Travel Tips to Italy

English: A 4x4 segment panorama of the Coliseum at dusk. Taken by myself with a Canon 5D and 50mm f/1.8 lens at f/5.6 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

By []Mark McLaine

Italy is known all over the world for its churches and other monuments that were made during different eras of history. The country has a number of places that showcases the rich past and heritage. Italy has some of the finest collections of art and other works that were made during the era of Renaissance.

When you are planning to travel to Italy, there are a number of factors which you need to keep in mind. Here are some of the tips that are shared below.

Top 10 Party Cities in the World

Piccadilly Circus, London, Great Britain (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

San Francisco sky (Photo credit: davidyuweb)

The Inn on Peaks Island – western vista to Portland (Photo credit: origamidon)

By []Hank William Klinger

First of all I want to start by saying that these are my own picks. I didn't do any research on the top cities to party in or anything like that.

These are places I've spent time at and love. I think its better like that anyway, all about the experiences and sharing them with you. There's gonna be some off the wall spots on here you probably never would expect. I used to party a TON though so trust me on this. And granted there are plenty of others cities I've been to that could have made it on this list. But I picked the top ten that popped into my head first of all.

So these are my top 10 choices for the best cities to party at.

10. Lima Peru - This hot South American is bustling with life. I first hit Peru back in 07 I think it was, I gotta say for the men Peruvian woman are gorgeous, and for the ladies Peruvian dudes are good looking cats, South Americans in general are hot blooded and like their parties. We would never even head out until well after midnight and then wed party all night and hit the DiscoTechues at like 8 in the morning.

 I highly recommend this for anyone looking to have some fun in another country with some great people. Head over to Mira Flores the major tourist hub in Lima and check out Aura and Gotica Nightclubs. These two of the larger and more trendy nightclubs in the area.

09. Mobile Alabama - Most people don't know this, but this is the home of the original Mardi Gras, it started back in 1703 and is the oldest Carnival Celebration in the United States. There are plenty of tanned bodies on the Gulf coast always looking to have a good time. Downtown Mobile has a ton of character, and you get tons of young par-tiers coming Pensacola Florida (Another Hot Spot).

And more from Gulf Shores Mississippi, this whole area is one big party really. Head on down to Mobile during the first week of October for BayFest Music Festival. Its largest music festival in Alabama, upwards of 125 bands over a three day period. Good times good food, and good people.

08. Santa Barbara California - This place has it all, a beautiful downtown, and State Street is off the chain. Buy Designer clothes by day and party by night. I've spent a lot of time partying here, and granted its been a while. Things haven't changed.

If you're looking for more of a house party and college party type scene head to I.V. or Isla Vista for the younger crowd and streets packed with par-tiers until the wee hours of the morning.

07. Hollywood California - Alright I couldn't leave this off, land of the beautiful people. Rock Stars, Celebrities, and famous people of all sorts. Hollywood is famous for a reason. There are endless clubs and bars, whatever you're looking for.

Head over to the Whiskey for some live music, or check out some burlesque dance at the Pussycat Doll Lounge. Or you prefer to get straight to clubbing check out Johnny Deps Viper Room. Whatever you're looking for Hollywood has it all

06. Juneau Alaska - Believe it this place is out of control, I had to throw this on here to encourage people to head to Alaska. The capital city has an unbelievable party scene. Especially in the summer time, during the peak of summer its not uncommon to have an extra 30,000 people in town from the cruise ships.

And Alaskans in general love to party, the beauty of Juneau is that everything is conveniently located in about three or four square blocks. I know this down sound like much, but there are more than enough establishments in this area. And when done partying for the night, head over to Pel Minis for some Russian dumplings.

05. San Francisco California - This is probably my favorite city in the world. Broadway is out of control and Chinatown is just crazy. Remember Big Trouble in Little China with old Jack Burton? Well its not quite the same as it used to be, but its still wild. And SF is just a fun city to visit, the culture, the music, and food, everything about it.

And yes the clubs and nightlife. Being from California and haven't spent a good amount of time all over the state, my hat go offs to SF for being so unique. Don't get me wrong So Cal is great too, but there's something about the whole Bay atmosphere that hits home.

Maybe its because I was born right next to SF, but I cant think of anyone who would ever disagree about SF. Make sure while you're there you see Broadway at night, and if you're a little seedier action there's always the Tenderloin But I don't recommend that area for the faint of heart or just anyone.

04. Portland Oregon - Gotta love this city, land of the free spirits and flower children. Portland is definitely a young new wave town. Very modern, and extremely liberal, its got a great nightlife and very good food. On a side note, Portland is takes the reins for the most exotic Dance Clubs within a city limits in the entire United States. Yes lots and lots of Strippers, its a fun city though than that.

You a Fan of Whiskey? Check out the Multnomah Whiskey Library. And after a big night of partying have some steak and eggs while watching the lovely woman of the Acropolis Club in Southeast Portland. Well they could be lovely at nine in the morning after a night of drinking.

03. Gothenburg Sweden - This is where I actually call home right now. And let me tell you that if you're looking to party with the seriously beautiful people, then Sweden is for you. Swedish people are just beautiful in general. And they know how to have fun; they are a bit more reserved at first. But once they open up, its game over.

Gothenburg is second to Stockholm in size, and while I haven't been to Stockholm yet to compare. Gothenburg will always hold a place in my heart. If you're looking for some good live rock there's always Stick Fingers. And if you're covered in tats like me, theres the rock bar which is right up your alley. On the other hand if you're looking for a more club scene type thing go except, you wont be disappointed.

02. Austin Texas - I was very surprised by the downtown area of Austin. Wow, this place had a great nightlife, and tons and tons of clubs and bars. Fridays and Saturdays they shut down all of Sixth Street and the place is packed with par-tiers for blocks and blocks.

If you're looking to some ladies dancing on the bars, check out the world famous Coyote Ugly. This place is great fun, good drinks, and wild as ever. I actually got hand cuffed there and took body shots off of a bartender, it was pretty funny.

01. London England - OK, this is the height of it all for pretty much everything. London is like San Francisco jacked up on juice. No joke, there are too many places to name here, but you gotta make sure and go to Piccadilly Circus. Whatever you're looking for London has it, I've never seen a more culturally diverse city. There are people from everywhere in this city, and during the day there is so much to see.

I suggest before you go out partying check out the open market at the Camden Lock. This market had everything and awesome street food. I could imagine what the open markets must have been like 2000 years ago. It was kind of like the troll market from Hellboy 2, minus the trolls.

So These are the top 10 cities for partying in the world in my opinion.

I'm sure everyone has their own. And I cant say anything about Asia or Australia as I haven't been there yet. Bali is next on my list; Ive grown into some different interest these days. But I still love a good party.

OK so I cant leave out my personal favorite party city. Chico California, its my hometown. It may not be the biggest in the world, but it packs a punch. And can contend with the best of them. Halloween and St. Patricks day are by far the wildest in Chico. Or if you're looking to flat the river with about 15,000 college students, don't miss Labor and Memorial Day. [http://www.Facebook.com/tattooedtravel]Connect with me on Facebook - Tattooed Traveler

Are you a traveler?

Always looking for that next big party? But cant seem to fund your next adventure? I used to have that same problem. And then I started blogging and working online. Now I get paid to blog and work online.

Its really a great life, especially if you're into Traveling. I highly recommend it. If you're looking for a job that you can take with you around the world, you can learn more about how you can work from your laptop and get paid to blog when you enter your e-mail on the next page by following the link below. [http://www.tattooedtraveler.com/blog/category/destinations-and-toplist]More Articles

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Top-10-Party-Cities-in-the-World&id=8137959] Top 10 Party Cities in the World

Christmas in Europe

Clifton Mill in Clifton, Ohio is the site of this Christmas display with over 3.5 million lights. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Der Erfurter Weihnachtsmarkt bei Nacht von der Zitadelle Petersberg aus gesehen. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: Christmas lights on South Molton Street, Central London, UK. Christmas season 2010. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A gathering of Carol Singers in front of the Christmas Tree in Trafalgar Square, London England. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: Picture of the Ferris Wheel at the Hyde Park Christmas Market (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: Cologne Christmas market lit up during the evening (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: Christmas lights Nederlands: Kerstverlichting (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

the sexy santa assistants were there to take a photo of you in front of the xmas tree or you could just ask them to take a photo with you and pretend that your girlfriend is a sexy santa assistant See where this picture was taken. [?] (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

By []Christopher Walters

The ancient and historic lands of Europe have town, villages, and cities where some of them date back to the day of the first historic Christmas. Other mostly established in the centuries that followed but their long histories are closely tied to the holiday of Christmas. Some of have dramatic festivals and snow covered scenery straight out of a storybook. No matter what you're particular religion, spending the Christmas season with your family in the fabled lands of Europe can be a one of kind and all together magical experience. Here are a few of the towns and villages with some of the best Christmas celebrations anywhere in the world.

1. Salzburg, Austria

The town of Salzburg is not only the birthplace of the legendary composer Mozart and the setting for the iconic "Sound of Music", it has one of the largest Christmas markets in Europe. It attracts millions of visitors every season to shop the hundreds of stalls, shops, and celebrations as the air fills with the amazing sounds of the season. There are children's puppet shows and choir singing songs, making this place a magical Christmas setting high in the stunning snowy mountains of the Alps. The town is light with million of lights and horse drawn sleighs trot along the cobblestones. There are countless places to find one of kind Christmas treasures, toys, treats, and ornaments. Step into a quiet caf� and warm yourself with a hot cup of cocoa or a glass of wine.

2. Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany

This historic medieval town nestled deep in the Black Forest of Germany is probably one of the most magical and enchanting places to visit around Christmas time. Christmas is so important here that they even have a massive Christmas market that is open all year around. The city is transformed into a winter wonderland and the market, known as Reiterlesmarkt, dates back to the 15th century. Aside from the fantastic shopping where shops and stalled are filled with toys, ornaments, and heavenly treats, the town itself will have you swearing Santa's workshop might be just around the corner. The buildings are hundreds of years old and the cobblestone streets give the entire town a very romantic feel. Make sure to stop by and nibble on their signature treat, the Schneeball or snowball, which is essentially sweet fried dough, rolled in sugar. It's truly a winter fairyland.

3. Dresden, Germany

The Christmas market began in here in 1434 and is the oldest and most popular in Germany. The entire city is alight with Christmas lights and there is no shortage of holiday fun to have. From the Gingerbread Festival in early December to the Stollenfest to the Christmas Arch Festival, the holiday events last all month long. Each one brings to life the history, traditions, and customs through carols and dances and the entire city delights in the cheer of the Christmas season. The children are front and center for the season too. Santa and his elves meet with the little ones and there are enchanting storybook cottages that will have the kids sure they have stepped into one of their fairytales. There is also a children's railway and merry-go-round in the children's adventure land. Kids can enjoy puppet sows, story telling or simply sinking their teeth in delicious treats and chocolates. Enjoy authentic gingerbread in the very land where it originated or stop in and a local pub or restaurant to warm your toes.

4. Prague, Czech Republic

The Christmas season lasts all month long in the Czech Republic and the capital city of Prague hosts one of the largest Christmas markets in Europe. The city is wrapped in Christmas lights and the air is filled with the sounds of Christmas carols emanated from both the streets and any one of the gothic churches. The Old Town Square and the Wenceslas Square host the main Christmas markets where you can not only buy ornaments, winter gear, jewelry, traditional souvenirs or toys, but also hearty food and hot wine on a chilly winter evening. Enjoy some traditional seasonal food such as roasted ham, sausage, or Trdelnik, which is a delicious sugary pastry. The pubs are a place where you can relax, socialize and enjoy some of the local beer. The children will enjoy the Nativity scene and a chance to pet the goats and sheep or awe at the massive Christmas tree in Old Town Square. You can also enjoy phenomenal operas and symphonies as well. All month long, the city becomes even more spectacular than usual.

5. London, England

In the land of Charles Dickens, the classic Christmas tales come to life in front of your eyes. Seems as though every inch of the city is covered in Christmas lights. During the holiday season you can enjoy ice-skating and Christmas choirs singing into the chilly night air. A visit to the annual Winter Wonderland and you can see ice sculptures and shop until you drop. There are several Christmas markets that offer all kind of treats, toys, souvenirs, clothing, ornaments, etc, There are shows, plays, and symphonies to get yourself in the mood for the season. There are sleigh rides and Santa's Grotto along with a stroll through the 105-acre wildlife oasis. You can hear the story of Scrooge in London's Wetland Centre. The famous store Harrods also gets a visit from Santa giving the family a chance for shopping, photos with Santa, and even real-life reindeer. You can also see real reindeer at the London Zoo along with Santa and his elves as well. The list is endless and you are sure to stay in the Christmas spirit for a long time.

For more information on traveling to Europe please visit http://www.destinationeuropeonline.com/blog/?page_id=510

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Christmas-in-Europe&id=7946826] Christmas in Europe

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8 Unique London Venues

Clare College (Photo credit: Paul Stainthorp)

English: The City of London skyline, including the Willis Building and the Broadgate Tower. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: London - The Gherkin & Canary Wharf Taken from Tower 42 (formerly NatWest Tower) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

30 St Mary Axe (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

By []Izzy Evans

London, as England's capital city, has so much heritage and culture on offer it is not surprising that it is home to some of the best conference and dining venues in the country. From the huge and grand to the small and cosy, there will be something on offer that suits you. However, London is also home to a wide selection of venues that cannot be found anywhere else, to venues that have historical significance, a unique-selling point or are just something fresh and different. Here are a selection of 10 unique venues for those looking for a more unusual venue or for those who simply like to peruse and imagine what kind of event they would hold.

The Royal College of Physicians

The Royal College of Physicians is England's oldest medical foundation and is well known for its high standards of medical practice. However, a lesser known facet of the College is its conference and dining facilities. The building itself is in the modernist style but the rooms on offer vary in d�cor and style. The Censors' Room features a much more classic style with wood panelling while the Council Chamber is a modern circular hall with an impressive ceiling. The decoration is not the only draw, the College also has a collection of artefacts, portraits and manuscripts on display throughout the building making it a stand out venue. Events can also be held in the Medicinal Garden which is home to over 1,300 plants from the history of medicine.

30 St Mary Axe - 'The Gherkin'

30 St Mary Axe is a skyscraper in the financial district of London that has been nicknamed 'the Gherkin' by Londoners in a reference to the building's distinctive shape. The Gherkin is 180 metres tall, was opened in 2004 and has since won a number of awards for architecture. For those that want a spectacular view the Gherkin is the right choice. Searcys Restaurant and Bar covers the top floor of the building and offers fantastic 360 degree views of the London skyline. The venue is only available to members and tenants during the day but is available for hire in the evenings and at the weekends.

The Roof Gardens, Kensington

The name of this venue is not just a misleading misnomer, the venue is actually comprised of a roof garden that covers 6,000 square metres on top of the former Derry and Toms building in Kensington. The gardens are Grade II listed and are divided into three themed gardens; Spanish, Tudor and English Woodland. There are not just a vast variety of plants to see but the Gardens are home to fish and wildlife, including four resident flamingos. The Roof Gardens are open to the public but can be hired out for private events in the daytime or the evening all week excluding Saturdays which are only available during the day.

 Ladur�e

Ladur�e are a French patisserie company that specialise in making luxury cakes and pastries and are famous for their macarons. The Ladur�e premises in Covent Garden are designed to look like a vintage Parisian tea house and are available for private hire. This venue is the perfect choice for those with a sweet tooth and a love for pastels, but savoury items are also available.

IceBar

If you are looking for somewhere cool for your event, look no further than the ICEBAR. The very unique selling point of this venue is the fact that everything is made from Swedish Torne River ice. The bar is kept at -5 degrees Celsius and everything, from the glasses to the tables and the bar itself, are made from ice. Sessions in the ICEBAR last for forty minutes and each guest is given a designer cape and gloves. The venue is completely redesigned with a new theme every year. The venue also hires out heated, and less icy, dining rooms and lounges.

The Folly

The Folly is an aesthetically unique venue that brings a feeling of the outdoors to London. It describes itself as London's secret garden and has a six foot Norwegian tree trunk as a focal point. The Folly offers food and drinks but also has flower arranging classes in its flower shop and butchery classes in its deli. The Folly has a distinctive bar styled like a beehive and is decorated with a variety of plants and flowers.

Tower of London

For those looking for something different for their event or party the Tower of London may be the perfect choice. Although hundreds of years ago the Tower was a place that many people feared to go, now it is a historically fascinating and wholly unique venue. The Tower has six function rooms available for hire, these include the Martin Tower - home of the Crown Jewels - and the New Armouries. As well as having an exciting place setting for events, you can also choose to have a private viewing of the Crown Jewels or a Yeoman Warder tour as an extra.

The Cutty Sark

The Cutty Sark is probably one of the most famous, and sole surviving, clipper ships in Britain. It was built in 1869 and was used in the tea trade. The ship was badly damaged by fire in 2007 and has only recently reopened to the public after a huge restoration project. The ship has been suspended from the ground, allowing visitors and guests to walk around the ship and get the full effect of its brass hull. The huge space around the ship can be hired out for events, but spaces on board the ship, the Tween Deck and the Master's Saloon, are also available for smaller parties and events.

© Izzy Evans 2013

If you are interested in finding a venue in London for an event then you can visit [http://www.rcpevents.co.uk/]RCP Events.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?8-Unique-London-Venues&id=7806705] 8 Unique London Venues

The UK's Top 5 Tourist Destinations

English: Glasgow Necropolis; view of the city beyond. Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Downtown Edinburgh (Photo credit: Extra Medium)

English: Glasgow Necropolis; view of the city beyond. Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: The City of London skyline as viewed toward the north-west from the top floor viewing platform of London City Hall on the southern side of the Thames. In the foreground: Dixie Queen and Millennium Time at Tower Millennium Pier. This is a 5 segment panoramic image taken by myself with a Canon 5D and 24-105mm f/4L IS lens. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: Glasgow Tolbooth Steeple, Trongate, Glasgow Cross, City of Glasgow, Scotland (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

By []Linda Hurren

The UK is one of the most popular destinations for the world's tourists and within this small island are many great towns and cities that prove massively enriching for all those who travel here.

We cover here the top five most popular cities with tourists and at number one there is no real surprise.

England's capital city, London, is the most visited by a great distance. It is in fact one of the world's most popular places with tourists, not least because of the huge and diverse mix of culture, history and entertainment on display. It is a world leader in the arts and has an abundance of different destinations. One cannot begin to list the various places as they are simply too vast.

London offers tourists so much from markets to green parks, classical architecture, modern bars and clubs and so much more. Holding nearly 8 million people, the capital is a rich tapestry of different cultures and will appeal to all who travel there. It is a wealthy place, a friendly place and somewhere where there is always something new to explore and do.

Number two in the list is the capital of Scotland: Edinburgh. An ancient and fascinating city, Edinburgh is now truly cosmopolitan and encompasses everything a great city should have. From its beautiful castle to the world famous comedy festival, Edinburgh has an atmosphere all of its own. The people who live there are famously friendly and the street parties they hold are the stuff of legend. Being a university city, Edinburgh is always lively and buzzing with a toxic energy.

Third most popular with tourists on the list is Manchester. Again, it classically juxtaposes the old with the contemporary and this makes it fascinating for any visitor. With stunning architecture, great shops, libraries and theatres, Manchester is a truly global city. Manchester has seen a great deal of restructuring since the mid 1990's and as such, is a place that feels current and exciting. Tourists are spoilt for choice, and given its far more compact size to London; it doesn't feel as overwhelming to the visitor.

Often cited as Britain's second city, Birmingham is the fourth most popular tourist destination. It is a truly multi-ethnic city and boasts numerous world class arts centres and top of the range shopping facilities. Birmingham is rich with music and fun and appeals to all age groups.

The fifth most popular city is Glasgow, Scotland's largest. The former European Capital of Culture, Glasgow is a place of awesome beauty, and contains so much to see and do. Noted for its music scene, clubs and comedy, Glasgow will always be a great place to visit. http://www.efaa.co.uk/ http://www.efaa.co.uk/locat.html

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-UKs-Top-5-Tourist-Destinations&id=7797071] The UK's Top 5 Tourist Destinations

Secret Places in London

English: Eltham Palace moat , Greenwich, London (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

By []Alice R

A secret place in London doesn't mean it is not to be seen, it just means that it is located in a hidden part of London waiting to be uncovered. Here are few secret places in London:

Fitzroy House:

The Fitzroy House is located in Fitzroy Street, London and this 1791 building is now a museum that exhibits works and life of L.Ron Hubbard. He is not only a famous scientologist, but also an author and a person who is passionate about photography and many other activities. The first floor of Fitzroy House exhibits the early life of this 'Guinness Book of World Records' title holder. You can find rare collections of books and original manuscripts in Fitzroy House and the second floor holds an invaluable collection of literary works by L.Ron Hubbard.

Tourist Attractions in London

An aerial view of the Tower of London as seen from the SwissRe Tower. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Author: abhishek

Tourist Attractions in London
The attractions of London are some of the most exciting and interesting in the world. From top museums which cover a range of topics to some fascinating historic buildings and monuments, there is something to please every visitor. Some of the famous tourist attractions of London have been described below:

Things to Do in London For Easter

Kenwood House (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

By []James M. Peterson

With Easter just a few weeks away, it's time to make last minute plans for Easter and what better way to have a marvellous holiday then to take an Easter break in London. Whether you're visiting the capital as a family, couple or single traveller, London has such a lot to offer there is something for everyone.

This article is aimed at families who are going to be coming to London at Easter.

ARRIVING

If you're planning to come down to London by car, the general advice is not to take one. London is one of the best connected cities in the World, and has a massive underground network, making travel in the centre very easy. In the centre there are also traffic restrictions in place which a) stops you coming into town unless you have purchased a congestion charge ticket, and b) makes parking using meters very expensive - a car park near Oxford Street can charge up to �20.00 for three hours parking. Forget about it, get a travel card and take the occasional taxi to lighten the load on those days you go shopping!

So once you've arrived in London, what's there to see?

Top 3 Places for Easter in London

London Restaurant Reviews

The Fat Duck

By []Ian Richards

Planning a trip to London used to have a slight tinge of concern when it came to food but this is now a thing of the past as there has been an explosion of great restaurants in the capital.

There is a now a concern for the provenance of the food supplied and chefs are looking at locally sourced foods that are either organic, free range or at the peak of freshness. When these are combined with a true interest in the way it is prepared the British food scene is in a renaissance. The surge in interest in traditional British recipes means that it has never been better to sample the real cooking of Gt Britain. That is not all, there is also a huge increase in restaurants from around the world that gives a real dimension to eating out.

The list includes some very modest eateries where you will not spend a fortune but will still eat well.

There are now so many restaurants in London, that this is just a cross section of those available but everybody should find something that will appeal to their tastebuds and pockets.

Top 7 London Tours With a Difference

London (Photo credit: @Doug88888)

By []Isa Morgan

It can be easy to think that a tour of London is all about taking an open-top bus around the city's major tourist sites. But there's more to the capital than the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament. In fact, if you're looking for another side to one of the greatest cities on earth, there's a whole alternative world waiting to be discovered.

Here are just seven tours with something different to offer, whether you're a visitor, or a resident looking for something new and interesting to do.

Advantages of Train Travel

Eurostar trains in the renovated St Pancras Station, London. 3 exposure HDR image taken on 3rd Jan 2008, in a quiet moment between trains! (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

By []Jessi K Sana

Train travel not only provides a better level of safety and comfort but also adds to the traveler's experience. The insight it gives into the culture of a country or locality, and the passing vistas are totally distinct and memorable. The appeal of train travel is not just about the enchanting blur of the passing landscape but also about a lot of other advantages, a few of which are briefed below.

When compared to bus travel or air travel, train travel is more convenient as passengers have enough room to sit or recline, especially during lengthy journeys. A railway itinerary allows passengers to experience the destination in a way that is not possible from air travel. Travelers need not worry about jet lags, and weather-related delays are rare. Having a meal, strolling around or simply conversing with fellow passengers can make the trip enjoyable.

Cost-effectiveness is a major advantage of train travel. Backpackers find it the most economical means of travel, particularly because of the friendly ticket options. Rail passes and unlimited tickets are a boon to regular travellers, as they can avail significant savings on ticket prices.

3 Top Cities in Europe and 3 Favourite Luxury Hotels

Deutsch: Paris: Eiffelturm und Marsfeld (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

By []Alexander Brey
European cities offer a rich culture, history and experience which the rest of the world can only envy. Cheap to fly to and easy to get around, a city break at one of these top luxury hotels is guaranteed to make your stay memorable for all the right reasons.

Paris
Cosmopolitan, chic and romantic, that's Paris! It has a reputation as one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in the world and there are some fabulous luxury hotels in Paris to complete your stay. Shopping in Printemps, dinner overlooking the city in one of the many Michelin starred restaurants, contemplating great artworks in the Louvre and cruising on the Seine all adds to the appeal. With great architecture, world-class museums and icons such as the Eiffel Tower, Paris cannot fail as a great destination.

Where to stay in Paris
This great location should be enjoyed from one of the centrally located luxury hotels in Paris, such as the Classic Four Season George V. With a gallery of awards and accolades this lovely luxury hotel in just one block from the Champs-Elysees.

Secrets of London

English: Crystal Palace Park in South London, UK. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Author: Paula Jones
For many people, London conjures images of Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, Oxford Street and huge crowds of people. For those who want to explore the great city on a path less travelled though, there many sights which are equally as beautiful and wondrous as the famous landmarks. These well kept secrets of London give tourists the chance to experience a magical London in an intimate way without having to compete with jostling crowds.

10 Places to Escape to During the London Olympics

By Wendy Kaufmann


I know this doesn't sound very patriotic, but I one of the "millions of Britons" who will be escaping to warmer climes when the London 2012 Olympics start in July. Not that we didn't try to support the event, my better half tried for months to get hold of some elusive Olympic tickets, but this was to no avail, and so I am afraid we will be joining the flock heading off our tiny island in search of sun, sand, peace and quiet!
The good news is there are some fantastic flight offers on right now for fellow Brits, so if you are thinking of booking your summer holiday, now is the time to go online and put that credit card to work! To give you some inspiration, here is the list I'm currently working on...

A Quick Guide to Informal London Speech

By Roberta Stuart
If you are staying in a Hyde Park hotel, London offers the chance to experience a variety of language use that you may find interesting - and depending upon where you come from, not always easy to understand!
Here are a few examples of what you may hear.

Planning a Visit to London

This image was selected as a picture of the week on the Malay Wikipedia for the 48th week, 2009. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

By Roo Sadegi


London may be one of the greatest travel destinations in the world. There are so many interesting and beautiful attractions in London related to its long and fascinating history. Included in the long list of things that make this city great for tourism is its culture, the museums and galleries, many great shopping opportunities, the huge variety of restaurants and pubs, and the number of 5-star hotels in London.
London is a huge city that is divided into two main centres. The western portion is near the River Thames, the Houses of Parliament, and Buckingham Palace. The City of London is to the east. The city's best known and most popular sights are in the area between these two main centres as are London's most bustling entertainment districts, Knightsbridge and Soho.
Getting around London and sightseeing can be easy by using the underground train system called the Tube or on one of their famous red open top buses. However, so many of London's major sights are close enough together that you can walk between them, for instance Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament.

London For First-Timers

This image was selected as a picture of the week on the Czech Wikipedia for th week, 2007. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)By Nina Marquez


London is one of the most popular cities in Europe. With the range of activities available, planning a trip to this city may prove to be taxing. Here is a list of experiences that any first-timer to London should not miss:

1. Buckingham Palace - The London experience would not be complete without watching the Changing of the Guard at the Buckingham Palace. This is one of the highlights any tourist's visit to London. Watch the guards march towards Buckingham Palace clad with their red uniforms and Bearskins. The Bearskins are the black hats that the guards wear and weigh approximately 660 grams. The Changing of the Guard takes place at 11:30 AM almost daily. Check with your hotel for confirmed schedules.
2. The London Eye - For great views of the city, the London Eye is a must-visit. Each revolution of the London Eye takes 30 minutes, the entire duration of which one is guaranteed to be treated to spectacular views of the city. Visitors board the capsules which revolve at a speed of 26 centimeters per second. The London Eye is open daily from 10 AM until 8 PM. It is highly recommended that you purchase your tickets online as the queues for the ticket booth may get long.
3. Cruise the Thames - After your flight on the London Eye, why not take a river cruise along the Thames? Commentaries are available onboard. See Shakespeare's Globe Theater, the London and Tower Bridges, as well as the Tower of London. This is an experience that shouldn't be missed!

May in Rome is Football Time

Rome, Santa Sabina (Photo credit: batigolix)
By Adam Singleton


Winning the Champions League Final is now seen by Europe's top teams as the ultimate prize. No longer is winning the domestic title enough for the likes of the big four in the English Premier League, or the leading clubs participating in Spain, Italy and the rest of Europe.
Much is at stake, reputation, glory and money and this season's Champions League has been nothing if not controversial. Now the climax that most neutrals have wanted is imminent; Manchester United will take on Barcelona in Rome on May 27th in the 2009 Champions league Final.

The best Restaurants in London

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Author: Carolyn Clayton

London has bout six thousand licensed restaurants and three and a half thousand pubs. It is home to about twenty two percent of the total restaurants in the whole of Britain. The menu includes cuisines from seventy major countries. London also has about thirty six Michelin star rated restaurants. London is known for its pubs and night life. About five underground stations are named after pubs. These are Angel, Swiss Cottage, Royal Oak, Elephant & Castle, and Manor House.

The city has small food joints, takeaway joints, and also sophisticated restaurants. You name it and you have it. The cuisines available are exotic and range from African, Asian, to Japanese and Chinese. Veeraswamy, Moti Mahal and Amaya are the best places for Indian food. Amaya is famous for its Awadhi dishes. Italian food can be found at the L'Anima and Zucca. These serve Italian food at its best and in central London. The juicy, rosy grilled veal chop is a must have in Zucca. Its interesting that London also has eating options for the pure vegetarians. Something that is a little difficult to find in many other parts of the world. The restaurants specializing in vegetarian food are Rosa's, Sagar and Rasa Samudra.

Christmas Is All Around in London

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By Farrah M Hedwat


Despite being the setting for Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol", the attitude of this capital city is far from "Humbug" when it comes to celebrating the festive season. Indeed, it seems that with every year that goes by, London strives to improve on its previous performances by rolling out even bigger and better decorations, lights, attractions and general merrymaking in a bid to become the most Christmassy of cities.
Visitors to England's capital this winter can't fail to feel the Christmas cheer as they negotiate the main shopping streets with their glittering window displays, bundle up in hats and mittens for a stroll through the parks, or marvel at the myriad landmarks as the strains of carolling fills the air with festivity.
Whether you live in London or are visiting for a Christmas break, here are some tips on where to look if you're hoping to get the most Christmas for your money while out and about...
Christmas Lights
London's Christmas lights are arranged somewhat strategically this year, with different Christmas-themed items depicted above each main street.