. These tours are mainly aimed at backpackers and people interested in the history and culture of Lebanon. Walking tours are a great introduction to Beirut and will help you wrap your head around the city’s unusual culture and history.
Oakland
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Stay in Oakland Hotels and Have the Best Views of the San Francisco Bay
In order to be within walking distance of the attractions, staying in downtown, also referred to as Old Oakland, is recommended. With over fifty hotels in the downtown area you are sure to find exactly what you are looking for. The Washington Inn is a historic landmark in the heart of downtown, a boutique hotel which offers a complimentary breakfast buffet. Local transportation, the BART train service and the bus stop are less than a block away as well. Steps from the downtown area you can stay at the Jack London Inn, named as such due to its location on Jack London Square that faces San Francisco Bay. The rooms are comfortable and very affordable. The inn even has a rooftop pool deck where you will have stunning views of San Francisco. Of course there are more nationally recognized hotels such as the Oakland Marriott City Center, and the Howard Johnson Express Inn.
There are a few B&Bs to choose from, all of which sit in residential areas outside of downtown Oakland. The Hills B&B, located in North Oakland, has a private one-bedroom suite made up of three rooms. From the room there is a beautiful view of San Francisco Bay and there is a bus stop within one block of the house. Just as affordable is Dean’s B&B and rooms include a kitchenette stocked with assorted breakfast foods, and there is even a heated pool. Again, downtown Oakland is easy to reach by the BART service, which stops a couple of blocks away from Dean’s B&B.
Business travelers who do not want to hassle with a trip to downtown Oakland have the option of staying at one of the many hotels near Oakland International Airport, all of which will be approximately the same price. The hotels are national hotel chains like Best Western, Holiday Inn, and Days Inn.
Key West
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Key West Hotels: Sleeping on the tip of Florida
Whether driving down Interstate US 1 from the Florida mainland along one of the most scenic drives in the world or arriving from overseas via the very sophisticated Key West International Airport, visitors can choose between a wide range of accommodation options and styles, suitable for all budgets. The “old town” area of Key West is where most hotels are located, particularly along Simonton Street. Here guests can choose from global hotel chain properties to charming family-run and owned guest lodges.
Many visitors find the tips and general local knowledge provided by their hotel of choice invaluable during their stay but there is no preferred group of hotels as all present very well. Several hotels have their own private beaches; many offer shuttle services around the island, and all provide a great environment for relaxation and good times. In the “new town” area, closer to the marina and airport, you can discover several luxurious resorts and find fully equipped condominium time-share rentals here as well. Although there are not as many choices in this eastern side of town, rates are similar and guests should be wary of their traveling dates as rates (and availability) will change dramatically at various times of the year. Traditionally, it is exceedingly difficult to find hotel vacancies in Key West during Christmas and Easter breaks unless you pre-book, and the October Fantasy Fest is another very busy period. Off-peak times will produce excellent deals, such as early December.
The closeness of any hotel you choose in Key West to all the restaurants, bars, beaches, shopping, fantastic nightlife and general street entertainment means that you can walk for the most part, however car rental, scooter or taxi are popular options as the streets are busy. Regardless of whether you are planning to experience a luxury stay or a two-star budget- driven break, your Key West visit is sure to be an exciting and memorable one for all the right reasons.
El Paso
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Make Your Trip an Adventure with an El Paso Car Rental
Renters can choose from a wide range of vehicle categories, including economy, compact, midsize, standard, full-size, premium and luxury cars. Some major agencies have minivans and SUVs in their fleet. Renters can request for cars with either manual or automatic transmission, depending on model availability.
Daily rental rates range from $30 for economy and compact cars, to more than $100 for premium and luxury vehicles and SUVs. Child boosters and seats are available at cost to renters and should be requested during reservation. Some agencies also rent out GPS navigation systems.
The general rental requirements are a valid driver's license and photocopy of passport. Renters must be at least 21 years old. Drivers who are 21 to 24 years old will be charged an additional Young Driver Fee of $25 per day. For renters arriving at the airport, an additional 11% airport concession fee is charged.
Most, if not all, companies require a major credit card upon reservation and pick-up. To be sure, call the agency before your arrival to confirm method of payment. Companies that accept cash rentals usually require a $300 deposit.
Speed limits in Texas are set at 15mph (alleyways), 30mph (urban district) and 70mph (freeways and highways).
Bangkok
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So, you're looking for great places to stay in Bangkok…
A large selection of the city’s hotels is located around the Sukhumvit Road/Phloenchit Road/Rajdamri Road axis, or along the Chao Phraya River. The InterContinental, Hyatt, Sheraton and Four Seasons are amongst those that can be found around the former, while the riverside area includes another Sheraton, the Shangri-la, the Peninsula and the internationally-renowned Oriental.
For budget options, traveler can find a cluster of lower cost hotels located around the Khao San Road area located close to the old city, around Chinatown and in the sois (side streets) off Rama I Road near the popular MBK shopping mall.
The Sukhumvit Rd. area houses more popular hotels in Bangkok than any other single area. Traffic along the road can crawl at a snail’s pace, but that is not a problem as the popular and convenient elevated skytrain runs right down the middle of the road. Sukhumvit road and its sois are also lined with restaurants, shopping malls and individual shops, and the most tourist-centric sections of the road are lined with street vendors from morning till night. A multitude of the city’s biggest and most up-market shopping malls are only minutes from many of Bangkok’s international hotels via the skytrain.
The skytrain has one station by the riverside which connects with Bangkok’s water taxi service. Boats run frequently, are very cheap and offer a fascinating glimpse into another side of Bangkok city life. The water taxis also stop at two of Bangkok’s most famous tourist attractions, the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Reclining Buddha.
The Banglampoo area, including Khao San Road., remains popular with backpackers for its budget hotels. The area has undergone a great deal of gentrification with many of the area’s clubs and bars now popular with a cool local crowd, and many of the international chain stores have branches along the street. Many of the guesthouses in the area also offer many more comforts than they did in the past. The area’s cheap hotels are only a short walk from a pier, the Grand Palace and many favored art galleries and cafes.
Beyond these key areas, places to stay in Bangkok can be found anywhere in the general downtown area, with many business –oriented hotels found around Silom Road and Sathorn Road. These are close to many international corporate offices, embassies and nightlife. The Pratunam market area also features a number of comfortable mid-range hotels.
Dallas
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Dining in Dallas is much more than just BBQ and Tex Mex
Areas of the city with the main concentrations of restaurants and other dining outlets are the Beltline Road that travels through Addison and North Dallas; Greenville Avenue in East Dallas; Knox, McKinney and Henry Streets in Uptown; and the West End in the downtown district.
Beltline Road offers eating experiences ranging from budget to upscale dining. Budget restaurants in Dallas include chains such as IHOP and Denny’s, and local favorites like Jake’s and Greenz. For mid-range dining, try Gloria’s for El Salvador / Tex-Mex. May Dragon is a popular 4-star Chinese restaurant. The Clay Pit offer delicious vegetarian and non-vegetarian Indian cuisine. For up-scale restaurants in Dallas, try Queen of Sheba for excellent Ethiopian food, Japanese Kobe Steaks for hibachi-style cooking, and Texas de Brazil for Brazilian-style steaks.
Greenville Avenue is a series of lanes with neighborhood restaurants tucked inside. Dallas’ only Turkish restaurant is here: Café Istanbul. No trip to Dallas would be complete without a barbeque, and locals claim that Back Country Bar-B-Q serves the best you will ever eat.
Diners serious about upscale dining should head to Uptown to Knox, Henry, and McKinney streets. A notable establishment is Abacus, a 5-star restaurant of Chef Trey Wilcox fame. Shinsei is a sushi bar run by the wives of top Dallas chefs Kent Rathbun and Dean Fearing. For a taste of Dallas culture, try Bob’s Steak & Chop House, where wagers between Dallas leave the loser picking up the tab.
The West End in downtown Dallas offers chain restaurants and popular local establishments. You’ll find popular international chains such as TGI Friday’s, Dick’s Last Resort, Hooter’s, and Landry’s Seafood House. The Spaghetti Warehouse was the first to locate here, and is thus credited with starting the culinary development in the area. A favorite with locals is the Italian deli at Jimmy’s Food Store, where customers line up for some of the best sandwiches in Dallas and a terrific selection of imported Italian food. The cinnamon bread at Bread Winner’s is to die for. Don’t miss the unique Mexican food at RJ Mexican cuisine.
With all the dining options in Dallas, one thing is clear: don’t even think about going on a diet while until you get back home.
Kauai Island
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Kauai Island: Dream stays in Paradise
You can get to Kauai flying directly into Lihue Airport or by taking a twenty-minute flight from Honolulu. Close to the airport in the Lihue region, you can find a number of quaint bed and breakfasts, country inns as well as first-class resorts. You can catch a shuttle, taxi or rental car to your hotel. Getting around the island is best done by catching metered taxis unless you choose to hire a car, as the bus service is somewhat limited. Car rental is a terrific way to make quick trips from you room or use the island’s three main highways to explore the mountains and beaches.
Throughout the island, you will find a host of getaway retreats. Mid-range hotels and condominium rentals are on offer in some inland areas, but you really should consider spoiling yourself at one the many island resorts that bead the beautiful beaches. Areas like Lihue (central), Waimea (west), Poipo (south), Princeville (north) and Coconut Coast are home to a dazzling array of impeccable lodging.
Big name chains like Hyatt, Marriott, Sheraton and Hilton proudly boast their presence here. The list of services and amenities resorts offer is truly impressive. Enjoy the most luxurious bedding, enormous swimming pools, fully equipped fitness-centers, saunas, spas and massage rooms, the best in fine dining and so much more. These resorts can assist you by offering or organizing a plethora of tourist packages where you really explore the island. Activities such as hiking, swimming, scuba diving, horse riding and whale watching are just of a few of the things to do. If you are a golfing enthusiast, enjoy a round at one of the Garden Isle's many beautifully kept, excellent golf courses.
Hawaii is arguably the indisputable king when it comes to tourist destinations. Her islands are the stuff of dreams. If you are coming to Kauai Island for that well-deserved family vacation or want to get married in the most romantic place imaginable, you will find a wide-range of accommodation to suit most budgets.
Fort Lauderdale
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Fort Lauderdale Sights – Beach, Fish, Swim, Then More Beach
The Fort Lauderdale Beach is fronted by a popular promenade and the innovative “wave wall’ that snakes the coastline. Joggers and walkers welcome the morning sun in relative peace. Later in the day, especially on weekends, this popular walkway gets quite crowded. Still, there is plenty of room to stake out your spot to watch a colorful Florida sunset. Join an impromptu volleyball game, take an ocean swim and then work on your tan on the warm sands.
Nature lovers might want to head over to Dania Beach and the John U. Lloyd Beach State Park. The park is actually a 251 acre barrier island that runs from Port Everglades south to Dania. It sits between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. Trails snake the island which has been kept in its natural state and the beach is broad, flat and perfect for swimming and sun bathing. In June and July loggerhead sea turtles climb out of the water to nest and lay eggs and the rangers conduct educational tours under the Sea Turtle Awareness Program. There is a minimal entrance fee to the park year round.
The Broadwalk (sometimes spelled boardwalk) takes after the king of beach walkways in Atlantic City. This one is just as busy, full of bikers and skaters, families, young couples, teens, anyone who wants to be out in the sun. Souvenir shops, snack bars, arcades, beer stands, mini-golf courses, T-shirt shops all line the 30 foot wide promenade that stretches for three miles along the shoreline. If you want a break from the crowds, head for the sand and find your own spot to bask in the sun.
If you want to see Fort Lauderdale from a different perspective, try getting out on the water. Boat rentals are big business in this city. The Coast Guard offers daily classes so you can get your Florida Boater’s License and then it’s up to you. Sailboats, catamarans, power craft are all for rent, with or without crew. Once you’ve found the perfect aquatic vehicle, perhaps you might want to indulge in a bit of fishing, or maybe even do a bit of snorkelling or SCUBA diving at an off shore reef.
Lovers of the sport of fishing might want to visit the IGFA (International Game Fish Association) World Fishing Center at 300 Gulf Stream Way at Dania Beach. Part museum, part library and all fun, it is full of hands on displays to delight kids of all ages. One popular exhibit is a virtual reality fishing simulator that lets visitors reel in their own computer generated fish.
Baseball lovers do not despair. The Fort Lauderdale Stadium hosts the Baltimore Orioles for their spring training each year and to the south the Florida Marlins play at Dolphin Stadium in Hallandale. Though one does not normally associate ice hockey with palm trees and beaches, lovers of that sport can also get their fix. The Florida Panthers play their home games at the BankAtlantic Center in nearby Sunrise. Golfers have their choice of over 50 golf courses in the area, in all price ranges and various skill levels.
History lovers may want to visit the Stranahan House. Built in 1901, it is the oldest standing structure in the city and has served as a post office, town hall and general store. Built by Frank Stranahan, considered the “father of Fort Lauderdale” the building now houses a small museum focusing on South Florida pioneer life. The Bonnet House may also be of interest. The two story waterfront home on its 35 acre estate was built in 1921 and was the home of the artist Frederic Clay Bartlett.
Bogota
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Staying in Bogota, Colombia: Hotels with Altitude
The most important aspect of choosing a Bogota hotel is the location; although the city is now far less dangerous for tourists than in previous years, it is always advisable to choose a place to stay which you feel comfortable with and acknowledge certain advice provided by locals and past visitors alike.
Discount hotels in Bogota are located primarily in the La Candelaria. Here you will meet many travelers from many different countries all looking for a South American experience. Located in the “colonial” section of the city, budget-travelers can select from a good range of cheap hostels and hotels, but it is advisable to be careful when selecting this area as crime is still high, especially after dark. Always take a taxi, which there are plenty of, in preference to walking. But during the daytime, many of the city’s historical sites, like the 15th Century First Cathedral are within walking distance and it is hard not to appreciate the colonial style buildings surrounding this district.
The northern part of Bogota is very contemporary, modern and it is here that more up-market hotels are located. With security not really being an issue here, if you are new to Bogota or simply choose to have a little more luxury, choose a hotel in the districts of Zona T or Parque de la 93. Prices are much higher but safety is less of an issue, and many restaurants, cafes, boutiques, shopping centers and nightclubs are found here.
There are good discount hotel selections in downtown Bogota with some well-known hotel chains operating as well. Low budget to mid-range rates and amenities are very acceptable, and from here many of the sights and attractions of Bogota can be easily discovered. Business travelers may also choose this area as many banking and commercial companies are close by.
Another good location for mid-range hotels in Bogota are around the sporting attractions and Universities. There is limited choice for hotels at the El Dorado International Airport but as most of the city’s sights and attractions are closer to the downtown district, there is little motivation to stay here.
Overall, Bogota is one of the best South American cities for all types of hotel accommodation and visitors normally leave feeling very satisfied.
Lisbon
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Arrive at Lisbon Portela Airport and make the most of Portugal
Lisbon Portela Airport, commonly referred to in English as simply "Lisbon Airport" or in Portuguese as "Aeroporto de Lisboa," is located in the neighborhood of Portela, just a short distance from the most popular and touristy neighborhoods of the city, including the historic center. A major hub for travel within Europe, there are more flights to Lisbon through this airport than any other in all of Portugal.
A hub for TAP Portugal, a number of international airlines offer service to and from Lisbon Portela Airport, including Aer Lingus, Air Europa, Blue Air, Air France, Continental, Brussels Airlines, British Airways, EgyptAir, Germanwings, Finnair, Orbest, KLM, Iberia, Lufthansa, Turkish Airways, US Airways, and Ukraine International Airlines. There is daily service to most major European cities.
In the process of expanding to handle all of the extra traffic, Lisbon Portela Airport has added additional facilities and has plans for a brand-new terminal. At present, flights to Lisbon Portela Airport arrive at the airport's main building, known as Terminal 1. Low-budget domestic flights in Portugal arrive at and depart from Terminal 2.
South AmericaAfrica & Middle East |