Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

You Have To Love The Location, Say These Owners Of Orland...

It has been said that in real estate there are three things that count the most: location, location and location. I recently discovered how powerful this concept can be.Not long ago, I wrote an article about owning a vacation rental and what to consider before making the plunge ( http://www.seo-writer.net/clients/villa-ownership.html ). Like every decision, there are pros and cons, and it als. . .

Cruising Glacier Bay

You can watch movies about it, you can hear about it, you can read about it, but until you partake of it, you have no clue how thrilling it is to cruise Glacier Bay. Glacier Bay Mountain ranges with peaks over 10,000 feet, culminating in 15,320 foot high Mount Fairweather within the Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. Nowhere else in Alaska, or in the world, can you see the amazing sight of. . .

How to Travel for Free by Leading or Promoting Tours

Whether you're 16 or 60, you CAN travel just about anywhere in the world for free -- and even with a nice stash of cash in your pocket -- by telling like-minded people about a trip and convincing them to go with you. Get 5 to 20 to book the same trip, and your trip is free.If you have a burning desire to see the Pyramids... or go on an African Safari... or snorkel the Great Barrier Reef of the. . .

Mexico's Riviera Maya: The New Caribbean Vacation Hotspot

Travelers who are looking for a fantastic all-inclusive resort destination that is priced far below most tropical destinations in and around the Caribbean should look into Mexico’s Riviera Maya. This area has fast become a very popular tropical vacation getaway for travelers from around the world. The Riviera Maya is located on the Caribbean side of Mexico and encompasses the stretch of coast. . .

Always Win in the Casino Like James Bond

In the Bond film 'Diamonds Are Forever' we see James Bond confidently approach the craps table, call out a few choice bets, roll the dice, and collect his winnings under the admirering eyes of Lana Wood. 'Hey', she says, 'You handle those dice like a monkey handles coconuts.' It's great to appear the winner in a casino. Anyone can always win. Here's how: Set a gambling budget just the same as y. . .

Las Vegas & The Movies

Sunny Las Vegas hosted hundreds of movies or movie-scenes. Some of them got the Oscar. Others got lost on the way. But Vegas surely remains a classic attraction for film-makers since the glory of the Rat Pack days.To be completely fair, the early 60's weren't really the first screen action days in Las Vegas. Frank Sinatra's first movie, Las Vegas Nights was set back in 1941. However, the Rat Pa. . .

Ten reasons to move to the Costa Brava

After France, Spain is Europe's most popular holiday destination, and the apparent dominance of France is to a large extent due to visitors in transit elsewhere. In 1996 between 1.2 and 1.3 million European tourists visited Spain. It is therefore not surprising that many of them become interested in buying a home there. Spain's property market generally has enjoyed strong growth, with the Costa. . .

Atlantis Discovered?

Well we definitely found Atlantis! This is according to Robert Sarmast. But who, exactly is Mr. Robert Sarmast? Mr. Sarmast was an architect who became fascinated with the search for lost civilizations and ancient history. For years he traveled, gathering facts in his pursuit of these ancient cultures. He was extremely interested in Atlantis. He published a book on the subject in 2003 entitled . . .

How To Be Safe While Traveling

The most dangerous time in your life, when you are most likely to be attacked is when you are traveling in an unfamiliar area. Tourists are the favorite prey of the goblins of the world for the following reasons:They are easy to spot. Tourists make the mistake of not blending in, wearing clothes that stand out. Shorts in a climate where everyone else is wearing pants. Brand-new clothes with bri. . .

Spanish Investigators Have Discovered Atlantis's Archaeol...

Spanish investigators have discovered Atlantis's archaeological evidences... Atlantis = Iberia. Atlantis in Gibraltar and Ibero-Morrocian. The Georgeo's theories(I Part)Extracts the Georgeo's theories an hipotesis. (Forum Atlantis-Rising 2001-2004)Official website of the Georgeos's tehories (in spanish)http://Atlantis.sitio.nethttp://Atlantis.miarroba.comhttp://Georgeos-Diaz.sitio.netSpanish in. . .

Hartman Luggage … A Trunkmaker’s Saga!

Hartman luggage has been around for a while. The advent of the steam engine in the mid 1820s heralded the first wave of mass tourism. Mass organized travel probably began in 1841 when a 33 year old Thomas Cook organized his first rail tour. And from then onwards, luggage has performed a dual role of not only protecting one’s belongings, but also surreptitiously declaring one’s social status. T. . .

India on the Rails

If life is a journey than, in India at least, it chugs along on two parallel steel lines… the railways. No reference here to the local trains of Mumbai, India’s commercial capital, where citizens spend a substantial portion of their waking hours commuting increasing distances within ever expanding city-limits.This one is grand - a vast rail network criss-crossing the length and breadth of the c. . .

Cuba-Pictures.com Launched by Lonely Planet Author

The original author of Lonely Planet Cuba announces the launch of Cuba-Pictures.com, a 14-page collection of 126 travel photos of Cuba.All photos in this picture gallery are by David Stanley, who researched and wrote the first two editions of Lonely Planet Cuba, published in 1997 and 2000. Stanley first visited Cuba in 1975, and over the next four years he represented a Canadian tour company on. . .

Things You Need To Know Before You Book a Hotel Online

Does it seem as if every time you look around on the internet for a hotel room, you find more web sites that say you can get a hotel room for less? Though it may sound enticing, online hotel booking has its own set of challenges. An online discount hotel booking web site should provide the following basic things: Offer real time hotel room booking Allow date amendments and cancellations online. . .

The Importance of Travel Insurance

You've finally saved enough to go on that dream vacation you've been planning. Now you're wondering if you should buy travel insurance. Do I really need to go to the extra expense? All I can lose is my luggage, right?Guess again! Anything can go wrong while you are traveling, and I strongly favor buying a policy.Most travel insurance policies are designed for a variety of travel needs but, I. . .

Choosing the Right Digital Camera

Choosing the right digital camera for general use can be more challenging than actually taking a good picture. Like all things technical, digital cameras come in a vast array of styles, sizes and abilities. However, you don't have to research in great depth to make the right choice -- you need only know what you want your camera to do for you. You'll need to consider your own skills, your budge. . .

A November Weekend to Remember

Prologue Malapascua is an island part of Daan Bantayan, North of Cebu. For Cebuano’s Malapascua is not an alien destination as it is very known to boast a next-to-Boracay Paradise without being overrated and as tourist infested as Boracay is. Going to Malapascua is a 5-hour bus ride from Cebu City where you will be dropped to Maya, place in Daan Bantayan where you can catch a 45-minute boat rid. . .

Television on Your Schedule with a Digital Video Recorder...

The introduction of the VCR changed so much for the television viewer. Before the introduction of the VCR, you had to watch the show when it was broadcast by the network – that was your only option. If you recorded your favorite show, you were able to watch it when you wanted to – and as many times as you wanted to. All you needed was a blank video tape and a VCR. That has all changed with the . . .

Trailing the Tiger

So there are destinations and destinations, each offering their distinct USPs. Hot attractions that draw tourists seeking an ‘experience’ to carry home – a trophy to substantiate a battery of travel yarns. But in this craze for acquiring the best seller, our jetsetter often overlooks the finer details – colours that give a place meaning and significance. After all isn’t the great thing about . . .

Important Chinese Festivals

Chinese New Year/Lunar New Year (January/February)It is usually in the winter of a year. The exact date would follow the one in Lunar Calendar. Entering the New Year month, every family would clean and tidy both the inside and the outside of their houses. New Year food would also be prepared. 'Lin Gao', the Chinese cake symbolizing the rise of family every year, would be a must. New Year couple. . .

Ten Tips for Planning Your Vacation

I hope that by sharing my personal experiences, you will avoid learning similar lessons the hard way. And it goes to show that those little details in the planning of a vacation can make a huge difference in the outcome. You can make your next vacation relaxing and enjoyable by following these simple vacation planning tips. 1. Keep your vacation planning information in one place. Create a label. . .

Honeymoon Trends

While the traditional vows endure, the ways to celebrate a marriage have changed right along with the travel industry. Today's honeymooner may be looking for value, adventure, or variety and searching for a getaway that's as exotic as a stay in a private European castle or nearby as a local bed-and-breakfast inn.One constant is that couples are willing to spend money on a honeymoon - an average. . .

5 Romantic Travel Resolutions

A new year always means a chance for a new start. You and yours can begin this new year by making some travel resolutions together, regardless of your time and budget restraints. Put aside those old travel habits and make some new ones! Let this be the year that your travel plans focus on fun, fantasy, and festivities!(1) We're going to plan a real vacation. No, it doesn't have to be an around . . .

Caribbean Getaways: When to Go?

Considering a romantic getaway, honeymoon or destination wedding in the Caribbean? After selecting your island, the question most on your mind is when to travel.PRICEThe Caribbean offers plenty of fun in the sun year around, with very little difference in temperature from month to month. The time of year you travel may have more to do with your budget than with the weather. Prices can vary as m. . .

Going it Alone: The Waterfall at Mendenhall Glacier, Alaska

I stood at the observation point on the balcony at the Visitor Center overlooking the great Mendenhall Glacier at Juneau, Alaska. Before me was a beautiful scene. The glacier reflected in the large lake. Ooh, ahh. Both to the left and right were mountains. It was a beautiful clear day. I watched the people too, walking around taking photos, and looking at the scenery before us and at the displa. . .

How Much Cash Does James Bond Carry?

First let's start with how much cash Americans carry.re Under $ 20 ....... 32%$ 21--$ 50 ....... 43%$ 51--$100 ....... 18%$101--$500 ....... 6%$501--$999 ....... .6%$1,000+ .......... .5% So, if you want to be in the rare 6%, just carry over a hundred bucks in your money clip and wallet. But that's not even enough to take care of a sudden overnight trip. 'My name is Bond, James Bond. If . . .

Plan a Hometown Holiday

To travel or not to travel?For many romantic travelers, that is the question.The decision of whether to travel or not during these troubled times is a personal one, a choice only the two of you can make. But whether you choose to make an international or a domestic trip, you still can travel and enjoy all the romance and freedom that come with getting away from home.Whether your reason is secur. . .

Caribbean Villas Made for Two

For some couples, the idea of real island romance is a private villa, without other guests. Just the two of you -- alone, except for the occasional visit by a cook or maid who is there to meet your special requests, to introduce you to island cuisine, and to make you feel pampered in what really is your home away from home. St. John, St. Thomas, Jamaica, and Barbados are especially popular isla. . .

Solving The Murder at a Murder Mystery Party

If you are invited to a murder mystery party you have the chance to act out the role of your favourite detective - whether it's Miss Marple, Sherlock Holmes or Inspector Morse.While many murder mystery parties have a role specifically for the detective, everyone can join in the hunt for the murderer. Sometimes the games are written so that even the murderer doesn't know that they have committed. . .

Virtual Airport

Aero Registrar Secura GmbH proposes to the IT departments of airports to sell aero-domains to companies at the airport. Airports can build a portal of the airport and forming by this a kind of virtual airport.The advantages: 1. Search engines are today focusing link popularity. If airports would build a portal of the airport with interested companies and ask the companies at the airport as a c. . .

Afraid to Leave the House? Find a House Sitter!

It's true, people need to escape the burdens of daily life for a while--from things like mowing the lawn, pulling weeds, painting, gardening, remodeling, home repairs, pet care, checking the mail, and paying their bills. Even a break from nosy neighbors is reason enough to get away for a while.But weeds don't pull themselves. Bills don't pay themselves. Most pets won't feed themselves. Yet, . . .

Packing for Your Destination Wedding

Are you planning a destination wedding? Congratulations! Before you head off to your dream wedding and honeymoon, don't forget the packing for the wedding itself. Much will depend on where you're having your wedding and your own personal style.If you're getting married in a formal wedding dress, be sure to carry it with you - don't trust your dress to checked luggage. Most airplanes have coat c. . .

A Quick Tour of Spain

With over fifty million tourists visiting Spain each year, this popular West European country must have something special which attracts the visitor. What exactly is it ...? The main beauty of this lovely land can be summed up in just one word - variety - and, as you all well know, variety is the spice of life! Whether you are referring to its climate, geography, history, culture or cuisi. . .

Carnival Cruise - a perfect holiday, Rock and Rolling wit...

If you want to have fun for one low price, all you need is a Carnival cruise. A Carnival cruise is a perfect way to pamper yourself. You don*t have to worry about paying extra for meals, entertainment and a range of activities. You just unpack once on the cruise ship. You are in the capable hands of fitness experts having massages, loofah treatments, hairstyles, saunas, pedicures, applying soot. . .

How Salt Cod conquered the World

“…as ill luck would have it, it happened to be Friday and there was nothing to be had at the inn but some pieces of fish, which is called Abadexo in Castile, Bacallao in Andalucía, Curadillo in some places…” Cervantes: Don Quixote, 1605.We here in Britain/US might think of it as salt cod, or stockfish, were we to think about it at all - which is unlikely. But as in s. . .

A Great Motorcycle Ride in Mexico: Queretaro.

A beautiful ride across cities and places named World Heritage by the Unesco, through an splendid protected natural area and ending in a surrealistic garden by artist Sir Edward James. Just keep reading... The ride starts in Queretaro City at 5,970 ft above sea level. Queretaro is a colonial city founded more than 500 years ago and named World Heritage by the Unesco in 1996 . It's located in th. . .

A Mom's Getaway

Destination: Block IslandAccomplices: 6 High School Girlfriends (Yes, we’ve been friends for 5 years now ha ha)The time is 6:15 am on a Sunday. I’ve been up since 4:30 am. Am I a little eager? Of course, it is my annual girlfrrend getaway and I’m late to arrive. Why you say? Let’s just say I have not completely embraced the “put mom on the top of the to do list” philosophy but I am getting the. . .

Radisson Cruises- A Six Star Luxury Experience / Radisson...

Radisson cruises come under the flagship of six star luxury cruises offering an opportunity to explore and discover three hundred ports on 6 continents, including Antarctica. All the luxury liners share the same style of accommodation, service, dining and amenities. Radisson Cruise has been twice chosen as the World's best small Cruise line. The passenger guests aboard the Radisson Cruise exper. . .

How To Save Money When Traveling

Do you know you can go on a 7-day cruise for half the price?Or visit Europe for 15 days for only $2,000 per person including airfare, hotels, car rental and meals?If you follow these steps, you can save more up to 50% in travel expenses.1. Travel during low season.Choosing to go on vacation during low season, will save you a great deal of money on airfare, hotels, cruises, car rental and more.. . .

Las Vegas "Whales"

What Las Vegas jargon names "whales" is in fact the creme of the high rollers species. They are a handfull of people that in some opinions don't exceed 500 individuals in the world. Las Vegas hoteliers are nuts about them; some claim four or five of those whales bet much more than the rest of the thousands customers they receive daily. No wonder they are suspected of going as far as selling the. . .

Japanese Garden of Monaco

Have you ever seen an authentic Japanese garden? Well, I had the chance of seeing the one in Monaco and was really impressed too. Wanna taste a little Japanese culture? Stepping on this ground is escaping from the real world into a fantasy land. You suddenly find yourself in a typical Japanese natural setting like the ones you see in marvelous paintings. The only thing that's missing is the fog. . .

Bunbury Western Australia

The first recorded mapping of what is now Koombana Bay and the eventual City of Bunbury, was in 1803 by the French explorers Nicolas Baudin and Louis de Freycinet, from their ships the Geographe and Casuarina. In 1831 there was a temporary English military settlement with the first settlers moving to the area named after Lieutenant Henry William St Pierre Bunbury in 1838. A growing port service. . .

Did I Pack My Toothbrush? Getting Organized for Travel

For many of us summertime = vacation time. Some people will spend their days off at the local pool. Some may choose to sightsee in their own town. Many will leave behind the comforts of home for the open road. Regardless of the destination or mode of transportation, it is important to be organized for travel.A few benefits of being organized for travel:1. Being organized will save you time.Havi. . .

My First Bear Encounter

The summer I got my college degree in anthropology, I headed to a small ranch in Montana for a summer job. My employer, Jack, was a stout rancher in his 40s. He raised cattle and sheep, and two young sons, Roy 8 and Nick 6, with his wife Jean, a very friendly woman a few years his senior, on his family ranch. My responsibility was to take care Jean's Mom Ester who had been partly paralyzed by a. . .

World Cruise - a Relaxing Experience

Have you ever thought what it would be like to just relax quietly under the sun and at sea-no hustling or bustling, far away from the madding crowds in a casual attire and in clean air and just a small group of likeminded people as company? You are on a World Cruise- around the world, Australia and New Zealand, the Orient, South America, South Pacific, Asia, Europe and the Mediterranean. The sh. . .

Is An All Inclusive Resort Right For You?

All-inclusive resorts can really help vacationers get the most out of their travel dollars. Today, over 400 hotels in the Caribbean and Mexico are either all-inclusive resorts or offer all inclusive packages. Destinations such as Aruba, Cancun, St. Thomas, and Bahamas have an infrastructure that is well suited to all-inclusive and not all inclusive resorts because there is a wide election of re. . .

Turbulence or Smooth Ride? You Decide.

Why is it that 2 people can use the same airport, the same airline and even be on the exact same flight, and have 2 totally different stories about their trip? Is it all about attitude? Well...sort of. It's about our expectations and is influenced by visualization. We have a vision of what we will be experiencing, whether we are conscious of it or not. Trainers and Coaches talk about a process . . .

Zambia, What An Amazing Country!

When you travel abroad, especially far away from home you want to have peace of mind. The same applies if you’re on an African safari. If your desire is to meet friendly, warm people then travel to Africa’s peace haven, Zambia. In Zambia you’ll find that which you most desire, the warm African welcome. Peace, stability and friendliness describe Zambia. It is a country incredib. . .

Air Travel around the world and let your cares fall by th...

Air Travel and vacations, to get on a plane and go somewhere, can be one of life's most rewarding experiences. It's so exciting to contemplate an exotic or relaxing destination, for no other reason than to just get away. Half the fun of air travel and vacations, or any trip for that matter, is the anticipation of waiting for the day of departure to arrive.You know how it is; you're busy with . . .

Can I Have Your Autograph?

Being a celebrity means dealing with fan demands for autographs, ranging from polite and appropriate to rude and overbearing. One time Katherine Hepburn was performing on Broadway and tried to exit backstage through a crowd of jostling autograph hounds. Bodyguards helped her to her limo and once safely inside the very private star rolled down the window and shouted," Run em down! We'll clean up. . .