Vacation Photos - How to Take Better Pictures of Your Trip

Have you ever gone on a vacation and the pictures just didn't turn out? This is a common issue with vacation photographs - often times we're so focused on documenting the trip that we fail to think as photographers and end up with a stack of pictures instead of photographs. Thankfully, there are several things you can do to take better pictures the next time you go on vacation.

Composition is King


No matter what you're taking photos of, the basic rules of composition still apply. Focus on properly composing your pictures and looking for unique angles and the best options for exposure time and intensity. Every picture helps tell part of your vacation's story so figure out what you want each picture to tell and you'll end up with a much more cohesive photo storybook.


And also be careful of taking just people pictures otherwise you'll miss out on capturing the beauty of the scenery or landmarks. Although you do want pictures of everyone experiencing the vacation, make sure to also take some pictures without family members so you can enjoy just the scenery or landscapes too. A good way to go about this is to take a couple of photos of your family, then try and take a few "serious" photographs of your environment. This is really easy with a digital camera because you can take almost an endless amount of photos at little cost unlike film cameras.



Catching it All


Your vacation starts in your home, not on the beach. It can be a lot of fun to take pictures from the very beginning of your trip like packing your bags and loading the car so you can share the entire story of your trip. Some of these "preparation pictures" may not seem like much but it can really add to telling the whole story of your vacation.


Another thing to remember is you should continue shooting even if your vacation takes a turn for the worse. No matter how your vacation turns out, your camera is a fun way to document your trip for all to remember. While vacations-gone-wrong are not fun to deal with while they're happening, they're often some of the best stories and fondest memories a family has together. For example, if you had a crazy adventure with wild weather, it's always fun to be able to share your story through pictures to be able to show what you experienced. Although your vacation may not have gone like you expected, you'll at least be able to look back on you pictures with a smile.


And lastly, make sure that everyone on your vacation has a way to take pictures. If you have children, grab a couple of disposable cameras and allow the kids to document their own experiences from their perspective. This makes a fun way to get everyone involved and can lead to some interesting pictures. By doing this it also makes your pictures more meaningful and unique because you can get everyone's perspective on the trip.


As your taking pictures of your vacation, just make sure not to forget to relax and have fun. Amazing photographs and an incredible story are wonderful things to bring back with you, but it's okay to hand the camera off every now and then to get a little relaxation of your own. Besides, relaxing and having fun is the main reason for going on vacation anyways!

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Autumn Lockwood is a writer for Your Picture Frames. Shop online and see our collectioin of panoramic picture frames in a wide variety of colors. Visit our online selection of
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Bathrooms With A View -- Of You!

Image by highfithome via FlickrJust when you thought you had a firm handle on all the things to check on before booking into a hotel comes this news:
"From the chic boutiques of London and Los Angeles to hot new hotels in more exotic locales like India and China, exposed bathrooms are a growing trend," reports the New York Times, "whether in the form of transparent glass walls and shower stalls or bathtubs set in the middle of the bedroom like free-standing sculptures."
That last reference is to London's Sanctum Hotel, where bathtubs sit in the middle of the room on a bed of "backlit black pebbles."
The experience is supposed to be "glamorous and otherworldly."
Hmmm. Then why does the dictionary define "sanctum" as "a private room where one is not to be disturbed" (or, presumably, spied upon)? Maybe they should call it the Flasher Hotel.

Exposed bathrooms, also called "open bathrooms," have a number of rationales, according to their defenders.

Some say they are "sexy." Designers say they save space and create a "sense of added luxury." One says that they allow visitors to "multitask" by watching TV in the other room.

Now I'll be the first to admit that a beautiful young starlet might be sexy taking a bubble bath. But how many of us are starlets or travel with one?

And how sexy will she look when the bath is over and she attends to even more personal matters?

As for multitasking, people have been taking the newspaper into the bathroom for decades and they don't need glass walls to read it, either.

The best justification cited by the Times comes from designer Alicia Loo (I'm not making that name up) who says her exposed bathrooms serve as a "design ambassador" for Renaissance Capitol Hotel Beijing.

"Exposed toilets may strike some as a rather literal interpretation of China's open door policy," she explains.

Michael Attenborough, who heads up interior design at Radisson Edwardian Hotels, is equally enthusiastic. "All our friends who've seen it say, 'Oh, my god, that's so fantastic," he gushes.

"Some people are very prudey," he sniffs at those who disagree. Prudey may be current Brit-speak for normal.

Now I'm a big believer in travel as an opportunity to (ahem) expose yourself to new ideas, but I tend to agree with seasoned traveler Lisa Feder-Feitel, who is given the last word in the Times piece:

"This is the design equivalent of 'too much information.'"

Travelers and the travel agents who book them may also be interested to know that Ms. Feder-Feitel, having surveyed her exposed bathroom with its equally exposed toilet, immediately decamped for another hotel.

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Kelly Monaghan is a home-based travel agent and writer. He has been helping people succeed as home-based travel agents since 1994. He offers further guidance for those who want to become a travel agent at his web site http://HomeTravelAgency.com/how-to-succeed/

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Santa Margherita Ligure - A Slice of Riviera Small-Town Italy

Image via WikipediaBy Sam Cassidy

Santa Margherita Ligure is a picturesque old-fashioned seaside resort situated on the Riviera, located about 35km southeast of Genoa.
You will find palm tree lined streets, charming hotels and villas in addition to breathtaking views of the Gulf of Tigullio.
Despite it's beautiful features that are exactly what many holiday makers are looking for, Santa Margherita Ligure is known as an 'insiders' destination. It is noted for being better value for money than nearby Portofino and far less touristy than Rapallo.

You can get to Santa Margherita Ligure by flying to the closest airports which are Genoa (31 kilometres or 19 miles away) serviced by Ryanair and Pisa (120 kilometres or 74 miles away) serviced by Air Berlin, Easyjet and Ryanair. Train is one of the best options for travelling from these cities in addition to the rest of Italy.

Being a seaport there are also connections by boat to Portofino, Rapallo, San Fruttuoso and Santa Margherita. Timetables do tend to be seasonal, so you are best checking well in advance to avoid disappointment

Some must see places nearby are;
Portofino is a high-class tiny little seaside town, home to exclusive sailing clubs and expensive hotels. Recently it has become more popular with tourists, however it does still keep it's top-shelf feel. You can access Portofino by boat from Santa Margherita Ligure year round (weather permitting).

San Fruttuoso or San Fruttuoso di Camogli is home to two renowned attractions; a very old Benedictine monastery and an underwater bronze statue that is possible to see with the glass-bottomed boats that run regularly in season. There is also a small beach that generally is pretty quiet which is good to escape it all.

Other nearby locations which you might want to see include the picturesque Camogli and Rapallo. [http://www.nominaldesignhotels.com]NominalDesignHotels.com is a regularly updated global hand picked selection of design, boutique and eclectic hotels all around the world for a budget of around US$150 a night and under.

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5 Museums to Visit in Vienna

Image via WikipediaBy Sam Cassidy
Vienna, the capital of Austria has such a diverse history including the period of the Baroque movement and Napoleonic wars and so on. There are a number of museums situated in Vienna. When in Vienna these five museums should be on your travel itinerary:
1. The Liechtenstein Museum situated in Vienna has derived its name from the princely House of Liechtenstein, which is one of Europe's oldest noble families. The museum has an extensive collection of masterpieces from the Renaissance to the Baroque periods including paintings by Rubens, Rembrandt and van Dyck. The Badminton Cabinet is on display which is the most valuable piece of furniture in the entire world.

The vast collection of sculptures, paintings, porcelain, furniture and tapestries combined with the beautiful architecture of the Liechtenstein Garden Palace is absolutely wonderful to admire.

2. The Schatzkammer in Vienna could be regarded as one of the greatest treasuries in the world. It has been divided into two sections: the Imperial Profane and the Sacerdotal Treasuries. The first division displays the crown jewels and a collection of imperial riches, while the other division is comprised of ecclesiastical treasures.

The most incredible showcase is the Schatzkammer, which is the very precious imperial crown, which dates from 962. The crown is studded with sapphires, emeralds, diamonds and rubies. The crown is a symbol of sovereignty, and is an absolutely priceless treasure and looks fascinating.

3. The Austrian Theatre Museum located in the baroque Lobkowitz Palace Vienna, is the national museum of theatre history representing Austria. The museum came from the Theatre Collection of the Austrian National Library, which goes as far back as the Baroque era which is incredibly interesting.

This museum depicts the history of theatre in Austria with costumes, photographs and other related exhibits which are showcased.

4. The Heeresgeschichtliches Museum is a well known military history museum situated in Vienna, Austria. It has a vast collection including one of the world's largest collections of bronze cannons and Austrian military history from the 16th century right up to 1945.

There are four exhibit halls which have been devoted to a segment of Austrian history, commencing with the Thirty Years' War and Ottoman Turks, which continued through the Napoleonic Wars, World War I, and World War II. Also, there is a showcase which displays several incredibly fascinating historical artifacts relating to Archduke Ferdinand. The car is displayed in which Archduke Ferdinand was in when he was assassinated in the 1914.

5. Historisches Museum der Stadt Wien in Vienna depicts the history of Vienna through showcasing a vast number of documents and artifacts relating to the city and also showcases the well know collection of Gustav Klimt paintings.

It is wonderful being able to admire art and society of Vienna through various time periods which enables you to view Vienna's transition to its current era.

Vienna is such a vibrant city, with so many different attractions to visit you will always have an option to visit new places in the city.

Vienna, the capital of Austria has such a diverse history including the period of the Baroque movement and Napoleonic wars and so on. There are a number of museums situated in Vienna. When in Vienna these five museums should be on your travel itinerary.




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Holidays in Alsace, France

Image via WikipediaBy Phil Hanlon
Alsace is one of the most industrialized regions in France. Historically, this province was used by the Romans for viticulture. Currently situated at the junction between France and Germany this happens to be a bilingual and multicultural region which distinct local identity. Owing to its strategic location, this has become a powerhouse of pan European business development. This part of France has one of the best standards of living with a strong per capita GDP. Apart from being a modern and development oriented the Alsace also has a long historical background.

Place for Holiday and Leisure

Alsace presents a varied form of leisure as well as adventure activity. It has seven high quality green golf courses on offer for the lovers of this sport. Those with explorer's spirit would undoubtedly enjoy cycle rides across various landscapes. Evenings can be best spent in the neighboring theaters or enjoying cabaret and gambles at local casinos. The luxurious spas across hills and forests offer super quality health and beauty treatments for its visitors. It is an idyllic way to rejuvenate your spirit and sense of well being.

Adventure and Sports

The Vosges Mountains gives the adventurous a perfect recipe for escapade though a series of airborne sports like hang gliding, Paragliding, and parachuting. Discovering the changing landscapes and beautiful natural spots by mountain biking and cycling is a favorite way pastime during family holidays. Alsace plays host to a lot of different kind winter sports activity owing to its 11 different ski resorts

History and culture

For those with an interest in heritage and culture, the Alsace has lots to offer. Ranging from pre history to modern arts, the 250 museums spread across the region is a treat for history lovers. The region of Alsace has had a turbulent history marked by wars of different kingdoms. The sheer number of feudal castles stands testimony to the ages of warfare witnessed by Alsace. This area has the highest concentration of castles in whole of Europe. Haut Koenigsbourg castle happens to be most visited and highly popular among local as well as international tourists.

Vineyards and culinary delights

Alsace is a heaven for wine and food lovers. Traditional Alsatian festivities offer perfect way to enjoy various culinary specialties in their entire customary splendor. Be it the apple pie or the famous bredele Christmas cakes, or traditional Alsatian sauerkraut, it is well known for its startling range of modern and traditional cuisines. The vineyards of Alsace present a wide range of flavored wines, which can surprise the taste buds with its enchanting variety.

Alsace thus amalgamates history with modern industrialization offering its visitor a delightful time on all levels.

The Author writes for Holiday Home Rentals who have a selection of Gites in Alsace and Villas in France which can be rented direct from their owners.
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Top Tips to See Rome on a Budget

Image via WikipediaBy Fabio Carrozi Platinum Quality Author
Rome isn't exactly renowned for being the cheapest of cities to take a holiday in. Unfortunately, despite the imminent recession the credit crunch hasn't dampened people's desire to visit this expensive city. Help is at hand: I've been a Rome shuttle driver for more years than I care to remember, and have picked up a great deal of insider knowledge that should help you get by on - well, if not a shoestring budget, then at least significantly cheaper than you'd expect to pay.
I won't go into details of booking flights - that's not really my area of expertise - but do shop around, and make sure you get the best deal possible. Once you get there, there's plenty of ways to save money:

Don't be Fussy About When You Go

Every bit of budget travel advice mentions this, but in Rome it seems to be particularly relevant. When you travel makes a huge difference as to how much it will all cost. If you head out to Rome in August, for example, you'll find hotel rates slashed. True, this is offset against many restaurants and galleries being closed for the season, but there's still plenty to see and do.

If you absolutely must go in peak season (if you need to match the school holidays, for example) then do remember that weekends are usually more expensive, so you can still save a few Euros here and there.

The other advantage of going in the off-season is how much less crowded it is - from your Rome airport transfer to the city's famous highlights.

Don't Pay Top Dollar for Your Room

It always amazes me that people are willing to pay so much for a hotel room, when the chances are they'll spend next to no time in there! Spend plenty on your house, sure - but a temporary place to sleep? Sounds like a premium place to cut costs to me.

There are a number of decent cheap hotels I can recommend. They are basic (and it's best to check there is air conditioning in the heat of summer - some will charge extra), but they're safe and clean. Hotel Luzzatti, Hotel Romano and Hotel Principe Eugenio are all 2 stars, but offer excellent locations at a competitive price, while Hotel Igea is a 3 star hotel with budget prices, conveniently located just two blocks from Rome's main railway station.

Know Which Attractions are Free or Cheap

There's loads to see in Rome that's either free or very cheap. On the free end of the scale you have The Roman Forum, The Bocca della Verita, the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon. Pick of the freebies is the Vatican museums if you're there at the right time: on the last Sunday of every month, they're free of charge!

As for very cheap, the Archeobus is pushing it at 7.75 Euros, but few could argue that at 2.5 Euros the Museum of the Walls is exceptional value for money.

Skip on the Hire Car

Rome is a big city, but you don't need to hire your own car. Taxis too are an expense you don't need - consider using the public transport and walking around the place to seeing the best bits. As for getting your luggage to the hotel, I may be a little biased, but for me taking a Rome airport transfer really is the way forward. It's cheap, reliable and from someone knowledgeable about the city. And when it's time to head back to the airport, a Rome airport transfer is sure to get you there on time, so you can concentrate on relaxing rather than getting your timings right.

Know Where the Best Cheap Eats Can be Found

The worst offenders in terms of overpriced, substandard food tend to be the tourist eateries, as in any city. Follow the locals for cheap eats - some of the best are Da Baffetto (arrive before 7, because the lines are huge!), Brek (a chain that offers a decent hot meal for under 10 Euros) and Antica Osteria da Giovanni (a bit of a walk, but half the prices of those in the city centre).

The final tip I can give is to ask around, and follow the lead of people who actually live there. Shop around and ask for recommendations from your Rome shuttle driver - they may have some tips that I've managed to miss!

Fabio Carrozi is a Rome shuttle driver for Shuttle Direct. They provide pre-booked shuttles to major destinations all over Europe. Wherever you travel, Shuttle Direct can make sure that you don't miss your car on your holiday abroad.

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3 Weird Vacation Destinations

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With several weeks of summer still left there are still plenty of vacation spots to enjoy. If you're tired of the same-old-same-old you just might want to pack your family into your car, stuff your trunk with a few changes of clothes, and hit the road in search of some weird vacation spots.

Here are a few places along the way that you might want to stop off at.

The first is MOBA - The Museum of Bad Art - which is located in Dedham Massachusetts. You can find it in the basement of a movie theatre, right near the men's room.

The concept behind the museum is simple. According to Michael Frank, its curator-in-chief, in order for art to be accepted "it must have been created by someone who was seriously attempting to make an artistic statement—one that has gone horribly awry in either its concept or execution."

Each of the pieces of bad art that's on display was either pulled from the trash or cost less than $6.50.

MOBA was founded in 1994 and is dedicated to bad art. Their goal is to bring the worst art to the widest audience. Although their collection includes almost 500 pieces of truly bad art they only have enough space to exhibit between 50 and 70 pieces at a time.

Some of the worst pieces include "Lucy in the Field with Flowers," "Madonna and Child III," and "Sunday On the Pot with George."

If you're closer to Illinois you may want to stop off in Colliinsville in order to view the world's largest catsup bottle. Back in 1949 the people who made Brooks' Original Catsup wanted to advertise their product so they built a hundred and seventy foot tall water tower in the shape of a catsup bottle.

Although both the plant that manufactured the catsup and the brand are long gone the old tower still remains. And in 1995 it was restored to look as it did in its heyday.

Next, if you want to see how much garbage the average consumer creates every year then why not head over to Stratford, Connecticut, to the Museum of Garbage? While there you'll find a Trash-o-sauarus. It is a twenty foot sculpture of a dinosaur which is made out of a ton of garbage.

If this is of interest to you then you'd better hurry because the museum may close due to the lack of funding.

Now, on the other hand, a lot of people would rather just take a vacation away from work and relax with their family and friends in their own backyards. You know - the type of vacation where you can just kick back and have a barbecue, sip your favorite beverage, listen to good music, and enjoy enlightening conversations.


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Arc De Triomphe, Paris - All Roads Lead to the Roman Arch

Image by wallyg via FlickrBy Derek F Wright
The Arc de Triomphe in Paris occupies a location in the Place de l'Etoile at the western end of the Champs-Elysees and at the centre of a star of twelve major avenues. No wonder, then, that the roundabout immediately circling this triumphal arch is particularly busy with traffic. Anyone studying an aerial view of the avenues radiating from the Place de l'Etoile would conclude that all roads must lead to this stunning Roman arch.
After all, the Arc de Triomphe was modelled by its architect, Jean Chalgrin, on the first-century Arch of Titus located on the Via Sacra, Rome. The Parisian version, dating from 1806, was commissioned after Napoleon's victory at Austerlitz, his greatest triumph, and dominates the landscape at 50m in height.


Yet the view of the Arc de Triomphe was not always so easy. Located on the right bank of the Seine, the arch was only subject to rationalisation of its environment under the supervision of Baron Haussmann, who was appointed by Napoleon III in 1852 to "modernise" the city. Haussmann redesigned the Place de l'Etoile and created the long avenues that give the arch its perspective.

Prior to Haussmann, the city echoed its medieval background, with winding streets and worn-out houses. Haussmann adorned the surroundings of the Arc de Triomphe with tree-lined boulevards, spacious gardens and buildings of uniform heights.

With its strong military feel, as conjured up by iconography of French youths fighting bearded Germanic warriors, the Arc de Triomphe became a destination for troops to parade after military campaigns. The French paraded there in 1919 and 1945, the Germans in 1871 and 1940.

Probably the most daring journey to the arch was by a pilot by the name of Charles Godefroy who flew his bi-plane through it in 1919 to celebrate the end of the First World War.

Nowadays, if you want to get there, you'll have to take the RER or the Metro and get off at the Charles de Gaulle-Etoile stop. You'll have to take an underpass to get to the arch as the roundabout is far too busy.

If you want to learn more about the Arc de Triomphe, visit http://www.iwanthotelsinparis.com/paris-attractions/arc-de-triomphe.shtml. After your visit you might want to stay in one of the nearby hotels in the Champs-Elysees area of Paris.

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5 Historic Places to See in Madrid

Image via WikipediaBy Sam Cassidy
Madrid, the beautiful capital city of Spain is and features numerous charming historical places to visit. Madrid is Spain's largest city and a large number of tourists visit the city each year. When visiting Madrid these 5 places are definitely worth a look:

1. The Royal Palace is the largest and one of the most impressive palaces in Europe. It has over 2000 luxuriously decorated rooms. After the fire that destroyed the old Alcázar of the Habsburgs during Christmas 1724, Philip V commissioned the Italian architect Filippo Juvara (1678-1736) to design a new palace. Visitors to the palace get to view 50 of its 2800 rooms. It is situated on the east of Madrid's historic centre. The palace is still used for head of state visits and other ceremonies.The palace is built entirely of stone consisting of granite from the Sierra de Guadarrama and white Colmenar stone. Colossal foundation walls support the building on the steep slope down to the Manzanares which is laid out in palace's gardens. It looks truly magnificent.2.The Plaza de España is one of Madrid's largest and most popular squares. On a sunny day it is filled with street vendors, tourists and sunbathing locals. The square is situated at the end of Gran Via, which is one of Madrid's popular main avenues. The square features a huge fountain and famous statue honoring the well known Spanish writer Cervantes.The square dates all the way back to the 18th century, when military barracks mainly occupied it. Today it is a popular spot for sunbathing and a vast number of street vendors on warm days.3.Gran Via is an absolutely beautiful street that showcases early 20th century architecture. The street is extremely lively and is one of the city's most popular shopping areas.Gran Via is composed of a vast number of hotels and movie theatres. The architectural design is rather elaborate particularly with the larger buildings. While in the square you can admire the beautifully decorated grand 'edificios' which is a street comprised of tall buildings including the landmark building Edificio Metrópolis.4.Theater Royal, Madrid is a beautifully built building. It is situated in the Plaza de Oriente facing the Palacio Real, was built in 1818 after the demolition of the Caños del Peral Theater. The young Queen Isabella II inaugurated the theatre in 1850 with a performance representing Donizetti's opera "La Favorita".
Located on the Plaza de Oriente, numerous European opera singers of the 19th and early 20th century appeared on stage at this grand theater and, for decades it was at the centre of Madrid's cultural scene. The theatre became extremely famous for performances of Verdi and Wagner operas, works by Stravinsky and Russian ballet.
5. Las Ventas is situated in the east of Madrid. It was constructed in 1929 and houses the most important bullring in the world. The first bullfight was in 1931. Each year thousands of people come to watch bullfighting, an event considered controversial to say he least around the world.Las Ventas has a very interesting style of architecture referred to as the Mozarabic style. This particular design is comprised of horseshoe-shaped arches and ribbed domes. This building also features pottery "incrustations" representing the shields of all the provinces of Spain.Madrid has a wonderful transport network and makes it easy to get around seeing all the attractions.NominalDesignHotels.com is a regularly updated global hand picked selection of design, boutique and eclectic hotels all around the world for a budget of around US$150 a night and under.Featuring hotels all around the world, including the Hotel El Coloso in Madrid, Spain.Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sam_Cassidy


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The Beautiful Venetian Masks of Venice

Image via WikipediaBy Christopher Auriol
Mask Wearing in Venice
There was a time in the history of Venice when Venetians wore masks almost all year round, and not just for special occasions. They were a part of everyday life and became really popular when they started appearing at the Carnival of Venice in 1268. They were so popular with people from all walks of life because they allowed the wearer to hide their identity and to mingle with people from other classes of society without being known or found out.
The mask-makers, called mascherari, held a very important place in society and were highly skilled at the art of mask making. There was even a mask-makers statute dated 10 April 1436 in recognition of the industry, but after several hundred years of Venetian Masks being very much a part of the culture of Venice, the Senate decreed that mask wearing would be severely restricted. They believed there was a rise in mask wearing for illicit and illegal activities and with the culprit being masked it was very difficult to identify them.
Masks became a thing of children's parties until the Venice Carnival was re-launched in 1979 and suddenly their popularity shot up once again. During the Carnival of Venice you'll see many of the locals and tourists in Venice wearing Venetian masks of all different kinds, but you can buy these often exquisite works of art at any time of the year from numerous shops in Venice.
Where to Buy Venetian Masks
Authentic handmade Venetian Masks have been very carefully made with great skill and attention to detail so these masks come with a high price tag. But if you're looking for a mask that you would proudly hang on your wall or display on your sideboard the authentic Venetian Masks are what you should be buying.If you're looking more for a souvenir of your visit to Venice, or you want something affordable to wear at the Venice Carnival you can buy cheaper imitations in the majority of tourist oriented shops in Venice. These will be more affordable, but the quality will show and it's quite likely they weren't even made in Venice!
Different Types of Venetian Masks
There are several different kinds of Venetian Masks, some of which are more popular than others, and some are more beautiful than others. The popular Plague Doctor Masks (Medico della Peste) can be quite frightening and not at all beautiful in appearance, but this depends on how it's been decorated. If it's brightly coloured and decorated it makes them far less macabre!
The Plague Doctor Mask includes the characteristic long beak and they originated in the 16th century from a design by a French physician who was trying to protect himself from the plague.The other types of Venetian Masks are a little more normal in appearance and include the plainer Volto (or Lava) Masks that are mainly white and are usually worn with a 'tricorn' hat and a cloak.
Bauta Masks are beautifully decorated in comparison and are usually the most common mask that you'll see being worn at the Carnival of Venice, plus the most popular to buy as souvenirs. They usually cover the whole face, whereas a Columbine Mask covers just half of the face.
How to Make a Venetian Mask
If you're visiting the Venice Carnival and want to make your own mask this is possible! The most common way of making it is with paper-mache though this can be messy and time consuming. Another popular alternative is to buy a plain mask in your home country and then decorate it with feathers, beads, crystals and glitter for example, creating your own unique and personalised mask that you can bring with you to Venice for the Carnival!
Christopher Auriol is a specialist in European Travel. Read more about Venetian masks and the venice carnival.
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Top Ten Vacation Spots Enjoyed by Celebs

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Want to spend your holiday like a star? We've got you covered. Get ready to flip flop your way to summer bliss because there's nowhere better to bask, bathe, or banquet then here!

1.Cabo San Lucas

Considered the jewel of the Baja Peninsula, Cabo San Lucas is anything but boring. From world-class golf, to swimming, snorkling, and scuba, your days will be easily filled... or not (if you'd prefer).

2.Miami Beach

More then just a hot spot in the sun, Miami Beach has world famous nightclubs, Art Deco architecture, and designer fashion. It's no wonder supermodel Heidi Klum loves to go!

3.St. Barths

This pearl of the Caribbean is the perfect place to go and relax. With delicious restaurants, great shopping, and fourteen white sand beaches to choose from how can you go wrong? Mariah Carey doesn't think you can!

4.Turtle Island

For romance, relaxation, and adventure, take a trip to Turtle Island, a place named by Captain Cook and his sea turtle eating crew. Privately owned since 1972, this South Pacific paradise is thought to be "as close to heaven on earth as you're likely to get."

5.St. Tropez

Located on the French Riviera, St. Tropez has a reputation for famous and wealthy summertime guests. It has been dubbed the "playground to jetsetters, fashion models, and millionaires."

6.Martha's Vineyard

"Hollywood East", a summer colony only accessible by boat and air, is a favourite of Oprah and Sir Paul McCartney. A study found that the cost of living on the island is 60% higher than the national average and housing prices are 96% higher.

7.Hawaii

A picture perfect destination where every island is more beautiful than the last. The Aloha state has an incredible history and a flame living within its people that can't be put out. When up for a surf, Cameron Diaz likes to visit.

8.The Hamptons

For those busy New York stars who can only escape for the weekend, the Hamptons is the perfect compromise. Distinguished by its shops, restaurants, and galleries, it's no wonder high-stress New Yorkers like to spend their summers there.

9.African Safari

For those celebrities who look for adventure in their holidays, African Safaris seem to be a popular choice. But don't be fooled by their hats and habits, these holidays offer every possible creature comfort in the middle of immaculate wilderness.

10.Bora Bora

A Polynesian jewel of coral, crystal blue water, and lush forests, Bora Bora is one of the world's most beautiful islands. Located 160 miles northwest of Tahiti, Charlize Theron likes to go.

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Eiffel Tower, Paris - What's the Best Way to Climb It?

Image via WikipediaBy Derek F Wright
The Eiffel Tower in Paris doubtless offers splendid views of the City of Lights when you get to the top of it. But after spending a morning on the tourist trail, is climbing the Eiffel Tower a challenge or a chance to take a breather?
Fitness fanatics will be pleased to hear that to get to the first and second levels, which both have restaurants, stairs can be climbed, in addition to a lift. The walks to each of the first and second levels consist of about 300 steps. Officially, the third and highest level can only be got to by lift, though there is an original spiral staircase to the third level which has stairs that are only 80 centimetres wide.
More relaxed visitors may wish to take a lift all the way to the top as the tower is 324 metres in height, equivalent to an 81-storey building.


Not surprisingly, the intrepid French climber Alain Robert has made the ascent of this iconic Parisian structure with his bare hands and feet on the exterior. This was in 1996 as part of his career as a climber of 85 giant structures around the globe.
During the war, the retreating French cut the lift cables so that the invading Germans would have to take the stairs to get to the summit. German soldiers got to the top to plant the swastika, only for the flag to blow away a few hours later. Hitler dodged the opportunity to take the narrow stairs to the top, so it is said that while he conquered France, he did not conquer the Eiffel Tower. Meanwhile, this symbolic tower was scaled by a Frenchman who hung the French flag during the German occupation.
But how to get down from the top? Safety nets on each of the levels limit the chance to make a swift descent by jumping. In 1912, however, a certain Franz Reichelt, a tailor, died after jumping 60 metres from the first deck with his home-made parachute. Rather foolishly, this was his first attempt with his invention and he had told the authorities that he would test it in advance with a dummy.
In 1987, the first bungee jump from the top of the tower was made. On reaching the ground, the extreme sports practitioner was arrested by Paris police.
You can read more about the Eiffel Tower at http://www.iwanthotelsinparis.com/paris-attractions/eiffel-tower.shtml and nearby hotels and accommodation in the Invalides area of Paris where you can relax after your visit.


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Five Things You Must Do in Venice

Image via WikipediaBy [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Christopher_Auriol]Christopher Auriol
Venice has so many things to see that there are admittedly about one hundred things you must do in Venice! As all the guide books will tell you, you can't visit Venice without visiting Saint Mark's Square and the Basilica, but the following guide is a bit different and includes some things you may not have thought of!

Coffee in Florians

While there are many cafés in Venice where you can grab a quick cup of coffee, none of them are as much a part of Venetian history as Caffe Florian. When you come here for a coffee you'll want to sit and stay a while, taking in the opulent decorations and relishing in the fact that so many famous people have drunk coffee here before you!

Opened in 1720 Caffe Florian is perhaps the oldest continuously operating coffee house in the world. When it first opened, the owner Floriano Francesconi named it 'Caffe alla Venezia Trionfante' meaning 'the café of the triumphant Venice', but it soon became known locally as Florians so he changed the name accordingly.

Caffe Florian has always occupied this prime position right on Saint Mark's Square, so this, along with the fact that back then it was the only coffee house in Venice that allowed women as well, meant that Florians was the most popular place for coffee in Venice. Today there are seven differently themed halls where you can sip a coffee, depending on your mood!

Bellini in Harry's Bar

Just as famous as Caffe Florian is Harry's Bar, and this is 'the' place in Venice to enjoy a Bellini! The Bellini and the Carpaccio were invented in Harry's Bar so strictly speaking there shouldn't be a better Bellini served anywhere in the world. This isn't just a cocktail bar though - Harry's Bar also serves some great food and the restaurant specialty is Italian favourites and classics.

The warm and friendly welcome has always been a characteristic of Harry's Bar and has helped to attract some famous names over the course of its history, including Charlie Chaplin, Orson Welles, Ernest Hemingway, Woody Allen, and Alfred Hitchcock. It's been a part of the culture of Venice since 1931 when a Venetian bartender called Guiseppe Cipriana opened the bar. He'd lent a disowned Bostonian named Harry Pickering 10,000 lire a couple of years earlier. Harry paid him back but with an additional 40,000 lire telling Cipriana there's enough here to open your own bar, and we'll call it Harry's Bar!

Secret Itinerary Tour of the Doge's Palace

Everyone knows about the Doge's Palace but did you know about the Secret Itinerary Tour of the Doge's Palace? This is a more detailed tour that takes you behind the scenes to places the public are not normally allowed. It even includes the chance to cross one of Venice's most famous bridges, the Bridge of Sighs, which connects the Doge's Palace to the old prisons. In the old prisons you'll also see Casanova's cell, and find out where the city administration used to work. This really is a great tour and is so much more revealing than most of the others - the opportunity to cross the Bridge of Sighs alone makes it worthwhile for many tourists!

Explore the Islands of the Venetian Lagoon

The historic centre of Venice is set across 117 different islands that are all connected together by 455 bridges. These islands are called the Rialtine Islands and this is by far the most popular part of Venice for tourists to visit. But there's more to Venice than just the historic centre as the Venetian Lagoon is dotted with many other islands as well, all offering something a little different.

If you're staying in Venice for more than just a few days the islands of the Venetian Lagoon offer a completely different atmosphere to the busy streets and canals of central Venice. There's Murano for example, famous for the beautiful Murano Venetian glass, while on the island of Burano Venice's exquisite lace making industry is still going strong.

Walk the Venice Waterfront

Another opportunity to get away from many of the crowds during a warm summer's day is to walk along the Venice waterfront. Entering the waterfront promenade from Saint Mark's Piazzetta you turn to the left and have the opportunity to walk for about 20 minutes before reaching the end of the path. From all along the waterfront you can enjoy views of Saint Mark's Basin where the Grand Canal and the Giudecca Canal meet. Off in the distance is the island of San Giorgio and the bell tower of San Giorgio Maggiore. You can stop and admire those views for longer from one of the cafés you'll pass along the way, or sit in the shade of the Giardini Pubblici Park.

Christopher Auriol is a travel specialist who enjoys writing about the destinations throughout Europe. Visit his website for more information about [http://www.venice-carnival.info/canival-of-venice/practical-tips-venice/]visting Venice and the [http://www.venice-carnival.info/]Venice Carnival.

 

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Paris, France - La Seine Boat Trip

Image via WikipediaBy [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Harry_Preston]Harry Preston
One of the most pleasurable ways to see Paris is from the waters of the Seine. A number of companies run river cruises, almost all with commentary during the day, and most offer romantic after-dark trips lasting several hours that reveal the city in a different perspective. The most coveted place is on the top deck during an evening cruise, from where you can admire the subtly lit monuments, while inside you can enjoy a three- or four-course meal and fine wine inside.

Starting points vary; some companies start from lower quayside locations close to the Musee du Louvre, others closer to the Tour Eiffel. Typically, a cruise starting at the Port de la Bourdonnais and heading west will pass under a series of bridges, such as the Pont d'lena, with the Tour Eiffel to the left and the Palais de Chaillot and Jardins du Trocadero to the right, and the two-tier Pont de Bir-Hakeim before turning back along the Seine in an easterly direction. The cruise will then follow a route under the Pont de l'Alma and the beautiful Pont

Alexandre Ill, with its four gilded bronze winged horses at either end. Look to the right and glimpse the gold dome of Les Invalides, while to the left stand the Grand Palais and the Petit Palais. From here, the boat will pass under the Pont de la Concorde, with the Place de la Concorde, although not really visible, to the left, and under the wooden structure of the Passerelle Solterino. A spectacular view of the Musee du Louvre on the left will now start to emerge.

Passing under the Pont Royal, the Pont du Carrousel and the Pont des Arts, one of the most romantic bridges in Paris, and on to the ancient Pont Neuf, where the river meets the lie de la Cite and divides, the boat takes a route past the cathedral of Notre-Dame and on to the lie Saint-Louis, before making a turn and following the route back to the starting point.

For more information about [http://www.guidedtourparis.com]Paris, France and things to do in Paris, please visit GuidedTourParis.com.

For more information about Switzerland and things to do in [http://www.guidedtourswitzerland.com]Switzerland, please visit GuidedTourSwitzerland.com.

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Piazza Unità d'Italia - Firenze

Image via WikipediaBy: Daniele Davide

When You book a guided tour in Florence, with us You'll realize  how beautiful and magic this town is.
Piazza Unità d'Italia (Italian Unity Square) is a square in Florence, very close to Piazza della Stazione, with which it shares its important role as hub of  city bus routes. The square is on the north side of the church of Santa Maria Novella and formerly called the Old Town Square of Santa Maria Novella: the  square in fact already existed in the tenth century, when Santa Maria Novella it was still called "Santa Maria delle Vigne", so this reason in his name was  distinguished by the "new" Piazza Santa Maria Novella, open when the church became a great basilica. The large building on the corner of Station Square was
built by  Lucalberti. The building is today known as Palazzo Cerretani, after the family that owned it. In 1802 with the extinction of the Cerretani family  the building passed to Gondi family, who then sold it to the mayor Ubaldino Peruzzi for "Strade Ferrate Romane" (Roman Iron Roads). Today, after being owned  by the Railways for almost two centuries, it was ceded to Tuscany Region since 2005, who regularly holds exhibitions and other initiatives. The current naming of the square dates back to 1882 and was intended to celebrate the achieved political unity of the peninsula, which occurred a decade earlier. On that occasion the obelisk in the center was inaugurated to honor the victims of the wars of Independence, made by John Pini.
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About the Author
Daniele Davide, manager of Tredy Sas.
When You book a guided tour in Florence, with us You'll realize how beautiful and magic this town is.

Book one of our guided Tour in Florence, and You'll enjoy the unique atmosphere of this beautiful town

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