Sinking into the warm Spanish snow. Ha! Ha!

What a poor, ill-informed creature this person is. I realise that the laws of England prevent him from attacking anybody but natural born British people – but surely even he is aware of the situation in some of the countries Brits have moved to.

Spain has been experiencing sub-zero temperatures as well as massive flooding and snow drifts over most of the peninsula.

There is no point in trying to justify this pathetic little movement but what about the moral case against the economic refugees who receive massive bounty from the British (miss)government? It is a great pity that the endemic abuse of the Social Security system by immigrants (both illegal and legal) who are in receipt of far greater allowances than any born and bred Brit – but of course, to say that in England would probably cost your job on the air – is allowed to flourish under the fear of being branded a racist if you speak out in your own country.

His little comment about how lucky it was that someone could use the allowance to run his air conditioning simply shows how mind bogglingly ignorant some people are – air conditioning heats as well as cools. Many Brits are faced with massive bills for air conditioning in the winter because of the very high price of electricity.

The recent floods all over Spain, the Canary Islands and Madeira have cost lives and destroyed a lot of property and for some Brits who qualify for the WFA, it will not make a lot of difference as they burn massive amounts of fuel to dry their homes out.

I agree that a few Brits probably should not be receiving the WFA because they have falsely claimed a UK address but the amount involved is as a drop in the oceam compared with the massive abuse of the Social Security system by those who have paid nothng in to it.

Originally published in the No B. S. Blog

Fragrant pine forests, luscious vineyards, succulent olive groves and juicy citrus trees cover this picturesque island which in turn is surrounded by clear blue waters and white sands that sparkle like glitter in the sun.

The north of the island has mountainous peaks while the south has more gentle rolling hills ideal for exploring.

The main attraction of Zante holidays has to be the beautiful sandy beaches, with the choice of vast stretches of lively sands or small secluded coves some of which are only accessible by boat. One such place is Shipwreck Beach in Smugglers Cove which conjures up fascinating images of pirates and pillaging in days gone by. As the name suggests, the ship still lies forlornly on the beach here but the only way to reach it is a short swim from your boat. The dazzling white sands and piercing blue waters create a picture postcard image that is famous around the world and the most photographed place on Zante holidays.

Zante has many sea caves, again only reached by boat with the Blue Caves in the north a dazzling example of how the sunlight reflecting off the sea can create a natural and colourful phenomenon. Keri caves in the south offer a similar experience and something that should definitely be seen on all Zante holidays.

Village tours will help you explore this charming little island and you’ll get the chance to experience the local way of life and explore crumbling churches and ancient monasteries. The island was nearly devastated by an earthquake in 1953, yet the locals have managed to rebuild many monuments to their original design.

Laganas is one of the few breeding grounds for Loggerhead Turtles which is why water sports are restricted in this part of the island, the beaches are also closed to the public at sunset to help encourage the turtles to come ashore and lay their eggs. A boat trip over to Marathonisi Island is the best way to get a glimpse of these creatures, as they play just outside the bay here. You can also swim out from Gerakas Beach but this is only advisable for strong swimmers.

Alikanas and Alikes on the north east coast are the perfect destination for families with safe sandy beaches and calm shallow waters.

Zante holidays have the perfect combination that beautiful Greek islands offer, safe sandy beaches, small hidden coves, crystal clear waters, and lush green countryside. You can choose whether you prefer the lively nightlife of some of the towns, or family atmosphere of others, whichever your preference, Zante holidays certainly have something for everyone.

Yvonne Dawson also writes for TravelNewz, check out the site for interesting and fun news stories.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-tips-articles/at-loggerheads-in-zante-1782669.html

The first day, Bhogi, is celebrated on the last day of the Tamil month of Margazhi. On this day, homes are cleaned and decorated. It’s a case of “out with the old and in with the new”, with purchasing of new clothes and household items, and the burning of old and unusable things. Bhogi also honours Lord Indra, the God of clouds and rain, worshipped for the abundance of harvest.

The second day is the most important. It marks the first day of the auspicious month of Thai and is therefore called Thai Ponggal; the Ponggal dish is cooked exactly at the moment when the new month is born. This Ponggal day is also called Surya Ponggal as Surya, the Sun God, is honoured on this day for a bountiful harvest.

The third day is Maattu Ponggal, dedicated to the cattle that help farmers in a myriad ways. On this day, the cows and bulls are bathed and decorated with vermillion and garlands. Prayers are offered to them and they are given a well-deserved day of rest for their invaluable service.

The fourth day is called Kaanum Ponggal. With “Kaanum” meaning “to see”, this is a day of socializing, where family member – young and old – get together to share their joy and harvests. It’s also called Kanni Ponggal, after a practice in the old days when the young women of the village would come out dressed in their festive finery and have an opportunity to meet the village’s eligible young men.

Measure the weather with a thermometer hygrometer. See more information at http://thermometerhygrometer.org

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They put you in touch with the perfect dog friendly accommodation places to stay in the United Kingdom. You can easily look up the area that you want to holiday in and pick the accommodation type too. Guest House

There aren’t any pay per click adverts distracting you, the site is thought out well and laid out cleanly The pages can be easily printed for use later. As well as a detailed description and map of the area, each web pagehas details of the areas that you are allowed to take your dog. e.g. living areas.

Travel the easy way and be organised to boot. You want to be happy in the knowledge that when you get to your destination that there won’t be any unforseen problems relating to travel with your dog.

If you like what you are reading, then click on the link and see for yourself. Dog Friendly Accommodation.

If you are a Hotel, Guest House or Campsite, it is possible to add your own listing. The site has been up and running for two months and is still relatively new. As we speak the site ranks # 6 (and climbing) for “Dog Friendly Accommodation” in Yahoo! Click here for more Dog Friendly Accommodation information.

Clarence Bishop is a respected IT consultant that has been at the forefront of the IT industry for 25 years.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-tips-articles/dog-friendly-accommodation-in-the-uk-1772575.html

Hostels: The Lone Traveler’s Lifeline

The great thing about backpacking Europe alone is that there are many other travelers doing the same thing and it is easy to meet them at the hostels you stay in. Backpacker’s hostels are a great way to meet other people because there are communal rooms, kitchens, and dorms so you are constantly in contact with other travelers. On the other hand, staying in hotels as a lone traveler can make for a lonely trip because you will always be cooped up in your room alone when you are done with the day’s activities. Staying in a hostel is fun because you can cook with your hostel mates and chat with them in the communal area or dorm.

When backpacking Europe alone, you can meet other travelers by taking part in the tours organized at the hostel. Many hostels in Europe organize free walking tours of the city. These tours are a great chance for you to have fun and interact with the hostel staff and guests. You can also sign up for organized tours arranged by travel agencies in order to meet fellow travelers. In addition, hostels often organize social events such as pub crawls and BBQs. Don’t be afraid to join in!

Backpacking in Europe alone may seem intimidating initially but it really isn’t once you get used to starting conversations with fellow hostel guests. Remember that a lot of the people staying at the hostel are probably in the same boat and feeling just as nervous as you are. The only way you are going to start meeting people and having a memorable trip is by chatting up your fellow hostel-goers.

Make no mistake about it. Backpacking in Europe alone can be just as fun as backpacking with your friends. You’ll meet plenty of people on the road as long as you get up the guts to make conversation with the people you meet along the way. Don’t forget to participate in organized activities. Buying a bottle of wine and starting a little party of your own is another great way to get to know your hostel mates. The moral of this story is: be open to meeting new people and they will be open to meeting you!

If you love this article, you will also love another article written by this article’s author on ultralight sleeping bag and big agnes sleeping bags.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-tips-articles/backpacking-europe-alone-hints-on-meeting-other-travelers-1769555.html

Lumpini Park is named after the birth place of the Buddha in Nepal and is located in the Central Business District where Silom Road meets Rama IV. It is the oldest park of its kind in Thailand. It resides on 140 acres and accommodates two large lakes and many sports and recreational facilities including a jogging track, boating, public swimming pool, open air recreational centre, playgrounds, and even a space for ball room dancing.

The park opens at 6 am offering an opportunity for the health conscious to partake in early morning sports activities ranging from jogging to Tai Chi. During weekends the park becomes a picnic spot for Bangkok city residents. Towards the end of each year, in the cooler months, the Palm Garden of the park is the site of the annual ‘Concert in the Park’ festival featuring classical music by the Bangkok Symphony Orchestra and other prominent bands.

The sheltered niches dotted around the park allow visitors to relax, read a book or spend time simply gazing at the colorful flora and fauna. The lush manicured greens of the park offer a unique comfort in the heart of bustling, Bangkok where visitors can kick off their shoes and forget their troubles.

The park is also the habitat for indigenous fauna including water monitor lizards, palm sized mollusks, squirrels, varied bird life.

A wide variety of sumptuous street food is also to be found here, near the western parking lot where vendors sell fresh Thai food and fruit.

The Lumpini Park can be reached by taking the Sky Train to Saladaeng Station and is a short walk from there. It can also be reached from the nearby Lumpini and Silom MRT stations.

There are many 5 stars hotels Bangkok within close proximity to Lumpini Park. The Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok is one such Bangkok luxury hotel. Park grounds can be reached in just a few minutes from the hotel via the popular sky train mass transit system. Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok sits amidst lush tropical gardens affording spectacular river views. Choose from a variety of tastefully appointed rooms and suites coupled with signature Shangri-La service and amenities.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-tips-articles/lumpini-park-bangkok-tranquility-in-the-midst-of-the-city-1764308.html

A lot of people have luggage problems, make sure before you leave you make a list of everything you have in your suitcase, right down to your tooth brush, another good idea is to take a photo of it exactly how it is before you close it. This will help identify it if it becomes lost. Take a photo of the outside too. This is also helpful because on average 1 out of 200 bags go missing. Also do not leave old tags from previous flights on your case, only keep the current one on your case and make sure your name and a contact number is visible from the outside. Although you should have an address with your luggage in case it does go missing and someone finds it. Make sure it’s not visible from the outside just in case somebody does find it. This is telling them that you house is empty. Keep your address inside the case on a piece of paper. A better idea is to use a friend of family members address as then if your luggage does get sent home, it will be with somebody as opposed to be sitting on the doorstep of an empty house.

You must also make sure you have all the valuable things in your hand luggage, for example your passport, money, keys to luggage, any other identification and flight tickets and check this a few times before you hand over your suitcase.

Another idea when holidaying is to buy a holiday guide if you are unfamiliar with the area. Does some research before you go and find out what is good and what isn’t. Also laws are different in different places. So what you may see as acceptable in your country may not be acceptable in another country.

Many flights will also refuse you if you are too drunk, if you are waiting in the airport a very long time don’t get excessively drunk as you may not be able to go on holiday at all. And another thing to remember in the airport is if you leave your baggage unattended it will more than likely get taken away and investigated. It’s a good idea to make sure when checking in that you have only your own luggage on the trolley and you aren’t taking somebody else’s in as well.

And last if you are travelling with children, make sure you give them a note or piece of paper they can keep on them at all times detailing your telephone number, name and where you are staying. Just in case anything does happen, it is more likely that they will be returned to you.

Villa tastic is a website full of Holiday homes all over the world . Mancala Technology are specialist in SEO Newcastle .

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We’ll start off at the original Universal Studios which was made famous for “riding the movies”. Overcome your fears and take each ride’s terror with a grain of salt, because remember, it’s only fake… or is it? We’ll start off with the thrill rides that are based on some previous Universal films, such as Jaws! You’ve seen the movie, now take a boat ride out on the water where nothing is safe from the terror of the deep. Everyone thought he was dead, but Jaws proves he still very much alive and extremely hungry in this thrill ride for families and people of all ages. Like shoot ‘em ups? How about slaying aliens? Working for the Men in Black? Well here’s your chance to try and join their ranks by competing with your friends and family in a M.I.B. Training mission that goes wrong, pitting you up against evil aliens in order to save the world. The outcome of the mission/ride is determined by how high your score is, so become trigger happy. Earn enough points and they just might make you into an M.I.B. Agent!

Next, we’ll discover the two roller coasters, my favorite type of attractions, which are located almost right next to each other for convenience. Venture deep into the desert, into the forbidden sacred temple, and unleash the wrath of the mummy! Fast, dark and scary, this ride becomes a sensory overload for anyone riding it for the first time where your adrenaline is pumping due to the combination of fear and excitement. This next ride drives people… crazy. The new Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit is a roller coaster designed to push you to the limit with the insane speed, loops and drops of a roller coaster combined with fast rock or techno music that you get to pick. The entire ride is videotaped and can be viewed afterwards to see your shock and awe.

The park also has many rides and attractions for the entire family, such as the E.T. Adventure, Jimmy Neutron’s Nicktoon Blast, Terminator 2 in 3-D, Shriek in 4-D and the new Simpsons Ride! So come on down to Orlando and enjoy all of the excitement with your family or a group of friends.

Our next stop is right across the street, and is by far, my favorite park and one of the top things to do in Florida. Universal Studio’s Islands of Adventure has out-done itself and many other parks when it comes to making the scenery fit the theme of the rides of the areas it holds them in, and in this case, islands. Make your first stop to the Super Hero Island and take the job as a reporter in the Adventures of Spider Man, a 3-D motion simulator that takes your around the city as all of the Spider Man villains team up to overwhelm Spider Man and hold New York City for ransom. Jump to the sky and fall to the ground in Doctor Doom’s Fearfall. Then hit up the Incredible Hulk roller coaster which I’m sure you saw on your way into park, screaming at rageful speeds. This is a must ride roller coaster for any coaster jockey, as you go from 0 – 40 miles per hour in exactly 2 seconds. Speaking of roller coasters, head over to the opposite side of the park at some time during the day and face the Dueling Dragons! Choose your side, Fire or Ice, and ride your dragon as you face off against the other, blazing right past the other dragon in this dual coaster phenomenon.

Other must experience rides are Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls, Popeye and Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges, and Jurassic Park’s River Adventure. You will get wet and you will be scared, so be prepared! Some other family style rides would include The Cat in the Hat ride that pushes your mind to a whole new extreme.

A friendly reminder from myself, a well experienced theme park explorer, to always follow a few simple rules when attending Universal’s Parks or any other Theme Park:

1. Always wear sunscreen. You will burn without it or the shade.
2. Keep hydrated. Florida’s heat will keep you thirsty.
3. Bring extra clothes or a swim suit for those water rides.
4. Always pay attention to height restrictions for kids. These are for safety only.
5. Never ride more than you can handle. This will keep you from getting sick.

With that said, I know you will enjoy your time in Orlando, especially when exploring these two fabulous theme parks at Universal Studios!

Universal Studios is one if the best places to take pictures in Central Florida. Visiting the theme parks in Orlando offer the best vacation family for you and your family.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-tips-articles/universal-studios-orlando-and-islands-of-adventure-two-parks-in-one-1757042.html

Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal and the central tourist hub that acts as the gateway to the mighty Himalaya. If you don’t know what to do and where to go you could easily waste your precious time in the tourist traps, being hassled by touts and wasting money on expensive non-local arranged sightseeing tours. Kathmandu has a charm hidden underneath all the “tourist tinsel” and the best way to find it is by going local. Though doing it rough and ready is not ideal for most people travelling with young families, a little bit of preplanning and a good balance of organised and do it yourself touring can give you an amazing holiday in Kathmandu. And getting around is much easier than you think.

Hook up with a local tour operator and book yourself on a three day jungle safari in Chitwan. It’s a good chance to get out of the city, see the country/jungle side and best of all the kids will absolutely love bathing the elephants, riding them and playing with baby elephants at the breeding centre.  Interaction with these gentle giants will be a highlight talked about by them for years to come. Best of all at the standard price of US$80 per person for three days all inclusive of meals, accommodation, transport and jungle activities, it’s a bargain….don’t forget to ask for a discount for younger kids!

Return to Kathmandu and get yourself to Nagarkot, one of the premier hill stations, here you will find a hotel for any budget and taste, there is plenty to offer and getting there is a synch, book a taxi or take the daily tourist bus which departs from Thamel at 7 am everyday in tourist season and on demand out of season. The big attraction to Nagarkot is what everyone comes to Nepal to see, the Mountains. From this hilltop town, views can be seen right from Annapurna in the west all the way down to Kanchengjunga in the east. If you are lucky a guide or one of the hotel staff will be able to point out the distant peak of Mount Everest, the tallest mountain in the world. Everest is seen most clearly at sunrise. The best time of year to see impressive views of the mountains is from September through to February. If you are heading up on a Saturday, pre booking a hotel is advised as the locals love this place too.

After an overnight stay in Nagarkot you can return by vehicle to Kathmandu, or if you have an active family, take the time to trek down through the hillside Tamang Villages to Changunayaran, the oldest and one of the loveliest temples in the whole of Kathmandu Valley. With an entry fee of just 70 rupees per person, it is certainly worth a visit. From here, it is easy to arrange a taxi down to Bhaktapur, the ancient walled city. I recommend staying a night here, make the most of the US$10 entry fee and spend a good amount of time exploring the cobbled lane ways of Bhaktapur, which at one time was a kingdom in its own rights! Tucked away behind the main square, you can find Potters Square which is where the locals still make by hand all forms of pottery for everyday and temple usage. Bhaktapur offers several quaint guesthouses to spend the night and have a hot meal. If you feel the need to explore the city at a great depth, local guides can be hired from any guest house or at the main gate.

Back in Kathmandu, be original and instead of joining up for the stock standard day tour of the big three, Pashupati, Durbar Square and Boulda, hail a local rickshaw or two and pile your family in for some fun exploring the back lanes, hidden temples and thriving local markets of old Kathmandu, ending your ride in Basantapur making sure you take some time to explore Durbar Square and the old royal palace. Get your driver to show you the best place to taste Chai, Nepal’s famous sweet spiced milk tea. You should expect to pay your driver about 100 rupees per hour and if you are lucky to have a chatty one you will learn more about life and time in Kathmandu than you would from your average tour guide who just resites facts and figures learned from Lonely Planet!

So there you have it, you may have overlooked Nepal as a holiday destination for a short trip, thinking that you had to spend weeks on end travelling and trekking, it’s not true, there is plenty on offer in and just around the Kathmandu Valley to make an affordable, rewarding and culturally rich holiday for your family in the kingdom of the Himalayas!

Have fun planning your holiday and enjoy what’s right on your doorstep.

For more information about holidays in Nepal and getting around Kathmandu, check out D’Tours Original, a local tour operator more than happy to cater to your needs.

http://www.dtoursoriginal.com

Generally I love life, love travelling and love sharing my experiences with people form all over the world. Adventure and Local culture are my passions.

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Getting the most out of Berlin doesn’t have to break the bank; you can enjoy the culture, history, and architecture Berlin is famous for without paying a single Euro.
Find out which Berlin sights you shouldn’t miss on your next trip to the German capital; here are the best 10 free attractions in Berlin.

1. Brandenburg Gate

No visit to Berlin is complete without seeing the Brandenburg Gate.
During the Cold War and the division of Germany, this landmark stood between East and West Berlin. When the wall fell in 1989 and Germany was reunited, the Brandenburg Gate became the iconic landmark of a new Germany.

German Car Rental

2. The Reichstag

The Reichstag is the traditional seat of the German Parliament.
When the historic building was remodeled in the 1990s, it was adorned with a modern glass dome, offering a look into the parliamentary proceedings and a stunning view of the Berlin skyline.

Getting There: Metro Stop “Unter den Linden” (line S1, S25)

3. Museum Island
“Pergamon Museum, Museums Island, Berlin”Luis Villa

Berlin’s Museum Island is home to five world-class museums and the Berlin Cathedral; this unique ensemble of museums and traditional buildings on the small island in the river Spree is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

4. East Side Gallery Berlin

The East Side Gallery is a colorful section of the Berlin Wall, which once divided the city into East and West Berlin.
This last piece of the original wall has been turned into the largest open-air gallery in the world, displaying more than 100 paintings by international artists.

5. Holocaust Memorial Berlin

The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe is one of the most impressive and moving monuments to the Holocaust.
The architect Peter Eisenmann designed this sculpture, which is laid out on a 4.7 acre site and covered with more than 2,500 geometrically arranged pillars. The adjacent underground museum holds the names of all known Jewish Holocaust victims.

6. Potsdamer Platz

Potsdamer Platz was built entirely from ground up in 1995. You will find bold and utopian architecture here, a large shopping center and lots of movie theaters, which are the venue for the annual Berlin International Film Festival.
The dome of the Sony Center, which was modeled after Mount Fuji, is lit by different colors at night and is the landmark of this area.

Getting There: Metro Stop “Potsdamer Platz” (line U2, S1, S25)

7. Unter den Linden – Boulevard

Stroll down the grand boulevard “Unter den Linden”, which stretches from Museums Island to the Brandenburg Gate.
The street is lined on both sides by noteworthy historical statues and buildings, like the Humboldt University, the State Opera, the State Library, the German Museum of History, and embassies.

Getting There: Metro Stop “Unter den Linden” (line S1, S25)

8. Memorial Church in Berlin

The Protestant Memorial Church of Berlin is one of the city’s most prominent landmarks.
The church was heavily damaged by air-raids in World War II, destroying its tower, which was preserved as a war memorial.
A new, strikingly modern concrete church with wonderful blue stained glass windows was built adjacent to the original church.

Getting There: Metro Stop “Zoologischer Garten” (Line U2, U12, U9, S5, S7, S75, S9)

9. Art Galleries at Hackescher Markt

The area around Hackescher Markt boasts the most interesting and eclectic galleries and street art in Berlin.
For the best gallery hopping, head down Auguststrasse and its adjacent side streets. On Thursday evenings, you might catch some opening shows (with free wine and snacks).

Getting There: Metro Stop “Hackescher Markt” (line S5, S7, S9, S75)

10. Tiergarten in Berlin

Relax in the Tiergarten, the green heart of Berlin, and find out why so many Berliners love this park. On more than 600 acres, you can enjoy lush lawns, leafy paths, small creeks, and traditional beer gardens.

Getting There: Metro Stop “Potsdamer Platz” (line U2, S1, S25) or “Bellevue” (line S5, S7, S9, S75)

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-tips-articles/top-10-free-things-to-do-in-berlin-1749532.html