Where to Party After Dark in Beijing

0

Posted by Lisa | Posted in General Travel | Posted on 31-07-2009

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Looking for some fun near your hotel in Beijing? Getting ready to let your hair down? Looking for one of a kind party experience to jazz up your stay in Beijing?

Visit Beijing’s Sanlitun Street, where the capital city’s top bars, cafes, restaurants and nightclubs are located.

During the 2008 Beijing Olympic many celebrities, including swimming star Michael Phelps, movie star Vince Vaughn, and soccer star Renaldhino, made appearance at the bars here.

The street, better known as ‘Sanlitun Bar Street,’ lies in the famous embassy area near Beijing’s east 3rd Ring Road. Every day as the sun begins to set, foreign tourists, expats, and locals with extra energy to burn overflow this place.

The street comprises two parts: Sanlitun North and Sanlitun South. Sanlitun North is where you will rock until the early hours of the morning. It’s quite nearthe 4 star Beijing Taiyue Suites Hotel.

North Street is lined with several dozen cookie-cutter bars, most of which have tables outside where you can sit and enjoy a cold drink. The treat can be agreeable even in Beijing’s hot summer, because the dense trees keep you out of the sun and offer you only cool shade.

Most of the bars on the street offer liquor and beer from around the world to cater to an increasing number of international customers. Some even carry microbrews from your hometown!

Despite this, many visitors to China fall in love with local draft beers such as Yangjing and Tsingtao, which are palatable and refreshing by anyone’s taste. Each of the two beers sells around 25 RMB or 3 dollars, a little expensive by Beijing standards, but still cheaper than back home.

Another good spot for cheap drinksis the bar at the Beijing Avic hotel.

At night, many of the bars feature live performances, and it’s usually after midnight before the party reaches its climax. Party goers wiggle to the hip beats the band play, bartenders work on exhibition flair, and waitresses weave in and out of the crowds to serve your beers. The spirit might be slightly different from that back home, but at this point in the night, who cares!

Of course, if you want to keep things quiet and have an intimate conversation with your loved one, there are bars tucked in the alleyways offering just that. Lovely surroundings create cozy and romantic ambience.

Most of the bars offer salad, hamburgers, spaghetti, and soup, so you can have a quick dinner here. Otherwise, just take a short walk to Sanlitun South for a more formal treat.

Sanlitun South is home to a few restaurants serving all kinds of south Asian and European cuisines. A considerable number of ambassadors and diplomats are among the regular customers.

Alright, now you are acquainted to the street, and you are ready to set out for a great winning & dining experience while in BeijingWarning: too much drink may make you can’t get back to your Beijing hotel, and miss your Great Wall tour the next morning!

Let’s Take A Cruise This Year!

0

Posted by Lisa | Posted in General Travel | Posted on 31-07-2009

Tags: , , , , ,

Cruise ship reviews will go a long way to help you decide which ship to choose, whatever your purpose is. This is critical in the decision process because we are not talking about a few dollars but its a substantial amount of money. All the modern ships have a high price tag and all the good deals are not cheap but most will be expensive.

Traveling by cruise ship is in a class all of its own. No other method of vacationing offers so much in the way of entertainment and excitement as is cruise traveling. One of the ways in which cruise travelers show their enjoyment and approval of a cruise ship line is by writing a cruise review.

For those not be familiar with them, cruise reviews are written by travelers who have previously traveled on a cruise and want to share their experiences with others. These reviews often include information on excursions, entertainment, dining, service, and other information that a potential cruise traveler may find interesting. As a traveler you know that nothing can beat the actual experience of a satisfied customer in helping you determine which travel or cruise company to conduct business with. One of these well-known companies is the Disney cruise lines. They provide a variety of options such as the Disney wonder cruises.

Cruise reviews offer an inside look at what you can expect on your next cruise and also helpful tips and also offer advice on: Purchasing travel insurance, almost any traveler and you’re sure to see the numerous proddings and suggestions to purchase travel insurance. Having travel insurance guarantees that you’ll have access to the help you need in the event that your bags are lost or stolen, you may need medical attention, or your cruise is canceled or interrupted.

So what can you expect from cruise ship reviews? In the first place, you must expect some basic information on the ship that is being reviewed. You will get to know all the things needed to make a decision. You will discover information about the attractions that are present on the ship, the dining options that are available, suites, staterooms, and other facilities and services.

Family Fun In Chicago

0

Posted by Lisa | Posted in General Travel | Posted on 31-07-2009

Tags: , , , ,

Chicago is a great travel spot for people who enjoy music, comedy and the theater. The city is home to millions of people of different ethnicities and this can be discovered by walking around the neighborhoods. The city can accommodate the needs of the tourists regardless of their budgets. There are luxurious hotels, restaurants and boutiques for people with unlimited budgets, but there are also reasonable priced Chicago hotel rooms and restaurants. With many places to see like museums of art and science, Chicago also has a number of beaches and parks.

Like big cities, Chicago offers various types of accommodations which includes discount hotels and luxury hotels. It is not a difficult task to search for Cheap Chicago Hotels on the Internet. You can get the information that will explain about the hotels exact location, room charges, room and hotel facilities, and distance from airport, etc. Considering the rents and facilities of hotel that it provides, one can book the hotel rooms in advance. If you are here during the holidays then it is advisable to stay at Chicago hotel rooms which are located near local destinations.

If you do not want to go to theatres you can spend a day and a night by walking the Magnificent Mile or you can visit one of the many museums or attractions like the Field Museum, the Adler Planetarium, the Shedd Aquarium, the Art Institute of Chicago, the Lincoln Park Zoo, the National Museum of Mexican Art of the museum of Photography.

Like many of the big cities, Chicago’s a place where you can keep returning to visit new things and one can actually spend several months in a row to visit all there is to visit in Chicago. The downtown has so many attractions that for some visitors this is the only part of Chicago they get to see during their holidays. That’s one of the cities where film and music celebrities can be seen quite often because Chicago’s the third most productive town in the movie industry. Chicago is a city where literature and writing in general is right at home.

Sun and Fun in Miami

0

Posted by Lisa | Posted in General Travel | Posted on 30-07-2009

Tags: , , , , ,

Miami is considered to be among the most popular spots for vacationing in the USA. The city is located on the coast of Florida and can be very exciting if planned properly. This city usually remains warm the whole year. Miami Beach hotel rooms offer a wide range of good services and restaurants. South Beach is synonymous with luxury and its home to many of the top luxury hotels in North America.

When traveling to Florida do not forget to take your sun glasses and a good quality sun screen lotion with you. Miami Beach is a different place, which is often confused with the actual city of Miami. When packing be sure you remember to take your swimsuit if you plan to spend time on the beaches.

Miami is one of the favorite attractions especially during winter for United States domestic as well as the international visitors. If you are planning to travel on a tight budget then I am sure you would be looking for discounted Miami hotel rooms. To find the economy hotels in Miami is not impossible but will require a  little effort.

Being a tourist location, Miami is full of hotels around Miami International airport, South Beach & other surrounding areas. Usually the people traveling on business trip stays in airport hotels. The airport hotels are meant for the business travelers. Most of Miami airport hotels are designed with the business traveler in mind.

There are numerous Miami Beach luxury hotels that have reached and deserve the five star statuses they have received. It is just up to the travelers to do the research on each location from various sources including websites that include many other hotels. When looking for luxury hotels there is a reason they are called luxury, the basic room rates can run near one thousand dollars each night.

Related Blogs

Traveling With Credit Cards

0

Posted by Lisa | Posted in General Travel | Posted on 30-07-2009

Tags: , ,

Definitely plan to take credit cards with you when you travel.  Even when you travel abroad.  

It may be wise to inform your bank card companies where and when you will be traveling.Because of the growing identity theft problems, some card companies may question supicious spending patterns.  They might block charges on your card to protect you from fraud…  You know, like a lot of charges from London when you live in Des Moines.You don’t have to tell your card company when you travel abroad, but it may be wise to make sure your card can be used.  

Travel with only a couple of charge cards in addition to your ATM card. You shouldn’t take all your cards, too risky if you lose them, but you do need to have more than one type of card.  It’s a good idea because if something happens and one card can’t be used, you’ll have a backup.  

Some places only take Visa; some only take MasterCard.  Pick one or two of each and leave the rest at home.The motto “Don’t leave home without it,” is catchy but AMEX cards are not accepted everywhere.  It’s a good card to have, but it’s also good to know the limitations.

if you travel with someone else, it is a good idea for each of you to carry different types of cards.You will have more alternatives.  

If you rent a car, sometimes car rental companies will put a large charge on your card at the beginning as a deposit, leaving you less on your credit line.  Your back up cards will make sure you always can use a card.Use a card that covers the waiver on collision damage to rental cars… that’ll save you money.

Credit card companies have started adding international transaction fees.  Visa and MasterCard have charged a 1 percent fee for years, but now some banks that issue the card also tack on a 1-2 percent foreign transaction fee in addition to that.Ask your bank or card company.  There are a handful of cards which don’t charge any fees at all.  As of this writing, Capital One Card charges no fees, so you might want to carry one of those.

Don’t let foreign vendors charge that bill for you in dollars.  It seems nice, but you’ll probably end up paying more.  The dollar amount you’re charged may be at a crummy exchange rate (way worse than you’d get with your credit card or ATM), and you’re card company will still likely charge you a foreign transaction fee.

Credit cards are accepted in more places all the time…. most now in fact.  But there are still many little B&Bs that take only cash, some small restaurants too.You may not be able to use credit cards in less developed places and may have to use cash.  If you want to pay with your card, they may add 3-5 percent onto your bill to make up for the fees that they’re charged.  So take those credit cards traveling, but change plenty of money and be prepared to pay cash in many places too.

Goodtimes Abound in Seattle

0

Posted by Lisa | Posted in General Travel | Posted on 30-07-2009

Tags: , ,

The city of Seattle Washington is located in the eastern part of the state of Washington in Northwest America, between the waters of the Puget Sound and Lake Washington. Visiting Seattle’s top attractions is one way to learn the city’s history, culture, industries and unique beauty and character. Depending on the destination and location, you will have a range of hotels to choose from. Most of them have basic amenities and facilities. Seattle hotel rooms have a flexible pricing strategy and are based on many factors. Budget minded travelers may be interested in the Seattle motels available in the area.

You can learn much about the city’s interesting past by visiting the historical sites such as Pioneer Square and the Klondike National Historic Park. Seattle attractions simply abound in the city, so the visitors have plenty of options to suit their time, budget and interests. Some of the top attractions in Seattle worth including in your itinerary are:

The Seattle Space Needle is one of Pacific Northwest’s major landmarks and Seattle’s symbol. Built in 1962, the Space Needle observation deck provides a circular view of the downtown Seattle skyline, Puget Sound, Mt. Rainier, the Olympic and the Cascade Mountains and surrounding islands. Visit the restaurant in the tower at a height of 500 feet and experience unique dining on Pacific Northwest cuisine.

You can see many Pacific Northwest marine creatures in the Seattle Aquarium. The Woodland Park Zoo is second only to New York’s Bronx Zoo in terms of the number of awards from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The zoo is the home to 300 animal species, endangered and threatened animal species, and animal specimens.

Pike Place Market receives an average of 9 million visitors per year. The marketplace is the oldest farmer’s market in the U.S. It features shops and stalls of farm goods, specialty foods, antiques, crafts, collectibles and international groceries. Visitors will also find restaurants and take-out counters at Pike Place Market. After dark, this historic Pioneer Square becomes an entertainment district with nightspots, sports bars and hard rock taverns.

When planning an opulent visit to Seattle you’ll need to find Seattle luxury hotels to accomodate you. A visitor can save a considerable amount of money if he books the room one week before or after the peak season. The rates for five star hotels in the Seattle area start around $200. Four star hotels will start around $70.All of the Seattle hotel rooms are quoted per night.

 

Enjoy San Francisco for a Week or a Weekend

0

Posted by Lisa | Posted in General Travel | Posted on 30-07-2009

Tags: , , , , ,

What do you think of first any time anyone mentions San Francisco? Maybe the fine restaurants. Or the Golden Gate Bridge. Or the world’s crookedest street. However, you will discover the city offers more than you might even imagine. You’ll discover lot to see and do while you’re visiting this magnificent city.

San Francisco is an ideal place for walking. The weather is never really too cold for being outside and the city is so pretty; a stroll is a great method to check out all that “The City” (as it is known to the natives) has to offer. And, if you find yourself worn out from all that walking, you merely have to jump on one of San Fran’s famous cable cars and let them take you to your next point of interest. The cable car is unique to San Francisco, the place where the trolley originated, and is a great way to start getting acquainted with San Francisco culture.

And while you’re checking out the city, head down to Fisherman’s Wharf. Stop by Pier 39 for a good time. Pier 39 is an exciting stop due to its great shopping center, which is filled with shops, arcades, and street artists. And if you’re feeling playful, salute the other local inhabitants of the dock area—sea lions!—easily glimpsed just off the pier. Fisherman’s Wharf is also the place to go if you’re looking for great seafood. While there are plenty of great restaurants that will satisfy any craving, be sure to stop by Boudin’s and try their famous sourdough bread (you can even see the chef in action!) and delicious clam chowder. The Wharf area is simply brimming with fun; don’t miss this landmark area!

The local neighborhoods of San Francisco are another great stop if you want to live the amazing varieties of San Francisco culture. From North Beach to Chinatown, each neighborhood has an experience of its own that you won’t find anywhere else. The neighborhood of Haight-Ashbury is one of the highlights of San Francisco. Considered the Bohemian center of the city, this neighborhood is the birthplace of such legendaries as Jefferson Airplane and Janis Joplin. The spirit of these artists and their music still lives on in this district. Haight-Ashbury also boasts of some small but great local eateries, bars and shops, including Amoeba Music, a bowling alley that was converted into a record store. Here you can buy almost any type of music you can think of, with a huge variety of vinyl. And just a short distance from this district is also located the Golden Gate Park—a large, gorgeous park that echoes New York City’s Central Park.

Chinatown is one of the busiest neighborhoods of San Francisco. A walk down any of its narrow streets will bring enticing smells wafting from the many tempting restaurants. Meanwhile, your ears can feast on the sounds of Mandarin mixed with occasional English as you move past busy shops. It’s like a trip into an exotic culture within an exotic culture.

So while planning your San Francisco get-away, make sure your itinerary takes you off the beaten path. In San Fran you will find unique adventures everywhere you turn. Engulf yourself in the culture of the city; it’s the only way to do San Francisco!

Virtually any online travel company can assist you with your San Francisco travel plans. You could also use a specialized site, such as one that specializes in gay gay hotel accommodations.

 

Scotland Hotel Accommodation Pitlochry

0

Posted by Lisa | Posted in General Travel | Posted on 29-07-2009

Tags: , ,

Pitlochry hotels. The famous Dundarach Pitlochry hotels is in the
unique Victorian highland town of Pitlochry, still very much the
way it was 100 years ago.

Stone built infra-structure with steep, slate roofs, Pitlochry
hotels
are there too, all different to each other, Bags of open
space all around. 

Take a stroll along the main street, with it’s covered arcades,
quite individual. Pitlochry and Pitlochry Hotel remains an
eternal favourite for a break away from the normal routine.

The Loch, the Cuilc pond, the mill lade, feel the magical
atmosphere around the water. Walk around the loch and experience
an enchanted landscape at close quarters without strain. Look
for salmon in the observation room in the salmon ladder and walk
on the dam. Feel the rumble when the Dam gates are opened.

Climb Ben Vrackie, there are now some laid paths and steps to
help you reach your summit. Check out Craigour, and see
Pitlochry hotels from the top, it’s forest plantations and it’s
wildlife sanctuaries .

There are the other walks to, the bealach, clunie or black
spout. Route maps are available at the Pitlochry hotels to help
you. You can walk round the Pitlochry Hotels in a nice
alternative ramble.

Visit a malt whisky distillery, see how it is made. Smell the
ingredients, feel the malted barley, taste the finished product.
Pitlochry Hotel guide to malt whisky is available to help you
make the most of your outing.

Should you be interested in cycling then there are some good
cyclo-tours in the area that will take a few days to fully
explore .(see the activities page) Maps are available as part of
your trip.

If ancient history is your thing then the stone circles of
Pitlochry will be of interest. Dundarach Hotel Pitlochry
information leaflets are available.

A previous proprietor of the main house authored a history of
the area from a pre history point of view.

The Plant Collectors Garden in Pitlochry is a shrine to the
efforts of our forebears who travelled the world discovering
plants to enrich our garden and forest heritage. An excellent
worthwhile visit, right in the town centre beside the theatre.  Pitch
and put, during the summer season, near the Catholic Church
beyond the west end car park.

Killiecrankie, site of a famous battle is just to the North of
town, it has a visitor centre, full of info regarding the site
and the famous “soldiers leap” where a highlander jumped clear
over the river Tilt to escape the pursuing Jacobites. See the
Crusaders Grave from the 12th century with it’s carved claymore
just above Pitlochry in Moulin village.

Maohlinn is Gaelic for smooth rounded hill. It’s been here as a
settlement for about 2000 years. Probably the most important
settlement of the upper valley in the iron age. The most
photographed view of Pitlochry is undoutedly Queens View, named
after Queen Victoria who saw it during her reign. Not unique as
a name in Scotland it is nevertheless the best of them.

The area is so rich in flora. Called “big tree country”
Pitlochry hotels are surrounded by rare trees, from Yew Trees that
are as old as the Roman occupation to giants that would be at
home in the Rocky Mountains. Blair Castle and the Hermitage are
good places to see some of the mighty giants. Pitlochry hotel
grounds have 2 Douglas Firs.

Car hire pitlochry is also available if you should choose to
arrive by rail.

Related Blogs

Couples Weekend In Washington

0

Posted by Lisa | Posted in General Travel | Posted on 29-07-2009

Tags: , , , ,

Planning a visit to Washington DC is a great idea. The capital of the USA is one of the top tourist destinations here in the US. It is a city where history is not only made but it is also experienced. With its long standing history, Washington DC attracts thousands of tourists not only from the here but from all over the world. You shoul try to find Washington cheap hotels that are close to tourist destinations. The National Mall in the center of the city is surrounding by various hotels and accomodations. For the budget minded traveler one should consider Washington hotel packages for the best travel values.

Washington DC is home to numerous national landmarks and is one of the most popular tourist destinations here in the United States. The National Mall stands tall in the heart of the city displaying many monuments of the American Leaders. The White House is the most popular and important attraction which draws millions of visitors each year. Apart from the historical monuments and other museums and monuments which attract tourists are the National Portrait Gallery, National Museum of Natural History, National Museum of American History, National Museum of the American Indian, National Air and Space Museum, The Smithsonian Museum, National Zoo.

With tourists flowing in every year in irising numbers Washington DC offers connectivity with convenience to virtually all. Not just transportation but this city also offers a wide range of hotels for every budget. The facilities provided by these hotels are all up-to-date. A good number of budget hotels can be located in the heart of the city which will make your stay convenient. The bookings should be made well in advance as Washington DC has many tourists all year long.

Washington DC hosts a great number of tourists every year and that’s why hotel accommodations will be lavish. Some travelers will wish to stay in luxury at one of those Five Star hotels in Washington. Some luxury minded travelers also prefer low costs and it is possible to enjoy yourself at one of the 3 Star Hotels In Washington DC.

You can find many budget Washington hotel rooms in and around Washington DC. Some of the regular facilities offered by the hotels in Washington DC include air conditioned rooms, car rentals, airport pick and drop facilities, swimming pools, health clubs, spas, and restaurants. The restaurants here can offer great food and delicacies that you will find relishing.

Atlanta Hotels

0

Posted by Lisa | Posted in General Travel | Posted on 29-07-2009

Tags: , , , ,

Atlanta has got some of the best tourist locations in the world. They will even provide special tour packages to tourists. Atlanta extended stay hotels are ideal for business travel, relocation, temporary housing, and vacations. Most of Atlanta extended-stay hotels provide the feel of home with the right amenities. They also are offering flexibility in pricing. For a longer period of stay, it is wise to stay in an Atlanta extended stay hotels than in normal Atlanta hotel. To get the best value possible check out the Atlanta hotel packages available online.
 
This city offers various attractions like parks, museums, sports, etc. This densely populated city of Georgia is among the most interesting tourist attractions of the world. Extended-stay hotels are suitable lodging alternatives for business persons and leisure travelers who are accustomed to the amenities of the expensive hotels and resorts. Atlanta extended-stay hotels are ideal for the professionals who are relocating and for employees who are on temporary assignments. As a result, extended stay hotels are also sometimes known as corporate housing.

The various neighbourhoods surrounding Atlanta offer something different, with many shops, cafes, and restaurants. Midtown offers many trendy bars and restaurants, and The West End has many good restaurants serving delicious southern cuisine. There is so much to see and do in Atlanta, that there are many escorted walking tours in and around the city.

The Atlanta extended stay hotels have fully equipped kitchen and self service undry rooms. Some of the extended stay deluxe services provided by Atlanta hotels include coffeemakers, parking, Internet, meeting rooms, non smoking rooms, pools, safe deposit boxes, spas, and cable. Housekeeping and guest laundry services are other common facilities. Fitness centers and pools are also being offered by some Atlanta extended stay hotels. There are 3 types of extended stay hotels, suites, limited-service, and serviced apartments. Atlanta extended stay hotels provide accommodations on a weekly and monthly rates, and some of them also offer accommodations on a daily rate.The moderate prices of these extended stay hotels are designed to suite the price sensitive extended stay traveler.