Romantic Getaways

Romantic hotel getaways are the subject in "Top 10 Romance Hotels in the World." Everyone needs a little romance sometimes, or at least a place to seek out seclusion and tranquility and enjoy luxurious surroundings. The top 10 list gives you a variety of destinations to launch your dreams ... (Speaking of launching, perhaps one day the ultimate romantic getaway will be in space, check out "Space hotel readying in 5 years")

We have to agree with the poster's choice of the Four Seasons Hotel George V Hotel in Paris as a number-1 romantic getaway. With sumptuously elegant rooms, courtyard and gardens, and its proximity to the Louvre and Champs-Elysees, this Paris hotel is an excellent choice!

We were likewise impressed with the second choice, the Westin Europa & Regina Venice in Italy. It's location on the Grand Canal and view of the Santa Maria della Salute church earn it top marks for romance, and the nearby Fenice Opera House and renowned shopping center promise other activities.

However, it is our personal prejudice that might make us choose Le Meridien Hotel Grand Pacific in Tokyo as our own favorite. Tokyo isn't often thought of as the most romantic of cities, but the gardens of the Imperial Palace, the Kabuki theaters, Ueno park (which includes museums and a zoo), beautiful shrines guarded by Tori gates, the lovely gardens of Hama Rikyu, and the exciting nightlife and shopping in Ginza make
one of our most favorite destinations for any kind of travel.

However you would rate these three hotels as well as the other seven, it's worth a look just to explore the romance of these hotels and their surrounding cities.

Complementary Hotel Booking Service

Easytobook.com is a complementary hotel booking service that every traveler should consider while making their vacation or business travel plans. Quality hotels are carefully selected in order to offer the best lodgings available, and rooms are then purchased in large volume in order to secure deeply discounted rates - sometimes as much as 75% off! Hotels offered are all top quality. When booking , for example, we found double room rates at the 5-star NH Grand Krasnapolsky Hotel from €119.00.

Quality is always assured because all hotels are carefully screened in advance. You can further be assured that your accommodations will meet your needs by viewing the detailed information concerning the amenities offered by each. You can also view hotels by rating, for example, selecting all of the 4-star hotels will yield a list of almost 60 hotels with photos of each. Clicking on the hotel of your choice will allow you to view a list of amenities, more photos, traveler reviews of the hotel, information on check-in and check-out times, parking, transportation information, a detailed map of area, cancellation policy, and much more useful information on that hotel, including a 360 degree view in most (if not all) cases.

We viewed the striking Banks Mansion Hotel Amsterdam and learned that breakfast and all drinks are included in the price, the windows feature leaded glass, technological offerings include wireless internet, DVD, and LCD screen TV, rain-showers grace the bathrooms (and in some cases steam cabinets), breakfast features Live Cooking, while the hotel is most strongly recommended for romantic getaway, room 201 has the unfortunate limitation of allowing only a single person a view of the canal at a time, and there is a flower market around the corner. With such detailed information available on each hotel, it is easy to select the room that will offer perfect accommodations for your needs and tastes.

Easytobook offers hotels in other locations as well. We were especially pleased to see detailed information for each city listing a wide range of interesting destinations within the target city. Attractions near Barcelona hotels include the Picasso Museum, Olympic Stadium, Park de la Ciudadella, and more. Landmarks, shopping, transportation, and maps for all are included.

Rome hotels list impressive landmarks and attractions, such as the Pantheon, Circus Maximus, the Colosseum, the Vatican City, the Catacombs, and much more, along with local restaurants and information on transportation and maps to assist travelers in navigating the ancient city.

Offerings are now also extended to include London hotels and Prague hotels as well.

All in all, Easytobook offers a great travel service, allowing tourists and business travelers to map out their itinerary and plan for sightseeing, choose quality accommodations perfectly suited to their needs at deeply discounted prices, all as a completely complementary service. Be sure to check their offerings before you plan your trip!

Traveling to (and in!) South Africa

When visiting South Africa, many tourists choose to travel by road. A few key points to remember are that a driver's license must be in possession at all times, and driving is on the left side of the road. Seatbelts for both driver and passenger are mandatory by law, and using a hand-held cell phone is not permitted. You may use a phone attachment or hands-free kit. Drinking and driving is a very serious offense, and especially to be avoided.

Driving in cities is much like driving in a city anywhere in the world ... understand that congestion may occur, especially in rush hours of 6:30 - 8:30 am and 4 - 6 pm. Watch especially for the minibus taxi drivers, whose reputation for unexpected maneuvers is deserved, but be prepared and do not get involved in confrontations. Driving in the rural areas has its own considerations. Many areas do not have fencing, so expect dogs, cows, chickens, and other animals to be on or near roadways and drive carefully. In certain areas, wildlife can pose a special problem. Watch for signs warning of leaping antelope and be especially careful, particularly nearing dusk.

For hotel accommodations in South Africa, be sure to check for last minute deals as well as year round discounts available at Cheaperthanhotels to book rooms at prices that are usually discounted from those offered directly by the hotels. While viewing Hotels in Johannesburg, we found an outstanding deal at the Mercure Inn Randburg. This 3-star hotel is offered at a year round discounted rate from 375 ZAR. A fully equipped gymnasium is available to all guests, and in addition to a convenient location to shopping, entertainment center, and airport, offers beach water sports and other beach leisure. We searched Hotels in Cape Town and found great deals on 3-star hotels from 250 ZAR and 4-star from 325 ZAR. When checking for Hotels in Sandton, we were especially pleased with the Indaba Hotel, a beautiful Highveld-style 4-star from 680 ZAR, with a view of the magnificent Magaliesberg Mountains. Fitness facilities include swimming and tennis, and a full range of business facilities are offered, including an auditorium.

Travel the world - New Zealand!

New Zealand is one of our favorite choices for world travel. This unspoiled paradise has it all. Breathtakingly beautiful scenery, truly wild places, glaciers, gardens, ocean views. Sports from skiing to surfing, fishing, hiking, hunting, golfing, bungee jumping, and mountain biking. Themed attractions include Cowboy Paradise, Rainbow's End (rides), Longridge Fun Park, and many others. Zoos, Antarctic Encounter, and wildlife parks. Cultural and educational events from museums to mines to sheep farms to the Maori culture. New Zealand is really a fantastic family or couple's destination. Remember that, as a Southern Hemisphere location, New Zealand's summer season is from December to March, allowing you to get away from the dreary ice and slush and alight in a warmer clime for a delicious getaway!

To find great deals on a variety of accommodation types, search for hotels at your destination. The three big cities on the North and South Island of New Zealand are Aukland, Wellington, and Christchurch. For hotels in Aukland, we especially liked the entry on the Mercure Hotel Windsor Aukland. With rooms up to a 5-star rating, it is a great value from 159 NZD and offers gymnasium, jacuzzi, sauna, spa, onsite restaurant and room service, and many other amenities. We checked hotels in Wellington and were really impressed with the Duxton Hotel Wellington. This 5-star hotel is listing a last-minute deal at 155NZD, and boasts an award-winning restaurant, 24-hour room service, a full complement of business services and amenities, a fully equipped gym and fitness facility, and much more. When searching for hotels in Christchurch, we discovered a real gem ... Merivale Manor Christchurch, which is a charming 1880's manor, completely refurbished to elegant, luxurious 5-star rooms and offered at a last-minute deal of only 130 NZD. The Manor features plasma television, broadband internet connection, granite surfaces, and much more.

When searching for hotel deals in New Zealand, be sure to check out last minute deals at the destination of your choice, as well as the year-round discounts, to find the best deal on a hotel that suits your taste and needs.







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On a technical note .....


We are told that 642-642 series are required for every IT professional, often followed by 650-178. Other basic options include 70-271 and 70-294. Many may opt for a 70-526 before going on to HP0-053.

Learn English in the UK!

Education is often a focus along with travel for our blog, and we have found an interesting site for our international readers that offers fun, travel, and learning at a UK language school.

Are you interested in better learning to speak English? A variety of English tuitions are available for students, professionals, and anyone else interested in improving their language skills. Programs appeal to a wide variety of interests, including horseback riding, golf, tennis, and culture. Find a language school suited to your needs, whether for secretaries, lawyers, businesspersons, or executives. Meet standard requirements of IELTS, TOEIC, and more.

Enjoy learning English in a more natural and fun-filled social environment at a UK language school, supplemented with an online community of fellow students where you can meet new friends and converse with them in English, blog and answer posts in English, and learn about cultural aspects, all while having a great time!

(Please note, our spelling and grammar in this post are based on American English and are not intended to represent UK English.)

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Relatively related

For those used to travel by train, it is possible to take along a fair amount of travel accessories. However, if you go airlines, such packing habits will need to be abandoned in favor of traveling lighter. Choosing accommodations that are more luxurious, such as these elaborate Rome hotels, will allow the traveler to enjoy those expected comforts without having to take along so many personal travel supplies. If you are interested in flights to Boston or other US cities, check the weight limits of luggage before packing. Choosing a very comfortable hotel will allow less baggage to be carried. For an example, view these Rome hotels.

Travel to Ireland

Our newest travel destination is Ireland. The city of Dublin boasts a variety of interesting attractions for tourists. Dublin's Viking Adventure, Dublina, and various castles offer a fun view into Ireland's rich history. The Dublin Zoo and the National Botanic Gardens are wonderful havens to refresh visitors interested in nature. A number of museums, including the National Gallery, the National Museum, and the National Wax Museum offer much to excite the senses and engage the mind. Or travel through time to experience life in Viking Dublin at the interactive Dublin Viking Adventure. These are just a few of the wonderful attractions visitors to Dublin, Ireland can enjoy during their stay in the fair city.

Before arriving, be sure to research and reserve your hotel. Pre-booking can offer a great savings. You may be able to reserve a room at one of the Dublin airport hotels and include airport parking for less than the cost of parking alone. That's like being able to stay for less than free!

You can view a variety of Dublin hotels with detailed information regarding amenities available as well as cost comparisons. Directions are also included, along with all relevant travel information. Dining information is listed, as are check-in and check-out times. You can select the hotel you prefer with all of the information available on the local hotels, allowing you to easily compare your options.

Be sure to click the link for more useful information particular to travel in Dublin or staying at Dublin hotels including travel insurance, travel for the disabled, student flights, a trip advisor, renting cell phone service while in Dublin, and much more.

Vacationing in Germany

In our last post, we offered information for travel and accommodations in Spain. We would like to also give information for those traveling in Germany (or those lucky enough to be traveling in both Spain AND Germany!).

Vienna is a popular tourist spot in Germany. Over 100 museums draw millions of visitors per year. One may also see the Lipizzaner horses or the Vienna Boys' Choir, or visit the world's oldest zoo.

Browse dozens of hotels in Vienna (Deutsche: hotels in Vienna) and select the accommodations suited to your price range with the amenities you desire. Each hotel featured is detailed with photos, hotel features, cost, location, nearby attractions, directions, and other helpful information particular to that location. Last minute deals as well as year-round deals are featured for a number of Vienna hotels.

Lufthansa flies directly to Berlin. Be sure to check online for the latest prices, because they often offer specials only available online (as well as a concept we found quite interesting ... a "happy hour" page where potential travelers can bid on flights). Other options include Air Berlin, Germanwings, and Sky Europe, who all offer low-cost flight options. (With Sky Europe you will need to also use the Sky Shuttle bus to Bratislava, at an additional cost of €10

To view hotels in Berlin (Deutsche: hotels in Berlin) you may select once again from a wide selection of hotels in a number of locations. The same detailed information is available once again, including photos, amenities, locations, directions, local information, and other helpful things to know. Once again, be sure to check out the last minute deals as well as the year-round specials available.

Vacationing in Spain

Does your trip itinerary include Spanish destinations? When traveling in Spain, consider flying between Barcelona and Madrid in order to maximize your vacation schedule. Flights are usually a little over an hour long, compared to travel by train which usually takes from five and half up to nine hours.

Book hotels in Barcelona (en Espanol, hoteles en Barcelona) with your choice of amenities, in virtually any location you desire. Photos and detailed information are available for hundreds of hotels and other types of lodging. Be sure to check out last minute deals!

To travel between Barcelona and Madrid, the Barcelona Airport is serviced by Air Europa throughout the day at terminal B. You may check in at desks B44 through B58. The arrival in Madrid Barajas will be at terminal 4. Expect flight time to be 75 minutes. Although the flight is short, food is served. Prices for tickets will vary from about 94 euros to as much as 320 euros.

Before arriving in Madrid, make sure your hotel in Madrid is reserved (en Espanol, hoteles en Madrid). Again, you can easily browse a wide selection of styles, available amenities, locations, within a wide price range. Again, last minute deals are available. Easily find hotels that are convenient to the locations you wish to visit during your stay.

Featured country: Sweden

Sweden offers a temperate climate perfect for those of us who dream of escaping summer heat waves during August vacations. Accommodations range from traditional hotels, youth hostels for those on a budget, bed-and-breakfasts for relaxation and comfort, camping for nature enthusiasts, and authentic Swiss chalets for those wishing to enjoy Sweden's charming historic flavor. Travel within Sweden depends upon your destination. Stockholm transportation, for example, offers an exciting variety of options such as an enchanting passenger boat tour, a thrilling flight via Arlanda helicopter, express trains, subways, and the more usual bus, automobile, or bicycle options.

The Ahlens City Day Spa offers a lavish spa experience in the Swedish style for complete mind and body rejuvenation. Opportunities for fishing, hiking, and swimming in unspoiled natural surroundings abound. Kulturhuset is the place to visit for afficionados of the arts, while Globen is the destination for sports enthusiasts. Families can travel by ferry boat to Grona Lund, a popular amusement park, while history buffs will enjoy a trip to Vasa Ship, a sunken 17th century warship that has been restored and now houses close to one thousand wooden sculptures.

Swedish cuisine involves more than just meatballs. Try plattar (delicious with lignonberry sauce), kryddkaka, pressgurka, pytt i panna, ostbakad potatis, tomatsallad, and more! While in any exotic destination, always enjoy the local flavor to enjoy the depth of the experience.

Sweden offers something for everyone, add it to your list of "places to visit!"

World Cuisine

In our last post, we talked about our monthly homeschool get-togethers dedicated to a country or region, during which we enjoyed food, entertainment, and more from the selected destination. A great source for finding recipes from around the world (or around the corner) is a chefs site.

You can usually search by nation or region, and choose recipes suited to your needs. For example, at Chefs.com there are over 1,300 regional recipes, searchable by 53 countries, regions, or continents, and also arranged by prep time. You can view the prep time and separate cooking time for each one, as well as recipe rating to help make selection easier. Some of my favorite cuisines are Asian, and I am looking forward to trying the yakitori, as the recipe is a bit different from my own. I'm sure you will find favorites of your own here as well.

Enjoying the food of the selected country is a great way to pull everything together for your meeting, and combining it with visual effects, music, and other elements is a great way to make for an immersion learning experience that is fun as well as memorable. A lot more informative (and will be remembered MUCH longer!) than a dry lesson from a geography textbook.

Enjoy your "travel" AND your learning!