Time travel online

With the population strength of 2.7 million, Rome has mild to rainy climate in winter while in the summer it is hot and dry. To understand the city's artistic richness it would be wise to move on foot since you can play it by ear while you can take quick side trips at the inspiration of the poetic spirit in you. However to move around conveniently you can depend on private guided tours for which you can easily contact your hotel management. Tram-Bus system is another reasonably priced option that will take you around the city and Rome's neighborhoods as well to enjoy a charming tour.

Whatever may be your special preferences as a tourist there are some places you cannot miss when you are visiting Rome with the sole purpose of sightseeing. In the popularity scale possibly the Coliseum would come next to the Vatican to say the least. Moreover it is the most recognizable structure of Rome. Since operating hours vary all along the year it would be advisable that for admission details you call beforehand.

Once you finish the gravity-filled visit of The Coliseum, stroll along the lane to Foro Romano, also known as Roman Forum, which was Ancient Rome's community center. Economic, political and religious activities took place at that very site. In the midst of the ruins a number of its columns still stand high even after 2000 years, vouching for the great qualities of Roman architecture valued even today. From 9 am to an hour before sunset it remains open for visitors while free admission it offers.

The Pantheon stands today without hardly any changes and that makes it difficult to believe that it is 1,800 years old really. Around 125 AD, Emperor Hadrian built The Pantheon or "temple to all gods". The 9-meter opening of its concrete dome is the only source of illumination inside. Here remain buried two kings of Italy and many other prominent individuals of Europe. Every day in week including holidays except Christmas it remains open. No admission fee is charged.

Three hours you can spend easily for visiting The Vatican and the collection there, of paintings, sculptures, books and a number of artifacts that record the Catholic Church's history in chronological order. Also relish in St. Peter's Basilica, the wonder of Michelangelo's Pieta, note its detailed masonry, and the papal catacombs as well. Proceed next to the Vatican Museum that houses some more thrilling antiquities of which no less important are Egyptian mummies dating back to the BC period. In case there is time constraint move to the Sistine Chapel skipping all other attractions. It is stated that when Pope Julius II invited Michelangelo, a rare sculptor basically, to paint the Bible on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, he guessed it could be a ploy of his rivals who might have thought that since Michelangelo was not known for his skill as a painter he would create something very ordinary and thus would land in an embarrassing situation. However events did not follow exactly that track as we learn from the history. Truly speaking, the Sistine Chapel is considered perhaps as the Renaissance period's most valued gift.

Since you will get many restaurants and cafes in near vicinity of main tourist attractions and that makes it easy to take care whenever you are hungry. For specials and tourist information the hotel concierge is generally the best source and that is the case here too.

Bora Bora is a paradise for tourists from all over the world. The island is surrounded by magnificent blue-colored lagoons where different water sports are available for your pleasure. The Polynesian waters is considered a fantastic setting for various water sports like sailing, swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, water skiing and jet skiing.

The following information below is your guide to different water sports in Bora Bora:

1. Scuba Diving – This is considered a very popular recreational activity in Bora Bora. There are several different companies and operators in the island that provide tourists a scuba diving experience that they will never forget.

2. Snorkeling – Also included in list of popular water sports is snorkeling. The waters of Bora Bora are absolutely perfect for snorkeling because of its crystal clear lagoons. Most hotels in Bora Bora offer guests equipment for snorkeling. However, it is still recommended to bring your own snorkeling gears. Snorkeling in Bora Bora is in a class all on its own that a lot of business operators make it their primary service. They have turned basic snorkeling into art and through the years of experience, they have already discovered the best snorkeling spots where most species of fishes and amazing corals can be seen.

3. Windsurfing – Windsurfing is also a very popular water sport in Tahiti Polynesia. However, finding a windsurfing rental place is very difficult. The only places where you can find them are from large hotels like The Sofitel, Hotel Bora Bora and Maitai.

4. Jet Skiing and Wave Running – Wave Running and Jet Skiing are two of the most adrenaline-pumping water sports in Bora Bora Island. Most tourists in the island rent a wave runner or a jet ski for exploring lagoons in the island. These water crafts are fun, stable and fast. Proper knowledge on how to operate these water crafts is needed as well as wearing safety gears to prevent accidents and injuries.

5. Lagoon Swimming – Swimming along the lagoon of Bora Bora Island is undoubtedly the easiest, safest, cheapest and of course most popular activity for water lovers. The waters are crystal clear and warm, perfect for swimming along the shorelines. However, the currents can be very strong in some spots as you swim farther from the shorelines. Weak swimmer should be cautious and should also have good judgment to avoid accidents and injuries. Other than the currents, there is nothing else to worry about. There are no shark-related accidents in the history of the lagoon although there are some instances of jellyfish problems.

The island of Bora Bora is a perfect place for different water sports. To visit Bora Bora Island, it is best that you call your travel agency.

Tour Transylvania, in the heart of Romania. From the Legend of Dracula, Medieval Towns, amazing castles, to the history and tradition Transylvania is truly a unique and fascinating part of Eastern Europe. This edition of the Go Romania Tours Newsletter will give you a brief glimpse of what tours Transylvania has to offer.

Transylvania is covered with magnificent medieval towns and stunning castles, some known as the best preserved in Europe. Take a tour of historic Romania and see such great fortresses such as Bran Castle, Peles Palace, Hunendoara Castle, Biertan Fortified Church and more. Along the way you will have a chance to stay in charming hotels and guesthouses in such medieval towns as Brasov, Sibiu, Sighisoara and other great cities part of the UNESCO heritage of mankind. If you are only able to come for a short time you might consider a Short Break Tour of Sinaia and Bran from Bucharest. If you have more time with the Medieval Towns, Castles and Fortresses of Transylvania Tour you will be able to explore most of great monuments mentioned.

When referring to Transylvania the first thing that comes to mind is Dracula. Romania's most famous prince. Take a tour of his homeland including sights and monuments relating to the real life Prince of Romania and to the mythical character "Count Dracula" written by Bram Stoker. If you do not make it in time for The Real Dracula Halloween Tour why not check out the The Dracula and Transylvania Tour. On these tours you will discover the Medieval Citadel of Sighisoara, Bran Castle, and more... including a special Dracula Show in Hotel Castel Dracula in Piatra Fantanele.

If you are passing through Transylvania on your own and have time to take a short trip you will find many opportunities to hire a private guide for your time. From Brasov you will be able to explore the area with such day tours to Bran Castle, Rasnov Fortress and Sinaia, The Medieval Citadel of Sighisoara, Fortified Saxon Churches of Prejmer and Harman, or take a ride small aircraft for its spectacular panoramic views.

For those active travellers you might consider a Bike Tour of Transylvania on the trails of Dracula.

Your personal Romanian Tour Guide will take you on a journey through Transylvania's most important monuments and towns, most relating to Vlad Tepes himself. You will get a chance to have a unique perspective of the country in the eyes of a local. Contact us now and customize your own tailor made tour of Romania.

An exciting world lost in medieval times awaits you!!!

The wide range of caravan designs, plus the large number of manufacturers provides a bewildering array of options for the prospective purchaser. Fortunately many of those options can be ignored when the choice is whittled down to the few units that could meet your requirements. An example:- perhaps you are looking for a van with twin beds rather than a double bed; or you want a full height van rather than a pop-top; maybe you want a front kitchen rather than a side kitchen, etc. etc. My advice is directed towards selecting a caravan suitable for accommodating two people in modest comfort during a trip around Australia.

During the past ten years caravan design and manufacturing techniques have greatly improved, such that if you buy a ten year old secondhand caravan, it will be of modern design and be fitted out with the latest equipment.

Having been registered as roadworthy over the years it will pass all state design rules. The critical aspects for roadworthiness are the condition of wheel bearings, springs, brakes, exterior lights and turn signals, and the LP gas installation. These features will be examined by the inspector prior to registration in your name.

Comprehensive insurance is adviseable together with coverage by the state automobile organization for roadside service. The caravan will no doubt have electric brakes and your car will have to be fitted with a suitable towbar and an electric brake controller. Both of these items can be removed on completion of the trip.

There are three distinct types of caravans, each having its own benefits and drawbacks. The types are:- Pop-up or pop-top vans: Conventional full height vans or Camper-trailers. I have operated a conventional caravan and a pop-top van. My impressions of the camper-trailer are gained by reading caravan magazines, and from my own observations of them along the way.

When preparing for our first long van trip in 1983 I rang the local caravan hire company to see if I could rent a pop-top van. The proprietor asked why I wanted a pop-top van. "Because they have less wind resistance" I replied. "Fair enough" he said, "But if you reduce your towing speed from 80 kph down to 75 kph, the full size van will give you the same fuel economy. This is because the drag caused by the van increases by the square of your speed."

That caught me on the hop, and as I couldn't see any flaw in his argument, I agreed that a full size van would do us. He then added that he had an aging 16ft Viscount that would get us to Darwin and back without trouble. "I don't want to have you ringing me from Mt Isa or someplace at 3am on a Sunday morning, saying the van has broken down. I'll overhaul the old Viscount and I know it will handle the trip OK". A year later we rented the same van for our trip down the Darling river system, and the old girl served us proud, dirt roads and all.

Singita, which means"the place of miracles", was originally a game farm belonging to James Fawcett Bailles. It is situated in the heart of the Sabi Sand Reserve, adjacent to the Kruger National Park (although no physical boundaries actually divide them)and is perfectly placed for game viewing.

You'll have no problem spotting the Big Five at Singita, along with plenty of other smaller species.

To get there you need to catch a seventy five minute charter flight from Johannesburg which is when your safari experience starts as you will more than likely fly over herds of elephants and buffalo on your journey.

Singita comprises of five luxury safari lodges - each with it's own unique personality, in two Game Reserves. The original lodges were Ebony and Boulder which come into being in the mid 1990s. Ebony Lodge is designed in a turn-of-the-century colonial style, whilst Boulders is more contemporary.

At the end of the 1990s Sinita was granted a twenty year concession in the Southeast corner of the Kruger National Park and the Lebombo and Sveni lodges were born. Both are built on stilted decks above the ground. Lebombo is all glass, water, steel and timber, with stunning cliff-side lofts, and Sveni, the smallest of the lodges, is set on the bank of the Sveni River and combines dark timber with flashes of different shades of green for a calm and rejuvenating feel.

The final lodge is the Castleton Lodge which was once the private residence of the Bailles family. This an opulent farm house which is available for single groups of up to twelve people, but only until June 2007.

Singita is amazingly indulgent and luxurious. Suites feature teak decks over private swimming pools where you can indulge in an open air massage as you take in the fabulous view. There are also health spas offering facials, manicures and body treatments, or you can do a workout in a fully equipped gym while you gaze out at the African Bush. If that sounds too much like hard work then you can just relax in the chill-out area.

Dining at Singita is a unique experience - a combination of excellent local produce and international cuisine makes for wonderful dishes with sumptuous flavours . Coupled with the stunning surroundings and well-stocked wine cellars belonging to each lodge (they house some thrirty five thousand bottles of South Africa's finest) what more could anyone want?

This kind of vacation doesn't exactly come cheap but it's a once in a liftime experience and rates are all inclusive so include all meals and drinks including house wines, spirits, liquers and soft drinks. You also get two open land rover safaris a day and walking safaris accompanied by experienced game rangers and trackers.

"A pearl of Baroque" – whenever one mentions Pazaislis Monastery in Kaunas, Lithuania, this metaphor goes together. The monastery and church complex situated on a peninsula of Kaunas Lagoon is considered one of the most wonderful examples of High Baroque architecture in Northern and Eastern Europe.

Funded by the Great Chancellor of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania Krzysztof Zygmunt Pac, the construction of the complex was finished in 1712. According to some sources, Pac had decided to build the most beautiful church in Lithuania and consign it to Camaldoli monks as a memorial to his dead child boy.

The complex was designed by the Italian architects Pietro and Carlo Puttini and Giovanni Battista Frediani. For pargeting and fresco works, sculptors from Lombardy were invited. The marble for the construction of the monastery and the church were carried from a quarry in Krakow, Poland. At first, the monastery was named Mons Pacis (Mountain of Peace; also an allusion to the founder's family name); later it was called Kamalduliai (the Camaldoli), and today it is known as Pazaislis.
In 1661, Pope Alexander VII gave Pac a picture of Lady Mary as a gift and a sign of benediction (the picture is famous not only for its artistic but also miracle value). Under the permission of Pope Alexander VII and the general of Camaldoli Order, a celebratory monastery foundation event took place on 3 November, 1664. Three years later, the foundation-stone of the church was sanctified. In 1712, decoration of the church was at last finished, and on 15 October the church was consecrated by Vilnius bishop Konstantinas Bzostovskis.

At the beginning, the monastery was inhabited by Camaldoli monks, but after the rebellion of the year 1831, the Tsar government took the monks to the monasteries of the Mogilev Gubernia (now a region in Belarus). The next year, the riches of the monastery were transferred to the orthodox monastery of Uspensia (Romania). Later in 1812, the monastery was plundered by the Napoleon army.

In 1921, the godforsaken monastery was given over to the sisters of St. Casimir, but in 1948, they were driven away from there by the Soviet government. The buildings of the monastery were used for various purposes. There was a nursery home, and later on a mental hospital. From 1967 to 1992, the monastery provided roof for M.K. Ciurlionis Museum of Art. Then in 1992, the monastery was again given over to the St. Casimir's Congregation.

Inside the buildings of the complex, there are now about 140 frescos of different size. Until 1950 there was also a picture of Mother and Child, which was especially venerated by the believers. Today the picture is kept in Kaunas Cathedral Basilica.

Moreover, there are 6 easel paintings by M.A. Palionis. Among them – the portraits of the monastery founder Pac and his wife Clara Isabel. In the northern tower, there are two bells founded by a famous 17th century bell founder Jan Delamars. Under the monastery, there are vaults and tunnels which still have not been explored.

Today, the solemn atmosphere of the monastery makes an exceptional setting for having musical festivals. Every summer, music lovers are welcomed at the Pazaislis Musical Festival which takes place at various places in Lithuania; yet the symbol of the festival is Pazaislis Monastery.

Spring Break 2008 will most likely continue the trend we have seen over the past two years, a move to a more affordable spring break vacation. No longer does Cancun monopolize the spring break market. College spring break students have grown tired of the overpriced packages to Cancun. For years, travel agencies have inflated their Cancun packages because they knew the average college student would be willing to pay top dollar for a spring break trip to Cancun. Those days are over. The past two years have seen shift to other spring break destinations. The Bahamas have become extremely popular.

The April 2006 issue of Travel Magazine showed that Bahamas spring break packages were now just as popular as Cancun spring break packages. Studies show college spring break students want a cheap spring break package. A Bahamas package can often be half the price of a Cancun package. Spring break cruises to the Bahamas are typically the cheapest route to take. Eliminating the flight portion of any spring break vacation will usually cut the price in half. Choosing spring break cruises instead of a flight package is often the best way to do this. If you live in the U.S. and want to travel to Cancun, a flight package is really your only option unless you drive. It is possible to fly or cruise to the Bahamas. Grand Bahamas (Freeport and Port Lucaya) is less than 35 miles from Florida. Cruises are very inexpensive from there, and they depart from several different ports on the coast.

It is important to note that Bahamas spring break package prices will most likely see an increase within the next few years due to demand. College spring break students are booking earlier every year so they can get a room at the more popular hotels. Most agencies are sold out at all hotels by December 1st each year. Bookings for spring break trips typically start around the second week of September each year.

Traveling can be a lot of fun as individuals or as a family. With the rising costs of gas prices, many of us stay close to home rather than traveling long distances to vacation hot spots.

I have been the marketing manager for a resort property for over 11 years. My primary responsibility is to market this establishment to attract new guests to stay with us as well as to entice repeat guests to join us again for another great getaway.

Many of us would love to enjoy a vacation but simply are not able to afford the cost for a room. I have listed a few ways to cut the costs and enjoy a much needed getaway for a fraction of the cost.

Coupons– Many motels participate in programs where you can receive two nights for the price of one night. Ask about these discounts when making your reservation. Check the motel's website prior to calling to see if there are any specials listed online that must be mentioned prior to receiving the discount.

Corporate Rate– You can often receive an additional 10% off just for presenting your business card at a motel. Of course this depends on whether or not you are arriving during their peak season, but it certainly is worth asking about.

Military Discount– Some establishments will give a considerable price break for those serving in the military. You will need to present proper identification upon check-in so be prepared to do so.

AARP – Are you a senior citizen and a member of AARP? You are eligible for an additional 10% off your room rate at all participating motels.

Group Rates – Motels love groups and it is important to ask if there are any group rates available during the time you intend to arrive. If you are arriving during a time when the establishment does not intend to have occupancy, they may graciously extend a discount for your group. Certain requirements will apply and will vary.

Travel Midweek– It's typical for motels to be very busy on the weekends and slower during the middle of the week. Try to travel Sunday – Thursday to receive the best deals. The rates are usually lower during the middle of the week. Combine this with a coupon or other discount and you are well on your way to savings.

Off-Season Specials – Check the local newspapers and travel websites for any specials the motel may be offering. Depending upon the location of the motel, you can get a great discount! For instance, take in a winter storm at the beach and you are certain to get a spectacular deal!

Mailing List – If you enjoyed your stay, ask the front desk if they have a mailing list. Perhaps they can mail you unadvertised specials or keep you posted of any savings coupons they may be offering.

Traveling doesn't always have to break our pocketbook. If you take a moment to do your research prior to making your reservation, you will be well on your way to saving yourself some money.