Travel Management
You are currently browsing the articles from The Uncommon Network matching the category Travel Management.
Located in Southeastern Europe, Albania is a country off of the beaten travel road. Of course, this makes Albania a great place to visit.
Albania - History
Albania is a Mediterranean country sitting on the coast of the Adriatic and Ionian seas. The country is bordered to the north by Serbia and Montenegro, Greece to the south and Macedonia to the east. Involved in the massive strife arising in the former Yugoslavia, the country was previously a Soviet-Bloc country. These days, Albania is a democracy fighting to find its economic feet.
Tirana
Tirana is the capital of Albania and has a population of a little over 300,000. The city is an eclectic mix of traditional European structures, soviet style five story buildings and mid-east influenced architecture. Relatively small, Tirana is a city with a small town feel.
Korca - Rugs, Rugs, Rugs
Korca is a city located in the east of Albania close to the border of Greece. Built high up on a plateau, Korca is a must see if you love Turkish style rugs and carpets. The entire city seems to be devoted to the manufacture and sale of every size, color and type of rug. If you’re staying overnight, Hotel Iliria is your best option.
Petrela Castle
Dating back to 500 AD, Petrela Castle is an ancient structure, which is in relatively good shape considering the history attached to it. At one time or another, Petrela was the primary defense of the city of Durres. It has been held, used and conquered by Romans, Greeks, Turks and other. Seriously off the beaten path, getting to Petrela requires a sturdy Jeep or Landcruiser. It is a very bumpy road, but the view is more than worth it.
While Albania is struggling to recovery from a communist pass, it is a fairly safe place to visit. The people are nice and it is definitely an opportunity to visit a country off the beaten path.
Rick Chapo is with www.nomadjournals.com - makers of travel journals. Writing journals are the perfect travel accessories. Visit www.nomadjournaltrips.com to read more travel articles and travelogues.
Written by admin on May 8th, 2009 with comments disabled.
Read more articles on Travel Management.
This is the content of the ad2.php file. Leave it blank or include your ad.
Keystone offers the finest night skiing in Colorado with lights on 15 different slopes and a great terrain park. Night skiing starts at 4pm and ends at 10pm.
All of the night skiing at Keystone is on the front face of the mountain featuring great runs like the spring dipper. The Keystone Gondola will service most of the night skiing.
The spring dipper is a great long fast groomer with great high speed turns which makes the spring dipper a night skiing favorite. The frenchman is a great groomer which you can carve the most perfect turns, with ease and the big rollers will allow you to take flight if you want this. Always remember to give the right away to slower skiers and always ride in complete control. Your life and others are all always at risk when alpine skiing, so please be careful.
The Keystone terrain park offers many different types of rails, boxes and jumps. Some of the ski jumps are huge, so be careful and be sure to go big! If you fall short of the downhill, you’ll regret it. You can spend hours of time jumping and riding the rails in the Keystone terrain park, but please don’t forget about the rest of the mountain, I promise there are other super fun ski runs for you to enjoy.
To read more articles about Keystone skiing, visit www.keystonecoloradovacation.com.
Written by admin on May 4th, 2009 with comments disabled.
Read more articles on Travel Management.
This is the content of the ad3.php file. Leave it blank or include your ad.
Almunecar
Almunecar is known as the capital of the Costa Tropical and forms part of the province of Granada. The Costa Tropical is a less well known part of the coastline and is found between the Costa del Sol on the west and the Costa de Almeria to the east.
There are some beautiful beaches along the coastline and a good selection of hotels, villas and apartments. The average temperature here is 20C with around 320 days of sunshine per year.
Almunecar has a Moorish castle, the Castle of San Miguel and there are also several churches and museums which can be visited. Near to the castle is the Loro Sexi Bird Park which has over 1500 birds and nearby the botanical garden, the Parque del Majuelo is home to Europe’s largest collection of subtropical plants.
Motril
Motril is the largest town on the Costa Tropical and the second largest town in the province of Granada with over 55,000 inhabitants.
Motril has a busy commercial port as well as a fishing port and a marina. The two main beaches are the Playa Granada and the Playa Poniente. On the coast road to the west of the Playa Poniente is Casa Astrida which is one of the King’s residences. A little further along is the popular golf course, Los Moriscos.
The production of sugar cane was the main industry in the town for centuries and there is still a 16th century sugar mill, Casa de Las Palmas.
Salobrena
The old whitewashed town of Salobrena which is built upon a large rock, has steep, narrow streets which are centred around the 10th Century Moorish castle and the town is surrounded by lush sugar cane fields and the last sugar factory in Europe can be found in the village of La Caleta to the west of the town.
Salobrena has been inhabited for over 6000 years and the old town is lovely with great views of the landscape beyond, if you can make the climb to the top of the old town.
Salobrena has lots of bars, restaurants and tapas on offer and is ideally situated just 45 minutes from Granada and little over an hour to the Sierra Nevada mountain range so it is also an ideal location to combine winter sun and skiing.
Mojacar
Mojacar is in the province of Almeria and just 50 minutes drive from Almeria airport. It is an old whitewashed mountain village and only a couple of kilometres from the coast. There is a tourist resort just to the south called Mojacar Playa.
It has over 3000 hours of sunshine per year and has almost no winter season at all. Mojacar has retained most of its original character and is home to a Moorish fortress called El Torreon.
The beaches are the main attraction to visit the area as well as the many other picturesque villages to be visited.
Puerto de Mazarron
Puerto de Mazarron is an attractive holiday resort which has been popular with holidaymakers for many years. Fishing and agriculture are still the most important industries in the area but the economy is boosted each year by the influx of tourists in the summer. The coastal area of Mazarron has some of the loveliest unspoilt beaches in Spain and provides a peaceful environment for those choosing to vacation here. It is also a popular destination for Spanish families in the peak season but is ideal for a quieter holiday out of season.
There is an attractive promenade which gives access to the beaches and there are many bars, restaurants and cafes to try.
Warren Ward runs the vacation owner rental website of www.ChooseSpain.com which advertises hundreds of holiday villas and apartments throughout Spain.
Written by admin on May 4th, 2009 with comments disabled.
Read more articles on Travel Management.
These classy looking autumn inspired napkin rings will add the perfect touch to any Thanksgiving feast. As an added bonus they are very easy to make and cost next to nothing.
To see the image of the completed project, visit
http://www.dotcomwomen.com/crafts/thanksgiving/leaf-napkin-rings.shtml
What You Will Need
1. Salt
2. Flour
3. Water
4. Rolling pin
5. Cutting board
6. Cookie sheet covered with aluminum foil
7. Golden yellow paint or some other autumn color.
8. Fine tipped paintbrush
9. Ribbon in a dark autumn color such as maroon.
10. Leaf button or small leaf stamp
11. Sharp kitchen knife
12. Fake autumn leaves (these can often be found in the craft section of most stores)
13. Hot glue gun
Directions:
1. First you will need to make the salt dough.
2. In a medium bowl mix: 1 Cup salt, 1 Cup flour and Cup water.
3. Knead the dough until it reaches a clay-like consistency. If it is too sticky add more flour. If it is too dry add more water.
4. Put a small amount of flour on the area where you will be rolling out the dough and spread it evenly so that the dough will not stick.
5. Roll out the dough with the rolling pin until it is about a of an inch thick.
6. Use the button or stamp to make an impression in the dough.
7. Use the knife to cut a rectangle or square around the impression.
8. Place the pieces on the cookie sheet. Make sure you place them on the sheet with the indent facing up.
9. When you have made as many as you need. Turn the oven to warm and put the pan in the oven.
10. The amount of time it will take to dry the pieces depends on the oven. So check them constantly. It will most likely take about 2-3 hours for them to dry completely. When they are done they will be hard, light and make a hollow sound when tapped on.
11. When they are done, paint the indent with your chosen color.
12. Allow the paint to dry.
13. Plug in the hot glue gun.
14. Cut the ribbon into four inch long pieces.
15. Choose leaves for the napkin rings and remove stems if necessary.
16. With the hot glue gun, put glue on the back of a salt dough piece and attach it to the front of a leaf, so that the piece is slightly slanted.
17. When the glue has dried turn the leaf over and put a small line of glue towards the base of the leaf.
18. Attach the ribbon so that it forms a ring.
19. Use as you would any other napkin ring.
Article © Dot Com Women. For more Thanksgiving craft and decorating projects, visit http://www.dotcomwomen.com/crafts/thanksgiving.shtml
Written by admin on May 2nd, 2009 with comments disabled.
Read more articles on Travel Management.
Portugal is an exotic locale filled with unique treasures, and rich culture and history. It’s truly a land worth visiting and experiencing first-hand. Perched on the western edge of the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal stands out among its neighbors as one of the oldest and yet most traditional and conservative European civilizations. Visitors can view 22,000 year-old Paleolithic art on the rock faces of Vale do Ca, and human occupation of this region dates 500,000 years back in time! The Celts settled here around 750 B.C. and were followed by Romans, Visigoths, and Greeks among others. The Moors enjoyed their infamous occupation from the 8th to the 13th Century and left their culture and ornate, whitewashed architecture as an eclectic signature on the Iberian Peninsula.
Today, Portugal’s homogenous culture and dedication to tradition is largely due to Salazar’s oppressive rule during the mid-1900s. As a result, visitors can enjoy a more culturally authentic stay in Portugal than any other European nation.
The north-south axis of mainland Portugal creates regions of dynamic terrain and unique specialties. The popular Douro Valley stretches 125 miles along a winding river and is famous for the string of port wineries at its edges. Cruises are now offered along the entire length of the Valley, beginning in Porto. The resort town of Lagos in the southern Algarve region attracts sun-seekers and history buffs alike. Prepare to be swept away by this hidden gem encircled by 15th Century walls.
Travel Portugal in the Atlantic
Two groups of islands off the Atlantic Coastline belong to Portugal and are a perfect and serene escape from the mainland, offering centuries of Portuguese history all their own and a look into the region’s natural beauty. The Azores Islands archipelago lies 907 miles from the coast and is a haven of turquoise lakes, rolling green hills and sandy beaches. Monasteries, cathedrals, forts and ruins dating back to the 15th Century, when Portuguese navigators encountered the outcropping, are sprinkled about the islands. To the South, the enticing subtropical climate of Madeira Island and the surrounding volcanic archipelago is a bastion for adventure-seekers, resort luxuries, Madeira wine and untouched 15th Century architecture standing dramatically on seaside cliffs. Both of these secluded retreats are easily accessible from major airports on mainland Portugal.
Tips to the Savvy Traveler
Nearly all of Portugal works on Siesta time and 97% of the country is Catholic, therefore also affecting commercial hours and holidays. Most shops, banks and pharmacies are closed between 1pm and 3pm (yes, even in major cities). Make special note that museums also close in the middle of the day between 12:30pm and 2pm. Almost everything except museums closes by 1pm on Saturdays, and plan on simply eating and resting on Sundays when nothing is open. To plan your trip wisely, check the hours of operation of attractions you’d like to see before planning your trip or booking your room!
Lastly, be aware when traveling by taxi. Fare is metered within urban limits, but once you leave these boundaries, you will be charged by the kilometer in addition to the price of the driver’s return trip to the starting point. When taking a taxi after midnight, negotiate the price with the driver before getting in the car, especially if you’ve been indulging in Port!
For more information on travel to Portugal and other destinations in Europe, and discount airfare to Portugal, visit www.cfares.com.
Wholesale Travel to Portugal
Written by admin on April 30th, 2009 with comments disabled.
Read more articles on Travel Management.
Each tourist season we collect these little anecdotes that American tourist seem so willing to provide. All we have to do is sit in the main plaza with pen and notebook in hand. Enjoy!
Old American Male: What’s there to do in this town?
Sweet Mexican woman: Have you tried visiting our city’s churches?
Old American Male: I’ve been all over the world and have seen more churches than I care to remember. I don’t need to see any more God d***ed churches.
High School American girls: Oh my God, can you believe the toilet paper dispenser was OUTSIDE the stall?
American Restaurant Patron: I asked for a “real” taco.
American cab rider: I want “real” money in change and not pesos.
American Student: Are all the Mexican women this fat?
American (Texan) Housewife: Do you realize just how corrupt your government is here?
American Freak-a-Zoid Hippie: I can’t believe you Americans (expats) who want to live in such a poor country.
American woman in tour-group: You shouldn’t feed your child something like that for breakfast! (She says this to a Mexican mother.)
American man fat and balding: They have no booze in this grocery store for Christ’s sake.
American Country Club Snobs: What do you mean there’s no golf course here?
American teenaged male: Where’s the mall so I can cruise for Mexican chicks?
American 10-year old: But I wanted a Happy-Meal!
American Redneck Hick: Donch y’all have no cafeterias down to where you’re from?
American Old Crow (female): Walks into a bank and begins screaming, “I know some mother-f***er employee here speaks English and I want to talk to them right now!”
American Senior Citizen: But I demand a Senior citizen’s discount on this roasted ear of corn.
American Hotel Patron: Why don’t you get ESPN?
San Miguel de Allende American Expat: Stands in front of a Mexican young person’s rock band and gives them “the finger” until the concert is disrupted.
Middle-aged American backpacker: Walks into a crowded restaurant and announces, “All Mexican women are b**ches”.
Another American Redneck Hick: What kind of speech do y’all talk down here?
American Woman in English bookstore: She points to something she finds inappropriate and tells the owner it is a sacrilege that she has such an item.
Another chubby bald American: I am worried about all the graft in Mexico (I guess he doesn’t keep up on graft in America![1]
I have to make a comment here: Americans act as though America is the paragon of all that is good in the world. Where does this self-delusion come from? They are so quick to point out corruption in another country while wickedness of all sorts is going on right under their noses! Perhaps the Minuteman Project fanatics who blame the Mexican migrant workers for exploiting services should do a little self-examination at their own fraud…see footnoted quote!
Can someone please explain this to me?
So ends my story on Americans say and do the craziest things!
[1] Billions Misspent by Medicaid in New York State, Tuesday,
HealthIssues Daily Briefing, July 19, 2005
Billions Misspent by Medicaid in New York State A year-long investigation by the New York Times found that the New York state Medicaid program has been misspending billions of dollars annually because of “fraud, waste and profiteering.” According to the Times, the program has become so huge, so complex and so lightly policed that it is easily exploited. NewYork’s Medicaid program spends about $44.5 billion annually, which is more than any other state, including California, whose Medicaid program covers about 55 percent more people.
Freelance writer, Syndicated Columnist, and book author, Doug Bower, has written a compelling new book titled, AMERICA’S ANTI-MEXICAN XENOPHOBIA. Have you wondered if the Minuteman Project is really on the “up and up”? Have you wondered if they represent all that is good and right with Americaparagons of patriotic virtue? Doug Bower may have the answers you’ve been looking for. Check out his new book:
http://www.lulu.com/mexicanliving
Written by admin on April 30th, 2009 with comments disabled.
Read more articles on Travel Management.
The Alabama Theatre in Myrtle Beach isn’t named with the state of Alabama in mind, but rather with country group legends Alabama who started their career in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
When they’d had enough of the nomadic life, and wanted to set down more fixed roots, it was back to Myrtle Beach they returned and the Alabama Theatre Myrtle Beach was created.
Built in 1991 on the Barefoot Landing complex, the Alabama Theatre in Myrtle Beach offers a great place for an evening’s entertainment. Throughout the year top country stars and other performers take to the Alabama’s stage, but they have two main shows which make up the bulk of the ticket sales for the theatre.
Firstly there’s the “One” show. This show is one for anyone who loves music! Showcasing songs across the entire spectrum of music, from bluegrass to Broadway hits and almost every genre in between, the show plays weeknights and Saturday nights throughout a major portion of the year and would be a great show to take the whole family to see!
November brings a change of main show when the “One” show takes a break and the “One for the Holidays” takes over for a two month run. Billed as “The South’s Grandest Holiday Show” this show hosts an array of special effects, talented performers, skilled backstage people who’ve all come together to produce a magical show which showcases the Holiday music people love in a new package that will entertain and enchant.
Sprinkled throughout the year are special performances by some of the most famous names in country music! During 2005 Kenny Rogers will take to the stage at the Alabama Theatre, as will one of the first ladies of country music Loretta Lynn.
Other performers will include Billy Rae Cyrus, The Drifters and The Temptations. Check out the http://www.alabama-theatre.com or ring their booking office for more information. And don’t forget to visit http://www.myrtle-beach-guide.com for all the information you’ll need for a great Myrtle Beach vacation.
If you are fan of any of these great performers, or your partner is, a mini vacation in Myrtle Beach would be a perfect gift!
Spend the day relaxing the sun, or playing a round or two of golf, enjoy a leisurely meal at the Barefoot Landing complex, and then wander across to the nearby Alabama Theatre Myrtle Beach to be entertained by your favorite singers, or to watch a great show. What a perfect way to celebrate a special occasion!
Gregg Gillies
Gregg Gillies is a freelance writer with a passion for his favorite vacation spot, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Check out his site http://www.myrtle-beach-guide.com for more information on the most visited vacation spot in the US, including Hawaii.
Written by admin on April 30th, 2009 with comments disabled.
Read more articles on Travel Management.
As the FIFA World Cup 2006 descends upon the 12 host cities of Germany, some of the most prominent cities such as Berlin, Munich and Frankfurt will barely bat an eyelid seasoned as they are to staging events on a world stage. For other cities, this is the culmination of arduous preparation and planning and for one or two the month in the spotlight might just be enough to propel them into the league of internationally renowned cities.
Cologne is Germany’s longest established cities. It is a city of deep historical ties and cultural depth. The spires of the cathedral are the symbol of Cologne and one of the most recognised landmarks in Germany. As Germany’s fourth largest city, Cologne is ready to promote itself on an international stage and attract some of the long weekend tourism that the aforementioned cities receive. Tourism is alive and kicking in Cologne and peaks in the winter as bus loads from the UK, France and Scandanavia visit the city’s Christmas markets. There is a feeling in Cologne that it is just perhaps not at the same level as its counterparts and that a spectacle such as the World Cup might just prove to be a tipping point in the fortunes of Cologne.
Cologne will play host to 5 World Cup matches and will derive its share of the anticipated 3-4 million fans set to descend on Germany this summer. Cologne is a pleasant, attractive city with much to offer even the most casual or distracted of visitor and is well geared for tourism. With over 250 hotels in the city and additional accommodation added in preparation for the tournament the infrastructure for tourism in Cologne is on a par with any major city in Europe. Accommodation will be stretched in and around the time of the World Cup and late bookers and prospective visitors would be well advised to check out major hotel websites and the Cologne city authority site (http://www.koeln.de ) for up to the minute information and advice.
Cologne is well served by a large international airport offering domestic flights to other host cities as well as extensive destinations throughout Europe and beyond. The city is also well served by regional train and autobahn networks and its situation in central western Germany make it a good base to follow your team by car. Most of the major car hire firms have a presence in the city and this may be a good option for those traversing the nation to follow their teams’ fortunes.
About Michael
Michael is a keen writer, and internet marketer living in Scotland:
Contact details:
E-mail: samqam@googlemail.com
Phone: 0131 561 2251
Michael’s Website: Taxi Belfast Airport
|
|
Written by admin on April 26th, 2009 with comments disabled.
Read more articles on Travel Management.
For a part of the world that comprises some of the worlds most beautiful and spectacular scenery it is no surprise that there are boundless opportunities for hiking within Chile and Argentina. Those who are tempted by the idea of getting their boots on and walking through: deserts, jungles, native forest, rugged coastlines and ice fields, should be thinking about planning a trip to this part of the world.
Summer (November to March) is the best time of year to undertake such a trip if you are considering going to Patagonia, but if you are not, then sensational walks can be taken all year round.
Both countries have an organised system of national parks and national monuments that both protect and administer large areas of outstanding natural beauty. Some of these parks, such as Torres del Paine (in Chile) and Los Glaciares (in Argentina) are well known and get busy in high season, but the majority are little known and rarely visited and exceptionally beautiful. A good example of the latter is Parque Nacional Volcan Isluga, close to the Bolivian border in northern Chile.
This park, along with other parks in the region, covers areas of the Altiplano of great natural beauty and those who venture here will be rewarded with unspoilt views of spectacular scenery and sightings of many animals that are rare elsewhere, such as: guanaco, and, vicua, vizcacha, alpaca and llama, to name a few, and all this far from the crowds. Besides the landscape and the flora and fauna, this park is of great human interest. The Aymaran peoples and their ancestors have lived here for at least 6000 years and today the remote villages in the park are still populated by Aymaran communities, which conserve many pre-Columbian traditions. The economy of the villages is based around livestock, agriculture and textiles (not tourism in the near future). Bare in mind that if you plan to hike in this park or any on the Altiplano, that you need to take time to acclimatise, unless you are either from this region or Nepalese - at over 4000m above sea level the park will literally take your breath away.
In many parks there are also spectacular opportunities for climbing, and you don’t need to be an experienced mountaineer to undertake some of the most amazing expeditions. There are many non-technical climbs that that require a good level of fitness and an adventurous spirit - an example of such a climb is to the summit of the active volcano Villarica, in southern Chile. It is a 5hr climb to the 3000m peak that requires the use of crampons and an ice axe. From the crater of the volcano the views over the lake district are stunning: green forests, lakes, other snow capped volcanoes to the north and south. But what is really unforgettable is the view inside the crater - a swirling sea of molten rock at 1000 degrees Centigrade. One can’t imagine being allowed anywhere near a volcanic crater brimming with lava in Europe or North America - thankfully such molly coddling hasn’t reached South America yet!
Back up in the north of Chile is the giant Ojos del Salado volcano. At just under 7000m high it is the largest volcano in the world and the second highest mountain outside the Himalayas. It is a non-technical climb but requires a very high level of fitness. It is curious that most people have never heard of this volcano that dwarfs Kilimanjaro, but its anonymity is a blessing as there is no tourist trail up Ojos del Salado.
The national parks of Chile and Argentina have so much to offer and it is remarkable that so many of them are still well off the beaten track - perfect for those who love a wilderness adventure walking holiday.
Andrew Chaundler worked and travelled in South America for many years before setting up Optimundo, a travel company that specialises in Chile Holidays and Argentina Holidaysthat have been designed with expert knowledge of the region. The company also provides an efficient and friendly tailor-made service, to so that you can specify the elements that you want in your perfect trip to Chile and Argentina.
Written by admin on April 24th, 2009 with comments disabled.
Read more articles on Travel Management.
Lets face it, one of the joys of a cruise is the sumptuous world class food that is available everywhere and in great quantities. Needless to say, nearly anyone who has embarked on a cruise has come back a bit heavier, but that doesn’t have to be the case. There are many other amenities aboard every cruise ship that you can enjoy and still fit into your bathing suit at the end of the trip.
One key to not overeating is to simply only eat when you are hungry. Avoid the temptation to eat at every chance you get and ask yourself “Am I really that hungry”. If you are then go ahead and fill up, but if you are not, pass on the food or eat just a little bit or a piece of fruit.
Another thing to remember is that you do not have to sample everything on the buffet every night! If there are many things you would like to try, then pace yourself throughout the week. How about taking just a bite or two of that tempting dessert instead of eating two pieces? Those 2 bites will taste just as good as eating the whole thing and leave you feeling much lighter.
When eating at a buffet, try to fill your plate up with fruits and vegetables. This will be much healthier for you and leave you full of energy and ready to dance the night away!
If you do overeat, there’s plenty of opportunity to burn off those extra calories. Take full advantage of the exercise equipment on the ship and plan to get in a full workout each day. Walking the deck can be fun and also a great way to get in some exercise. When you are in the pool, swim a few laps instead of just floating. Take the stairs instead of elevator whenever possible.
About the Author
Lee Dobbins is contributing writer at http://www.choose-your-cruise.com where you can find out everything you wanted to know about cruises.
Written by admin on April 19th, 2009 with comments disabled.
Read more articles on Travel Management.
This is the content of the ad4.php file. Leave it blank or include your ad.
