Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

Travelers Logon for Advice Before Booking Travel

Guidebooks and travel magazines are helpful when trying to choose hotels, excursions, or a destination for your next vacation. Travel agents are even better. But what could be less biased and more helpful than no-holds-barred, word-of-mouth comments and comparisons of trips made by other travelers just like you. This is the idea behind MyTripReport.com, a web site devoted to consumer reviews –. . .

Costa Rica Travel Packages

Located in southern Central America, Costa Rica is surrounded by three different bodies of water including the Panama Canal on the southeast, the Pacific Ocean on the southwest and west and the Caribbean Ocean on the east. Because of Costa Rica's close proximity to several bodies of water, the country is an ideal stopping point for various cruise ships carrying throngs of adventurous vacationer. . .

Do You Make These Air Travel Mistakes?

You're sitting at home thinking about tomorrow's plane journey. Remember last time ? Remember how you felt when you arrived ? Aggravated, stressed, hot, tired, needing a couple of days to recover ? Did you make these mistakes ? * Packed your luggage just before you left home. Don't pack your bags a half hour before leaving. You know those vital papers, that book you wanted to read, or even your. . .

Driving in the Outer Hebrides

When you think of the Outer Hebrides, you normally think of sandy beaches, ancient standing stones and lilting Scottish accents. You don't normally associate the Outer Hebrides with some of the best driving in the British Isles... I certainly didn't expect to enjoy the driving so much when I visited the Western Isles (the other name for the Outer Hebrides) in Scotland recently. It certainly isn. . .

Party Games That Make You Laugh

A couple of years ago as one of our family parties wound down, one of my mother's friends said, "What a wonderful party - it's so wonderful to laugh. We don't laugh enough these days, don't you think? "Our family parties are, well, different than most other parties. The main difference between our parties and other parties is - party games. We have a large repetoire of partty games that make us. . .

Travel With a Reliable Partner

Question of trust was always critical on the web and as generally known web today is one of the weakest place in regard to protection of someone’s privacy or rights. It affects almost all industries on the web and hotel reservation as well. This issue becomes more important while the industry expands. The percentage of internet-based hotel reservations was tripled in 2004 to 15.4 percent. . .

Bunbury Western Australia - A Holiday Destination For All

Bunbury is located approximately 172kms south of Perth. Bunbury is a water wonderland visited by day trippers and holiday makers alike all year round. The towns population is approximately 30,000 and continuing to grow.There is so much to see and do in and around Bunbury too. We have pristine beaches, superb yachting facilities, awesome Karri Forests, caves and inlets, beach and sea fishing, br. . .

Albany Western Australia - A Holiday Destination For All

Albany Western Australia is a city of approximately 30,000 people in the south-west corner of Western Australia, approximately 409km from Perth . The city is nestled between three large hills, Mount Clarence, Mount Melville and Mount Adelaide, facing the beautiful King George III Sound. The main industries of Albany Western Australia consist of tourism, fishing and agriculture, although before . . .

Backpacking South East Asia on an Adventurous Route

The South East Asian region of the world - especially Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos - has become increasingly popular as a destination for those travelers seeking a more adventurous holiday than can be had merely sipping fruity, ice-cold drinks at your typical beach resort. However, an adventurous trip to these developing countries raises many questions and one of the first is what rout. . .

Playing Your Cards Right -- Tips for Traveling with Credi...

Using credit cards while traveling is a good idea for a number of reasons: You have a record of your expenditures for record-keeping and tax purposes (especially important if you travel for business) You may get a better exchange rate when obtaining foreign currency when using your credit card. Credit card companies can refund disputed charges and may offer extra guarantees, special deals or wa. . .

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Indiana Jones and the cave of John the Baptist

The discovery of "the cave of John the Baptist" not far away from Jerusalem was a great journalistic drama. Archaeological news easily lights the imagination. Remember the movie series of Indiana Jones. Is it true that John the Baptist began to baptize his followers in this cave? Let us go over the facts, and find out.There are not many historical sources of information concerning the whereabou. . .

The Skipper on a charter yacht

The skipper is the heart of every floating vessel on earth. His word is (or should be) law to everybody on board. Yet, on a pleasant sailing holiday with your friends it can be deemed as unpleasant, and hard for the skipper, to order those friends to do something they may not like to do, and may consider unnecessary or a "dirty job". A crew member might think -"why me again, why not Charlie th. . .

Unleash your creativity and think your way out of the box

The brain is a strange organ. It works in ways we don’t yet understand and manages to create everything we see. Working at odds with the rest of the body it performs best when we’re not consciously trying and it is exactly this right-hemisphere activity that contributes to some of our most creative moments. Creativity is the lifeblood of every facet of life. From the arts to business, without i. . .

Create a Spa Retreat at Home!

In today's high-stress world, a visit to a spa can provide a much needed renewal for your mind, body and soul. If you don't have the time and/or money to head to the nearest spa or resort, consider creating your own. Experience the benefits of a day at the spa by creating a near-professional spa in your own home. Here are some ideas for transforming you bathroom into a relaxing spa retreat.S. . .

Do You Make These Car Rental Mistakes?

Cheap car rental deals are spread all over the web. But not all are good deals. There's a few thing you must look out for... or your cheap car rental deal might work out a lot more expensive than you planned ! Here's some things you mustn't do : * Forget to check the car's condition When you pickup the car, be sure to check it carefully. Some companies will blame pre-existing scratches & dent. . .

Costa Rica Vacation Packages

Are you planning your next family vacation? Are you want to discover an exotic, wonferful and tropical paradise? You have to go to Costa Rica.Costa Rica offers plenty of pleasant choices like these, especially if you're interested in nature and outdoor activities. That's why so many people have chosen to go there: In the past decade, the number of visitors has quadrupled, and tourism has become. . .

Tips for Better Vacation Photos

Photos are a great way to share your travel experiences with family and friends. Here are a few suggestions to help you capture vacation memories you will treasure for years to come.PLAN AHEADMake sure your digital camera is in good working order before you go, and keep it in a water- and shock-resistant case. Bring two sets of rechargeable batteries and don’t forget the charger and relevant . . .

What to expect upon arriving in Jamaica and at your Sanda...

What to expect upon arriving in Jamaica and at your Sandals ResortWhen your plane touches down at Sangster International Airport in Jamaica you will have to get your bags and then clear customs. Once through customs there will be many people wanting to help you with your bags etc. I'd suggest just getting your own stuff over to the Sandals Tour desk. Here you'll find a Sandals rep who will put . . .

Why Not Stay At One Of The Top All Inclusive Resorts When...

All inclusive resorts are the best getaways for people who want to relax and enjoy the serene nature. The destinations are spread out all over the world. A lot of those depend on the qualities, price and ultimate extravagant fun. Sandals resort which includes Jamaica, St. Lucia, Bahamas or Antigua that has been voted world’s Leading Honeymoon resort for six years in a row. Here you can engage i. . .

Vacation Packages...just book-it...and enjoy it.

Vacation packages can be of different kinds, depending on the destination. Las Vegas is the place to escape from all sense of convention known by all as "The Gambling and Entertainment Capital of the World." In recent years the attractions have expanded to include theme parks, family activities, excellent shopping, spas and world-class golfing. The whole world comes to Vegas to let loose and, i. . .

How to Choose a Bed and Breakfast

So you've decided to shun the neon-flashing motel chains and marble-foyered monsters and venture into the world of cozy, intimate bed and breakfasts? After all, you've heard how much more personal and romantic the b&b experience is, right? Well....usually that's the gospel truth. However, there are certain things to keep in mind and questions to ask yourself (and prospective innkeepers) befo. . .

Tourist in My Own Hometown

I lived in the suburbs of New York City almost all my life and it was only when I was in my 20's and working on 5th Avenue when I finally went to the top of the Empire State Building. It took me almost two decades as well to ice-skate at Rockefeller Center, browse the Museum of Natural History, and see a Broadway play. Now living in New England I still tend to overlook the tourist attrac. . .

Hotel Rooms Are Nightmares

Ever since I began working for that Florida vacation rentals website, I have been plagued by recurring nightmares. I am haunted at night by the spirits of hotel rooms past.There was a time when I traveled quite a bit on business. Thankfully, I don't hotels hop any more. But at night I float off to a hotel room far away in time...The day's work done, I phoned home to check up on the kids. It. . .

Find cheap tickets from all the major airlines.

All of the major airlines are now associated with different web sites allowing for you to find discount airfare and cheap tickets on the internet. One of the reasons the airlines have done this is because so many people now have access to computers and the internet.What does that mean to you as a traveler? It means that as you search the airlines for tickets you can be very selective as to wh. . .

Tips on finding the best prices on airlines tickets for c...

Finding the right priced airlines tickets for cheap flights is an important part of travel these days. There are many, many different options for you to take advantage of when trying to locate cheap airfare. First of all I recommend that, if possible, when planning your trip try to be flexible as to when you want to go. If you can be flexible with your schedule and have a couple of different de. . .

The Best Orlando Has to Offer

So you’re headed to Orlando... but where to start? You’ll find such a wealth of fantastic resorts and restaurants it can be difficult to choose exactly what you wish to indulge in. How best can you plan a visit in which each day comes with the finest this marvelous vacation spot has to offer? In order to help you in making the overwhelming decisions of where to stay and what places to dine, her. . .

Walt Disney World For Teens

Can teens really have fun at a place like Walt Disney World? Absolutely! Actually, be prepared to have the time of your life. It’s a safe place to assert some independence from your parents, a place you’ll never forget. Here are some of the best experiences for teens at "The Most Magical Place on Earth":Have a Splashing Good Time at Disney's Water Parks For a blast of a time, head to one of Dis. . .

Go Where The French Go!

Run Out Of Holiday Ideas?Have a basic understanding of French?Then plan a get-away to destinations you'd not normally consider and...Go Where The French Go!You'll first need to get yourself to France, which is best done from where you are...But why not start your holidays with a week visiting the vineyards of Bordeaux, the chateaux of the Loire or the hinterland of the Côte d'Azur. Staying in a. . .

How Car Rental Agencies Can Make Your Trip That Much Easier

Car rental agencies, along with many other factors, have played a vital role in increasing the easiness of travelling by providing a service through which travelers can easily rent a car of their choice. One can rent a car of any color, shape and model at reasonable prices from these car rental agencies. A rented car, which has been rented from an office sited in one city, can be easily dropped. . .

Improve your Golf Game by Learning The Secrets of The Gol...

Grips are the least expensive yet one of the most important parts of a golf club. Remember, the grip is the only part of the clubs that you make contact with, so it’s extremely important to make sure that you have the right size and the right quality of material. If you use a club grip that is too small, there is a good chance that the club will twist towards the target just before impact and c. . .

Using Film Speed Effectively

So you have this great new camera. Now you’re standing in front of a display of more film that you’ve ever seen. All you want to do is take some great family photos but you don’t know where to start. Here’s short guide to help you get started.Film speed is a number that represents the film’s sensitively to light. The higher the number the more sensitive to light, in that the less light is neede. . .

Using Black and White Film

It’s hard to find sometimes but it’s making a resurgence, black and white film. If you’ve never used this film now is the time to try it out. Here are some tips to using b&w film and what you can expect from the results.1. Forget color. This is the hardest thing to do and the number one reason that you will not get good results with b&w film.2. Look for contrast. Once you can ignore color look . . .

Too Much To Do In London!

No one can truly say they know London well. To know London completely is impossible. London changes faster than pigeons descending into the fountains of Trafalgar Square. Home to inhabitants for over 2,000 years now London has grown from the protective circle of the Tower to a sprawling metropolis, the ideal platform for constant illustrious activity. Always where there is history there are tal. . .

The Intellijeune Factor Helps Relocation Decisions

Many people with a desire to live overseas have difficulty in deciding where to go and are sometimes in search of help in making their decisions. Cultural and other activities frequently play an important role in the decision making process. One useful parameter to consider when deciding on where to live and work, I term the "Intellijeune" factor.Intellijeune is compounded from the English (or . . .

The $30 K Wedding Alternative

Thwart wedding bell apprehension when you explore your nuptial options.The mayhem of a marital union can evoke enough tension to make the happiest bride say, “I don’t.” A second wedding, overbearing family personalities, cultural differences and financial restrictions are just a few reasons people skirt the mega marriage ceremony. For the woman, who has never envisioned the fairytale wedding, t. . .

Costa Rica bird watching vacation

Costa Rica has long been famous among serious bird watchers, but many people who would never consider the activity at home quickly have become interested in the country's spectacular avian diversity. With almost 850 species of birds -more than total of what North America has- packed into an area half the size of Kentucky, it's hard not to become enthused about the variety of feathered creatu. . .

With Vacation Rentals You Can Stay For a Long Time

Vacation rentals are an option when you plan to go on a vacation and stay for any length of time. For example, Florida has the basic strategy of finding what the vacationer needs, what they are looking for and with what budget and then fulfilling that need. In the process, as a visitor to this beautiful state, you will have a wonderful and interesting vacation at a price you can afford. Stay as. . .

Hotels Hotels Hotels...which one do I choose!

Hotels in Las Vegas furnish a guest with the excitement, amenities and appeal of this wonderful destination. Everyone has heard of Circus Circus. Its appealing restaurants, theme parks, shops, gaming and the world's greatest circus acts guarantees good fun for everyone. Best of all, it continues to be the value leader on the Las Vegas Strip. The possibilities are unlimited in where to stay, whe. . .

Take a Vacation---You Deserve It.

A vacation is just what the doctor ordered for many people. While there is nothing wrong with working hard, it’s always fun to get away. Given the low cost of airline tickets these days, many people can go almost anywhere they want. From skiing in the mountains to sunbathing next to a pool, a vacation is a great time to relax and have some fun. Whether your have a day or a month off, make the m. . .

Costa Rica White Water Rafting Trip

Costa Rica's mountainous topography and copious rainfall are both responsible for one of the best white water rafting river choices in the world. Experienced rafting outfitters regularly run about half a dozen of rambunctious rivers, and those river trips not only provide plenty of excitement, but also allow enjoying gorgeous scenery. Not only do white water rafting enthusiasts flock Costa . . .

Costa Rica: Land of Natural Wonders

Costa Rica is a small country - just 75 mi/120 km separates the Pacific Ocean from the Caribbean Sea at the narrowest spot - Costa Rica still has some of the most diverse scenery in the world. Its coasts have both sandy beaches and marshy swamps, while its interior is dotted with volcanoes, dense with rain forests and abundant with unusual flora. When you are planning your Costa Rica vacati. . .

Penguin Parade

Phillip Island is a small island and nature reserve off the coast of South Australia, about 140 km from Melbourne. On the island you can see koalas, kangaroos and the main to attraction, the Penguin Parade on Summerland Beach. Every day at sunset, the Little Penguins (also known as Fairy Penguins) because of their diminitive size, return to the beach. As my husband is a penguin fanatic, it. . .

A Lifetime Cruise - Hawaiian Cruise - An Exotic Hawaiian ...

Hawaiian Cruises are everyone*s dream cruise to the Hawaiian Islands on an exquisite ocean liner. Being pampered from dawn to dusk with exemplary cuisine, entertainment and fun for all that too for a moderate sum on a Hawaiian Cruise is definitely something out of the world. An increasing number of cruisers and liners are now regularly calling on the Hawaiian ports as also at the neighboring is. . .

The Costa Brava Insight

Starting at Blanes to the south and ending at Cadaques in the North, the Costa Brava offers purchasers natural beauty, proximity to the great city of Barcelona, historic medieval villages, world-famous restaurants like "El Bulli" at Roses, innumberable excellent sporting opportunities including world famous golf courses and ski-ing in the Pyrenees.Girona/Costa Brava airport now has four flights. . .

Advice for the Theme Park Weary

When you just can’t take another day at the theme parks on your Orlando vacation consider these suggestions: Book a Spa Treatment - What better way to soothe fragile nerves and sore feet than a session at one of Orlando’s resort spas. On Disney property there’s the Grand Floridian as well as the Saratoga Springs Spa where one of their luxurious treatments are a perfect addition to your vacation. . .

Take the Grandchildren to Walt Disney World

What better opportunity to spoil the grandchildren than a trip to “The Most Magical Place on Earth”. And spoil them you can with so many things to see and do that children as well as adults will absolutely love. It’s a vacation guaranteed to create lasting memories. Here are some suggestions that will make this very special trip one to remember for a lifetime: Book a Resort with a Great Pool Ki. . .

Australia's Undiscovered Jewel

Bunbury and the South West area of Western Australia (or WA) is one of the world's great places to live, with a Mediterranean climate, sandy-white beaches, beautiful native forests and all the infrastructure expected of a modern western society.Bunbury is the major city in WA's South West region, that is also home to other centres such as Busselton, Margaret River, Donnybrook, Manjimup, Augusta. . .

How To Navigate the Bewildering Array of Internet Cruise ...

Why do people love cruises ? Why do so many cruise vacationers swear they wouldn't go back to hotel vacations? Cruise travel represents a pinnacle of luxury. You travel around the world, or your chosen area, in cosseted pleasure. Every whim gets catered for. Every time you're hungry, food awaits. You go ashore to sightsee a new place, but return to your own bed every night. A floating hotel, tr. . .

Family Cruise: Family Get-Together for Fun

A family cruise is a perfect getaway with loads of fun and excitement for everybody. Whenever you have kids bored with the usual stuff amusement parks, theater and all and your spouse needs a change, plan a cruise. You will get addicted to it. Family cruise is a sure shot way to drive away boredom. A movie to watch, a relaxing massage, snooker game…anything, you just name it. You have many acti. . .